NSW police are facing renewed accusations of excessive force at last weekend's MardiGrass festival, after attendees were subjected to random drug-driving checks and a sizeable police presence throughout the event.
In the previous year, NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann urged the state government to scrutinise the police force after she was pulled over for a random drug-driving test while attending the festival.
This time around, Legalise Cannabis WA MP Dr Brian Walker, who had travelled to Nimbin to address the festival, was among those stopped and tested.
Writing in his weekly email, Dr Walker said: "Considering the vague and questionable manner in which drug testing for cannabis is handled across Australia, I have serious doubts about the randomness of this test.
"Indeed, it was so random, I think everyone coming in and out of town, including locals going to do their weekly shopping, got the same heavy-handed treatment.
He added: "As in recent years, it was a shame to see the over-the-top police presence extended to the festival itself. This was very much at odds with Nimbin's peace-loving community who had gathered with many others to attend a lawful event.
"The unnecessary presence of officers caused undue stress for both attendees and the police themselves.
"It would better serve the livelihood of individuals in the police force if their duties didn't extend to 'babysitting' attendants at a peaceful and respectful event like MardiGrass."
Ahead of the festival, organisers put out a call for volunteer drivers to transport people to and from the venue, hoping to spare attendees from the risk of losing their licences.
