Laraine Ludwig, mother of fatal stab victim Reid Ludwig, renews calls for tighter weapon laws in Tasmania

‘How many more people need to get hurt before the government acts?’ asks mother of fatal knife attack victim Reid Ludwig. What Laraine Ludwig wants to happen >>

Fatally stabbed man Reid Ludwig.

The mother of a man fatally stabbed at Blackmans Bay in 2019 has renewed calls for tougher Tasmanian weapon laws after a man was assaulted in a Launceston attack on Monday.

Laraine Ludwig, who’s son Reid Ludwig, 41, died after being stabbed at a Blackmans Bay service station in 2019, said it was time for the government to act.

“How many more people need to get hurt before the government acts and follows other states in introducing tougher knife laws including giving police the power to conduct non-invasive searches with metal-detecting wands?” Ms Ludwig said.

Reid Ludwig. Picture: LinkedIn

Ms Ludwig says that while the government has released a draft Bill related to knife crime and hooning, it doesn’t go far enough.

“Other states either have acted or are acting. This includes giving police the power to conduct non-invasive scans to detect knives and other weapons, yet for some reason the Tasmanian government is reluctant to take this vital step towards community safety.

“In Queensland, police seized over 500 knives in one year when they were given the right powers and the right tools, like non-invasive handheld scanners. Western Australia and New South Wales are also in the process of introducing similar laws to Queensland’s. We need to do the same here in Tasmania where knife crime is a significant issue.”

Founders of the Jack Beasley foundation Brett Beasley and Belinda Beasley meet Laraine Ludwig (centre) at Parliament House in Hobart in August. Picture: Linda Higginson

Mrs Ludwig joined founders of the Jack Beasley foundation, Brett Beasley and Belinda Beasley, in August to call on tighter knife laws.

The Beasley’s son Jack was killed in a knife attack on the Gold Coast in 2019 and they successfully campaigned to introduce Jack’s Law in Queensland.

Jack’s Law gives police powers to stop anyone at random and use a portable scanner or wand to detect knives and other concealed weapons without a warrant.

“If police had the right powers and the right tools, attacks … could hopefully be prevented,” Mrs Ludwig said.

“It’s time the government gets tough on knife crime and implements laws similar to Queensland’s.”

Mrs Ludwigs call follows the latest crime data which shows a 29 per cent increase in armed robberies across the state in the past year, with 50 per cent committed using a knife.

Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey also called for tighter knife laws, saying robberies were becoming a regular sight in her municipality.

Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Felix Ellis said he was well aware of the community’s concerns.

“Strong action is being taken with our amendments to the Police Offences Act 1935, which will allow us to throw the book at those who carry weapons in public and trespass with a firearm,” Mr Ellis said.

“The amendments will also greatly improve the ability for police to search a person for a knife or weapon and provide police.”