Australia "stands with" France after deadly Nice attack: Aust'n FM

The Australian government Friday condemned the apparent terrorist attack in Nice, France, where at least 80 people have been killed and dozens more injured.

The attack, in which a truck crashed into crowds on a busy Nice street, occurred while thousands of revelers were out celebrating France's national Bastille Day, and Australian authorities have been quick to condemn the apparent terror activity.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop condemned the deadly attack, and said Australia would "once again" stand resolutely with France in the face of terror.

"The Australian Government condemns the Bastille Day attack in Nice which has left many people dead and injured. Once again we stand resolutely with the people of France. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and their families," Bishop said in a statement on Friday.

"France is a valuable counter-terrorism partner for Australia. We cooperate closely in the fight against ISIL/Daesh and in addressing the problems of violent extremism and foreign fighters."

Although the Australian government will not raise its travel warning for France, Bishop urged Australians to "exercise a high degree of caution."

"We have re-issued our travel advice for France to reflect the attack, but the overall level of advice has not changed. We continue to advise Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in France," she said.

"Australians in Nice should remain attentive to their surroundings, avoid affected areas and follow the instructions of local authorities."

Meanwhile, opposition leader Bill Shorten posted to social media on Friday morning: "Awful scenes in Nice. Another tragedy inflicted on innocent people. Australia stands with our friends in France."

Many Australians were in Nice at the time of the attack, including an Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) journalist.

The nation's Governor- General, Peter Cosgrove, is in Paris on official duties, and said it was likely many more Australians would have been among those watching the fireworks along the beachfront in Nice.

He added that Australia would stand behind France in this time of need.

"We are in shock tonight in Paris as we learn about the tragic events unfolding in Nice," Cosgrove said.

"On a day where Australians marched alongside their French counterparts this cruel attack has struck innocents celebrating their national day. Our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with the government and people of France."

A spokesperson from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that many Australians would have been at the scene, and they were making "urgent enquiries" to determine whether or not any Australians were killed or injured in the attack.

"The Australian Embassy in Paris is making urgent enquiries to determine whether any Australians have been affected by the incident at the Bastille Day celebration in Nice, France," the DFAT spokesperson said.

The lastest attack comes just months after a series of coordinated terror attacks rocked France's capital, Paris, in which 130 innocent people were killed by seven bombers and gunmen. Endit