THE escalating number of weapons being brought into New South Wales schools has sparked urgent calls for tougher action as new figures reveal firearm incidents have tripled over the past five years and more than 1125 knives have been uncovered in school grounds.

Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said this is now a serious community safety issue demanding immediate intervention.

“There is no place for weapons in our schools – ever,” Mr Toole said.

“Schools should be safe havens for learning and every parent sending their child to school shouldn’t have to worry whether or not their child will return home safely at the end of the day.”

Budget Estimates revealed weapon incidents in New South Wales schools has increased by 12.5 per cent in the past four years.

Jack’s Law allows police to use hand-held metal detectors to search for weapons.

Firearm-related incidents have tripled from eight per year to 27 per year.

“This is obscene. No child should be in possession of any kind of weapon,” Mr Toole said.

“A young person who brings a weapon to school isn’t just making a mistake they are endangering the lives of other staff and students.

“The Opposition has always said Jack’s Law doesn’t go far enough. NSW Police should be able to wand ‘anywhere at any time’, and after the events of the past day and the increasing rate of weapons being brought into schools, wanding could also be extended to school grounds,” he said.

Mr Toole said the Minns Labor Government is not focusing on prevention, education or strong enforcement.

“They need to stop being weak on law and order. Safety must come first before any more excuses,” Mr Toole said.

FOOTNOTE: Jack’s Law, named after Jack Beasley, who was tragically stabbed to death in 2019, is a legislative power that allows police to use hand-held metal detectors to search for weapons, such as knives, without a warrant in specified public areas like transport hubs and entertainment venues. It was introduced in Queensland, Australia, following the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Jack Beasley in 2019. The law has been adopted by several other Australian states, including New South Wales, with the goal of reducing knife crime.