13th Feb 2019, 4:38 PM – Senate Motions - Prevention of Violence Against Women - Pepper spray

The majority voted against a motion introduced by NSW Senator David Leyonhjelm (Liberal Democratic Party), which means it failed.

Motion text

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) recent violent crimes against numerous women,

(ii) that blame for these crimes rests with the perpetrators, not the victims,

(iii) that, despite all policy efforts and wishful thinking, there will always be some individual men in our community intent on violence against women,

(iv) that the first duty of government is to protect citizens from harm, but police cannot be everywhere at all times, so citizens must be allowed, if they choose, to deter and defend against attacks,

(v) that the innate ability of individuals to deter and defend against attacks varies, with women and the elderly generally more vulnerable,

(vi) that pepper spray can assist deterrence and self-defence, particularly for the vulnerable,

(vii) that the use of pepper spray is generally non-lethal and does not require prior training,

(viii) that pepper spray is unlikely to be used for criminal attacks, and

(ix) that, in most other countries, pepper sprays are not even regulated, let alone prohibited; and

(b) calls on the Australian Government to legalise the importation of pepper spray, subject to the state governments legalising the carrying of pepper spray, to deter and defend against attacks.