Schoolies celebrations have kicked off this week around Australia, with more than 11,000 school leavers arriving in Surfers Paradise for the first weekend. 

For the first time ever, graduates attending this year’s Gold Coast Schoolies events will have access to a free and confidential pill-testing service, with advocates saying the initiative could be life-saving.

Although Queensland’s newly elected LNP government is largely opposed to pill testing services, Premier David Crisafulli has given the go-ahead on the site, which will run daily between 2 pm and 6 pm from November 16-22 in Surfers Paradise.

Image: Image: Pixabay/ Janno Nivergall

Produced By: Mary-Kate Hannagan

Featured In Story: Robert Taylor- Policy and Engagement Manager, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation

First aired on The Wire, Monday 18 November 2024