Media industry lobbying against online piracy is intensifying, amid growing expectations the Abbott government will move shortly to clamp down on internet service providers and the national pastime.

Fairfax Media has been told that federal cabinet will consider two proposals to crack down on illegal downloads as early as this week.

Australians are among the biggest illegal downloaders per capita.

One is internet service providers being required to issue warnings to people who repeatedly download illegally. The other is forcing ISPs to block file-sharing websites such as Pirate Bay.

The government has promised to make ‘‘significant’’ changes to Australia’s copyright laws as a first-term commitment, although a spokesman for Arts Minister and Attorney General George Brandis said there was no firm timetable for this. The topic is also battling for attention ahead of the federal budget.