The family of Australian filmmaker James Ricketson, accused of spying by the Cambodian government, are grateful the federal government is finally lobbying Phnom Penh on his behalf.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop made formal diplomatic representations to her Cambodian counterpart Prak Sokhonn this month on behalf of Ricketson, 68.
"In these cases where Australians find themselves in difficulty overseas we have to be very careful not to do anything that could be counterproductive," Ms Bishop told reporters on Thursday.
"Quiet diplomacy behind the scenes can often result in better outcomes."
Mr Ricketson was arrested last June after flying a drone over a political protest in the capital Phnom Penh and faces five to 10 years behind bars if convicted.
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In a statement late on Wednesday, Ricketson's son Jesse said the family had been seeking high-level Australian government intervention since Ricketson was imprisoned eight months ago.
"We're very glad that she (Ms Bishop) has chosen to initiate this contact because it is this sort of behind-the-scenes diplomacy that's going to make all the difference in a case like this, just as it did with Australian journalist Peter Greste, who was released from an Egyptian prison after 400 days following assistance from the Australian government," Mr Ricketson said.
He expressed his gratitude to Ms Bishop and for the consular assistance the family had received on the ground in Cambodia, and hoped she would keep up the pressure.
"We hope that this is the first of many steps Minister Bishop will take to support my father. We know this is not going to be an easy matter to resolve," he said.
