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How to deal with narcissistic relatives over the holidays

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ava-green-1396648">Ava Green</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/city-st-georges-university-of-london-1047">City St George's, University of London</a></em></p> <p>The holiday season is here, and streets are filled with festive sparkles, twinkling lights and cheerful Christmas songs. While many of us are looking forward to spending the holiday period with family and friends, Christmas is anything but jolly for others.</p> <p>Some people are dreading to spend the period without loved ones. Others are fearful of spending it in the company of their extended family and relatives.</p> <p>Will your cousin provoke heated arguments at the dinner table again, outright bullying others and refusing to consider their perspective? Will your dad bring extravagant gifts and criticise others for their presents that he deems are inadequate? Will your aunt steal the show and make it all about her?</p> <p>Such behaviour <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/09637214211044109">is common in narcissism</a>, a personality trait which we all exhibit to various degrees. Narcissistic people have an <a href="https://theconversation.com/narcissism-why-its-less-obvious-in-women-than-in-men-but-can-be-just-as-dangerous-231392">insatiable need for attention</a> and validation. They feel entitled to special treatment, are unable to empathise with others, exploit people to boost their own self-esteem and display controlling and manipulative behaviour.</p> <p>It is not surprising, therefore, that many with narcissistic family members and relatives come to dread the holiday season.</p> <p>The good news, hopefully, is that this holiday season does not need to crash and burn into discord and frustration. Here’s how you can navigate these interactions while looking after yourself.</p> <h2>Limit your exposure</h2> <p>Not everyone has the ability to avoid difficult people, particularly if they are your own parents or siblings. If you can’t avoid your narcissistic relatives entirely, consider limiting the amount of time you spend with them.</p> <p>Imagine your sister ambushing you or creates a scene to draw attention to herself. Have a plan in place for gracefully exiting the conversation or the event itself if it becomes too emotionally draining.</p> <p>This could involve having a couple of emergency exits up your sleeve to avoid confrontation, such as “I am going to go and help mum and dad in the kitchen” or “I am going to go play with the kids”. Alternatively, you could be more straightforward, and comment that “I think I need some space, we can catch up later”.</p> <h2>Set healthy boundaries</h2> <p>A hallmark of narcissism is a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0092656622001428">lack of empathy</a>. Because of their inability to empathise with others, narcissistic people will push boundaries and put their needs before yours. Having realistic expectations and planning accordingly can help ease feelings of frustration and disappointment.</p> <p>For instance, if you engage with your cousin during arguments, he will probably disregard your needs, perspective and feelings. He might make a comment that crosses the line.</p> <p>In any situation, set healthy boundaries by redirecting the conversation to neutralise a potential conflict. You could speak to his interests by asking questions such as “by the way, did you watch the latest episode of (his favourite show)” or “are you going to the football game next week (his favourite team)”?</p> <p>If that fails, set your boundaries firmly and concisely by saying “I do not want to talk about this right now”.</p> <h2>Focus on what you can control</h2> <p>Another hallmark of narcissism is poor emotional regulation – in other words, people with narcissistic traits may feel indignant to respond with <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/2014-57455-001">rage and aggression</a> if they feel mistreated or criticised.</p> <p>In these situations, they may <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11199-024-01477-y">manipulate, bully and undermine others</a> to elevate themselves. Resist defensiveness and try to focus on what you can control: how <em>you</em> respond.</p> <p>If someone belittles you for a “mundane present” or for not having reached the same success in life as they think have, use the tactic of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/aug/31/grey-rocking-how-to-bore-a-toxic-narcissist-out-of-your-life">“grey rocking”</a> – being non-reactive, dull and uninteresting. This will avoid fuelling their need for attention.</p> <p>Remind yourself that their attack is not personal – this isn’t about you, it’s about their need for control.</p> <h2>Reframe empathy</h2> <p>If all else fails, you could try to manipulate a narcissistic relative into showing a bit of empathy. Research suggests that it may be possible to reframe empathy in <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-92171-6_36">a way that makes it desirable</a> to narcissistic individuals.</p> <p>While this is more likely to work in the hands of a trained psychologist, and could backfire, it may be worth a try in a desperate situation.</p> <p>For example, you could quote facts or stories about how people who are good at taking the perspective of others are more successful as leaders than those who are not. Narcissistic people want to be seen to be good at everything, so if you make empathy look advantageous, they may be more likely to show it – or at least pretend to do so.</p> <h2>Look after yourself</h2> <p>While attempting all this, make sure you prioritise your mental and emotional wellbeing. It is okay to retreat to a quiet room to get some headspace or stepping outside for a walk. Remind yourself that you do not need to engage, interact or stay for the whole duration for the sake of family togetherness.</p> <p>Take time to relax in a space where you feel safe and create the time for things you enjoy, be it baking cookies, watching your favourite Christmas movie or wrapping gifts. Try to minimise one-to-one time with people who drain you and instead surround yourself with family members who are more understanding, empathetic and supportive.</p> <p>Whatever the power dynamics in your life might be, you can maintain your authenticity with grace and not only survive, but thrive, this holiday season.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/245877/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ava-green-1396648"><em>Ava Green</em></a><em>, Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/city-st-georges-university-of-london-1047">City St George's, University of London</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-deal-with-narcissistic-relatives-over-the-holidays-245877">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Family & Pets

