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Australian Permanent Resident Injured in London Attacks

Following the terrorist attack at Westminster, Malcolm Turnbull has promised "increased police presence" in Canberra.

Earlier today a lone attacker killed four in London, mowing down three civilians with their car on Westminster Bridge, before crashing through a security gate into the UK Parliament and stabbing a policeman. It's estimated at least 40 others were injured in the incident that authorities have labelled a "terrorist attack." London Metropolitan police have confirmed the attacker was shot by an armed police officer, and has also died.

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Australian Attorney-General George Brandis has confirmed that an Australian permanent resident was injured during the attack. They are currently in hospital. Malcolm Turnbull has joined other world leaders in sending his condolences to the United Kingdom, while assuring the Australian public that a similar incident will be avoided here.

During a brief press conference this morning, Turnbull extended "Australia's heartfelt sympathy and resolute solidarity" with the people of the United Kingdom, who he labelled our "staunch allies in the war against terrorism".

"The attack in the British Parliament is an attack on parliaments, freedom, and democracy everywhere," the PM said. "Almost every element of our parliamentary tradition, here in Australia, is modelled on that of the Houses of Parliament in London. We send our condolences, especially to the families of the victims, those injured, including a police officer murdered by the terrorist."

Turnbull said Australian authorities would respond to the UK attack by increasing security presence in at-risk areas on home soil. He said he'd received security briefings from Australia's counterterrorism coordinator Tony Sheehan, London high commissioner Alexander Downer, Australian Federal Police commissioner Andrew Coleman, and Director of Security Duncan Lewis.

The latter agency, Turnbull said, has confirmed an increased police presence in Parliament House in Canberra today. "We are very alert to the vulnerabilities of places of mass gathering and the risk of lone attackers, like the terrorist in London. Keeping Australians safe is our highest priority. It is the first duty of my government."

The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to praise Australia's counter terrorism laws, saying that thanks to stringent legislation, "our agencies have the powers they need and our soldiers have the ability to kill terrorists in the field, and convicted terrorists will not be released at the end of their sentence if they remain a threat to society."

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has confirmed that no Australians were injured or killed in the Westminster attack. "I've spoken to Boris Johnston and passed on our condolences and concerns," she told ABC News 24.

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