Call for more AFP officers to join backpacker case
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Missing Australian tourist Britt Lapthorne in Prague in August 2008. (http://www.facebook.com)
The Federal Opposition is calling for more Australian Federal Police officers to be sent to Croatia to work on the investigation into missing Australian woman Britt Lapthorne.
The 21-year-old Melbourne backpacker was last seen nearly three weeks ago in the coastal city of Dubrovnik.
The AFP have sent over one officer to liaise with Croatian authorities.
The Opposition's foreign affairs spokeswoman, Helen Coonan, says that should be boosted as soon as possible.
Earlier, Ms Lapthorne's mother accused the Government of having a lack of compassion for families going through this type of situation.
Elke Lapthorne has vowed to keep her front porch light on every day until her daughter returns home.
She has asked other families to do the same as a sign of respect.
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith says Australian and Croatian officials will hold daily meetings with Britt's father, Dale Lapthorne, to improve communication about the case.
Mr Smith says he understands the family's anger over the lack of communication.
"This will guarantee that the lines of communication are at least good as far as the Lapthorne family are concerned," he said.
