Pepper Spray to Become Legal for Civilian Use in the Northern Territory

The chief minister says the move will help reduce crime and restore community safety, but studies are yet to prove this.

Police pepper spray a protester during a rally against Covid-19 regulations in Melbourne on September 22, 2021. Photo by CON CHRONIS/AFP via Getty Images

The Northern Territory (NT) is to join Western Australia (WA) in allowing civilians to carry pepper spray for self-defence under strict conditions.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro announced the launch of a 12-month trial, which will start in September, allowing approved members of the public to carry a low-percentage oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray.