Nineteen-year-old Melbourne girls Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones tragically lost their lives after consuming contaminated alcohol in Vang Vieng, Laos, in November. The situation sparked concern, prompting Goldstein MP Zoe Daniel to request a parliamentary update on the investigation led by Laotian authorities on behalf of Holly’s father, Shaun.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles noted that Laotian officials have declined assistance from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) despite their offer to help with the inquiry. Marles expressed the nation’s sorrow over the incident and reassured the families that the AFP remains committed to pursuing the case, although progress has been frustratingly slow. The families of Bowles and Jones expressed their disappointment over the lack of communication from Laotian authorities, stating they feel uncertain about achieving justice.
Shaun Bowles emphasised the inadequacy of the response from Laos, while both families voiced their concerns about inadequate updates regarding the investigation into the poisoning incident at Nana Backpacker Hostel, where multiple tourists have died from similar circumstances. Marles confirmed that the Australian government will continue pressing for a thorough investigation and maintain dialogue with their Laotian counterparts.