There was a sombre silence in Federal Parliament as Prime Minister Scott Morrison read out the names of firefighters who lost their lives this summer.
Families still grappling with their deep loss were among those packed into the gallery to listen to politicians pay tribute to their lost loved ones.
One-by-one, the Prime Minister read out the names of the firefighters who have died this summer.
“David Moresi, Geoffrey Keaton, Andrew O’Dwyer, Samuel McPaul, Bill Slade, Matt Kavanagh, Ian McBeth, Paul Hudson and Rick De Morgan Jr,” he read.
“Every one of these firefighters was loved. All were brave and had lives that meant so much to those around them.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison pays tribute to bushfire victims at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: AAP
Federal MPs dedicated the entire first day of Parliament this year to honour bushfire victims and those responding to the crisis.
The fire season has claimed 33 lives, destroyed more than 3,000 homes and been described as unprecedented in its duration and severity.
NSW fire chief Shane Fitzsimmons and family members of the nine firefighters who have died this season were all present in the chamber, as Prime Minister Morrison recalled memories of their pain.
He recounted seeing a mug placed on the coffin of 32-year-old Geoffrey Keaton, who died alongside Andrew O’Dwyer fighting NSW’s Wattle Creek fire.
“It had the words Daddy,” Mr Morrison said holding back his emotion. “I love you to the moon and back.”
The Prime Minister also recalled the life of 28-year-old firefighter Samuel McPaul was also honoured, whose wife Megan was expecting their first child before his death.
Geoffrey Keaton, 32, and Andrew O'Dwyer, 36, died fighting fires. Source: NSW RFS
And he recalled the loss of three American firefighters who died when their plane crashed flying near the Snowy Mountains: "when we thought we couldn't hurt anymore".
Mr Morrison declared the disaster the "Black Summer of 2019/20".
Charlotte O'Dwyer, the young daughter of Rural Fire Service volunteer Andrew O'Dwyer stands in front of her fathers casket wearing his helmet. Source: AAP
"The smoke from burnt bushland that left an oppressive tightening in our chest told us that all was not right," he said.
"These fires are yet to end and danger is still before us in many, many places, but today we gather to mourn, honour, reflect and begin to learn from the Black Summer that continues."
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese empathised with the deep impact of these personal tragedies in his own address to the chamber.
US Ambassador to Australia Arthur B. Culvahouse (second right) attends the Australian Bushfires condolences motion at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: AAP
"Each death is the cruellest of blows to a family, one that inflicts a hurt that may one day soften, but will never fade,” he said.
“We feel each one of them in our hearts."
Mr Albanese said the severity of this summer's bushfire season must be recognised.
Both leaders commended the firefighters, volunteers and community fundraising efforts.
“We have no choice but to turn to face the harsh new reality, the scale and intensity of the fires has been unprecedented,” Mr Albanese said.
"[But] there has been toughness, resilience, generosity and, amazingly, through it all, there has been a sense of humour."
The fires have spread across the east coast of Australia, South Australia and Western Australia, their severity intensified by drought conditions.
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese speaks during the Australian Bushfires condolences motion. Source: AAP
But Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said despite their costly toll they have not broken the nation's spirit.
“Regional Australia has been through a lot, but it ain’t broke,” he said.
“It never will be.”
Climate activists rallied outside Parliament House calling for greater action to cut greenhouse emissions, as the day of respect was held in Canberra.
The fires have placed pressure on the Morrison government over its climate policies, and the country’s preparedness amid prior warnings over the bushfire season.
Labor Deputy Leader Richard Marles said the bushfires had focused the world’s attention on how climate change was fueling the crisis.
Climate change activists protest outside Parliament House in Canberra. Source: AAP
"With an unprecedented level of international attention to events that are unfolding here in Australia, comes an unprecedented opportunity in the way in which we respond locally, but also in what we say about climate change," he said.
Greens Senate Leader Larrisa Waters called for a newfound commitment to tackling the global challenge.
"The best way to pay tribute to those lives that have been lost ... will be to start this parliament tomorrow working on a real plan to reduce emissions and to transition to a coal and gas-free future,” she said.
Prime Minister Morrison also used his speech to declare a royal commission into the bushfire season.
He has written to Premiers and Chief Ministers to seek their feedback on terms of reference for the investigation.
"We know that recovery takes time and we all are here for the long haul," Mr Morrison said.
