Family pleads with premier to release fighter-pilot dad

The family of former US fighter pilot Dan Duggan have appealed directly to Premier Chris Minns in their efforts to have him released from maximum security prison.

The father of six is awaiting possible extradition to the US, accused of breaking the law by training pilots for the Chinese military.

Wife Saffrine Duggan urged Mr Minns and Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong to release Mr Duggan into home detention while he fights the charges, which he denies.

She also asked they look into the "appalling, inhumane conditions" prisoners are subject to in NSW.

"The kids miss their dad and it's even worse at these special family times of the year, like Easter and school holidays," she said. 

A statement released by the family on Thursday claimed Mr Duggan was suffering near freezing temperatures in Lithgow Correctional Centre where they say prisoners have to pay for their own doona which he is yet to receive.

"Unknown to most NSW citizens, prisoners held in maximum security are deprived of basic materials to keep them warm," Ms Duggan said.

"He has been forced to use the kettle in his tiny cell to help produce some heat."

A Corrective Services NSW spokesman said all inmates are supplied with appropriate bedding and linen.

"Inmates are provided a minimum of two pillowcases, two sheets and two blankets and are able to purchase additional bedding, such as blankets, if they choose to do so," the spokesman said.

Ms Duggan compared the conditions facing her husband with a prison in China or Iran.

"This is a form of psychological torture, we are no better than authoritarian regimes like China who keep their prisoners in similarly harsh and inhuman conditions," she said.

"Yet we like to lecture others on how they hold Australian citizens overseas."

Mr Duggan was arrested in October 2022 accused of money laundering and committing offences under arms export control laws.

Attorney General Mark Dreyfus was responsible for initiating extradition proceedings against Mr Duggan at the behest of the US.

Ms Duggan argued the charges originated during the "discredited" Trump administration.   

The decision whether to grant the extradition remains before the courts.