Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has called for a review into police chase laws after a Queensland policeman was critically injured when he was hit by a suspected stolen car.
Pete McAulay, a 24-year-old constable from Goodna police station, has undergone surgery after suffering serious head injuries in the incident at Booval, west of Brisbane, on Thursday morning.
The officer was dragged several metres after being hit while laying stingers to stop a suspected stolen car.
Constable McAulay remains in a critical but stable condition in a Brisbane hospital.
Two teenagers, a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl, have both been charged with one count each of attempted murder and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
The Queensland Police Union (QPU) has renewed calls for remote engine immobilisers to be installed in all new vehicles.
Mr Leavers said the technology would prevent similar tragedies.
"I would like to see we will never need a police pursuit into the future because we can shut down cars and protect the community," Mr Leavers said.
"This is all about safety — we have technology, let's use it to protect lives."
Mr Dutton said a review into police chase laws should be undertaken.
"It's just a stark reminder of how dangerous the job is, but yes, we do need to look afresh," Mr Dutton said.
"The chase laws allowing people to get into stolen cars knowing that they're not going to be pursued is a very dangerous outcome.
"I'll have a look at the investigation and see what can be recommended as a result of this particular matter."
Mr Dutton said his thoughts and prayers were with Constable McAulay for a speedy recovery.
"While most people will flee a dangerous situation, police are running into harm's way to protect us," he said.
Donations call to help family
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has thanked all those involved in the young officer's treatment.
The constable was sworn into the QPS in 2014.
Mr Leavers said he had been inundated with calls from across Australia wanting to support the 24-year-old.
"The Queensland Police Union has set up an account with Q-Bank where donations can be made and also at any Westpac branch," Mr Leavers said.
"All funds will go directly to Pete and his family, and to assist them in every which way."
As Constable McAulay's colleagues prepare to remember those killed in the line of duty at marches today for National Police Remembrance Day, Mr Leavers said the officer's injuries reflected the dangers police faced on the job everyday.
Mr Leavers said Constable McAulay had "paid a hefty price" for simply doing his job.
"[He was] just starting out a career, something he was very passionate about, and this could very well be taken from him," Mr Leavers said.
"We're just hoping that Pete is one of those people that we don't have to remember on Police Remembrance Day and he makes a full recovery — he's got a hell of a fight on his hands."
Mr Leavers said counselling and support had been offered to Constable McAulay's "distressed" colleagues.
"They're doing it tough, but they know it could have been any one of them at that point in time, and that is the danger that police face," he said.
"As police we know the risks that we face when we turn up to work, but we pray that a day like this will never occur."
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