Share this @internewscast.com
Queensland has permanently instituted significant police search powers enabling the scanning of public individuals for weapons.
The state’s Liberal National government officially enacted changes on Wednesday night to make ‘Jack’s Law’ permanent, fulfilling an election commitment.
This policy permits police to randomly conduct searches using hand-held metal detectors — a practice known as wanding — without requiring a warrant, and was originally slated to remain a trial until 2026.

It was established following the tragic stabbing of NSW teenager Jack Beasley on the Gold Coast in 2019, which garnered national concern.

A man wearing a checked shirt, standing next to a woman wearing an orange blouse.

Brett and Belinda Beasley said their son’s legacy would “help save lives and spare other families” from their pain. Source: AAP / Darren England

A version of the trial started in 2021, when police were given the power to scan people without a warrant at two precincts on the Gold Coast. The trial was later expanded to include several other public places.

Jack’s parents, Brett and Belinda Beasley, have campaigned tirelessly nationwide to expand the laws.

“Knowing that his legacy is helping save lives and spare other families from that pain gives us strength,” Brett Beasley said.

What do the expanded laws mean?

The new legislation removes the ‘sunset clause’ that would have meant the laws expired in October 2026, instead making them permanent.

During its trial phase, police utilized handheld metal detectors to seize hidden weapons in “relevant places,” such as shopping centers, retail areas, sports and entertainment venues, licensed venues, and railways.

David Crisafulli staring to his right.

The expansion of the laws was one of Queensland Premier David Crisafulli’s election promises. Source: AAP / Jono Searle

That authority has expanded under the new laws, permitting police to search for weapons in any public area.

What were the results of the trial?

Police have conducted more than 116,000 weapon scans in the past two years, resulting in the arrest of more than 3,000 people on approximately 5,500 charges.
The laws have resulted in 1,126 deadly weapons removed from the state’s streets.

“Jack’s Law serves as an effective deterrent, with over 3,000 arrests proving its crucial role in contemporary policing,” stated Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie.

Are there any concerns about the laws?

A Griffith University review of the initial phase of the trial released in August 2022 found that while wanding had contributed to increased detection in one of the precincts, it suggested the practice only be targeted at areas where data shows a proportionately higher prevalence of knife offences.

It also said wanding had been used inconsistently across some groups in the community.

“There is some evidence of inappropriate use of stereotypes and cultural assumptions by a small number of officers in determining who to select for wanding,” it said.

Do other states and territories have similar laws?

Tasmania passed laws allowing wanding last month, while Victoria recently banned machetes and expanded police search powers.

Queensland’s state opposition had proposed the laws be expanded to ban the sale of machetes unless a person has a permit, following in Victoria’s footsteps, however, that was shut down by the state government.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Nationals Leader David Littleproud claims Agriculture Minister Julie Collins ignored advice from the Inspector-General of Biosecurity when she lifted a ban on beef imports from the United States.

Nationals Claim Government Didn’t Seek Scientific Advisory Group’s Advice on US Beef Import Ban

The Nationals have accused Agriculture Minister Julie Collins of bypassing the Scientific…
Wayne and Carol cruise ship immigration story

Perth Couple’s Dream Vacation Derailed by US Immigration Issue

Exclusive: An Australian couple had to cancel a costly cruise and now…
"Worst of the worst" couple jailed after planning sex attacks on children

“Couple Imprisoned for Plotting Horrific Crimes Against Children”

A Welsh couple, who referred to themselves as ‘Bonnie and Clyde’, have…

More Than $93 Million: The Reason Banks Are Reimbursing Low-Income Customers

Banks that imposed hefty fees on low-income Australians have agreed to repay…

Trump Claims Severe Hunger Exists in Gaza, Opposing Netanyahu’s Statements

US President Donald Trump has commented on the severe hunger situation in…

Wiebes Triumphs in Tumultuous Sprint at Tour de France Femmes

Lorena Wiebes has prevailed in a chaotic sprint to claim victory in…
US mother and 8-month-old daughter remain missing after 10 days

U.S. Mother and Her 8-Month-Old Baby Still Missing After 10 Days

Authorities and concerned relatives in California are actively searching for a mother…
Stargazers have the chance to see a spectacular meteor show this week.

Guide to Viewing the Southern Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower This Week

Stargazers have the chance to see a spectacular meteor show this week.…
Huge hailstone fell in Stanthorpe, Queensland on Tuesday.

Urgent Alert: Massive Storm Set to Impact Millions in Australia

Millions of Australians in the country’s largest cities could be facing a…
A 59-year-old man in police custody after being arrested for allegedly assaulting a crew member before a flight from Perth to Brisbane took off.

Man Accused of In-Flight Assault Following ‘Restroom Dispute’

A Queensland man has been charged after allegedly assaulting a crew member…
Fury over plans for longer public lockout for Albert Park before F1

Outrage Sparks Over Extended Public Access Restrictions at Albert Park Ahead of F1

Melbourne community sporting groups have slammed new plans to lock them out…
An Aussie with a TAFE IT Advanced Diploma shared the horror of seeing more than 900 people applying for just one entry level role on the job website SEEK

Small Job Ad Detail Reveals Major Issue in Pursuing Entry-Level Positions: ‘I Was Caught in This Pitfall’

Young Australians have expressed their frustration about competing with hundreds of other…