One year on: Jack’s Law saving lives

The Queensland Government is marking one year since Jack's Law was made permanent and expanded to give police the ability to wand for weapons in all public places across Queensland.

More than 1,300 dangerous weapons have been removed from the streets, and countless tragedies may have been prevented, in the one year since the Queensland Government made Jack's Law permanent across the State to make Queensland safer.

New Queensland Police Service data shows police have scanned 173,831 people, seized 1,311 weapons and charged 2,652 people with 5,199 offences since the landmark reforms came into effect in July 2025, helping restore safety where you live.

The milestone marks one year since the Queensland Government delivered on its commitment to strengthen and preserve Jack's Law, expanding police wanding powers across Queensland.

Jack's Law gives police the ability to use handheld metal detectors in all public places, allowing officers to detect deadly weapons before they can be used and intervene before lives are changed forever.

The laws are named in honour of 17-year-old Jack Beasley, who was fatally stabbed during a night out with friends at Surfers Paradise in 2019.

Following Jack's death, his parents Brett and Belinda Beasley turned unimaginable grief into tireless advocacy, campaigning to prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak.

It follows the Queensland Government’s $1 million investment to secure the future of the Jack Beasley Foundation’s ‘One Moment’ program, ensuring thousands of Queensland students continue to hear Jack’s story and understand the consequences of knife crime.

Brett Beasley said the anniversary showed the lasting impact of Jack's legacy.

“When we lost Jack, we made a promise that we'd do everything we could to stop other families going through what we have endured,” Mr Beasley said.

“One year on, these laws are making a real difference, taking weapons off the streets and helping prevent violence before it starts.”

Belinda Beasley said Jack's legacy continued to protect Queensland families every day.

"Nothing will ever bring Jack back, but knowing his name is attached to a law that is helping keep other young people safe means everything to us,” Mrs Beasley said.

Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said Queensland Police was continuing to take proactive measures to remove dangerous knives off the streets and improve community safety.

“By scanning for, detecting and removing dangerous weapons from public places, we are reducing the harm these weapons cause in the community, and creating safer public places for everyone,” Assistant Commissioner Wildman said.

“Sadly, we know all too well the devastating consequences knife crime and knife violence can have on individuals, families, and communities.

“Carrying a knife in a public space is a serious offence. If police detect a knife on you, you risk a large fine or potentially a term of imprisonment.

“Everyone deserves to be safe, and initiatives like Jack’s Law play a vital role in keeping our community safe and preventing violence.”

For more information on Jack’s Law visit: Jack’s Law - qld.gov.au

Last updated:

28 July 2026