Prime Minister Tony Abbott says the lives of innocent people have been claimed because of the "sick
fantasies" of Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis.
But he also paid tribute to the character of citizens who had opened their hearts to members of the different communities who make up the multicultural nature of Sydney.
"Decent, innocent people (have been) caught up in the sick fantasy of a deeply disturbed individual" Mr Abbott told reporters in Sydney.
"We have seen the consequences of this play out over the last 36 hours."
Monis and two of his hostages died at the end of a 16-hour siege at Sydney's Lindt cafe on Tuesday morning.
Mr Abbott said that every Sydneysider could feel quietly proud of the way the city had handled one of the most difficult periods in its history.
"People have responded with typical Australian decency and generosity," he said.
The spontaneous shrine at Martin Place was expression of that innate goodness which was a mark of the Australian character.
Australia was not immune to politically-motivated violence, which had for so long stalked other countries, Mr Abbott said.
"We have responded to this in character, with grit, with stoicism, with equanimity.
"I am absolutely confident that whatever happens in the days and weeks and months to come, Australia will always be a free and open and generous society."
Mr Abbott said regardless of whether Monis had been on the watchlist of authorities, it was likely that such a crime may not have been prevented.
"It's quite likely, certainly possible, that this incident could have taken place," he said.
"Because the level of control that would be necessary to prevent people from going about their daily life, would be very, very high indeed."
NSW Premier Mike Baird echoed Mr Abbott's view.
"We are all outraged that this guy was on the street," he said.
"We need to ensure that everything is done to learn from this."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin said authorities had long warned about the threat of a lone wolf operator.
Investigations would establish the facts and help authorities answer the public's questions, he said.
Mr Abbott hosed down suggestions of a copycat attack, saying that would involve someone emulating a long history of violence, sexual assault and infatuation with extremism.
"There was nothing consistent with this individual's life except he was consistently weird," he said.
"Now I don't think that anyone, anyone would want to emulate that."
Mr Abbott has spoken to the NSW policeman who was shot in the face during the siege.
He also indicated he would be in contact with the families of the victims at an appropriate time.
"I certainly don't want to intrude on anyone's grief," he said.
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