OC Spray to Help Protect the Territory’s Bottle Shop Workers

27 November 2023

In Parliament this week, the Territory Labor Government is introducing a range of measures to improve community safety – including allowing private security to be equipped with OC spray.

The Firearms and Weapons Control Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 will allow for security guards working at take away liquor outlets to be equipped with OC spray.

Under the changes to the legislation, private security companies will need to go through a rigorous application process to be approved to use OC spray.

All security guards will need to undertake training which includes providing aftercare to the person who has being subjected to the OC spray, environmental factors, self exposure and third party exposure, before being issued a with a licence to use OC spray.

Allowing private security access to OC spray provides additional protection to themselves, retail workers and the community when confronted with dangerous situations.

Other measures to be introduced under the Police Administration Act is raising the age of retirement for police officers from 65 to 67, and allowing NT Police to recruit at rank.

These changes will allow NT Police to keep police officers approaching the retirement if they choose to continue working and attract experienced police officers to return to NT Police.

There is a number of minor and technical amendments to the Firearms Act 1997, Weapons Control Act 2001 and Weapons Control Regulations 2001, that ensure the operational application of the Firearms Act meets the needs of the police, the firearms industry, other stakeholders, and the community.

The changes include creating an ammunition retail permit, expanding the storage and safe keeping requirements for certain firearms and implementing restrictions on the possession and use of certain prohibited weapons.

Quotes attributed to Minister for Police Brent Potter:

“We promised in March we would allow private security to be equipped with OC spray, and I am delivering on that promise.

“We have listened to and worked with the hospitality sector to introduce legislation with the right protections in place. These changes will make it safer for hospitality staff and customers.

“Workers in take away liquor outlets have the right to refuse service and the right to be safe at work. There is never an excuse for violence, and security personnel need to be equipped to deal with any aggression or violence.

“All Territorians deserve to feel safe and these measures will improve community safety.

“It’s just one additional action we are taking to help make the Territory safer for all.”

Northern Territory Government