Sussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. As a mother, I was devastated to see the fathers of Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles front the media today following revelations that those responsible for the deaths of their girls have received fines of just $185. The families had to learn this from a British victim's family. Government officials have apologised today. What action will the Prime Minister now take to seek justice for these beautiful girls?

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for her question. Indeed, all our hearts go out to the loved ones and friends of Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones. Like so many young Australians do, they set off overseas together for fun and adventure and to expand their horizons in the world, and what occurred is an absolute tragedy. They should be with us today—looking back on a trip full of happy memories made together. Instead, their loved ones are still mourning a devastating loss, and the events of the past 24 hours have added to the heartbreak of their families.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has apologised unreservedly for their failure to ensure that the families were informed, and that is an entirely appropriate thing for them to do. The Foreign minister has made it clear to her counterpart in Laos that Australia expects full accountability and the charges should reflect the devastating seriousness of this incident—the fact that six lives were lost, including Holly's and Bianca's. We'll continue to engage Laos authorities on these cases, and we will do everything we can to support Holly's and Bianca's families at this distressing time.