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Australia Launches ‘Partying Safely’ Hub to Warn Young Travellers About Methanol Risks

The initiative follows the 2024 methanol deaths of two Melbourne teenagers in Laos.

Overview

  • The Smartraveller website now features a Partying Safely hub with guidance on methanol poisoning symptoms, what to do in an emergency, drink spiking risks and drug safety.
  • Content was developed with Red Frogs, CHOICE and Médecins Sans Frontières and includes resources tailored for parents, schools and universities.
  • The rollout is timed for the Schoolies travel period, targeting graduates heading to popular party destinations such as Bali and Thailand.
  • Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged young Australians to use the tools to travel more safely and said the government continues to seek updates from Laos on the case.
  • Australia says Laos has not accepted Australian Federal Police assistance for the investigation, and the hub also adds practical information such as travel insurance guidance and new airport text messages to travellers.