Dealers facing jail for drug-related NSW music festival deaths

Drug dealers could face up to 25 years jail and be held responsible for any deaths at music festivals in NSW under new laws backed by the state government.

The tougher stance was introduced, in-principle, today by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and comes in response to the deaths of two people at the Defqon.1 festival last month.

A 23-year-old man and 21-year-old woman died at the music festival held in Penrith. Another 15 were hospitalised for drug-related issues following the event.

Ms Berejiklian said the stricter rules around music festival safety aimed to send a message.  

“Drug dealers who prey on our young people, and seek to profit by peddling illicit substances at music festivals, are on notice,” she said.

“We owe it to young people, and their parents and families, to make sure they are safe.”

Ms Berejiklian established a high-level expert panel to give advice on music festival safety last month.

The panel recommended strengthen laws to target drug suppliers and introduce a new offence where drug dealers will be held accountable for any deaths they cause.

It also sought licensing regime be implemented to regulate music festivals, tighten drug and alcohol education and provide more support for health workers at music festivals.

All of the panel’s recommendations were accepted in-principle today.

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the government would do more to educate festival-goers about the dangers of illegal drugs.

“We will be strengthening our work in this area,” Mr Hazzard said.

“This will involve the provision of additional support to health professionals who work hard every day to try and prevent drug-related deaths.”