New South Wales will commit $4.3 million to continue drug checking at selected music festivals after a trial found the service helped reduce harm and engage young people before they took substances.
The programme allows festival-goers to submit a small sample of a pill, powder, capsule, liquid or crystal for on-site analysis by qualified health staff. Participants are then given information about the substance and advice on reducing the risks associated with drug use.
The 12-month trial began in March 2025 and concluded in February 2026, operating at 12 festivals across New South Wales. It was delivered by NSW Health in partnership with the NSW Users and AIDS Association, known as NUAA.
Drug checking service reached more than 1,800 people
NSW Health said 1,810 people had used the service at the first 11 festivals, with 1,449 samples tested before the final event at Bondi Beach.
The service was free and anonymous, with peer workers and health professionals speaking to festival-goers about test results, potential dangers and ways to seek further help. The aim was to provide a health-based intervention to people who might not otherwise engage with drug and alcohol services.
Drug checking does not guarantee that a substance is safe, and testing equipment cannot identify every possible ingredient or detect some compounds present in very small amounts. Illicit drugs remain illegal in New South Wales.
The University of Sydney has independently evaluated the trial, with the state government planning to make its report public. The findings will help determine how the ongoing festival programme is delivered and which events are selected.
NSW Police worked with NSW Health during the trial to allow patrons to access drug checking sites without concern, while other policing and medical operations continued at participating festivals.
