Jacks Law Sees Frontline Police Ramp Up Scans Across Mackay

Police in Mackay have scanned almost 4,200 people and removed 10 weapons from the streets in the first six months since Jack’s Law was expanded and made permanent across Queensland.
New figures released this week show the strengthened laws are being widely used by frontline officers, with a significant rise in weapon detection and arrests compared with the previous year.

Since the Crisafulli Government introduced permanent, state-wide wanding powers, police in the Mackay-Whitsunday District have scanned 4,194 people, made 21 arrests and laid 43 charges.

During the same six-month period a year earlier, when the laws were temporary and restricted, police scanned just 1,343 people and seized four weapons.

The latest data represents an additional 2,851 scans and six more weapons taken off the streets, reflecting increased confidence by police to use the powers in a wider range of locations.

Under the expanded legislation, officers can now use hand-held metal detectors in all public places across Mackay, rather than being limited to a prescribed list of locations. The change has given police greater ability to detect knives and intervene before violence occurs.

Jack’s Law was introduced following the tragic death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley, who was fatally stabbed at Surfers Paradise in 2019. His parents Brett and Belinda Beasley have since campaigned tirelessly to prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the local results showed the reforms were making a real difference.

“In just six months, police in Mackay have scanned 4,194 people and taken 10 weapons off our streets – that’s real prevention, not rhetoric,” Minister Purdie said.

“We made it permanent and gave police the powers they’ve been asking for, and now, other jurisdictions are following us.

“Every weapon seized is a potential life saved, and that’s how we honour Jack Beasley’s legacy.”

Mr Beasley said the figures reinforced the importance of the laws.

“Every knife removed from the street is a potential tragedy prevented,” he said.

“We’ll never know whose life was protected, but we do know these laws are stopping violence before it happens.”

Mrs Beasley said the law continued to stand as a powerful legacy for their son.

“Jack’s Law is about protecting young people and giving families peace of mind,” she said.

“We’re grateful to police who use these powers every day, and to the Crisafulli Government for listening, acting and making this law permanent.”

Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski praised the efforts of frontline officers.

“Every knife taken off the street makes our community safer, and these results reflect the tireless work of our police,” Commissioner Gollschewski said.

“Having expanded powers has enhanced our frontline police’s ability to better prevent, detect and disrupt crime, and keep Queensland safe.”

Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said the strengthened laws were having a positive impact across the state.

“These laws are having positive impacts across the state, keeping people who are going out for a fun evening safe,” Mr Kelly said.

“When going out to nightclubs there should be no need to be carrying weapons if you’re doing the right thing.

“Making Jack’s Law permanent was part of the Crisafulli Government’s platform to keep Queenslanders safe and it’s achieving that.”

The Crisafulli Government has also committed $1 million to secure the future of the Jack Beasley Foundation’s ‘One Moment’ program, ensuring Jack’s story continues to be shared with students across Queensland.

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Photo source: Queensland Police Service

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