The Allan Government has refused to adopt ‘Jack’s Law’ in Victoria, despite escalating knife crime across the state.
Jack’s Law was created in Queensland in response to the tragic stabbing death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley in 2019.
It gives police the power to use hand-held metal detectors to stop and scan people with wands for concealed knives and other weapons without a warrant in public places.
Between April 2023 and June 2025, Queensland police successfully conducted 116,287 scans, arrested 3,080 people on 5,597 charges and removed 1,126 deadly weapons under Jack’s Law.
Ms Bath said Labor’s weak laws are continuing to allow knife crime to flourish or hold perpetrators to account for their violent actions.
“Premier Jacinta Allan’s refusal to introduce Jack’s Law is a serious setback as knife related violence continues to devastate Victorian families.
“Due to its success, Jack’s Law has been made permanent in Queensland and is being considered by other states as a proven measure to improve public safety.”
Ms Bath said Victoria’s hardworking Police Officers must be given the power to use wanding to stop, scan and remove concealed weapons in high-risk public areas including transport hubs, shopping centres, sporting grounds and entertainment precincts.
“Jack’s Law is a proven and sensible step needed to save lives and reverse violent trends.
“Knife crime is continuing to have a profound impact on residents’ safety – everyone deserves to feel safe when walking the streets, attending events and visiting the shops.
“It is unacceptable that Labor refuses to introduce Jack’s Law in Victoria given its proven success in other states.
“Victoria needs a fresh start and a reversal of escalating knife crime trends.
“The Nationals are committed to introduce Jack’s Law in government and making our streets safer to spare families the distressing consequences of knife violence.”
