Tony Abbott can't promise the search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 will maintain its intensity of the past year.
But the prime minister has promised the families of seven Australians lost on the flight the Australian-led search mission will continue working as best it can to resolve what is "one of the greatest mysteries of our time".
"I do reassure the families of our hope and expectation that the ongoing search will succeed," Mr Abbott told parliament on Thursday, as some of the families watched on.
Sunday will mark a year since the flight carrying 239 passengers disappeared from the radar over the South China Sea.
The Australian families were joined in parliament by representatives of other nations who lost citizens on the flight, including the Malaysian high commissioner and the Chinese ambassador.
Mr Abbott extended his sympathies to the families for their "harrowing" year of sorrow, and acknowledged the efforts of the search operation which so far has failed to provide them answers.
A new tracking trial would go some way in ensuring that no family would ever have to share their suffering, he said.
"My pledge is that we are taking every reasonable step to bring your uncertainty to an end."
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said all Australians could sympathise with the MH370 families.
"Because all Australians have known this sadness, because all of us have walked this road, this parliament can say to you today that you're not alone."
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