Organisations’ letter condemns ‘tough on crime’ approach days out from OC spray trial
A collection of 21 organisations and community groups have had another go at the Finocchiaro government urging it to ditch the OC spray trial and abandon its ‘tough on crime’ agenda.
A group of 21 NT organisations and community groups have penned an open letter to the Chief Minister having another crack at the government’s “tough on crime” approach, again saying it negatively impacts Aboriginal and vulnerable communities.
The letter was published on Thursday, just days before the September 1 start date for Territorians to legally purchase OC spray, with the group again asking the government to abandon this and many other policies it says weaponises Territory streets.
Children and Families Minister Robyn Cahill defended the government’s reforms, describing the group’s concerns as “unfounded”.
The open letter was launched by Justice not Jails, with spokesman Thomas Mayo urging the government to “change the course” of current law and order reforms.
“We have seen law after detrimental law introduced,” he said.
“Laws that criminalise our youth, introduce weapons into our community, and further marginalise and incarcerate Aboriginal communities.”
Mr Mayo said record high incarceration rates and more weapons in our community will not make anyone safer.
“Justice not Jails is urging the CLP to listen to the evidence and to the signatories of this letter,” he said.
Signatories include Victims of Crime NT, Catholic Darwin Bishop Charles Gauci, Anglicare NT and peak Aboriginal heath body AMSANT.
Ms Cahill responded by stating the CLP government was committed to community safety.
“Our government is absolutely committed to creating a safe community environment,” Ms Cahill said.
“This (OC spray trial) is just one component of that.”
The OC spray trial will allow eligible Territorians to purchase, possess and use OC spray for self-defence purposes from September 1 for a period of 12 months.
‘Prohibited persons’ are banned from purchasing it, including those who have committed certain offences or have a relevant police or court order against them.
Those opposed to the OC trial have raised concerns the spray could end up in the wrong hands.
Ms Cahill dismissed these concerns, using DV victims as an example of those who may use it.
“I think this a tool people who feel at risk of DV can consider having in their possession,” she said.
“There’s a process in place to obtain OC spray — it won’t be handed out willy-nilly.”
Licensed dealer Ronald Voukolos of Fishing & Outdoor World said the Government’s current purchasing requirements go “above and beyond what we were expecting”.
“They are treating it very similar to firearms — it’s quite onerous on the dealer,” he said.
“And like anything, bad people who wish to do bad things will find a way.”
The Labor Opposition said it does not support the OC spray trial in its current form, but could support it with more detail and community consultation.
“Before weaponising the public with OC spray, the CLP Government should have the decency to sit down with the frontline organisations who will have to deal with the fallout of their half-baked law and order stunts,” Opposition leader Selena Uibo said.
“Proper consultation by the CLP is the very least Territorians deserve.”
OC spray Trial details
From September 1 eligible members of the public may purchase, possess, carry and use OC spray for self-defence purposes.
The 12-month trial was launched by the CLP government in what they claim will make the community safer.
To be eligible to purchase OC spray from 1 September, a person must:
- Be 18 years of age or over
- Present valid photo ID at the time of purchase
- Complete a Buyer Declaration that you have no relevant criminal history, police or court orders
- Only purchase in store from participating Firearms Dealers in the NT.
Non-NT residents can still purchase OC spray if they meet the eligibility requirements.
The prohibited persons list is long, and includes those who have committed a range of offences, including domestic violence, child abuse, assault and murder.
There is no real-time reporting involved — these prohibited persons can still effectively lie on the declaration form and illegally purchase the OC spray.
Once purchased illegally it will be up to NT Police to recover and confiscate the OC spray.
Licensed dealer Ronald Voukolos of Fishing & Outdoor World described the Government requirements as “above and beyond what we were expecting”.
“They are treating it very similar to firearms — it’s quite onerous on the dealer,” he said.
“They’ve thought it through very thoroughly.
“I think its regulated as best as it can be for the dealers and I feel quite comfortable with it.
“And like anything, bad people who wish to do bad things will find a way.”
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