Bishop phones Egypt about detained journo

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has spoken to her Egyptian counterpart about detained Australian journalist Peter Greste.

Mr Greste is one of 20 AlJazeera journalists who has been referred to trial for "airing false news" and stands accused of misleading outside viewers about the situation in Egypt.

Mr Greste's mother Lois earlier on Thursday said Ms Bishop had phoned Egypt's prime minister on her son's behalf.

But a spokeswoman for Ms Bishop said contact was actually made with the country's foreign minister.

Further details are being sought.