Calls for Aussies charged with crimes overseas to pay their own way

There are calls to make Australians accused of crimes overseas pay back their consular assistance after it was revealed that convicted drug mule Cassie Sainsbury received over $100,000 towards her legal costs.

From that taxpayer-funded amount, $20,000 went directly to Sainsbury's lawyer, with one more legal bills to come.

Senator Derryn Hinch says the rules need to be reviewed, especially if someone is found guilty.

"I know you should have assistance if you're overseas and in trouble," Senator Hinch said.

"But the fact that she's got $100,000 from the taxpayer is diabolical.

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"I mean she changed her mind, she changed her story more often than the Kardashians change their clothes."

Sainsbury is entitled to help under Foreign Affairs rules because she was threatened with over two decades in jail.

On Thursday she was sentenced to six years, with possible release within two and a half years.