Jack Beasley Foundation calls for crackdown on youth offenders on Gold Coast after more knife killings

The Jack Beasley Foundation is calling on those in power to crackdown on youth offenders and strengthen policing resources on the Gold Coast.

• How a last-minute decision turned to tragedy
• More than half of Coast’s alleged murders knife related

DEVASTATED parents of a teenager stabbed to death in Surfers Paradise are calling on those in power to crack down on youth offenders and strengthen policing resources on the Gold Coast.

Brett and Belinda Beasley lost their son Jack, 17, to a fatal stabbing in December 2019.

It is alleged a 15-year-old pulled out a hunting-style knife and stabbed Jack in the heart

They joined LNP Leader Deb Frecklington at a media conference on Saturday in support of her pledge to review and propose new laws to empower police and protect the community

The Jack Beasley Foundation support LNP Leader Deb Frecklington’s pledge to review and propose new laws to increase police power on the Gold Coast. Photo: Scott Powick News Corp

With a tear in her eye, Frecklington said she was committed to asking the Queensland Law Reform Commission to make necessary changes to the current system, if the party wins this month’s state election.

“Jack’s story has really resonated with me and I am determined to do something about knife crime,” she said.

“My daughter turns 18 today and by the grace of god I am have my teenager but the Beasley’s don’t.

“We must give our police more powers to search so we can make our streets safer once again.

“Families will grieve the death of a loved one for a lifetime because a decision was

made by someone to attack someone with a knife.”

3rd October 2020, Helensvale Hornets Ground. Beasley family, Sam O'Connor and opposition Deb Frecklington Photo: Scott Powick News Corp

If elected, the LNP want to implement strategies, similar to the United Kingdom. This includes law amendments to give police greater “stop and search powers” to detect knives in declared hotspot areas, like Surfers Paradise.

Brett and Belinda established The Jack Beasley Foundation in their son’s honour.

Brett Beasley said the not-for-profit charity was dedicated to campaign for changes to youth laws and safety.

They are also starting an education program to teach the country’s youth about the dangers, repercussions and the snowball effect of a single act of violence.

“How many stabbings and how many deaths is it going to take for something to change,” he said.

“We need to make changes to the youth justice system and we need more police resources, like wanding and screenings on public transport.

“Education is also the key. We want to keep Jack’s name alive and save lives.”

There has been an escalation in stabbing deaths on the Gold Coast over the past 12 months. Five out of the nine alleged Gold Coast murders during that time have involved knives, while each accused stabber was under the age of 21.

3rd October 2020, Helensvale Hornets Ground. Beasley family, Sam O'Connor and opposition Deb Frecklington Photo: Scott Powick News Corp

Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler said the police intelligence highlights a “cultural, generational and a mindset issue”.

“The seriousness of carrying or using a knife cannot be understated,” he said.

“The difference between no injury and a fatality is about 1mm.

“People who carry a knife cannot rely on self-defence to avoid being charged. Using a knife unlawfully means you will be charged.

“Ultimately, this is not a problem we can arrest our way out of, it’s a complex. It’s about a change in culture, parents and teachers talking to children.”

Brett, Belinda and their 22-year-old son Mitch are determined to keep Jack’s name alive and save lives. Photo: Scott Powick Newscorp

MP for Bonney Sam O’Connor said watching the Beasley’s experience unimaginable pain over the last nine months was extremely difficult, hence his commitment to change.

“I am proud to stand with them to do everything we can to make sure no one else has to experience this,” he said.

“Jack would have turned 18 this year. He’ll never have another birthday but the changes we will make in his name will mean Jack’s legacy will live longer than his tragically short life.”

Shadow Attorney-General David Janetzki said the LNP would work with the Beasley Foundation and other victims groups in drafting the terms of reference for the QLRC referral.

“The LNP’s plan to introduce mandatory detention for third convictions and bring back

breach of bail as an offence will go a long way to reducing youth crime,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mark Ryan announced today, at media conference at the Coomera Police Station, a $77M investment in police equipment for the front line was vital to tackle crime on the Gold Coast.

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