OC Spray Now a Controlled Weapon; Fines or Jail for Dealers Who Recklessly Break the Law
Weapons Control Legislation Amendment (Legalising Controlled OC Spray) Bill 2026
Topics
criminal penalties firearms law enforcement police powers public safety self defence weapon possession
Introduced by: The Hon Lia Finocchiaro MLA (CLP) — Chief Minister, Minister for Defence NT, Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Minister for Police, Minister for Territory Coordinator
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
Controlled OC spray is no longer classified as a prohibited weapon, but it is now a controlled weapon.
People who have been found guilty of weapons or firearms offences, or who have a domestic violence order, are banned from making, buying, owning, carrying, or using controlled OC spray.
People who are not banned can carry up to two controlled OC sprays in public for self-defence. They must not carry them in a way that they are visible to the public.
People cannot use controlled OC spray inside licensed premises unless they work there as a licensee, employee, crowd controller, or security officer.
People who carry controlled OC spray for self-defence at a home must store it safely. Failing to do so carries a fine of up to 100 penalty units.
Declared dealers of controlled OC spray must follow strict rules for record-keeping, reporting, and storage. Failing to follow these rules carries a fine of up to 100 penalty units.
Declared dealers who recklessly break the law regarding the sale or possession of the spray can be fined up to 200 penalty units or jailed for up to 12 months.
Police officers can search a person in public or at school without a warrant if they suspect the person has a prohibited weapon, controlled weapon, offensive weapon, body armour, or controlled OC spray.
Police can destroy seized controlled OC spray if they suspect it was held illegally and it is necessary for public safety.
Statutory officers and their employers are allowed to buy, carry, and use controlled OC spray as part of their official duties.
School staff and parents are allowed to possess or carry controlled OC spray if they have confiscated it from a child, provided they store it out of public view and return it or dispose of it legally.
People who work at venues and take controlled OC spray from entrants for safekeeping are allowed to possess it, provided it is kept out of public view.
People who are banned from owning the spray, or who break specific laws regarding its possession, cannot use a self-defence legal defence in court.
The Administrator can issue a notice to exempt specific people or groups from certain offences related to controlled OC spray.