$1.2 Billion Safety Pledge Extends Weapon Search Laws
Queensland Police have been granted the authority to search individuals for weapons in safe night precincts and public transport hubs.
The weapon search trial, which gained national attention following knife attacks in Sydney, is now being expanded to include shops and pubs.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles announced on April 30 that police “wanding” powers in the state would be extended as part of a new $1.28 billion community safety plan ahead of the upcoming state election in October.
The extension of “Jack’s Law,” which allows police to search individuals for weapons in designated areas, has garnered interest from other states after its successful implementation in Queensland.
Under the proposed new laws, police will be able to use handheld metal detector “wands” to search individuals at shopping centers, licensed premises, and sporting and entertainment venues.
Related Stories
Over 51,000 Queenslanders have already been scanned and over 500 weapons seized as a result of this initiative.
The success of the wanding trial has led to its extension in Queensland until 2026, sparking interest from other states like NSW and Western Australia.
Mr. Miles introduced his community safety plan in parliament on April 30 amidst a victims of crime rally taking place outside.
The premier later addressed the concerns of the rally participants after approximately 100 people marched on parliament.
Mr. Miles outlined that the safety plan aims to support victims, strengthen enforcement efforts, detain offenders, and provide early intervention.
The family of Vyleen White, a grandmother who tragically lost her life in a stabbing incident outside a Brisbane shopping center in February, were also present at the rally.
Advocates at the rally called for a reevaluation of the Youth Justice Act to prioritize the rights of victims over recurring young offenders.
After this public demonstration, Mr. Miles met privately with crime victims for about half an hour, discussing the proposed safety plan.
In addition to the wanding initiative, the safety plan includes an expansion of electronic GPS monitoring for young offenders, provisions to address deliberate ramming of emergency vehicles as a separate offense, and enhancements to access to Children’s Court matters for victims, families, and the media.
Mr. Miles emphasized that this is a comprehensive plan based on concrete actions, not just empty promises.
