Raff Ciccone (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senators Hume, Van, Henderson, Paterson, McKenzie, Ryan and Kitching, move:

That the Senate—

(a) acknowledges the tragic loss of four Victoria Police officers who were killed in the line of duty on 22 April 2020;

(b) expresses its condolence to the families, friends and colleagues of:

(i) Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor,

(ii) Senior Constable Kevin King,

(iii) Constable Glen Humphris, and

(iv) Constable Josh Prestney;

(c) offers support to all the police and emergency service teams and members of the public that attended the scene; and

(d) extends its gratitude to all police officers and emergency services personnel who serve and routinely put themselves at risk of harm in order to keep our community safe.(general business notice of motion no. 539)

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Prime Minister yesterday expressed his condolence to the families, friends and colleagues of Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Glen Humphris and Constable Josh Prestney. He said every Australian felt their deaths, not only Victorians but every Australian, because we know those who wear that police uniform, wherever they do it, anywhere in the country, stand between us and the harm that can befall any of us. The families of those police officers who serve understand this only too well. Their loss during a time when we are feeling vulnerable, at this point, was also more sharply felt. They were four police officers doing their duty, keeping the peace, enforcing the law and upholding the community trust, keeping us safe. We honour their service.

Question agreed to.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

With the consent of senators, I'm going to jump around a bit now to try to facilitate the smooth operation of the chamber and deal with non-contentious matters.