Thursday, 12 May 2022

Condolences

Senior Constable Bria Joyce

Ms CUPPER (Mildura) (14:52):(By leave) First of all, I apologise for not being able to make this statement alongside the Minister for Police and the Shadow Minister for Police this morning. Unfortunately my flight was delayed out of Mildura. I just want that to be on the record. I thank the house for giving me the opportunity to make a statement now, because it is an important statement for me and the people of my electorate.

It was around 10.00 pm on Friday, 9 April 2022, when Senior Constable Bria Joyce and her squad mate, Leading Senior Constable Thomas Kinnane, of the Mildura highway patrol unit were on a routine shift just out of Red Cliffs. As they headed down Kulkyne Way a ute veered head on into the path of their unmarked police car. There was no way of anticipating the collision. There was no opportunity to swerve or avoid the crash. The impact was so intense it blew a hole in the ground. Bria had no chance, and it is a miracle that Senior Constable Kinnane survived. A third car ran into the back of the police car. The driver and his three child passengers were physically unharmed, but the emotional impact is unknown.

The news of Bria’s death swept through the local force and the entire Victoria Police team across the state. It rippled through our community, causing bewilderment and grief. When the first picture of Bria was released, reality set in even more. The image of Bria in her police uniform the day she graduated from the academy was quite literally a picture of pride, accomplishment and a future wide open with potential and possibility. In an instant she was gone. In the line of duty she was gone, with no chance for anyone to say goodbye. The tragedy affected us all, but nothing could compare to the loss felt by Bria’s close friends and family, especially her partner of three years, Kyle, and her mother, Dianne. Adding to the tragedy is the fact that Bria was an only child. It was a reminder of the risk and the sacrifice inherent in policing and the sort of mettle it takes to sign up and serve, and by all accounts Bria was the best of the best.

The funeral was harrowing. Loved ones gathered from around the country and overseas via Zoom, and Senior Constable Kinnane watched from his bed at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. In attendance were the Minister for Police and the Chief Commissioner of Police, Shane Patton. It meant so much to the community that they were there to share in the celebration of Bria’s life and the pain of her death. Following the spectacular guard of honour, which stretched far into the distance from the Mildura Catholic Church towards Walnut Avenue, I walked over to pay my condolences to Mildura police Superintendent Bec Olsen. I remarked to her about how awestruck I was by the full police honours, which included a motorcade, horses and a flyover by a police helicopter, and Bec said, ‘We know how to give a good send-off’. She was right. The friendship, love, respect and comradery between the officers of VicPol was something to behold.

Bria’s death and the death of any comrade is felt deeply and personally, and I can only hope that it is a comfort to VicPol; the Mildura police station; Bria’s mum; her partner, Kyle; and her very many friends and loved ones that her death was felt deeply and personally by the broader community too. Our thoughts are with Bec Olsen and her team at Mildura as they continue to process the loss. Only a few minutes ago I received a text from Bec informing me that Kyle, Bria’s partner, is taking her ashes home to Tamworth as I am speaking.

We wish Leading Senior Constable Kinnane all the best with his recovery. And Bria, if you are listening, thank you for your service. On behalf of a very grateful community, thank you.