Qld wanding powers here to stay as police reach a major milestone

Powers allowing police to search Queenslanders for concealed weapons without a warrant are set to be made permanent as police reached a major milestone on Sunday – wanding the 100,000th person in the state.

Jack’s Law – named after Jack Beasley, who was stabbed to death on the Gold Coast in 2019 – allows police to search people on the spot with metal detectors in locations including safe night precincts, public transport stations, shopping centres, and on public transport.

The legislation was passed by the Miles Labor government in 2023 with support from the LNP.

Since then, about 953 weapons have been seized, including replica guns, combat knives, axes, machetes and slingshots.

Police said most people caught with weapons under the law – which had been due to expire in October 2026 – claimed they were for personal protection.

“History will be made today when the 100,000th Queenslander is wanded as part of an operation to make sure that our state is safer and that weapons are taken off the streets,” Premier David Crisafulli said on Sunday.

“Today it’s my pleasure to announce that as part of the next round of the Making Queensland Safer laws, Jack’s Law will become permanent in Queensland.

“Imagine the damage [953 weapons] could do. Imagine the heartache that could cause. Imagine how many families could become collateral damage.”