Sydney siege: ’Hell has touched us’ |  The AustralianSydney siege: ’Hell has touched us’ |  The Australian



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Sydney Siege





						Sydney siege: ’Hell has touched us’
				





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The Australian



December 16, 2014
6:54PM






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Sydney unites
                3:04




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                    Sydneysiders share their thoughts on the unity born out of the Sydney Siege
                




The Australian
16 Dec 2014

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Three reported dead as Sydney siege ends
                2:09




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                    Three people, including the gunman, are thought to have been killed as the siege in Sydney's CBD ended.
                




Sky News
16 Dec 2014

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The moment police storm the Lindt cafe in Sydney
                2:17




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                    Police move in on the Lindt cafe in Martin place. Courtesy ABC News
                




news.com.au
16 Dec 2014

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Tony Abbott and wife Margie visit the flower memorial in Martin Place. 
Source: News Corp Australia
 

 
 



				THERE has been an outpouring of grief and emotion in Sydney today as leaders and ordinary citizens pay tribute to the victims of the Martin Place siege. The manager of the Lindt Cafe Tori Johnson, 34, was one of the two hostages killed during the 16-hour ordeal, along with 38-year-old barrister and mother of three Katrina Dawson. The gunman Man Haron Monis was also killed.
				



See below how the day unfolded.5.10pm: Greg Brown writes: Opposition leader Bill Shorten has arrived at the Martin Place vigil, as thousands of mourners remain at the precinct to honour the victims of the Lindt Cafe siege.The vigil for the victims of is expected to last well into the night, with Sydneysiders showing remarkable unity and stoicism.People are now arriving after work to show their support in light of the tragic deaths of Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson.Erin Crib, who works for Deloitte, said that she couldn’t go home without paying her respects.“I just wanted to show my support,” Ms Crib said.

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Recommended Coverage














Thousands pay tribute in Martin Place

















Pictures: Sydney siege ends
















Backlash feared as leaders offer help


ISLAMIC leaders have vowed to assist police as communities across Sydney reacted with shock to the siege yesterday.









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	Mourners are placing flowers and cards on the fence adjoining the building where the siege took place.“Rest in love - Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson. You’ll never be forgotten,” one of the cards said.Major leaders paid respects during the day, including Prime Minister Tony Abbott, NSW Premier Mike Baid and Governor General Peter Cosgrove.But even more touching were the thousands of everyday people who lined up to honour the lives of people most of them never knew.“I never met them but it was like they were my colleagues, this kind of thing has never happened before,” said flower giver Judy Smith work.4.30pm: Hariette Denny’s father has told Nine News his daughter will “be distressed, but she's a strong girl.”4.05pm: Tributes and emotions are flowing for the victims of the siege.







Hundreds of Sydneysiders are laying flowers at the memorial site in Martin Place in remembrance of the hostages and victims of the siege at the Lindt cafe yesterday. Picture: Toby Zerna
Source: News Corp Australia




@Tori Johnson always put himself second - Sky News Australia http://t.co/AslbpqazFe— Australia.News (@AustraliaNews15) December 16, 2014 
4.03pm: US Ambassador John Berry has said the United States was grieving with Australia and extended his personal sympathies to the families of those killed and the hostages injured.Australia boasted a rich multiculturalism and it was crucial that was remembered at this tragic time, he said.“Let us overcome the darkness of those who choose hate and violence with hearts filled with the bright shining lights of this season of peace and love,” the ambassador said in a statement.3.59pm: Meanwhile, back at DFAT, ACT police have tweeted that the package is not suspicious.3.51pm: Greg Brown reports: Prime Minister Tony Abbott has arrived at the vigil at Sydney’s Martin Place. Mr Abbott and his wife Margie placed a large bouquet of flowers in front of the flower ceremony.  Mr and Mrs Abbott stood silently in front of the shrine before making their way to the condolence book tables.They were at the site for about five minutes and left after writing a tribute







Prime Minister Tony Abbott with wife Margie visit the flower memorial in Martin Place. Picture: Bradley Hunter
Source: News Corp Australia




3.30pm: Tony and Margie Abbott have visited the Martin Place memorial and laid a bouquet of flowers. More on that soon.3.25pm: Meanwhile back at DFAT, A caterer has told the ABC the suspicious package was a backpack in the canteen.3.21pm: Kylar Loussikian reports: In his first major role as the new Catholic Archbishop of Sydney. Anthony Fisher has told a memorial service that took place this afternoon that “hell has touched us”, as he payed tribute to the heroism of Tori Johnson, whose death “led to the eventual freedom” of other hostages, and to the sacrifice of Katrina Dawson, the Sydney barrister who reportedly died shielding a pregnant friend from gunfire.“There is an alternative to violence and its recriminations,” Archibishop Fisher told those gathered.Present at the service were senior members of the federal and New South Wales governments, including federal communications minister Malcolm Turnbull, Liberal senator Arthur Sinodinos, NSW premier Mike Baird, and state deputy leader Gladys Berejiklians, alongside Governor-General Peter Cosgrove.Mr Turnbull, speaking after the service, said it was possible to feel the numbness sitting on a Sydney train this morning.“(There was a) quiet determination we weren’t going to be intimidated,” he said.







Archbishop of Sydney, Most Reverend Anthony Fisher celebrates a mass to pay respect to the victims of the Martin Place siege  Picture: Daniel Munoz/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images




3.00pm: Tony Abbott has spoken by phone to the wounded police officer, thanking him for his bravery and service, Phillip Hudson reports. Mr Abbott wished the police officer his best for a speedy recovery and passed on his condolences.The Prime Minister is expected to visit Martin Place to lay flowers.2.54pm:Sarah Martin reports in Canberra: A bomb threat is being investigated at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade building in Canberra.ACT Police received a report of a suspicious package in the canteen area of the DFAT building in Barton at about 1.45pm this afternoon.Workers are being evacuated from the building and the area has been cordoned off as “a standard safety precaution”, police said.Members of the Australian Federal Police Bomb Response Team are in attendance.Police have closed roads near Parliament House, including Brisbane Avenue, John McEwan Crescent and Sydney Avenue while the package is investigated.







Hundreds of people have even evacuated from DFAT building in Canberra. Picture: Gary Ramage
Source: News Corp Australia




2.44pm: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has just been evacuated after a suspicious parcel was left in the canteen. The bomb squad is on its way to DFAT now.2.41pm: Ean Higgins reports: About a dozen NSW and federal police with forensic kits have spent three hours at the house of Monis’ partner, Amirah Droudis, in Belmore in Sydney’s west.You can read the report of the raid here;Police raid home of gunman’s partner







Police leave the alleged house of Amirah Droudis, partner of Man Haron Monis. Picture: Renee Nowytarger
Source: News Corp Australia




2.11pm: News just coming in of a police raid on the home of Amirah Droudis. We will file the report and pictures soon.







Man Haron Monis (right) and Amirah Droudis (left) leave Downing Centre Court in Sydney on the first day of their hearing for sending harassing letters to war widows in 2010.
Source: News Limited




1.59pm: Read this story to catch up on what we know and don’t know so far: Sydney siege- what we know so far1.53pm: As the pile of flowers in Martin Place grows ever higher, Greg Brown writes that local florists are struggling to fill demand.“Can you do a delivery for me?” said Martin Place florist George Lackerdis, who has already sold out.Mr Lackerdis said that flowers sold out quicker today than on Valentines Day.“I’ve got more coming,” he assured waiting buyers.Mourners continue to flock in droves to the Martin Place vigil to pay their heartfelt respects to victims.The flower ceremony, which started on the edge of Martin Place train station, has edged towards Castlereagh Street with no sign of slowing.People of all types are present: the young and the old, investment bankers and builders, Christians and Muslims.Some bring a bouquet while others choose a single Rose.One lady, Cat, has been walking around the ceremony with a box of tissues to comfort mourners.She said she has been the victim of a kidnapping and knows how the hostages would be feeling.“I’m an old nurse and I’ve been a hostage and I know what it’s like,” Cat said.“People are hurting and everyone has the right to have a tear today.”







The flower memorial in Martin Placeis growing ever larger. Picture: Bradley Hunter
Source: News Corp Australia




1.50pm: The hasthag #illridewithyou started as a post on Facebook supporting the Muslim community but it has gone viral, being used over 120,000 times last night alone. Read our report here: Trend goes global in defence of Muslims1.40pm: A memorial service is currently taking place at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney to commemorate the victims and hostages of the Sydney siege.Archbishop Anthony Fisher: “We are used to a peaceful society where people can enter a cafe and order without fear” #sydneysiege— Anthony Segaert (@anthonysegaert7) December 16, 2014 
1.34pm:Amanda Hodge reports from Delhi: One of two Indian IT workers caught up in Sydney’s Lindt hostage crisis has spoken to his family to reassure them he is safe and well.The anxious family of Vishwakant Ankit Reddy erupted with joy after watching livetelevised footage of the Australian police storming the Martin Place café after the 16 hour siege.Within hours the mid-30s senior project manager with Indian IT firm Infosys, who has been working on secondment with Westpac Bank for the past eight months, had contacted his father in the eastern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh to reassure him.“He said ‘I am safe and going home, nothing to worry about’,” his father Eswar Reddy said from his home in the coastal city of Guntur.“God is great. I am happy that Lord Venkateswara and Sai Baba heard our prayers,” he added.







The Australian flag and the New South Wales flag fly at half mast today on the Sydney Harbour Bridge in honour of the victims of the Sydney Siege. Picture: James Morgan
Source: Supplied




1.08pm: Man Haron Monis would not have been free to commit terrorism if the new Bail Act was in force, the NSW Attorney General Brad Hazzard says.Mark Coultan writes: Mr Hazzard also said there would be inquiries into how Monis, who had a history of violence and known extremist views, managed to slip through state and federal anti-terrorism intelligence agencies’ net.“We are asking state agencies and federal agencies to look very closely at how this offender slipped through the cracks. How did this offender not come to the attention of state and federal agencies for more urgent action? “He said that inquires were only beginning but early indications were there were aspects that needed investigation.Mr Hazzard said if Monis, who was on bail for being an accessory to murder and for sexual offences, had been dealt with under the new Bail Act, he would have been forced to show cause why he should be released.“It’s our intent that offenders involved in serious crime will not get bail.”Read Mark’s full story here: Monis ‘slipped through legal cracks’12.59pm: The use in the Sydney siege of techniques used by lone-wolf operators was a ­chilling lesson in the risks faced by modern societies. Read Brendon Nicholson’s article on the rise of the lone wolf terrorist here: Lessons in new extremism12.53pm: Police and intelligence chiefs may face questions over their surveillance and contact with Man Haron Monis at a parliamentary inquiry this week.Senior officials from the federal police, ASIO, attorney-general’s department and Australian Crime Commission will appear at the hearing of the joint committee on intelligence and security on Wednesday.The hearing has been scheduled to examine new data retention laws.But it is understood members are keen to broaden the scope of the hearing to whether Monis was the subject of surveillance, phone-tapping or metadata checks before he took his action.Committee chairman, Liberal MP Dan Tehan, told AAP it would probably be too early to get any detailed information on the Sydney incident from agencies.“There will need to be a proper inquiry and investigation into what happened yesterday,” he said.Mr Tehan said the incident reinforced the need to extra resources and powers for intelligence and police agencies.“It just goes to show you can’t stand still when it comes to these things,” he said.“You are always having to improve resources and powers that the agencies have in dealing with the heightened security situation.”






Gunman's ex-brother-in-law Speaks
                0:28




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                    A former brother-in-law of Sydney gunman Man Haron Monis says the deadly cafe siege could have been prevented. Courtesy ITV.
                




The Australian
16 Dec 2014

News







12.48pm: Rick Wallace writes: The family of hostage Harriette Denny said they were relieved she had escaped the siege but would not be celebrating today “as there are two families whose loved ones have not survived”.Ms Denny, 30, is believed to have fled from the Lindt café just before the siege ended when police stormed the store in the early hours of this morning.Her father, Robert, told the Brisbane Times he had learned she was inside the café with the gunman when friends rang to say they had seen her pressing her hands against the window soon after the siege began.Ms Denny is believed to work at the Lindt store and her family runs the Hidden Bean café in Maroochydore on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.In an update posted on the café’s Facebook page, the family wrote: “we are most happy and relieved that our dear family member Harriette is safe and unharmed physically after her terrible ordeal in the Lindt Cafe siege.“We will however not be celebrating, as there are two families whose loved ones have not survived. Harriette has lost a valued friend and work colleague and our hearts go out to his family and also to the family of the lady who lost her life,’’ the message said.“We would like to thank all those who have sent us their kind thoughts and prayers.”Mr Denny could not be contacted yesterday.12.45pm: Just a reminder: people affected by the Sydney hostage crisis can call Lifeline if they need support.“It is understandable for people to react strongly after an event like this that has received extensive media coverage throughout the day and night,” Lifeline chairman John Brogden said in a statement.“If those feelings are overwhelming or if you don’t know where to turn, remember Lifeline is here for anyone who wants to talk or chat online with us.” Lifeline is available all day every day on 131 114 or at lifeline.org.au12.41pm: The NSW State Coroner has said an inquest is mandatory and will be held as soon as possible. “The State Coroner and staff of the Coroners Court offer their condolences and erspects to the bereaved families and friends of the victims of this tragic event,” Coroner said in a statement.Statement from the Coroner in relation to the #sydneysiege . pic.twitter.com/DBBKGVqN2N— Rick Morton (@SquigglyRick) December 16, 2014 
12.34pm:Rick Morton reports: Tori Johnson’s family released a statement mourning their “beautiful boy”.“We are so proud of our beautiful boy Tori, gone from this earth but forever in our memories as the most amazing life partner, son and brother we could ever wish for,” the statement says.“We feel heartfelt sorrow for the family of Katrina Dawson.“We’d like to thank not only our friends and loved ones for their support, but the people of Sydney, Australia and those around the world for reaching out with their thoughts and prayers.“Our deepest gratitude to the NSW police, armed forces and paramedics for their tireless efforts.“We ask that the media respects our privacy in this difficult time.“Let us all pray for peace on earth.”I've been asked to release this statement from the parents of Sydney siege hero Tori Johnson  Read: http://t.co/wS1b5G9OOD— BenFordham (@BenFordham) December 16, 2014 
12.30pm:Greg Brown writes: Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore has arrived at the Martin Place vigil, praising Sydneysiders for the support shown to victims.Ms Moore said the “one-off event” would not change Sydney.“This terrible and tragic one-off event won’t change anything about Sydney,” Ms Moore said.“We are a harmonious and welcoming city and nothing has changed,“A terrible one-off event like this can happen anywhere at any time.”Ms Moore offered sympathy for the families of the deceased and hostages.She commended the police for their bravery.“Everyone in Sydney has great sorrow for the loss of life and we support the families and have great empathy for the hostages who had a terrifying experience,” Ms Moore said.“We are very appreciative of the police and the bravery they have shown.”







