Overview

• The Australian government has introduced a new Smartraveller campaign to educate young travellers about methanol poisoning and alcohol safety abroad.
• The campaign includes social media outreach, text alerts, airport messaging, and a safety hub launching in June with resources for schools and parents.
• The deaths of six foreign tourists, including Australians Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, in Laos in November 2024 remain under investigation with little progress reported.
• Families of the victims, including Jones and Bowles, have expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and accountability in the Laos investigation.
• Methanol poisoning is a global issue, with thousands affected annually and fatality rates between 20% and 40%, often linked to counterfeit alcohol in tourist destinations.