Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, has expressed his deep disappointment that the Allan Labor Government has again voted against important reforms designed to strengthen police powers and help prevent knife-related harm across Victoria.

“The refusal to introduce Jack’s Law is a significant setback for community safety at a time when families across the state continue to be impacted by knife violence.

“Jack’s Law, which has already been adopted in other Australian states, would allow police to use their powers to scan for and remove dangerous weapons in high-risk public areas such as transport hubs, shopping centres, sporting venues and entertainment precincts.

“I had the pleasure at Parliament last week to sit and chat with Jack’s father, Brett Beasley, who travelled to Melbourne to push the case.

He was the only person in the public gallery and on recognising him, I left the chamber and went into the gallery and we chatted for quite some time.

What he is asking for is common sense. “It’s a practical and proven measure aimed at saving lives. It has strong support from both police and the community, and it is disappointing to see Victoria remain the only state not moving forward with this reform.

The reform honours 17-year-old Queenslander Jack Beasley, who tragically lost his life in a knife attack in 2019.

Since then, his parents and the Jack Beasley Foundation have led a heartfelt national campaign to ensure similar tragedies can be prevented.

“Despite more than 18 months of calls for action, the Allan Government has not prioritised progress on this important issue, the Premier only meeting Jack’s father, Brett Beasley after sustained advocacy from The Nationals and Liberals in State Parliament.

“Our communities want to feel safe, and they expect action when it is needed,” Mr Bull said.

“Victoria Police are calling for this safety reform, and we must listen to those who are responding to the threats and knife crime attacks.

“The Nationals and Liberals have committed to Jack’s Law and I can’t see why the Allan Labor Government would deny these important safety reforms,” Mr Bull said.

Caption: The Nationals’ Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, says passing Jack’s Law would be a far more effective measure to counter knife crime than the collection of machetes.

Monday, 8 December 2025