Mr Govan, 26, was remembered by friends and colleagues as a kind man who was involved in the community and committed to his family.

Travelling to Gippsland for a night away with his wife Rhiannon, Mr Govan was killed when his car was hit by a vehicle that, only moments before, had been involved in a police pursuit.

As his wife of two years recovered from emergency surgery in Melbourne’s The Alfred hospital last night, Mr Govan’s death prompted a renewed debate about police pursuits in Victoria.

Mr Govan’s sister-in-law Stacey Daciw said the family had been overwhelmed by the community response to the accident and continued to care for the couple’s 17-month-old son Aidan.

“We have had so many calls and messages offering support for Rhiannon and Aidan, it has been amazing,” she said.

“The family want to say we appreciate everyone’s support and condolences and are looking forward to Rhiannon leaving hospital.”

Ms Daciw said the family had yet to realise the full reality of the accident.

Mr Govan worked as an assembler at Ballarat’s Deutscher Mowers, where his boss Peter Clifton said he was well liked and respected.

“Losing such a lovely guy has deeply shocked us and has affected the morale of the place today. We’ve offered counselling to some of the guys who may need it but it will take a while for people to realise the impact of this,” Mr Clifton said.

A spokesman for acting Police Minister Robert Clark said the Victorian government extended condolences to the families of those involved in the accident.

“Police command has strict protocols in place regarding high-speed chases, including that a risk assessment continually be made and the pursuit immediately called off if there is an unacceptable risk to safety,” the spokesman said.

“Victoria Police has advised the government its Major Collision Investigation Group is investigating the incident in Morwell and that it is also currently undertaking a review of the Victorian Police pursuit policy.”