Bob Briggs, Luke Briggs’ father, said the delays and lack of information from investigators had exacerbated the family’s grief.
“The trauma is ongoing and always will be,” he said.
Briggs in hospital.
“The double standard is that these two police officers are sitting at home, on full pay, having a wonderful extended holiday.”
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner for public safety and security Wendy Steendam defended the investigation when announcing the charges on Thursday.
“I understand the news today will be concerning and difficult for many in the community. However, I want to reassure them that Victoria Police does not shy away from taking action to uphold community trust and confidence in our organisation,” she said in statement.
“The overwhelming majority of our police do the right thing day in and day out and provide exemplary service to the community. Today’s update should not take away from their efforts more broadly.”
Robinson Gill Lawyers solicitor Sarah Condon, acting for the Briggs family, said they had been left “utterly distraught by the death of their loved one Luke and the subsequent delays in the case.
“However, they cannot further publicly comment on the matter at this point, given criminal proceedings have now been commenced against the two Victoria Police officers involved in his death,” Condon said.
Fitzgerald and Papanastassis were both instructed to return to court on November 12 for an administrative hearing, with the brief of evidence due to be finalised by October 24.