Supporters of Julian Assange have seized on Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s view that the case against the Wikileaks founder has dragged on too long, saying bipartisan backing should be used to press the US to end its extradition request when President Joe Biden visits Australia in less than three weeks.

Mr Dutton’s surprise commentary is the first time a serving Liberal leader has supported a diplomatic intervention to bring an end to the prosecution of Mr Assange, and come after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he “shared the frustration” that Mr Assange remained locked up despite his pleas for the matter to be resolved.