MEDIA RELEASE: CONDOLENCES TO FAMILIES OF VICTORIAN POLICE OFFICERS

Date: 29/08/2025

Australia’s peak body for workplace health and safety pays its respects to the Victorian police officers who lost their lives in Porepunkah this week and the third officer who was injured in the line of duty.

The Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS) Chair, Cameron Montgomery, said it was a tragic reminder of the risks faced daily by our first responders.

“First responders stand on the frontline of community safety facing unimaginable risks because protecting others is at the core of who they are. Every time they put on the uniform, they enter a workplace where violence, trauma, and danger are daily realities,” he said.

“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart and those of the injured officer. We also extend our condolences to all members of the Victoria Police.

Mr Montgomery urged all first responders to prioritise their mental well-being during this deeply distressing and traumatic time.

He said first responders experience nearly double the rate of mental health issues compared with the general population with one in 10 developing work-related PTSD.

“It is critical that our first responders are supported and as Australia’s peak body for workplace health and safety our focus is on advocating to protect not only their physical safety but mental wellbeing.”

ENDS

Media Enquiries:
AIHS Contact: Rebecca Turnbull
Tel: (03) 8336 1995
Email: [email protected]


About the AIHS: With a 76-year history, the Australian Institute of Health & Safety is Australia’s national association for the health and safety profession, with a vision for safe and healthy people in productive workplaces and communities.