"Just leave Christmas": Barnaby Joyce fires up over gender-neutral cookies

<p>Some stories are big: wars, elections, pandemics. Others are tiny – crispy, vaguely human-shaped and destined for dunking in tea.</p> <p>The humble Gingerbread Man – or rather, its gender-neutral successor, the Gingerbread Person – has sent shockwaves through Parliament House and left a trail of crumbs all the way to the nearest bakery.</p> <p>The biscuit's modern makeover has Barnaby Joyce and Nationals Senator Matt Canavan crying "Save Christmas!" faster than you can say, "Not my gumdrop buttons!"</p> <p>While many of us would struggle to find outrage over baked goods – especially baked goods with no opinion on pronouns – Joyce sees a far darker picture. For him, this is political correctness gone so far off the rails it could inspire an army of ginger-fuelled Trump supporters.</p> <p>“It’s just like, all this stuff has been forced on me, just leave it,” he declared, presumably staring down a gender-neutral cookie in his local parliamentary cafeteria. “Just leave Christmas. If you don’t want to buy Gingerbread men, you don’t have to.” Then, proving politicians aren’t immune to comedic flair, he added: “Can I have one for me and one for it on table 3?”</p> <p>Meanwhile, Senator Canavan was equally distraught at the development, lamenting the apparent death of whimsy. “Please tell me they haven’t done this to the muffin man as well?” he begged, as if imagining a bleak future where fairytale characters are stripped of gender and fun.</p> <p>If you thought Parliament was alone in this existential ginger-crisis, think again. Supermarket giant Woolworths has already abandoned the “man” for a more inclusive “Gingerbread People”, and even <em>Women’s Weekly</em>, that wholesome bastion of baking, has shared a recipe for the modern, genderless cookie.</p> <p>It was Woolworths' decision that drew particular ire from a radio caller named Harry, who tattled to Melbourne’s 3AW like a child narking on a sibling. “Woolies has decided to start selling – under their own brand – non-binary Gingerbread people,” he reported solemnly.</p> <p>This news rocked radio host Tom Elliott, who lamented that none of the gingerbread figures “resemble women”. (For clarity’s sake, it’s worth noting that Gingerbread Men have never been renowned for their realistic depiction of human anatomy.)</p> <p>Online, the social media masses weighed in with their usual measured, level-headed takes. One user proclaimed they were “too busy caring about my electricity bill doubling” to give a crumb about cookies. Another’s sarcastic sympathy dripped from the screen: “If you can’t handle a biscuit with ‘man’ in the name, simply grab a box of tissues and retreat to your safe space.”</p> <p>And in the darkest corner of the internet, one person’s exasperation boiled over: “Jesus Christ. It’s a biscuit vaguely shaped like a human. Do we need to make a biscuit gender neutral so we don’t offend people?”</p> <p>Let’s face it: the Gingerbread Man is not, and has never been, the hill anyone expected society to die on. It doesn’t vote, drive or go to Centrelink. It’s a biscuit. Yet, here we are, watching as Barnaby Joyce and Matt Canavan rise like knights to defend a sugary snack from the insidious forces of progress.</p> <p>Does the average person truly care if their Gingerbread Man identifies as a Gingerbread Person? Is anyone truly shaking with rage while browsing the supermarket biscuit aisle? Or are most of us too busy, well, eating them?</p> <p>In the end, we must ask ourselves the hard questions: Will the Muffin Man survive the purge? Is Santa’s reindeer team next? And most importantly: if they’re still delicious, does it even matter?</p> <p>For now, the only certainty is that political correctness has officially reached the snack table. Somewhere, a batch of gender-neutral gingerbread people is cooling, blissfully unaware that their mere existence has triggered a full-scale political bake-off.</p> <p>And so, in the spirit of the festive season – let’s agree to eat the biscuit and leave the outrage for another day.</p> <p><em>Images: Supplied</em></p>

Food & Wine

Festive bulge: scientists offer advice on how to beat overeating

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/thomas-c-erren-336309">Thomas C. Erren</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-cologne-2576">University of Cologne</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/philip-lewis-429997">Philip Lewis</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-cologne-2576">University of Cologne</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ursula-wild-1398207">Ursula Wild</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-cologne-2576">University of Cologne</a></em></p> <p>Christmas and New Year are holidays with dietary excesses that many of us cannot control. This often leads to the “festive bulge”. As the holidays approach, could there be a recipe to contain this weight gain and pave the way to sustainable nutrition-based health at the same time?</p> <p>There’s a lot of focus on what we eat and how much we eat – but what about <em>when</em> we eat?</p> <p>Chrononutrition is the science of how timing affects our responses to nutrients. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867415003025?via%3Dihub">Scientific insights</a> into when we eat suggest it may be worth exploring for better health.</p> <p>While the idea of getting started on <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9370396/">chrononutrition over Christmas</a> can sound challenging, the guilty conscience that tends to follow feasting over the holidays may provide the needed motivation for the year ahead.</p> <p>So for better health in the new year, why not try out time-restricted eating (TRE)? TRE is a type of <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-intermittent-fasting-actually-good-for-weight-loss-heres-what-the-evidence-says-183500">intermittent fasting</a>: a person eats all their meals and snacks within a particular time window, ranging from six to 12 hours each day. This implies 12 to 18 hours of fasting.</p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/is-body-weight-affected-by-when-you-eat-heres-what-science-knows-so-far-143303">More</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/delay-eating-breakfast-and-eat-dinner-early-if-you-want-to-lose-body-fat-new-study-101058">more research</a> suggests that this kind of timing may have a significant influence on our health via <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25404320/">interplays</a> between our <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25815987/">body clocks and nutrition</a>.</p> <p>As researchers with a focus on circadian biology, we have <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9370396/">identified the festive season</a> as a suitable starting point for a lifestyle change to time-restricted eating.</p> <h2>What is chrononutrition?</h2> <p>The basic idea of chrononutrition is that the body’s response to the timing of meals can promote well-being and health via the circadian timing system. This timing system refers to the internal 24-hour mechanism that primes our bodies for the challenges and stimuli of the 24-hour day. This includes when nutrients are likely to be consumed, how they are used within the body at a given time and how the body responds to them at a given time.</p> <p>A rodent experiment in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jn/article-abstract/10/1/63/4725662">1930s</a> led to a focus on counting calories and calorie-restricted eating. This dietary restriction extended the lifespan of rats in this case. It was subsequently shown in a wide range of species. The promise is large: if you eat less, then weight loss, better health and a longer life may follow.</p> <p>The rodent experiment was followed by research into diets that foster health and prevent disease. Interest in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3794831/">“meal-timing, circadian rhythms and lifespan”</a> was sparked by Franz Halberg (known as the father of American chronobiology), among others, in the 1980s.</p> <p>These studies around food and behaviour take <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25404320/">evolutionary considerations</a> into account. For instance, rodents gain fitness when fed in a time-restricted manner. In contrast, human behaviour tends to involve more <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26411343/">erratic eating patterns</a> during the hours when people are awake.</p> <h2>Lifestyle changes</h2> <p>So what practical advice can we give on the occasion of Christmas and New Year from the <a href="https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2017/advanced-information/">2017 Nobel Prize-winning field of chronobiology</a>? The field gained recognition for its discoveries into how internal clocks organise our physiology and enable us to live in harmony with the external rhythms of day and night.</p> <p>Findings from this field point to a simple lifestyle change: limiting when you eat to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4255155/">eight to 10 hours</a> a day could protect you from developing obesity, or even lessen the negative health impacts of existing obesity. And time-restricted eating can work even if practised for only <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4255155/">five days per week</a>.</p> <p>Importantly, if you can reduce a long habitual eating window (for instance, 15 hours) to a time-restricted eating window of eight hours, you are likely to benefit more than someone who reduces a habitual eating window of 10 hours to eight hours. Reductions in eating-time windows have already <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2114833?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed">been found</a> to help some overweight humans lose weight, sleep better and feel more energised.</p> <p>Granted, much of the evidence comes from animal studies – and humans are certainly not big mice. Nonetheless, there have been no reports of detriments to this practice in humans. However, there has been <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899900722001897?via%3Dihub">one report</a> of possible disadvantages to offspring in a pregnant animal model of time-restricted eating.</p> <h2>Late breakfast and early supper</h2> <p>Why not try what some studies suggest and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9370396/">start time-restricted eating over Christmas</a>, or put it on your New Year’s resolution list?</p> <p>To get started, consider having a late breakfast and an early dinner. Of course, if in doubt about the impact of time-restricted eating – or if you have medical or dietary restrictions, or are pregnant – talk to your doctors first for advice.</p> <p>Beyond paying attention to calorie intake and food composition, “when we eat” is a relatively simple and potentially sustainable approach.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/195822/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/thomas-c-erren-336309"><em>Thomas C. Erren</em></a><em>, Professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-cologne-2576">University of Cologne</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/philip-lewis-429997">Philip Lewis</a>, Research associate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-cologne-2576">University of Cologne</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ursula-wild-1398207">Ursula Wild</a>, Research Associate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-cologne-2576">University of Cologne</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/festive-bulge-scientists-offer-advice-on-how-to-beat-overeating-195822">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

