27827 (2026). Camilla Belich to the Minister of Justice

Written Question

Published date: 19 Jun 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	27827 (2026)
Question asked:	08 Jun 2026
Member asking:	Camilla Belich
Portfolio:	Minister of Justice
Minister replying:	Hon Paul Goldsmith
Answer received:	15 Jun 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_27827_2026
Document guid:	a2c35839-7db2-40ef-aefb-c14a196b1029

27827 (2026). Camilla Belich to the Minister of Justice: What consideration, if any, has the Minister given to allow retail workers or retail owners to possess pepper spray?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: 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/