Greg Hunt claims ground attacks against ISIL are futile

Liberal frontbencher Greg Hunt has called for further air strikes against ISIL, saying a ground attack would fail.

The comments come after former defence minister Kevin Andrews called for Australia to send special forces into Syria, claiming "air strikes will not defeat ISIL".

Mr Hunt, who is also the Minister for the Environment, rebuked this idea on ABC's Q&A last night, claiming boots on the ground is "what Islamic State wants".

"There has to be tough action across the border from the air," he said.

"But in my view sending an expeditionary force onto the ground would ultimately be a quagmire."

Mr Hunt defended the calls of former Prime Minister Tony Abbott for more action in Syria.

"He is absolutely, as a former prime minister, entitled to present views," Mr Hunt said.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull ruled out the idea of Australia acting alone, ABC reports.

"We cannot and should not act unilaterally," he said.

Treasurer Scott Morrison agreed.

"The former defence minister and my colleague Kevin Andrews would be very well aware that in these situations, Australia is not in a position to act unilaterally," he said.