Ban the Public Sale and Private Use of Fireworks
The Issue
We are calling for the public sale and private use of fireworks to be banned, with fireworks restricted to properly organised, licensed and professionally managed public displays.
Fireworks are no longer simply a form of celebration. Their misuse is increasingly contributing to anti-social behaviour, intimidation, noise disturbance and fear, with fireworks being set off in streets, parks and residential areas, often at unpredictable times.
The impact on people can be significant. Loud, unexpected explosions can cause distress, anxiety and sleep disruption, particularly for children, older people and those who are vulnerable to sudden noise.
Animals suffer too. Pets, livestock and wildlife can experience extreme fear and panic, sometimes resulting in injury or even death. Unlike humans, animals cannot understand why explosions are happening or when they will stop.
There is also a serious environmental and fire risk. Fireworks can ignite dry grassland, woodland and crops, particularly during periods of hot, dry weather, potentially causing devastating wildfires. They also leave behind chemical residues, plastic and other litter.
Other jurisdictions have already shown that fireworks do not need to be freely available to the public. For example, some municipalities in Alberta, Canada, restrict fireworks to trained professionals or require permits, demonstrating that communities can still enjoy spectacular displays while keeping their use under proper control.
We are not calling for the end of fireworks displays. We are calling for an end to uncontrolled private use.
Fireworks should be professionally managed, held at designated locations and advertised in advance, allowing communities, emergency services and animal owners to prepare.
We are asking the Government to:
- Ban the public sale and private use of fireworks.
- Allow fireworks only as licensed, professionally organised public displays.
- Introduce stronger penalties for the illegal or anti-social use of fireworks.
- Consider the impact of fireworks on people, pets, livestock, wildlife, public safety and the environment.
People should be able to enjoy fireworks by choice — not be forced to endure them outside their homes.
It is time to put safety, wellbeing, animal welfare and our environment ahead of unrestricted private fireworks use.
195
The Issue
We are calling for the public sale and private use of fireworks to be banned, with fireworks restricted to properly organised, licensed and professionally managed public displays.
Fireworks are no longer simply a form of celebration. Their misuse is increasingly contributing to anti-social behaviour, intimidation, noise disturbance and fear, with fireworks being set off in streets, parks and residential areas, often at unpredictable times.
The impact on people can be significant. Loud, unexpected explosions can cause distress, anxiety and sleep disruption, particularly for children, older people and those who are vulnerable to sudden noise.
Animals suffer too. Pets, livestock and wildlife can experience extreme fear and panic, sometimes resulting in injury or even death. Unlike humans, animals cannot understand why explosions are happening or when they will stop.
There is also a serious environmental and fire risk. Fireworks can ignite dry grassland, woodland and crops, particularly during periods of hot, dry weather, potentially causing devastating wildfires. They also leave behind chemical residues, plastic and other litter.
Other jurisdictions have already shown that fireworks do not need to be freely available to the public. For example, some municipalities in Alberta, Canada, restrict fireworks to trained professionals or require permits, demonstrating that communities can still enjoy spectacular displays while keeping their use under proper control.
We are not calling for the end of fireworks displays. We are calling for an end to uncontrolled private use.
Fireworks should be professionally managed, held at designated locations and advertised in advance, allowing communities, emergency services and animal owners to prepare.
We are asking the Government to:
- Ban the public sale and private use of fireworks.
- Allow fireworks only as licensed, professionally organised public displays.
- Introduce stronger penalties for the illegal or anti-social use of fireworks.
- Consider the impact of fireworks on people, pets, livestock, wildlife, public safety and the environment.
People should be able to enjoy fireworks by choice — not be forced to endure them outside their homes.
It is time to put safety, wellbeing, animal welfare and our environment ahead of unrestricted private fireworks use.
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Petition created on 7 August 2026