The National Retail Association (NRA) and Australian Retailers Association (ARA) have commended the Queensland Government for making permanent the pioneering Jack’s Law, saying it will give police immediate powers to proactively target potential violent offenders.

Jack’s Law was introduced in Queensland in honour of 17-year-old Jack Beasley who tragically lost his life in a knife attack in 2019. The law allows police to use hand-held metal detectors in public places to proactively search individuals for concealed deadly weapons.

Between 2 April 2023 and 5 June 2025, police conducted 116,287 scans, arrested 3080 people on 5,597 charges, and removed 1126 deadly weapons from Queensland streets. 

ARA CEO Chris Rodwell said the historic legislation introduced to parliament this week, making the law permanent, is a vital part of the legislative response police need from government in addressing the devastating scourge of retail crime and violence.

“We believe these laws will make a difference,” he said. “As a sector that’s regularly impacted by these violent offenders, retailers are committed to working with police to identify and apprehend these criminals.”

Queensland: best-in-class state for knife reform

Mr Rodwell said recent reports show that 60 per cent of retail crime in stores is caused by just 10 per cent of individuals. Retailers have also reported a 66 per cent increase in the use of weapons in retail crime, particularly knives and blades according to Auror, a global retail crime intelligence company, which uses data collected from Australian retailers.

“Police have worked incredibly hard to keep our workers safe but have previously been bogged down by bureaucratic roadblocks. We’re grateful to the Crisafulli Government for recognising the issue and backing Queensland’s police force,” said Mr Rodwell.

“While enshrining Jack’s Law is an encouraging step in the right direction, there is still more work to be done to protect retail employees and customers across Australia. Queensland is considered a best-in-class state for knife reform for both Jack’s Law and knife sale legislation, and nationwide replication of the Queensland model would represent a significant stride in ensuring the safety of our shoppers and retail workers.

“If Jack’s Law and an empowered police force are responsible for saving even a single life, we believe it will have fulfilled its purpose,” said Mr Rodwell.