"No one cares": Albo roasted over Spotify Wrapped

<p>At the end of each December, music streaming service Spotify share their results to each individual user of their most played songs of the year. </p> <p>As is tradition, many people share their results on social media, sparking worldwide commentary about people's listening habits over the last 12 months. </p> <p>Joining in on the fun this year was Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who took to Instagram to share his top five songs he had on repeat in 2024. </p> <p>His top song was <em>Australia</em> by G-Flip, with each of his top five tracks coming from Australian artists, such as Angie McMahon, and bands Lime Cordiale, Hockey Dad and King Stingray. </p> <p>Despite his representation for local music, many were quick to call out Albo for sharing his Spotify Wrapped at all. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDK7lLHTrAF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDK7lLHTrAF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Anthony Albanese (@albomp)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“No one gives a frig what’s on your Spotify list. What they want to hear is what you are actually doing to bring the cost of living issues down and what you are doing with the housing affordability crisis,” read one brutal comment under his post. </p> <p>“No one cares. Do your job,” another person said, while someone else wrote, “The country is f***ed & your tweeting about Spotify #priorities.”</p> <p>“WTF? my electricity bill just went up 20% this morning and you’re show me this !!” another added. </p> <p>One comment simply wrote, "Explains why he hasn’t had time to listen to those who voted for him."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram/LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Music

Lawyer warns Aussies over $30,000 fine for pigeon-feeding

<p>While feeding a pigeon a piece of bread seems like a harmless act, in two Australian states it could cost you a staggering $30,000 in fines. </p> <p>It is not uncommon for local councils in Western Australia or South Australia to issue infringements for feeding pigeons, with Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh warning Aussies of the potential fine "when a complaint is made — quite often neighbours will take videos and photos of the number of pigeons and the person feeding them."</p> <p>If the behaviour is repeated, local council may even issue a court attendance notice, Singh told <em>Yahoo News</em>. </p> <p>The lawyer explained that the SA legislation "was enacted to protect communities from local nuisance" and prevent littering. </p> <p>"There is an emphasis by the South Australian parliament on protecting property values and this legislation is one of the tools they can use to prevent behaviour that can negatively affect this," he said.</p> <p>While the fine isn't as high in the WA, the offence can cost an incredible $20,000. </p> <p>Feeding pigeons poses health risks, as pigeons can carry diseases that may be transmitted to humans and other animals such as respiratory infections and parasites.</p> <p>The act also encourages larger congregations of birds, increasing the risk of diseases spreading, and the overpopulation of pigeons can disrupt local ecosystems as they compete with native bird species for resources. </p> <p>Not only that, large flocks of pigeons can create a public nuisance by causing noise, dirt, and property damage, particularly through their corrosive droppings, which can damage buildings and infrastructure.</p> <p>"It's definitely one of Australia's strangest laws, and one that while it may be annoying for other people passing by or trying to relax, it's not something people think they can get in trouble with the law for," Singh said.</p> <p><em>Image: Reddit</em></p> <p> </p>

Legal

Fans threaten to boycott I'm A Celeb over casting rumour

<p><em>I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! </em>has teased the next season's cast on social media, but the potential appearance of a "headline-grabbing Olympian" has the rumour mill spinning. </p> <p>“A headline-grabbing Olympian has a ticket to the African wilds! 🎟️”, the show posted on Instagram. </p> <p>Hosts Robert Irwin and Julia Morris hinted that a "freestyle lover" will face the jungle in Season 7, set to air in January. </p> <p>While some followers posed a number of Olympians who they thought fit the mould, others speculated the possible TV return of the controversial breakdancer, Raygun, and many of them were quick to express their disdain. </p> <p>“Okay, I’m going to assume it’s Raygun,” one person said. “But other freestylers could include: Ariarne Titmus — Freestyle Swimming. Sally Fitzgibbons - Surfing. Torah Bright — Freestyle Snowboarding.”</p> <p>“Former Olympian Pole Vaulter Liz Parnov,” another suggested.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC4y8Y0u4XL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC4y8Y0u4XL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by #ImACelebrityAU (@imacelebrityau)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“I’m boycotting the show if it’s Raygun 🙄,” one person commented.</p> <p>“If it’s Raygun, I’m not watching 🤷‍♀️,” another claimed.</p> <p>"I’d rather watch paint dry than Raygun on TV … what on earth are the producers thinking," a third wrote. </p> <p>"Please NOT the "breakdancer" Don't make me boycott for the first time ever. Noooooo! 😬😭" a fourth added. </p> <p>The reality show drops celebrities into the jungle and forces them out of their comfort zone.</p> <p>On Wednesday, the series hinted the famous personalities set to appear on the next season, with clues including: a “stadium superstar”, a “football strongman”, and a “comedy genius”.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Eight people detained over Laos methanol poisoning

<p>Eight men have been detained over the suspected mass methanol poisoning in Laos that killed six tourists, including two Australians. </p> <p>Police in Laos told the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-26/laos-methanol-poisoning-detained/104650642" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>ABC</em></a> that detained men were staff and management of the Nana Backpackers hostel, where Melbourne teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles were staying when they fell sick.</p> <p>The two 19 year olds had consumed the alcoholic beverages in the party town of Vang Vieng, and later died in seperate hospitals in Thailand. </p> <p>Four other tourists from Denmark, the UK and the US have also died.</p> <p>Police in Laos last week forcibly shut down the Nana hostel, where five of the six victims who died were staying.</p> <p>They questioned staff, ranging in ages from 23 to 47, including the bartender and owner, while the Laos government vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.</p> <p>The arrests come as the bodies of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles arrived home in Australia on Tuesday night, with Bianca's father Mark fronting the media at Melbourne Airport to welcome the news of the arrests. </p> <p>"We want to grieve. We miss our daughters desperately. I was happy to hear there's been some movement over in Laos," he said.</p> <p>"I would continue to urge our government to continue to pursue whomever. We will make every effort we can to help raise awareness of methanol poisoning."</p> <p><em>Image credits: RUNGROJ YONGRIT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock </em></p>

