Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to Shinzo Abe as a "true leader and true friend" of Australia, while warning such attacks on politicians could occur again.
Mr Albanese has joined a number of current and former Australian political leaders in expressing their sorrow at the death of the former Japanese prime minister, and their admiration for the legacy he leaves behind.
Mr Abe's time as prime minister, between 2006-07 and 2012-20, saw a significant strengthening of the relationship between Australia and Japan.
Mr Abe helped drive the establishment of regional trade deals like the CTPPP, and revive the Quad partnership involving Australia, Japan, the United States and India.
He visited Australia on many occasions, including addressing federal parliament in 2014, and visiting Darwin — bombed by Japan in World War Two — in 2018.
Mr Albanese said he changed the way Japan interacts with the world, and that impact will be felt for years ahead.
"Mr Abe's life was one of consequence," he said.
"He made a difference, he changed things for the better not just in Japan, but in our region in particular and around the world.
"And that is, by any measure, a life truly well lived."
Mr Albanese described the fatal shooting as an act of terrorism, and warned it may occur again.
"That is the cruel paradox of the tragedy that unfolded yesterday," he said.
"That someone of such courage, with such strength of character could be taken away with an act of extreme cowardice.
'A matter of time': Liberal MP calls for security review
Shadow Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said the death of Mr Abe should prompt a re-think of security arrangements for Australian politicians.
Ms Andrews, who served as minister for Home Affairs in the Morrison government, said there had been recent consideration given to the threats facing political leaders.
But she said this incident should serve as a warning.
Mr Albanese said it was an important feature of democracy that senior politicians can freely and safely meet with ordinary voters in the public, pointing to the election campaign as a good example.
"Part of cherishing that democracy is allowing for that interaction that we have in this great country of Australia, whereby people in senior positions are able to walk down the street, attend events, whether in a professional or a personal capacity," he said.
"And feel that they are safe from this sort of senseless violence, this crime, this act of terrorism that we have seen tragically unfold in Japan."
