<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray will be legal for self-defence purposes in the Northern Territory from September, in a trial announced by the territory's government.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The recent announcement has reignited discussions about legalising the spray nationally by activists like Jayde Howard.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>She has been fighting to legalise the spray - commonly known as pepper spray - nationally since the Bondi Junction stabbing attack. </span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/human-trafficking-arrest-queensland-woman-charged-allegedly-luring-people-from-papua-new-guinea/d34f547d-56d9-4b40-8c2c-ac754aef9504" target="_blank"><strong><span>Woman charged for allegedly luring people to Australia from Papua New Guinea</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"It all started after the Bondi Junction incident... how is it okay that when something like this happens that women have no way to defend themselves?" Howard told 9news.com.au.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The mother from Victoria said legalising OC spray isn't just about protecting women.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"It's such a broad spectrum of people that want to be able to carry it - I've spoken to some disabled folks in Frankston who can't really protect themselves," she said.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/pepper-spray-laws-australias-self-defence-laws-explained-as-nt-legalises-capsicum-spray/4418669b-6a03-461e-b1ad-1fc419aaba2c" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"I've spoken to members of the LGBT community, some gay men who have been victims of sexual assault, there's every type of person... this option would be really great for them."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Howard called the trial "amazing" and said it would provide critical information about how carrying the spray could make an impact on community safety.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/buy-now-pay-later-changes-new-bnpl-regulations-explained/980f4155-5f2b-4f5c-9f48-daad30422f16" target="_blank"><strong><span>Buy now, pay later changes: Everything you need to know about the regulations that came into effect</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>How will the NT trial work?</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The trial will start in September.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Only people over 18 with no criminal history will be eligible to purchase and carry OC spray.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It will only be available to buy from licensed firearm dealers. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the territory will try and replicate the model seen in Western Australia, where OC spray is legal for self-defence.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>What does the law say about self-defence? </span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Anyone in Australia is allowed to defend themselves using "reasonable force" if necessary.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"The law recognises that you have a right to self-defence, but it must be proportional and it must be reasonable," criminal defence attorney Jahan Kalantar said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>There is no black or white definition of "reasonable force". </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It is up to a court to decide what is reasonable in every case. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"It's very hard in that moment that you're in it to know what is and isn't proportionate," Kalantar said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"That's the danger, and that's the reason things like pepper spray are considered illegal weapons.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"The law has a duty to protect people, but it also has a duty to make sure people don't take the law into their own hands." </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/winter-weather-forecast-australia-high-rain-temperatures-snowfall/1d125063-9fd1-43f2-a990-721beb29116b" target="_blank"><strong><span>Lots of rain for some and unusually warm for all: What you can expect from the weather this winter</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>OC spray is illegal in every state and territory, except Western Australia and the Northern Territory (from September).</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Most weapons - including Tasers, guns, knuckle rings, BB guns, flick knives and pocket knives - are illegal across Australia without a relevant permit.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>If any person is caught carrying weapons or OC spray in public, they can be criminally charged, as self-defence is not a valid excuse to carry a weapon in all states and territories.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>There is also a grey area around using a regular item as a weapon for self-defence.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"If you want to utilise an item that is not a weapon as a weapon in a situation, then it would be a question for the court to determine (If it was reasonable)," Kalantar said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>What can you use for self-defence in Australia?</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>In Western Australia, OC spray is already legal for self-defence.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>From September, residents in the NT will be able to purchase OC spray for self-defence.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>In every other state and territory, there are ways residents are able to legally defend themselves.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Punching, hitting, kicking or pushing a violent attacker away is allowed under Australian self-defence laws.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/australia-public-holidays-dates-state-by-state-guide-explainer/ed0b6d3a-0f10-4134-ad08-f3db711978a6" target="_blank"><strong><span>How to maximise public holidays and make the most of your annual leave in 2025</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Self-defence can be utilised by anyone in defence of themselves or of property," Kalantar said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"People have to be cautious though, because excessive self-defence is not (recognised as) self-defence and can get you into legal trouble."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Kalantar said pocket alarms can help deter attackers by blaring a loud alarm when activated.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"One of the best things you can do, and it's pretty effective, is personal alarms," Kalantar said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Something that blares a loud sound that attracts a ton of people.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"And also filming someone is a pretty powerful deterrent against them committing a criminal offence.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"You'd be surprised how many people will stop if they see their face on camera."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It is legal to carry self-defence key chains that include things like a flashlight, seatbelt cutter, personal alarms, whistles and window breakers - as long as they don't hold any weapons.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Wellbeing apps like Emergency+, I'm Safe and Help Me are also legal.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>They can send your live location to chosen contacts or speed dial triple zero when prompted.</span></div></div>