The state government will extend a wanding trial to easily detect weapons and combat violence in all party precincts across Queensland.
It follows a successful 12-month trial on the Gold Coast, which resulted in almost 500 offenders being charged and 197 weapons being seized.
The trial will be extended for another two years and will also be expanded to public transport, including trams, trains and stations.
The wanding trial was launched on the Gold Coast back in May 2021, following the stabbing death of local teen Jack Beasley.
The 17-year-old was killed during a night out in Surfers Paradise in 2019.
Police Minister Mark Ryan has welcomed the extension of the trial.
“I fundamentally believe that these powers will save lives and reduce violence on our streets,” Minister Ryan says.
“The Palaszczuk Government is always looking at ways to provide our police with stronger legislation, and better tools and resources to do their jobs, and better protect the community,
“The Government will continue to work hand in hand with the QPS to keep crime off our streets.”
Jack’s parents, Brett and Belinda Beasley, have advocated for the trial.
Brett says they’re humbled by the announcement.
“This is a fantastic result in moving forward with this knife crime violence that we’re all too aware of,”
“These little wands, they save lives and they’re working and they’re going to continue to work,
“Belinda and I, this is what we’re here to do – we’ve got to save lives.”
IMAGE: Brett and Belinda Beasley
The legislation required for the trial will be known as Jack’s Law.
Weapons seized during the Gold Coast trial included knives, knuckle dusters, a screw driver, and even an axe.
Minister Ryan says there is simply no need for any person to be in possession of any weapon at any time.
“Anyone who brings a weapon of any description into a public place should expect to be approached by police,” Minister Ryan says.
“The message is clear – do not go into public with any object that can be used as a weapon.”
It is expected the extension of powers will be rolled out early next year.
Along with the Gold Coast, wanding will be extended into Safe Night Precincts in:
- Airlie Beach
- Brisbane
- Broadbeach
- Bundaberg
- Cairns
- Fortitude Valley
- Gladstone
- Inner West Brisbane
- Ipswich
- Mackay
- Rockhampton
- Sunshine Coast
- Toowoomba
- Townsville
