Australia boosts sanctions against Syria

Australia will impose fresh sanctions against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime and boost aid to the victims of his brutal crackdown.

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd says Australia will also support plans to create an international coalition of like-minded countries to pressure Assad into relinquishing power.

Mr Rudd on Tuesday stepped up his criticism of Russia and China for using their UN Security Council veto powers to quash a resolution to support an Arab League peace plan.

"What we saw in New York was a failure of key members of the international community to live up to their responsibilities to help the Syrian people," Mr Rudd told federal parliament.

But Mr Rudd said Australia's support for the Arab League plan was unwavering.

He therefore welcomed US and EU calls for an "international support group of like-minded countries" designed to bring about the end of Assad's rule.

It is envisaged the group would help coordinate international assistance to the Syrian people, support the Arab League's diplomatic efforts and ensure the crisis stays high on the Security Council's agenda.

Mr Rudd said he had spoken with UK Foreign Secretary William Hague about the plan and would speak with other counterparts in the coming days.

Mr Rudd also announced that another 75 regime figures and 27 entities would now be added to Australia's autonomous financial and travel sanctions list.

They will join 34 people and 13 entities Australia added to the list soon after Assad launched his deadly campaign against anti-government protesters last March.

The government will also double to $6 million its contribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross to help the Syrian people, Mr Rudd said.

The money will help the ICRC's work with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to provide medical facilities and assistance.

Mr Rudd told parliament he believed Assad was doomed.

"Assad is isolated and has nowhere to go," he said.

"Its demise is only a matter of time."

Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Julie Bishop welcomed Mr Rudd's announcements on sanctions and aid.

"The coalition supports these actions," Ms Bishop told parliament.

Ms Bishop said Assad had lost all legitimacy as a leader and called on him to stop the violence and step aside.

But she said calls for military intervention were premature: "That should be a last resort."

At least 5500 people are believed to have died in the Syrian conflict since it began 11 months ago.