The Albanese Government has launched a new online safety hub to help protect young Australians travelling overseas.
In a joint media release with Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said, “The tragic deaths of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles as a result of methanol poisoning in Laos are a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers young people face when travelling abroad.”
“We want young Australians to explore the world with confidence, but above all we want them to have the knowledge and resources to come home safely.”
Assistant Minister Thistlethwaite added,
“Travelling overseas is a rite of passage for many young Australians. This Hub is part of the Albanese Government’s work to help protect young Australians travelling overseas.”
The Partying Safely Hub, hosted on the Smartraveller website, provides practical resources for parents, educators, universities, and schools on topics such as alcohol safety, methanol poisoning, drink spiking, drug safety, and travel insurance.
Available materials include posters, factsheets, and videos, developed in collaboration with partners and subject matter experts including Red Frogs, CHOICE, and Médecins sans Frontières.
Since March 2025, the Government has:
- Provided targeted advice and alerts on alcohol-related risks through text messages and airport messaging;
- Partnered with industry, non-government organisations, and youth media outlets to reach young Australians through multiple channels;
- Worked closely with universities to promote safety messaging before peak travel periods; and
- Dedicated communications on Smartraveller social media channels to raise awareness about methanol poisoning.
Awareness activities through the Partying Safely Hub will increase ahead of Schoolies in November.
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