Drug Checking/Analysis at NSW Music Festivals
March 12 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm AEDT
Free – $10.00
The Illicit Drugs Analysis Unit’s role in Harm Minimisation
Join us for our first NSW Branch meeting of the year as we explore the vital work of the Illicit Drugs Analysis Unit (IDAU) and their role in the NSW Government’s newly established 12‑month drug checking trial at music festivals.
Following the recent NSW Drug Summit, broad support was expressed for implementing drug checking services across the state. In response, NSW has initiated a trial that brings on‑site drug analysis and harm reduction advice directly to festival attendees.
Over recent years, IDAU analyses of drug seizures have revealed increasing complexity in active ingredients as well as higher dosages. This presentation will unpack the establishment of drug checking services at festival venues, highlighting how these challenges are being addressed.
Analysts from the IDAU, experts in the analysis of illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals, conduct on‑site drug checking through:
- Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy
- Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy
- Chemical class (colour) tests
- Drug‑specific test strips
The purpose of the drug checking service is to identify the main active ingredient(s) within submitted substances. Results are then communicated directly to clients alongside tailored harm‑reduction advice delivered by experienced peer workers, with support from clinical leads and IDAU analysts.
This trial forms part of a broader collaborative operation at music festivals, complementing rapid drug surveillance and the early warning system to maximise public health benefits and reduce drug‑related harm.
Important Notice for ANZFSS Members
A brief Special General Meeting (SGM) for all ANZFSS members will be held immediately before the NSW Branch meeting. The purpose of this SGM is to formally adopt the Rules of Association changes, which were supported by members through last year’s online voting process.
This SGM will take no more than five minutes, and we need your attendance to reach quorum, so your participation is essential. You can join in person at the NSW Branch meeting or online via the link that will be provided.
Members attending online will be able to remain connected for the full NSW Branch presentation.
Location: Forensic Medicine and Coroners Court Complex
Date: 12th March 2026
Time: 6pm arrival, General Meeting for ANZFSS members @6.45pm, talk starts 7pm
Price: Free for members, $10 for non-members
Meeting ID: 422 129 457 458 78
Passcode: QA3Zh9zv