Police minister says Qld schools 'overwhelmingly safe' after two stabbings

Dan Purdie rules out increasing police presence in Queensland schools after stabbings Wed 15 Jul 2026 at 11:36am In short: Queensland's police minister says the state's schools are "overwhelmingly safe" despite two stabbings in as many days. Dan Purdie ruled out increasing police presence in Queensland schools. Two students were allegedly stabbed in separate incidents this week and two other teenagers are due to face court today. Queensland's police minister has ruled out putting more officers in schools after two stabbings in as many days. A 17-year-old is in hospital after he was allegedly stabbed by a fellow student at a Brisbane school on Tuesday. A 16-year-old boy was arrested shortly after. On Monday, a 15-year-old was allegedly stabbed in the abdomen at Cairns high school by a peer. A 15-year-old has been charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm and is expected to face court today. Dan Purdie said the state's schools were "overwhelmingly safe". "My kids are back at school this week, and we've got more police, they've got tougher laws, they've got bonding powers. We are doing everything we can to restore community safety right across Queensland," he said. Asked if principals should be allowed to search students, similar to police "wanding" powers, Mr Purdie said it shouldn't be a school leader's responsibility. "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," he said. He said police already had the powers they needed if they suspected someone of having a weapon, no matter where they were. "If a teacher of a parent is suspicious about someone at a school, police have the power to take that action now," he said. "Police have clear stop-and-search powers when it comes to anyone they reasonably suspect of having a weapon." Two students injured The 17-year-old Islamic College of Brisbane student was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he is now in a stable condition and recovering, according to the school. The second student is expected to appear in the Richlands Childrens Court today, charged with an act intending to maim, disfigure or disable and unlawful possession of a weapon. Chief learning officer Susan Scott said the the school was supporting his family. "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." Council of Imams Queensland president Akram Buksh warned people against "spreading rumours, speculation, or unverified information". In a statement, he said the organisation was "deeply saddened" by what happened. "At times like these, it is vital that we stand together with wisdom, compassion, and unity," Imam Buksh said. "The Islamic College of Brisbane has long been a valued institution and an important pillar of our community, serving generations of Muslim families with dedication and care." [Image text:] ISLAMIC COLLEGE OF BRISBANE 914.506 745 XVC