Legal

"Alive and well": Fans confused over Dr Harry Cooper death announcement

<p>Dr Harry Cooper and Channel Seven have been forced to clarify that the famous TV vet is alive and kicking after his Wikipedia page stated he had died. </p> <p>According to Cooper's Wiki page, the TV personality died at the age of 80 on November 16th 2024.</p> <p>However, Ben Fordham and his 2GB team have confirmed that this is not the case. </p> <p>"[Dr. Harry] has had a bit of a shock this week, courtesy of something that appeared online," explained Fordham on his popular radio show.</p> <p>"This week we were contacted by a listener, they alerted us to the fact that according to Google and Wikipedia, Dr. Harry Cooper was no longer with us!"</p> <p>Fordham explained that he had done his own investigations of the claims and observed the Wikipedia page in question, which read that "Dr. Harry Cooper OAM, more commonly known as Dr. Harry, an Australian vet and TV personality best known for his media appearances, born February 20, 1943, died November 16, 2024."</p> <p>The unofficial death notice prompted several listeners to reach out to the team at 2GB, asking if they'd heard any news about Dr. Harry's alleged death.</p> <p>"A fan of Dr. Harry Cooper got in touch w us a couple of days ago and said, 'Did you know that Dr. Harry had died?," shared Fordham.</p> <p>"And we all looked at each other and said, 'No?'</p> <p>"And then we got another message, 'Can you confirm that Dr. Harry has passed away?' Again, we were looking online, and he was in New Idea at the start of the year celebrating his 80th birthday."</p> <p>"And the most recent story about Dr. Harry was from September, when he visited a camel farm."</p> <p>In order to confirm once and for all, Fordham reached out to the Seven Network, who provided a statement revealing the good news that, "Harry is alive and well."</p> <p>"After tipping off Seven, the reference to his death has been removed from Wikipedia," Fordham added. "So, its another reminder – you can't believe everything you read."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Allison Voight/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Caring

