Governor-General Sam Mostyn spoke at the ceremony on Tuesday afternoon, saying the officers were killed in 'despicable circumstances' while carrying out their duties. The new touchstones display the names of four officers: Victoria Police Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, who were fatally shot by Dezi Freeman at Porepunkah in August 2025; Western Australia Detective Senior Constable Maxine Bembridge, who died in a crash on her way to work in May; and retired New South Wales Sergeant Mark Bransgrove, who died from cancer attributed to his service.
'These few stories tell only a tiny part of four remarkable lives,' Ms Mostyn said.
Acting AFP Commissioner Ian McCartney said it was a day of mourning and a chance to pay tribute to 'the selfless and the brave'. He acknowledged the presence of loved ones and colleagues who were not at the ceremony the previous year. 'We will share the burden of grief with you, and importantly, we will share the incredible and inspiring lives of those who will live forever as heroes in our country,' he said.
Tearful family members laid wreaths at the national monument on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. The procession included officers on foot, horseback and motorbikes. Tributes were also paid to Sydney Constable Mia Lay, who was killed in a police car crash last week.