- Jack’s Law passed by State Parliament
- Wanding trial extended for two years and expanded to all safe night precincts and public transport vehicles, hubs and infrastructure
- New law named in honour of Jack Beasley and the efforts of his parents Brett and Belinda to support community safety
Jack’s Law, a nation-leading strategy to detect weapons and combat violence across Queensland, has been passed by State Parliament.
As part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to deliver better services and keep Queenslanders safe, the Queensland Police Service trial of “wanding” powers will now be extended for two years and expanded to all Safe Night Precincts, public transport modes and associated public transport infrastructure.
The Australian-first trial started on the Gold Coast in May 2021, and resulted in almost 500 offenders charged.
Quotes attributable to Brett Beasley (Jack’s father):
“We are bloody over the moon.
“Queensland will be the only state to have these powers and that’s fantastic.
“We can’t wait to see Jack’s Law go Australia- wide because that’s our plan.”
Quotes attributable to Belinda Beasley (Jack’s mother):
“We are overwhelmed and very appreciative to the government and the Queensland Police Service to get this over the line.
“Jack’s Law is going to save lives and make communities safer.”
Quotes attributable to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:
“Brett and Belinda Beasley established the Jack Beasley Foundation in honour of their son Jack and have since advocated to educate young people about the dangers of carrying knives in public places.
“I thank Belinda and Brett for their advocacy and I hope they consider that this Bill, in Jack’s name, is a fitting tribute to their son.
“Already lives have been saved in the Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach Safe Night Precincts by the trial, and more lives will be saved by the extension of the trial.”
Quotes attributable to Police Minister Mark Ryan:
“I have no doubt these powers will save lives and reduce violence on our streets.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to keeping Queenslanders safe.
“That is why we are always looking at ways to provide our police with stronger legislation, and better tools and resources to do their jobs, and better protect the community.
“I want to commend Brett and Belinda Beasley, from the Jack Beasley Foundation.
“Their dedication and fierce advocacy has played a significant role in the extension of wanding powers to assist police.
“I also acknowledge the work of the QPS and the Queensland Police Union, who worked with officers on the Gold Coast throughout the initial trial.”
Quotes attributable to Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Mark Wheeler:
“This is something the Queensland Police Service has asked the Government for, and we will work carefully with the State Government during the extension of this trial,” Deputy Commissioner Wheeler said.
“There is no need for any person to be in possession of any weapon at any time.
“Anyone who brings a weapon of any description into a public place should expect to be approached by police.
“The message is clear – do not go into public with any object that can be used as a weapon.”
Fast facts:
- The Gold Coast Safe Night Precinct trial resulted in 266 weapons being seized and almost 23,000 people wanded.
- Weapons included knives, knuckle dusters, a screw driver, and an axe.
Jack’s Law
Wanding powers will be expanded to include transport hubs and infrastructure.
And along with Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise, wanding will be extended to Safe Night Precincts in:
- Airlie Beach
- Brisbane
- Bundaberg
- Cairns
- Fortitude Valley
- Gladstone
- Inner West Brisbane
- Ipswich
- Mackay
- Rockhampton
- Sunshine Coast
- Toowoomba
- Townsville
