Consular demands drop

THE number of Australians requiring consular assistance overseas has fallen, according to new government figures that suggest awareness campaigns around safety and preparations are having an effect.

The Federal Government’s Consular State of Play report for 2017-18 shows 11,880 people required help overseas in the year to 30 Jun, a decline of 4.6% on the 12,454 cases of 2016-17.

This was despite a rise in the number of Aussies travelling offshore, up 13% over the past five years to over 10.7 million.

Although down overall, assistance requests were up 8% to 967 in Thailand, the top country for consular help cases.

Requests were also up 13% in the Philippines, but down in other major countries including the US (-12%), Indonesia (-15%) and mainland China (-1%).

The number of cases involving hospitalisation was down 7% to 1,585, including 101 cases in New Caledonia which has become the third biggest destination for hospital cases thanks to the popularity of cruising.

The number of cases involving deaths was steady at 1,671, though still up 36% over the past five years, with most involving natural causes and an aging traveller demographic.

Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne said it appeared more Australians were taking precautions before travelling.

See page five for more.