By Cloe Read
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the case against rugby league player Payne Haas’ father, Gregor Haas, who was arrested in the Philippines last week, is still in its very early stages, but Australia will make diplomatic representations on his behalf.
Gregor Johann Haas, father of the 24-year-old Brisbane Broncos forward Payne Haas, was arrested in Cebu City on Wednesday, and has been accused of running enough drugs in Indonesia to qualify for the death penalty.
The 46-year-old has been linked to Mexico’s Sinaloa drug cartel, Indonesian authorities said on Friday, with police suspecting him to have networks all over Asia and Australia.
Authorities had been hunting Gregor Haas since December after discovering five kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. Haas could now face extradition from Manila, where he is being held.
On Sunday, Albanese spoke for the first time regarding the arrest, following Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ offer of consular support on Saturday.
“Well, the Australian government has a bipartisan position of being opposed to the death penalty for a long period of time. That remains our position, and we always make representations,” he said.
“It is, of course, at a very early stage of these accusations which have been made. We will provide consular assistance to Mr Haas, as we do for all Australian citizens in such circumstances.”
Albanese said Australian officials would continue to make diplomatic representations in an appropriate way.
“One of the things that the Australian government do is we stand up for Australian citizens, we make appropriate representations through diplomatic channels. And we’ll be doing that in this occasion again.”
Queensland Premier Steven Miles was also asked about Gregor Haas’ situation at a press conference on Sunday.
“Payne’s obviously a legend, and a legend able to contribute on the field even when experiencing what must be terribly stressful circumstances,” Miles said.
The comments came after Payne Haas was taken from the field in the Broncos’ Friday night Magic Round win, but returned towards the end despite what appeared to be a serious leg injury.
There is no suggestion any other member of the Haas family is involved in the allegations against Gregor Haas.