Lawyers for an ex-US navy pilot accused of training Chinese airmen say delays in obtaining crucial material from the government mean an upcoming extradition hearing will have to be delayed.
Daniel Edmund Duggan, 55, was arrested in October last year after the US government accused him of arms trafficking by providing military training to Chinese pilots in South Africa between 2010 and 2012.
He is also accused of money laundering while a US citizen.
The father of six denies all the charges.
Appearing at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday, Duggan's lawyer Dennis Miralis said his client would seek to vacate an upcoming hearing on November 23 for the United States' extradition application.
A magistrate will hear submissions on that postponement at an earlier hearing on October 23, when Duggan will watch on via a video link.
Outside court, Mr Miralis said it was regrettable that further delays could happen as Duggan was psychologically impacted from being held in custody.
"However at the same time, it's absolutely essential that Dan's right to a fair hearing is preserved and nothing is done to prejudice that right," he told AAP.
"Regrettably it's very slow. However, it's absolutely crucial for us to get that material."
The 55-year-old is trying to get hold of documents from government agencies such as the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the US Department of Justice regarding the allegations against him.
Mr Miralis said these agencies had opposed handing over material to the former navy pilot, citing secrecy and the possibility of interference in international relations.
Duggan's legal team wants to view about 2000 documents allegedly relating to prior claims the ex-pilot was "lured" back to Australia to be arrested for the extradition.
Mr Miralis said the AFP could not hand over all material until November 17, mere days before the scheduled extradition hearing.
Duggan's wife Saffrine said in May the prosecution showed the legal system was being "weaponised against an Australian citizen at the behest of a foreign government".
The US government has accused the former pilot of conspiring with others to provide military training to China in relation to aircraft-carrier approaches and landings.
It is also alleged he provided military training to Chinese pilots in 2012 and conspired to launder payments for the services.
