Announcements
Victoria Police deaths
The SPEAKER (09:33): Under the resolution of the house of 25 August 2026, I invite members to stand for a minute’s silence, if they are able, to honour the service and sacrifice of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, who were tragically killed in the line of duty at Porepunkah on Tuesday 26 August 2025.
Members stood in their places.
Gabrielle WILLIAMS (Dandenong – Minister for Education, Minister for Skills and Training, Minister for First Peoples, Minister for Women and Gender Equality) (09:34): (By leave) Police officers put themselves in danger every day to keep the Victorian community safe, and the tragic events in Porepunkah last year are a grim reminder to all of us of the risks they face. One year ago today Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart lost their lives serving the Victorian community. Their loss leaves a painful void in the lives of their families, their friends and their communities, and our hearts continue to go out to those affected by this senseless crime. I want to thank all current and former police officers for their dedication, their commitment and their selflessness in the service of our community. Their work is appreciated and it is valued. We thank them for their service today and every day.
Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (09:35): (By leave) Today our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson 26182 and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart 44954, the two Victoria Police officers who were tragically killed in the line of duty in Porepunkah one year ago. Our thoughts are also with the third officer who was injured that day, with the other first responders on scene and with everyone who has carried the weight of this tragedy in the months since. These officers went to work to protect their community, and they did not come home. That loss has been felt not only by their loved ones but by every member of Victoria Police, by police in other jurisdictions and by the people of the High Country and Victoria-wide as we have grieved alongside them.
I also want to acknowledge the tireless and determined work of Victoria Police. Victoria Police demonstrated remarkable resolve and professionalism through a long and difficult search for justice. Their persistence ultimately brought the manhunt to an end and hopefully brings some measure of peace to the families, friends and colleagues of Neal and Vadim, who have lost so very much. To Neal’s and Vadim’s families, we cannot ease your pain, but we can promise that their service and their sacrifice will not be forgotten. We stand with you today and always. Hasten the dawn.