Australian politicians hold a minute's silence for MH17 victims

Senators have held a moment's silence to mark the tragedy of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 this morning.

(Getty)

 

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Senator Eric Abetz led the condolences in the upper house, followed by Labor Senate leader Penny Wong, who described the world's reaction of shock and grief.

"This is a terrible tragedy," she said.

"It reminds us of the preciousness of life."

Greens leader Christine Milne also addressed the Senate, telling colleagues that a number of victims were en-route to an AIDS conference in Melbourne.

Australian politicians have tweeted their condolences, paying tribute to the 298 people who were killed on the Malaysia Airlines jet MH17 when it crashed over Ukraine.