Tuesday, 31 March 2026

 Anthony CARBINES (Ivanhoe – Minister for Police, Minister for Community Safety, Minister for Victims, Minister for Racing) (12:04): (By leave) I would like to acknowledge that the Premier is attending the national cabinet this morning and is unable to be in the house, and I make this statement on her behalf. Victoria Police yesterday concluded Taskforce Summit following the fatal shooting of a man during a police operation. This operation brought to an end an intensive six-month investigation following the murders of two police officers, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, in Porepunkah in August last year and the serious injury of a third police officer.

The events of Tuesday 26 August 2025 will live on in the hearts of all Victorians, and we again express our deepest thanks to Vadim and Neal for the sacrifice they made to keep our community safe. Their courage continues to inspire us. We acknowledge Vadim and Neal’s families, loved ones and colleagues, who continue to live with this profound loss. I will never forget the generosity and bravery they displayed in the days after this horrific tragedy and their grace every day since. It is inspiring beyond measure. We thank all police officers, including specialist units from crime command, the fugitive squad, the armed crime squad, the VIPER Taskforce, the special operations group, search and rescue and local police for their tireless work under difficult and often uncertain conditions to bring this investigation to a conclusion. I echo the comments of Chief Commissioner of Police Mike Bush, who described these officers as persistent, professional and diligent. That is Victoria Police at its best, and it is to be commended. We thank other emergency services workers, the specialist units provided from policing jurisdictions across the nation and New Zealand, who have also worked tirelessly to assist Victoria Police with the investigation. I also want to recognise the cooperation and patience of the Porepunkah community and surrounding areas in north-east Victoria, who have lived with the impacts of this crime and provided vital assistance to police.

No outcome can ever undo the tragedy or replace the police officers who should be safely at home with their families. As Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt said yesterday, the memory of cowards fades quickly, but with heroes it lives on forever. Vadim and Neal will always be remembered for the sacrifices they made, for their service to our community and, most importantly, for the joy they brought to their families and colleagues. 178 Victoria Police officers have lost their lives in the line of duty, and we acknowledge their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families today. Police are so often the doers. They are on the front line every day in all weather, often putting themselves in harm’s way to keep our community safe. And still they come every fortnight at the academy, new constables living their values to serve and protect Victorians, and it is inspiring.

The government, the Parliament, the people of Victoria remember the loss of our police officers. We stand by Victoria Police members and their families. We see you, and we thank you for your service. Vale, Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, and vale, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson.

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (12:08): (By leave) I rise today on behalf of the Liberal and Nationals coalition to offer our heartfelt support to Victoria Police in the wake of yesterday’s successful operation near Walwa. The operation marked the end of a long and difficult chapter for Victoria Police. For more than six months a man accused of murdering two police officers and seriously injuring another has been on the run. This is a cloud that has hung heavy over all of Victoria during this time, but it is the men and women of Victoria Police who have pushed on, who have worked tirelessly to bring this matter to a close. The Liberals and Nationals commend the extraordinary skill, determination and persistence of Victoria Police in this regard.

The murder of a police officer is an especially grievous crime because it targets those who we entrust with the protection of our community and upholding the rule of law. Police officers accept unique and significant risks in the course of their duties, often placing themselves in harm’s way to keep others safe, so an attack on them represents a profound breach of the social contract that binds us together as a community. That is why the loss of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson VP26182 and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart VP44954 resonates with us. Their murder is not just a personal tragedy but a serious affront to the community as a whole. There will be a sense of relief across the force now but also deep and lasting grief. I acknowledge this grief as members of Victoria Police are again reminded of the risk they face as part of their service to our state.

Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart-Hottart. Nothing can undo their loss, but I hope that the operation yesterday may now help them to move forward. Our thoughts also go out to the community of Porepunkah and surrounds, who have been deeply affected by these events.

Every day, Victorian police officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect our community. They run towards danger when others are told to stay away, and they do it without hesitation. That bravery is uncommon and deserving of recognition in this place. To the families who are grieving, know that all Victorians stand with you. To every police officer across our state, we see your courage, we respect your sacrifice and we thank you for your incredible service.