The Australian government has said it is “deeply frustrated and bitterly disappointed” that Laos is not bringing more serious charges in relation to the deaths of six backpackers who died after drinking alcohol laced with methanol in 2024.

Australians Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, both 19, were among six people who died in a Vang Vieng shelter in November 2024.

The statement comes after reports in the Australian media that Laos would bring charges that together carry up to a year in jail and a fine of A$1,600 ($1,100; £829) against those allegedly responsible.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said they have summoned the Lao ambassador to Canberra.

Laos has not yet confirmed any charges, but the BBC understands that the country’s authorities will hold a press conference later on Friday.

“This devastating news will only add to the immense pain and grief suffered by Holly and Bianca’s families and friends,” Australia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

“We have consistently made clear our expectations that the charges reflect the seriousness of the tragedy. This includes the Prime Minister and I expressing these expectations directly to our respective counterparts.”

Jones and Bowles were among six foreign tourists who died after consuming free drinks at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in the popular backpacker town of Vang Vieng. The other victims include British, American and Danish tourists.

The free drinks are believed to have been contaminated with methanol, a toxic substance normally found in paint thinner but sometimes illegally mixed with alcohol to cut costs.

Earlier this year, ten people connected to the shelter were charged with destroying evidence, given suspended sentences and fined $185 (£135) each, something the brother of one of the victims described as an “absolute joke”.

And on Thursday, Australian media published reports saying the Lao ministry had written to the families of the Australian victims with information that the most serious charges expected for those responsible carried only the possibility of a fine and a one-year prison sentence.

Bianca’s father, Mark Jones, told Australian broadcaster ABC that “[feeling] furious would be an understatement,” while Holly’s father, Shaun Bowles, said it was “very difficult to understand” the expected charges.

“To think that the lives of my daughter and five other people are worth less than a year in prison and less than $1,600,” Jones told ABC.

“I am calling on the Australian Government to do everything possible to intervene. For Prime Minister Albanese to reach out to his counterpart in Laos to insist that some form of genuine justice be done for the deaths of two Australian citizens.”

The Lao embassy in Canberra has been contacted for comment.

Wong has said Australia has appointed Pablo Kang, the Australian government’s special envoy, to “explore all avenues” in the investigation, adding that he has been asked to travel to Laos on Friday to convey Australia’s objections.

He also added that he would present Australia’s views directly to his Laotian counterpart at an ASEAN meeting in Manila next week.