Public urged to be safe and compliant this Territory Day

As ‘cracker night’ returns on Territory Day, NT WorkSafe urges everyone to celebrate with fireworks the safe way.

2023 approved periods

The Northern Territory remains to be the only jurisdiction in Australia to allow the public sale, use and possession of fireworks during an approved period. This year, the fireworks approved periods are:

• Sale of fireworks – Saturday 1 July, 9 am to 9 pm
• Use of fireworks – Saturday 1 July, 6 pm to 11 pm
• Possession of fireworks – Saturday 1 July, 9 am to Monday 3 July, 12 noon

Anyone caught igniting or in possession of fireworks outside of these approved times will have to face a fine which has now increased to $1760.

Where to legally buy and let off fireworks

Only buy fireworks from licenced retailers and only buy the quantity you can safely let off within the allowable period. See the full list of licenced retailers here.

You may let off fireworks in private and public spaces except on Mindil Beach and at other Territory Day community events. Check body corporate restrictions if you plan to light fireworks within your complex.

How to celebrate safely

Fireworks can cause serious injuries if not handled properly. If you’re going to light your own, follow these safety tips:

• Ensure that ignition sites are cleared of any flammable materials such as dry grass or mulch.
• Read the safety labels and light one firework at a time.
• Always supervise children and never give fireworks to children under 12.
• Have a hose or buckets of water or sand ready to put out any fire.
• Wet down all fireworks debris after use.

Read the Celebrate Territory Day the Safe Way bulletin and poster for more fireworks safety tips.

How to safely dispose of fireworks after use

If not disposed of properly, spent fireworks can cause fires, damage to property and the environment.

After celebrating with fireworks, clean up after yourself and make sure to wet down and bin all fireworks debris, including spent fireworks cartridges and associated litter.

What to do with unused fireworks

Possessing fireworks after midday of 3 July is illegal. Call NT WorkSafe on 1800 019 115 to organise handing in of fireworks for safe disposal. Do not:

• store unused fireworks for future use as they can deteriorate with age and become unsafe; or
• dump unused fireworks, throw them away or put them in with rubbish as this manner of disposal may become a safety risk to others.

Interstate visitors

The public sale, use and possession of fireworks without a permit is illegal all year round in other jurisdictions.

If you’re a visitor from interstate on Territory Day, don’t attempt to take fireworks back to your home state or territory.