Police in NSW and across the nation are shocked and saddened by the callous murder of two Victorian police officers and the serious wounding of another.
Early reports suggest that the three police officers were operating in a remote part of Victoria when they were ambushed. Their workmates rushed to the scene and rescued the surviving officer, who had been seriously wounded and was undergoing emergency care.
Specialist police are currently working to locate the preparator/s of this senseless violence. We are aware that specialist police from NSW also stand ready to support their Victorian colleagues at this time.
Police Association of New South Wales President Kevin Morton is also the President of the Police Federation of Australia. He said, “I have received a briefing from the leadership of the Police Association of Victoria and offered the support of police officers from around the country. The situation remains dynamic, and police officers continue to put themselves at significant risk to protect the community and bring this circumstance to a safe conclusion.”
“As we approach National Police Remembrance Day on 29 September, it is timely that all members of the community take a moment to pause and reflect on the sacrifice that every police officer risks making, every day of their working life. We will commemorate nationally, as we continue to work on a national approach to police safety, health and wellbeing.”
It has been less than three years since two Queensland police officers and a member of the public were murdered in eerily similar circumstances, and in more recent times, the murders of police officers in South Australia and Tasmania. Mr Morton said, “Any extreme ideology, access to weapons and hatred or dislike for police is too often playing out in attacks on police. When they are combined, the outcome can be deadly. Police are too often the only measure preventing further tragedies across the community.”
We understand the toll that this incident will take on the wellbeing of the entire Victorian Police Force and Police across the country. Police Unions in Australia are always available to members to support them and to guide them to the services they need. Members of the PANSW can access services through the PANSW's Information and Organising Centre or out of hours through the State Coordinator at VKG Sydney.
The PANSW and PFA send our heartfelt condolences to our colleagues, and as we learn more about them, we will offer any practical assistance we can to their family and loved ones.
Media contact:
Elyssa King
PANSW Media Officer 0484 777 780 | media@pansw.org.au