UPDATED 7.23pm: The bodies of the Sydney siege victims Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson will be released to their families tonight.

An autopsy on gunman Man Monis is expected to be conducted by the end of the week.

Meanwhile, the New South Wales premier says a permanent memorial will be built at Martin Place when the time is right, with people continuing to lay flowers at the makeshift shrine.

 

Mr Baird has told Macquarie Radio this is something that will be with us forever, and we need to pay tribute to the inspiring Australians we've lost and what they've given us.

He says they've given us something so special which is an unprecedented bond of togetherness and strength in the face of adversity.

Lindt cafe manager Tori Johnson and Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson died early on Tuesday morning as the 16-hour siege ended.

Mr Baird says something special needs to be done, and it will be.

The family of Sydney terror attack victim Katrina Dawson have made an emotional visit to Martin Place.

Four family members have slowly made their way around the enormous floral tribute.

The two men and two woman were visibly upset as they read cards and embraced each other at the makeshift shrine.