We 'might' keep boat turnbacks: Labor

Labor has signalled it might continue the federal government's policy of turning back the boats, but only if it is safe to do so and has Indonesia's backing.

Opposition immigration spokesman Richard Marles on Sunday conceded the government's contentious measures have had an impact on stopping the boats, together with the offshore processing arrangements put in place by Labor.

However, he said his party still had concerns about the border protection measure and he questioned how it could be done safely and with the support of Indonesia.

"The Indonesians obviously hate this policy," he told Sky News.

"If there was a situation where Indonesia were co-operating with this policy, I think that's a complete game-changer."

A Labor government "might" continue with boat turnbacks under those circumstances, he said.

"If safety and the relationship with Indonesia can be satisfied, well then this is a totally different question," Mr Marles said.

"But those questions have not been answered."