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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2010-09-29 Daily Xml
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NATIONAL POLICE REMEMBRANCE DAY

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (14:19): My question is to the Minister for Police. Can the minister inform the house of the importance of today, National Police Remembrance Day, in recognising the dangers facing the brave men and women of the South Australian police force?

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee—Minister for Police, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:19): I thank the member for her question. Earlier today it was my honour to attend the National Police Remembrance Day memorial service at the Fort Largs Police Academy. The service is conducted each year in memory of police officers killed in the line of duty, paying due respect to the memory of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the people of South Australia. Over the past 170 years, 61 South Australian police officers have been killed in the line of duty.

I also acknowledge the presence of the shadow minister for police at this important event, showing that throughout parliament, as indeed throughout the state, we all appreciate the dangers of the vital work done by our dedicated police officers. Policing is a dangerous profession. It is a tragic reality that was recently brought to the fore by a devastating incident interstate, and I am certain the men and women of the South Australia Police have felt strongly the loss of their New South Wales colleague Constable Bill Crews.

It is greatly upsetting to see any officer make the ultimate sacrifice in protecting us all, particularly when the officer comes from a police family and his death is linked to a scourge like the drug trade. Any event such as this is a reminder of the daily dangers confronting our men and women on the force.

It is vital for the continued safety and security of all Australians that the dedicated men and women of our force are willing to put themselves in harm's way for the benefit of the rest of us. Their dedication and willingness to risk their individual safety allows us all to carry on our lives confident in the blanket of security their service provides. We are extremely fortunate to have so many men and women who put their lives on the line every day in the pursuit of helping and protecting the community; however, there is a real risk that lives can be lost.

I call on the members of this house to take the opportunity on this day, National Police Remembrance Day, to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice of the 61 South Australian police officers who have died in the service of the state. I also call on us all to reflect on the outstanding work of the more than 4,400 men and women of our police service, who every day do the memory of their fallen comrades proud.

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