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.
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 shooter is believed to have fled the scene, the Herald Sun has reported.
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.
Police are continuing to search the area as concerns grow for the two officers still unaccounted for.
Porepunkah Primary School, just 800m from where the incident occurrred, has reportedly been placed in lockdown, with students remaining indoors until authorities declare it safe.
More to come.
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