Coalition MPs are divided over how Australia should respond to the Syrian refugee crisis, as federal cabinet takes advice on the best way forward.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott is expected to announce as early as Wednesday how many refugees will be resettled in Australia, as well as cabinet's decision on taking military action in Syria.
Government members spent an hour in partyroom meetings on Tuesday thrashing out the refugee issue, with views ranging from calls for Australia to resettle upwards of 30,000 Syrians to concerns the community would not support taking "too many" refugees.
Liberal-National Party backbencher Ewen Jones said the extra intake should be between 30,000 and 50,000.
Nationals MP Andrew Broad said 10,000 was "really just a spoonful off the top".
Government whip Andrew Nikolic said any action should be taken on the basis of "evidence".
"We're not going to do it in a way with a rhetoric of trying to out-compassion each other," he said.
Mr Abbott said the government would act with "decency and strength", linking a compassionate response to refugees with the possibility of Australian fighter bombers getting the green light to hit Islamic State targets in Syria.
"The people of Syria are currently caught between the hammer of the (IS) death cult and its mass executions and the anvil of the Assad regime and its chemical weapons," he told parliament.
"We need to ensure people can be safe in country as well as trying to ensure people can be safe out of country ... (and) have the prospect of a better life."
The national security committee of cabinet was due late on Tuesday to receive a report from Immigration Minister Peter Dutton, who has been consulting United Nations and international migration officials in Europe.
Cabinet was expected to convene after the briefing.
Labor says at least 10,000 extra places should be offered under the humanitarian and refugee program, while the Greens say 20,000 and aid groups argue it should be 30,000.
The government is considering a mix of permanent resettlement places and temporary safe haven visas, similar to that offered during the Kosovo conflict, for those fleeing the violence.
Talks are also expected with states and community groups on how to provide health care, education, accommodation and other services.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten says the government should add to the existing 13,750 places, not substitute Syrian refugees for others.
"I say to the government, please don't be guilty of knowing the price of everything and the value of nothing," he told reporters in Canberra.
The idea of offering temporary visas was "sort of selling people short" and permanent places should be made the focus of Australia's effort.
Premiers have written to the prime minister offering their support.
"We stand ready to do the right thing," Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said.
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