Cracker night officially off as fireworks approvals revoked for first time in decades

CRACKER night is officially cancelled with approvals for the sale and use of fireworks revoked for the first time in decades

Cracker night is officially cancelled with approvals for the sale and use of fireworks revoked for the first time in decades. Picture: David Artisan

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CRACKER night is officially cancelled with approvals for the sale and use of fireworks revoked for the first time in decades.

In the latest NT Government Gazette published on May 6, Attorney-General Natasha Fyles revoked the approval periods for “purchasing, possessing and throwing, igniting or exploding shopgoods fireworks”.

Each year the minister publishes a gazette notice with the approved periods for fireworks shopping for the year.

Fireworks are classed under the NT’s Dangerous Goods Legislation, which allows the minister to set an approved period where people without a licence can possess fireworks.

Ms Fyles initially approved the possession, sale and lighting of fireworks on February 26, published in the NT Government Gazette on March 4.

The NT News understands fireworks approvals have not been revoked in at least the past two decades.

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Ms Fyles said Territory Day would still be a magnificent celebration and urged Territorians in possession of fireworks from the previous year to contact NT WorkSafe to safely dispose of them.

“The letting off of fireworks on July 1 to celebrate the anniversary of self governance is a privilege Territorians have come to know and love,” she said.

“With the privilege of letting off of personal fireworks also comes great responsibility.

“The fine for the possession and use of fireworks outside the approved period and for throwing, igniting or exploding a firework in a way likely to damage property or injure a person or animal is $1570.

“Territory Day with personal fireworks will be back in 2021 better than ever.”

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Cracker night became synonymous with Territory Day in 1980.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner cancelled the iconic day following a myriad of health and resourcing concerns, including putting an inevitable strain on the health system and supply issues because the fireworks are imported from China.