Martin Place Siege
Australians awoke to the news this morning that the siege in Martin Place has ended.
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.
Early this morning I was briefed on developments by New South Wales Premier Mike Baird and New South Wales Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, as well as Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin.
Commonwealth agencies will continue to provide every support to New South Wales authorities.
The National Security Committee of Cabinet will meet shortly to review the situation.
16 December 2014
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