The general public visit the flower memorial in Martin Place Sydney after the siege ended overnight. Picture: Bradley Hunter
Source: News Corp Australia




12.28pm: There will be a service held for the siege victims at St Mary’s Cathedral at 1.10 pm today.12.18pm: Another hostage has been named as Lindt cafe employee Harriette Denny. Ms Denny was one of the hostages filmed at the start of the siege with her hands against the glass. Her father Robert, who lives on the Sunshine Coast, said his daughter had been left traumatised by the horrific event.“I spoke very briefly with Harriette this morning, just asking after her welfare,” he told the Brisbane Times.“We didn’t speak about her ordeal. We just wanted to know she was safe and unharmed.“She said that she’s safe and well and in a good place, but terribly upset that she’s lost her manager and friend [Tori Johnson].”







Facebook image of Harriet Denny, who was held hostage during the siege at the Lindt Cafe in Sydney's Martin Place. Picture: Facebook
Source: Facebook




12.04pm: More details on the hostages: they include two pregnant woman, aged 30 and 35, taken to hospital for health and welfare assesment. both are stable The male police officer, 39, who suffered a gunshot wound to face has been discharged.GALLERY: The faces of the Sydney siege11.56am: Slain Lindt cafe manager Toni Johnson, 34, was a consummate professional who was “so very proud” of his family and the ultimate defender of his staff, colleagues said.Rick Morton reports: Lindt head office was closed and counselling was organised for all staff who were “shattered” by the news, CEO Steve Loane told The Australian.All but its senior managers were off work as they grappled with the senseless tragedy.Peter Manettas, a senior manager with Nick’s Restaurant and Bar Group said he had no doubt whatever happened inside the cafe that Tori was brave.“He was a selfless leader, he put everyone else first,” he said. “Anyone who has that inside him, it does not surprise me if he acted in such a way.”Mr Johnson worked for the group for six-and-a-half years and came on board as the general manager of Adria Bar Restaurant.“He led a team of 40 to 45 people and he stuck up for them. When there were awards handed out he made sure the team got the credit,” Mr Manettas said.“He was a complete professional, a rare person in this industry. He was extremely ambitious but at the same time he was humble, a gentleman and never took praise himself.”Mr Johnson went to university at Washington State University where he studied hospitality business management and worked all over the world, including in the Maldives.He was in a long-term relationship.







Tori Johnson, victim of the Sydney Siege at the Lindt Cafe in Martin Place.
Source: ABC




11.25am:Steve Creedy writes: Veteran Seven reporter Chris Reason, who held an all-night vigil in the network’s studios across from the Lindt Café with a police sniper, said gunman Man Haron Monis became agitated prior to the shootout and may have panicked when hostages tried to escape.Reason said he saw movement about 1.50pm as the hostages were shuffled from one end of the cafe to the other.“The gunman appeared agitated, he didn’t know what to do with them,’’ he told Seven’s Sunrise show today. “He was sort of corralling them down one end and then down the other and moving around sort of randomly.’’The veteran reporter said it was difficult to tell what was going on in the café but as one group of hostages was moved to one end of the café a second group were left behind at the other.“And they were the group that made the initial break for freedom at three minutes past two this morning,’’ he said, adding that he had counted seven hostages making a break for it.“Shortly after that several minutes passed of silence – nothing going on – and they we heard a loud shot ring out,’’ he saidYou can read Steve’s full report here: ‘Window two, hostage down’There were two pregnant women in that cafe.— Rick Morton (@SquigglyRick) December 16, 2014 
11.21am: Greg Brown reports: A woman at the Martin Place vigil has led the crowd in a moving version of Amazing Grace.Asking the crowd to join her in song, she said: “I’ve never been more proud to be Australian.”People continue to place flowers at the memorial. Construction worker Kingi Fehwi, said that the event brought back memories of loved ones that he lost.“I know what it is like to lose someone and this is not a nice way to go,” Mr Fehwi said.He says that some of his work mates laughed at him when they saw him get flowers.“I thought: this isn’t funny, if it happened to your family you wouldn’t be laughing.”Another flower giver, Emily Haigh, 27, said that she thought it was important to show a sense of community.“In a big city like Sydney it is easy to forget it, but we are a community,” an upset Ms Haigh said. “I would hope that people show they care.”






Sydney cafe hostage victims named
                4:39




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                    The hostages killed in Monday's siege have been identified as Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson.
                




Sky News
16 Dec 2014

News







11.19am: More on the injured. Police have confirmed that six people were injured, including three women: a 75-year-old who had a shotgun wound to her shoulder, a 52-year-old with a shotgun wound to her foot and a 43-year-old with a shotgun wound to her leg.11.13am: NSW Deputy Police Commissioner Cath Burn says Monis’ motivation is still unknown.She said the injured policeman was “a little bit shaken” but told her: “I’ll be back at work tomorrow.”Meanwhile, a former British special forces soldier, who served many years in the SAS, told The Times of London that even when calm negotiations were under way and were seen to be having some impact on the mind of a hostage taker, there was always the potential for a sudden switch in mood. You can read that story here:  Maximum force is a last resort11.02am:Greg Brown reports: Governor General Peter Cosgrove has arrived at the Martin Place vigil to pay tribute to the victims.Mr Cosgrove told reporters his thoughts were with the families of the deceased.“Our hearts go out to the innocent victims who lost their lives,” Mr Cosgrove said.







