Community Reference Group – OC Spray Trial

The Community Reference Group (CRG) provides a forum for community feedback during the NT Government’s 12-month trial, starting 1 September 2025, allowing eligible adults to carry OC (pepper) spray for self-defence.

What the CRG does

• Reflects a range of community views on the trial
• Identifies emerging concerns or unintended impacts
• Promotes culturally inclusive engagement
• Provide advice to government during the course of the trial

Who is involved

The CRG includes community members, victims’ advocates, safety groups, and other stakeholders.

The CRG consists of:

• Mr Greg Ireland – Chair
• Ms Jane Mack - Katherine
• Mr Michael Liddle - Central Australian Aboriginal Congress
• Ms Ruth Palmer - Executive Director NT Division Property Council of Australia
• Mr William Newell - Chair, Victims of Crime NT Board
• Mr Ben Feick – Darwin

How it works

The CRG will meet throughout the trial period, with advice and feedback to be provided to the NT Government.

Secretariat support to the CRG will be provided by the Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet.

Members of the public can have their say on the OC Spray Trial by completing the survey.