Prime Minister Scott Morrison has rejected reports his relationship with Malcolm Turnbull has broken down.
Mr Morrison also defended his predecessor travelling overseas on behalf of the government later this month, saying the decision was made two months ago.
Mr Turnbull will attend an oceans conference in Bali on October 29-30, despite criticism from some government backbenchers including former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce.
Mr Joyce said the move was "pretty wild", especially given Mr Turnbull refused to campaign in the Wentworth by-election on behalf of candidate Dave Sharma.
When informing Indonesian President Joko Widodo he was unable to attend, Mr Morrison said the offer for Mr Turnbull to go instead was warmly received.
He said Mr Turnbull's strong relationship with President Widodo was a key factor being the call.
"I don't think Malcolm's hanging around looking for a trip to Bali," Mr Morrison said on Wednesday.
Mr Morrison said all prime ministers, from both side of politics, had a role to play in serving the national interest when they are able.
Senior Liberals told News Corp on Wednesday that Mr Morrison "was done" with Mr Turnbull because of his failure to help the party retain his former Sydney seat of Wentworth.
But Mr Morrison said that claim was wrong when asked by reporters in Canberra.
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