A 22-year-old man has been remanded in custody over the stabbing of a police officer in a stairwell of a busy shopping centre in Cairns in Far North Queensland.
Senior Constable Tim Liesegang, 50, was patrolling Cairns Central about 2:30pm yesterday when he came across the man.
The two, who are known to each other, were talking before the younger man allegedly stabbed the officer in the stomach, chest and neck.
The alleged offender is accused of fleeing the scene.
Police arrested Jack Smith half an hour later at the Bungalow Hotel, about 2 kilometres away, and he was taken to hospital for assessment.
The senior constable remains in a stable condition at Cairns Hospital.
Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said the union would work with the Queensland Police Service to support Senior Constable Liesegang and his family throughout his recovery.
"We're extremely lucky here today that we are not mourning a murdered police officer," Mr Leavers said.
"Condolences are coming from the community … I have received calls from places all over all Australia with their thoughts for Tim and Tim's family."
Mr Leavers said Senior Constable Liesegang was in good spirits in the hospital.
"Tim has been in the police for nearly a decade — he is a former ADF — he is an experienced competent person who is very passionate about being a police officer," he said.
Premier labels incident 'absolutely awful'
Mr Smith did not appear this morning when his case was mentioned in the Cairns Magistrates Court.
He has been charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of a knife, possession of drugs and possession of stolen money.
His lawyer did not apply for bail, meaning Mr Smith will remain in police custody.
His case is expected to return to court next month.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the incident was "absolutely awful".
"I've asked the Police Commissioner to convey my thoughts to the police officer and the family," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"We do not want to see our frontline workers attacked, whether it's a police officer, whether it's a health worker or anyone."
