Health
New South Wales makes drug-checking services permanent at music festivals
Following a trial evaluated by the University of Sydney, the state will offer free, anonymous testing at up to 15 events annually.
The short version
- The New South Wales government confirmed that free and anonymous drug-checking services will become permanent at up to 15 music festivals per year.
- Trained forensic chemists will analyze substances on-site to identify chemical components and estimated potency without recording personal information.
- The decision follows a year-long pilot initiated in early 2025 by the Minns Labor government to evaluate harm reduction at major events.
Key facts
- The New South Wales government confirmed that on-site drug testing will be permanently deployed at up to 15 music festivals across the state each year.[Billboard]
- The permanent policy follows a year-long trial launched in early 2025 by the Minns Labor government and independently evaluated by the University of Sydney.[Billboard]
- On-site forensic chemists will test substances in various forms—including pills, powders, crystals, and liquids—and inform attendees of detected components and potency estimates.[Billboard]
- The program includes anonymity safeguards preventing personal data collection, prohibits cameras and phones in testing spaces, and provides amnesty disposal bins.[Billboard]
- The state government emphasized that illicit drugs remain illegal under NSW law, while NSW Health will select festival locations where harm-reduction impact is projected to be highest.[Billboard]
What remains uncertain
- The specific lineup of the up to 15 festivals selected each year by NSW Health has not yet been announced.[Billboard]