About Jacks Law
The Jack Beasley Foundation is a Gold Coast based non profit organisation committed to breaking the cycle of youth violence across Australia. Established in the wake of unimaginable tragedy, our focus is on proactive knife crime education and strong advocacy for legislative reform. We believe that increased awareness, effective detection measures and strengthened security laws are critical to preventing further loss of young lives. Central to our mission is the One Moment Education Program, delivered by Jack’s parents, Belinda and Brett, who share Jack’s story with students to reveal the real consequences of carrying a weapon. By exposing the ripple effect of violence on victims, offenders and entire communities, we aim to shift mindsets and ensure Jack’s legacy drives lasting, life saving change.
Jack’s Law – Nation Leading Knife Detection Legislation
Jack’s Law officially came into effect on 2 April 2023, what would have been Jack’s 21st birthday, a powerful reminder that his legacy now stands for prevention, protection and safer communities across Queensland.
QLD Premier
NSW Premier
WA Premier
Tasmanian Premier
QLD Police
Sam O'Connor MP
What is Police Wanding?
Police wanding allows officers to use handheld metal detection scanners to identify knives and other weapons in designated public spaces. The process requires no physical contact and typically takes only one to two minutes to complete.
The purpose of wanding is prevention, to deter individuals from carrying weapons and to remove them before violence occurs. Since the introduction of Jack’s Law, the impact has been significant. As of January 2025, more than 1,234 knives and dangerous weapons have been taken off Queensland streets.
Early detection prevents escalation. Detection saves lives.
Expanding Protection Across Queensland
On 22 August 2024, Jack’s Law was expanded across Queensland to include shopping centres, licensed premises, retail outlets and public events, strengthening community safety in everyday public spaces. These wanding operations are fast and efficient, typically taking only a minute or two, and require no physical contact by police.
Jack’s Law is not only about detecting weapons; it is a powerful deterrent. The knowledge that scanning may occur discourages individuals from carrying knives in the first place. As of January 2025, more than 1,234 knives and dangerous weapons have been removed from Queensland streets.
This nation-leading legislation is the result of the dedicated advocacy of the Jack Beasley Foundation, honouring Jack’s legacy through meaningful reform. Body worn camera footage from Queensland Police demonstrates the real world impact of these wanding operations in action.
On 2 April 2023, what would have been Jack’s 21st birthday, Jack’s Law received Royal Assent, formally becoming law in Queensland. Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young, Governor of Queensland, granted assent in a significant and symbolic moment that marked the official enactment of this life saving legislation.
In July 2023, the Northern Territory introduced legislation similar to Queensland’s Police Powers and Responsibilities (Jack’s Law) Amendment Act, strengthening powers to detect, seize and confiscate weapons before they are used in violent offending.
Momentum continued on 6 June 2024 when Jack’s Law passed in New South Wales. Police there can now use handheld scanners without a warrant in designated public areas, including public transport, shopping precincts, sporting venues and major events, further advancing Australia’s commitment to prevention.
In April 2024, Brett and Belinda also met with the Western Australian Government. Inspired by Queensland’s model, Western Australia introduced what are now considered some of Australia’s toughest knife laws. Passed in September 2024 and launched on 20 December 2024, the reforms include designated Knife Wanding Areas (KWAs), allowing scans in public spaces such as shopping centres, bus stops, train stations and major events.
Brett and Belinda have also met with representatives from the Victorian and Tasmanian Governments, as well as the Federal Opposition Leader, continuing discussions to expand Jack’s Law and strengthen knife crime prevention measures across every state and territory in Australia.
The mission remains clear; to help make every state and territory in Australia safer. Through education, reform and collective action, meaningful change is possible.
Strengthening Retail Knife Laws
Under the new laws, retailers are required to securely store specific controlled items, including double edged knives, axes, machetes, tomahawks, sickles, swords and spears. Businesses must also clearly display signage regarding age restricted sales. Additionally, advertising knives or controlled items as “suitable for combat” is now prohibited.
These changes build on the successful rollout of Jack’s Law and further support the nation-leading legislation that authorises proactive police wanding operations, helping deter knife crime and youth offending across Queensland.
Under the new law
1. It is an offence to sell knives and specified controlled items to anyone under 18.
2. It is an offence to use false identification to purchase knives or controlled items.
3. It is an offence to advertise knives or controlled items as “suitable for combat.”
4. Retailers must securely store designated controlled items prior to sale.
5. Retailers must clearly display signage outlining age restrictions.
6. These laws came into effect from 1 September 2024.
We are incredibly proud of this achievement. Jack’s Law is here to stay, and every knife removed from our streets represents a potential life saved. June 25, 2026
Government Recognition and Commitment to Community Safety
– Former Police Minister Mark Ryan
“The new laws will help to keep dangerous items out of the hands of young criminals.”
“The new laws will further support the significant impact Jack’s Law is having in getting dangerous items off the streets.
“I want to thank Jack Beasley’s parents Brett and Belinda for continued advocacy in relation to knife crime.
“It was thanks to Brett and Belinda’s relentless efforts that Jack’s Law became a reality.
“And I know that Brett and Belinda are extremely pleased that these new laws have been passed by the parliament.
“The advocacy from Brett and Belinda has been instrumental in putting Queensland on the map as nation-leading in the fight against knife crime.”
Our aim as a Foundation is to make a difference so Jack’s legacy lives on, to make our community a safer place for our kids to grow up in and hopefully no other family has to live through the devastation Jack’s family is.
Forever in our hearts Jacko
– QPS-Minors banned from buying knives
– New laws banning sale of knives and other items to juveniles passed by Queensland Parliament
Board of Directors
Brett & Belinda Beasley
Co-Founders
Debbie Frugtniet
Chairperson
Tracey Chase
Vice Chairperson
Belinda Beasley
Secretary
Wayne Court
Executive
Mary Watkins
Executive
Awards
Community Father of the Year 2025
Queensland Police Honour 2023
Australian of the Year 2023
Gold Coast Australian of the Year 2024
Corporate Sponsors
Their support directly strengthens the One Moment Education Program, helping us reach more schools, empower more students, and advocate for stronger protections across our communities.
Together, we are working to ensure that no other family experiences the devastating impact of knife crime.