ALP says PM may have aided ASIO breach

Labor says Prime Minister Tony Abbott may have aided a breach of national security by allowing news crews to film ASIO documents during a media conference.

ASIO chief Duncan Lewis briefed Mr Abbott and Justice Minister Michael Keenan on the spread of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria during a tour of ASIO's new headquarters in Canberra on Wednesday.

Shadow Justice Minister David Feeney says sensitive documents may have been exposed to the public during an organised photo opportunity.

"As part of this staged briefing, it appears sensitive ASIO maps detailing the location of persons of interest to ASIO in Sydney and Melbourne were spread across the table and subsequently broadcast in television news bulletins tonight," Mr Feeney said in a statement issued on Wednesday evening.

"The Prime Minister must immediately clarify whether these documents were for official use only and if he has possibly facilitated a significant security breach."

Comment has been sought from Mr Abbott's office.