Frontline paramedics have condemned legislation rushed through the Queensland Parliament last week to ban pill testing in the state.
The United Workers Union Ambulance State Council represents almost all ambulance workers across Queensland.
“There is a mountain of evidence that shows pill testing has saved many people from overdose,” said United Workers Union National Ambulance Coordinator Fiona Scalon.
“Paramedics are furious about legislation pushed through Parliament with little notice and no consultation.
“They want to know why harm minimisation for young Queenslanders has come second to a dangerous political ideology that is literally putting lives at risk.
“Paramedics see the damage caused by substances like nitazenes, which have been found in pills in QLD.
“Why would you close a service that puts health workers in front of drug users? Or close a service that alerts health authorities when batches of highly toxic drugs begin to appear in the community?”
The Ambulance State Council joins calls to reverse the decision and allow the service, which runs at no cost to the taxpayer, to continue its work.
There has been a chorus of criticism on the decision that includes the Australian Medical Association Queensland, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, academics, health advocates and families of young people who have died from overdose.
Statement by the United Workers Union Ambulance State Council:
The United Workers Union Ambulance State Councillors condemn the actions of the Crisafulli Government in rushing through late-night legislation to ban pill testing.
The taking of illicit drugs by individuals is a healthcare issue. Pill testing is supported by strong evidence, backed by health experts, the police and families of people who have tragically died from an overdose.
Pill testing also allows for early detection of trends in illicit substance contaminants, allowing health services to more rapidly respond to patient presentations and run public health campaigns.
It’s also often the first conversation individuals have with a healthcare professional about the harm caused by illicit substance use.
The Ambulance State Councillors call on the Crisafulli Government to reverse their decision and allow pill testing in Queensland to protect the public and our healthcare system.