The federal government will provide consular assistance to Gregor Johann Haas after he was arrested in the Philippines over an alleged drug smuggling plot.
The 46-year-old, who is the father of NRL Broncos player Payne Haas, was arrested in Cebu City on Wednesday and is now facing extradition to Indonesia.
“We will provide all of the consular assistance that he needs at this time,” Treasurer Jim Chalmers said today.
“The commonwealth government has the ability to provide that kind of assistance and that will be provided in full, ” Chalmers said.
Chalmers opposed the death penalty Gregor Haas could face if convicted but said he could not discuss the details of the case.
After last night’s game in the NRL’s Magic Round, Payne Haas was quickly ushered off the ground, with his teammates and coach rallying around him.
“He’s a tremendous guy, tremendous family person and in this moment in time he is going through, we will get around him to support him and his family,” Broncos Coach Kevin Walters said.
Indonesian police want Haas to be extradited to Jakarta from the Phillippines.
Indonesian officials told local media they “suspect him to have networks all over Asia” and Australia.
Indonesian authorities have been searching for Haas after five kilograms of meth was allegedly discovered in December, according to local media outlet Tempo.
If convicted, he could face the death penalty.
