On this, our first National Police Legacy Day, our hearts go out to the Tasmanian Police Force, with NSW Police Legacy offering its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the Police Officer killed yesterday while performing his duties. We are deeply saddened by this loss.
It is fitting, then, that today, 17 June, marks the start of a new tradition, recognising and acknowledging the eight Police Legacy charities around Australia that give long-term, life-changing care to the Police families left behind when tragedy strikes.
Yesterday's tragedy struck. Our hearts go out to the Tasmanian Police Family.
We acknowledge the extraordinary burden placed on Police Officers every day while going about their work; we acknowledge the pain of the families left behind.
Tonight, the sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated with the symbol of National Police Legacy Day, the Michaelmas Daisy, the flower of St Michael, the Patron Saint of Police. It is a reminder to us all of the challenges faced, and the extraordinary courage and vitality of Police and Police Legatees around the nation.