.Tributes to the innocent vicims of the Martin Place siege.
Source: Supplied




11.01am: Jared Owens reports:  Bill Shorten, speaking in Melbourne, condemned the attack as a “cowardly act of deranged evil” and called for a permanent memorial.“I believe that Australians understand that we will not reward the perpetrators of this inhuman violence by dividing, which is what this act was aimed to do,” the Opposition Leader said.“I think we are stronger and cleverer; we are both tenderer and tougher, than the people who would try and divide our society.”Sydney siege- hostage ‘died a hero’Barrister mum named as slain hostage10.48am: Man Haron Monis’s alleged accomplice in the murder of his ex-wife is currently on bail, Nicola Berkovic reports:The woman, Amirah Droudis, who is believed to be Monis’s partner, was also charged with helping Monis send offensive letters to the families of soldiers killed in Afghanistan.Droudis, a Wiley Park resident, was charged with murdering Monis’s ex-wife Noleen Hayson Pal in April 2013.







Amirah Droudis is on bail after being charged with the murder of Monis’ ex-wife.
Source: News Limited




She is required to report to police every day between 7am and 8pm and has been forced to surrender her passport.However, Campsie police this morning refused to say whether Droudis had reported this morning as required.Monis, was also on bail. He was charged with being an accessory before and after the fact to the murder.







Noleen Hayson Pal. was allegedly stabbed and set alight in a Werrington apartment stairwell on 21 April 2013
Source: TheAustralian




Emergency workers found Ms Pal’s body in an apartment block on April 21 after responding to a fire.The 30-year-old had allegedly been stabbed multiple times and set alight.Monis in 2007 to 2009 wrote offensive letters to the parents and relatives of soldiers killed in Afghanistan.Droudis was charged with aiding and abetting him in relation to a number of those letters.The pair mounted a High Court challenge to the charges, arguing they infringed their right to free speech, but lost.10.41am: The Sydney siege has reverberated around the world. In New York, police have ramped up security at landmarks including the Empire State Building, Wall St, Columbus Circle and Times Square, as well as the Australian consulate, in a response to the siege.The city’s Hercules Teams, who are the NYPD’s elite, special forces-type police units, have been sent to guard the Australian consulate in Manhattan.“There was a lot of intelligence-driven, strategically-based, high-profile police coverage including the heavily-armed Hercules teams at a number of locations including the consul-general’s office for Australia and other Commonwealth countries,” NYPD deputy commissioner John Miller told reporters.10.33am:Greg Brown reports from Martin Place: NSW premier Mike Baird has arrived at a vigil at Sydney Martin Place to place flowers in honour of this mornings victims.Mr Baird took few questions and left the scene quickly.It has been an emotional morning, with many mourners in tears while placing flowers.At about 10am, a group of five Muslims - three veiled woman and two men placed - flowers while cryingOne of them is Dilma Ihram, of the Australian Muslim Woman’s Association.“As Australian Muslim’s we share the grief and the suffering,” Ms I hear says.“We are effected like everybody else,”“Our thoughts are with the families of those (who died),”She called on the Australian community to stand together and hailed the Ill ride with you campaign on twitter yesterday.She says she thinks that most Australians will not associate yesterday’s seize with the broader Muslin community.“But there will always be (some) people who associate this with Islam.”One woman Michelle works in nearby Chifley Tower and placed flowers out of respect for those kept hostage and who died.“I feel really sorry of all of those who were held hostage,”Michelle was in lockdown yesterday and says she was horrified to hear the news that people had died this morning.She did not know any of the victims







Zaahir Edries, Silma Ihram, Mariam Veiszadeh, Lydia Shelly and Ahmed Aboushabn visit the flower memorial in Martin Place. Picture: Bradley Hunter
Source: News Corp Australia




10.30am: The NSW Bar Association has paid tribute to Katrina  Dawson.“Katrina was one of our best and brightest barristers who will be greatly missed by her colleagues and friends of the NSW Bar,” association president Jane Needham SC said in a statement.“She was a devoted mother of three children and a valued member of her floor and of our community.”10.26am:Justine Ferrari reports: The gunman’s ex-brother-in-law, Talat Khalik, told British ITV that the siege could have been avoided but he was pleased the gunman Man Haron Monis would die in hell.Monis was facing charges of being an accessory to the murder of his ex-wife, Mr Khalik’s sister Noleen Hayson Pal, who was stabbed and set alight outside an apartment block in south-western Sydney in April 2013. Monis’s then partner Amirah Droudis, 30, was charged with the murder.Mr Khalik said Monis, who was on bail for numerous charges, should never have been released from custody.“It could have been avoided if the system was right over there,” Mr Khalik, who lives in California, said.“And the other two people that lost their lives, we feel bad for their families too. We know what they are going through.“Then when I thought about it, I’m happy he’s going to burn in hell. Guys like that shouldn’t be able to walk around anywhere in this world.”10.25am: Four Westpac employees were among the survivors of the Sydney siege.Westpac CEO Gail Kelly said the 16-hour siege marked a sad day for Australia.“My heart goes out to anyone touched by this tragedy,” Ms Kelly said.“However, it is with relief that we can confirm this morning that all four of our people - including two from one of our technology partners - are safe and accounted for following the incident.“Our primary concern is the wellbeing of our people who were involved in this traumatic incident, along with their families,” Ms Kelly said in a statement.Westpac’s Sydney headquarters in Martin Place is directly opposite the Lindt cafe.Ms Kelly said the bank will not be providing any further comment10.15am: Man Haron Monis was out on bail after being charged with being an accessory to his ex-wife's murder. He was due to reappear in court in February 2015.






Who Was the Gunman Behind the Sydney Siege?
                1:41




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                    Man Haron Monis, the lone gunman who held hostages in a Sydney cafe until police stormed the building, had an extensive history with Australian law enforcement. Photo: AP
                




WSJ Live
16 Dec 2014

News/World







10.09am:Sharri Markson reports: Katrina Dawson was held hostage alongside her colleague, Julie Taylor, a successful barrister in corporate law at Eight Selborne.







Julie Taylor, a barrister at Eight Selborne Chambers that was a hostage during the dramatic seige in Martin Place.
Source: Supplied




Ms Taylor, in her early 30’s, was originally from Perth and now lives in Sydney’s east.She completed a Bachelor of Civil Law at Magdalen college, Oxford and has appeared before the High Court - one of the youngest women to do so.She is recently married.Another barrister, Stefan Balafoutis was also held hostage in the Lindt cafe, and was one of the first to escape.







Sydney barrister from Tenth Floor Chambers Stefan Balafoutis, who was lucky to escape the hostage seige in Martin Place
Source: Supplied




Mr Balafoutis, who worked as a commercial litigation and trade practices solicitor before joining the bar in 2002, helped police with their investigation overnight.He declined to give an interview when contacted by The Australian today.10.05am: Tori Johnson, the manager of the Lindt Cafe who died in the siege has been hailed a hero after reportedly attempting to knock the gun out of Man Haron Monis’ hand.Sydney siege- hostage ‘died a hero’Justine Ferrari reports: Mr Johnson had been manager of the Lindt Chocolate Cafe for more than two years, and worked previously in hotel and restaurant jobs around Sydney.He was a porter and assistant concierge at the five-star Observatory Hotel at The Rocks, before working for hotels overseas in the US and the Maldives.Mr Johnson returned to Sydney as the food and beverage manager at the Rydges Jamison hotel in the city, and moved to the Adria Rybar and Grill at Darling Harbour before taking on the manager role at the flagship Lindt Cafe in October 2012.







