In her 2GB interview with Phil O’Neil, Gina Field, founder of Nepean Regional Security, expressed strong concerns about the Northern Territory’s proposed trial—mirroring Western Australia’s policy—to allow civilians to carry pepper spray (OC spray) for self-defence. While supportive of non-lethal protective measures for public safety, Gina highlighted the irony and legal inconsistency that trained and licensed security guards remain prohibited from using the same spray in the course of their duties.
She explained that although security guards can buy pepper spray as private citizens, using it professionally is considered illegal nationwide, which she finds particularly unjust given their role as frontline responders. Gina also questioned the vagueness around key requirements for civilian use—such as “reasonable grounds” and “lawful self-defence”—warning that without training or clear guidelines, it creates a legal grey area vulnerable to misuse and difficult to police or prove in court.
Referring to the Bondi Junction tragedy and recent shopping centre attacks involving machetes, Gina argued that allowing properly trained security personnel access to OC spray could help prevent or de-escalate such violent incidents. She called the current restrictions “ridiculous” and urged for more practical, preventive tools for security professionals who are expected to respond to increasingly dangerous situations without adequate protection.
