PM defends repatriation ceremony absence

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has defended his absence from the largest repatriation of dead servicemen and their families from Singapore and Malaysia.

Mr Turnbull was campaigning in the Liberal-held Sydney seat of Banks on Thursday, insisting the governor-general was representing the commonwealth at the ceremony at the Richmond RAAF base.

"That is an appropriate and very dignified and respectful representation of the nation, as we bring the remains of those who served our nation bravely, home," he told reporters at a mattress factory in Padstow.