Holiday budgeting tips for over-60s: Expert advice for a stress-free season

<div> <p>The festive season is a time for joy, but it can sometimes also bring a little extra financial stress. With the rising cost of essentials, many Aussies in retirement might be feeling the pinch. And it’s not your imagination – recent <a title="https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/___https:/nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.superannuation.asn.au%2Fmedia-release%2Frising-insurance-premiums-add-strain-to-retirees-finances-says-super-peak-body%2F*23%3A~%3Atext%3DThe%2520latest%2520figures%2520from%2520ASFA%2Cover%2520the%2520last%252012%2520months.&data=05%7C02%7Cdardisa%40we-worldwide.com%7C3306a1dfb9de4e30dd3b08dcfecff5e5%7C3ed60ab455674971a5341a5f0f7cc7f5%7C0%7C0%7C638665416381860501%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3ePPI8b1SEXOATgcY6vYWJRi8gBzZHv0jM1dgqkIoUI%3D&reserved=0___.YzJ1OndlY29tbXVuaWNhdGlvbnM6YzpvOmMyMDk4YTI2ZGE5OWUzY2FhZWQ2Nzc5ZTg1YWM0OGJiOjY6YjM1NDo4YTdiNGQ5MTcwZjBhYzgwNzI4ZDVmYTlhNTA0OWVhYThkZTU0NWJhN2FhZDgzZGQ2MGQ1ZjZiYWU5MTc3MGI1OnA6VDpG" href="https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/___https:/nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.superannuation.asn.au%2Fmedia-release%2Frising-insurance-premiums-add-strain-to-retirees-finances-says-super-peak-body%2F*23%3A~%3Atext%3DThe%2520latest%2520figures%2520from%2520ASFA%2Cover%2520the%2520last%252012%2520months.&data=05%7C02%7Cdardisa%40we-worldwide.com%7C3306a1dfb9de4e30dd3b08dcfecff5e5%7C3ed60ab455674971a5341a5f0f7cc7f5%7C0%7C0%7C638665416381860501%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3ePPI8b1SEXOATgcY6vYWJRi8gBzZHv0jM1dgqkIoUI%3D&reserved=0___.YzJ1OndlY29tbXVuaWNhdGlvbnM6YzpvOmMyMDk4YTI2ZGE5OWUzY2FhZWQ2Nzc5ZTg1YWM0OGJiOjY6YjM1NDo4YTdiNGQ5MTcwZjBhYzgwNzI4ZDVmYTlhNTA0OWVhYThkZTU0NWJhN2FhZDgzZGQ2MGQ1ZjZiYWU5MTc3MGI1OnA6VDpG" data-auth="Verified" data-outlook-id="1a0a0a08-2e36-4601-a0a3-f9c8bb379afe">data</a> from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) reveals that the cost of maintaining a comfortable retirement has increased by 3.7% in the last year. For those in retirement, managing holiday spending can help ensure a stress-free festive season. </p> </div> <div> <p>Toby Perkins, a Certified Financial Planner® at industry superfund NGS Super, shares his helpful tips to ensure retirees manage their budgets during the holidays.</p> </div> <p><strong>1. Avoid personal debt</strong></p> <div> <p>Credit cards and overdrafts may seem like quick solutions, but they often lead to high-interest debt. "If you need extra funds for the festive season, it might be worth considering options like your superannuation income stream instead," advises Toby. Avoiding extra debt may help you to maintain your financial stability in the long run and help set you up for a stress-free Christmas next year. </p> </div> <p><strong>2. Plan ahead: Budget for the entire year</strong></p> <div> <p>Although it may be too late to adjust your budget for this holiday season, now is a good time to start planning for next Christmas. "Incorporating holiday spending into an annual budget can prevent financial strain in December," Toby suggests. By tracking your expenses throughout the year, you can identify potential savings and plan for any extra costs, such as gifts and travel.</p> </div> <p><strong>3. Review government entitlements</strong></p> <div> <p>It’s important for you to ensure you are receiving the correct government entitlements. "If you’re receiving the Age Pension, make sure all your details are up to date," Toby advises. Even if you're not eligible for the Age Pension, you may qualify for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or state-based Seniors Cards, which can help reduce costs on health care, transport, and other services. For more information, visit <a title="https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/___https:/www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/most-useful-information-for-retirement-years___.YzJ1OndlY29tbXVuaWNhdGlvbnM6YzpvOmMyMDk4YTI2ZGE5OWUzY2FhZWQ2Nzc5ZTg1YWM0OGJiOjY6Y2YwMTo3YWJkZWYyYTY5NjAwZTQ5YjczNWQwMGY2ZjZmN2RhNzY5MzJjYWJkMmYyNWM5ZTkzODg4NTJlZDc3MmIwZGI1OnA6VDpG" href="https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/___https:/www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/most-useful-information-for-retirement-years___.YzJ1OndlY29tbXVuaWNhdGlvbnM6YzpvOmMyMDk4YTI2ZGE5OWUzY2FhZWQ2Nzc5ZTg1YWM0OGJiOjY6Y2YwMTo3YWJkZWYyYTY5NjAwZTQ5YjczNWQwMGY2ZjZmN2RhNzY5MzJjYWJkMmYyNWM5ZTkzODg4NTJlZDc3MmIwZGI1OnA6VDpG" data-auth="Verified" data-outlook-id="0b03c4dc-e32a-4f0f-adaf-6d20058cd703">the Services Australia website.</a></p> </div> <p><strong>4. Stay vigilant about financial security</strong></p> <div> <p>There are two reasons to closely track your spending throughout the holiday season: 1. To ensure you stay within budget, and 2. To ensure you don't fall victim to financial scams. The holiday season can be a prime time for financial scams, so be cautious when making purchases online.</p> </div> <p><strong>5. Prepare for post-holiday financial health</strong></p> <div> <p>After the holidays, plan to set aside some money for future expenses or to replenish your savings. A bit of post-holiday planning will help you avoid financial stress in the months ahead - and even get you set up for next Christmas.</p> </div> <p><strong>6. Travel smart: Plan off-peak</strong></p> <div> <p>Travel can be one of the biggest holiday expenses, especially if it coincides with peak Christmas and school holiday periods. Toby recommends traveling outside of these busy times to save money. "Off-peak travel can significantly reduce costs and make your holiday dollar stretch further," he says. Consider planning trips in advance to secure better deals.</p> </div> <div> <p>Planning ahead, managing debt, and reviewing entitlements can help you enjoy the festive season without financial stress. As Toby puts it, "Smart budgeting today helps ensure a more comfortable retirement tomorrow."</p> </div> <div> <p><em><strong>For those seeking personalised advice, NGS Super’s team of financial planners is here to help guide you to a secure and joyful future. Read the <a title="https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/___https:/www.ngssuper.com.au/files/documents/financial-services-guide.pdf___.YzJ1OndlY29tbXVuaWNhdGlvbnM6YzpvOmMyMDk4YTI2ZGE5OWUzY2FhZWQ2Nzc5ZTg1YWM0OGJiOjY6MDk5ZToxNWJlNDQ0ODUwMWZmYzczYmUzZDY5N2NkNWFmY2M4ZTM0M2I5ZDQyNTI5ZGIwNjdjMDUxZDViY2E1YWRmYWFhOnA6VDpGHYPERLINK___.YzJ1OndlY29tbXVuaWNhdGlvbnM6YzpvOmM0OTdjMzdkZjcxOGIxNDQxYjdiMzQxMzA0NTcyMzc4Ojc6ZDgzMDowMTA3N2IxNTZmN2JhZDAzOTM5MDc4ODZjM2Y4NTUzYTkwNWE4ZDAxYmJhMmIxMTc0OWZjNjhmNmM5ODNlNzYyOmg6VDpG" href="https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/___https:/www.ngssuper.com.au/files/documents/financial-services-guide.pdf___.YzJ1OndlY29tbXVuaWNhdGlvbnM6YzpvOmMyMDk4YTI2ZGE5OWUzY2FhZWQ2Nzc5ZTg1YWM0OGJiOjY6MDk5ZToxNWJlNDQ0ODUwMWZmYzczYmUzZDY5N2NkNWFmY2M4ZTM0M2I5ZDQyNTI5ZGIwNjdjMDUxZDViY2E1YWRmYWFhOnA6VDpGHYPERLINK___.YzJ1OndlY29tbXVuaWNhdGlvbnM6YzpvOmM0OTdjMzdkZjcxOGIxNDQxYjdiMzQxMzA0NTcyMzc4Ojc6ZDgzMDowMTA3N2IxNTZmN2JhZDAzOTM5MDc4ODZjM2Y4NTUzYTkwNWE4ZDAxYmJhMmIxMTc0OWZjNjhmNmM5ODNlNzYyOmg6VDpG" data-auth="Verified" data-outlook-id="c4bb4623-ec0a-4e3a-a747-7bf0d2f5659b">NGS Financial Planning Financial Services Guide</a>.</strong></em></p> </div> <div> <p><em><strong>For further information, visit NGS Super’s <a title="https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/___https:/www.ngssuper.com.au/articles/news/whats-foro-what-can-you-do-about-it___.YzJ1OndlY29tbXVuaWNhdGlvbnM6YzpvOmMyMDk4YTI2ZGE5OWUzY2FhZWQ2Nzc5ZTg1YWM0OGJiOjY6YzlhNDphZGM4Y2Q1YTFlZmQyNjExMGQ4ZDJmYWM3Y2IyOWMxM2FiNjE2MDMwMDc3YjA5ODE5OTY0NjQyYmZkNWE2NGM1OnA6VDpG" href="https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/___https:/www.ngssuper.com.au/articles/news/whats-foro-what-can-you-do-about-it___.YzJ1OndlY29tbXVuaWNhdGlvbnM6YzpvOmMyMDk4YTI2ZGE5OWUzY2FhZWQ2Nzc5ZTg1YWM0OGJiOjY6YzlhNDphZGM4Y2Q1YTFlZmQyNjExMGQ4ZDJmYWM3Y2IyOWMxM2FiNjE2MDMwMDc3YjA5ODE5OTY0NjQyYmZkNWE2NGM1OnA6VDpG" data-auth="Verified" data-outlook-id="7c65864b-3f33-43bc-9037-cc1e7ca1acc0">website</a>.</strong></em></p> </div> <div> <p><em><strong>Toby Perkins is authorised to provide financial advice in Australia and is an Authorised Representative (Number 1002908) of Guideway Financial Services Pty Ltd, AFSL Number 420367. Any advice given in this article is general and does not consider your financial situation, needs or objectives so consider whether it is appropriate for you. Be sure to read the relevant PDS and TMD </strong><strong>before deciding whether a financial product is right for you.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Image credits: Shutterstock </strong></em></p> </div> <div> <p> </p> </div>

