How Jack Beasley’s shocking death is now saving young people lives
Young Jack Beasley’s family is about to see the first of his great legacies, with the introduction of Jack’s Law which help police apprehend youths carrying knives. But the next step in this campaign is even more important.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE Beasley family will see the first great legacy of their son’s tragic death.
‘Jack’s Law’ will soon help police apprehend youths carrying knives. But the next step in this campaign is even more important. The 17-year-old Pacific Pines State School student was in Surfers Paradise, during holidays in December 2019 with mates. Five youths headed down from Logan on the train and tram.
There was a fight, one had a knife and Jack was stabbed in the chest.
His parents, Brett and Belinda, within weeks held a meeting at Brett’s local, the Arundel Tavern. Bonney MP Sam O’Connor joined them on the Jack Beasley Foundation.
Police were supportive and in the safe night precincts of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach a wanding trial was launched.
Officers have since taken 242 weapons off the street and 656 people were charged with 988 offences.
What have been learned from all of this?
A parliamentary committee will report back on February 21. The planned laws will be tidied up, prepared for the first sitting of Parliament which starts a week later.
A few minor civil liberties issues need to be sorted. Police will get stronger powers, and must resist crime profiling and picking on all kids in hoodies, targeting drugs rather than weapons.
Mr O’Connor told your columnist: “The key thing is resourcing. It’s a big step up for police, from two precincts to 15 across the state.”
This means transport hubs like Helensvale station, where Jack’s killer could have been intercepted, will not just be safer – it increases the public perception of safety.
This is so important because the next step is education.
Belinda Beasley returned to her son’s old school, told students the impact of Jack’s death.
“We are hoping to get into more schools. Brenda with a police officer,” Mr O’Connor says.
What are the kids telling the Foundation?
“All the kids think they need to take it (the knives) for protection. We are saying “don’t think about it’. It becomes a self-perpetuating cycle,” Mr O’Connor says.
Everyone and not just students need to read Mrs Beasley’s victim impact statement.
“You didn’t just kill Jack that day you killed our entire family and we are all just surviving,” she wrote.
“You will get to live your life and will get to – turn 18, 21 and all those milestone birthdays. Get married, have kids. Go on holidays with family and friends. And so much more … You have robbed Jack and us of any of this and destroyed our family.
“Your actions on that night, being a juvenile is no excuse. Everyone knows right from wrong. Your choices that night took my beautiful boy’s life and that is unforgivable.
“I hope you are reminded constantly of the complete devastation you have caused our family, Jack’s friends and of the innocent life you took or had a part in taking.”
What cannot be taken is Jack Beasley’s legacy, which continues to build. The Beasley family is fighting the good fight.
For those of us with teenagers boarding Helensvale station, we are grateful. Thank you.
Navy veteran’s flogging of his neighbour caught on CCTV
A Gold Coast veteran and small businessman has pleaded guilty to assault and wilful damage after attacking two men on Remembrance Day over an apparently insignificant dispute. See the shocking CCTV.
Hit boy’s dad asks why alleged ‘dangerous’ driver only fined
Police are being asked to explain why an alleged ‘dangerous’ driver who hit a young boy on his ebike on the Gold Coast has only been issued a fine. Read what the boy’s dad has to say.