Reactions to NT Government’s OC spray decision

After four women were allegedly assaulted in Darwin, and with some Territorians soon allowed to arm themselves with OC spray, the NT News asked locals if they would use it. TAKE THE POLL.

Capsicum (OC) spray will be made available to Territorians in the coming months.

In three months, some Territorians will be allowed to carry a low percentage can of Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray, as a means of self-defence in a 12-month trial.

With Western Australia currently the only jurisdiction where people can carry nonlethal OC spray, Territorians who are interested in purchasing – and who qualify to do so – will enter uncharted waters.

Announcing the trial last week, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said she believed Territorians, particularly women and workers, would welcome the choice to arm themselves.

In May, four women were allegedly indecently assaulted along the same running track at the Nightcliff Foreshore in a matter of days.

NT Police subsequently charged a teenage boy in connection to the alleged spree of offending.

Multiple reported incidents along the Nightcliff Foreshore has raised concern around public safety. Picture: Harry Brill.

This masthead visited the same location to ask local women what they thought of the trial – with mixed responses recorded.

“I’d like to think I wouldn’t find myself in a position where I would need it,” a woman named Jay told the NT News.

“Presumably I would have it (in my bag) in which case I don’t even know if I could actually get it out in time.”

Some critics labelled the trial as a potential overreach – but Jay disagreed with that claim.

“It’s not like its acid right?” she said.

“It’s temporary (damage), I’m pretty sure, so I don’t think there’s a problem there.”

One nurse said she doesn’t think she’d “need it”, but said she understood if others would. Picture: Che Chorley

Young local Sarah said she would not use the spray herself, but added that she would not “judge” anyone that would.

“I think I can take care of myself (without spray),” she said.

“If someone else doesn’t think they can, fair enough.”

Her friend, a nurse who did not want to be named, agreed.

“I don’t think I’d need it,” she said.

“I know some people who would buy it tomorrow, yeah, especially for their night shifts, or if they’re staying home alone maybe.”

During the week, the announcement was criticised as a poor solution by some on the fifth floor.

Opposition Attorney-General Chansey Paech (left) and Independent Justine Davis (right) have criticised the decision.

Opposition Attorney-General Chansey Paech labelled the trial as “extreme and outlandish”.

“This measure has significant potential for misuse; criminals could use it against victims to intimidate, assault, or facilitate break-ins, hold up stores, turning it into a tool of harm rather than protection,” he said.

“Moreover, pepper spray could be used irresponsibly in non-threatening situations, escalating conflicts unnecessarily and putting more people at risk.”

Independent Justine Davis said the trial could have adverse effects.

“If the Government truly cared about community safety, they would focus on prevention, support and rehabilitation - not more weapons on the streets.”

As part of the trial, a person must meet strict conditions including being aged 18 or over; be in possession of a valid NT photo ID; have no serious, relevant criminal history or DV orders; and must purchase in person from a licensed NT dealer.

Originally published as Reactions to NT Government’s OC spray decision