Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has indicated Labor might be willing to support a move to allow the deportation of children who commit serious crimes.

The Australian Government does not deport minors, but a parliamentary committee is considering whether the law could be amended to permit the deportation of people under 18.

Mr Shorten told Sydney radio station 2GB there may be merit in the change.

"You've got to have an honest discussion about what is the best message to send every other person," he said.

"If someone was sent back to the old country, I reckon that would straighten out a few people."

A number of overseas-born children who have committed serious crimes in Victoria have been referred to Border Force for potential deportation.

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration is currently examining the screening process when people are given Australian visas, support services when they arrive in Australia, and whether the visa can be revoked if migrants become involved in gangs.

The inquiry's chairman, Liberal MP Jason Wood, last year expressed concerns regarding gang violence in his Melbourne electorate, saying young people were getting involved with the Apex gang.

Mr Shorten expressed similar concerns about gang activity today.

"If any of these people are on visas and not Australian citizens, they should go home," he said.

"Why are we letting them become Australian citizens? Sorry, it's just a red line."