Greste thanks Bishop's 'laser-like' eyes

Peter Greste admits it sounds a bit weird coming from a journalist but he has thanked Australia's politicians for securing his release from an Egyptian jail.

There were special thanks for Foreign Minister Julie Bishop at the start of his speech to the National Press Club in Canberra on Thursday.

He praised Ms Bishop for her astute handling of his case, and in particular the use of her secret weapon: "Those rather laser-like eyes".

"One person ... commented on your uncanny ability to smile very warmly at a particular diplomat, and at the same time burn holes through the back of their skulls."

The experience was akin to being "hugged by the Terminator", he joked.

Greste's 400-day imprisonment sparked rare unanimity across political divides.

"This will sound weird coming from a journalist, but I really do need to thank Australia's politicians," he said.