Queensland has truly turned the corner on public safety. The state has put in permanent powers for police to stop and search people for knives and weapons in public settings. This important legislative change is known as Jack’s Law. It’s named in memory of Jack Beasley, a young Queensland man who was stabbed to death in Surfers Paradise in 2019.
Jack was on a night out with friends when he was fatally stabbed, prompting an urgent call for action to prevent similar incidents. In response, the Queensland government passed Jack’s Law. This new legislation was initially tested through a two-year pilot in two safe night precincts on the Gold Coast in 2021. As the law’s proponents like to say, its implementation has been an unprecedented success. Yet it has since ballooned, now allowing police officers to seek approval from their superiors for statewide orders to search.
The Impact of Jack’s Law
Since it’s first trial, Jack’s Law has given police the impetus to perform over 116,000 scans. Excitingly, this unprecedented number would cover three years – April 2, 2023 to June 5, 2026. These initiative queries effectively seized approximately 1,100 weapons. This coordinated strategy has led law enforcement to charge more than 3,000 criminals with federal weapon and drug-related offenses.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman stated their discovery “is disheartening.” He explained that less than 1 percent of those scanned were ultimately caught carrying weapons, underscoring what has become an all too familiar public safety failure.
“What that highlights is the professionalism with which our frontline police operate these laws on a day-to-day basis.” – Source Unknown
Police Minister Dan Purdie said Jack’s Law was a great step forward. He feels it gives law enforcement the tools to do the basic things that keep cities safe. He said that he has faith in the judgment of law enforcement to use these laws responsibly and for the good of the community.
“We trust police with these tougher laws because we are concerned about driving down victim numbers.” – Dan Purdie
A Father’s Tribute
Jack Beasley’s father, Brett Beasley, has been the most passionate advocate for Jack’s Law. He claimed it to be “one of the most powerful” pieces of legislation ever introduced in Queensland. He said he was intensely proud of the efforts made to memorialize these measures in order to honor his son. Brett said that he knows that Jack is still watching out for them and is proud of what they are doing.
“We have Jack looking down on us every day and we know Jack would be proud of what we have done for him.” – Brett Beasley
This legislation has great emotional weight. It goes beyond protecting the safety of the public and is a way to honor the memory of a young life taken too early.
Reactions and Concerns
Though widely applauded, the legislation has drawn protest over its potential civil liberties impacts. According to the Queensland Human Rights Commission, which has raised serious concerns about the legislation, the law already places “significant restrictions on human rights. Critics contend that while the intent to reduce violence is admirable, they argue that just taking knives off the streets won’t reduce the level of violent crime overall.
Janet Ransley, a criminology academic, led the public charge against it. She underscored the importance of going further than just weapon removal.
“Simply taking knives out of the community is not translating to reduced violence.” – Janet Ransley
We heard from federal legal expert Katherine Hayes that folks frequently do not know that they have a right. She illustrated the harsh legal consequences of being found in possession of a knife.
“We find that a lot of our clients don’t know their most basic legal rights and legal obligations and so most of them wouldn’t be aware that it’s an offence just to carry a knife.” – Katherine Hayes
