The Legislative Assembly passed yesterday a condolence motion for the victims of the Victorian bushfires, with the Government, Opposition and Greens expressing their sympathy and delaying the morning's scheduled sitting until 2pm.

The magnitude of the tragedy was too much for some. Greens MLA Caroline Le Couteur broke down in tears and was unable to finish her speech, while Opposition MLA Vicki Dunne fought back tears as she conveyed her sorrow for the victims.

Mr Stanhope said the events in Victoria would reopen wounds for many Canberrans.

''While our thoughts are with the thousands of Victorians most directly affected by this catastrophe, we must also keep some small corner of our sympathy, some chink of our hearts, here at home, for those Canberrans whose wounds will have been reopened by the headlines and the television news of recent days,'' MrStanhope told the Assembly.

''We should check on neighbours, phone affected relatives and friends, be sensitive and ready with our empathy, for those who may find themselves reliving the events of 2003.''

The ACT Government will give $300,000 to the bushfire appeal, and the ACT fire brigade has already sent 10 tankers and 90 men to help.

Greens leader Meredith Hunter praised the work of those involved in the rescue and recovery efforts, including those helping the thousands of injured wildlife.

''In the weeks and months to come we will be indebted to the countless individuals from various charities that will work tirelessly to help these communities rebuild their lives,'' she said.

Mr Stanhope said Canberrans could in the future help Victoria's victims deal with the emotional scars caused by the fires.

''It may be that we in Canberra, with our particular experience, will be able to offer up the lessons we have learnt over the past six years, through our own physical and social rebuilding, but that will be help for other days, other months, other years.''

Opposition Leader Zed Seselja said the tragedy had touched him as a father.

''Of parents surviving and their children perishing, and of children surviving and their parents being lost the worst of the worst that our sunburnt country can bring,'' he said.