Australian George Cross recipient Michael Pratt has died in Melbourne, aged 70.

The former Victorian Police officer was the last Australian to receive what at the time was Britain's highest award for bravery.


The George Cross remains the highest decoration of the Australian honours system after the British Victoria Cross and the Victoria Cross for Australia.

Mr Pratt was an off-duty constable when he put his life on the line to try to stop an armed robbery at the ANZ Bank in Clifton Hill, in Melbourne's inner north-east, in June 1976.

He was shot in the back at close range while trying to detain one of the robbers.


Mr Pratt had been driving past the bank when the three masked men were entering it.

He immediately turned his car around, sounding his horn and mounting the kerb to block the entrance.

He instructed a passer-by to call the police and struggled with one of the robbers, resulting in the gunshot wound.


"Constable Pratt displayed outstanding bravery, devotion to duty and a complete disregard for his own safety when, unarmed and single handed, he faced and attempted to arrest these dangerous armed criminals," the Australian Bravery Association said in a social media post upon Mr Pratt's death.

Mr Pratt was forced to retire from the police force because of his injuries.

He was awarded the George Cross two years later.

"Our condolences to Michael's wife Dianne and his family and friends," the association said.

"May he rest in peace."

The Cross of Valour Association of Australia said Australia had lost a hero.

It said Mr Pratt had shown "extraordinary bravery" and disregard for his own safety.

"Though the shooting forced him to retire from active policing, he never gave up his commitment to public service," it said in a statement.


"He later returned to work with Victoria Police in different capacities and continued to serve his community until his final retirement."

Australia's Governor-General Sam Mostyn has also paid tribute to Mr Pratt.

In August, Police Veterans Victoria said Mr Pratt had entered palliative care at the Northern Private Hospital.

"Michael's story is a reminder of the risks our members take and the extraordinary courage shown in the face of danger," it said.

"His service and sacrifice will always be remembered by the policing community and beyond."

In 2015, Mr Pratt and five other men who held a Cross of Valour or George Cross were invited to the Royal Australian Mint to strike their names onto new collectable Australian Bravery coins.