Newsroom

June 13, 2025

The Northern Territory (NT) Government has just announced a 12-month trial to allow everyday citizens to legally purchase and carry oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray (commonly known as pepper spray) for self-defence. The NT joins Western Australia, where pepper spray is already legal for personal protection. It’s a move that will empower the rights of victims over the rights of offenders, and one that should be replicated here in Queensland.

With our high rate of youth crime including violent robberies, car-jackings and home invasions, why are we as Queenslanders still denied the right to carry a non-lethal self-defence option such as this? There is a clear pattern that shows women, and the elderly or disabled are targeted by coward criminals in this state, and the use of pepper spray could mean all the difference between someone escaping a dangerous situation, or not.

For too long, Queensland has been governed by successive governments more interested in protecting the rights of criminals than standing up for victims. Allowing law-abiding Queenslanders the right to carry pepper spray isn’t about encouraging violence, it’s just about giving everyday people the confidence to go about their daily lives knowing that they have a small, legal instrument they can use to assist them if ever needed.

Despite what the do-gooders would have you believe, there are sensible safeguards that could be put in place to prevent misuse. It would be reasonable to limit access to pepper spray to Queensland residents over the age of 18 with no criminal history. We already have a network of licensed firearm dealers across the state who are trained to sell restricted items only to authorised persons. There’s no need for a major overhaul or a re-education program when existing dealers could easily accommodate the regulated sale of pepper spray.

The NT Government has recognised the needs of its people, and has chosen to show leadership on this issue. Queenslanders are watching and asking why we can’t be afforded the same rights and respect from our government.

Deputy Leader of the Katter’s Australian Party and State Member for Hinchinbrook,

Nick Dametto.