Parents of two teenagers who died in a methanol poisoning event at a hostel in Laos say they are angry over reports the venue could be reopening.
Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, both 19, from Melbourne's southeast, were among six people who died last November after drinking methanol-laced cocktails in the tourist town of Vang Vieng.
Their parents spoke out in anger over the hostel's suspected reopening on Tuesday. Holly's mother, Samantha Morton, said it simply wasn't right.
Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong backed the anger felt by the family, telling reporters on Tuesday, the hostel should not reopen.
The hostel has remained closed since the poisoning, although renovations appear to have started and the sign removed, according to ABC reports.
Wong confirmed she participated in discussions on Monday with the Laos ambassador about the lack of progress in the investigation.
She revealed the local prosecutor's office is reviewing the police investigation report but had no further details.
Despite the federal government continuing to press for a transparent investigation, local authorities have released almost no details on the mass poisoning case since November.
"I will continue to push," Wong said.
"We will continue to do everything we can to press for progress in these cases, and we will also continue to work to raise awareness amongst young Australians of methanol poisoning and other alcohol related issues."
Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles died last year after drinking free shots of vodka and whiskey at a hostel in Vang Vieng. (Source: 1News)
The Laotian government has refused offers from the Australian Federal Police to help in the probe.
Bianca and Holly's parents joined Wong on Tuesday to launch a campaign, warning young people travelling overseas for end-of-year celebrations to stay safe.
For both families, returning to the airport where they farewelled their daughters more than a year ago brought up raw emotions.
"Parents should have the conversation to sit them down before they go away... and be aware of the dangers," Michelle Jones told reporters on Tuesday.
"All of this information is amazing, our girls didn't have it. We didn't know anything about methanol, so to have this go out to schoolies before they leave, they will come home safely."
New data from DrinkWise suggested only 69% of parents have discussed methanol poisoning with their child as part of their planning for schoolies.
About 18% of those attending schoolies overseas were concerned about the dangers.
Holly died in a Bangkok hospital on November 22, a day after Bianca died in another hospital in the Thai capital.
An American man, two Danish women and a British woman were among the six foreigners who also died.
At least eight people believed to be hotel staff and management were detained but have since been released.
With the anniversary of the tragic deaths nearing, both families intend to take a trip away to remember and celebrate the lives of their daughters.
"It's been really hard," Jones said.
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