Announcements
Victoria Police deaths
Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:02): (By leave) I wish to advise the house that a police operation is currently underway in Porepunkah in Victoria’s north-east. The Minister for Police and I have been briefed by the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, and this situation remains active. Victoria Police officers and all of our first responders show extraordinary bravery and courage every single day. They are the best of us, and the thoughts of all Victorians are with them today. I do ask the Victorian community, particularly those in that beautiful part of the north-east of our state, to follow the advice of Victoria Police and avoid the area. More information will be provided by Victoria Police to the Victorian community as it becomes available.
Brad BATTIN (Berwick – Leader of the Opposition) (14:02): (By leave) I obviously join the Premier with our thoughts to all Victoria Police and emergency services workers across the state as we speak. Whilst this is still active I will keep my comments very short. But we know with an active situation up there, it is not just the emergency services, it is the local community that is impacted. We obviously hear of lockdowns in schools, and we send out our thoughts to the families, the parents and everyone involved at those schools as well. Can I just put on record that it is on days like today that this Parliament – every person in this place – should be standing side by side with Victoria Police and reminding them that each and every day we will have their back. Every single one of them across the entire state and across the entire country is impacted when events like this happen. We hope there is a quick resolution and more information comes out as soon as possible. But to every single Victoria Police officer: today we stand with you, we stand beside you and we will continue to do that during these events.