TWEED MP Geoff Provest and the Tweed branch of the NSW Police Association have welcomed mandatory life sentencing for people convicted of murdering police officers.

Crime Prevention officer and NSW Police Association spokesman Senior Constable Andrew Eppelstun said he hoped the mandatory punishment would deter criminals.

"The harsh penalties should make any offender think twice before they show violence towards a police officer," he said.

"Police are only doing their job and it’s good to have the support.

"It’s pleasing to see the government is taking violence against police officers seriously."

The decision by the NSW government to enforce mandatory life sentences on "cop killers" comes in reaction to the death of Detective Senior Constable Damian Leeding who was shot in the face while responding to an armed robbery on the Gold Coast last month.

Three people have been charged with his murder and will face Southport Magistrates Court again on June 24.

Tweed MP Geoff Provest announced his support for the legislation in parliament on Monday.

He said the day of Det Snr Const Leeding’s death was a sad day for police on both sides of the border and that both communities had had enough.

"It is unacceptable that anyone involved in the murder of a police officer should now be enjoying freedom," Mr Provest said.

"I am a big supporter of Tweed cops. I have been out on night shifts with them, I know how hard they work and risks they have to take to make the Tweed a safer place to live, work and play.

"The courage of the officers is second to none; indeed, their courage is much greater than mine.

"That is why they deserve this extra protection, which I believe has the overwhelming support of the Tweed community."