Scott Morrison concedes climate change contributing to bushfire crisis, but rejects damning report

Scott Morrison has defended his government's climate change action after coming under heavy pressure as NSW burns and chokes through a bushfire crisis.

The prime minister said there was no direct link between any of the fires that have raged across Australia this year and his climate change policies.

He said the drought was the biggest underlying cause of the national disaster. However, he did concede that climate change was having some impact.

"We all know, as I acknowledged earlier this year in February, climate change - along with many other factors - contributes to what is occurring today," Mr Morrison told reporters in Melbourne today.

"But let me be clear about this, climate change is a global challenge. Australia is playing our role as part of this global challenge."

Tens of thousands of protesters marched through thick smoke in Sydney on last night to demand stronger action on climate change.

The Sydney-based prime minister said the haze enveloping his home city had been distressing and concerning, particularly for young people.

Mr Morrison said Australia was reducing carbon emissions and getting results.

"Australia is meeting and beating our emissions reduction targets," he said.

"Our emissions are around 50 million tonnes lower on average over the term of our government from what we inherited."

He said linking the bushfires to climate policy was misconstruing the issue.

"We need to reduce emissions and that's what is being achieved," Mr Morrison said.

"Even that achievement cannot be directly linked to a reduction or an increase in the risk of bushfire in Australia, because climate change is a global phenomenon."

Mr Morrison also rejected a global report showing Australia ranks last in the world on climate change policy.

The prime minister dismissed the global index when asked if it was an indictment on his government's response to global warming.

"I completely reject that report ... I don't think it's credible."

The ongoing blazes have also opened an uncomfortable wound within the Liberal Party, with NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean breaking ranks to blame climate change for the fires.

Federal Liberal MP Jason Falinski backed him up.

"Matt Kean is right. Climate change is contributing to the fire situation. We need to take practical steps at home, and be ambitious abroad," Mr Falinski said.

The prime minister has for weeks insisted professional and volunteer firefighters have all the resources they need.

But today, Mr Morrison announced $11 million for the country's aerial firefighting capabilities.

The immediate cash injection will allow the National Aerial Firefighting Centre to buy more aircraft or extend current leases.

"The federal government is responding to all of the needs that have been presented to us by our state and territory authorities," he said.

Mr Morrison said he was advised firefighters had all the equipment they needed, after reports emerged that masks were being paid for through crowdfunding websites.