Cracker Night should be brought back this year, says fireworks importer

CRACKER Night 2020 should be brought back to celebrate Territory Day, says a distributor with four shipping containers packed with fireworks ready to go in the Northern Territory.

Cracker Night 2020 should be brought back to celebrate Territory Day, says a distributor with four shipping containers packed with fireworks ready to go in the Northern Territory. Picture: Michael Franchi

• Territory Day events cancelled, and Terry Mills is not happy
• Chief Minister reveals real reason why Cracker Night was cancelled
• NT News Editorial: Cancelling Cracker Night this far out is madness
• Territory Day events, cracker night cancelled due to COVID-19

CRACKER Night 2020 should be brought back to celebrate Territory Day, says a distributor with four shipping containers packed with fireworks ready to go in the Northern Territory.

Rob Balfour, of Fireworks Warehouse, says that with the announcement Territory COVID-19 rules were being relaxed on Thursday, he urged Chief Minister Michael Gunner to review his decision to ban the sale and use of fireworks on Territory Day.

“We’re really strong on the fact of safety, however, times have changed and we believe it would be great if we could have it on July 1 or postpone to September 1,” Mr Balfour said.

“We’re not saying they should have commercial displays as that would attract thousands, but if people are able to buy fireworks in a controlled manner, people would be able to take the fireworks home and celebrate with family in their backyards.”

A Fireworks Warehouse employee with one of three containers of fireworks. Picture: Che Chorley

Fireworks Australia director Martin Brady said they had sufficient stocks in the NT to keep up with demand, but understood decisions were made around safety.

“We’re on standby, if it happens, it happens, if it doesn’t, it doesn’t,” Mr Brady said.

MORE NT COVID-19 NEWS

Four COVID-19 infected defence personnel taken to RDH

NT starts road to ‘new normal’ with most freedoms in the nation

Qantas, Jetstar plan flights between Darwin and other Australian capitals from June

But the Chief Minister would not be budged.

His spokesman said reintroducing the use of fireworks this Territory Day would not happen.

“The answer is no,” he said.

“The risk of mass gatherings and pressure on health system is too high.”

Mr Gunner had previously told the NT News it was firework sellers who first approached the Government about concerns they would not be able to guarantee a supply, as the hundreds of tonnes of fireworks needed were imported all from China.

Coupled with fears of contaminated freight, and the inevitable surge in emergency department presentations during cracker night on July 1, it forced Mr Gunner to cancel the hugely popular event.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner, speaking after the 13th national cabinet, confirmed cracker night was off. Picture: Che Chorley

“The challenge this year is to be the best Territorian you can be and find a way to celebrate that does not involve fireworks. Next year, we will have fireworks on Territory Day,” Mr Gunner said at the Public Accounts Committee on Thursday.

Territory Alliance leader Terry Mills said the decision to ban fireworks but allow an election was nonsensical.

“The greatest concern I have is the bloody-minded determination to hold an August election without a budget or solid plan. Our Act permits a change to October with a simple amendment,” Mr Mills said.

“A win-win is to hold the election in October after the federal budget and allow families to enjoy fireworks that Saturday evening.”

FULL access to our journalism – just $1 for the first 28 days

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said if retailers had stock, and restrictions followed, cracker night should go ahead.

“The Chief Minister’s decision to cancel cracker night was a fizzer and now with restrictions easing there’s no reason not to go ahead,” Ms Finocchiaro said.