Turnbull calls Paris terrorists 'fanatics'

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has used parliament to condemn the terror "fanatics" who killed 130 people in Paris.

The city of light was "assaulted by godless ISIL murderers" who claimed to be killing in the name of Islam, but instead defamed and blasphemed Islam itself.

"It reminds us that a few fanatics with automatic weapons and explosives can do great damage and strike at the heart of free, open and democratic societies," Mr Turnbull told parliament on Monday.

He tried to reassure Australians, saying the government will do everything to keep them safe.

"The terrorists want us to bend to their will, to be frightened, to change the way we go about our lives," he said.

"If we do that, they win and they will not win, we will not let them win."

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said it was not just an attack on a city beloved by the world, but also on the qualities that Paris embodies.

Even in the hours after the attacks, as people sought to make sense of the events, it was clear the terrorists had failed.

"They failed because our world will not capitulate to fear," Mr Shorten said before MPs rose to remember those killed.