Young Australians embarking on schoolies trips or travelling abroad are being urged to exercise caution following the tragic methanol poisoning deaths of two Melbourne teenagers, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, in Laos last year. In response to this incident, the federal government has introduced a new initiative to enhance the safety of young travellers.
The Partying Safely Hub, launched by Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, is a dedicated resource designed to provide essential information on safe drinking practices and drug awareness, available on the Smartraveller website. The hub specifically addresses the dangers of methanol poisoning and drink spiking, offering a variety of free resources, including informative fact sheets, a symptom poster, and a video guide on prevention.
The symptoms of methanol poisoning are highlighted, featuring warnings that a hangover could be considerably worse than expected, or may worsen over time. Travellers are advised against consuming beverages from unmarked bottles or accepting complimentary shots of homemade or bootleg alcohol.
Minister Wong highlighted the heartbreaking nature of the recent deaths, asserting the importance of young Australians having the knowledge and resources necessary to travel confidently and safely. Assistant Foreign Minister Matt Thistlethwaite echoed this sentiment, stating that overseas travel is a significant milestone for many Australians and underlining the government’s commitment to ensuring safer experiences for young travellers.
The launch of the Partying Safely Hub comes ahead of the busy schoolies period in November, during which thousands of school leavers will be travelling internationally to celebrate their graduation. Additional guidance tailored for school leavers is also accessible online for those preparing for their travels.
The initiative aims to empower young Australians with vital safety information, ensuring their adventures abroad remain enjoyable and, most importantly, safe.