Helen Haines (Indi, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today in solidarity and sadness with my community in Indi, particularly in Porepunkah and with emergency services personnel from across the Alpine Shire and Wangaratta. We are shocked and devastated by the tragic killing of two serving police officers in the line of duty and the serious injury of a third officer. To the families, friends and colleagues of the two police officers who lost their lives, my heart breaks for your immeasurable grief. I join with all our community in standing by you in this, the most terrible of times. To the third officer, seriously injured also in the line of duty, I join in the prayers for your recovery. Everyone deserves to make it home at the end of their shift. It is utterly heartbreaking that two members serving our community will not do so.

This appalling event has shaken not only Porepunkah but communities right across the north-east of Victoria and indeed across our nation. We may be geographically spread, but we are close-knit, and, in moments like this, we feel the loss together. The ripple effects through the entire community will continue to be felt for a long time to come. And, of course, this is not over. I want to acknowledge and thank the police and emergency services, who are continuing to respond to this ongoing incident, and they are doing so in very, very difficult terrain. We can only imagine how it must feel to know the danger and to continue to put yourself in harm's way in order to keep others safe. My mind is also constantly with the community in Porepunkah and surrounding towns. I know you must be scared. I know you must be anxious as you follow the information and advice from the Victoria Police. You've already done so much. I want to particularly acknowledge the principal, Jill Gillies, and her staff at Porepunkah Primary School, who kept students safe and calm during yesterday's lockdown for many, many hours. I know you will all continue to do what is needed until this terrible matter is resolved. You will have my support. You will have my support now and ongoing for as long as it's needed.

Tania Lawrence (Hasluck, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We all stand with the community of Indi.