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

I want to take a moment to speak about the heartbreaking tragedy that occurred yesterday in Porepunkah in my home state of Victoria. I, like many of us are this place, am devastated and saddened by the loss of two fine Victorian police officers and the injury of a third member. My thoughts are with all the police officers' families right now, their police colleagues not just in Victoria but right across the nation and the broader community, who are feeling the weight of this tragedy. As the police search continues in Victoria's north-east, the safety of the local community and the officers on the ground remains the highest priority.

Every day Victorian police—in fact all police officers and first responders—serve our community with courage and dedication. They put their lives on the line not for recognition but out of deep commitment to protecting people like us and many others in our community and to serving their community. They show up each day ready to face the unknown, often under very tough circumstances, to keep all of us safe. The thought of a loved one leaving work in the morning and never returning home because of a senseless shooting is just unimaginable. It's a stark and painful reminder of the risks our frontline police officers face every single day that they put on that blue uniform. I know everyone in this place joins me in extending our thoughts to everyone that is grieving. Our hearts go out to you, to your family and to all your colleagues. In this difficult time, let us honour the bravery of those who have been lost, stand with those that are injured and support those who continue to serve with strength and courage.