Morrison off to inspect Christmas Island

Prime Minister Scott Morrison insists it is "incredibly regrettable" that he has reopened Christmas Island, as he prepares to visit the immigration detention centre.

Mr Morrison tried to pin the blame on Labor for backing changes to asylum seeker medical evacuations, as he dismissed suggestions his upcoming trip was a taxpayer-funded photo opportunity.

"We will be making sure that the arrangements are in place - as indeed they are, as I understand it this week - to stand up that facility to deal with any transfers that may arise," he told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.