Australian PM just announced that he received a request from Malaysian PM a short time ago for Australia to take command of the search of the "Southern vector".
Oz PM says the Australian Government will "do its duty" toward those in the "ill fated flight".
More Oz maritime resources were offered and accepted today.
After the PM's statement, the opposition leader offered condolences to the families, extraordinary and rather direct message to announce in public unless you know that all the families have given up hope....