Tuesday, 8 February 2022

Ministers statements: Victoria Police

Ms NEVILLE (Bellarine—Minister for Water, Minister for Police) (14:07): The evening of 22 April 2020 will be forever etched in the minds of many Victorians. Many will forever remember exactly what they were doing when they heard the news that four members of our Victoria Police force had lost their lives doing their job, lost their lives in the line of duty. After almost two years, due to the pandemic, we were finally able to come together with the families who lost their loved ones and with the broader Victoria Police family to honour their service, to honour the service of all Victoria Police members and to acknowledge the toll this work has on many families.

Last Thursday I joined the Premier, the Chief Commissioner of Police, other colleagues, distinguished guests and their families to formally honour the lives of Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Josh Prestney and Constable Glen Humphris at the state memorial service—Victorian heroes who shared a passion to keep our community safe. Some had worked with Victoria Police for many decades, others only for months, but their contribution to our community will be forever remembered and their loss will be forever mourned by their families, the Victoria Police family and our community. Landmark buildings across the city were again lit up in blue following the service, and Victoria Police formed a guard of honour as a mark of respect for their fallen colleagues.

We are once again reminded that policing is dangerous, difficult and challenging. Every day police face the challenges of that work with energy, commitment and bravery. I want to thank each and every member of Victoria Police for the work they do every day to keep us safe and to thank every family member who, despite the dangers, supports them in their work. Our government stands with them and will continue to support them in any way we can.