What consideration, if any, has the Minister given to allow retail workers or retail owners to possess pepper spray?

Answer

I have considered advice from the Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime (the MAG) and the Ministry of Justice on the possession and use of pepper spray. I have instructed my officials to monitor the use of pepper spray in Australia, and to evaluate the evidence to inform policy advice. I expect further advice on the matter after the one-year trial in the Northern Territory trial expires in August 2026. Key documents that I have received from the Ministry of Justice related to the MAG have been proactively released on the Ministry of Justice webpage here: www.justice.govt.nz/justice-sector-policy/ministerial-advisory-group-for-victims-of-retail-crime/