The Australian Government is deeply frustrated and bitterly disappointed that authorities in Laos are not pursuing the most serious charges in relation to the methanol poisoning deaths of Australian citizens Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones.
This devastating news will only add to the immense pain and grief suffered by the families and friends of Holly and Bianca.
We have consistently made clear our expectations that charges should reflect the gravity of the tragedy that claimed the lives of Holly and Bianca in November 2024. This includes the Prime Minister and I expressing these expectations directly to our respective counterparts.
What happened to Holly, Bianca and four other foreign nationals should never have happened.
Since their deaths, Australia has advocated for a thorough and transparent investigation that takes into account all available evidence and for those responsible to be held to account. We have engaged repeatedly and at the highest levels of the Lao Government to support that objective.
The Prime Minister and I appointed Mr Pablo Kang as Special Envoy to continue Australia’s efforts and explore all avenues to achieve progress in the investigation. Mr Kang has engaged extensively with Lao authorities on behalf of the Australian Government and the families, with whom he has maintained regular contact.
The Prime Minister and I have asked Mr Kang to travel to Laos today to convey the Australian Government’s objections and reinforce our expectations for an investigation that delivers justice for Holly, Bianca, and the other victims of the methanol poisoning. The Acting Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also called in Laos’ Ambassador this morning in Canberra.
Next week I will again put Australia’s views directly to my Lao counterpart when I travel to Manila for the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings.
These discussions in the coming days in Canberra, Vientiane and Manila will help inform next steps.
The Albanese Government will continue to advocate for Holly and Bianca’s families with the Lao Government at every level, and will continue to provide consular assistance for as long as required.
As ever, our thoughts are with the family and friends of Holly and Bianca.
