The federal government is being urged to put more detail to its “national conversation” on population policy as it reprises the concept of encouraging migrants to head to regional Australia without saying how it would do so.

Federal cabinet is yet to decide on a new approach as ministers canvass ideas such as putting conditions on visas for migrants who stay in regional areas for several years.

Fairfax Media understands a whole-of-government policy is still being developed and is yet to go to a full meeting of cabinet for final approval, amid questions over whether it is practical to apply sweeping conditions.

Population Minister Alan Tudge wants more migrants to move to regional areas. Credit:Andrew Meares

Population Minister Alan Tudge would not say which visas would be targeted for the new conditions when asked about his latest suggestions for encouraging migrants to settle in regional areas.