This is a truly shocking incident in one of Sydney’s busiest CBDs.

 

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Curtis Cheng, particularly his colleagues in the NSW Police Force who are in mourning today.

 

As NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said this morning, there is no doubt lives were saved yesterday by the heroic actions of three Officers from the NSW Police Force.

 

Our thoughts are also with the family of the alleged young perpetrator. Like all Australians, they will be struggling to comprehend how someone so young could be part of such a terrible crime.

 

Australians should be reassured that our security and police agencies are among the best in the world and its important fans are not deterred from attending this weekend’s AFL and NRL Grand Finals.

 

This incident is being urgently investigated by the NSW Police Force, the NSW Coroner and security agencies.  At times like this, it’s critical that we guard against dangerous division – we are stronger and safer when we stand together.

 

We must not surrender the very qualities and liberties that we seek to protect.

 

Labor will continue our bipartisan approach to the most important responsibility of government - ensuring the safety of Australian citizens.

 

SATURDAY, 3 OCTOBER 2015

 

MEDIA CONTACT: RYAN LIDDELL 0427 225 763