Police Association president Greg O'Connor said the incident - which came just a month after a police officer was shot in Mayoral Drive - highlighted dangers faced by police.
"We are just lucky on this occasion that her leaving was an option, but with nine colleagues shot in the last three years, that hasn't always been an option."
Mr O'Connor acknowledged police access to firearms had been improved with the roll-out of secure compartments containing tasers and firearms in 908 front-line patrol cars, but believed it would take a tragedy before the Government allowed police officers to carry firearms.
"We believe every police officer will end up with a firearm on their hip - but it will take either a number of unarmed police officers to be shot, or a member of the public to be shot because the police couldn't take action - before it happens."
A Police National Headquarters spokesperson however said rates of firearms-related offending have remained at a "very low percentage" of total violent offending.
"The safety of Police and the public is paramount in these situations, and any threat or use of force against either is taken seriously."
"However, officers are highly trained to assess the correct tactical options that may be required in any situation, and we remain confident have the right skills, training and equipment required to respond appropriately."
Police were also rolling out revised tactical options training for more frontline staff, which include the use of tasers and firearms.
The last officer to be shot and killed while on duty was in 2009.
