Queensland Parents Meet with NSW Police Minister to Discuss Implementing "Jack's Law" to Combat Knife Violence

Brett and Belinda Beasley, Queensland parents who tragically lost their 17-year-old son Jack in a brutal stabbing attack in 2019, met with New South Wales (NSW) Police Minister Yasmin Catley on Tuesday to discuss implementing "Jack's Law" in NSW. The law, which was passed in Queensland in March 2023, gives police greater search powers to find and confiscate dangerous weapons in designated zones.

Since the implementation of Jack's Law in Queensland, police have seized over 400 weapons. The Beasleys are now campaigning for the law to be introduced in NSW as the state confronts recent incidents of knife violence, including the Bondi massacre and an alleged terror attack.

NSW does not currently have similar powers to those granted by Jack's Law in Queensland. However, Minister Catley stated that the government is considering introducing such measures and will consult with the community and experts before making a decision. "Everything is on the table," Catley said, adding that any policy on weapon searches would be "evidence based."

The meeting between the Beasleys and Minister Catley was described as "very interesting" and "fruitful," as the parents explained the rationale and implementation of Jack's Law. The Beasleys believe that such measures could have prevented their son's death and are determined to turn their tragedy into positive change by advocating for increased public safety and preventing similar incidents.

Why this matters: The implementation of "Jack's Law" in NSW could potentially reduce knife violence and save lives. As knife crimes continue to be a growing concern in Australia, the Beasleys' advocacy for legislative changes highlights the need for proactive measures to ensure public safety.

While the NSW government is considering some form of knife reform, they have expressed concerns that the Queensland-style wanding laws could lead to racial profiling. The NSW Opposition Leader, however, has voiced support for the "Jack's Law" approach, stating that it would cut the carrying of knives and ultimately save lives. The Western Australia Police Union has also expressed interest in seeing metal detecting laws implemented in shopping centers.

Key Takeaways

• Queensland parents campaign for "Jack's Law" in NSW to curb knife violence.
• Jack's Law grants police greater search powers to confiscate dangerous weapons.
• Since implementation in Queensland, police have seized over 400 weapons.
• NSW government considers introducing similar measures, consulting community and experts.
• Debate over Jack's Law centers on preventing crime vs. potential racial profiling.