Tori Johnson, Hospitality/Retail Business Manager at Lindt Chocolate Cafe. Picture: LinkedIn
Source: Supplied




10.02am: The NSW police commissioner has joined Sydneysiders at a makeshift memorial near Martin Place honouring the two hostages who lost their lives in the Lindt cafe siege. Andrew Scipione arrived at the scene just before 9.30am this morning.He stood and looked at the floral tributes laid by members of the public and paused for a moment of silence before leaving. “I don’t think I could be sadder,” he told reporters.“Having said that I’m incredibly proud of our police and what we’ve done.”







Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione visits the flower memorial in Martin Place. Picture: Bradley Hunter
Source: News Corp Australia




10.01am: Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has called on Australians to demonstrate tolerance in the wake of the hostage crisis.Mr Newman says the siege, which ended with the deaths of two hostages and the gunman, must be seen for what it is.“It’s time for solidarity and tolerance, a time for the community to come together and see this incident for what it is - a criminal act by a lone individual,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.Mr Newman said he’d asked for flags on state government buildings fly at half-mast on Tuesday as a mark of respect.“My thoughts and prayers and those of all Queenslanders are with everyone caught up in the terrible events in Sydney’s CBD in the past 24 hours,” he said.9.53am: Justine Ferrari reports on the victims of the siege: The manager of the Lindt Café Tori Johnson, 34, was one of the two hostages killed during the 16-hour siege, along with 38-year-old barrister Katrina Dawson.NSW Bar Association president Jane Needham SC announced Ms Dawson’s passing this morning to the NSW Bar.“Katrina was one of our best and brightest barristers who will be greatly missed by her colleagues and friends at the NSW Bar,” she said.I'm thinking about that little 4 year old girl who has lost her mother. All three children have lost their brilliant mother. #sydneysiege— PatriciaKarvelas (@PatsKarvelas) December 15, 2014 
“She was a devoted mother of three children, and a valued member of her floor and of our bar community. Our thoughts are with her family at this time, including her brother, Sandy Dawson of Banco Chambers.Ms Dawson was believed to be having coffee with colleagues and friends, barristers, Stefan Balafoutis and Julie Taylor, who were also caught up in the siege, but survived.







Katrina Dawson was killed in the Lindt Cafe siege. Picture: Supplied
Source: Supplied




Four of the surviving hostages worked for Westpac, including 42-year-old Marcia Mikhael, who was carried out in the arms of police rescue officers early this morning, the terror etched on her face.Ms Mikhael is an ICT project manager for Westpac, based in its building across Martin Place, and is believed to be undergoing medical treatment at present for apparently non-life threatening injuries.Chief executive officer Gail Kelly confirmed in a statement this morning that all four Westpac employees are safe, which include two IT contractors for Infosys Australia.Ms Mikhael, who has previously worked for NSW Police and had earlier run her her own fitness business, posted on her own Facebook page from inside the café yesterday afternoon, documenting the ordeal as gunman Man Haron Monis grew increasingly threatening.“Dear friends and family,” she began.“I’m at the Lindt Café at Martin Place being held hostage by a member of the ISI. The man who is keeping us hostage has asked for small and simple requests and none have been met.“He is now threatening to start killing us. We need help right now. The man wants the world to know that Australia is under attack by the Islamic State.”Twenty-two-year-old Elly Chen, who had started work at the Lindt Café only six days ago, is believed to be one of the five hostages who escaped yesterday evening.9.46am: Family members have praised the bravery of the NSW police officers who stormed the Lindt Cafe last night.“Thank you God for bringing her out alive!” Amal Helen Mikhael - a relative of Marcia Mikhael, who was taken hostage in the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in the heart of Sydney on Monday morning - wrote on Facebook.Amal Helen Mikhael said Ms Mikhael was in hospital but was not seriously injured.“Such bravery from the police who risked their own lives to save others,” she wrote.“God bless these heroes.” Ms Mikhael’s niece Joanne Mikhael said: “Our prayers have been answered.” Earlier on Monday, a post appeared on Ms Mikhael’s Facebook page revealing she was caught up in the siege.The chilling post listed the gunman’s demands but was taken down a short time later.Supporters flooded Ms Mikhael’s page with messages of support after police stormed the cafe and ended the siege in the early hours of Tuesday morning.“I will be praying for you and your family,” one person wrote9.42am: As she cowered in the Lindt cafe yesterday,Marcia Mikhael, a Westpac executive, wrote a series of Facebook posts detailing the horror she and her fellow hostages were going through.you can read her account here: ‘He’s threatening to kill us’9.36am: The second victim of the Lindt Cafe siege has been named as Tori Johnson, manager of the cafe.#BREAKING: The ABC can confirm one of the hostages killed in the #sydneysiege was 34-year-old Tori Johnson pic.twitter.com/kFlQ4jC4c6— ABC News 24 (@ABCNews24) December 15, 2014 
9.34am: Channel Seven’s newsreader Natalie Barr is breaking down on air as they report on the death of Katrina Dawson: her brother Sandy works at Seven as a lawyer.9.32am: NBC has quoted Ayuut Khalik, godfather to Monis’ murdered wife Noleen Hayson Pal, saying of Monis: “They should have put him away and thrown away the key,”9.25am: Jared Owens reports: Tony Abbott has instructed that Australian flags be flown at half-mast on all federal buildings as a mark of respect and mourning for the innocents involved in the Martin Place siege.NSW Premier Mike Baird has also said flags will fly at half-mast on NSW Government buildings.Flags will fly at half-mast today on NSW Government buildings to honour those who tragically lost their lives in the siege at Lindt cafe.— Mike Baird (@mikebairdMP) December 15, 2014 
9.18am:Rick Morton reports from Martin Place, where emotional Sydneysiders are leaving flowers and cards for teh victims of the siege:Sleep well, brave ones. The simple inscription on a bouquet of flowers left in Sydney’s Martin Place after a deadly siege bore the sentiments of a nation.In one of the busiest thoroughfares in Australia people interrupted the usual harried business day to spontaneously lay flowers in an ever-building pile just a block from the Lindt cafe where a gunman struck yesterday.“It’s the only thing I knew I could do, symbolically, to show that I stand up for peace,” administrative manager Lauren Langley said after laying a bunch of multi-coloured roses.“I choose to stand up for love, not hate. I choose to exercise love every time.”







