Prime Minister Albanese pays tribute to Bianca Jones after her suspected mass poisoning death

Ms Jones died after a suspected mass methanol poisoning in a popular tourist town in Laos.

Transcript

00:00We've received the very sad confirmation from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

00:05that tragically Bianca Jones has lost her life.

00:09Our first thoughts in this moment are with her family and friends who are grieving a

00:15terrible and cruel loss.

00:18This is every parent's very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure.

00:25All Australians offer them our deepest sympathy in this time of heartbreak.

00:30Bianca's trip should have been a joyous time and a source of fond memories in years to

00:35come.

00:37Memories that she should have carried with her into the long bright future that lay ahead

00:42of her.

00:43It is beyond sad that this was not to be.

00:46We also take this moment to say we're thinking of Bianca's friend Holly Bowles who is fighting

00:52for her life there in Laos.

00:56Australians hold her and her family in our hearts as we pray for her and we hope for

01:02a good recovery.

01:04I also want to take the opportunity to thank those people in the Department of Foreign

01:11Affairs and Trade.

01:12When Australians are in trouble, they always pitch in and do a remarkable job providing

01:20representation for Australians wherever that may be.