PM heads to Netherlands as government considers further sanctions against Russia

Prime Minister Tony Abbott is travelling to the Netherlands, evidence of the bond between the countries that has been strengthened by tragedy.

Mr Abbott will thank Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on behalf of all Australians for his response to the MH17 disaster in Ukraine.

"The Dutch have done a marvellous job leading the investigation into this atrocity," Mr Abbott said.

He will also be briefed by the experts tasked with identifying the bodies of the victims.

However, Mr Abbott warned that it would be some time before any Australian victims might be identified and brought home.

He will also meet with the investigators that were forced away from the crash site by ongoing fighting between Ukraine forces and pro-Russian rebel separatists.

Meanwhile, the government is considering further sanctions against Russia, including possibly banning sales of uranium to the country.