Media access to Nauru can be 'negotiated'

Federal Labor believes Nauru is open to allowing Australian media greater access, but says it's up to the government to convince the Pacific island nation why it should.

Opposition immigration spokesman Richard Marles understands why Nauru is wary about hosting journalists given some of the "appalling" and "bigoted" coverage of its detention facilities, but argues it is in the tiny nation's interest to be transparent.

"This can be talked through with Nauru and I think there is a case of winning their trust," he told Sky News on Friday.