A mounting pile of flowers is being left at Martin Place. Picture:  John grainger
Source: News Corp Australia




9.16am:Sharri Markson reports on Sydney mother of three Katrina Dawson, who has been named as the woman killed in last night’s siege.The barrister, specialising in commercial, bankruptcy and corporations law, who worked at Eight Selborne, had three children, aged eight, five and three.A morning coffee at the Lindt Cafe was part of her daily routine and when news of the siege became public, her family contacted her via text message to find out if she was ok.When she did not reply, they contacted her chambers only to find her absent.They immediately knew the worst to be true - that she was one of 17 people being held hostage in terrifying circumstances in a siege that shutdown the city yesterday.Dawson had been having coffee with a colleague from Eight Selborne, a friend who is understand to be about mid-way through her pregnancy.Hopeful of a positive outcome, her children were not told that their mother was being held hostage at the Lindt Cafe in Martin Place yesterday and were being informed of the tragic outcome this morning.9.13am: Nine News are reporting that the 34 year old man who died tried to knock the gun out of Monis’ hand.JUST IN: Deceased 34-year-old #SydneySiege hostage died a hero, reportedly tried to knock gun out of Man Monis’ hand. #9News— Nine News Australia (@9NewsAUS) December 15, 2014 
9.10am: Sydneysiders are showing their support to the Muslim community via the Twitter hashtag #illridewithyou, which has gone viral.






#illridewithyou goes viral
                1:10




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                    Twitter hashtag #illridewithyou goes viral following the Martin Place siege.
                




news.com.au
16 Dec 2014

News







9.06am: A memorial a the Lloyd Rees Fountain on Pitt St at Martin Place ahs been set up for people to lay flowers.Dear Sydneysiders, we’ve set up a memorial at the Lloyd Rees Fountain on Pitt St at #MartinPlace for you to lay flowers for those we lost.— City of Sydney (@cityofsydney) December 15, 2014 
9.00am: Sky News is reporting that the end of the siege was triggered when two hostages tried to escape. Monis, who was apparently dozing, then opened fire, leading to the police storming the building. it is still unknown whether the victims were killed by Monis or were caught in the cross fire.







People lay more flowers at the memorial in Martin place. Picture: John Grainger
Source: News Corp Australia




8.59am:Jared Owens writes: Manny Conditsis, the lawyer who won bail for gunman Man Haron Monis, says his former client was “an extreme ideologue” and his turn to violence was “not all that surprising … with the benefit of reflection”.Mr Conditsis, in a tense interview broadcast this morning, denied feeling any “guilt by association” for representing Monis in court and said his conscience was “absolutely” clear.Monis was due to stand trial as an alleged accessory to the murder of his ex-wife by his new partner, Amirah Droudis, who allegedly stabbed the woman and set her alight.Mr Conditsis told ABC News24: “With the benefit of reflection it’s not all that surprising, because he was an extreme ideologue. He had extreme fundamentalist views … an incredible passion to fight governments and rally against them for sending Australian soldiers to fight what he would call unjust and wars where innocent women and children are being killed.”“He always said to me that he loved Australia and he loved Australian people but he hated the government for what they were doing.”Mr Conditsis said of Magistrate William Pierce’s decision to grant Monis bail: “It’s very easy to have a broad brush approach to these things but it’s not how it should work. One has to carefully consider the facts that were presented at that particular point in time and make a decision relevant to that matter.“The prosecution case presented at that time as against Mr Monis and his then partner was a weak prosecution case. Now that’s just the reality of it and the magistrate who determined bail at that point in time had a similar view.”Pressed repeatedly over whether he felt “bad” or any “guilt by association” for seeking bail, Mr Conditsis told interviewer Virginia Trioli: “I’ve answered your questions pretty directly and succinctly and I’m starting to take offence to your tone. I think the questioning is inappropriate. We are talking about an event that occurred about a year ago and as opposed to what occurred overnight.”FULL COVERAGE: Siege at Sydney cafe8.57am: AAP is reporting that the 38-year-old woman killed in the Sydney cafe siege was mother of two Katrina Dawson.8.54am:Jared Owens reports from Tony Abbott’s press conference: Tony Abbott says there are “lessons to be learned” from Man Haron Monis’s deadly siege of Martin Place’s Lindt Cafe, extending his sympathy to the families of those killed.The Prime Minister, who has been in emergency meetings since the siege broke around 2am, will travel home to Sydney this afternoon to receive further briefings by police and security agencies.“There is nothing more Australian than dropping in at the local cafe for a morning coffee and it’s tragic beyond words that people going about their everyday business should have been caught up in such a horrific incident,” Mr Abbott told reporters at Parliament House.“Understandably, there is lot of speculation but it will take time to clarify exactly what happened in Martin Place and why“What we do know is that the perpetrator was well known to state and commonwealth authorities; he had a long history of violent crime, infatuation with extremism and mental instability.“We know that he sent offensive letters to the families of Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan and was found guilty of offences related to this. We also know that he posted graphic extremist material online.“As the siege unfolded yesterday, he sought to cloak his actions with the symbolism of the ISIL death cult. Tragically, there are people in our community ready to engage in politically motivated violence.”Mr Abbott thanked the NSW police, and other agencies for their “professionalism and courage”.“Plainly, there are lessons to be learned and we will thoroughly examine this incident to decide what lessons can be learned.“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. ““Our hearts go out to all of those caught up in this appalling incident and their loved ones. On behalf of all Australians, I extend my sympathy to the families of the two hostages who died over night.”8.53am: You can read here an update of what we know and don’t know in the aftermath of the Sydney siege: Sydney siege- what we know so far8.40am: Video shows hostages escaping the Sydney siege.






Hostages escape Sydney siege
                1:07




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                    One by one, a number of hostages escape from the Lindt caf. Courtesy Channel Nine
                




news.com.au
16 Dec 2014

News







8.34 am: Mr Abbott has also extended his sympathies to all those “caught up in this appalling incident.”REPORT: How the siege came to a bloody end8.29am: Tony Abbott is speaking now. He says it will take time to clarify what happened in Martin Place and why.He says Monis had a long history of violent crime and posted graphic extremist material on-line.“He sought to cloak his actions with the symbolism of the ISIL death cult.”Mr Abbott says that the events in Martin Place show that we are ready to deal with such events.“Sydneysiders can be proud of their calm during what was a very difficult and testing day.”Australians can also be reassured by the way our law enforcement and security agencies dealt with the crisis.Mr Abbott says he will go to Sydney this afternoon to be briefed by NSW police and security agencies.8.23am:Jared Owens reports: The federal Member for Sydney, Tanya Plibersek, says she joins all Australians who are “shocked and deeply saddened” by the killing of the two hostages.“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones, and all those who have been affected by this ordeal,” the deputy opposition leader said in a statement.“We respect and appreciate the professionalism of our police and the determination of the wider community to reject the division and fear this abhorrent act was designed to engender.”







A woman cries as she leaves flowers to pay her respects at Martin Place. Picture by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images




8.19am: More about Man Haron Monis. On his website, he claims his children have been “taken away by the Australian government” and that he is not allowed to contact them.Monis was on bail for dozens of charges, including 22 of aggravated sexual assault and 14 of aggravated indecent assault, according to the Australian Associated Press.Stemming from his time as a “spiritual healer”, an additional 40 charges were levelled against him in October and he was also on bail for being an accessary to murder.Fairfax reported that it was understood that days before Monday’s siege, Monis had lost a bid to have the charges over the letters overturned.Monis has said the crimes he has been accused of in the past were attempts to smear him.“These cases are in fact political cases against this Muslim activist, not real criminal cases.” He compared himself to Wikileaks’ Julian Assange on his website, saying both were activists facing government-backed smear campaigns.







