Northern Territory residents can now purchase pepper spray for self-defence
Residents in one of Australia’s worst crime hot spots can now purchase a popular self-defence tool to keep themselves safe.
Northern Territory residents can now arm themselves with pepper spray as part of the government’s crime crackdown.
Under the 12-month trial, which began on Monday, adults without a criminal history can buy oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray for self-defence from around a dozen approved gun dealers including Fishing & Outdoor World in the Darwin CBD, The Gun Box in Alice Springs and Katherine Camping & Fishing.
Those wishing to arm themselves with pepper spray must be 18 or older, present a valid photo ID and complete a declaration that they have no relevant criminal history, police or court orders.
A copy of the buyer declaration must be held in their possession, either physically or digitally, when carrying the spray and it must be presented to a police officer when asked, or the spray may be seized.
Eligible purchasers must not carry the pepper spray in public view, or more than two cans at one time. Buyers are restricted to purchasing either two 10mL or 45mL bottles, or one bottle of each size.
Misuse of OC spray is an offence under the Weapons Control Act 2001.
Speaking to Sky News, Fishing & Outdoor World owner Grant Hatcher said sales had been strong.
“We’re getting through it pretty quick, yeah, so I’d suggest if we have a fairly busy day tomorrow we will run out and we’ll be waiting on the next shipment to come from WA,” he said.
“No complications with the system so far. It’s worked really well. Everybody understands that they’ve got to do a declaration to say that they’re not a prohibited person.”
Mr Hatcher said a “fair cross-section” of residents had made purchases on Monday but it was skewed towards the “older generation”.
“Much like myself, my age group, so that 55 to 60 age group’s probably been the biggest,” he said.
Mr Hatcher added there had been roughly “50-50 split between male and female”.
“One lady in particular this morning said, ‘I don’t have to carry a screwdriver and a bottle of deodorant spray any longer, because that’s what I was carrying in my handbag to protect myself.’ Now she’s got this,” he said.
Widespread community concerns about crime saw the Country Liberal Party swept into power at last year’s election, with Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro overseeing crackdowns including strengthening bail laws, lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 12 to 10 and introducing new laws against nuisance public drinking.
“We are delivering a strong, practical plan to reduce crime, hold offenders to account, and put victims first,” Ms Finocchiaro said in a statement last month ahead of the OC trial.
“The OC spray trial empowers Territorians to protect themselves, while our Reducing Crime Strategy tackles the root causes of crime.”
The OC Spray Trial Community Reference Group (CRG), made up of community members, victims’ advocates, safety groups and other stakeholders, will gather feedback, assist police in monitoring trends and provide advice to government.
CRG chair Greg Ireland said, “The Community Reference Group gives people a voice about the introduction of OC spray and how the trial is run. It’s important we listen to the community, raise any concerns early, and help make sure the trial is safe and fair for everyone.”
Ms Finocchiaro said crime statistics last month showed the CLP government was delivering on its promise.
Between January and June 2025, the number of victims fell 4.7 per cent compared with the same period in 2024, or 605 fewer people.
House break-ins have dropped by 375 and total property offences by 503 year-on-year.
In Darwin and Palmerston house break-ins were down 37 per cent, 33 per cent in Alice Springs and commercial break-ins were down 36 per cent in Katherine.
The number of assaults was unchanged at 5143, but sexual offences rose 17 per cent to 340 and there were five murders, up from two in the first six months of 2024.
“Our plan to reduce crime is working, but my team and I know there is much more work to do, and we are getting on with the job,” Ms Finocchiaro said.
“We will continue to work with police, courts and corrections to deliver stronger laws and enforcement, better victim support, and faster justice. Community safety will always come first under our CLP government.”
Speaking at News Corp’s Bush Summit in Darwin on Monday, Ms Finocchiaro said the pepper spray trial was about ensuring residents had “every opportunity to be safe”.
“From today, you will be able to legally purchase pepper spray for your own self-defence to buy you time to get away so that you don't have to scrape and scramble for the stick or the rock to defend yourself,” she said. “This is about buying distance and buying you time to get away.”
Under the new law, pepper spray may be used in self-defence if the person believes it is necessary either to defend themselves or another person, to prevent the unlawful imprisonment of themselves or another person, to protect property from unlawful appropriation, destruction, damage or interference, to prevent criminal trespass to any land or premises, or to remove someone who is committing criminal trespass.
The person must also believe the use of the spray is a “reasonable response in the circumstances as the person perceives them”.
Provisions have also been made for employers and employees to purchase and use pepper spray, as long as both are eligible persons.
Decisions about the long-term availability of OC spray in the NT will be made based on the outcomes of the trial.
Western Australia is currently the only other state or territory to allow people to carry the nonlethal spray, under strict conditions.
Originally published as Northern Territory residents can now purchase pepper spray for self-defence
