Chris Hayes (Fowler, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) National Police Remembrance Day is observed on 29 September; and

(b) this year marks 100 years of women in policing;

(2) acknowledges the:

(a) significant role police officers across Australia make to our local communities and the great deal of risk and sacrifice that comes with their duty; and

(b) ultimate sacrifice that has been made by police officers who have been killed in the course of their duty and honours their lives;

(3) recognises the good work of Police Legacy who look after the loved ones of police officers who have died as a result of their duty; and

(4) reaffirms its support for the nation's 56,000 police officers whose dedication and commitment ensure peace and safety of our communities.

National Police Remembrance Day is coming up on 29 September. It is observed each year on Saint Michael's Day—Saint Michael, being the patron saint of law enforcement and, according to Christian tradition, the protector of good over evil. This is the day to reflect on the significant role that police play in our community. It is also a time to pause and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice during the course of their duties.

Last Saturday I participated in the sixth annual Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance, with police and their supporters across Australia converging in Canberra on motorcycles. This year we had over 2,000 riders coming together to pay tribute to the brave men and women who wear the police uniform. This ride was also a valuable opportunity to promote motorcycle safety. But, primarily, it is about a charity. It is a charity ride to support the great work of Police Legacy, the people who look after the loved ones of officers who have died as a result of their duty. Over the past five years, the Wall to Wall Ride has raised in excess of $400,000 for Police Legacy.

On Police Remembrance Day we also think about the loved ones left behind, those who are left permanently affected and live in grief. We owe it to the former to look after their families. The New South Wales Police Legacy alone provides care and support to more than 20,000 serving and retired police officers and their families during times of tragedy and need. The ride is also an opportunity to acknowledge the unique and often dangerous nature of policing. The job of protecting and serving the community is not an easy one. Those brave enough to wear the police uniform are to be recognised and absolutely deserve our gratitude.

Given that this year marks 100 years of women in policing, it is also important to acknowledge the great role women have played over the past century in protecting our communities across Australia, and sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice. In that respect, I would like to reflect on Detective Sergeant Jillian Hawkes, who suffered horrendous injuries during an attack while responding to an incident at Luna Park in 1977. She was effecting the arrest of a felon. Following her injuries, her leg was amputated and, as a result of further complications, she died some four years later. This is just the story of one woman, one police officer, who paid the ultimate price in carrying out her duties.

Policing comes, as we understand, with a high degree of risk that, thankfully, most of us will never have to face. It takes a special type of person with a special type of courage to wear the police uniform, and we are truly indebted to the men and women who choose to do so. The bravery of our police and their dedication to serving and protecting our communities should be nationally recognised and never taken for granted. We are forever in their debt.

The Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance was led by New South Wales Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione. His Queensland counterpart, Ian Stewart, was also there on the ride from the Police Memorial in Sydney through to the National Police Memorial in Canberra. In Canberra we were joined by police commissioners from each state and territory as well as the Australian Federal Police. We also had the presence of each police association across the nation including, Mark Carol from South Australia, who is president of the Police Federation of Australia, and Scott Webber, who is the vice president of the PFA as well as president of the New South Wales Police Association. I would particularly like to congratulate Mark Burgess of the Police Federation of Australia, Senior Sergeant Paul Bousfield, chair of New South Wales Police Legacy and Assistant Commissioner Mick Corboy, who, together with retired Inspector Brian Rix, from Victoria, were the instigators of the Wall to Wall Ride.

On 29 September, Police Remembrance Day, we pause to remember the 757 officers who have, throughout the history of policing in Australia, lost their lives in the line of their duty. On behalf of a very grateful community, I want to assure the nation's 56,000 police officers that we value and appreciate their commitment. To police across the nation, in particular the police officers in Liverpool, Green Valley, Cabramatta, Fairfield local area, thank you. (Time expired)

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