Scott Morrison ditches parliament’s return to speak at Japan event not starting until Thursday

Former PM says he is unable to attend' first sitting week in Canberra as Labor calls for details about Tokyo engagement

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Scott Morrison has skipped the first sitting week of parliament to speak at a conservative leaders' summit in Tokyo that does not begin until Thursday afternoon.

The former Australian prime minister and member for Cook announced on Monday that as a consequence" of having accepted the invitation he is unable to attend the first three sitting days of the new parliament this week", from Tuesday 26 July to Thursday 28 July.