I back asylum policy: NT Labor candidate

Labor's candidate for the seat of Solomon in Darwin says he stands by the party's position on asylum seekers, despite attending a Let Them Stay rally in February.

The rally was held as part of a national wave calling on the federal government not to return 267 asylum seekers to Nauru.

"Of course I strongly support our party's position on this, strongly support Bill (Shorten) on this, the last thing we want to do is put people smugglers back in business," candidate Luke Gosling told reporters on Monday.

"I don't apologise for being out in the community, I attend all sorts of events."

When asked if he accepted that his attendance at the rally could be seen to be undermining Labor's policy, Mr Gosling said: "I don't think that's the case at all."

He acknowledged he has spoken at meetings held by the Darwin Asylum Seeker Support and Advocacy Network but said it was to outline Labor's position.

Mr Gosling said the party was "rock solid" behind the policy and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, despite several Labor members recently speaking out against it.

Melbourne ALP candidate Sophie Ismail has said she cannot support the policy of turning back boats, while Herbert candidate Cathy O'Toole was photographed holding a "Let Them Stay" sign outside the electorate office of a Liberal member.

Last week, Labor's candidate for McArthur, Michael Freelander, compared the detention centre on Manus Island to a concentration camp.