The shopping centre industry in Queensland has recently welcomed the passage of the Community Safety Bill 2024 by the Queensland Parliament. This bill includes the expansion of ‚Jack’s Law‘ to enable police to conduct metal detecting wanding operations in shopping centres. Jack’s Law, which currently applies to public transport stations, will now extend its reach to shopping centres, allowing for a more comprehensive approach to community safety at these sites.
The Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA) has been actively involved in working with the Queensland Government and Queensland Police Service (QPS) to address the concerning rise in incidents involving dangerous weapons, particularly knives, at shopping centres and retail premises. The industry’s top priority is to ensure the safety of the community, and they welcome tough measures to prevent crime and address the use of knives in shopping centres.
SCCA Chief Executive Angus Nardi expressed his support for the passage of the Community Safety Bill and the extension of Jack’s Law to Queensland’s shopping centres. He highlighted the industry’s strong stance against knife crime and emphasized the importance of measures that improve community safety. Nardi also thanked the Queensland Government, Police Minister Mark Ryan, and the Queensland Police Service for their engagement on this critical issue.
Nardi further stated that the shopping centre industry is prepared to collaborate with the Queensland Police Service to ensure the effectiveness of Jack’s Law in enhancing community safety. He acknowledged the Jack Beasley Foundation and the Beasley family for their advocacy and campaigning efforts on knife crime and community safety issues.
The expansion of Jack’s Law into shopping centres signifies a significant step towards enhancing security and preventing crime in these public spaces. By allowing police to conduct metal detecting wanding operations, shopping centres can better protect their patrons and employees from the threat of dangerous weapons. This proactive approach demonstrates the commitment of the shopping centre industry to creating safe and secure environments for all who visit these establishments.
In conclusion, the passage of the Community Safety Bill and the extension of Jack’s Law to shopping centres in Queensland is a positive development in the ongoing efforts to address community safety and combat knife crime. The collaboration between the shopping centre industry, the Queensland Government, and the Queensland Police Service reflects a shared commitment to ensuring the well-being of the community. By working together, these stakeholders can effectively implement measures that enhance security and promote a safe shopping environment for all.