BREAKING: Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin is set to announce a bold initiative aimed at combating knife crime in Victoria as the Victorian Liberal Party State Conference commences today. This comes in the wake of a tumultuous week for the party, marked by the resignation of state director Stuart Smith following leaked texts that mocked the party’s women’s council and the health of Liberal MP Bev McArthur.
In a statement released earlier today, Battin emphasized the urgency of addressing knife crime, revealing a comprehensive $100 million plan that includes the implementation of Jack’s Law. Named after Jack Beasley, a 17-year-old tragically stabbed to death in Surfers Paradise in 2019, this law will empower police to utilize metal-detecting wands in public spaces to scan for weapons, including knives.
The party’s move comes as Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price was expelled from the shadow ministry for comments perceived as disparaging towards Indian migrants—remarks that Opposition Leader Sussan Ley stated were hurtful to Australians of Indian heritage. Ley, who will not attend the state conference, has sent deputy leader Ted O’Brien to deliver remarks in her absence.
“Jack’s Law will give police the authority to proactively remove dangerous weapons from our streets,” Battin stated. “This includes machetes, which were involved in a horrific crime last weekend where two young boys lost their lives.” He underscored that police and public safety officers (PSOs) would have the ability to use handheld wands in any public location, such as train stations and shopping centers, without needing specific designations.
This legislation builds on the party’s existing Break Bail, Face Jail policy and introduces a first-of-its-kind residential responsibility program and coordinated community interventions aimed at youth. Other states including Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and Western Australia have adopted similar laws, prompting Victorian leaders to act decisively.
As the conference unfolds, the focus will remain on the party’s strategy to regain public trust and safety amid recent controversies. The announcement of Jack’s Law is anticipated to be a pivotal moment in shaping the Liberal Party’s agenda moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
