Australia condemns 'indefensible' killings in Myanmar but stops short of imposing sanctions

Marise Payne says Australia is gravely concerned about the rising death toll' after 38 people were reported killed during peaceful protests

The Australian government has called on Myanmar's security forces to cease the violent response to protests, voicing grave concerns about the rising death toll and condemning the killings of minors as indefensible".

But the government has stopped short of outlining any additional sanctions against figures in Myanmar's military, as the deadliest day of violence since last month's coup sparked new calls for tougher action from Canberra.