Australian Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has shrugged off having a pair of shoes thrown at him at a refugee welcome ceremony in Brisbane.

He dodged the first one and caught the second.

It's believed Acting Premier Jackie Trad, who was also at the ceremony, later commended him on his quick reflexes.

Dutton responded to the incident in a statement on Sunday afternoon.

"We live in a democracy and not everyone agrees with our strong border protection policies," he said.

"It was a silly action, but I managed to catch one out of two."

Dutton was welcoming 51 new Australian citizens from 16 countries brought in through the country's humanitarian program at the WELCOMEfest event, held as part of the World Refugee Week celebrations.

He wouldn't say what he was talking about when the shoes were thrown or what happened to the thrower.

The Abbott government has copped harsh criticism from political opponents, refugee advocates and the United Nations over its treatment of refugees.

But the government argues its policies, including turning back asylum seeker boats, are needed to stop the people smuggling trade.

Other well-known politicians to have shoes thrown at them on stage include former Prime Minister John Howard and former US President George W Bush.

Police arrested and charged a 33-year-old man over the incident.

Shoes thrown at Immigration Minister Peter Dutton in Brisbane AustraliaSydney Morning Herald