'Heartbroken': Stranded Aussies plead for increased flights to return home

The political stoush over bringing home Australians stranded by the coronavirus pandemic is hurting citizens overseas.

The federal government is looking to raise the cap on returnees from 4000 to 6000 a week, and they're calling on states and territories to help.

Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan said he had not been informed about any plan to bring more people into Perth.

READ MORE: Thousands more Australians to return home under new plan

The Morrison government wants WA to lift its intake capacity by 500.

The posturing is of no comfort to Perth mum Amber Ellis, who is currently stuck in Auckland until November at the earliest.

Her baby was born prematurely during the pandemic and her husband was made redundant.

"We have no income here and (are) without any family support," she told 9News.

"My mum hasn't met our beautiful daughter yet … just absolutely heartbroken."

Mr McGowan said the cap could be increased if the federal government made immigration and defence facilities available for quarantine purposes.

But Christmas Island currently houses more than 100 unlawful non-citizens, including sex offenders and violent criminals.

The ageing Irwin Barracks has mostly shared bathroom facilities and has been deemed inappropriate for quarantining people.

Naval vessel HMAS Stirling plays a major role in the country's defence readiness as part of Fleet Base West.

"I just want to be home," Ms Ellis said.

"I want to be with my mum and want to be with my family."