Thursday, 12 May 2022

Condolences

Senior Constable Bria Joyce

Mr GEPP (Northern Victoria) (10:05):(By leave) I rise today to speak on behalf of the government on this condolence matter to mark the passing of Victoria Police member Senior Constable Bria Joyce. Senior Constable Joyce was tragically killed on 8 April 2022 whilst performing her highway patrol duties on a road in Red Cliffs, near Mildura. I know that this is an incredibly difficult time for Senior Constable Joyce’s family and friends, her Victoria Police colleagues and the broader Mildura community. Whilst we also know our words here today will not take away their pain, we hope that the knowledge that the government and Parliament are standing with them at this time eases it just a little.

Senior Constable Joyce entered the police academy on 22 August 2016, and she graduated eighth in her squad of 27. That November she was sworn in, before continuing her training with initial operational duties in the Melbourne CBD. Bria commenced work with the Mildura uniform in April 2018 and was confirmed as a first constable in November 2018 and promoted to senior constable some two years later. On 11 October 2021 Bria commenced her final assignment post with duties with Mildura highway patrol. Bria was a dedicated and passionate officer. She was passionate about serving her community, and that was apparent to all her colleagues and is why they had such a deep and abiding respect for her. She will always be remembered for the values she brought to the job and the impact that she had on those that knew her.

We grieve as a Parliament for the tragic loss of Senior Constable Joyce because we know the courage and commitment it takes to be a serving police officer. As they suit up for work each day they do not know the circumstances that they will confront on that day, and yet despite this they fasten that last shirt button, they lace up that shoe and they walk out the door to serve the Victorian community, regardless of the unknown. The Premier I think said it best when asked why we have so much respect for and give so much unqualified thanks to Victoria Police members. He said, and I paraphrase, ‘Because when we the public flee from danger, they run towards it, all in the name of serving and protecting their community. Nothing is more noble’.

I again extend our heartfelt condolences to Bria’s family and friends. Can I also extend those condolences to Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Patton, to Police Association Victoria Secretary Gatt and to all past and present serving members of the Victoria Police force for the loss of their comrade. Vale, Senior Constable Bria Joyce.

Ms LOVELL (Northern Victoria) (10:09):(By leave) On behalf of the Liberal and National parties I rise to join this condolence for Senior Constable Bria Joyce. At 9.55 pm on Friday, 8 April, a horrific accident in Red Cliffs, about 16 kilometres south of Mildura, claimed the life of 25-year-old Senior Constable Bria Joyce and seriously injured Senior Constable Thomas Kinnane. This was a horrific accident that has saddened the entire Sunraysia region community. Bria has been described to me by people who knew her as a lovely person who was generous, warm hearted and a joy to have around.

Bria joined Victoria Police six years ago and moved to Mildura in 2018, and just 12 months ago she joined the highway patrol. The loss of any life in a workplace accident is tragic, but I think the community always feels it more when that loss is of one of our frontline workers, a person who gives of themselves every day to keep our community safe.

Bria will be sadly missed by her family, friends and colleagues. I extend the sincere condolences of the Liberal and National parties to her mother, Dianne; partner, Kyle; her extended family and friends; and also to her colleagues in Victoria Police.

One of Bria’s colleagues at Mildura police station is the Liberal Party candidate for Mildura, Paul Matheson, and I would just like to include a few personal words from Paul, who said:

Bria was a beautiful person and colleague who had such a profound impact on all of our lives. In the challenging environment in which we work, we remember her for the strength and enthusiasm she always displayed. Rest in peace.

From every member of the Liberal and National parties: rest in peace, Bria Joyce.

Ms MAXWELL (Northern Victoria) (10:11):(By leave) It is actually with great sorrow that I speak on behalf of Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party to give our condolences for the loss of Bria Joyce. Ms Joyce was not only a well-respected and loved senior constable in Mildura, she was a cherished family member, a friend to many and an admired member of the local community.

The risks our police members take each day, as Mr Gepp said, and every day are profoundly demonstrated when a tragedy such as this occurs. Mr Grimley and I know this well—Mr Grimley as a former police member, and for me it is something I think of every time my husband walks out that door to go on shift.

We also recognise how traumatic this must have been for the first responders to the scene. When we lose a member of our police force in the line of duty, it has an enormous impact on us all. Police literally put their lives on the line for our safety each and every day. We all know this, and we should all respect that enormous commitment and sacrifice. I praise the courage of our serving members and express my gratitude for the work that they do.

Police members seem to never really be off duty. It is ingrained in them to help others, whether the uniform is on or off. This is demonstrated by reports that Ms Joyce rescued a young girl struggling in the Murray River when she was off duty. I have no doubt that child and family will be forever grateful. There are undoubtedly many others that Ms Joyce helped over the years and lives she saved in her more recent work patrolling our highways.

The Victoria Police hierarchy spoke glowingly of the contribution Ms Joyce made in her six years as a police officer, and I hope this will be cherished by those who loved her, knowing she clearly was doing very well in a job that she so loved. On behalf of Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party, we hold Ms Joyce’s family, friends, colleagues and community in our hearts.

Mr BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (10:13):(By leave) I am just going to make a very short statement. Police work is very dangerous, and in a lot of ways it is fortunate that we are not here doing this more often. People like Bria Joyce step into the uniform day in, day out and do things that are inherently dangerous, and sometimes tragedies come to unfold. Sadly, this is not the only instance we have had in recent times of having to deal with this. My condolences go to Bria Joyce’s family, friends, colleagues and particularly those colleagues that had to turn up as the initial responders. I could not imagine what that would be like. Vale, Senior Constable Bria Joyce.

The PRESIDENT: As a mark of respect for the tragic death of Senior Constable Bria Joyce in Mildura on 8 April 2022, I ask members to stand in their places for 1 minute’s silence.

Members stood in their places.