Government Launches Alcohol Safety Push After Tragic Deaths
The Australian government has launched a crucial new alcohol awareness campaign in partnership with the grieving families of two Melbourne teenagers who tragically died from methanol poisoning during their overseas travels last year.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Education Minister Jason Clare will join Shaun Bowles, Samantha Morton, Mark Jones and Michelle Jones at a Melbourne press conference on Tuesday, just ahead of the Schoolies celebration period.
Drinking? Drink Mindfully: What the Campaign Involves
The initiative, developed in collaboration with DrinkWise, is called "Drinking? Drink Mindfully" and aims to provide school leavers with essential tools for safe international travel.
"As we approach one year since the tragic deaths of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, we are reminded of the dangers that can confront young people when travelling abroad," Senator Wong stated.
The comprehensive safety resources will be distributed through multiple channels including online platforms, airports, and schools, reaching both students and their parents directly.
The campaign features practical guidance covering critical topics such as:
- Moderating alcohol consumption
- Looking after friends while travelling
- Understanding the risks of methanol poisoning
- Knowing emergency procedures when situations deteriorate
Multi-Platform Safety Measures for Schoolies
The campaign includes powerful video content featuring messages from the families and friends of 19-year-olds Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, who died in November 2024 after consuming contaminated drinks in Laos.
In additional safety measures, SmartTraveller is releasing new Schoolies 'cheat sheets' specifically designed for popular destinations frequented by school leavers.
From December, Jetstar international flights will feature safety videos addressing alcohol risks as part of their in-flight entertainment programming.
"Schoolies is a time to celebrate the end of school and the hard work it took to get here," Minister Clare emphasized. "You've earned it, but you've also got to look out for yourself and your mates. That's what this campaign is about. Having fun and staying safe."
The Education Minister noted that resources have been shared with state and territory counterparts, encouraging schools, students and parents to engage with the materials. "We want the end of school to be remembered for the right reasons," he added.
Ongoing Investigation and Diplomatic Pressure
The safety campaign launches as 7NEWS understands the Vang Vieng backpacker hostel implicated in the Laos methanol deaths prepares to reopen under a different name.
The tragic incident in November 2024 saw at least 11 people hospitalised in the popular backpacker town after consuming contaminated alcohol. Australians Morton-Bowles and Jones were among those affected, ultimately dying after being transferred to a Thai hospital.
Foreign Minister Wong continues to pressure Laos authorities to progress the criminal case, with the Lao prosecutor's office currently reviewing police investigation reports.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains consular support for the Australian teens' families, while Australian Federal Police continue liaison work with law enforcement officials in Laos.
