PM pays tribute to fallen police

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has paid tribute to police who've fallen in the line of duty, saying the commitment of the nation's police ensures Australia remains a nation ruled by law.

Addressing the national police remembrance day service in Canberra, he said Australia's democracy depended on many things, none more important than the daily heroism and commitment of police.

"You and your many comrades and many colleagues in law enforcement across the country are standing up for democracy, ensuring that we are safe, ensuring that we remain a nation ruled by law," he said.

The national police memorial lists the names of 757 police from Australia and regional nations killed in the line of duty.

It's customary for new names to be added each year.

No Australian police died in the last year but the names of five PNG police will be added, two murdered, two killed in car accidents and one who collapsed and died while chasing a robbery suspect.

Australian Federal Police commissioner Andrew Colvin thanked officers serving across Australia and overseas and their families.

"For them, as we know, every day is unpredictable, we know that every shift brings new risk. We know that for their families, every time they walk back though that door brings a sense of relief," he said.