The Northern Territory Government is allowing the sale of the chemical weapon under a year-long trial.
Shadow Attorney-General Chansey Paech said the ban has “significant potential for misuse”.
Pepper spray
Pepper spray is commonly used by police to restrain people deemed to be behaving dangerously or violently.
It is banned for public use in most of Australia.
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NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro told NT News on Monday: “This is about buying distance and buying you time to get away. And it's not compulsory, people can make their own choice.”
New trial
Under the one year trial, NT residents over 18-years-old can “purchase, possess, carry and use” pepper spray.
It can only be bought in person by residents who do not have any “relevant criminal history, police or court orders.” People who buy the pepper spray will also need to keep a Buyer Declaration with them, similar to a firearm licence.
In an Instagram post, NT community group Justice Not Jails said access to pepper spray “will lead to more violence in our community, more people being harmed and put even more strain on our legal and health care systems.”
