Ads target young Australians to warn of methanol poisoning risks

Young Australians travelling overseas will be targeted on social media, podcasts, at airports and with text messages warning them of the dangers of methanol poisoning and urging them to keep an eye on their mates.

The dedicated advertising push from the Federal Government comes after friends Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles died last year after drinking cocktails tainted with methanol while on holiday in Laos.

Two Danish tourists, an American and a British backpacker also died.

The Jones and Bowles families had called for greater education for travellers about the danger and signs of methanol poisoning.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said they were foremost in her mind when making the announcement on Monday.

“We want our children to be curious and explore the world, but above all else, we want them to be safe,” she said.

“These efforts will help young Australians travelling overseas to protect themselves from methanol poisoning, drinking spiking and other alcohol harms.”

The campaign will ramp up during peak travel periods including school and university holidays and ahead of schoolies celebrations.

It aims to raise awareness of the signs of methanol poisoning, how people can protect themselves from drink spiking and broader alcohol safety.

This will include targeted advice and alerts for young travellers and a new online safety hub on the Smartraveller website from June where parents, schools and universities can find resources to help.

The Government will also work with airlines and non-government organisations including Red Frogs and the Nicole Fitzsimmons Foundation to deliver safety messages.

Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts said the government hoped the targeted advice would get the message out to young people about the “serious and varied risks” of drinking alcohol overseas.

“Alcohol consumption can result in tragedy in Australia but there are additional and different risks overseas,” he said.