John McVeigh (Groom, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today, Toowoomba is in mourning. Early yesterday afternoon we lost one of our finest. Senior Constable Brett Forte was gunned down in the line of duty just east of our city.

On behalf of the Parliament of Australia I pass on our heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family: to his wife, also a serving officer, and their three children. He was a member of a police family. They grieve for their husband, their father and their son.

Toowoomba is a peaceful place, and the loss of Brett Forte is being met with dismay, disbelief and grief in our community. Each day our police officers willingly place themselves in harm's way simply to protect us and to maintain that peace. I have been in contact with Commissioner Ian Stewart and some of Brett's colleagues. I say again today to the fine men and women of the Queensland Police Service: we thank you, each and every one of you. We cherish your commitment and your courage.

Senior Constable Brett Forte: our community will stand with your family and we will never forget your bravery. With honour he served.