There is little Territorians hold more dearly than the right to explode fireworks on Territory Day each year. But now, cross-border tensions threaten that right with more than 100-tones of NT-bound crackers seized in NSW.
00:00On July 1st each year, the NT celebrates self-governance with a time-honoured tradition.
00:09A uniquely territorial tourism drawcard, spawning iconic headlines over the years, but not without its stanges.
00:19I've burnt my thumbs off lighting fireworks, set a hundred off men, just gotta do it.
00:24But now an interstate intervention threatens the big day.
00:28The NSW Health and Safety Watchdog intercepting more than 100 tonnes of fireworks bound for the Territory, about a quarter of the typical annual supply.
00:37Alleging they were imported illegally without the required approvals, despite long-term importers using the same method for years.
00:45I think it's just typical NSW. Not very nice of them, no.
00:50Yeah, no, I think they're just jealous because they don't get fireworks and we do.
00:53The rift sparking delicate diplomacy between the NT and NSW Heads of State.
00:59Safe Work NT is working with their interstate counterparts to give temporary approval to transit for fireworks destined for the Northern Territory.
01:07We will work with NSW to make sure the fireworks are in the Territory ready to go for 1 July.
01:14The ABC has spoken to several major importers throughout the day who were too afraid of inflaming the situation to speak on camera.
01:21They were confident the fireworks wouldn't make it to the NT in time for July.
01:25But if not, they're warning a Territory day celebrated with sparklers alone would be a fizzer.
