The father of detained Australian journalist Peter Greste says it's crucial his son gets bail before his trial in Egypt and is hopeful Prime Minister Tony Abbott will intervene.
Juris Greste fears his son won't be able to access his lawyers unless he's bailed from Cairo's maximum security prison before his February 20 trial.
The al-Jazeera journalist is facing up to seven years jail, accused of backing the black-listed Muslim Brotherhood and portraying Egypt in a state of "civil war".
"It seems before he actually faces the court may be an opportune time to intervene in some kind of way," Mr Greste told AAP.
"We hope he (Mr Abbott) intervenes on Peter's behalf to give him bail."
Mr Greste said his family are deeply concerned about the progression of Peter's defence.
"Peter hasn't been able to speak to his defence lawyers," he told AAP.
"We understand a permit was issued to his lawyer to visit him, but it was cancelled."
Greens leader Christine Milne says it's time for the prime minister to do more, given the veteran journalist's trial starts next week.
She said Mr Abbott set a precedent by meeting with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in November, not long before a bribery case there against two Australian businessmen was reversed.
"He has been prepared to intervene personally in the case of Australian citizens, and I would urge him to do so in the case of Peter Greste," she said.
Since Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi was ousted by the military in July, Egypt's interim government has been incensed by al-Jazeera television's coverage of a deadly crackdown against the Muslim Brotherhood to which the deposed Islamist belongs.
On January 30, prosecutors referred 20 people to trial, including Mr Greste and eight other al-Jazeera network staff.
Those on trial include 16 Egyptians and four foreign nationals.
