Brett and Belinda Beasley, the parents of Jack Beasley, were recently presented with the bill for Jack’s Law and a hand-held scanner in recognition of their powerful advocacy in reforming knife crime across Queensland.
Brett and Belinda Beasley founded the Jack Beasley Foundation after the tragic stabbing death of their 17-year-old son in 2019 at Surfer’s Paradise.
The tragedy prompted a trial in Surfer’s Paradise Safe Night Precinct (SNP) that allowed police officers to use hand-held metal detectors to detect knives and other weapons.
During this trial, conducted between May 2021 and November 2022, 241 weapons were taken off the streets and 647 people were charged with various offences.
Brett and Belinda and the Foundation were instrumental in the introduction of the trial and their ongoing support and advocacy has resulted in the passage of Jack’s Law through Queensland’s Parliament, earlier this year.
Jack’s Law allows police officers to conduct stop-and-wand operations in all Safe Night Precincts (SNPs) in Queensland.
Wanding is designed to not only detect but to deter. To have youth and young adults, and anyone else intent on carrying a knife or bladed weapon, re-think their actions, prior to going out into the community.
The Honourable Mark Ryan described Brett and Belinda’s work and advocacy, while still grieving for their loss as an inspiration.
Commissioner Katarina Carroll told Brett and Belinda that it was impossible to measure how many lives they have saved.
Brett and Belinda also presented certificates in appreciation to officers for all the work done to see Jack’s Law now passed into legislation.
