Jack Beasley death: New laws to expand police knife search powers

Police will have expanded powers to detect concealed knives after “Jack’s Law” entered Parliament in memory of slain Gold Coast teenager Jack Beasley.

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Laws created in honour of the tragic death of Queensland teen Jack Beasley have been introduced to Queensland’s Parliament, thanks to a tireless effort of his family highlighting the dangers of concealed weapons.

Jack was just 17 when he was stabbed on the Gold Coast in late 2019 in a random attack, with two teens later jailed over his death.

His parents Brett and Belinda Beasley created the Jack Beasley Foundation, advocating and educating on the dangers of knife crime.

In response, the government commenced a trial within the Gold Coast Safe Night precincts in May last year of enhanced search powers, with police equipped with electronic metal detection “wands” to help seize concealed knives and weapons.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Wednesday “Jack’s Law” would be introduced to expand wanding powers for police across the state.

Ms Palaszczuk said she “did not know Jack, but I have come to know his parents Brett and Belinda a little and I cannot imagine their grief”.

Brett and Belinda Beasley with a photo of son Jack

“However, they have directed their heartbreak from his tragedy into something quite selfless and admirable – helping to save the lives of others,” she said.

“Through the Jack Beasley Foundation they have tirelessly advocated for wanding powers so that others might be kept safe.

“It is a moving and noble effort in memory of a teenage boy who again, I did not know, but by all accounts was a very special person.”

As well as expanding the police efforts to Queensland’s 15 Safe Night precincts, wanding powers would also be implemented on trams, buses, trains and stations.

Over the trial 197 weapons were found by police including flick knives, replica guns, machetes, screwdrivers and knuckledusters.

“While those seizures are reassuring, it is at the same time terrifying that so many weapons are on our street,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Queenslanders have the right to feel safe in public – we are giving them that confidence.

“Jack’s Law is an important law that will save lives in memory of a life taken too soon.”

Jack Beasley