Hundreds ride for Jack after knife-scanning laws become permanent

More than 1200 weapons have been seized since Jack Beasley’s death in 2019, but his father believes the new permanent laws are just the beginning.

Hundreds turned out in Helensvale on Sunday morning for the sixth annual Ride For Jack, honouring Gold Coast teen Jack Beasley who was fatally stabbed in Surfers Paradise in 2019.

The motorcycle ride from Dalley Park Drive to Nerang Murwillumbah Road raised funds for The Jack Beasley Foundation – run by Jack’s parents Brett and Belinda – which delivers knife crime education in schools across the state and advocates for stronger laws.

Brett and Belinda Beasley at the sixth annual Ride For Jack, honouring their son Jack Beasley. Picture: Bianca Stone

It comes a week after Jack’s Law was expanded and made permanent across Queensland, giving police power to scan anyone in public with metal detectors without reasonable suspicion.

Jack Beasley was 17 when he was stabbed to death in a brawl between two groups at Surfers Paradise. Picture: Supplied.

The amendment extends the powers beyond October 2026, when they were set to expire, and allows police to use scanners statewide rather than just in Safe Night Precincts.

Mr Beasley said it was “an emotional day” and the event seemed to get “bigger and better every year”.

Hundreds turned out in Helensvale on Sunday morning for the sixth annual Ride For Jack, honouring Gold Coast teen Jack Beasley. Picture: Bianca Stone

Hundreds turned out in Helensvale on Sunday morning for the sixth annual Ride For Jack, honouring Gold Coast teen Jack Beasley. Picture: Bianca Stone

He said since Jack’s Law had come into place, there had “been heaps of noise off the streets,” with more than 1200 weapons sized by police.

But he said there was still “room for improvement”.

“I’d like to see Jack’s Law anywhere, anytime – every single officer in the country have a wand on them, but that’s not the case just yet,” Mr Beasley said.

Minister for Youth Sam O’Connor said: “I just can’t believe this is our sixth ride. It’s an amazing turnout.”

Cr Naomi Fowler, Brett Beasley, Belinda Beasley, Sam O’Connor MP, Cr Joe Wilkinson. Picture: Bianca Stone

“It really shows the power of the Gold Coast community – it’s a really positive thing out of what was a tragedy.”

Originally published as Hundreds ride for Jack after knife-scanning laws become permanent