Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said that he's sought advice about determining the fatal Malaysia Airlines MH17 crash as a terrorist act, but would not confirm any further details.
A declaration would allow families of the victims to access federal compensation.
He also announced that Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston has been appointed as his Special Envoy and has arrived in Kiev to lead efforts on the ground.
Forty-five Australian officals who are currently overseas or on their way overseas will help, while military aircraft are on standby.
Mr Abbott said he had been in contact with other world leaders, including US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose views were increasingly stern against Russia.
“The mood of the leaders I spoke to is firmer and sterner now than it was in the 24 hours immediately subsequent to the downing of [the flight],” he said.
Mr Abbott said a resolution would be put to UN Security Council within 24 hours and it would be viewed “very badly” if Russia was to use its veto power to stop a full investigation.
"Decency and justice requires that this resolution be carried by acclamation," he said.
"But as we all know these are difficult and daunting times and it is wrong to be too certain about what the future might hold."
He said Russian-backed militants were “almost certainly” responsible for shooting down the plane and remained in control of the wreckage.
“Having those people in control of the site is a little like leaving criminals in control of a crime scene,” he said.
Ukraine has asked Australia to be part of its investigation.
His comments followed discussions between the Prime Minister and Russian President Vladimir Putin, but Mr Abbott ruled out revealing any details of their conversation.
He also dodged questions regarding banning President Putin from the G20 conference in November.
“It's unhelpful to start speculating about what might happen in four months,” he said.
To date, the government has deployed 45 officials to assist including 20 personnel from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 20 Australian Federal Police Officers.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has also deployed two of its investigators with backgrounds in aircraft operations and aeronautical engineering.
The investigators are expected to arrive in Kiev tomorrow, the Bureau said in a statement.
The victims
The Prime Minister has also begun contacting the families of victims.
Mr Abbott says he spoke with two families this morning.
"My intention is to call all of the families of victims that would like a call from their prime minister," he said.
