Senate pauses for MH17 crash victims

The Senate has paused in silence for passengers believed to have died in a Malaysia Airlines crash in eastern Ukraine.

The government has confirmed 27 Australians were on board Flight MH17 which was carrying 298 people, including 15 crew.

It's believed there are no survivors.

Government Senate leader Eric Abetz on Friday offered his condolences to family members of those Australians and other passengers who lost their lives.

His sentiment was echoed by Labor Senate leader Penny Wong who expressed shock and grief at the "heartwrenching" crash.

"For those who have lost loved ones today, words cannot suffice," she told parliament.

"This is a terrible tragedy and it reminds us of what really matters."

Greens leader Christine Milne said the crash would have ramifications for the whole of society.

"This tragedy will touch many, many Australians," she said.

The aircraft was travelling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it crashed in rebel-held east Ukraine in what has been described as a "terrorist" attack.