The Coalition did not try and seek permission for several of its MPs to attend, as Labor has requested but been denied for the G20. But Prime Minister Tony Abbott has granted broad access to Labor leader Bill Shorten, who will act as the opposition's sole representative at the conference.

Toy Abbott refused Labor's request to allow Tanya Plibersek to attend the G20 summit. Credit:Andrew Meares

Mr Shorten wrote to Mr Abbott in September requesting that he, Ms Plibersek, Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen and the opposition's trade spokeswoman Penny Wong be allowed to attend the conference in Brisbane in the interests of the bipartisan nature of Australia's international relations.

But Mr Abbott knocked back the request and said even his own ministers' attendances would be limited because the G20 is a leaders meeting.

But he granted Mr Shorten complete access including an invitation to Friday night's welcome reception.