Labor says border cuts a hit to security

Australian border security staff who screen cargo and mail entering the country are plugging gaps in frontline services at airports because of federal government cuts, the opposition says.

Labor's Immigration and Border Protection spokesman Shayne Neumann says the situation is putting Australia's border security at risk over the Christmas period.

He said the shuffling of staff forced by the government cuts could allow drugs, firearms, illicit tobacco and other contraband into the country.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has previously denied the cuts, describing media reports as "just more storytelling".

But Mr Neumann said with more reports emerging, Mr Morrison must come clean.

"Australian Border Force staff have a critically important job protecting Australia's borders in airports, at sea, and at our ports every day," he said.

"They should not be put in a position where this important work is being compromised because of cuts and chaos."