Tracey Roberts (Pearce, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I also rise to speak and share my condolences on the tragic death of Constable Anthony Woods. A committed and hardworking police officer who served in the Western Australia Police Force for the past three years, Constable Woods was just 28 years of age.

As we often rise in this place to speak on matters, this is probably, in my time in this parliament, one of the saddest, saddest times I've had to speak. I feel so, so sorry and so upset for his family. So young and with so much life ahead of him, he was the 88th police officer in WA to die in the line of duty. He was only a month out of his probationary period and no doubt really looking forward to the future ahead of him. He had a career and a life that were sadly cut short.

To his family, I express my deepest condolences. Losing a loved one is absolutely devastating. Losing them in a tragic and unexpected manner can be so much more heart breaking. To his wife, Emily; his parents, Natalie and Todd; his brother, Nathan; and his sister, Brooke: I say how sorry I am for your loss.

May you remember all the best times you had with Anthony. As you grieve, I know that the hearts and thoughts of all Western Australians and all Australians, especially those with connections to the police force, the bluey family, are with you.

I'd like to share some history on Constable Anthony Woods to build a picture of the wonderful and fun man that he was. Prior to joining the police force, he volunteered at the Police Community Youth Centre, the PCYC, a club that exists so that disadvantaged youth and children at risk across Western Australia have a safe place to go, somewhere they can feel at home, make friends and do things that young people do. Constable Woods joined the police force as a trainee in 2019—I can imagine he was very proud—and he was inducted into the academy in 2021. After his graduation from the academy, Constable Woods started his career as an officer posted to Operation Tide, where he served on the frontline protecting the Western Australian community during the challenges of COVID-19. Constable Woods was posted to Kensington Police Station prior to Belmont Police Station.

On Sunday 11 June, following his death, landmarks were lit up in blue lights to commemorate the loss of Constable Woods: Council House, Matagarup Bridge and WA police headquarters in East Perth. Flags were flying at half-mast, and flowers and notes had been left at Belmont Police Station. Flags at police stations right across WA have been flown at half-mast. In a mark of respect, leadership and friendship, WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch spent time with the officers at Belmont Police Station on the evening of 11 June, trying to reassure them, trying to comfort them. I can imagine the devastation in that police station and an empty desk. That must have been awful. A fundraiser raised almost $14,000 in less than 24 hours for Constable Woods's family. His local football club played a tribute match last Saturday and retired his No. 3 jersey in his honour. I can imagine the atmosphere and the devastation of that football team; they were all very closely linked, no doubt friends and childhood family friends. It would have been just awful and so very, very sad.

Premier Roger Cook said he was devastated by the horrific events that occurred resulting in Constable Woods's death. Premier Cook said:

I know I speak on behalf of everyone in WA, in sending our love and thoughts to Anthony's family, friends and colleagues. His life was dedicated to making our state a safer place for Western Australians and he is to be commended on his dedication and bravery.

WA police said:

It is with great sadness that the WA Police Force confirms the passing of Constable Anthony Woods, who succumbed to injuries suffered in the line of duty, while attending an incident in Ascot earlier this week

Constable Anthony Woods exemplified the values of the WA Police Force, and his memory will be forever etched in our hearts.

WA Police extend heartfelt condolences to Anthony's family, colleagues and all those who knew and loved him.

These must have been very difficult words to write, never mind say. WA police minister Paul Papalia MLA made a statement in WA parliament, and I would like to read that statement here in the federal parliament:

On behalf of the state government, I offer my sincere condolences to the family, friends and police family of Constable Anthony Woods. May he forever be remembered for his dedication, commitment and sacrifice in the line of duty for the protection of the Western Australian community.

We remember his bravery, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to protecting and serving our community.

A statement from the family of Constable Anthony Woods:

We are shattered to lose our dear Anthony. He was a devoted husband and loving son, brother, and uncle who was taken from this earth far too soon.

Anthony will be remembered as a funny, hard-working man who loved the West Coast Eagles and mucking around with his mates—

I'm a West Coast Eagles fan too; a great team—

He brought light and laughter to every situation, and his wicked sense of humour is irreplaceable.

Our pain at this time is indescribable, and we take comfort in the outpouring of love from the community.

We ask that you keep Anthony's memory alive by telling stories of all of your good times with him.

I have to say, as a parent, that's one of the last things you would ever want to write about your child. His dear wife, Emily, on behalf of the family said:

He was a devoted husband and loving son, brother, and uncle who was taken from this earth far too soon.

Anthony will be remembered as a funny, hard-working man who loved the West Coast Eagles and mucking around with his mates.

For a young wife, how very, very sad and tragic.

Constable Woods will be remembered as an exemplary police officer. Western Australian police noted that Constable Anthony Woods exemplified the values of the WA Police Force—values of duty, team work, integrity and care.

As a leader in our community, I have to say that this is so very sad. Somebody so young, so vibrant, so energetic and so committed to his community has been taken from us far too soon, and we say: rest in peace, Constable Anthony Woods.

Federation Chamber adjourned at 11:55

See this speech in context