Palmer wants to visit Christmas Island

Federal MP Clive Palmer is seeking approval from the federal government to visit the Christmas Island detention centre.

The Palmer United Party leader says he'll write to Immigration Minister Scott Morrison to grant him access.

He says he wants to ensure the children of asylum seekers are not denied a happy childhood.

"I have always believed that keeping children behind bars was wrong, but the birth of my daughter Lucy last month has renewed by commitment to these kids," Mr Palmer said in a written statement on Friday.

"Whether they took this dangerous voyage with their parents, or were born in detention, every child deserves a safe and loving upbringing with a range of experiences, not just the inside of a cell or an exercise yard."

Mr Palmer flew a delegation of his party candidates on a "fact finding mission" to Christmas Island during the federal election campaign last year.

The Palmer United Party advocates allowing asylum seekers to fly to Australia and be quickly processed at airports.