Tony Abbott in New York

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has paid his respects to the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York.

Mr. Abbott laid a wreath at the foot of the "survivor tree" - a Callery pear tree found in the ruins of the World Trade Centre towers and replanted.

He also inspected the plaques of all 10 Australian victims and spoke briefly after the visit.

 

SBS Chief Political Corrospondant Karen Middleton is in New York .

She spoke with Peggy Giakoumelos