He is believed to be a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen.
NSW Police on the Albury/Wodonga border are on standby.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “Our thoughts are with the police for the work they do, each and every day.”
“The men and women who wear our uniform, wear the uniform of the police force take risks each and every day.”
The officer was wounded in the thigh while serving a warrant at a property in Porepunkah, near Bright — about 300 kilometres from Melbourne — on Tuesday morning.
Heavily armed officers from the Special Operations Group are being deployed to the region, which sits at the base of Mount Buffalo in Victoria’s alpine area.
Porepunkah residents have been told to stay indoors.
Porepunkah Primary School – just 800m from the incident – has reportedly been placed in lockdown, with students remaining indoors until authorities declare it safe.
Premier Jacinta Allan issued a statement urging residents to follow police officers’ advice and avoid the area.
“I have been briefed by the chief commissioner of Victoria Police. This situation remains active,” Allan said.
“Victoria Police officers, and all our first responders, show extraordinary bravery and courage every single day.
“They are the best of us and the thoughts of all Victorians are with them today.”
Victoria Police confirmed the situation was still “active” at midday and urged residents to avoid the area.
“Police are currently at a property in Porepunkah,” a police spokesperson said.
“This is still an active incident and we will provide more information when it’s operationally safe to do so.
“We ask people avoid the area. This is all the information we are able to confirm at this time. When we are able to provide an update, we will do so as soon as possible.
“This is an active and ongoing incident which may present significant risk to members of the public. We are asking that you do not attend the scene at this time.
The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) released a statement saying it extended its “deepest thoughts to the officers, families, and colleagues” of those affected.
“Reports confirm that one officer has been wounded, and two others are deceased after police executed a warrant at a rural property.
“This is an active and unfolding situation, with emergency services working tirelessly to secure the area and keep the community safe.”
AFPA president Alex Caruana said it was a reminder of the risk officers faced every day in keeping the community safe.
“Policing is dangerous and unpredictable work, and what has happened in Porepunkah is a reminder of the risks officers face every day in keeping the community safe,” Caruana said.
“We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our TPAV and Victoria Police colleagues and their loved ones as more details emerge.”
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