The Federal Opposition says proposed changes in refugee policy would be in Indonesia's interest, not Australia's.
The change has been prompted by Indonesia's angry reaction to the granting of temporary asylum visas to 42 people from the Indonesian province of Papua.
The Customs Minister, Chris Ellison, says Australia will consider seeking assistance from the Indonesian government in identifying genuine asylum seekers.
But Labor's Immigration spokesman, Tony Burke, says refugee policy is being re-written too quickly with no consultation.
"He referreed to it as a national interest test. But all the arguments that have surrounded it haven't been about Australia's interest. They've been about the interest of Indonesia."
"I want Australia's immigration laws to be set by Australia. I don't want Indonesia to be handed the decide who comes into this country and the circumstances in which they come."
"That should not have handed over to Indonesia or any other foreign power for that matter. Its the Australian government's job."