Asylum seekers are yet again the centre of a political battle with Tony Abbott receiving a tongue lashing from Immigration Minister Chris Bowen over the Opposition Leader's provocative comments this morning.

The exchange came as the government announced this morning that two boats carrying about 136 suspected asylum seekers had been intercepted near Christmas Island.

Earlier today, Mr Abbott told the Nine Network that community release had been taken to a ''what looks like a whole new level of luxury'', following reports in News Ltd tabloids today that asylum seekers were given ''welcome packs'' worth thousands of dollars, including DVDs and plasma TVs, when they were released into the community.

''I can understand why millions of Australians would look at [that story] and think something is just not right in our system,'' Mr Abbott said.

"The message is going out loud and clear to the people smugglers and their clients and potential customers: the red carpet is being rolled out, there is a welcome mat waiting for you here in Australia."