Labor labels departure tax freeze 'absurd'

The opposition has branded as absurd the Turnbull government's move to freeze its $5 rise to the departure tax.

Parliament's lower house on Tuesday passed a bill to not increase the $60 charge for at least five years from July 1, 2017, as agreed with One Nation.

But Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese told MPs the measure would have no practical effect whatsoever.

He said it was a meaningless statement designed to "con" Senate crossbenchers to support the legislation.

Mr Albanese argued the proposal inappropriately bound future parliaments and unsuccessfully called for it to be thrown out.

Speaker Tony Smith ruled the legislation could be amended down the track if need be.

Treasurer Scott Morrison insisted it was a valid measure and Labor was merely out to delay and frustrate.

Previous parliaments had validly considered and passed legislation that contained similar restrictions, including one to ensure the Australian flag not be changed, Mr Morrison said.

The increased tax was introduced to help offset the cost of the backpacker tax package.