Ban the sales of fireworks to the public in the Northern Territory

On the first of July each year Territorians celebrate Territory Day, marking the commencement of Self Government in the Territory on 1 July 1978. The day is celebrated across the Northern Territory in a number of ways, including the famous Territory Day fireworks (both public and private).

What people in the Northern Territory want is for celebratory fireworks to be held in controlled public displays with a ban on sales of fireworks sold to the general public. By holding controlled public firework displays we will still be able to celebrate Territory Day in the Territory way, but in a safe manner which will eliminate the many issues that come with allowing the general public full access to fireworks which are essentially deadly weapons.

We don’t allow people to legally carry weapons such as knives, guns or the likes so why does the NT Government allow us year after year to detonate countless amounts of fireworks before, during and well after Territory Day? Legally, fireworks are permitted to be used on the 1st of July during the hours of 6pm and 11pm. This rule is never adhered to and fireworks can be heard being detonated for up to 7 days prior and for months after Territory Day. There is no possible way for anyone in power to have complete control over when where and how fireworks are used by the general public.

In 2011 there were reports of more than 200 calls to emergency services for help, reports of people aiming lit firecrackers at people and property, serious injuries and burns to children and people as well as the countless amounts of pets who have gone missing, been injured and have even died as a direct result of allowing the public access to fireworks.

What the Northern Territory people want to see is a total ban on selling fireworks to the public and a ban on allowing the general public to detonate fireworks.
We however would love for the NT government to support controlled firework displays that are available to the public to attend, watch and celebrate alongside other Territorians. We want to be able to safely enjoy fireworks as an entire state, together