ALP backs more time for abuse commission

Labor supports giving the royal commission into child sexual abuse more time and money to finish its work and wants the government to do the same.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten says the commission's remarkable, painful and difficult work has empowered many people who have previously felt they haven't had a voice.

The royal commission asked for a two-year extension in its interim report on Monday, delaying its final reporting date until December 2017.

The extra time would cost another $104 million.

"If they believe that they need extra time I think that it's incumbent on the parliament to support this," Mr Shorten told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.

The commission estimates the additional time will let it hold 3000 extra private sessions and an additional 30 public hearings.

Attorney-General George Brandis has been contacted for comment.