Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Before moving notice of motion No. 704, I would like to inform the Senate that I add Senators Scarr, Rennick, Askew, McDonald and Antic as co-sponsors of this motion. I, and also on behalf of Senators Davey, Molan, Dean Smith, Scarr, Rennick, Askew, McDonald and Antic, move:

That the Senate—

(a) recognises the hard work, dedication and sacrifice of the over 80,000 state and federal police officers in Australia;

(b) notes that, in 2018-19, over 9,000 police officers were injured in the line of duty throughout Australia, more than one officer every hour;

(c) further notes that the 2018 'Answering the call' national survey, found that over 24 per cent of police officers reported that they are sometimes or often physically assaulted when undertaking work duties; and

(d) condemns those calling for the defunding of our essential police forces, including the views expressed by NSW Greens Legislative Councillor Mr David Shoebridge, who has stated that "That's what #defundthepolice could look like here in NSW".