Wieambilla shootout: Nation united in grief as leaders pay tribute

Political leaders at all levels of ­government have come forward to pay their respects to the two young officers and a brave neighbour who were killed in the shootout at Wieambilla.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in Brisbane on Tuesday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Tertius Pickard

Political leaders at all levels of ­government have come forward to pay their respects to the two young officers and a brave neighbour who were killed in the shootout at Wieambilla.

Anthony Albanese addressed the nation on Tuesday afternoon, conveying the deep sense of ­sadness felt in Queensland and across Australia.

“All Australians are shocked and saddened by this tragic loss of life,” the Prime Minister said.

“Three lives cruelly cut short; this is indeed a devastating day for everyone who loved these Australians, and our hearts go out to those in the grip of terrible grief.

“We know that this news has fallen hard on a close-knit and ­caring Queensland community, as well as a closer community to which all police officers belong.”

The Prime Minister praised all police for their bravery and commitment to keeping Australians safe despite the obvious risks.

“Every officer knows the risks that they face in the line of duty, they are all too aware of the dangers that they face, yet they do their job, they do it for our community, that is courage and it is public service at the highest level.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk also offered her condolences, urging all Queenslanders to be especially kind to police officers over the coming days.

“On behalf of the entire state of Queensland, I offer my deep, deep condolences to the families and loved ones of those two young constables who were tragically killed,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Our hearts just break for these two young, beautiful officers who were just doing their job,

“I want to echo the thoughts of the police union president … that whenever you see a police officer the next few days or weeks, offer a kind word or a sign of respect.”

Ms Palaszczuk acknowledged that NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet had reached out on Tuesday morning to express his condolences regarding the shootings.

Chinchilla mayor Paul Mc­Veigh said the community was hurting: “It’s devastating news, not just personally but for our whole community – a community where we pride ourselves on having great people and to have this tragedy … it’ll really rock our community right across our region, and it’ll rock Queensland.”