More Than a Dozen Weapons Seized as Jack’s Law Targets Crime in Mackay

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton in a stand-up interview. Footage supplied

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More than a dozen weapons have been taken off Mackay streets under Jack’s Law, as police ramp up efforts to curb knife crime and improve community safety across the region.

In the Mackay Whitsunday District, officers have conducted 5,299 wanding scans, resulting in the seizure of 13 weapons. Statewide, more than 1,032 weapons have been removed in less than 12 months, with over 127,000 scans carried out.

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Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the figures highlighted the importance of giving police the powers they need.

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“Every weapon taken off our streets is a potential tragedy prevented,” Mr Dalton said.

“People across Mackay deserve to feel safe when they go out with their families, visit local events, or head into the CBD, and these laws are helping make that happen.

“Jack’s Law is giving police the tools they need to stop dangerous weapons before they can be used to harm someone.

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“The Crisafulli Government is backing our frontline police with stronger laws and more resources because community safety must always come first.

“Labor planned to let Jack’s Law lapse, but this Government made the laws permanent and expanded them statewide because Queenslanders told us they wanted stronger action on crime.”

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Jack’s Law was introduced following the death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley, who was fatally stabbed during a night out with friends at Surfers Paradise in 2019. The legislation allows police to use handheld metal detectors to scan individuals in public places without a warrant.

Initially trialled in 2021, the laws were expanded in 2023 and made permanent in 2025, giving police the authority to conduct scans in a wide range of locations including entertainment precincts, shopping centres, transport hubs and major events.

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Police say the scans are quick, non-invasive and designed to deter people from carrying weapons in public. Individuals found with a weapon without a reasonable excuse may face fines or imprisonment.

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Since the 2024 election, the Queensland Government has also increased frontline policing resources, with more than 1,600 new officers sworn in statewide and the Queensland Police Service growing beyond 13,000 personnel for the first time.

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The Government has also committed $1 million to the Jack Beasley Foundation’s ‘One Moment’ program, which aims to educate young people about the consequences of knife crime.

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Authorities say the combined approach of enforcement, education and increased police presence is helping to create safer public spaces across Mackay and beyond.

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