The Queensland State Parliament has passed laws that will give school principals increased powers to discipline students outside school hours.
"From 2014, the changes will expand principals' abilities to discipline a student for actions outside school that adversely impact other students, the good order and management of the school, or pose a risk to the safety and well-being of students and staff," said the Queensland Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek.
The laws will allow principals to impose longer suspensions and impose school detentions on students on Saturdays.
"This new legislation will give principals the increased authority they've long been asking for," said Mr Langbroek.
"Good order and discipline in schools are crucial to boosting our high quality education system.