Distraught relatives of hostages leave RPA hospital this morning after the dramatic conclusion to the Martin Place siege. Picture: Jeremy Piper
Source: News Corp Australia




8.15am: Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore says she was “appalled and shocked” by the way the siege ended. Like everyone else she had hoped for a peaceful ending. “I want to express sorrow for the families of those two victims and sympathy for the hostages,” she said. She also sent her thanks to the police.8.14am: Tony Abbott will speak about the Sydney siege shortly. We will bring you a report when he starts speaking. You can also watch him on our livestream of Sky news.8.09am: Monis was from the Iranian Shia tradition of Islam, not the Islamic State-linked Sunni branch, but on his website - since taken down - he claims that he converted from Shia to Sunni Islam. He refers to himself as a former “rafidi,” an Arabic term for “one who rejects” that is typically used by Sunnis to denigrate Shias as non-Muslim. “I used to be a Rafidi, but not anymore. Now I am a Muslim, Alhamdu Lillah,” he writes.On his website, which shows graphic images of dead children, he also accuses “America and its allies including Australia” of terrorism. “Islam wants peace on the Earth, that’s why Muslims want to stop terrorism of America and its allies,” he writes.8.07am: Monis’ lawyer Manny Conditis has described his former client as “full of inconsistencies. He told Sky that his client often told him he “loved Australia and loved the Australian people but didn’t like what the Australian government were doing.”8.03am: Another poignant memorial to the victims of the cafe siege. there will be many more before the day is over.







A male has droped flowers at Martin place after the siege ended. Pic John grainger
Source: News Corp Australia




7.59am: Transport Latest- All train lines are operating as normal with the exception of the T4 Eastern Suburbs Line, which is not stopping at Martin Place.- The following CBD closures remain in place for motorists:- Elizabeth Street is closed northbound between Market Street and Hunter Street and southbound between Hunter Street and King Street.- Macquarie Street is closed between St James Road and Hunter Street.- Phillip Street is closed between King Street and Hunter Street.- King Street is closed between Elizabeth Street and Phillip Street.Some bus routes are affected: More information here.7.43am: We will don’t know how the hostages were wounded: whether they were injured by the gunman or in the crossfire as police stormed the cafe.Two blameless people die for no reason. So tragic - and brutally random. The hate preacher should not have been free. #sydneysiege— Chris Kenny (@chriskkenny) December 15, 2014 
7.41am: WHAT WE KNOW- Siege ended at 2.40am after a fire fight erupted about 2.10am- NSW Police have accounted for 17 hostages, including the five who escaped yesterday.- The dead and injured include: A man, 34, pronounced dead after being taken to hospital; A woman 38, pronounced dead after being taken to hospital, A woman taken to hospital with a gunshot wound to her shoulder; A male police officer taken to hospital with a wound to his face from gunshot pellets; Two women taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries; A woman, 35, taken to hospital as a precaution- Hostage taker Man Haron Monis, 50, pronounced dead after being taken to hospital7.37am: More pictures as the siege ended.







A woman is carried out by police from the Lindt Cafe, Martin Place. Picutre: Joosep Martinson/Getty Images.
Source: Getty Images




7.36am: One of the dead is believed to be a 38-year-old mother of three.7.32am: Jared Owens reports: Greens acting leader Adam Bandt says his party is “absolutely devastated” by the deaths of two hostages and 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,” Mr Bandt said in a statement.“We extend our greatest sympathies and thoughts to all those affected by this incredible tragedy.“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.”







Erin Costelloe drops flowers at Martin place after the siege ended. Picture: John Grainger
Source: News Corp Australia




7.27am: It‘s been reported that the siege came to a climax when a man and a woman tried to escape.







An anti-explosives police officer prepares to enter to the Lindt Cafe. Picture: Daniel Munoz/Getty Images)
Source: Getty Images












A person is taken out on a stretcher from the Lindt Caffe as athe siege ended. Picture: Joosep Martinson/Getty Images)
Source: Getty Images




7.11am: Tehran has condemned the Monis’ actions in the deadly siege, branding it an act foreign to Islam.“Undertaking such inhuman acts and provoking fear and panic in the name of merciful Islam is not in any way justifiable,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said, according to the state IRNA news agency.7.08am: Man Haron Monis, the gunman killed as the siege came to an explosive end, was a self styled Muslim cleric from Iran.







Haron Monis was charged for sending hate letters to families of soldiers killed in Afghanistan.
Source: News Limited




7.06am: Jared Owens writes:  Bill Shorten says he is heartbroken by the deaths of two hostages, and has offered Tony Abbott the opposition’s “full support” in responding to the tragedy.“The loss of two innocent people in this horrific event overnight breaks our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families,” the Opposition Leader said in a statement.“We also keep in our thoughts the wounded and other hostages, and their families. Their ordeal is not over.“We owe our full gratitude to our police and security agencies for their bravery, service and sacrifice. Their skill and professionalism has saved lives.“The opposition continues to offer the government its full support during this difficult time. The Prime Minister and I are partners when it comes to keeping Australians safe.“Today, all of Australia stands with Sydney.”7.04am:  As the Sydney siege ends, Tony Abbott will reconvene the National Security Committee of Cabinet this morning after receiving briefings from NSW Premier Mike Baird, Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione and the AFP.“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the two deceased hostages, the wounded and the other hostages,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.“I commend the courage and professionalism of the NSW Police and other emergency services involved.“Commonwealth agencies will continue to provide every support to NSW authorities.”6.55am: Anthony Klan reports from the scene: The hostage crisis at Sydney’s Lindt cafe has ended dramatically with armed police storming the premises and a number of injured hostages being rushed to hospital.Following a day of frenzy, an eerie calm had fallen over Sydney’s business heart; throngs of onlookers and gawkers had mostly vacated, and police officers and rescue workers milled silently about the city’s cordoned streets.Then at 2.10am three gunshots rang out in rapid succession — followed by a volley of gun fire — bringing to an end the 16-hour siege which had terrified the nation and captured the attention of the world.TV cameras captured the dramatic final moments of the siege, as police threw explosives into the building and exchanged gunfire with gunman Haron Monis.As building fire alarms rang out a team of about six heavily armed tactical response police officers began with stun grenades.Monis had several high-profile run-ins with the law. He faced charges of conspiring to murder his ex-wife.Just minutes before, a hostage had come running out from the building with his hands raised, before laying down on the ground where he was approached by police.A female police officer ran down the street screaming at assembled media to move back.Police this morning confirmed three people had been killed, including gunman Haron Monis, 50, who was pronounced dead when he arrived at hospital.Those dead included a man, 34, and a 38-year-old woman.Four others were wounded, including a policeman who suffered non-life-threatening injuries and a woman with a shotgun wound to the shoulder.AS IT HAPPENED: Three dead in Sydney siegeFULL COVERAGE: Sydney siegeGALLERY:  Siege in Martin PlaceNSW Police said a “critical incident investigation” had been launched into the operation.Witness Ehab Ibrahim this morning told The Australian it appeared as though something had “gone wrong” as gunfire and explosions erupted.“It was like they were preparing and there was a big bang and then we saw rescuers running in and checking the faces of the police officers for injuries,” Mr Ibrahim said.“Then there was a woman was screaming and pulled out holding her feet.”Andre Balfe, an Irish tourist among those to watch the dramatic scenes unfold, described the events as “terrifying”.“Nothing had happened for hours and then of a sudden everything happened so quickly, we weren’t expecting it, it all happened so fast,” Mr Balfe said.“Initially (I felt) it was shock, but now I’m happy it’s all over.”NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said police entered the cafe following gunfire from within the building.“Gunshots were heard ... then (police) moved to an emergency action plan,” Mr Scipione said this morning.“They believed that if at that time (police) didn’t move then there would be many more lives lost.”Mr Scipione said there had been 17 hostages in all, including the five who escaped yesterday.He said no explosive devises had been found at the site of the siege.He said he had spoken with the shot police officer in hospital this morning.“I have talked to that officer, he is well and grateful to be alive.”NSW Premier Mike Baird called on the state to “come together like never before”.“I come before you with the heaviest of hearts,” he told reporters this morning. “Over night we lost some of our own in an event ... none of us could ever have imagined.”






