A Libertarian MP is calling for Victoria’s self-defence laws to be overhauled following a spike in violent home invasions across the state.
Victorian MP David Limbrick has long called for state parliament to change legislation to allow residents more power to legally fight back against intruders.
Currently, self-defence laws in the state apply if a person’s actions are considered necessary or a reasonable response under the circumstances.
Limbrick and other proponents of self-defence law changes want the state to adopt a similar approach to Castle Law, a doctrine used in the UK which significantly lowers the threshold for self defence.
He also wants Victorians to be able to protect themselves with weapons like pepper spray.
“The real problem is not the weapons, it is the intent behind the weapons,” Limbrick said on social media.
“Law-abiding Victorians still have no means to protect themselves
“The government still insists that all the good people in Victoria, that do no crimes and cause no or harm to anyone, are forced to remain completely defenceless and rely on police.”
Limbrick has previously called on the state government to legalise possession of pepper spray.
He called for this change after a spate of machete attacks in Melbourne.
Crime across the state is up 17 per cent year-on-year, according to Crime Statistics Agency data released in June.
“If the government really wanted to improve community safety, they would legalise possession of pepper spray for the purposes of self defence,” Limbrick said.
Limbrick said he will this week move a motion in parliament calling on a formal review of existing self-defence laws by the Victorian Law Reform Commission.
Oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray will be legal for self-defence purposes in the Northern Territory from September, in a trial announced by the territory’s government.
In Western Australia, OC spray is already legal for self-defence.
