Australia stands behind the survivors of the Martin Place siege and the families of those who lost their lives, parliamentarians said during a condolence motion.
A group of about 65, comprising survivors of the siege, New South Wales police chiefs and family members of the slain hostages Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson attended in parliament house in Canberra on Monday morning.
Many wiped away tears and comforted each other during the speeches, especially when speakers honoured the memory of Johnson and Dawson.
Tony Abbott promised that the government would learn the lessons of siege detailed in the report due to be released by the end of this month.
“The Martin Place siege was the act of terror that we hoped would never occur in this country,” Abbott said.
“I want to assure the men and women in the gallery, I want to assure all Australians, that this government, as well as our state counterparts, are determined to learn from what happened at the Lindt cafe on that dreadful day.”
Abbott said the government had boosted spending on national security.
“I pledge, madam speaker, that I will do whatever I humanly can to keep our people safe.”
The opposition leader, Bill Shorten, said measures to strengthen national security had bipartisan support.
“We will work with you, the government, because the security of our nation and safety of our people is above politics. When it comes to fighting terrorism, we are indeed in this together,” Shorten said.
Shorten paid tribute to the families of Dawson and Johnson. “I offer the heartfelt condolences of our party and our nation. Australia is indeed with you in your grief,” he said.
“We understand that no words in this place or elsewhere can restore that vanished touch, or bring back a voice too soon silenced. All we can offer is Australia’s embrace. A promise to honour forever the memory of those lost to you and to all of us.”
Words of praise were also offered for the hostages.
“To all of the hostages of this tragedy: our thoughts are with you, they continue to be with you and we stand united as a parliament saying we’ll do whatever it takes to support you in this difficult time,” said the deputy Labor leader, Tanya Plibersek, whose electorate covers the part of Sydney were the Lindt cafe is located.
“We salute Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson. We salute everyone touched by the siege, touched by this atrocity,” Abbott said.
The prime minister said Australia would continue to be an open and peaceful nation despite what he previously described as a “brush with terrorism”.
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