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Beware of Greeks setting tests





 
Ashoka Mody 
 
				FOR about five years now, Greece has been giving the eurozone authorities a test in economics and politics.
	 

 
 
 

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IN NEWS








Unions to fight review ‘every step’






 
Rosie Lewis 
 
				UNIONS have vowed they will take their concerns over the nation’s workplace relations system to the Queensland election.
	 

 





Newman sues Jones for defamation






 
Michael McKenna 
 
				CAMPBELL Newman has launched legal action against broadcaster Alan Jones over comments on approval of a mine expansion.
			
 

 





Police chief denies surveillance claims






 
Dan Box 
 
				THE acting NSW Police Commissioner has denied a range of allegations linking her to a surveillance scandal within the police force.
	 

 





Model for uni funding untenable says Madigan






 
Rosie Lewis 
 
				KEY Senate crossbencher John Madigan says he is willing to continue negotiating the government’s higher education reforms.
	 

 





Abbott asks for mercy over Bali pair






 
ROSIE LEWIS 
 
				TONY Abbott has asked Indonesia to reconsider its decision to execute Australians Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran.
			
 

 
 
 









VIDEOS








Lawyer says US admits Hicks is innocent





			David Hicks could have his terrorism conviction overturned, after the US admitted he is innocent.
	
0:31
 





Infamous prison escapee released from jail





			Infamous jail escapee John Killick has enjoyed his first night of freedom after being released from a jail.
	
0:29
 





Newman and Palaszczuk to debate





			Queensland's political leaders will go head to head for the first time in a Sky News People's Forum.
	
1:31
 





Bali Nine execution date unknown





			Indonesia has not yet named an execution date and place for two Australians convicted of drug smuggling.
	
1:54
 
 
 


WORLD VIDEOS








Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah dies aged 90





			Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has died and his brother Salman has become the kingdom's new ruler.
	
1:43
 





Prince Andrew denies sex slave claims





			Britain's Prince Andrew has spoken out, denying underage sex claims levelled against him.
	
1:34
 





Yemeni president quits, throwing the nation deeper into chaos





			A government source says Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi has resigned. Nathan Frandino reports.
	
0:42
 





Bus shelling kills thirteen in Ukraine





			Thirteen civilians have died after shells hit a bus in Ukraine's rebel-held city of Donetsk.
	
2:19
 
 
 



















Features








Battle for Bali mercy hits canvas






 
Deborah Cassrels 
 
				A PASSION for art has led Myuran Sukumaran to enlightenment, but his hopes of avoiding the firing squad in Bali have all but faded.
	 







 





Reclaiming an evil name






 
David Charter 
 
				THE grandson of a reviled Nazi tries to atone for his family’s past.
	 







 





Germ war breakthrough






 
JOHN ROSS 
 
				THE discovery of a new class of antibiotics has excited scientists and the world of medicine.
	 







 





Making Labor accountable






 
David Crowe 
 
				THE opposition should not expect to win without detailed
				policy.
	 







 





It’s game on for Oz tennis






 
COURTNEY WALSH 
 
				IS Australian tennis at last developing some depth or will the Open once again reveal a lack of talent coming through?
	 







 
 
 








features















WhatsApp now on a web browser - unless you have this kind of phone











Rosetta comet ‘could float on water’











Why the lost tribe has fled the Amazon











The president, the prosecutor, his death and Argentina’s dark secret







 
 
 






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TOP STORIES





NEWS








Unions to fight review ‘every step’




				UNIONS have vowed they will take their concerns over the nation’s workplace relations system to the Queensland election.
	 

 



 Newman sues Jones for defamation  
 Police chief denies surveillance claims 

 
 


BUSINESS








Death of Saudi King lifts oil prices




				OIL futures rose as much as 3pc following news that Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud had died and would be succeeded by Prince Salman.
			
 

 



 Santos revenue tops $1bn for year 
 Aussie dollar dips below US80c  

 
 


ARTS








Passports with the stamp of stimulation




				AGWA has had a ‘reasonably weak collection’ of photographic art says its curator, until now.
	 

 



 Dedicated to painting her country 
 Yes, it’s Bjork’s breakup album 

 
 




OPINION








Memo to MPs: reform, not paralysis   




				THE Productivity Commission wants to bust myths and pierce shibboleths about workplace relations without raising past political battles.
	 

 



 Corruption body springs leaks 
 Finally, promise of effective reform 

 
 


SPORT








Sam Stosur knocked out of Open




				SAM Stosur’s exit from the Australian Open means that of the eight Australian women in main draw, none have made it to the third round.
			
 

 



 Is this the end for Hewitt?  
 World-class Cahill spurs Socceroos  

 
 


EXECUTIVE LIVING








All you can’t eat




				IF you have decided on a new year cleanse, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from.
	 

 



 Missionary ‘safest position’ for men 
 The big lap 

 
 




NATIONAL AFFAIRS








Time to bust workplace myths




				THE minimum wage and allowing penalty rates to be set at the enterprise level will be investigated by the Productivity Commission in a far-reaching review.
	 

 



 Socialist? Not I, says new ALP boss 
 Triggs legally ‘flawed’ on release push 

 
 


TECHNOLOGY








ASIC pushes for access to data




				ASIC has called on the government to expand the controversial data retention scheme to the corporate regulator.
	 

 



 Windows 10: how it works  
 Hutchison to buy UK’s O2 

 
 


TRAVEL








Written on the wind




				THE pleasures of small-ship sailing in Scotland.
	 

 



 To the end of the earth 
 Bridges not too far 

 
 





























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