Shorten denies Marles went rogue on boats

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has rejected suggestions his immigration spokesman Richard Marles went rogue when he conceded turnbacks have helped stop asylum seeker boats.

Mr Marles also suggested in a weekend interview turnbacks might continue under Labor if it could get Indonesia's backing.

But Mr Shorten insists there has been no change in Labor's policy, and has attributed the government's success against the boats to Labor's offshore processing and resettlement deals.

Asked if Mr Marles had gone rogue, Mr Shorten replied: "No."

"Labor's policy on boat turn backs has not changed," Mr Shorten told reporters in Canberra.

"The case has not been made out for change."

Earlier, Mr Shorten told the party caucus he was crystal clear there had been no policy change.

A number of MPs have been deluged with emails from Labor supporters and GetUp members attacking Mr Marles' comments.

The government seized on the remarks and has challenged Labor to support a controversial omnibus immigration bill that enshrines the boat turnback policy into law.