The National Security Committee of Cabinet convened and Prime Minister Tony Abbott issued a statement offering “all possible Commonwealth support and assistance” to the New South Wales State Government.
“This is obviously a deeply concerning incident but all Australians should be reassured that our law enforcement and security agencies are well trained and equipped and are responding in a thorough and professional manner.”
Using Twitter, New South Wales Premier Mike Baird offered his “thoughts and prayers” to those affected.
Patrick Sinclair, who works with a corporate communications company in Australia Square, just down the road from Martin Place, said the city was deserted. “It’s very eerie,” he told Epoch Times.
Restaurants and cafes in the CBD including Australia Square were instructed to close and security was ramped up, with swipe cards required for entry to major buildings.
Like many city workers, Sinclair was on his way home after his company chose to shut down for the day.
“We have been glued to live feed and websites since we heard about it,” he said. “There was not much work being done.” Mr Sinclair says the events of the morning were chilling.
“It could have been any of us in the café,” he said. “It brings terrorism home. It is in our backyard.”
