Zaneta Mascarenhas (Swan, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today I rise with a heavy heart to remember and honour Constable Anthony Woods, a true hero who, in the line of duty, made the ultimate sacrifice. I can only imagine the profound sense of loss for his wife, family, friends and colleagues. There has been a shared, collective grief which has washed over all Western Australians, and I think it's because Constable Woods stood to serve and protect our community—to keep us safe. Constable Woods fought for his community during the pandemic, and he kept on fighting for his life during his hospital stay. But, sadly, he lost that fight due to his traumatic injuries. Everyone deserves to go home safe from work, including police officers.

I think there's another reason for the collective grief. Anthony was just 28 years old. He was happily married, a freshly minted police officer, a pretty good football player at his club, the Winnacott Eagles, I hear, and a passionate Eagles fan. He had so much that lay before him.

I honestly was not so mature at 23, but Anthony, at this age, decided that he wanted to become a police officer. Anthony joined the Western Australia Police Force as a trainee in 2019 and was admitted into the force in 2021. His graduation marked the beginning of a promising career.

He had the potential to make a lasting impact to my community of Swan. I remember when the COVID-19 pandemic first took hold across the world. Fear rippled throughout our community, and Anthony was one of the many police officers who bravely stood in the frontlines during the crisis. He selflessly put himself at risk to ensure the safety of the Western Australian community. When Anthony took on duties at Kensington Police Station, he showcased versatility and adaptability as an officer. Just last month, he was stationed at Belmont Police Station, where he was poised to embark on a fulfilling career.

The impact of Anthony's loss reverberates throughout Western Australia, affecting us all. However, it's his beloved wife; his parents, Natalie and Todd; his siblings, Nathan and Brooke; his extended family; his friends; and his fellow police officers who will bear the heaviest burden of grief.

I will now share some of the many messages of condolences shared with me from my community to show how deeply affected people felt. Tony Andretta wrote:

RIP Anthony Woods. You were doing your job serving and protecting us and paid the ultimate price. Thank you for your service and bravery.

Julian Macdonald wrote:

An unbelievably sad day for the family and WAPOL. Condolences to all.

Marie Fernandez wrote:

So sorry he left us. I was praying for a miracle and rooting for his recovery. Deepest condolences to family, friends, colleagues and WAPOL.

Jennifer Reeve wrote:

How very sad a young man doing his job is killed so tragically. Condolences to his family and his fellow officers.

Phil Trainer wrote:

Sincerest Condolences to family and friends, a great loss to the world.

Jill Innes wrote:

This is so damn sad, only doing his job, just awful. I trust the family finds comfort in the love and support being offered to them at this shocking time. In respectful Memory

Our deepest condolences are with his family and colleagues during this difficult time. I would particularly like to acknowledge the first responders at the scene, who, by all accounts, acted with great bravery and urgency at the time of the tragedy, and who must be heartbroken to lose a friend and a colleague. I can only imagine how confronting that scene would have been. May they find solace in the memories of Anthony's unwavering dedication, commitment and sacrifice both in the line of duty and to his family. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate his life and the impact he made in his short time with us.

In the face of this tragedy, let's come together as a community, supporting one another and extending a helping hand to those in need. Speaking to Jill Willoughby from WA Police Legacy and my colleague the member for Tangney, Sam Lim, a former decorated police officer, I understand that Belmont Police Station has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of messages, condolences and gifts. The support was truly unexpected. The blue family are strong, but they're even stronger with community support. I would also like to acknowledge the work that WA Police Legacy has done in supporting Anthony's family. I understand that they work tirelessly every day and support over 400 widows and 50 children.

It is during times like these that our strength and resilience shine the brightest. Together, we can ensure that Constable Anthony Woods's legacy lives on, inspiring future generations and serving communities with honour, courage and unwavering dedication, but most importantly reinforcing the message that everyone deserves to go home safe.

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