Drug harm reduction service KnowYourStuff hoped that the new law would ultimately save lives, or at least reduce hospital visits.
After years of discussion, the Drug and Substance Checking Legislation Bill was passed in early December.
The service's managing director Wendy Allison said KnowYourStuff wouldn't be at every festival or major event, but the new law meant it could gradually expand its presence.
KnowYourStuff had portable spectrometers using infrared light to analyse samples and match samples against a database of about 46,000 substances.
KnowYourStuff has spent years analysing user behaviour, including ways people chose not to consume substances after getting pills checked.
Revellers commonly ask to get party drug ecstasy (MDMA) tested.
"If somebody brings us what they think is MDMA and it comes up with something [else], more than half of the people we see would say: I'm not taking it," Allison said.
She said the spectrometers measured content, not purity.
KnowYourStuff said almost one in 10 samples tested in the 2019-2020 festival season were not what the owner thought they were.
About 52 per cent of people in these scenarios last summer said they wouldn't take the substance.
Spectrometers found a best match and issued a confidence level out of 1000 - the higher the number, the more likely the drug was what the spectrometer said it was.
She said the new drug-checking law opened the door for other harm-reduction groups.
"It's not ever going to be a for-profit thing because there's just no money in it."
Volunteer groups KnowYourStuff and DeepSpace Festival Care hope to help revellers this summer. Photo / File
Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick said the new law wasn't about endorsing drug use, but pill-popping at festivals happened, and checking could save lives.
"We reduce the risk before escalating to a loss of life."
"I don't endorse car crashes but if people are going to crash, I want them to wear a seatbelt."
Olivia Montgomery established DeepSpace Festival Care to look after people attending summer festivals.
DeepSpace focused on harm reduction, providing support for festival-goers and reducing the number of drug-related hospitalisations.
In the past, the illegality of pill-testing caused problems.
"Some people won't test, and then they ingest, and they end up with us."
Montgomery said DeepSpace volunteers had worked with other groups and medical professionals to improve health and safety at festivals.
Some attendees having a bad trip or overindulging just needed emotional support.
"They're not a medical risk to themselves but just need somebody who can look after them. We provide electrolytes, magnesium," Montgomery said.
"We provide a safe space for people to some and chill out a lot. If you're feeling too drunk also, we provide care."
She said many DeepSpace volunteers were from counselling backgrounds, and could keep people calm in an overwhelming environment.
Meanwhile, police have warned any predatory behaviour at summer events will be punished.
'Toolie' wannabes warned
In Australia, older men who prey on school leavers known as Schoolies have even been given their own unflattering moniker: "Toolies".
Toolies in Victoria this summer have already been blamed for assaults, criminal damage, smashed glass and illegal beach bonfires.
Across the Tasman, the late Herald correspondent Greg Ansley once described Toolies as "deviants and ageing Lotharios".
Detective Inspector David Kirby said police could offer some tips this summer for people to keep safe when out enjoying festivals, parties and gigs.
Kirby, the police manager for adult sexual assault and child protection, said it was important to remember sexual assault was never the victim's fault.
"If you are planning on drinking, then it's a good idea to have something substantial to eat before you start. Have a glass of water between each alcoholic drink."
"Plan how you are getting home at the end of your night, and have the cash, Eftpos card or app to pay for transport," Kirby added.
"Look after your friends and stick together, so you can watch out for each other."
He said it was wise to designate places to reunite with friends if anybody got separated, and for people to fully charge cellphones before leaving home.
Drink-spiking was a concern at some venues.
"Never leave your drink unattended or accept any drinks that you haven't personally seen poured, especially from strangers," Kirby said.
He said it was important for people to stand up to predatory behaviour.
"Challenge inappropriate comments or actions. If you have concerns about someone's behaviour, call police."
Kirby said cops had a simple message for anyone trying to take advantage of vulnerable or intoxicated people.
"Do not do this. Do not allow your mates to do this either."
"We want parents to take note of this advice too, so they can make sure their young ones have the information they need to be safe while having fun."
