Labor calls for Iraq explanation

Labor is demanding to know if Australian special forces could end up working with Iranian forces fighting Islamic State terrorists in Iraq.

Shadow defence minister Stephen Conroy says the possibility was revealed by Defence Minister David Johnston on Monday.

He says Prime Minister Tony Abbott had previously made it clear Australian forces were headed to Iraq to work with Iraqi forces.

"We will be seeking an urgent briefing to know whether the defence minister has revealed new information or he's just wild-catting off by himself as usual," Senator Conroy told Sky News on Tuesday.

"We are saying if you have changed the plan, come and tell us what the new plans is and then we'll consider the facts."

Senator Johnston said the 200-member Australian special operations task group was ready to deploy into Iraq to begin advising and assisting the headquarters of some Iraqi army battalions.

Asked if Australian special forces could end up working with Iranian special forces, Senator Johnston said they may.