The deaths of constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, and neighbour Alan Dare at Wieambilla on 12 December 2022 remain one of the darkest and most harrowing events in Queensland's history.
As we stand just weeks away from the third anniversary of their cold-blooded murders, the courage shown by Matthew and Rachel in the line of duty, and the selflessness of Mr Dare, weigh heavily on us all.
Every officer who pulls on the uniform carries this tragedy with them. They know the risks. They know the sacrifice. And yet they continue to show up, day and night, to protect Queenslanders from this senseless evil.
But the heaviest burden rests with the families who lost someone they loved.
I thank State Coroner Terry Ryan for the thorough and careful way this inquest has been conducted.
The Queensland Police Service and the Crisafulli Government will closely consider all findings and recommendations as we continue to strengthen the safety of our frontline.
We must learn every possible lesson from this tragedy to ensure it doesn't happen again to honour those we lost – and to make Queensland safer.
