He said the government would not use "taxpayer funded dollars" towards "supporting illegal drug dealers". Pill testing at Stereosonic aims to minimise drug-related incidents. Credit:Craig Sillitoe "Don't do it. That is the best form of safety you can do. Don't take the pills and you'll be fine." Mr Baird's position effectively rules out the possibility the initiative will be trialled at the Sydney leg of the Stereosonic festivals, expected to be held in December. Festival organisers Totem OneLove Group announced on Tuesday their full support for pill testing inside the Stereosonic grounds but said it was contingent upon the NSW government coming on board.

"In principle, pill testing would have our full support as long as all the key stakeholders sanctioned the initiative to ensure its effectiveness," a spokesman said in a statement provided to Fairfax Media. "We would strongly support any policies or initiatives that would minimise harm, reduce drug use and make events a safer environment for patrons." The NSW government has repeatedly defended its position on pill testing, as momentum to adopt the measure - already used in many European countries - has intensified following a deadly summer music festival season. Earlier this week, a team of drug law reform advocates revealed a plan to roll out privately-funded pill testing at NSW festivals by the end of the year, and flagged they were prepared to endure mass arrests in the face of continued government opposition. Greens MP David Shoebridge, a strong proponent of pill testing, said the government needed to "step out of the way" to ensure dangerous drugs were discarded by patrons and not consumed.

"No one is suggesting that pill testing can make all drugs safe, there will always be risks when young people experiment with drugs but the evidence is clear it makes that experimentation safer. "With festival organisers now on board, if pill testing isn't allowed and any young lives are lost, that responsibility will fall directly at the feet of the Police Minister and Premier." Over the summer, three people died after suspected overdoses at festivals, dozens were taken to hospital, and hundreds were arrested as police cracked down on drug possession and supply inside festival grounds. Last year, Stereosonic was held in five capital cities, including Sydney, across two weekends in November and December. Tragedy struck on both weekends after pharmacist Sylvia Choi, 25, and Stefan Woodward, 19, died from suspected overdoses at the Sydney and Adelaide events.

Mr Baird said the deaths were "laced in absolute tragedy for those family, their friends and the communities involved".