Greens Foreign Affairs spokesperson Scott Ludlam says it is great news that jailed Al Jazeera journalists Mohamad Fahmy and Baher Mohamed have been pardoned by Egyptian President al-Sisi, but is dismayed that this clemency has not yet been extended to their Australian colleague Peter Greste.

"We are thrilled for Mohamad and Baher and their families, who have been so strong throughout this drawn out injustice of 21 months in prison for doing their jobs," said Senator Ludlam.

Greens Leader Christine Milne says it is great news and a democratic victory that Australian journalist Peter Greste has finally been released from prison in Egypt.

"I am so happy for Peter and his family, who have all been so strong and stoic throughout these 400 days of injustice," said Senator Milne.

"Journalism is not a crime, and we must keep up the pressure on Egypt to free Peter Greste's Al Jazeera colleagues, who have suffered alongside him for simply doing their jobs.

The Australian Senate has declared support for Peter Greste and freedom of the press, endorsing a motion moved by Greens Leader Christine Milne.

"Today the Senate has called on the Egyptian Government to ensure a fair, just and timely resolution to Peter Greste's appeal process," said Senator Milne.

"There have been many encouraging signs along the way that have not come to fruition but we welcome the recent news that Egyptian President al-Sisi is considering a pardon for Peter Greste.

Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne is pleased an appeal has been lodged to seek the overturning of the conviction that has locked Australian journalist Peter Greste behind bars in Egypt, calling on the Abbott government to renew its efforts to secure his release as soon as possible.

"The Egyptian legal system was shown to be wanting throughout the trial and now the eyes of the world are watching again in the hope that, this time, justice is finally delivered to Peter Greste and his colleagues," said Senator Milne.

With the announcement today that Australian journalist Peter Greste will appeal the Egyptian court's conviction and seven-year sentence, Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne says it is incumbent on the Australian Government to press for a speedy resolution of the appeals process.

"It is clear that the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will not intervene as long as legal processes are underway. It would be a travesty of justice if the appeals process drags on for many months," Senator Milne said.

As Egyptians head to the polls today, the Australian Greens say it's crucial that Prime Minister Tony Abbott personally intervenes in the case of jailed journalist Peter Greste and his 19 co-accused.

"The Abbott government's efforts must be stepped up during this period of political uncertainty in Egypt," said Greens Leader Christine Milne.

"The next hearing in the trial has been set for after the election, and it's impossible to know how the political winner will approach Peter Greste's case.

Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne is deeply disappointed that Australian journalist Peter Greste has again been denied bail by an Egyptian court.

"The prosecution failed to provide any evidence to support the charges against Mr Greste and the proceedings were a complete shambles, with footage shown of a totally irrelevant press conference in Kenya," said Senator Milne.

"It's high time that the Australian prime minister condemned the farce going on in Egypt.

The Australian Senate has today urged Prime Minister Tony Abbott to make direct contact with the Egyptian Government to seek the immediate release of Australian citizen Peter Greste and 19 other journalists who are currently detained in Cairo.

"The Prime Minister needs to act on the responsibilities that come with his office. Australian citizens deserve the highest level of representation and, in this case, time is running out," said Greens Leader Christine Milne, who put forward the motion that passed this afternoon.

The Greens believe that Private First Class Bradley Manning's trial and sentence sets very dangerous precedents for whistleblowers, journalists, publishers and democracy itself. 

"After more than three years in prison, initially in an animal cage and sometimes stripped naked, Bradley Manning has been sentenced for 35 years (with 1294 days credit) for telling the truth about dirty wars," said Senator Scott Ludlam, Australian Greens Communications spokesperson.

Greens communications spokesperson Senator Scott Ludlam welcomed today's news the Government will pursue nationally consistent journalist shield laws but warned they would offer little protection in the face of ubiquitous metadata surveillance and the Government's proposed data retention scheme.