The recent fatalities at the Defqon.1 music festival have spurred renewed calls to allow pill testing and a growing chorus of advocacy groups and politicians have argued that pill and other drug-testing will minimise harm and potentially save lives. However, despite these calls and international evidence confirming otherwise, sinking New South Wales Premier, Gladys Berejiklian continues to vehemently oppose the practice and instead plans to enforce punitive actions including potentially harsh restrictions on future music festivals in the state.

Pill (and other drug) testing is a service that allows ordinary citizens to anonymously submit illegal drug samples and receive feedback of results and counselling...