The Northern Territory Government will proceed this week with a controversial plan to allow members of the public to carry Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray, despite strong criticism from experts and community members who argue it will cause more harm without improving safety.

From September 1, eligible Territorians will be able to purchase OC spray from approved gun stores across the NT. Western Australia is the only other jurisdiction where it is legal for the public to carry the spray, which is sold at a lower strength than that used by police.

The move has been met with widespread opposition, including by readers of the NT News who responded angrily to the introduction of "another weapon" onto the market.

In response, the NT government has launched a two-week PR campaign to promote the trial. Chief Minister and Police Minister Lia Finocchiaro defended the decision, saying community safety was her government's top priority.

"We are delivering a strong, practical plan to reduce crime, hold offenders to account, and put victims first," she said.

"The OC spray trial empowers Territorians to protect themselves, while our Reducing Crime Strategy tackles the root causes of crime."

Opposition Leader Selena Uibo described the move as an "admission of failure by government".

"In less than a year, crime has hit its highest levels yet; and now the Government is telling Territorians to defend themselves because it can't do the job," she said, as reported by the NT News.

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The Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) has been one of the strongest critics.

When the trial was announced in June, AMSANT chief executive Dr John Paterson called it a "misguided policy" and the latest example of poor lawmaking from the CLP.

"This decision will cause harm, deepen community distrust, and exacerbate already dangerous racial divisions. It offers no positive outcomes and will instead trigger a range of unintended consequences," Dr Paterson said.

"Expanding access to OC spray will only lead to more violence, more people being criminalised, and more pressure on a justice system that's already stretched beyond breaking point. This is a pressure fuse."

He argued the trial was especially reckless given the NT's housing, homelessness and incarceration crises; all of which disproportionately affect First Nations people.

"The Territory has nearly 6,000 people on the public housing waitlist. One in five Aboriginal people here are experiencing homelessness. We have 13 times the national rate of people sleeping rough," Mr Paterson said.

"This crisis is driven by overcrowded housing, family and domestic violence, incarceration, and chronic underinvestment in social services. The same government that is pushing more people onto the street is now arming the public with a harmful weapon. It defies all logic.

"If the government is serious about creating a safer Territory, it must flip the script. That means stop fuelling fear and division, and start funding the services that build hope, safety and resilience."

The NT has the second-highest incarceration rate in the world, behind only El Salvador, with more than one per cent of the population behind bars. Aboriginal people make up almost 90 per cent of those in custody.

Despite this, Ms Finocchiaro said her government was equipping both police and the public to deal with crime.

"This is about making sure Territorians feel safe in their homes and in their neighbourhoods," she said.

Her government has also announced a OC Spray Trial Community Reference Group (CRG), featuring community members and stakeholders. Chair Greg Ireland said the group will aim to ensure Territorians can raise concerns.

"The Community Reference Group gives people a voice about the introduction of OC spray and how the trial is run. It's important we listen to the community, raise any concerns early, and help make sure the trial is safe and fair for everyone," he said.