Jack’s Law closer as disturbing weapon finds revealed

Knife detection laws inspired by the stabbing murder of a Gold Coast teenager are one step closer, as new knife crime data reveals the extent of violent weapon use.

Knife detection laws inspired by the stabbing murder of a Gold Coast teenager are one step closer to being legislated after a successful trial of new police powers in the state’s biggest party precinct.

Nearly 650 people have been charged on the Gold Coast since May 2021 as part of a trial of electronic detection “wands” used to seize concealed knives and weapons.

The alarming list of 241 weapons detected includes knives, knuckledusters, a screw driver, a machete and an axe.

The amendment to the police powers and responsibilities bill, known as Jack’s Law, was inspired by the horrific stabbing death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley on the Gold Coast in 2019.

“Jack’s Law is about child safety and it’s about keeping all our kids, and the wider community, safe,” Brett Beasley said, who created the Beasley Foundation alongside wife Belinda.

Brett and Belinda Beasley have campaigned tirelessly to advocate for Jack’s Law. Picture: Jerad Williams

“I think every single Queensland parent should be right beside us in doing this. At the end of the day, we just want to keep our kids safe.

“I’m hoping Jack’s Law will clean up these knives and stop these kids carrying weapons.

“It’s important we’re at this stage, but the trial needs to be extended.”

A public Parliamentary Committee hearing into the legislation will be held on Monday. Following the meeting a report will be tabled to parliament on February 17.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler has endorsed the success of the wand trial.

“Wanding has proven to be a very effective proactive initiative for police to prevent violent crimes in Surfers Paradise and I’m very supportive of the expansion of these measures across the state,” he said.

“There is absolutely no reason why a law-abiding citizen needs to arm themselves with knives, knuckledusters or screw drivers as we have seen on the Gold Coast.”

Acting Police Minister Mark Furner said the parliamentary committee stage was a crucial step to “drill down into the details of the bill and make the recommendations needed to meet community expectations”.

“The Palaszczuk government is always looking at ways to improve community safety, and Jack’s Law will not only give Queenslanders using our rail networks and going into Safe Night Precincts peace of mind, but we firmly believe it will reduce knife crime and save lives,” he said.

“We will always work with the QPS and other agencies and organisations, including the Beasley Foundation, to keep crime off our streets.”