Police to be given new powers to randomly scan people for knives under NSW government proposal

Legislation to be based on Queensland law introduced last year in response to stabbing of teenager in 2019

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Police will be able to scan people for knives without a warrant in crowded places including shopping centres under new laws being developed by the New South Wales government after stabbings at Bondi Junction, Wakeley and Coffs Harbour.

The legislation will be based on Queensland’s Jack’s Law, which was introduced last year following a 24-month trial of the powers on the Gold Coast, sparked by the death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley in 2019.

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