The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued a formal and unreserved apology to the grieving families of two Australian teenagers who tragically lost their lives in a methanol poisoning incident in Laos. The apology comes after it was revealed the department failed to notify the families that individuals connected to the deaths had faced minimal legal consequences.
A Tragic Incident in Vang Vieng
Holly Morton-Bowles and Bianca Jones, both aged 19, died in November 2024 after consuming drinks containing deadly methanol while staying at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos. The mass poisoning also claimed the lives of four other tourists: two Danish women, a US tourist, and a British woman. All six fell severely ill after ingesting the toxic alcohol.
Families Left in the Dark About Legal Proceedings
Months after Lao officials vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, the families of Holly and Bianca were shocked to learn through other victims' families that a court case had already taken place. In January, ten people involved in the tragedy were tried and fined the equivalent of just $185 each.
Mark Jones and Shaun Bowles, the fathers of the two young women, expressed profound dismay and anger that the Australian government had not informed them of these developments. "We can't understand how ... the UK or the Danish governments have greater pull," Mr. Jones stated, highlighting the perceived inadequacy of Australian consular support.
DFAT's Formal Apology and Commitment
Following widespread media coverage of the fathers' comments, DFAT moved swiftly to address the failure. The department stated: "The department prides itself in its commitment to consular service and to ensuring that the interests of consular clients and their families are paramount. On this occasion, we fell short of our aspiration."
DFAT confirmed it "apologises unreservedly" for not keeping the girls' families informed about the court case. It is understood that the Secretary of DFAT has personally written to the families to convey this apology directly.
The department further emphasised that Australian officials continue to press Lao authorities for a thorough and transparent investigation, underscoring the expectation that there must be justice for Holly and Bianca.
Ongoing Legal Uncertainty and Hostel Controversy
While the owner of the distillery responsible for producing the lethal alcohol has been charged and awaits trial, significant uncertainty remains. The families report being "in the dark" about the specific charges being pursued or their potential legal weight. "It's very hard to have any hope," Mr. Bowles lamented.
Adding to the families' distress was the revelation late last year that the Nana Backpackers Hostel, which was closed following the tragedy, was set to reopen under a new name. The mothers of the girls, Michelle Jones and Samantha Morton, were angered by this prospect. "It shouldn't reopen," Samantha said. "(They're) trying to make it seem like nothing happened, it's not right."
Government Response and Diplomatic Pressure
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has been actively involved, aligning with the families' sentiments. She confirmed she raised the issue of the hostel's potential reopening directly with the Lao ambassador. "It makes (the parents) angry, it makes Australia angry to hear that prospect," Senator Wong said. "I made it clear to him that Australia's view is that the hostel should not reopen."
Senator Wong reiterated that she has consistently made it clear to Lao authorities that Australia expects full accountability for the deaths of Holly and Bianca. "We continue to press Lao authorities on the cases relating to Holly and Bianca's deaths," she affirmed.
The incident has cast a spotlight on the standards of consular communication and the challenges Australian families face when seeking justice abroad following a tragedy. The apology from DFAT marks a significant, if belated, acknowledgment of a systemic failure during a profoundly difficult time for the affected families.
