Random people on Queensland’s public transport and people in nightlife areas will be searched by police wielding metal detection wands.

The state government will expand its Safe Nights Precincts trial as part of a major crackdown on people carrying knives, machetes and weapons.

The trial, which has so far been confined to the Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach Safe Night Precincts, has seen nearly 200 weapons seized.

Police will be able to use wands to search people for knives on buses, trams, trains, and outside pubs, nightclubs and popular nightlife spots.

Gary Clare: “So, a policeman can just wander up to anyone? I could be just walking along the street and they think, ‘You look suspicious’, and I’ve got to let them wand me?”

Jess Millward: “Well, it’s in Safe Night precincts, so that’s like the Valley and party precincts, where young people go.”

Gary Clare: “Oh, so I’m fine!”

Jess Millward: “Can’t imagine you being there. And public transport, so ferries, trams, trains, specific focus on trains.

“But yes, police will be able to walk up to you, they don’t need any reason, they can stop and search you.”

Press PLAY below to hear more on the trial’s performance so far 

The new laws will be known as Jack’s Law, in honour of 17-year-old Jack Beasley, who was fatally stabbed on a night out on the Gold Coast in 2019.

In parliament yesterday, his parents Brett and Belinda watched on as Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the extension.

Mr Beasley said it was a memorable, important day.

“Today was a historic day, that’s for sure,” he told Neil Breen.

“It was a big day up there in parliament.

“This is exactly what Queenslanders need, Queenslanders want safety for their children.”

Press PLAY below to hear more about Jack’s Law

Image: Nine News