Scott Morrison refuses press conference as John Howard calls teal independents ‘anti-Liberal groupies’

Warringah MP Zali Steggall accuses former prime minister of using appalling sexist language'

• US warns Solomon Islands against China military base as Australian MPs trade blame
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The Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, did not take questions from media on Saturday - despite addressing a campaign rally and touring a boating, camping and fishing store for the cameras on the New South Wales Central Coast.

Labor has repeatedly criticised the prime minister for going missing" on the Solomon Islands security deal with China, with questions raised over when the federal government became aware of the draft security pact.