Services were held in state capitals and regional towns across Australia, with the official national service in Canberra.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, a former Queensland police officer for nearly a decade, paid tribute in Brisbane.
"We live in the greatest country in the world, and a big part of that is because we have a civil society, and that's because of the police officers who wear the uniform of our respective police forces around the country," Mr Dutton said.
"They keep us safe, they run into harm's way to make sure that we are safe and in many cases they prevent crimes from happening."
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said the day was a chance to reflect and remember brave colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty.
"National Police Remembrance Day is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by thousands of men and women who wear the police uniform to serve and protect the community every day, and we honour those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice," Mr Patton said.
In Melbourne, Senior Constable Bria Joyce, who was killed in a collision near Mildura in April, was honoured with a plaque dedicated to her memory.
Her name will be the 175th inscribed on the Victoria Police Memorial Wall on St Kilda Road.
Sen Const Joyce was posthumously awarded the National Police Service Medal, the National Medal, the Victoria Police Star and the Victoria Police Service Medal.
In Sydney, a service was held at the Wall of Remembrance in the Domain to honour 275 NSW officers killed in the line of duty since 1862.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said it was one of the most important days of the year for NSW Police.
"We also remember those who have lost their lives through illness, injury or other circumstances, and we stand with those they have left behind."
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch and Police Minister Paul Papalia led speeches and a wreath-laying ceremony at the WA Police Academy.
The names of 87 officers who lost their lives in the line of duty were etched on the Memorial Wall at the academy, facing the Flame of Remembrance.
South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said it was important to acknowledge the dangers of policing.
"Today we recall the unquestionable dedication to our profession and the community by police members who made the ultimate sacrifice while on duty," he said.
Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Leigh Hine hailed fallen officers as brave and selfless.
"As officers stand in solidarity at Remembrance Day ceremonies, we pause to honour the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting their community," he said.
This year the names of ten officers who died in the line of duty at Tasmania Police, were added to the Memorial Baton, and carried on the Wall-to-Wall Ride to Canberra for inscribing on the National Police Memorial.
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