Rescuers have found two more bodies from a capsized asylum seeker boat, bringing the death toll to five.
But ninety passengers from the overcrowded boat are still unaccounted for.
One hundred and nine people have been rescued since the crowded vessel capsized on Thursday afternoon about halfway between the Indonesian island of Java and Christmas Island.
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Transport Minister Anthony Albanese briefed reporters on the latest developments in Sydney on Saturday afternoon.
Authorities says it is unlikely more survivors will be found.
Poor weather was hampering Saturday's search, which resumed at first light, Mr Albanese said.
The tragedy prompted Liberal MP Mal Washer to call on Opposition leader Tony Abbott to consider supporting Labor's Malaysia Solution to prevent more asylum-seeker deaths at sea.
Mr Albanese also pushed for a speedy resolution on asylum-seeker policy.
"I note Dr Washer's genuine comments," he said.
"And I think certainly I am of the view, and the government is of the view, that we want to work together across the parliament to secure an outcome that reduces the possibility of a tragedy like this being repeated."
Labor's plan to process asylum seekers arriving by boat in Malaysia was stalled last year, because it did not get the Opposition's approval, which it needed to make the plan lawful.
