The Northern Territory has permanently legalised pepper spray for self-defence for residents aged 16 and over, following a 12-month trial. Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the change would expand access to OC spray while retaining controls over its use.
The trial began in September last year, with the spray available to adults through 11 certified stores across the territory. The revised rules now allow 16- and 17-year-olds to buy and use it for self-defence.
Residents aged 16 and above can also use pepper spray for protection in their homes, while visitors may use it in a household. Licensees, nominees and employees of licensed premises, along with security guards and crowd controllers, will be permitted to use the spray for lawful self-defence while working.
“Territorians have embraced OC spray for self-defence and made it clear they want to continue to have access and they want to see that access expanded to younger people,” Ms Finocchiaro said.
She said parents had told the government during the trial that they wanted their 16- and 17-year-olds to have access to the spray, adding that young people already held significant responsibilities, including driving and working.
“Having access to OC spray could be the difference between life and death or serious injury,” Ms Finocchiaro said. “We are supporting community safety by providing Territorians with a regulated self-defence option while maintaining appropriate oversight and public safety protections.”
Controls remain in place for pepper spray use
Pepper spray will not be allowed on school grounds. Schools will be able to confiscate it, store it temporarily and return it, while the product will be reclassified as a “control OC spray” rather than a concealed weapon.
The Northern Territory Government said almost 6,000 canisters had been purchased by 3,776 people since the trial began. Police check transactions and purchaser eligibility.
A total of 69 canisters were seized from 46 prohibited purchasers, representing 1.2 per cent of all purchases. Ms Finocchiaro described the trial as having a 99 per cent success rate.
“It is a stunning result to have a 99 per cent success rate with a reform of this magnitude and it’s a great credit to Territorians that they have been responsible and sensible in adopting this self-defence measure,” she said.
