1,000+ weapons off Queensland streets under Jack’s Law

Jack’s Law has reached a major milestone, with 1,032 weapons taken off Queensland streets.
Since being expanded and made permanent by the Crisafulli Government, 127,595 scans have been carried out by police across the state, leading to 1,947 arrests and 3,773 charges.
The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer and rebuilding the frontline after a decade of decline under Labor.

More than 1,000 weapons have been taken off Queensland streets in less than 12 months under Jack’s Law, as the Crisafulli Government delivers tougher action to stop knife crime before it happens and make Queensland safer.

Since the laws were made permanent and expanded statewide in July last year, more than 127,000 scans have been carried out, leading to 1,947 arrests and 3,773 charges.

The milestone comes as the Crisafulli Government continues rebuilding the frontline and strengthening laws to make Queensland safer, after Labor planned to let Jack’s Law lapse.

Since the 2024 election, the Crisafulli Government has bolstered frontline capability to restore safety where you live, including:

Growing the Queensland Police Service beyond 13,000 officers for the first time in history.
Swearing in more than 1,600 new officers, exceeding a key recruitment commitment in under 18 months.
Strengthening laws alongside early intervention and rehabilitation, contributing to a 7.2 per cent drop in recorded victims of crime in 2025, compared to the previous year.

Jack’s Law is 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, have since campaigned tirelessly to prevent other families experiencing the same loss.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the milestone proved the Crisafulli Government’s stronger laws were working.

“1,032 weapons off our streets means 1,032 chances to prevent a tragedy,” Minister Purdie said.

“This is what happens when you back your frontline with the laws and resources they need to do their jobs.

“Labor would have let Jack’s Law lapse but we made it permanent, expanded it, and now the results speak for themselves.”

Jack’s father Brett Beasley said every weapon removed mattered.

“Every knife taken off the street is a potential life saved,” Mr Beasley said.

“We’ll never know who these laws have protected, but we know they are making a real difference.”

Jack’s mother Belinda Beasley said Jack’s legacy was about protecting all Queenslanders.

“Jack’s Law isn’t just about Jack – it's about every life that can be saved, and every family that can be spared this kind of loss,” Mrs Beasley said.

“To see 1,000 weapons removed shows these laws are working, the Government is listening, and police are delivering.”

Assistant Police Commissioner Chris Hodgman said the milestone reflected a strong focus on prevention.

“With this now permanent legislation, it has given police across the state the important tools we need to lawfully search and seize weapons in public spaces to reduce harm and make our community safer,” Assistant Commissioner Hodgman said.

“This life-saving legislation is an immense credit to the Beasley family who have been tireless in their advocacy for Jack’s Law while working closely with the Queensland Police Service.

“There is no doubt this legislation is saving lives across Queensland.”

The Crisafulli Government has also backed Jack’s legacy with a $1 million investment in the Jack Beasley Foundation’s ‘One Moment’ program, helping educate young Queenslanders about the consequences of knife crime.

The impact of Jack’s Law has been felt right across Queensland with police scanning thousands of people and seizing weapons in every corner of the State.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Nat Gradwell, 0449 186 116

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Far North Queensland: 9,699 people scanned, 108 weapons seized
Townsville: 11,037 people scanned, 145 weapons seized
Mackay Whitsunday: 5,299 people scanned, 13 weapons seized
Mount Isa: 2,078 people scanned, 15 weapons seized
Capricornia: 3,981 people scanned, 36 weapons seized
South West: 2,109 people scanned, 4 weapons seized
Wide Bay Burnett: 973 people scanned, 20 weapons seized
Darling Downs: 6,367 people scanned, 78 weapons seized
Ipswich: 6,487 people scanned, 76 weapons seized
Sunshine Coast: 4,558 people scanned, 22 weapons seized
Moreton: 7,154 people scanned, 51 weapons seized
Logan: 7,223 people scanned, 57 weapons seized
Gold Coast: 27,775 people scanned, 197 weapons seized
North Brisbane: 19,040 people scanned, 132 weapons seized
South Brisbane: 13,815 people scanned, 78 weapons seized