Overview

• Opposition Leader Brad Battin used the state conference to commit to legislating Jack's Law, enabling police and PSOs to wand for knives in all public places including transport hubs and shopping centres.
• The pledge is the centerpiece of a $100 million safer‑communities package featuring Restart, a live‑in program for serious repeat offenders aged 12–17, and Youthstart prevention initiatives.
• The push follows the September 6 Cobblebank ambush that killed Chol Achiek, 12, and Dau Akeng, 15, intensifying calls for broader knife‑search powers.
• Police Minister Anthony Carbines says the government is not considering Jack's Law, citing the effectiveness of expanded designated‑area searches passed in March and a statewide machete ban with an amnesty.
• Supporters point to Queensland results with more than 1,000 weapons seized and 3,000 people charged under similar wanding powers, while criminologists warn the approach is largely symbolic and risks unfairly targeting young people and minorities.