Written by: Braden Milburn
Jack’s Law was originally introduced as a trial in May 2021 but passed legislation in June 2025. The law was created after 17-year-old Jack Beasley lost his life in a knife attack in 2019. The law was created to expand police powers to search people for weapons using a handheld metal detector (wanding) device.
Since being introduced, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services reports that law enforcement officers have:
- conducted 116,287 scans,
- arrested 3,080 people on 5,597 charges, and
- removed 1,126 deadly weapons.
Although there have been questions around the law’s effectiveness for reducing crime, it appears likely that this legislative change is here to stay. Therefore, it is important that you fully understand your rights and how these may be affected by this change.
What You Need to Know About Jack’s Law
Image source: mypolice.qld.gov.au
Although police were previously allowed to use handheld metal detection wands to search suspicious individuals for weapons, there are a few important changes to be aware of as you plan your trip to a public space.
Police have more rights around wanding
Under Jack’s Law, police have the right to “wand” for weapons:
- without a warrant.
- if they have reasonable suspicion.
- in designated safe night out precincts, such as Fortitude Valley or Surfer’s Paradise.
- in “relevant places” (see below).
Police are allowed to wand in public areas
The Police Powers and Responsibilities (Jack’s Law) Amendment Act 2023 expanded the original trial to include public areas where individuals may be carrying a knife. These areas are considered “relevant places” and include:
- Public transport vehicles
- Public transport stations
- Licensed premises
- Retail premises
- Shopping centres
- Entertainment venues
- Sporting venues
Police no longer need to…
- provide a written note to people being scanned.
- notify management or other occupants that the scan is being performed.
- obtain authority from a senior police officer before performing the scan.
Can I Refuse the Scan?
You can refuse; however, police can still proceed with the search or ask you to leave the premise. In some cases, they might even detain you if they form a reasonable view that you’re hiding something. Ultimately, Queensland law views possession of weapons as a crime.
Maximum penalties for Weapons Offences can range between $2,356, or 3 months in prison, up to $11,780, or 2 years in prison.
It’s always better to be compliant and remember that you have a right to request that the attending officer explain their legal basis for the search. Police wear body cameras and they’re recording your interaction; this is important to remember for your own safety as well as the potential that your recorded interactions may be used as evidence against you in court.
Ultimately, whether a police search has resulted in a charge against you, or if you feel like your rights have not been appropriately managed by police, it is desirable that you get legal advice from a criminal lawyer before taking any particular course of action.
Cover image source: GoldCoastAustralia
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice or substitute for the advice of a professional. This information does not consider your personal circumstances and may not reflect the most current legal developments. Should you need advice, please contact our firm for targeted information relating to personal your situation.
Greenhalgh Pickard’s Criminal Law Team