Travel Tips

Alan Jones arrested over sexual assault allegations

<p>Veteran radio host Alan Jones has been arrested in his luxury apartment over allegations he indecently assaulted, groped or inappropriately touched multiple young men. </p> <p>According to the <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/alan-jones-arrested-over-allegations-he-indecently-assaulted-young-men-20241118-p5krdu.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Sydney Morning Herald</em></a>, Jones was arrested at his Circular Quay apartment on Monday morning and taken to Day Street Police Station, where officers issued a statement about the arrest. </p> <p>"Following extensive inquiries, about 7.45am today, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a unit in Circular Quay where they arrested an 83-year-old man," the statement said. </p> <p>"The search warrant is underway."</p> <p>The allegations against Jones surfaced over one year ago, when Nine newspapers first claimed that Jones inappropriately kissed and groped a 17-year-old schoolboy who visited his sprawling Southern Highlands estate in 2017.</p> <p>The allegations relate almost exclusively to his time at Sydney's leading talkback station, 2GB, where he hosted his talkback radio show for almost 20 years. </p> <p>Jones has long <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/alan-jones-vehemently-denies-bombshell-allegations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">denied</a> the allegations, with his lawyers describing the claims against him as "demonstrably false and defamatory". </p> <p>Breaking his silence in a five-minute clip in March, Jones said he "refuted" the allegations against him "entirely and the inferences associated with them". </p> <p>Jones said he had "every intention of returning to broadcasting eventually", despite many close sources saying he would stay on "indefinite" leave, and had no plans on returning to the spotlight.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty</em></p>

Legal

Jamie Oliver's book pulled from shelves over Indigenous Australian subplot

<p>Jamie Oliver has had his new children's book pulled from shelves after a subplot about Indigenous Australians was deemed "disrespectful" and "damaging".</p> <p>The celebrity chef and author released his second children’s book in May, titled <em>Billy and the Epic Escape</em>, in which the protagonist takes a brief detour from England to Alice Springs, where the villain of the story abducts a young Indigenous girl living in foster care in an Indigenous community.</p> <p>The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Commission (NATSIEC) led the calls for the book to be withdrawn, accusing Oliver of perpetuating harmful stereotypes and “trivialising complex and painful histories”.</p> <p>NATSIEC chief executive Sharon Davis told <em><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/food/2024/nov/10/jamie-oliver-pulls-childrens-book-from-shelves-after-criticism-for-stereotyping-indigenous-australians-ntwnfb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Guardian</a></em> that the book implied Indigenous families “are easily swayed by money and neglect the safety of their children”, adding, “[It] perpetuates a racist stereotype that has been used to justify child removals for over a century.”</p> <p>“This portrayal is not only offensive but also reinforces damaging biases.”</p> <p>Oliver, who is currently in Australia promoting his latest cookbook, said in a statement, “I am devastated to have caused offence and apologise wholeheartedly. It was never my intention to misinterpret this deeply painful issue. Together with my publishers we have decided to withdraw the book from sale.”</p> <p>Penguin Random House UK also released a statement on the book, conceding, “It is clear that our publishing standards fell short on this occasion, and we must learn from that and take decisive action. With that in mind, we have agreed with our author, Jamie Oliver, that we will be withdrawing the book from sale.”</p> <p>Both Oliver and Penguin Random House UK revealed that during the writing of the book, no consultation with Indigenous Australian individuals or organisations had taken place. </p> <p>Indigenous children’s author Cheryl Leavy told <em>The Guardian</em> the decision to pull the book from shelves was the right one, saying, “It makes it possible for Penguin Random House to build relationships with First Nations communities and tell better stories.”</p> <p>“It’s time now for Penguin Random House to work with First Nations advisers to put structural measures in place that prevent this from ever happening again.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Penguin Random House UK/Ken McKay/ITV</em></p>

Books

"Rot in hell": Family of murdered paramedic speak out over ruling

<p>The man charged with murdering New South Wales paramedic Steven Tougher has been found not criminally responsible due to a mental health impairment, with Tougher's family "appalled" by the decision. </p> <p>In April 2023, Tougher, 29, was stabbed in a McDonald’s carpark by Jordan Fineanganofo, 23, in a frenzied attack at 5am in the Sydney suburb of Campbelltown. </p> <p>The father-to-be had been eating with a colleague when he was approached by Fineanganofo, who stabbed him 55 times and leaving 24 incised wounds. </p> <p>“I am going to f**king kill you,” Fineanganofo said to Mr Tougher, according to the agreed facts and court documents. </p> <p>Mr Tougher was rushed to hospital after the attack, but suffered a cardiac arrest and died at the hospital shortly after he arrived. </p> <p>Both the defence and the Crown prosecutor agreed the court could find Fineanganofo was not responsible because of his mental health issues, with Justice David Davies stating on Friday that he cannot be held criminal responsible. </p> <p>“I am satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the psychical acts,” he said.</p> <p>“(I) find the accused was suffering from a mental impairment at the time he committed the acts”. </p> <p>Justice Davies found Fineanganofo had been suffering from a mental health impairment at the time of the attack and did not know the wrongness of his actions because of his illness.</p> <p>The court was told Fineanganofo experienced auditory hallucinations, increasing paranoia, and suicidal ideation before the deadly attack, as the 23-year-old told psychiatrists that he heard voices telling him to harm himself and others in the weeks leading up to the offences, and believed he was surrounded by malignant demons.</p> <p>As Justice Davies handed down his decision, Tougher's friends and family broke down in court. </p> <p>“You chose not to take your medication, you’re the demon,” one person shouted at Fineanganofo as he was taken into custody, while another person yelled, “Rot in hell, you dog.”</p> <p>Outside court, Mr Tougher’s father Jeff said the family were “appalled” with the outcome.</p> <p>“It is neither what we wanted nor what we expected,” he said. “Stephen has been lost in this deeply flawed and broken process.”</p> <p>The heartbroken father said the family “strongly oppose” the court's decision to agree to a finding of not criminally responsible, and they were “deeply offended” they were not consulted before the decision was made.</p> <p>Mr Tougher’s father said the family would be pushing for an inquest into the “deplorable” circumstances surrounding his son’s death. </p> <p>“We are damaged today, but we’re not broken. The system is broken, and as a family, we will be fighting for change,” he said. “My son will not be forgotten, nor will his death be dismissed.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Legal

Virgin Australia passenger denied travel over tiny passport detail

<p>Renee Reader, 30, flew to Melbourne from the Gold Coast on Monday and had her passport checked several times by Virgin Australia staff. </p> <p>It wasn't until she was in the final boarding queue to Bali when staff spotted one tiny detail in her passport. </p> <p>"I got through security and customs. It wasn't until I was actually boarding the flight and I handed over my boarding pass and passport that the staff weren't sure about my passport," she told <em>Yahoo News Australia</em>.</p> <p>Staff then started taking photos of her passport and she was asked to step aside. When asked what the issue was, she was told there was a "yellow stain" on her passport identification page. </p> <p>It wasn't long before she received the "heartbreaking" news, with staff telling her: "You're not going to Bali." </p> <p>Although she tried to plead her case, airline staff stood firm on their decision, and said Renee would need to be escorted out of the airport by security. </p> <p>"I said, 'I don't think that's quite necessary. I'm not a criminal — It's a passport with a watermark on it'," she recalled, but was she was escorted anyways. </p> <p>While the airline paid for Renee's flight back to the Gold Coast, and acknowledged that they should've flagged the passport damage earlier into her journey, she still lost the money for her return flight tickets to Bali which cost around $200.</p> <p>"My message to everyone is to triple-check your passport and make sure that it is in immaculate condition, because they are getting a lot stricter, and I would never want this to happen to anyone else," she said.</p> <p> "I've travelled all over Europe, I've been to Bali with it [the mark] twice... I was in Bali just in July... it was absolutely heartbreaking," she said.</p> <p>A Virgin Australia spokesperson told <em>Yahoo News </em>that staff are required to flag any passport issues to prevent passengers from being refused entry at their intended destination. </p> <p>"When a guest presents for check-in for an international flight, Virgin Australia team members are required to ensure they have the necessary travel documentation and that the documents are in suitable condition," the spokesperson said.</p> <p><em>Image: TikTok/ Yahoo News</em></p>

