An Australian man died in a Balinese hospital days after the Australian consulate declined to issue an emergency passport, a decision his son believes could have saved his life.
A Delayed Passport and a Tragic Outcome
Wayne Harvey, 69, had been living in Bali since 2018 when he was admitted to the Puri Raharja hospital in Denpasar on Christmas Eve in 2022 with suspected appendicitis. Following surgery, the hospital informed his son, Jake Harvey, in Australia that complications had arisen and they were no longer equipped to provide adequate care.
Hospital staff recommended transferring Wayne to Professor Ngoerah public hospital, but his passport was missing. Jake, as his father’s only son and next of kin, contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs’ 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on January 1, 2023, requesting an emergency passport to facilitate the transfer. He explained his father was unconscious and critically ill.
According to Jake, a consular official stated they could not discuss the situation with him without his father’s permission, citing the Privacy Act. For over two days, Jake repeatedly contacted the consulate, sending videos and photos of his father on life support, pleading for assistance.
On January 2, Jake informed the consulate his father’s condition was worsening. The following day, he expressed his frustration with the delays and the consulate’s focus on privacy policy, requesting they contact the hospital to obtain Wayne’s consent or initiate processing a passport for him directly.
Despite Jake’s pleas, the consulate emailed him a summary of his father’s condition, based on information from a nurse, stating the hospital was “not up to Australian standard” but suggesting Wayne’s condition was “stable” and improving. Jake disputes this assessment, stating it contradicted information from doctors and a friend.
Jake specifically asked if the consulate could help locate his father’s passport, which hospital staff indicated was held by immigration. He received no response to this email or subsequent follow-ups. The consulate did not issue an emergency passport, Wayne was not transferred and he died at the Puri Raharja hospital on January 7, 2023.
Following his father’s death, Jake lodged a complaint, which remained unaddressed for over two years. The Department of Foreign Affairs responded in late 2025, after Jake sent a follow-up email, stating an internal investigation had been conducted and an apology issued.
In a letter from Paula Brewer, assistant secretary for the consular branch, the department acknowledged concerns about Jake’s interactions with the Consular Emergency Centre. The department stated it had shared Jake’s experience with relevant teams to improve communication during critical situations and that the issues were not related to the medical outcome.
What Happens Next?
This proves possible the Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to review its procedures for handling emergency passport requests and communication with families during medical crises. Further scrutiny of the Privacy Act’s application in these scenarios could similarly occur. It is also possible that Jake Harvey may seek further clarification from the department regarding their assessment of the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Jake Harvey to contact the Australian consulate?
Jake Harvey contacted the Australian consulate because his father, Wayne Harvey, required transfer to another hospital but his passport was missing, preventing the transfer from taking place.
What reason did the consulate initially give for not discussing the case with Jake Harvey?
The consulate initially stated they could not discuss the situation with Jake Harvey without his father’s permission due to the Privacy Act.
What was the outcome of Jake Harvey’s complaint?
Jake Harvey’s complaint was ignored for more than two years. The Department of Foreign Affairs eventually responded with an apology and a statement that an internal review had been conducted.
How do we balance individual privacy rights with the need for timely consular assistance in emergency situations?
