The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) strongly supports the motion proposed by Shadow Attorney-General Peter Cain, which will be introduced in the ACT Legislative Assembly today (Tuesday, March 4, 2025).
The motion calls on the ACT Government to consider granting ACT Policing powers like those under ‘Jack’s Law’.
‘Jack’s Law,’ already implemented in Queensland and New South Wales, allows police to conduct random metal-detecting wand searches in designated high-risk areas without requiring reasonable suspicion. This proven measure enhances community safety by deterring knife-related offenses before they occur.
The AFPA has consistently advocated for such initiatives, as reflected in our May 15, 2024, statement endorsing a national rollout of ‘Jack’s Law’ following Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton’s budget reply address.
AFPA President Alex Caruana said that the Canberra Liberals’ motion aligns with the association’s ongoing push for consistent and effective knife legislation across Australia.
“Last week’s incident at the Canberra Outlet Centre is a stark reminder of why these powers are needed now. Knife-related crimes pose a significant community risk, potentially leading to serious injury or loss of life. ‘Jack’s Law’ would provide ACT Policing with the tools to prevent tragedies, not just respond to them,” Mr. Caruana said.
The AFPA echoes Shadow Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Community Safety Deborah Morris’s call for proactive measures, stressing that knife crime cannot be allowed to spiral out of control in Canberra.
Mr. Caruana said that this is not about heavy-handed policing but about safeguarding the community.
“Knives are easily accessible and can be used to commit serious crimes in an instant. Just as roadside alcohol and drug tests deter impaired driving or people driving with illicit substances in their system, wand searches in high-risk areas like shopping centres and transport hubs could prevent knife-related offenses before they happen.”
The AFPA initially endorsed ‘Jack’s Law’ in May 2024 when the Canberra Liberals proposed a similar motion in the ACT Legislative Assembly. At that time—and again today—the association underscored the benefits of wand search powers.
Mr Caruana said that wanding is more human rights-compliant, quicker, more efficient, and safer for all involved.
“Wanding also reduces the risk of needle-stick injuries that officers sometimes face during traditional searches. Additionally, wanding preserves the dignity of the person being searched, as it is far less intrusive than a physical pat-down. However, traditional searches will still have their place where necessary.”
The AFPA has supported ‘Jack’s Law’ at a federal level since last year because it has been effective in Queensland and New South Wales. The ACT must not fall behind.
Mr Caruana said that the AFPA stand with Peter Cain and Deborah Morris in urging the ACT Government to act decisively.
“ACT Policing police officers are ready to protect the community—give them the tools they need to succeed.
“The AFPA calls on all Members of the Legislative Assembly to support this motion and take concrete steps toward making Canberra safer,” Mr. Caruana concluded.
For comments:
AFPA Media and Government Relations Manager Troy Roberts – (02) 6285 1677 – troy.r@afpa.org.au
The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) strongly supports the motion proposed by Shadow Attorney-General Peter Cain, which will be introduced in the ACT Legislative Assembly today (Tuesday, March 4, 2025).
The motion calls on the ACT Government to consider granting ACT Policing powers like those under ‘Jack’s Law’.
‘Jack’s Law,’ already implemented in Queensland and New South Wales, allows police to conduct random metal-detecting wand searches in designated high-risk areas without requiring reasonable suspicion. This proven measure enhances community safety by deterring knife-related offenses before they occur.
The AFPA has consistently advocated for such initiatives, as reflected in our May 15, 2024, statement endorsing a national rollout of ‘Jack’s Law’ following Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton’s budget reply address.
AFPA President Alex Caruana said that the Canberra Liberals’ motion aligns with the association’s ongoing push for consistent and effective knife legislation across Australia.
“Last week’s incident at the Canberra Outlet Centre is a stark reminder of why these powers are needed now. Knife-related crimes pose a significant community risk, potentially leading to serious injury or loss of life. ‘Jack’s Law’ would provide ACT Policing with the tools to prevent tragedies, not just respond to them,” Mr. Caruana said.
The AFPA echoes Shadow Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Community Safety Deborah Morris’s call for proactive measures, stressing that knife crime cannot be allowed to spiral out of control in Canberra.
Mr. Caruana said that this is not about heavy-handed policing but about safeguarding the community.
“Knives are easily accessible and can be used to commit serious crimes in an instant. Just as roadside alcohol and drug tests deter impaired driving or people driving with illicit substances in their system, wand searches in high-risk areas like shopping centres and transport hubs could prevent knife-related offenses before they happen.”
The AFPA initially endorsed ‘Jack’s Law’ in May 2024 when the Canberra Liberals proposed a similar motion in the ACT Legislative Assembly. At that time—and again today—the association underscored the benefits of wand search powers.
Mr Caruana said that wanding is more human rights-compliant, quicker, more efficient, and safer for all involved.
“Wanding also reduces the risk of needle-stick injuries that officers sometimes face during traditional searches. Additionally, wanding preserves the dignity of the person being searched, as it is far less intrusive than a physical pat-down. However, traditional searches will still have their place where necessary.”
The AFPA has supported ‘Jack’s Law’ at a federal level since last year because it has been effective in Queensland and New South Wales. The ACT must not fall behind.
Mr Caruana said that the AFPA stand with Peter Cain and Deborah Morris in urging the ACT Government to act decisively.
“ACT Policing police officers are ready to protect the community—give them the tools they need to succeed.
“The AFPA calls on all Members of the Legislative Assembly to support this motion and take concrete steps toward making Canberra safer,” Mr. Caruana concluded.
For comments:
AFPA Media and Government Relations Manager Troy Roberts – (02) 6285 1677 – troy.r@afpa.org.au
