Let's be 'big-hearted' on Syria: Turnbull

Malcolm Turnbull has grave fears refugees fleeing war-torn Syria won't be able to return like they did in Kosovo, calling on people to have "big hearts".

The federal government is considering its response to the humanitarian crisis gripping the Middle East, with Prime Minister Tony Abbott open to accepting an increase in refugees from Syria.

Mr Turnbull told reporters in Canberra on Monday there was a real risk Syria could become a very "mono-cultural society" at the expense of minorities, saying clearly Australia needs to review its response.