Travel Trouble

"This is revolting": Senator calls for investigation over Kyle and Jackie O comments

<p>A senator has called for an investigation over the constant "vulgar" comments made by Kyle and Jackie O on their morning radio show, claiming the show is "misogynistic" and "racist". </p> <p>Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has questioned the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) during a senate hearing, asking why an investigation hasn't been launched into their on-air conduct. </p> <p>She said jokes about “being gay” and “divisive and violent language about women and sex” had been aired on the popular program, which is broadcast on the KIIS FM network on weekdays between 6am and 10am. </p> <p>Handing around printed copies of just some of their remarks, Senator Hanson-Young asked the ACMA whether these comments were appropriate for air during the early morning slot.</p> <p>During the hearing, Senator Hanson-Young asked ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin whether she would be able to read them out, to which Ms O'Loughlin replied she would “prefer not to”, noting she “wouldn’t think they were appropriate for parliamentary language”.</p> <p>“These comments, this content, just a snapshot since September. Jokes about people being gay, jokes about one of the producers’ Asian housemates, jokes about dating men who are not quote ‘white’,” Senator Hanson-Young said.</p> <p>“Jokes about the sexual and racial profiles of other journalists from other stations, divisive and violent language about women and sex, and goes into vulgar detail about sex acts. Comments on air that refer to fellow hosts as being annoying ‘b****’, jokes about overweight women and mental health."</p> <p>Senator Hanson-Young said the content was “not just vulgar” but “disgusting”.</p> <p> </p> <p>“It’s belittling, belittling of women, it’s misogynistic, it’s racist, it’s sexist – it’s off,” she said.</p> <p>Senator Hanson-Young went not on to reference 59 complaints about the show made between July and October, but Ms O'Loughlin but noted under the co-regulatory framework that complaints needed to be “dealt with by the broadcaster first and come to us for investigation after that”.</p> <p>Senator Hanson-Young pointed out the ACMA doesn’t have to wait for “specific complaints” to undertake motion investigations, asking why the ACMA hasn’t launched an investigation, claiming the comments breach decency standards.</p> <p> </p> <p>“Why haven’t you? This is revolting, sexist, racist, misogynistic, divisive stuff on free to air radio from 6am in the morning … to 10am in the morning, and you haven’t investigated it?” Ms Hanson-Young said.</p> <p> Ms O’Loughlin said, “We have not turned our mind to undertaking such a review, but I’m happy to take your concerns on notice and discuss that with the authority. We will take those (comments) seriously, and we’ll have an internal conversation.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Legal

Disgraced Olympian sentenced over failed drug plot

<p>An Olympic silver medallist and his younger brother, who tried to smuggle hundreds of kilograms of cocaine worth about $200 million into Australia, have been sentenced a second time. </p> <p>Nathan Baggaley, 48, a former champion kayaker and his brother Dru Baggaley, 42, faced Brisbane supreme court on Monday after pleading guilty to attempting to import a commercial quantity of drugs.</p> <p>Dru and another man were intercepted by the navy in July 2017, after he was found using a seven-metre inflatable boat to pick up 650 kilograms of cocaine from a ship near Australia's east coast. </p> <p>The inflatable boat, which was launched from Brunswick Heads on the NSW north coast, had been bought by Nathan and was registered in his name. </p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">The brothers were previously found guilty of </span>attempting to import cocaine by a Brisbane Supreme Court jury in April 2021. </p> <p>Nathan was sentenced to 25 years' imprisonment and his brother 28 years, but they later won appeals against their convictions and were ordered to face the retrial that was supposed to start on October 28, but instead pleaded guilty to the same charge.</p> <p>On Monday, Justice Declan Kelly sentenced Nathan to 13 years in jail and his brother 15 years. </p> <p>With time already served, they are now eligible for parole. </p> <p>During their sentencing hearing, Justice Kelly said there was insufficient evidence to prove Dru knew he was importing cocaine, after the court was told he thought he was collecting tobacco. </p> <p>“Dru was reckless that there was a substantial quantity of a border-controlled drug but there is insufficient evidence that he knew the precise quantity,” Justice Kelly said.</p> <p>He said that Nathan didn't initially know that it was an attempt to import a border-controlled drug until July 30 2018. </p> <p>"From that point in time he was aware of the attempt to import a substantial quantity of a border-controlled drug but was reckless as to the identity of that drug," Justice Kelly said.</p> <p>“It cannot be shown that Nathan knew the drug was cocaine or the precise amount of the drug.”</p> <p>Kelly accepted a defence barrister's submission the facts were profoundly different” compared to their 2021 sentencing, but said that regardless, the importation size was a "“very relevant factor” in his sentencing.</p> <p><em>Image: Erik S Lesser/EPA/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Legal

Pet owner fined $806 over simple mistake

<p>A poodle owner has been fined $806 over a 10-metre walk to the beach. </p> <p>John, who lives a few minutes away from Budd's Beach in Queensland, took his van down to the water's edge and walked roughly 10 metres across the shoreline with his dog Emma by his side. </p> <p>Little did he know that this common act would cost him $806 under new regulations that came into effect on July 31, where pet owners can get fined for not having a pet on a leash or not maintaining proper control of the leash while in public. </p> <p>"I thought that it was very unfair ...I was only traveling from my van to the water," John told <em>A Current Affair</em>. </p> <p>"I wasn't wandering along the footpath or in public areas or anywhere.</p> <p>"I was just passing, travelling from the car to the water... I really didn't think that I was doing anything wrong."</p> <p>John was fined for “failure to exercise effective control of a non regulated dog in a public place”. </p> <p>There are signs further up Budd's Beach that state dogs must be on a leash at all times, and John said he does use a lead when he takes his pup out for a walk. </p> <p>The massive fines are a part of the Queensland government's crackdown on dog attacks, with fines of up to $112,910 for more serious dog attack offences as well as up to three years imprisonment.</p> <p>“Changes were made to the AMCDA due to a rise in complaints about aggressive dogs and dog attacks, and the large number of dog-attack victims admitted to hospital each year in Queensland,” the Queensland government said in a statement online.</p> <p>Another Queensland resident has also been fined under the same laws for having her dog's lead under her foot during a coffee break. </p> <p>“It’s wrong, we are trying to survive and it is another stress I didn’t need,” the resident said. </p> <p>“She was on a lead and collar and she was behaving properly."</p> <p><em>Images: Nine</em></p>

