Trial of legal use of OC Spray in NT for self-defence extended by four months until 31 December.
Extension will allow eligible Territorians to continue to lawfully possess, carry and use OC Spray under existing conditions.
Government to complete evaluation of trial and consider expanding the use of OC Spray to people 16 years and older and for shared household use.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has extended the legal use of OC Spray in self-defence for another four months, until 31 December, to give certainty to Territorians in the period between the trial ending on 1 September and legislation passing to confirm that it's here to stay.
The extension will allow eligible Territorians to continue to lawfully possess, carry and use OC spray under the existing conditions while the Government completes an evaluation of the trial and considers expanding the use of OC Spray to people 16 years and older and for shared household use.
Chief Minister and Minister for Police Lia Finocchiaro said the trial was operating as intended, within the conditions, active monitoring and police oversight. The trial's extension does not change current eligibility requirements, conditions or safeguards.
"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," the Chief Minister said.
"To date the trial has been a success and Territorians have embraced it in a responsible and positive way."
The Chief Minister said the Government was developing proposed legislative amendments so it can act promptly following the evaluation and Community Reference Group advice.
To date, more than 3,200 buyers have purchased 5,144 canisters. This includes 3,869 purchased in Darwin, 788 in Katherine, 380 in Alice Springs and 107 in Tennant Creek.
NT Police check transactions and purchaser eligibility each day and follow up prohibited purchasers.
As at 27 July 2026, police had identified 43 prohibited purchasers, representing less than 1.5% of purchasers. A total of 61 canisters have been seized.
