Commonwealth Bank chief executive Matt Comyn is wading into a politically charged debate over Australia's migration intake.

Appearing before a parliamentary committee on Tuesday, Mr Comyn proposed a migration rate below Australia's existing settings.

"Perhaps that number is something in the order of 180,000 per annum," he told the committee.

"It gives both the Commonwealth and states the ability to plan for critical infrastructure, including housing."

The figure is broadly in line with Australia's permanent cap of 185,000 but significantly lower than the net intake of 300,000.

Mr Comyn did not specify whether he was talking about net migration - which includes all arrivals and departures, including Australian citizens - or the permanent intake.

A CBA spokesman later said Mr Comyn was

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