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New South Wales Government Commits Funding for Festival Drug Testing

New South Wales will implement permanent drug-checking services at up to 15 music festivals annually starting in October, backed by a $4.3 million government commitment.
An independent University of Sydney evaluation of the March 2025–February 2026 trial found drug-related hospitalizations fell from 3.6 to 2.3 events per festival day.
Survey data showed 97 per cent of trial participants felt more confident reducing risks, while 30 per cent discarded their samples after receiving test results.
Health Minister Ryan Park stated the program is "not a silver bullet" and does not endorse illicit drug use; NSW Health, the NUAA, and NSW Police will manage delivery.
Advocate Jennie Ross-King, whose daughter Alex Ross-King died from MDMA toxicity in 2019, welcomed the rollout as validation of seven years of advocacy for harm reduction.

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New South Wales Government commits funding for festival drug testing

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Newcastle Herald

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dailymail.com

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Star Observer

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cityhub.com.au

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NSW Government To Deliver Drug Checking Services At Music Festivals After Successful Trial

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