Government responds to capsicum spray criticism with community reference group
The Government is trying to win support for its capsicum spray rollout. Read what they’re doing.
Stung by criticism of its plan to launch a 12-month OC spray trial, the Northern Territory Government is embarking on a two-week campaign to win community support for the move.
From September 1, eligible Territorians will be able to buy OC spray - also called capsicum spray - from eligible gun stores across the Northern Territory.
When implemented, the Territory and Western Australia will be the only two jurisdictions where OC spray can be purchased over the counter for public use.
The OC spray campaign coincides with the release on Sunday of the Government’s three-year Reducing Crime Strategy, which outlines five ‘strategic priorities’ including holding parents and families to account for crime.
When the OC spray plan was announced in June, the Government responded angrily to critics who said the introduction of another weapon type on the market would make Territorians less safe.
In frustration, a figure in government questioned existing community safety measures based on high crime rates in the Territory.
“Let’s just keep everything the same (because) we are living in paradise,” he said.
At the time of the announcement, there were mixed views on whether OC spray use should be liberalised, with Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT (AMSANT) chief executive John Patterson calling it “misguided policy”.
“If we want to stop violence before it starts, we need to invest in what works – safe housing, early childhood services, culturally safe healthcare, and wraparound supports that strengthen families and communities,” he said.
“If the government is serious about creating a safer Territory, it must flip the script. That means stop fuelling fear and division, and start funding the services that build hope, safety and resilience.”
CLP chief minister Lia Finocchiaro argues that allowing Territorians to purchase OC spray would give “law-abiding locals an extra layer of personal protection”.
“We are delivering a strong, practical plan to reduce crime, hold offenders to account, and put victims first,” Ms Finocchiaro said. “The OC spray trial empowers Territorians to protect themselves, while our Reducing Crime Strategy tackles the root causes of crime.”
Opposition Leader Selena Uibo said the capsicum spray measure was an “admission of failure by government”.
“In less than a year, crime has hit its highest levels yet - and now the Government is telling Territorians to defend themselves because it can’t do the job,” Ms Uibo said.
In 2023, the previous NT Labor Government legislated for capsicum spray to be carried by public transport safety officers.
To help with the rollout of the 12-month trial, former NT Chamber of Commerce chief executive Greg Ireland has been appointed to chair an OC Spray Trial Community Reference Group to raise concerns or to provide positive feedback about the rollout.
Also on the reference group is Nightcliff Friendly Grocery manager Ben Feick whose father Linford Feick, 71, was tragically killed in April during a confrontation with an alleged shoplifter.
“The Community Reference Group gives people a voice about the introduction of OC spray and how the trial is run. It’s important we listen to the community, raise any concerns early, and help make sure the trial is safe and fair for everyone,” Mr Ireland said.
Other community reference group members are Ruth Palmer from NT Property Council, Jane Mack from Katherine, Michael Liddle from Central Australian Aboriginal Congress and William Newell from Victims of Crime NT
The OC spray campaign coincides with the release on Sunday of the Government’s three-year Reducing Crime Strategy, which outlines five ‘strategic priorities’ including holding parents and families to account for crime.
Other priorities in the Government’s three-year Reducing Crime Strategy include: delivering safer communities, reducing offending and improving justice, addressing the root causes of crime and criminal justice reform.
“We’re giving police the powers and the public the tools to stand up to crime, while tackling the drivers of offending,” Ms Finocchiaro said. “This is about making sure Territorians feel safe in their homes and in their neighbourhoods.”
Misuse of OC spray is a criminal offence under the Weapons Control Act 2001, with penalties including fines or jail time.
To be eligible to purchase, a person will have to:
•Be 18 years or older;
•Show valid Northern Territory photo ID;
•Have no relevant serious criminal history or domestic violence orders; and
•Purchase in person from a licensed NT dealer.
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