Russia's 'loose' rules kill civilians

Russia's "loose" military rules of engagement in Syria are leading to higher civilian deaths, says Labor deputy leader Tanya Plibersek.

Ms Plibersek told the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday the Russian forces in Syria needed to improve co-ordination with other countries fighting Islamic State.

"Their targeting protocols are much looser than Australia, the US or any of the other countries that are engaged and the loss of civilian lives has consequently been greater," she said.