The families of two Melbourne 19-year-olds who died of methanol poisoning in Laos have slammed a less than $200 fine handed to staff members who served them.
Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones became sick in their room at the Nana Backpacker Hostel after being served alcohol laced with methanol in Vang Vieng in November 2024.
According to 9News, 10 people from the hostel that served methanol-laced drinks were found guilty of destroying evidence, each receiving a suspended sentence and a AU$185 (NZ$216) fine.
No further charges were laid in relation to the pair's death. The hostel was linked to the deaths of six tourists. It has since reopened under a different name.
The girls' fathers, Shaun Bowles and Mark Jones, told 9News they had been kept in the dark over the court case.
"The best word to describe it is disappointment," Bowles said.
"For us not to be told they're going ahead is abhorrent," Jones added.
"To think that the Laos authorities believe that those who were involved in killing our daughters is worth $185 is absolutely disgraceful."
The families claimed they had only found out about the sentencing through other poisoning victims from the UK and Denmark, not the Australian government.
They called on the government to get justice for their daughters.
"As citizens of this country, we expect the government to look after their people and get justice for their citizens when they go travelling," Jones said.
"We can't get into the country. There's nothing more we can do. We need the government to do something because we are out of options," Bowles added.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she had made it clear to her counterparts in Laos that Australia expected "full accountability".
"I have also made it clear that charges should reflect the seriousness of the tragedy, which left six people dead, including Holly and Bianca.
"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware that the Vang Vieng District Court sentenced individuals over the destruction of evidence in relation to the death of a US citizen."
"We continue to press Lao authorities on the cases relating to Holly and Bianca's deaths, and we will continue to support Holly and Bianca's families at this distressing time."
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