There are fresh calls for an inquiry into Australia's decision to join the US coalition invasion of Iraq 13 years ago.

Federal Labor MP and former Army lawyer Mike Kelly, who's served in Somalia, East Timor and Iraq, believes there is merit in Australia holding an inquiry, in the wake of the British one completed this year.

"I think some distance now behind us will give us an even better perspective and better opportunity to do that analysis properly," he told ABC TV.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said he wouldn't support an inquiry into Australia's Iraq war involvement.

"Deciding to rake over the coals there, I don't know if that is going to be better than trying to make sure we deliver on our security needs as they stand today," he told ABC TV on Friday.

He dismissed calls for broader parliamentary powers for a vote if Australia goes to war.

The decision had to be made in a secure environment.

"They have to be made in such a way that the enemy does not know what you are up to," Mr Joyce said.