- New laws passed by the Queensland Parliament significantly expand the scope of Jack’s Law
- Police wanding operations to be expanded to a broader range of public places including shopping and retail centres, sporting, entertainment and licensed premises
- More than 500 weapons have been seized as a result of over 5000 authorised wanding operations since April 2023
The Queensland Parliament has passed new laws that significantly expand the scope and application of Jack’s Law.
This means police wanding operations to detect knives and other dangerous items will now be authorised in a broader range of public places.
This includes shopping and retail centres, sporting, entertainment and licensed premises and Queensland Rail trainlines, including Gold Coast Rail.
Previously, wanding operations were authorised in Safe Night Precincts and at public transport hubs.
The expanded application of Jack’s Law will further enhance community safety by reducing the risk of knife related crime.
The expansion of Jack’s Law is designed to capture public places characterised by high pedestrian density.
Since April 2023, more than 500 weapons have been seized as a result of over 5000 authorised wanding operations.
The legislative amendments send a clear message to potential offenders that the community condemns knife related crime and is focused on the apprehension of offenders.
As stated by Premier Steven Miles:
“Since becoming Premier I’ve been very clear that community safety is a key priority.
“We know Jack’s Law has been effective and it makes sense to me that we expand its scope to more public places to further enhance community safety by reducing the risk of knife crime.
“I want to thank Brett and Belinda for their ongoing advocacy, not just here in Queensland, but right across Australia.”
As stated by Minister for Police and Community Safety, Mark Ryan:
“The laws passed by the Queensland Parliament today in relation to police wanding operations are eminently sensible and will further enhance police efforts to keep the community safe.
“Once again I want to thank Brett and Belinda Beasley for their dedicated advocacy for measures that benefit their fellow Queenslanders.
“The legacy of Brett and Belinda’s son Jack continues to grow.
“We have now expanded the scope of Jack’s Law in Queensland, but also other jurisdictions are now looking to follow Queensland’s nation leading laws when it comes to fighting knife crime.
“There is no reason for people to carry knives or other dangerous items in public and now police have enhanced capabilities to further reduce the risk of knife related crimes in public places across Queensland.”
As stated by Brett Beasley:
“I want to thank Minister Mark Ryan for his consistent support of the efforts of Belinda and myself to protect the community.
“The expansion of Jack’s Law is a no-brainer.
“Jack’s Law works.
“Jack’s Law saves lives.
“The expansion of Jack’s Law is another step towards getting dangerous weapons off our streets.”
