Coalition conservatives led by former prime minister Tony Abbott are pushing back against moves to bring refugee children and their families from Nauru to Australia, as views soften in the government about getting minors off the island.

Mr Abbott warned taking the remaining 50 children off Nauru would signal to asylum seekers that they could get to Australia if they just brought minors with them.

"If we give them what they want, we will get more of them - that's to say, the boats will start up again," he told 2GB radio on Monday.

"It's a very, very pleasant island": Tony Abbott warns against taking children off Nauru. Credit:Photo: Glenn Hunt

"Of course 'kids off Nauru' is a great slogan, but it's a dreadful guide for policy because if we aren't allowed to have kids on Nauru, [asylum seekers will believe] just bring some kids with you and you automatically get to Australia."