Australian officials say they have met with a Greenpeace activist detained in Russia, passing on messages from his family and checking on his welfare.
Colin Russell is among 30 people from various countries who have been detained for two months while Russian authorities investigate the September 19 protest by the Greenpeace vessel Arctic Sunrise.
Activists had earlier boarded an oil platform in protest at Russian oil drilling in the Arctic Circle, prompting Russian authorities to seize the vessel and detain the 30 on board in the port city of Murmansk, pending possible charges of piracy.
Among them are Mr Russell and a British citizen who lives in Sydney, Alexandra Harris.
DFAT says consular officers from the Australian Embassy in Moscow have been in Murmansk since September 26 seeking access to the detention centre.
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After gaining approval they met Mr Russell on Monday, passing on care packs and also meeting prison authorities to set up an account so he can purchase items from the prison store.
DFAT says officers have confirmed Mr Russell has legal representation, provided by Greenpeace, and met with his lawyer who has confirmed that an appeal against his detention has been lodged.
"The department expects Mr Russell to be afforded due legal process throughout the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings and the Australian Embassy in Moscow is liaising with other foreign missions to ensure coordinated messaging to Russian authorities as regards the conduct of the case," a statement said.
"A senior official from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is travelling to Russia this week and will register Australia's interest in this case, underscoring our consular responsibility for Mr Russell."
The department says it is maintaining regular contact with Mr Russell's family in Australia to ensure they are kept informed of developments.
