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Vic police officers honoured in parliament

Ulises IzquierdoAAP
Scott Morrison has led tributes to the four Victorian police officers killed last month.
Camera IconScott Morrison has led tributes to the four Victorian police officers killed last month.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has led tributes to the four Victorian police officers killed last month, telling parliament their loss "sent a shudder through all of us".

MPs on Tuesday held a minute's silence for Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, Constables Glen Humphris and Josh Prestney, who were killed at the side of a Melbourne freeway while on duty.

Remembering the blue ribbons and flowers placed on the doors of Victorian police stations after the tragedy, Mr Morrison said their loss was felt by every Australian.

"We all felt it. Not only Victorians, but every Australian," he said.

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"Because we know those who wear that police uniform, wherever they do it in the country, they stand between us and the harm that can befall any of us.

"May our brave and dedicated officers rest in peace. We owe them more than we can speak of, and may their families draw great comfort from their country's love."

The prime minister said the nation had honoured the four police officers, despite the restrictions of the coronavirus lockdown.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese praised the "Australian heroes" whose names "should never have been joined together in this way".

"What happened on that bleak April night shook the nation," Mr Albanese told the House of Representatives.

"We will remember you, Josh, Lynette, Glen, and Kevin. We will remember you to the laws you lived and the people you work. We give thanks for your service."

The four officers were killed when they were hit by a truck while they were impounding a Porsche on the Eastern Freeway at Kew on April 22.

The four constables were farewelled at private funerals.

A state memorial service will be held for them when coronavirus measures on large gatherings are lifted.

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