In a recent interview on 2SM, Gina Field, founder of Nepean Regional Security, voiced her concerns about a new 12-month Northern Territory trial allowing civilians to carry capsicum spray (pepper spray) for self-defence—making it the second Australian jurisdiction after Western Australia to do so. Gina pointed out the irony that while untrained civilians can now access this defensive tool under certain restrictions, trained and licensed security guards remain banned from carrying it, even though they are often first responders to violent incidents.
She emphasised the rise in violent crime across Australia and cited recent events, like the Bondi Junction attack and a knife incident in Parramatta, as examples of the real risks security personnel face. Gina criticised the inconsistency in the law, arguing that trained professionals should at least be equally trusted to carry non-lethal deterrents like OC spray. She acknowledged potential misuse by civilians but stressed that proper training and licensing should make guards more reliable users. Overall, she described the policy as a “knee-jerk reaction” and advocated for national reform to allow security officers to carry pepper spray.
