Australia's Syrian refugee intake figures could be "impressive": minister

The Australian government is expected to announce its Syrian refugee relief package late on Wednesday, in what has been described as a "generous" boost to the nation's annual intake.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has been in Paris and Geneva discussing the Syrian migrant crisis sweeping Europe and the wider world, and said on Wednesday that Australia had settled on a figure.

Dutton said Prime Minister Tony Abbott would announce the official figures later on Wednesday, adding, "I think people will be impressed by Australia's response," he told reporters on Wednesday.

Meanwhile another government MP, Jamie Briggs, told Sky News that Australians would be "pleasantly surprised" at the decision.

"There are a lot of people in the community who want us to do more, and I think this morning when they hear the announcement from the prime minister, they'll be pleasantly surprised that the government has got such a comprehensive security plan, and such a comprehensive humanitarian plan," Briggs.

The cabinet will meet to discuss the national security council' s decision before Abbott makes the official announcement later in the day.

Local media has hinted the announcement will be more than the federal opposition's request for 10,000 refugees to be settled.

Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek told the media it would be "wonderful" if the government had made a commitment to take in more than 10,000 Syrian refugees. Endi