Dutch authorities have confirmed that all of the 38 Australian victims who died when Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was downed in Eastern Ukraine have now been formally identified.
Operation Bring Them Home will conclude in the coming weeks when the final remains of the victims are reunited with their families.
The successful recovery, identification and repatriation of the victims has been a painstaking and meticulous process.
It has been a tremendously difficult period for the families and for all Australians.
After such a long wait, we can now be assured that the Australian victims have been accorded the dignity and respect they deserve.
Our determination to bring the perpetrators of this atrocity to justice is undiminished.
The Australian and Dutch governments continue to press for full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2166.
Progress continues on the two investigations that are underway by the Dutch Safety Board and the criminal investigation being led by the Dutch Public Prosecution Service.
We owe it to the victims and their families that these investigations are concluded successfully and that those responsible are brought to justice.
Australia’s response to this tragedy has involved a remarkable effort from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Federal Police, the Air Transport Safety Bureau and the Australian Defence Force.
All the officials involved are to be commended for their commitment, compassion and professionalism.
We acknowledge the leadership of the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston and Ambassador Jean Dunn.
Dutch authorities advise that a total of 292 of the victims on board MH17 have been positively identified.
6 December 2014