In the hours, days and weeks after the deadly attack on the Lindt cafe, speculation and recriminations flowed as the horrific details of the hostages' 17-hour ordeal emerged.
In light of widespread conjecture about key aspects of the case, including the actions of police, the gunman's access to a firearm and how barrister Katrina Dawson and cafe manager Tori Johnson died, the Coroner took the unusual step of holding a preliminary hearing before the start of the inquest proper.
On Thursday, state coroner Michael Barnes said the deaths of Ms Dawson and Mr Johnson were not more significant than others, but "the circumstances of these deaths raise issues relevant to the actual security and sense of security of the wider population and that demands a speedy response".
Counsel Assisting the Coroner, Jeremy Gormly, SC, said the hour-long address was done to "answer speculation that may be unhelpful to legitimate public discussion", particularly in areas where "facts are known with some, if not complete, certainty".
No timeline has been set down for the inquest however Mr Gormly said it will be divided into discreet segments, such as gunman Man Haron Monis' bail status, and the experiences of the hostages.
All of the surviving hostages are expected to give evidence at some point although only John O'Brien, 82, attended Thursday's opening.
Six of Mr Johnson's family and friends also attended, entering and exiting via a rear exit to avoid the dozens of cameras and reporters at the court.
As he left the court, Mr O'Brien said: "It's been very upsetting for Tori Johnson's family."
Ms Dawson's family chose not to attend.
Both families have engaged legal counsel, with the Dawson family hiring high-profile barrister Philip Boulten, SC. Mr Barnes also gave leave to appear to lawyers for Mr O'Brien and Monis' widow and next-of-kin Amirah Droudis. Droudis is currently on remand awaiting trial for the murder of Monis' ex-wife Noleen Hayson Pal.
The two marksmen who fired 22 bullets between them when the tactical operations unit stormed the cafe will also have legal representation.
Both lawyers asked to have their clients' identities withheld for their safety and Mr Barnes agreed to refer to them as officer A and officer B.
Future hearings will not be held at Glebe Coroners Court but at a location to be advised by the Attorney-General's department.
