Bert Van Manen (Forde, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Dickson for his earlier words. It is with great sadness I rise today in this House to offer my condolences to the family of Senior Constable Damian Leeding, who passed away yesterday afternoon. Senior Constable Leeding was shot at point blank range on Sunday night whilst trying to foil an armed robbery at Pacific Pines. This is a graphic example of the many dangers that our police officers face on a daily basis and I would like to use this opportunity to thank our police officers for their professionalism, dedication and hard work.

Senior Constable Leeding was a highly respected and dedicated officer, and a great father. He was always willing to help in the community. The police union have launched a benefit fund for Senior Constable Leeding's widow and children, and donations can be made at Queensland Police Credit Union and Westpac branches. I offer my condolences to those he has left behind—his wife, Sonya, a fellow police officer, his daughter, Grace, his son, Hudson, and the rest of his extended family.