Foreign Minister Penny Wong has appointed a special envoy to pursue the deaths of two Australians teenagers in Laos.
Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones died after ingesting alcohol laced with methanol at a hostel bar in 2024.
The announcement of a specialist team comes after the families of the two girls learned earlier this week that the staff members who served the deadly drinks were only fined $185.
The new special envoy will depart for Laos this week to “explore all avenues to progress the case”.
“We have consistently conveyed our expectations that charges should reflect the seriousness of the tragedy that killed Holly, Bianca and four other foreign nationals,” Penny Wong said.
“We understand the heartbreaking grief of the families of Holly and Bianca, which has been exacerbated by the delays and lack of transparency over the legal processes in Laos”.
More to come.
