NSW MP says male siege hostages shouldn't be given bravery awards
The Christian Democrats leader Fred Nile during a press conference. (AAP) AAP
Male hostages who fled the fatal Sydney siege shouldn't receive bravery awards, NSW MP Fred Nile says.
The divisive figure reckons Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson, who were both killed along with gunman Man Haron Monis in the 16-hour siege, should receive the awards.
But the men who escaped from the Lindt Cafe don't.
"They should get recognition for what they suffered as hostages but I don't think they should get bravery awards," Mr Nile told Fairfax Radio.
"Maybe they could have done something more to protect the women.
"Normally bravery awards are given for an act of bravery - that somebody actually does something. They haven't done anything."
Giving bravery awards to those male hostages who fled would diminish the worth of the medal, he added.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott earlier this week requested Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove support a push to honour the victims, surviving hostages and emergency services with bravery awards.
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