'Jack's Law' passes parliament, granting wanding powers to NSW Police

Sweeping new safety laws to tackle knife crime have passed NSW parliament.

Police can now use handheld scanners to detect knives without a warrant in designated areas, including public transport, shopping precincts, sporting venues and public places during special events.

The reforms were inspired by Jack's Law in Queensland, which was brought in after 17-year-old Jack Beasley was stabbed and killed on a night out.

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The powers can only be used when a weapons offence involving a knife has occurred in the last six months.

A senior police officer can then enact the law by making a declaration, giving officers the power to wand people over the following 12 hours.

Police will have the option to extend the wanding timeframe if the same criteria is met.

The law also includes harsher penalties for selling a knife to a child under 16, with the maximum penalty now $11,000 or imprisonment for 12 months.

It also prohibits the sale of a knife to a 16 or 17 year old without a reasonable excuse.

"I want to genuinely thank Belinda and Brett Beasley whose advocacy has helped change the law, making NSW a safer place," Premier Chris Minns said.

"Our state is still shaken following the devastating spate of knife-related violence.

"We have taken action to send a clear message that NSW will simply not accept these kinds of crimes.

"These are commonsense changes that strike a careful balance between preserving the rights of individuals and ensuring communities stay safe."

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