Page 79 - WHACK35

S U BM I S S I O N L ET T ER

R E: V I C TO R I A N PA S S I V E A L E R T D E T E C T I O N ( S N I F F E R D O G S ) P R O G R AM
AND D R UG C HE C K IN G / P IL L T E S T IN G

Fill out, cut out and send ASAP to :
HRVic Parliamentary Inquiry Submissions, PO Box 12720 A’Beckett St, Melbourne VIC 8006

Date: ____/_____/2016

To the Members of the Committee for Law Reform, Roads and Community Safety,

I have used illicit drugs in my life. Perhaps contrary to popular perception, I am interested in my health and wellbeing and
am committed to living a full and healthy life and I am writing to draw attention to two issues that I believe put my health
at unnecessary risk.

The first issue is the use of Passive Alert Detection (sniffer dogs) as a Supply Reduction strategy used by Police at festivals
and major events; and the second is the absence of drug checking facilities in Australia, including at major events, which
is an effective harm reduction tool utilised in many other countries.

Sniffer Dogs

In my experience the presence of sniffer dogs at festivals does not noticeably reduce the number of people who participate
in drug possession or consumption. It seems to have a negligible deterrent effect. In fact, the presence of sniffer dogs
has contributed to higher risk drug taking behaviour. From people consuming their entire day’s supply of drugs in one
go, to people storing drugs internally, the presence of sniffer dogs seems to only increase instances of drug-related
harm, including deaths from unintentional overdose. I have never heard of someone choosing not to take drugs due
solely to the presence of sniffer dogs. Research suggests sniffer dogs make false ‘detections’ up to 85% of the time, which
results in 1000s of unnecessary and potentially traumatic police strip searches each year.
I would ask that with a greater interest in promoting the health and welfare of young people, rather than
in demonising and ostracising people who use drugs, you would consider the abolition of the expensive and
ineffective sniffer dog program.
‘Pill Testing /Drug Checking

There are no ‘pill testing’/drug checking services available in Australia. I am aware of these harm reduction services
overseas and understand that they are a highly effective way to provide information to drug users about the contents of
their drugs, including the strength, purity, and presence of adulterants. Such services should be available to Australians
too through fixed locations like clinics and NSPs, as well as mobile services at festivals and major events. Providing people
with accurate information about the contents of their drugs only serves to improve the health and safety of people who
already choose to use drugs under higher risk circumstances. It also provides an opportunity to educate young people
about the dangers of particularly harmful chemicals, and has been shown overseas to result in the safe disposal of harmful
adulterants.
In the broader interests of protecting the health and safety, especially of young people, I ask that you consider
placing greater legal emphasis on harm reduction, rather than the continuation of a punitive approach that
only serves to segregate, ostracise and harm young people who choose to use drugs.
My recommendations are also supported by the NSW Ombudsman and Australian Federal Government, among others.

Sincerely yours,

PA R LI A M E NTA R Y IN QU IR Y : SU B MISS I O N S 7 9

WHACK35_LYOT.indd 79 11-Oct-16 4:25:47 PM