I thank the member for Reid in raising issues that were honoured last night when the Police Federation of Australia held this year's National Police Bravery Awards, where we acknowledge the work not only of the Australian Federal Police but of all those who form the police services and police forces around the states and territories. In referring to police bravery, I specifically acknowledge the members of this House who have worn the uniform: the members for Richmond, Tangney, Wide Bay, Cowper, Hinkler and La Trobe.

Honourable members: Hear, hear!

The National Police Bravery Award is an award by police for police. Last night, there were two different groups—one individual and one group of officers—who were honoured. The group that was honoured, who were represented last night by Andy Williams from the Queensland police force, were those officers who responded to the Wieambilla shooting. In December 2022 four police officers arrived and, without warning, were shot at. While doing their jobs Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow were murdered. After the initial barrage of fire, Constable Keely Brough and Constable Randall Kirk found cover in nearby bushland at separate locations. With gunfire continuing, Randall Kirk found cover on the ground behind a tree, withdrew to his police vehicle, got the radio from the vehicle and called through essential intelligence to the rest of the force. That was notwithstanding the fact that he'd been shot in the hip as he ran.

Constable Kirk made radio contact with other police, providing the intelligence. Constable Keely Brough remained undiscovered by the offenders, hiding in the grass. The response from the offenders was to set fire to the bushland, hoping to bring her out. She called triple zero as she hid in the grass, at times whispering to the operator essential intelligence as the offenders searched close to her hiding place. That information made sure that, as other officers arrived and headed towards danger, as much intelligence as possible had been shared. In total, 54 police officers participated in that response, and we all honour them.

Last night we also honoured senior constable Bikash Bharati from Burwood Local Area Command in the electorate of Reid. On Sunday 5 October last year police were called to Georges River Road near the intersection of Brighton Street after reports of a shooting. One of the first officers on the scene was Senior Constable Bikash Bharati. He directed the junior probationary constable who was with him to take cover and then, having protected the junior, went out to danger himself, under fire, to assist a victim trapped in a vehicle. It was only when he was given orders to take cover that he did so himself. We have only been privileged to have Bikash Bharati here in Australia since he arrived in 2015 from Nepal, but we are very proud to have you as a fellow Australian.

Honourable members: Hear, hear!

Also joining us, representing all the commissioners, is the Australian Federal Police commissioner, Krissy Barrett. Commissioner, we thank you for your continued service to the Australian people, and through you we thank every single member of the blue family throughout Australia for the way they keep us safe every day.

Honourable members: Hear, hear!