Support groups defend Federal loans to overseas prisoners

Prisoner support groups have defended a scheme in which dozens of Australians jailed overseas receive Federal Government loans for basic necessities.

It has cost taxpayers $150,000 since 2005 and is used for personal items not supplied by jail authorities.

Kay Danes from Foreign Prisoner Support Services says some of the relatives can only help out so much.

"Some of these families of the Bali nine for instance have got their backs against the wall," she said.

"They just simply cannot find any more money to keep supporting their loved ones."