LNP threat forces private-funded clinic to scuttle return

The news

The short-lived Brisbane pill testing clinic, defunded by the LNP after it came to power but planning to reopen this week with philanthropic funding, has had to delay its plans.

The Loop Australia chief executive Cameron Francis, who oversaw the CheQpoint testing program, said government threats had forced their hand.

The threats have not been followed by any direct contact from the government, which the organisation claimed had declined multiple meeting requests ahead of Friday’s planned service restart.

Why it matters

The former Labor government launched a trial of two fixed-site pill testing services, and mobile clinics at festivals and Schoolies, in 2024 as part of drug harm minimisation reforms.

The move, with relaxed personal drug possession enforcement, was supported by the medical fraternity and police at the time. Almost one in 10 samples from the year-long, dual-site operation contained unexpected or unwanted drugs.

After taking power in October, the Crisafulli LNP government defunded the programs and have refused to release a $450,000 taxpayer-funded evaluation of them.

After The Loop announced on Friday it had landed philanthropic funding to reopen until next April, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the government would “not allow it” – citing potential legislative or regulatory moves.

What they said

“We were ready to open – we have the staff, systems, private funding, and a valid Queensland Health permit,” Francis said.

“What we can’t provide right now is the safe, confidential environment that people need when seeking health advice about drug use.

“This service saves lives by giving people information to make safer choices and connecting them with health professionals.

“While politicians debate, real people face real risks from untested substances. Every day of delay could mean the difference between life and death for someone in our community.”

Dr Nick Yim, president of the state’s Australian Medical Association branch, which is supportive of the evidence-based program, said there was no viable alternative.

“Services that not only prevent harm, but keep people out of our busy emergency departments, should be supported,” Yim said.

Another perspective

In a statement, Health Minister Tim Nicholls said: “The Crisafulli Government does not support the operations of illegal drug dealers or the taking of illicit substances.”

“The government will ensure our policy position is strictly maintained and enforced.”

During parliamentary debate last year on the former government’s changes to allow people carrying less than a gram of illegal substances three chances before facing charges, Bleijie declared “this is the day the Labor Party has given up on the war on drugs”.

On Saturday, Bleijie said the government would “take whatever action is necessary through regulation or legislation to ensure that there are no privately funded pill-testing centres open in Queensland”.

“We do not tolerate it, we will not allow it,” he said.

Questions to the government this week about the detail of such plans have gone unanswered.

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