E&OE
11 October 2008
Doorstop Interview, Newcastle
STEPHEN SMITH: Firstly on behalf of the Australian Government can I express our deepest sympathy and condolence to the Lapthorne family. This morning, early this morning, I was advised by our Ambassador from Croatia that Croatian authorities had confirmed that the remains found in Dubrovnik Harbour were those of Britt Lapthorne.
So this is a terrible human tragedy. I spoke to Mrs Lapthorne this morning to personally express the sympathies and the condolences, not just on behalf of the Government, but on behalf of the Australian people. This is a terrible human tragedy, this is every parent's worst nightmare. And indicated to Mrs Lapthorne that we would ensure that our consular officers remained in Dubrovnik for as long as Mr Lapthorne and his son wanted to remain there. And we would assist in every possible way, bringing them back to Australia and bringing Britt back to Australia.
So this is a story which I think has touched the hearts of all Australians. Everyone out there has a daughter, a wife, a sister, or a girlfriend and it's a terrible, terrible nightmare and we express our deepest sympathies to the family today.
QUESTION: It's obviously a very tragic development in a case that's been going on for a couple of weeks. How will Australian authorities, will they be involved in any more of the investigation over there?
SMITH: Well the investigation will be ongoing. What's occurred is the DNA sampling has identified the remains as those of Britt. The autopsy will continue over the weekend and there's an expectation on Monday that a full autopsy report will be available, which will help the police in their ongoing enquiries.
The Australian consular officers will remain in Dubrovnik for as long as the family want to remain and as I say, we will assist them in every way to bring Britt back to Australia and to see them return to Australia as well. The AFP officer in Dubrovnik will remain in Dubrovnik for the present, liaising with Croatian authorities and assisting with the enquiries.
QUESTION: Croatia has been quite a popular tourist destination with backpackers for, especially in the last say five or ten years. Does this taint that as a tourist destination in any way on behalf of the Australian government? Are there any concerns about the safety there now?
SMITH: Well this is, in some respects, a unique and terrible occurrence and people who go to Dubrovnik normally experience an enjoyable time, particularly when they go as tourists which is Dubrovnik's great attraction. So this is a terrible, almost unique case and I think that's why so many Australians' hearts have gone out to the family, as they've gone through this terrible time.
QUESTION: So the government won't be upgrading any warnings for travellers going to Croatia?
SMITH: Well our travel advice for Croatia is that people should exercise caution and conduct themselves in a safe manner and that remains the case.
QUESTION: And in regards to the ongoing investigation as to the cause of Britt's death, will there be any Australian involvement in that?
SMITH: Well as I say the Australian Federal Police officer, who's been there for a week or so, will remain there for the present, continuing to liaise with the Croatian authorities and to assist with the inquiry.
QUESTION: Was there some concern that he was of Serbian descent, I believe, and there was some concern about whether of not the Croatian authorities were happy to be working with him?
SMITH: Well that was certainly of no concern to the Croatian authorities, no concern to us and my understanding is that Mr Lapthorne, in the last couple of days, also indicate that it was of no concern for him. We've been very pleased with the cooperation that the AFP officer has received from the Croatian authorities. He's been liaising with them very well and we expect that that will continue.
QUESTION: And so you were saying that arrangements will be made for Britt's body to be returned to Australia.
SMITH: Well in the first instance that'll be a matter for the Croatian authorities and for the family, but as I say, we will keep our officers in Dubrovnik, rendering every help and assistance to Mr Lapthorne and to his son. When they want to return with Britt, we'll make every assistance available to them and help with that return, their return and Britt's return to Australia.
QUESTION: Is there anything else you want to say now still?
SMITH: I'm fine if you're fine.
[Ends]
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