Senator ABETZ (Tasmania—Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service and Minister for Employment) (09:01): I seek leave to make a short statement regarding the tragic news this morning concerning Malaysia Airlines flight 17. Leave granted. Senator ABETZ: Honourable senators will have woken to the news that Malaysia Airlines flight 17, on a flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, has been lost in Ukrainian airspace. The aircraft had 280 passengers and 15 crew. The information we have is that there are no survivors. Dutch authorities have advised that, according to their records, some 27 Australians were on board this aircraft, but final figures are yet to be provided. There is not much more for me to say at this stage about this very sad news except to express, on behalf of the government and, I am sure, all senators, our sincere condolences to the families of the Australian citizens and all others on the aircraft. I use this opportunity as well to advise people listening that, if you have concerns for family or friends, you should attempt to contact them directly. If you are unable to contact them and still hold concerns for their welfare, the 24-hour consular emergency contact number of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is 1300555135. I thank the Senate.