By Dominic Hughes BBC, Canberra

A national memorial service is being held in the Australian capital Canberra for those who died in the Bali bombing.

At a highly emotional service, the prime minister, John Howard, told bereaved relatives that "in every corner of 19.5 million Australian hearts there is a place for you and the person you have lost".

Howard's voice broke as he gave his tribute

The congregation, which also included diplomats and politicians from across the political spectrum, also heard him tell relatives that "we are endeavouring to give you all the love and compassion you need".

The prime minister called on his countrymen not to be deterred from living their lives according to the values that Australians had grown up with.

At one point he appeared overcome with emotion.

'Pity'

Dr Tom Frame, bishop to the Australian Defence Force, expressed Australia's incomprehension at the attack.

"We cannot imagine what it would be like to live in a world where you thought it was all right to do what they did in Bali," he said.

"We ought to pity people that live in that kind of world."

As the congregation of more than 400 arrived at the Great Hall of Australia's parliament, they dropped flowers in a specially made Balinese water garden to remember those who had died in the Bali bombing.

More than 100 family members of those who died or are still missing had been flown to Canberra for the special services.