Wednesday, 27 August 2025

 Nick STAIKOS (Bentleigh – Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Local Government) (14:30): I want to begin by echoing the words of the Premier and ministers: what occurred in Porepunkah yesterday was shocking, senseless and utterly heartbreaking. This morning I was in contact with the mayor of Alpine shire Cr Sarah Nicholas to offer the full support of the Victorian government at this most difficult time. The mayor has committed her council’s support to helping the community recover and heal, and I acknowledge her leadership and the efforts of everyone at Alpine shire in standing with their community. Whether it is in the face of natural disasters or tragic events such as this, local councils play an integral role in offering comfort and in offering practical support.

In small towns the impact of events like this reverberates deeply. These officers were just doing their job. I know the people of Porepunkah will carry the memory of what has occurred for years to come. I well remember back in 1998 when Sergeant Gary Silk and Senior Constable Rodney Miller were tragically murdered in Moorabbin and how that incident shook my local community. Decades later the grief still lingers, and the community carries a disbelief that this could happen. No doubt the close-knit community of Porepunkah will feel the same, and our task now as a government is to support them every step of the way.

The Department of Government Services has been in contact with Alpine Shire Council since yesterday and will continue to work closely with council over the coming days to identify where additional support is needed, whether for council itself or directly to the community. This is a moment of sadness and shock but also a time when people across our state come together to support each other, and we will ensure that in the days and weeks ahead every possible support is made available. I once again extend my deepest condolences to the families affected, to Victoria Police and to the entire Alpine shire community. We stand with you in grief, and we will stand with you in recovery.