Julie Bishop emotional over moment she broke news of MH17 disaster

Former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has become emotional as she launched a business owned by the uncle of the Maslin children killed in the MH17 disaster.

Ms Bishop told the gathering at Evari, in Perth's CBD, of the moment she had to call Anthony Maslin, and Rin Norris, to inform them their three children, Evie, Otis and Mo, and Mr Maslin's father Nick, had been killed.

That call was made was only hours after the Malaysian Airlines flight had been shot down in Ukraine on July 17, 2014.

The former Foreign Minister recalled how she was en route to New York and called the Maslin home, when Anthony "Mas" Maslin answered.

As she opened Brak Norris' business, she said of "Mas", "He told me about your dad Nick your niece Evie and nephews Otis and MO."

Her voice broke slightly as she said, "I have continued to fight them and I hope my successor and I know that my successor, will continue to seek justice for the families of those killed aboard MH17."

Ms Bishop announced yesterday she had resigned as Foreign Minister. The new Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, installed former Defence Minister Marise Payne into the portfolio.

Ms Bishop is yet to make a decision on her career beyond the next general election.