Foreign Minister Bob Carr has asked Australia's Ambassador to the United Nations to begin discussing with other governments the prospects for increasing sanctions and other measures against the Syrian Government.

The action follows the international condemnation of the killing of 92 civilians in the Syrian town of Haoula on 26 May.

Mr Carr branded the massacre a hideous and brutal crime.

“No effort should be spared in bringing the perpetrators of this atrocity to justice,” Senator Carr said.

“The Assad regime must cease all military operations immediately, as required under Special Envoy Kofi Annan's peace plan.

"UN observers must also be allowed immediate access to Haoula to start work on determining responsibility for this attack, as well as to all other conflict zones in Syria.

“This matter should also be immediately brought before the UN Security Council, for a unified international response.

“Such a response could include a referral to the International Criminal Court and imposing international sanctions such as arms embargos and financial and travel restrictions.”

“The international community can no longer stand by while the Syrian Government fails to honour its commitment to Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan's Six Point Plan.”

Australia's autonomous sanctions regime against Syria includes travel and financial restrictions against 106 individuals and 28 entities and an arms embargo. Australia stands ready to consider additional sanctions measures and humanitarian assistance.

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