PM call to keep refugee numbers 'not a backflip'

Federal ministers have denied an intervention from the prime minister on Australia's refugee intake was a backdown on migration numbers.

Anthony Albanese confirmed on Thursday the country's annual refugee intake would remain at 20,000 people, despite earlier reports suggesting it could be cut by one-third to 13,750 at the next federal budget.

"This intake number remains government policy and will be continued in future years, consistent with Australia's humanitarian commitments and sits beside our strong border security measures," he said.

The annual refugee intake was increased to 20,000 in 2023, but was due to lapse back to the previous level of 13,750 at the beginning of the 2027/28 financial year.

Cabinet minister Mark Butler said keeping refugee targets at their current numbers was "not a backflip".

"We should all take the word of the prime minister for the position of the government," he told Seven's Sunrise program on Friday.

"We've had for many years a humanitarian intake number of 20,000. We only reaffirmed it at our national conference last month.

"To the extent there was any confusion in the public commentary yesterday about this, the prime minister dispelled that."

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said the coalition would consider lowering the refugee intake as part of its migration policy, but said any numbers would be unveiled closer to the federal election, due to be held by May 2028.

"When we see what the housing construction looks like, we'll announce the number, and the visa classes will align with that," he told News24.

"We're a very generous country, but charity starts at home, and we've got to do the right thing by Australians first."

Mr Taylor has indicated the overall net overseas migration number will be below 200,000, but that the final figure would be tied to the number of homes completed.

Greens senator David Shoebridge said the differing stances on refugee intake numbers were creating concern among communities.

"Supporters of those people seeking asylum were in absolute tumult, desperately concerned about what was happening, getting within less than 24 hours two totally different messages out of the government," he told ABC Radio.