Police Commissioner breaks down in front of media: 'They never stood a chance'

Queensland's police commissioner Katarina Carroll has held back tears as she addressed media in the wake of the "tragic" execution-style ambush that resulted in the death of two young police officers.

Commissioner Carroll was forced to pause and compose herself on Tuesday morning as she fought back tears and relayed details of the "incredibly distressing" shooting at a Wieambilla property, about 300 kilometres west of Brisbane.

"As you would appreciate. It is an extremely emotional and challenging time for the Queensland Police Service," she told media members gathered outside the Chinchilla Police Station.

She revealed the two officers, Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, and Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, had only been with the force since 2020 and 2021 respectively.

"They made the ultimate sacrifice," Commissioner Carroll said.

"Matthew and Rachel were highly respected and much loved members of the Queensland police service. They were both committed and courageous young people who had a passion for policing and for serving their community. Both under 30 years of age. Both had wonderful careers and lives ahead of them."

Ambushed officers 'didn't stand a chance'

Four officers had attended the property at around 4.40pm on Monday to investigate a missing persons case when they were shot at close range by armed men wearing camouflage.

"In my opinion those two officers did not stand a chance. The fact that two got out alive is a miracle."

The two surviving officers have been identified as Constable Kealy Brough and Constable Randall Kirk, who were hailed by Commissioner Carroll.

"They bravely did what they could to save their colleagues in the most horrendous circumstances. Their bravery was beyond belief," she told reporters.

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said earlier Constable Brough believed she was either going to be shot dead or burnt alive after a fire was allegedly lit to coax her out of long grass where she was hiding.

When asked if one of the offenders made the call to police, Commissioner Carroll said she could not rule it out.

Two men and a woman were shot dead by police at the property after a siege unfolded. Police sources say the men were brothers and the woman was the partner of one of them.

A sixth person was shot dead and has been identified as neighbour Alan Dare, 58, who went to investigate after hearing gunshots at the property.

Commissioner Carroll revealed she had attended the scene but stopped short or providing details of what she saw when asked by a reporter.

"I won't go into too much of that, other than to say that when you are in that scene, walking towards the house and where this apparently took place, they [approaching police] were in an exposed area ... I would go back to say that I cannot believe two officers got out alive."

Queensland police 'taken for granted', premier says

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Tuesday morning she has been in regular contact with Commissioner Carroll and offered her condolences to Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow's families.

"On behalf of the entire state of Queensland, I offer my deep, deep condolences to the families and loved ones of those two young constables who were tragically killed," she said from Brisbane.

"Sometimes we take our police for granted. Sometimes we forget the risk that they take every single day. Every single day of their life."

Commissioner Carroll said the incident is a "tragic reminder of the unpredictable nature of policing".

"Every day, our officers face very real dangers while protecting their communities."

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