The Australian Federal Police (AFP) turned down a request from Papua New Guinea police for help in the investigation of the death of asylum seeker Reza Barati on Manus Island because it does not have jurisdiction.
PNG police had asked the AFP to provide an independent observer during a witness interview after the deadly February 17 riot at Australia's immigration detention centre on Manus.
The AFP denied the request, saying it had neither jurisdiction in PNG nor officers on Manus.
It suggested PNG police consider contacting the social welfare provider at the centre or seek diplomatic consular assistance.
Officers undertake an advisory role to PNG police and the agency says it's not appropriate for them to act as independent observers.
"The AFP does not have any plans to provide any further support to (PNG police) in this matter," a spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday.
Australian Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young claimed the federal government was trying to frustrate the investigation.
"This is the latest in a long line of moves from the Abbott government that point to a co-ordinated cover-up," she said in a statement.
Comment has been sought from Justice Minister Michael Keenan.
In February, PNG police asked the AFP for help with the coronial inquiry and two Victoria Institute of Forensic Medicine personnel were sent to complete a post mortem.
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