Barack Obama has thanked Tony Abbott for Australia's role in the battle against Islamic State as the pair discussed ways the international community could destroy the extremist group.
The US president telephoned Mr Abbott on Tuesday and spoke about the threat Islamic State poses to Iraq and the region, but made no specific request for a bigger Australian military role.
Mr Obama thanked the prime minister for Australia's contribution to humanitarian air drops and resupply missions in northern Iraq, where Kurds and Iraqi troops are taking on Islamic State, also known as ISIL.
While the president did not specifically ask Australia to step up its military involvement, a White House spokesman said the US had pledged to co-ordinate closely with Australia on Islamic State and other national security priorities.
Mr Abbott welcomed Mr Obama's "measured and careful response" to events in Iraq and his efforts to marshal an effective international response to the threat posed by Islamic State.
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While there was no request for more Australian military help, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop earlier flagged the possibility of military trainers and advisers.
"The first step is to seek to contain (Islamic State), to prevent it from attacking innocent civilians," she said.
"Ideally it would be best for Iraqi security forces to defend the country against the murderous advance of terrorists, but there's an anticipated role for some countries to provide trainers and advisers."
The latest Essential poll shows 42 per cent disapproval, compared with 38 per cent approval, for air strikes and 54 per cent disapproval for sending troops into Iraq as part of a US-led mission.
However, if the UN endorsed the mission, the figure flips to 45 per cent approval and 36 per cent disapproval for troops.
Mr Obama, who has ruled out ground troops, will announce his strategy to defeat Islamic State in a speech on Thursday (Australian time).
More than 40 nations are set to join the coalition.
"What we are working to accomplish will require hard work, sustained commitment and unwavering focus from all of us," Secretary of State John Kerry said in Washington, before a Middle East trip to drum up support for the coalition.
Mr Obama will also lead a UN Security Council session in New York on September 24 on the threat of foreign fighters. It will coincide with the annual UN General Assembly.
Meanwhile, a former Sydney nightclub bouncer who had a minor role in the Underbelly TV series has been identified as the most senior Australian member of Islamic State.
The Afghan refugee, 33-year-old Mohammad Ali Baryalei, was named by the ABC as having a trusted position in Islamic State's operational command and recruited at least 30 Australians fighting in the wars.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said it was in Australia's interests to stem the flow of foreign fighters to Iraq and Syria, but Labor would not support sending in combat units.
