Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has criticised prime minister Tony Abbott for failing to increase the nation's refugee cap, saying that was not the spirit of generosity that Australians hold dear.
"The total humanitarian intake needs to increase and it needs to increase significantly," Mr Andrews said.
The premier indicated there is bip[artisan support for Victoria to accept a substantial number of refugees from Syria.
"We stand ready to stump up and to step up. To provide a second chance in life to those who, through what is an international humanitarian crisis, need our outstretched hand of friendship."
Opposition leader Matthew Guy, who recently disagreed with Mr Abbott's stance on gay marriage, also urged the prime minister to expand the refugee intake and bring "a great portion" of Syrian refugees to Victoria.
"I'd hope that the federal government would consider expanding beyond the regular intake of refugees, some additional numbers - that will obviously be a decision for them but I'd encourage them to consider that," he said.
Hundreds of people are expected to attend a candlelight vigil in Melbourne's Treasury Gardens on Monday night for Syrian boy Aylan Kurdi.
The image of Aylan's tiny body, washed on to a Turkish beach following his families failed bid to flee Syria by boat, has become a symbol of the humanitarian crisis.
