PFA offers full support in wake of NZ massacre

The slaughter of 49 innocent worshippers in two New Zealand mosques yesterday was one of the worst crimes our nearest neighbour has ever suffered.

The dead, along with the 40-odd injured, and others who escaped a rampaging gunman, had committed no crime.

They had, on a Friday afternoon, simply undertaken the same fundamental right of every Australian and New Zealander – the right to worship.

And, in a civilized society, the inhumanity of inflicting death on those in the peaceful practice of their faith was unconscionable.

A source of deep regret to Australia was the revelation that the gunman, one of four suspects, identified himself as Australian.

If his nationality is indeed as he claims, he does not in the slightest represent the Australian ethos, culture or values.

As police, as unionists, and as Australians, we thoroughly condemn him, his alleged accomplices, and the killings of which they are now accused.

The Police Federation of Australia extends its deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the dead and injured.

We also recognize the long and exceedingly difficult task that lies ahead for our New Zealand colleagues.

Among them will be first responders, investigators, armed-response officers, crime-scene examiners, police media officers, and a range of others.

Their efforts will be critical to establish precisely how the four suspects undertook their act of mass murder.

We understand the enormous challenge of the task, given that our members have themselves had to confront terrorist, and terrorist-type, acts on Australian soil in recent years.

Accordingly, we stand ready to provide our New Zealand members with moral, practical and any other support of which we are capable.