Syrian chemical weapon attacks must stop

All chemical weapon assaults in Syria must end and Russia must stop blocking investigations into the attacks, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says.

Australia condemned Saturday's reported chemical weapons attack by the Syrian regime in Ghouta, where 70 civilians were killed and hundreds injured.

"We urge all parties involved in the continuing conflict in Syria, including Russia and Iran, to apply maximum pressure on the Syrian regime to fully halt any and all chemical weapons related activity," Ms Bishop said in a statement on Monday.

She said the latest attack comes a year after the Syrian regime used a sarin nerve agent at Khan Sheikhoun, killing 90 innocent civilians.

Ms Bishop said the United Nations wanted to investigate Syria's use of chemical weapons last year but Russia vetoed it.

"Since that time Syria has used chemical weapons on multiple occasions," Ms Bishop said.

"Russia should not oppose discussion of this latest incident at today's United Nations Security Council meeting in New York.

"The use of chemical weapons at anytime, anywhere, under any circumstances is abhorrent and deserves investigation and accountability."