Aaron Violi (Casey, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This week, the hearts of our nation and all in my home state of Victoria broke with the loss of two Victoria Police officers who died performing their duty to keep our community safe. I want to pay tribute to Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, who was 59, had been in Victoria Police since 1987, and was planning for his imminent retirement, and also to Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, who was 35 and had joined Victoria Police in 2018. He was on a temporary assignment in Wangaratta and had just purchased his first home, in Melbourne. I offer my deepest condolences and sympathies to their families, and thank them for their sacrifice to our community.

All across the nation, police officers not only keep us safe; they are an integral part of our community. So many in Casey and so many across the country—and I was just discussing with the member for Indi, who was impacted; I give my condolences to her—know that police officers volunteer; they are football club presidents and Rotary Club presidents. We know that many in the community are heartbroken. I know many of the officers all across Victoria are heartbroken. I send my respects and my condolences to all Victoria Police officers. I thank you for your service, and I ask you to stay safe as this man is brought to justice.