Independent Senator Anthony Vieira, has outright stated that he does not like the amendments made to the Firearms (Amendment) Bill 2021, better known as the Pepper Spray law, as he felt it was disingenuous, condescending to women and disproportionate.
Speaking in the Senate yesterday, he said if the item was for self-defence, the law was too convoluted and bureaucratic, and may be beyond the reach of women who need it.
He said unless women have the time, money and resources to deal with the bureaucratic requirements to access, they would not get the things they desperately need.
Vieira said pepper spray should be easy to acquire as the benefits outweigh the risks.
He said there was also a lack of data showing it would be used to commit crimes beyond snatch and grab situations.
The senator also advocated using three per cent pepper potency, saying if the “slight pepper” can suffice, the spray should be liberalised, as he felt the bill was too cumbersome and disproportionate.
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