News
16 December, 2024
Jack’s Law to be made permanent in Queensland
Queensland's police wanding laws, known as Jack’s Law, will be made permanent as part of the state government's second tranche of the Making Queensland Safer Laws, set to be introduced in 2025.
Queensland's police wanding laws, known as Jack’s Law, will be made permanent as part of the state government's second tranche of the Making Queensland Safer Laws, set to be introduced in 2025.
The law, named in honour of teenager Jack Beasley, who was fatally stabbed on the Gold Coast in 2019, allows police to conduct warrantless metal detector searches in shopping centres, entertainment venues, safe night precincts, licensed premises, and on public transport.
Premier David Crisafulli announced the commitment at the Walk 4 Jack event on the Gold Coast, saying it was a necessary step to improve community safety.
“Before the election, my team promised Queenslanders we would make Jack’s Law permanent, and that is exactly what we are going to do,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“We must take a zero-tolerance approach to knife crime, and making Jack’s Law permanent just makes sense.”
Police Minister Dan Purdie said the decision was overdue, criticising the previous government's handling of the legislation.
“While knife crime exploded in Queensland, the previous government refused to make Jack’s Law permanent,” Mr Purdie said. “We are backing our police officers with stronger laws.”
Jack’s father, Brett Beasley, welcomed the announcement, saying the law had already led to hundreds of weapons being seized and would help save lives.
“This should have been made permanent years ago,” Mr Beasley said. “Jack’s Law is working, and there is no doubt making it permanent will prevent further tragedies.”
The second tranche of the Making Queensland Safer Laws will also include legislation to establish a public sex offender registry, known as Daniel’s Law, in honour of Daniel Morcombe.
