MEDIA STATEMENT 12 December 2025
I condemn in the strongest possible terms the disgraceful vandalism of the Victoria Police memorial in Melbourne this morning. This memorial honours officers who were killed while protecting their community. To deface it is an attack on their memory and on every Australian who values the service of our police.
This is the second instance in recent times that this sacred site has been targeted. It is unacceptable that a place dedicated to fallen officers can be repeatedly vandalised without proper security. The Victorian Government should ensure CCTV and other protections are in place to prevent this from happening again.
Those responsible must be found and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. A clear message needs to be sent that targeting police or war memorials will not be tolerated. These criminals have shown complete contempt for the men and women who risk their lives to keep us safe. Australians will be watching very closely how the courts deal with such offences and will not tolerate a slap on the wrist.
My support is with Victoria Police and with police across the country. This is not just about Victoria Police. It is about respect for all who step forward to serve and protect our communities. Today’s attack dishonours that service and all Australians. It should unite us in standing firmly against this intolerable behaviour.
[ENDS]
Media Contact: Brendan West – 0402 556 646 – Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
