Late last month, Fraser Anning from Katter's Australian Party argued in the Senate that people must have the right to self-defence following a recent spate of what he called "horrific violent crimes against women".
He called on the Federal Government to allow the importation of pepper spray and encourage the states to legalise carrying it, saying it provides a non-lethal and easy-to-use means of protection. Most of the subsequent attention has been on the comments about Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young made by Senator Leyonhjelm during that debate. But there's a fact about pepper spray that may have escaped your attention.
While it's illegal to bring it into Australia, with import permits only issued for police or government use , the laws about carrying pepper spray for self-defence are different around the country. Lorraine Finlay, a lecturer at the Murdoch University School of Law in Perth, says the one place where it's legal to carry pepper spray for self-defence is Western Australia. But you'll want to keep reading before going out and buying it.
Pepper spray comes in the form of an aerosol. It's used to incapacitate people by causing temporary blindness, difficulty breathing and a burning sensation on the skin. The side effects usually last for less than an hour. A report by the Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission into its use by police found pepper spray was "relatively safe", but does cause intense pain. The spray itself is made with "oleoresin capsicum", which comes from chilli peppers. That's why it's sometimes called OC spray.
And in case you're wondering, Mace is a specific brand that makes pepper spray, though that term is often used to refer to any type of defence spray. That puts it alongside things like crossbows, spear guns or swords which can also be used in the state if you've got a "lawful excuse" — for instance, if it's used in martial arts.
This is the lawful excuse for having pepper spray :. Guilty Pleas We can work to ensure you receive the most lenient outcome in the circumstances. Mental Health Applications We can make an application in court to have your charges dismissed on mental health grounds. Non-Conviction Orders We will maximise your chances of avoiding a criminal record.
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Penalties Information about penalties for traffic offences. Traffic Legislation Read relevant sections of the Act under which you are charged. Traffic Offences. Dangerous Driving. Drink Driving PCA. Driver Licence Appeals. Drug Driving. Habitual Offender Declaration. Pepper spray, which is also known as capsicum or OC spray, contains concentrated red-hot pepper resin extract that may immobilise attackers in seconds. Pepper spray is an inflammatory agent, causing the mucus membranes in eyes, nose, throat and lungs to inflame.
It also causes immediate dilation of the capillaries of the eyes, causing temporary blindness and shortness of breath, resulting in coughing and extreme discomfort. Order in bulk and SAVE! Pepper Spray Pepper Spray 10g. Pepper Spray Pepper Spray 45g. Pepper Spray Pepper Spray 75g. Could stop attackers in seconds, and the effects can be felt for up to 20 minutes.
Easy to use: simply turn safety latch, point canister at attackers face, press the nozzle for a couple of seconds and run to safety. The pepper spray has a spraying distance of approximately 2 metres, eliminating the need to get close to your attacker or attackers, which can assist in giving you time to run to safety and raise an alarm. Pepper spray can be effective on individuals who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and may otherwise not feel pain.
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