Police Powers and Responsibilities (Jack's Law) Amendment Bill 2022 / Community Support and Services Committee

This report presents a summary of the Community Support and Services Committee's examination of the Police Powers and Responsibilities (Jack's Law) Amendment Bill 2022. The Bill is named in honour of Jack Beasley. His family established the Jack Beasley Foundation ...The Bill proposes to extend and expand the trial of hand held scanners, or wands, to detect the unlawful possession of knives, which was carried out in Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise SNPs. ...The committee's task was to consider the policy to be achieved by the legislation and the application of fundamental legislative principles - that is, to consider whether the Bill has sufficient regard to the rights and liberties of individuals and to the institution of Parliament. The committee also examined the Bill for compatibility with human rights in accordance with the Human Rights Act 2019. ...The committee recommends the Bill be passed. Additionally, the committee recognises that using wands to search and detect weapons are extraordinary and nation leading powers to give to any police service. The Queensland Government acknowledges the scope of these powers and will ensure that evidence-based decision-making always prevails. Rights and liberties must be protected throughout the state of Queensland. For this reason the committee recommends the extension and expansion of the trial be externally reviewed so that future legislative options may be carefully considered. I commend this report to the House. Ms Corinne McMillan MP (Chair) (Chair's foreword, page iii).