Newsroom

September 12, 2025

On the 1st of September, the Northern Territory Government began a twelve-month trial allowing residents to legally purchase and carry oleoresin capsicum spray (commonly known as pepper spray) for self-defence.

 

Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader and Hinchinbrook MP, Nick Dametto, is continuing his calls for Queensland to follow suit, advocating to the LNP State Government to allow a similar trial here.

 

“Western Australia has permitted the legal carriage of pepper spray for more than 25 years with very limited reports of misuse. Now the Northern Territory Government is showing strong leadership by also giving their residents the option to better protect themselves,” Mr Dametto said.

“Less than two weeks into the trial and it’s already been reported that a Darwin man has used pepper spray to fend off an attacker, the first defensive use since the trial began.

“Numbers show that 841 canisters were purchased in the first 10 days of the trial, with fewer than 2 per cent of buyers identified as ‘prohibited’ and every canister accounted for. That tells me there is strong demand, and the system is being properly managed.

“At a time of heightened global unrest, Queenslanders deserve the same opportunity and protection. Violent home invasions, property crime, carjackings and sexual assaults are at unacceptable levels, and vulnerable people are being left completely defenceless.

“Earlier this year, I questioned the Police Minister in Parliament on whether the government would consider allowing pepper spray for self-defence, but the Minister dismissed the idea.

“Enabling pepper spray for self-defence in Queensland would be very straightforward as it doesn’t even require a change of legislation. A simple regulatory amendment to the Weapons Categories Regulation 1997, signed off by the Minister, is all it would take.

“With the stroke of a pen, the Government could empower Queenslanders to protect themselves. Sensible safeguards can also be easily adopted, including limiting sales to adults with no criminal history and using licensed firearm dealers, who are already equipped to sell restricted items, to manage distribution.

“Criminals are arming themselves with knives, machetes and other weapons. With very little effort, our government could give potential victims a tool to defend themselves when they need it most.”