A parliamentary law to allow police to “wand” people they suspect might be carrying knives on public transport will be extended to Logan.
The law is being supported by the government and if passed, the Bill, known as Jack’s Law and named after Jack Beasley – who was tragically fatally stabbed in 2019, will see the Queensland Police Service’s trial of “wanding” powers extended for two years.
It will be allowed in all public transport modes and associated public transport infrastructure.
Support for the new law came following recommendations handed down last week by a public hearing about community safety.
Minister Mark Furner said the government was always looking at ways to improve community safety, and Jacks’ Law would not only give people using rail networks peace of mind, but would also reduce knife crime and save lives.
“We will always work with the QPS and other agencies and organisations, including the Beasley Foundation, to keep crime off our streets.”
Queensland Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler supported Jack’s Law, and said the trial sends a clear message to those choosing to carry weapons in public places.
“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,” Deputy Commissioner Wheeler said.
“Throughout the trial we have seen hundreds of dangerous weapons being detected and taken off our streets.
“There is absolutely no reason why a law-abiding citizen needs to arm themselves with knives, knuckle dusters or screw drivers as we have seen on the Gold Coast.
“Police conducting wanding in certain areas sends a very clear message to anyone contemplating taking a weapon into a public place that it is an offence and you will likely be caught.”
Founders of the Beasley Foundation, Brett and Belinda Beasley, have dedicated their lives since Jack’s death to educate young people about the dangers of knife crime.
“Jack’s Law is about child safety and it’s about keeping all our kids, and the wider community safe,” Mr Beasley said.
“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.”
The committee is due to table its report in the Legislative Assembly on the 17th of February, 2023
