The ABC understands Western Australian woman and Aboriginal community leader, Donna Nelson, has been detained in Japan, as authorities confirm they are providing an Australian woman with consular assistance.
Ms Nelson, a Ballardong Njaki-Njaki woman who lives in Perth, was the Greens candidate for Pearce in the 2022 federal election and the chair of a West Australian Aboriginal health service.
It's understood Japanese authorities detained her while on a personal trip.
Her family have expressed concerns for her welfare, saying they had not heard from her in weeks and have been unable to contact her after she did not return from a holiday when they thought she would.
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson confirmed their involvement on Thursday afternoon Perth time.
"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to an Australian woman detained in Japan and her family," a spokesperson said.
"The Australian Embassy in Tokyo have confirmed her welfare."
"Owing to our privacy obligations we are not able to provide further details."
Consular assistance can include visits to monitor welfare, liaison with local authorities, providing lists of local lawyers and assistance communicating with family.
Embassy staff are unable to provide legal advice or intervene in cases.
The ABC has tried unsuccessfully to contact Ms Nelson.
Calls to Ms Nelson's mobile fail to connect.
Social media sites linked to Ms Nelson and another not-for-profit organisation of which she is director appear to have been suspended.
Greens candidate 'pushing for change'
In her biography published on the Greens' website when she was a candidate, Ms Nelson said her parents encouraged her to be politically active to "push for change and equality".
"Over the past 30 years I have worked across several industries including community advocacy and government, while raising my five children and becoming a grandmother to three more," the page said.
"As an Aboriginal woman, I know that more must be done for the rights and equality of women, and to stamp out sexism and disrespect everywhere."
Earlier on Thursday Premier Mark McGowan said he knew little about the situation.
"I don't know much, but all I know is that the Commonwealth government is providing consular assistance to her," he said.
"It's really a matter for them to provide that assistance, and work with the Japanese authorities on those issues."
When asked if he had been advised of the nature of any allegations against Ms Nelson, Mr McGowan said he had: "been advised of some things, and I think I'll let those processes run their course".
Ms Nelson was unsuccessful in her bid for the seat in Perth's north, a former Liberal stronghold, after it fell to the Labor party for the first time.
She was also involved in Pioneers Aboriginal Corporation, which said it used "sport, as opposed to the failed welfare system, to assist Aboriginal young people to overcome their social, emotional, cultural and economic poverty" in a submission to the state government.
The organisation received a $1.65 million federal government grant between 2019 and 2022.
Ms Nelson is also chair of the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service.
In a statement the service said it was aware Ms Nelson was travelling overseas but said the travel was "personal and not related to her role with Derbarl Yerrigan".
"Derbal Yerrigan Health Service is aware of reports that our chair, Donna Nelson, has been detained in Japan," the organisation's chief executive Tracey Brand said.
"At this stage we have very limited information and are trying to understand the circumstances surrounding the situation.
"We extend our thoughts and compassion to Donna and her family and friends at this worrying and uncertain time."
The service's deputy chairperson Dan McAullay is acting in the role.
