Illicit Drugs

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (15:00): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the minister representing the Minister for Police a question in relation to illicit drug use at music festivals.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD: Stereosonic is an annual music festival that takes place across many capital cities throughout Australia, including Adelaide, attracting crowds of up to 90,000 per event, apparently. Unfortunately, large-scale music festivals such as this are not only known for music but are also notorious for their culture of alcohol and illicit drug consumption, usually onsite.

During the Sydney music festival over the most recent weekend, a total of 69 people were charged with drug supply and possession, while 23 others were given cannabis cautions, as the law in their state differs from ours. Of those summoned to court, 57 were charged with possessing MDMA, two with cocaine, two with other restricted substances, and one with LSD (or acid). Moreover, two men were found earlier in the week before the event allegedly drilling holes in buildings at the festival site to hide drugs before the park went into what they call lockdown.

At the Sydney event alone, more than 120 people were treated for the effects of illicit drugs, while nine were taken to hospital. Tragically, as members would no doubt be aware, a young woman died after attending the event, believed to have taken ecstasy and MDMA at the same time. Sadly, there have been many cases like this in the past, as those attending these events in some cases choose to ignore the repeated warnings about the dangers of illicit drugs despite high police presence, in the case of the Sydney festival. My questions to the minister are:

1. How does the government plan to deter and prevent people from using, or planning to use, illicit drugs at music festivals and other public entertainment events, such as we have seen in New South Wales very recently?

2. I note that trafficking a controlled drug in a prescribed area such as at a public entertainment event attracts harsher penalties, but what other measures has the government implemented to target those who wish to sell, in particular, and traffic these substances at these festivals?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (15:02): I thank the honourable member for his questions. I will refer them to the Minister for Police in another place and bring back a response.