By Guy Hazlewood
Forest Lake is set to benefit from new legislation passed by the Queensland Parliament, which expands Jack’s Law to include a broader range of public spaces.
Jacks Law will expand to shopping centres and entertainment venues. Source: QPS
Police will now be able to conduct wanding operations in locations such as shopping centres, entertainment venues, and licensed premises in Forest Lake.
Since its introduction in April 2023, Jack’s Law has led to over 5000 wanding operations across Queensland, resulting in the confiscation of more than 500 weapons.
The expansion of the law is aimed at preventing knife-related crime by allowing police to conduct random searches in high-traffic public spaces.
Premier Steven Miles spoke about the importance of extending Jack’s Law.
“Expanding Jack’s Law to areas like Forest Lake will help reduce the risk of knife crime,” he said.
“We’ve seen its effectiveness, and expanding its application is a logical step to further enhance community safety.”
Minister for Police and Community Safety Mark Ryan emphasised how the new legislation will assist in law enforcement efforts.
“This expansion is designed to help police respond more effectively to community concerns about knife crime,” Mark said.
“It ensures that police have the resources they need to keep public spaces safe in Forest Lake and beyond.”
Brett Beasley, whose son Jack was the inspiration for the law, welcomed the amendments.
“Jack’s Law saves lives,” he said.
“The expansion is crucial in continuing to keep our streets safe from dangerous weapons.”
Jack’s Law refers to the legislative reform introduced in response to the tragic death of Jack Beasley, a 17-year-old boy who was fatally stabbed on the Gold Coast in December 2019.
The law aims to address and prevent youth knife crime by giving police greater powers to conduct stop-and-search operations in certain areas, such as Safe Night Precincts and public transport stations.
