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NEWS missing flight MH370 could be off the coast of Perth caught politicians by surprise, Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters says.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott told parliament Australian aircraft were searching waters off Perth after satellite images revealed two objects.
He stressed it was not clear what the image showed, bus said it was “new and credible information”.
"I should tell the House - and we must keep this in mind - the task of locating these objects will be extremely difficult and it may turn out that they are not related to the search for flight MH370," he said.
"Nevertheless, I did want to update the House on this potentially important development.’
Ms Chesters, who was present during the announcement, said it was unexpected.
“It happened right before Question Time,” she said.
“There was surprise.
“I was surprised by the PM’s comments, but there was also a real mood of respect and mood of sadness.”
Ms Chesters said there had not been much discussion of the developments in parliament.
“The opposition leader stood to associate himself with the Prime Minister’s remarks, and then Question time began with all the colour and movement of Question time,” she said.