‘It is tragic beyond words’

Dignitaries have joined thousands of mourners laying flowers near the scene of a deadly Sydney siege.

The Prime Minister Tony Abbott addresses the nation during a press conference in Parliament House Canberra. Source: News Corp Australia

TONY Abbott said it is "tragic beyond words" that Australians were caught up in a "brush with terrorism" buying a morning coffee in Martin Place.

"These events do demonstrate that even a country as free, as open, as generous and as safe as ours is vulnerable to acts of politically motivated violence.

"But they also remind us that Australia and Australians are resilient and we are ready to respond."

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Mr Abbott said the perpetrator was well known to authorities and "had a long history of violent crime, infatuation with extremism and mental instability".

He sent letters to the families of Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan and posted graphic extremist material online, he added.

"As the siege unfolded yesterday, he sought to cloak his actions with the symbolism of the ISIL death cult."

The Prime Minister said "plainly, there are lessons to be learned" from the events.

"We will thoroughly examine this incident."

Tragic beyond words ... Prime Minister Tony Abbott holding a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Pic: Kym Smith Source: News Corp Australia

He told reporters in Canberra that he will head to Sydney in the early afternoon.

Earlier, Mr Abbott issued a statement saying the government's National Security Committee of Cabinet would meet to review the siege — the third such meeting in 24 hours.

In a statement, the Prime Minister said "our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the two deceased hostages, the wounded and the other hostages".

"I commend the courage and professionalism of the New South Wales Police and other emergency services involved."

Mr Abbott was this morning briefed on the developments by Premier Mike Baird and NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, as well as AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin.

Commonwealth agencies will continue to provide every support to NSW authorities, he said.

The National Security Committee of Cabinet is made up of Mr Abbott, Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss, Immigration Minister Scott Morrison, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Defence Minister David Johnson, Attorney-General George Brandis and AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin.

Fleeing ... Hostages run to safety after police swooped into the Lindt Chocolat Cafe. Pic: AP Photo/Rob Griffith Source: AP

Bill Shorten joined with the Prime Minister in sharing his "thoughts and prayers" with the innocent people who were killed and their families.

"We also keep in our thoughts the wounded and other hostages, and their families.

"Their ordeal is not over."

The Opposition Leader said "we owe our full gratitude to our police and security agencies for their bravery, service and sacrifice".

"Their skill and professionalism has saved lives."

Labor continues to offer the government is "full support", he added.

Full support ... Bill Shorten makes a statement supporting the Government in regards to the Sydney hostage incident. Pic: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Bill Shorten said he hopes in time there can be a permanent memorial for the victims of the Martin Place tragedy.

"To all those who have escaped from this ordeal with their lives, the wounded and the frightened, Australia is here for you," the Opposition Leader told reporters in Melbourne.

Mr Shorten said the attack had "failed", because "Australians have not lost faith and will never lose faith in our peaceful, multicultural society".

"We will stand united, we will face the challenges of this dark moment together and together, we will endure, together we will prevail."

In shock ... A woman carried out from the Lindt Cafe, Martin Place by police following the hostage standoff. Pic: Joosep Martinson/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Acting Greens Leader Adam Bandt joined them, extending the party's "greatest sympathies".

"To the victims, their families and friends, police and health workers, and to anyone around the nation watching at home impacted by this morning's tragic events our hearts go out to you," he said.

"It is critical that the nation comes together today.

"We should comfort one another and open our arms in warm embrace to all peace-loving people regardless of faith, race or nationality."

Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove stressed now is a time "for coming together" and "for unity, as Australians".

Terrified ... People run with their hands up from the Lindt Cafe, Martin Place during a hostage standoff after police stormed the cafe. Pic: Joosep Martinson/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

"We must unite in our resolve to protect what we value most – our way of life, our care and respect for each other," he said in a statement.

"To the families and loved ones, our thoughts and prayers are with you during your unimaginable grief.

"For those injured, we are willing you to recover, and for all those caught up, we stand with you.

"I want to commend the work of the police and emergency responders, who worked tirelessly to bring this incident to a peaceful conclusion and responded so quickly when that proved not possible."

NSW Premier Mike Baird has announced flags on all NSW Government buildings will fly at half-mast today to honour those who lost their lives in the siege.

The Premier is also inviting people who wish to lay a floral tribute to the victims to do so at Martin Place.

Tribute ... A woman cries as she leaves flowers to pay her respects at Martin Place after the siege in Sydney's Lindt Cafe. Pic: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Condolence books will also be provided later today near the Martin Place water fountain, facing Pitt Street.

"Today the people of NSW and Australia have the heaviest of hearts and we are taking steps to allow the community to share our collective grief," Mr Baird said.

Mr Abbott said he also instructed the Australian flag be flown at half-mast on all Commonwealth Government buildings as "a mark of respect and mourning".

The flag on top of Parliament House in Canberra as well as others on the Sydney Harbour Bridge were among those flying at half-mast.

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