Shoppers and pub patrons could be searched for weapons under a proposed expansion of Queensland's "wanding" laws.
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The state government is extending the successful police stop-and-search trial that's being considered by other states following the shocking spate of knife attacks in NSW.
Under the proposed legislation, police will be able to use hand held metal detector "wands" to search people at shopping centres and licensed premises as well as sporting and entertainment venues.
Premier Steven Miles announced on Tuesday the extension of "Jack's Law", among a raft of changes under a new $1.28 billion community safety plan designed to stymie crime.
Jack's Law was passed in March 2023, four years after the stabbing death of teenager Jack Beasley on the Gold Coast.
It initially gave police the right to search people for weapons in safe night precincts and public transport hubs.
To date there have been 4000 wanding operations and 51,000 people scanned across the state, with more than 500 weapons seized.
Its success has led to the trial being extended in Queensland until October 2026.
Other states have also shown interest following a swathe of Sydney knife attacks, with the NSW government considering it and Western Australia also in discussions.
Mr Miles unveiled his community safety plan amid an outcry over youth crime, ahead of the October election.
"It's our plan to support victims, deliver for the frontline, detain offenders to protect the community, intervene early and prevent crime before it occurs," he told parliament.
"This is our plan to chart the path towards a safer Queensland grounded in decisive action."
The government also plans to increase penalties for possessing a knife in a public space, doubling the penalty for subsequent offences, introduce a firearms prohibition order scheme, strengthen weapons licensing and streamline the transfer of 18-year-olds into adult custody.
The government also recently announced proposed reforms that make the deliberate ramming of an emergency vehicle a standalone offence, with offenders facing up to 14 years in jail.
The plan also includes a commitment to make Queensland Police's youth justice taskforce permanent and provide a helicopter for Cairns and Wide Bay-Sunshine Coast regions.
"This is a comprehensive plan rooted in decisive action not just a slick slogan," Mr Miles said.
"It's informed by genuine consultation with experts, frontline workers and communities."
Australian Associated Press
