A trial use of personal OC (capsicum) spray in the Northern Territory will now run to the end of the year.
And the NT Government says it is considering expanding the trial to include 16-year-olds.
Personal use of the self-defence spray will now run another four months and end on December 31, 2026; it began on September 1, 2025, and had been due to run for just 12 months.
The government reports that to date, more than 3200 residents bought 5144 canisters in 11 months; 3869 were sold in Darwin, 788 in Katherine, 380 in Alice Springs and 107 in Tennant Creek.
Police check transactions and purchaser eligibility each day; as of July 27, they had banned 43 buyers and seized 61 spray canisters.
TRIAL EXTENDING TO TEENS?
The government is looking at extending the trial to people 16 years and older and for shared households.
Chief Minister and Minister for Police Lia Finocchiaro claims it is operating as intended with active monitoring and police oversight.
She also says the extension does not change current eligibility requirements, conditions or safeguards of the trial.
“My government will review the trial and consult with the Community Reference Group in September as we consider broadening the scheme and making it law by the end of the year,” she says.
The group comprises of the public, advocates, safety groups and others, and is liaising with police to advise the government; click here for a 2025 statement from the government.
“To date the trial has been a success. Territorians have embraced it in a responsible and positive way,” Finocchiaro says.
She also says the government is drawing up a Bill to allow it to act quickly depending on the advice of the community group.
WHAT IS OC SPRAY? Oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray is a chemical irritant derived from hot peppers that can temporarily incapacitate a person by causing intense burning pain in the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Symptoms can hit fast, normally within 20 seconds of contact, and can include eyes closing involuntarily, tears and burning pain. Most people also experience burning in the nose and throat, heavy nasal discharge, chest tightness, coughing, sneezing and sometimes retching. Some people develop a rash. Source: www.scienceinsights.org
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