Happy Territory Day: $1600 fines for anyone caught with fireworks today after celebrations postponed
Territorians are being warned that anyone caught celebrating Territory Day by letting off or possessing fireworks will be slapped with a fine of almost $1600.
Northern Territory
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TERRITORIANS found igniting, discharging or in possession of fireworks today could face a hefty fine of $1570, under the Dangerous Goods Act 1998.
The approved periods for Territory Day fireworks has been revoked, meaning the sale, possession and use of fireworks on July 1 is now illegal.
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The decision comes after Chief Minister Michael Gunner announced on Tuesday that Territory Day had been postponed, with the Greater Darwin lockdown extended 72 hours.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst said it is an offence to ignite, discharge or possess fireworks.
“This specifically includes people who may be storing fireworks purchased in previous years. Old fireworks can be potentially faulty and extremely dangerous to ignite,” he said.
“Territorians should take comfort in that they will be able to celebrate Territory Day at a later date, and we ask that when that day arrives, you celebrate safely.”
Revocation of the approved periods means any licence to sell fireworks already issued are no longer valid.
An NT WorkSafe spokesman said they are contacting all fireworks retailers to make appropriate arrangements until an official announcement has been made on the new date for Territory Day celebrations.
The spokesman said fireworks retailers who may have received fireworks will need to return the products straight away to their wholesalers, or contact NT WorkSafe to discuss if your storage arrangements are suitable and apply for a storage licence.
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