In a deeply personal and emotional address to the Queensland Parliament, Member for Ninderry Janelle Poole broke down as she praised the heroic actions of police officers during the tragic Bondi Junction stabbing attack.
The former police officer turned politician spoke on Wednesday, April 17, her voice thick with emotion as she recounted the events of Saturday, April 13, at the Westfield shopping centre in Sydney.
A Former Officer's Salute to Courage
Janelle Poole, who served for over a decade with the Queensland Police Service, directed her heartfelt thanks to the New South Wales Police Force. She singled out the extraordinary bravery of Inspector Amy Scott, the officer who ultimately confronted and fatally shot the attacker, Joel Cauchi, after he had killed six people and injured many others.
"To the police officers who ran towards danger, I say thank you," Ms Poole told the chamber, struggling to hold back tears. "As a former police officer, I know what it is like to put on a uniform and run towards something when everyone else is running away."
Her speech highlighted the unique bond shared by members of the police force, a camaraderie that transcends state borders. She emphasised that the courage displayed in Bondi was a testament to the training and character of officers across Australia.
The Bondi Junction Attack: A Nation Mourns
The attack, which unfolded on a busy Saturday afternoon, sent shockwaves across the country. The assailant, 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, was known to police in Queensland. The incident resulted in the deaths of six innocent victims and left a community in mourning.
In the face of this chaos, Inspector Amy Scott's decisive actions were widely credited with preventing further loss of life. Eyewitness accounts and police statements confirm she pursued the attacker alone, issuing commands before firing her weapon when he turned towards her with a knife.
Ms Poole's tribute served to formally recognise this bravery in the parliamentary record, giving a political voice to the national sentiment of gratitude towards the first responders.
Beyond the Uniform: A Shared Understanding
Ms Poole's background lent a profound authenticity to her words. Having worn the uniform herself, she spoke not just as a politician, but as a peer who understands the weight of the duty.
"I know the fear that you would have had," she said, addressing the officers directly. "I know the courage that it would have taken, and I know that you would have done it for complete strangers."
This personal perspective resonated deeply, reminding the public that police officers are individuals who make split-second, life-altering decisions in the service of others. Her speech connected the political realm with the raw human experience of the tragedy.
The Queensland MP's powerful intervention underscores the widespread impact of the Bondi Junction attack, which has sparked conversations about public safety, mental health, and the nature of heroism in modern Australia.
