BY Prime Minister Tony Abbott
Dec 16 – Australians awoke this morning that the siege in Martin Place has ended.
Our thoughts and prayers are with families of the two decease 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 authorities.
The National Security Committee of the Cabinet will meet shortly to review the situation.