The Minns Labor Government and NSW Police are supporting the parents of Jack Beasley, who was fatally stabbed in Queensland in 2019, to deliver school presentations across the state and warn students about the danger of knife crime.
NSW Police Youth Command officers, with Jack's parents, Belinda and Brett Beasley from the Jack Beasley Foundation, will hold 'One Moment' education presentations at Sydney schools to help young people understand the devastating consequences of carrying knives and how knife crime can shatter lives.
In the past two weeks, the presentations were held in northern NSW reaching approximately 3,100 students at eight schools in Grafton, Kempsey, Armidale, Raymond Terrace, Waratah, Kurri Kurri and Wyong.
This week, presentations will be held at 12 schools in Wollongong, Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Campbelltown, Bankstown, Fairfield and Penrith.
The presentations come after the NSW Government introduced legislation, which came into effect in December 2024, modelled on Queensland's 'Jack's Law', which gave NSW Police powers to wand or scan people for knives without a warrant in designated areas including shopping precincts, public transport stations and certain sporting venues.
Since the legislation was introduced, there have been 20,736 people scanned under Operation Ares. There have been 207 weapons seized and 105 people charged with weapon offences. Eleven people were charged with failing to comply with the legislation.
Of the 207 weapons seized, there were 134 knives, 23 multi-tool pocket knives, four razor blades and four scissors, two axes and two flick knives, and one machete and one sheath knife.
Police also seized knuckle dusters, sling shots, tasers and fireworks.
During the presentation, Brett and Belinda Beasley share their own experience as well as those of Jack's brother Mitch and Jack's friends, to show first-hand how life can change in "one moment" of senseless violence. The presentation is designed to showcase the impacts to promote better decisions and smarter choices.
Police youth officers will also speak to students about knife legislation, the rules of carrying knives, the penalties and potential ramifications
In addition to the school presentations, Youth Command, supported by the Police Transport Command and officers from Police Area Commands, will conduct knife wanding and high visibility policing operations across various metropolitan areas this week.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"These school presentations are about reaching young people early, helping them make safer choices.
"I want to thank Brett and Belinda Beasley, turning their unimaginable loss into a powerful message that could saves lives.
"Carrying a weapon can turn a normal day into a tragedy, ruining and ending lives.
"This is about sending a clear message that carrying a knife is never the answer - it puts you and others in danger."
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:
"Knife crime can change lives in a second and too many people have experienced the devastating consequences of this firsthand.
"Police are in the community day in, day out, working hard to make it a safer place. Since wanding operations began, officers have taken more than 200 dangerous weapons off our streets - this is life-saving work.
"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Brett and Belinda Beasley for their tireless advocacy."
Assistant Commissioner Jason Weinstein APM, Commander of Capability, Performance and Youth Command, said:
"When young people hear the real stories and consequences, they start to understand that carrying a knife doesn't make you safer - it puts you at greater risk.
"Knife crime has serious, and sometimes fatal, consequences.
"After hearing about the Beasley's heartbreaking experience, we hope students recognise the dangers of carrying knives and choose a safer path."
