The family of Australian man Rye Hunt, who disappeared in Brazil last month, has appealed to Foreign Minister Julie Bishop to support his wishes to be cremated and for his ashes to be brought home as soon as possible.

Mr Hunt went missing in Rio de Janeiro on May 21 after suffering what police said was a drug-induced psychotic episode.

• ‘I’m gonna die’: Orlando victim’s final text messages to his mother
• Donald Trump calls for barack Obama to ‘resign in disgrace’
• Who is the shooter? Details emerge about ‘unstable loner’

Local police carried out tests on the remains of a man found about 25 kilometres from Rio de Janeiro on Thursday, and confirmed they belonged to Mr Hunt on Saturday.

Mr Hunt’s family has confirmed Brazilian authorities have handed them his body.

In statement, the family said Mr Hunt had previously made it clear he wanted to be cremated and his ashes scattered in his home state.

Mr Hunt’s uncle has completed all the necessary paperwork and the district attorney has supported the application for cremation.

It is expected Mr Hunt’s ashes will be brought back to Australia on Wednesday, pending court approval.

The family statement asked Ms Bishop to “actively support [Mr Hunt’s] wish to be cremated and for his ashes to be returned to Tasmania at the earliest opportunity”.