Chief Minister Lia Finocchairo plans pepper spray sale trial for Territory public safety

The CLP is taking public safety to a whole new level in the Northern Territory, with OC spray to be made available for sale in coming months. READ THE CONDITIONS.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and Acting NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole.

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is taking public safety to a whole new level in the Northern Territory with Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray to be available for sale in coming months.

Government plans to launch a 12-month controlled trial that would allow eligible members of the public to carry OC spray for self-defence under strict legal conditions.

Western Australia is currently the only Australian state or territory where people can carry the nonlethal spray under strict conditions.

The publicly available OC spray will be a low percentage Oleoresin Capsicum – significantly less than police-grade spray.

This is the same strength permitted for public use in Western Australia.

It is nonlethal and intended to temporarily disable an attacker, giving victims a chance to escape.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said she expects the initiative to be well received, particularly by Territory women and shopkeepers worried about their safety and is another piece to her pledge of a year of action, certainty and security.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said she expects the OC spray initiative to be well received, particularly by Territory women

“Community safety is the NT Government’s number one priority. Our aims is to reduce crime, restore public confidence, and provide law-abiding Territorians with a safe, nonlethal personal safety option,” Chief Minister Finocchiaro said.

She said at this stage the intention is that approved OC spray will be available for purchase from licensed dealers across the Northern Territory from September 1, 2025.

To be eligible to purchase, a person will have to:

> Be 18 years or older;

> Show valid Northern Territory photo ID;

> Have no relevant serious criminal history or domestic violence orders; and

> Purchase in person from a licensed NT dealer.

The Chief Minister also warned misuse of OC spray is a criminal offence under the Weapons Control Act 2001, with penalties including fines or jail time.

She said the trial will be independently evaluated and informed by NT Police data, public feedback, and a proposed Community Oversight Reference Group to ensure transparency and community input.

“This initiative responds directly to community calls for more safety options and reflects the Government’s commitment to restoring the Territory lifestyle,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.

Originally published as Chief Minister Lia Finocchairo plans pepper spray sale trial for Territory public safety