Time for Change Survey and Report

20 Peer-led harm reduction at music events There is also strong support (94.9% agree/strongly agree) for the availability of peer-led harm reduction services at music festivals and events in Australia. These services promote safer drug use through collaboration with other services. They also use trained peer educators, provide chill-out zones, and offer education and other harm reduction materials, which provides a safe space for patrons: “A big emphasis for peer led harm reduction at events with young people. [Their] presence is extremely supporti[ve] and provides a safer environment in comparison to authorities.” “Music festivals should provide warnings on arrival for any dangerous drug batches known to be circulating. Police should only be at festivals or public events to prevent violence and ensure physical safety rather than drug prohibition.” People who use drugs showed the highest level of support at 97.2%, followed by friends of someone who uses drugs (96.5%), professionals (96.0%), students and/or young people (95.8%), and family members of someone who uses drugs (94.8%; see Figure 4). Figure 4. Support for the peer-led harm reduction services at music festivals and events Support varied significantly across communities, ages, and states/territories: ● There was significantly higher support among respondents who identified as someone who uses drugs, as a professional, a student and/or young person, or as a friend of someone who uses drugs, compared to people who did not identify these ways. ● There was also significantly more support for peer-led harm reduction at music events among younger people, compared to people aged 56 and older. ● Victorians were significantly more supportive while South Australians were less supportive than people who resided in other states and territories. Recommendation #3 We recommend that all state/territory governments expand and secure greater funding for peer-led harm reduction services at music festivals and events.