Queensland schools 'overwhelmingly safe' despite two student stabbings, minister says

Queensland's police minister has asserted that the state's schools remain "overwhelmingly safe," despite two separate stabbings involving students within as many days. The minister, Dan Purdie, rejected calls for increased police presence within school grounds, stating that existing police powers are sufficient.

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My kids are back at school this week, and we've got more police, they've got tougher laws, they've got wanding powers. We are doing everything we can to restore community safety right across Queensland.

One incident involved a 17-year-old student at the Islamic College of Brisbane, who was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries but is now in stable condition. A 15-year-old student was also allegedly stabbed in Cairns. Police have arrested and charged teenagers in connection with both incidents.

Purdie emphasized that principals' primary role is education, not law enforcement. He affirmed that police possess the necessary "stop-and-search powers" to act if they reasonably suspect someone of carrying a weapon, regardless of location.

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Principals run their schools and their main priority is keeping kids educated and in schools, and we don't want to start allocating that position for principals.

In response to the incidents, schools have implemented support systems. The Islamic College of Brisbane is providing counseling and wellbeing services to students and staff. The Council of Imams Queensland urged against spreading unverified information and expressed sadness over the events.

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If a teacher of a parent is suspicious about someone at a school, police have the power to take that action now.

While the minister maintains school safety, the incidents have raised concerns among parents and the community. The focus remains on ensuring student safety through existing law enforcement capabilities and school support structures.

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The College has put measures in place to provide counselling and wellbeing support to students and staff who may be distressed or affected by the incident.