Police have seized multiple weapons after scanning thousands of people on the Sunshine Coast in the first year since Jack’s Law was made permanent across Queensland.
Thirty-three weapons have been removed from local streets and 7816 people have been scanned since expanded police wanding powers came into effect in July, 2025.
Police data also showed Jack’s Law had a significant statewide impact.
More than 1300 weapons were seized, more than 2650 people were charged with almost 5200 offences, after more than 173,000 people were scanned.
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.
His parents, Brett and Belinda Beasley, turned grief into advocacy, campaigning to prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak.
The one-year milestone coincided with the seventh annual Ride for Jack on the Gold Coast, where hundreds of riders gathered to honour Jack’s memory and celebrate the legacy that continues to save lives across Queensland.
It also follows the state 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.
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Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the milestone demonstrated the life-saving impact of Jack’s Law.
“One year on, Jack’s Law is saving lives across Queensland,” Minister Purdie said.
“Every weapon seized is a potential tragedy prevented … we’re backing police with stronger laws to stop violence before it happens.”
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,” he 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,” she said.
“The Ride for Jack is a chance to remember Jack, but it’s also a reminder of how many people have stood beside us in calling for change.”
Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said police continued to take proactive measures to remove knives from 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,” he 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.”
