British News Agency

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commemorated police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in a message issued on the occasion of National Police Remembrance Day.

Albanese said, “Today, on National Police Remembrance Day, we honour our police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. As we remember them, we also thank all our police officers who put themselves in harm’s way every day for their fellow Australians.”

Albanese said police officers wear their uniforms with pride and work with compassion, professionalism and dedication to keep the public safe, noting that they are an important part of the strength and unity of communities.

Albanese said the burdens carried by police officers and the risks they face are significant, and also referred to the death of Constable Mia Lay in the line of duty.

Albanese said, “The death of Constable Mia Lay has once again brought home to all of us just how great these burdens and risks are. Lay was taken from her family at far too young an age while serving Australians. This loss has also deeply affected Lay’s broader police family, and we share in their grief.”

Offering condolences to the relatives of police officers who lost their lives, Albanese said, “As we offer them our deepest condolences, we think of all police officers who have lost beloved and trusted colleagues, and every family and community now living with a void that can never be filled.”

At the end of his message, Albanese said police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty are remembered with honour and respect, adding, “Every police officer who lost their life served with honour; we remember them with respect and gratitude.”