Legally, Australians have a right to self-defence.

What we don't have is the practical ability to exercise that right. Owning any object for the purpose of self-defence, lethal or non-lethal, is a criminal offence. Those trapped within the Lindt cafe were left helpless, as carrying items for self-defence is not allowed under State law. What's worse, the offender possibly knew it.

Martin Place siege: Could it have been averted if the customers had been armed?

Prohibited self-defence items include pepper sprays, mace, clubs and personal Tasers. In some states, carrying a pocket-knife is illegal and even wearing a bullet-proof vest is banned.

Those agile enough to retreat from an assailant can do so, and it is lawful to use items at hand such as screwdrivers, kitchen knives and beer glasses. But for those who are unable to flee, insufficiently strong, or with no improvised weapon, there is no option but to rely on the police.