NT not offering to resettle asylum seekers

The Northern Territory's chief minister has declined to join other state premiers in offering to resettle asylum seekers who may be sent back to Nauru.

The leaders of Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT have all said they would be happy to resettle the 267 asylum seekers, including 37 children, who were brought to Australia for medical treatment but may be soon returned to detention on the island.

But when asked on Monday whether he would also welcome those asylum seekers, Chief Minister Adam Giles said "the families that are to be sent back to Nauru, that's a matter for the federal government".

He said the NT government was happy to receive some of Australia's increased intake of Syrian refugees, and indicated that about 300 would be sent to the NT.