Legalise the purchase and use of pepper spray

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that violent crime, particularly criminal offences involving the use of weapons such as knives and machetes have become a pressing and critical issue in Victoria. Many residents do not feel safe in their homes or being out and about everyday. This is especially the case for vulnerable Victorians such as elderly people.

The purchase and use of pepper spray by adults, 18 years and over, with no criminal convictions should be legalised to allow individuals the ability to protect themselves, by non-lethal means, should they face a violent confrontation where they are threatened with a weapon. This is the case in Western Australia, and soon to be introduced in the Northern Territory as well.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to legalise the purchase and use of pepper spray, by adults with no criminal convictions, for personal protection by non-lethal means should they face a violent confrontation and are threatened with a weapon.