Crossbench MPs will discuss Labor's three amendments to a bill to give doctors more say in whether asylum seekers are transferred to Australia for medical treatment.
Independent MP Kerryn Phelps says she is determined to salvage a bill that would fast-track medical transfers for critically-ill asylum seekers, after Labor shifted its position due to security concerns.
"I’m determined for us to find a pathway through, there are lives at stake here," Dr Phelps told reporters Tuesday morning.
But Labor's proposal to extend ministerial powers to block transfers of asylum seekers with a criminal record is shaping up as a "sticking point".
"That could take us right back to where we are today and that’s just not acceptable."
The bill giving doctors more say on asylum seekers getting medical treatment in Australia passed the Senate in December with Labor's support, but under pressure from the government, the party wants to make more changes.
In a caucus meeting on Monday night following a security briefing, Labor MPs agreed to negotiate with the crossbench on giving the minister power to reject a medical transfer on character grounds.
The opposition's shift in position follows the government ramping up its attack on Labor over national security.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the bill remained unacceptable.
"I will not give a leave pass to this parliament to weaken our border security," Mr Morrison said outside an ecumenical church service marking the opening of parliament for the year on Tuesday.
Opposition leader Bill Shorten and Prime Minister Scott Morrison attended church Tuesday morning ahead of the first parliamentary sitting of 2019.
AAP
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said it was possible for Australia to have strong borders and treat refugees humanely.
"The current government confuses stubbornness with strength," he told reporters outside the same Canberra church.
"What I've done is listened to the border experts and listened to the refugee advocates.
"I think this is not an issue which should be dividing the nation."
