Prime Minister 'on his knees' and 'in tears' over children in detention

Scott Morrison has talked about his moral struggle over the issue of children in detention, saying he's been "on his knees" and "in tears".

The Prime Minister said no decision is made "free of moral burden", and that he's prayed for children on Nauru.

Asked if it had helped, the deeply religious Mr Morrison said: "I hope so".

The Prime Minister was speaking at a Lifeline lunch, when he was asked about the issue of children stuck on the Pacific Island.

"Politics is not for the faint-hearted," Mr Morrison said.

"You'll find yourself on your knees. You'll find yourself in tears. These aren't easy issues."

Asked, during an honest question and answer session if he'd actually cried on his knees, at a Myanmar camp, Mr Morrison said: "Yes, of course I have."

He said there were now just over 30 children still on Nauru but he refused to put a time frame on when they all might be removed.

"Anything I say in this space can be used by people who want to put people back on boats," he said.