Zoe Daniel (Goldstein, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister. Last week I met with Holly Morton-Bowles's father, Shaun. Holly and her friend Bianca died after consuming bootleg alcohol in Laos last year. Their families are desperate for information about the investigation into what happened and whether anyone will be held responsible. They're also concerned about protecting other young travellers like their precious girls. Can you please advise the House what progress has been made on this important matter?

Richard Marles (Corio, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for her question. I also thank her for her advocacy in giving voice to the families of Holly Morton-Bowles and Bianca Jones. What happened to Holly and Bianca struck at the heart of the nation. All of us stand in the embrace of their families. It is unimaginable to think about what they are going through in facing the loss of their beautiful daughters. What is understandable is a desire on their part, as you have raised here, not only to find out more information but ultimately to find out who did this terrible act and to see the perpetrators of this crime brought to justice and held to account.

This is an investigation which is being undertaken by the authorities in Laos. The Australian Federal Police have made an offer to the authorities in Laos to provide their assistance in the investigation, and there is a whole lot of capability that the Australian Federal Police could bring to bear in terms of this investigation. Sadly I have to report to the House that, at this point, the Laos authorities have not taken up that offer on the part of the Australian Federal Police. But I want to assure the families of Bianca and Holly that we remain in contact with the Laos authorities and that the offer of assistance is being consistently raised with the Laos authorities.

Beyond that I want to make this point as well. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has spoken to her counterpart in Laos and made clear that it is the expectation of the Australian government that there be a thorough investigation into these events—into this crime—and that the perpetrators be found and made it clear that it is the expectation in the context of our relationship with Laos that that happen. That has been directly related by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to her counterpart, and we will continue to press Laos to pursue this investigation, as we will continue to offer the assistance of the Australian government, through the Australian Federal Police, in this investigation.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have been in contact with Bianca's and Holly's families, and they will continue to do so. Obviously any information that we have, we want to share with them. But I really do want to finish by thanking and acknowledging you, Member for Goldstein, for your advocacy on their behalf. I know it means a lot to them, but it means a lot to this House and it means a lot to this nation.