Social media brag leads to fireworks raid

NT WorkSafe has raided a commercial premise in Darwin and seized illegal fireworks after a Darwin businessman posted a video on social media bragging about his purchase.

The illegal fireworks seized consisted of Roman Candles and Self-Loading Mortars which have been gazetted as banned in the Northern Territory since 2013.

Acting Executive Director Kerry Barnaart said if a firework has been banned in the Northern Territory, it’s due to safety reasons and banned fireworks are illegal.

“The videos posted on social media shows the person possessed and used pyrotechnical display fireworks, amongst others, which are illegal to have without appropriate licences and permits, which the businessman does not have.”

“Pyrotechnical display fireworks and banned fireworks have the potential to cause serious injuries and for a person to knowingly purchase and use illegal fireworks is just reckless,” Ms Barnaart said.

“NT WorkSafe investigators are compiling a brief of evidence, and a prosecution is being considered under the Dangerous Goods Act 1998 (DG Act).”

“NT WorkSafe staff who are authorised under the DG Act can enter any premises and seize fireworks without a warrant.”
“My team will follow up on any credible tipoffs on the sale and possession of illegal fireworks.”

“Fireworks have become an integral part of Territory Day celebrations and NT WorkSafe is doubling our efforts to crack down on illegal fireworks and working to maintaining our lifestyle by ensuring the fireworks that are sold are safe for use.”

In the lead up to Territory Day, NT WorkSafe also seized 1.7 tonnes of fireworks for destruction that failed the safety tests under Australian Standards to keep Territorians safe.

If you have information on the sale of illegal fireworks, please contact NT WorkSafe on 1800 019 115. Calls can be made anonymously.