Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In light of the recent tragedy in Queensland, I wish to make a statement at the first opportunity of our meeting in the Senate today.

On Monday, two police officers reported to duty, and they never came home. Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe. They served with honour and bravery.

To the neighbour Mr Alan Dare, who simply came to help but tragically lost his life, he too will be remembered as a hero.

To the families and friends of the victims, and the police community as a whole, we are grieving with you.

We are indebted to our police officers and emergency service personnel who every day go to work, risking their lives to serve and protect our communities.

As a mark of respect to the memory of Constable Matthew Arnold, Constable Rachel McCrow and Mr Alan Dare, I ask all senators to join in a moment of silence.

Honourable senators having joined in a moment of silence—