Mr Barr on Tuesday morning led a series of speeches on a condolence motion in the Legislative Assembly expressing deep sorrow and support for all New Zealanders and the global Islamic community over the tragic killings last Friday.

During an emotional debate, Mr Barr, Opposition Leader Alistair Coe and ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury said they stood with the New Zealand and Muslim community here and abroad and defended Canberra's reputation as a welcoming city.

Mr Barr said the views that were apparently behind the attack were abhorrent and there was no place for such views in our society, and that the territory government stood against extremism, hatred and violence.

He said the government and people of Canberra stood for diversity, compassion, inclusion, tolerance and acceptance and that at such a difficult time it was important for everybody to come together and support affected community members.

"We stand with our Muslim community members, we stand with all New Zealanders, no two countries in the world are closer than Australia and New Zealand; they are us," he said.

Mr Barr also thanked all community groups in the city for their role in organising vigils and events for people of all faiths, and no faith, saying such events demonstrated the strength of the Canberra community.

Mr Coe said the massacre would be remembered by all as one of those historic moments when people remember where they were when they heard the news, and it sent shivers down the spine when thinking of the immense trauma those affected must be feeling.

He said the global Muslim community was affected and acknowledged Canberra's Muslim community for the solidarity and dignity with which they responded, saying it would have been easy to respond with hate, but they responded with love.

Mr Coe said the Koran taught generosity, mercy, forgiveness, love and truth, and mosques were open to the public, and what had been seen since was Canberra and New Zealand's Muslim community being true to the faith's teachings.

Mr Rattenbury said the Assembly came together in supporting the motion to recognise our common humanity, and the beauty and strength that came from a diverse and inclusive society.

He said it was important for everyone, but particularly political and community leaders to use their voice and influence to oppose bigotry, violence and hatred, to make it clear those who spread hatred and division did not represent the community.

Mr Rattenbury said the attacks were fuelled by far-right extremism and an idea of fear that was designed to tear us apart, but it would not succeed; and that the community would not allow the politics of hate to destroy out humanity.

Greens MLA Caroline Le Couteur became teary as she called for all to treat each other with compassion, while deputy opposition leader Nicole Lawder said the Assembly stood with those affected in sorrow, and in strength against hate, violence and extremism.

Ms Lawder also said she could understand the suffering people would be feeling, as her own brother was shot in a mass shooting more than 15 years ago.

She said while it left her heartbroken so many people would suffer, the Muslim community must know that the community was united with them, in their hope, courage, faith, love and future.

A memorial vigil will be held at the Nara Peace Park from 6pm on Tuesday, with Mr Barr and New Zealand High Commissioner Annette King expected to attend, where the Canberra Peace Bell will be tolled 50 times, once for each life lost. 

A separate rally in solidarity will also be held at 5pm on Tuesday at Garema Place, organised by the Canberra Refugee Action Campaign; including speakers from the Muslim, Christian and Jewish faiths.

Correction: This article has been edited, as Ms Lawder's brother was shot, but not fatally, as previously reported.