Questions and concerns addressed before OC spray trial commences on September 1

Media were given a sneak peek to the OC spray rollout which Territorians can legally purchase from September 1, with questions and concerns addressed. Watch the video.

The Deputy Chief Minister and a licensed gun vendor have fronted media to answer questions and alleviate concerns ahead of the much anticipated OC spray trial commencement on September 1.

From Monday, eligible Territorians will be able to purchase, possess and use OC spray (aka pepper/capsicum spray) for self-defence purposes.

The trial excludes a range of prohibited persons, including those with listed criminal convictions or relevant court orders, with purchasers only able to buy the product from licensed gun stores.

Recreational Fisheries Minister Gerard Maley, AFANT CEO David Ciaravolo and store proprietor Ronald Voukolos speak about the launch of the Land Based Fishing Guide — Darwin and Beyond. Picture: Stephanie Hanlon

Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley and store proprietor Ronald Voukolos spoke at Fishing and Outdoor World on Friday about the trial and responded to concerns raised by a group of 21 organisations that on Thursday signed an open letter calling on the government to abandon the trial. 

Mr Maley said the trial was focused on improving community safety.

“OC spray is just a tool to help people as another line of self-defence here in the Territory,” Mr Maley said.

“This is simply another tool to allow people to feel safe out there in the community.

Two types of OC spray available for purchase. Picture: Stephanie Hanlon

“And we know that community safety is the number one priority for our government.”

Mr Voukolos tried to alleviate concerns regarding the purchasing process, saying he was “comfortable” with the requirements of dealers.

He said potential customers would have to: present ID and be an Australian resident over 18, read a list of prohibited persons then complete a Buyer Declaration form confirming they are not a prohibited person.

Mr Voukolos also said only a few licensed staff in his store were permitted to sell OC spray.

Customers can purchase a limit of two cans per person and can only be used by that person. Picture: Stephanie Hanlon

Importantly, while there is real-time reporting of this process, there was no real-time monitoring by police to confirm whether an individual is in fact a prohibited person.

By contrast, Mr Voukolos said the process was more cumbersome on the dealer than selling ammo, but less so than selling a gun.

Mr Maley did not commit to putting tighter regulations on the sale of OC spray, arguing similarly dangerous products could be legally purchased at hardware stores.

“If you go to Bunnings there’s lots of stuff you can buy off the shelf there that’s just as deadly as getting sprayed in the face (than OC spray), such as wasp spray or those sorts of items,” he said.

“I fully accept there may be some people who obtain OC spray illegally, just as they do other things in the Territory.”

Mr Voukolos said Monday would be a “big day” and he’d had much interest from members of the public for the OC spray.

The product will retail for under $60.