Having realized that there is no detectable debris on ocean surface in their search areas and that resolving this incident will take a long time, Australia has set up a dedicated Joint Agency Coordination Center with a retired defense chief as its head.
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As the search and recovery process may take some time, the Australian Government is seeking to provide a single point of contact for affected parties, while also taking into account the interests of other stakeholders.
The JACC will continue the close cooperation with the Government of Malaysia, which under international law has overall responsibility for the search, and with Malaysia Airlines.
The JACC will not be performing any search, recovery or investigation activities. These will remain the responsibility of the expert agencies.
Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC, AFC (Ret'd) will be leading the JACC to coordinate various aspects of the search on the ground."
Joint Agency Coordination Centre