To the Editor,

As New South Wale’s new nitrous oxide or ‘nang’ laws start on November 5, and the Australian Capital Territory tightens sales to young people, Northern Territory readers should be asking one question: will the NT follow?

At 19, nitrous oxide put me into psychosis. I got through it. Since then I’ve been campaigning so other young people don’t go down the same path. I founded No2Nangs, ran about 300km from Sydney to Parliament House in Canberra to push for change, and stood beside the NSW health minister when those reforms were announced.

Nangs are still too easy to buy in bulk, too easy to get delivered, and too easy for kids to access in parts of the country that haven’t caught up. NSW is putting retail controls in place. The ACT is moving on underage sales. Those steps are practical and overdue.

The NT does not have to wait for another young person to learn this the hard way. Matching the stronger retail rules already landing on the east coast would send a clear signal that Territory kids matter just as much.

I am writing as founder of No2Nangs. Submission does not replace a proper look at Territory law, but public debate needs Territory voices in it now, while other states are moving.

Sam Bramman, Kellyville, NSW.

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