The Minns Labor Government is backing Brett and Belinda Beasley to take their powerful knife crime prevention program to 28 schools across metropolitan and regional NSW.
The statewide tour begins today and is supported by a $37,000 government grant to the foundation’s ‘One Moment’ program.
Brett and Belinda will join NSW Police Force Youth Command officers to warn students about the devastating consequences of carrying a knife and how one decision can change a life forever.
Jack was just 17-years-old when he was fatally stabbed during a night out with friends in Queensland in 2019.
During the presentations, Brett and Belinda will share the impact Jack’s death has had on their family and his friends.
Police youth officers will also speak directly to students about knife laws, penalties and the consequences of carrying a weapon.
The Minns Government’s support for the program sits alongside the introduction of some of the toughest knife laws in the country and direct operational support from NSW Police.
Earlier this month, the Minns Government introduced tough, new laws to make police knife-wanding powers permanent, extending operations from 12 to 24 hours, reducing the threshold for who can make declarations and expanding them to major entertainment venues.
Once passed, these stronger laws will bolster existing NSW Police powers which allow officers to search or wand anywhere at any time, provided there are reasonable grounds to search.
NSW Police have seized more than 15,000 knives from public places since April 2023.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:
“I stood with Brett Beasley as we announced some of the toughest knife laws in the country.
“We have backed the Beasley’s important work with funding. NSW Police are standing beside them to educate kids in our schools. The Minns Labor Government has strengthened the law to give officers the powers they need on our streets.
“Let me be very clear: police do not have to wait for a wanding operation to act. If an officer has reasonable grounds to search, they can stop and search people anywhere, at any time.
“Strong laws matter. Police enforcement matters. But reaching young people before they ever pick up a knife could save a life.”