Legal

Why do organisations still struggle to protect our data? We asked 50 professionals on the privacy front line

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jane-andrew-10314">Jane Andrew</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dr-penelope-bowyer-pont-1550191">Dr Penelope Bowyer-Pont</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/max-baker-25553">Max Baker</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p>More of our personal data is now collected and stored online than ever before in history. The rise of data breaches should unsettle us all.</p> <p>At an individual level, data breaches can compromise our privacy, cause harm to our finances and mental health, and even enable identity theft.</p> <p>For organisations, the repercussions can be equally severe, often resulting in major financial losses and brand damage.</p> <p>Despite the increasing importance of protecting our personal information, doing so remains fraught with challenges.</p> <p>As part of a <a href="http://www.doi.org/10.25910/psq3-q365">comprehensive study</a> of data breach notification practices, we interviewed 50 senior personnel working in information security and privacy. Here’s what they told us about the multifaceted challenges they face.</p> <h2>What does the law actually say?</h2> <p>Data breaches occur whenever personal information is accessed or disclosed without authorisation, or even lost altogether. <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-20/optus-hack/104002682">Optus</a>, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-09/medibank-data-release-dark-web-hackers/101632088">Medibank</a> and <a href="https://www.afr.com/technology/canva-criticised-after-data-breach-exposed-139m-user-details-20190526-p51r8i">Canva</a> have all experienced high-profile incidents in recent years.</p> <p>Under Australia’s <a href="https://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdb/au/legis/cth/consol_act/pa1988108/">privacy laws</a>, organisations aren’t allowed to sweep major cyber attacks under the rug.</p> <p>They have to notify both the regulator – the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) – and any affected individuals of breaches that are likely to result in “<a href="https://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdb/au/legis/cth/consol_act/pa1988108/#:%7E:text=Whether%20access%20or%20disclosure%20would%20be%20likely%2C%20or%20would%20not%20be%20likely%2C%20to%20result%20in%20serious%20harm%2D%2Drelevant%20matters%20%C2%A0">serious harm</a>”.</p> <p>But according to the organisational leaders we interviewed, this poses a tricky question. How do you define serious harm?</p> <p>Interpretations of what “serious harm” actually means – and how likely it is to occur – vary significantly. This inconsistency can make it impossible to predict the specific impact of a data breach on an individual.</p> <p>Victims of domestic violence, for example, may be at increased risk when personal information is exposed, creating harms that are difficult to foresee or mitigate.</p> <h2>Enforcing the rules</h2> <p>Interviewees also had concerns about how well the regulator could provide guidance and enforce data protection measures.</p> <p>Many expressed a belief the OAIC is underfunded and lacks the authority to impose and enforce fines properly. The consensus was that the challenge of protecting our data has now outgrown the power and resources of the regulator.</p> <p>As one chief information security officer at a publicly listed company put it:</p> <blockquote> <p>What’s the point of having speeding signs and cameras if you don’t give anyone a ticket?</p> </blockquote> <p>A lack of enforcement can undermine the incentive for organisations to invest in robust data protection.</p> <h2>Only the tip of the iceberg</h2> <p>Data breaches are also underreported, particularly in the corporate sector.</p> <p>One senior cybersecurity consultant from a major multinational company told us there is a strong incentive for companies to minimise or cover up breaches, to avoid embarrassment.</p> <p>This culture means many breaches that should be reported simply aren’t. One senior public servant estimated only about 10% of reportable breaches end up actually being disclosed.</p> <p>Without this basic transparency, the regulator and affected individuals can’t take necessary steps to protect themselves.</p> <h2>Third-party breaches</h2> <p>Sometimes, when we give our personal information to one organisation, it can end up in the hands of another one we might not expect. This is because key tasks – especially managing databases – are often outsourced to third parties.</p> <p>Outsourcing tasks might be a more efficient option for an organisation, but it can make protecting personal data even more complicated.</p> <p>Interviewees told us breaches were more likely when engaging third-party providers, because it limited the control they had over security measures.</p> <p>Between July and December 2023 in Australia, there was an increase of <a href="https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/notifiable-data-breaches/notifiable-data-breaches-publications/notifiable-data-breaches-report-july-to-december-2023">more than 300%</a> in third-party data breaches compared to the six months prior.</p> <p>There have been some highly publicised examples.</p> <p>In May this year, many Clubs NSW customers had their personal information potentially <a href="https://www.rimpa.com.au/resource/more-than-a-million-australian-data-records-potentially-exposed-in-nsw-club-and-pub-data-breach.html#:%7E:text=Outabox%2C%20the%20IT%20services%20provider,and%20has%20notified%20law%20enforcement">breached</a> through an attack on third-party software provider Outabox.</p> <p>Bunnings suffered a <a href="https://australiancybersecuritymagazine.com.au/bunnings-customer-data-compromised/">similar breach</a> in late 2021, via an attack on scheduling software provider FlexBooker.</p> <h2>Getting the basics right</h2> <p>Some organisations are still struggling with the basics. Our research found many data breaches occur because outdated or “legacy” data systems are still in use.</p> <p>These systems are old or inactive databases, often containing huge amounts of personal information about all the individuals who’ve previously interacted with them.</p> <p>Organisations tend to hold onto personal data longer than is legally required. This can come down to confusion about data-retention requirements, but also the high cost and complexity of safely decommissioning old systems.</p> <p>One chief privacy officer of a large financial services institution told us:</p> <blockquote> <p>In an organisation like ours where we have over 2,000 legacy systems […] the systems don’t speak to each other. They don’t come with big red delete buttons.</p> </blockquote> <p>Other interviewees flagged that risky data testing practices are widespread.</p> <p>Software developers and tech teams often use “production data” – real customer data – to test new products. This is often quicker and cheaper than creating test datasets.</p> <p>However, this practice exposes real customer information to insecure testing environments, making it more vulnerable. A senior cybersecurity specialist told us:</p> <blockquote> <p>I’ve seen it so much in every industry […] It’s literally live, real information going into systems that are not live and real and have low security.</p> </blockquote> <h2>What needs to be done?</h2> <p>Drawing insights from professionals at the coalface, our study highlights just how complex data protection has become in Australia, and how quickly the landscape is evolving.</p> <p>Addressing these issues will require a multi-pronged approach, including clearer legislative guidelines, better enforcement, greater transparency and robust security practices for the use of third-party providers.</p> <p>As the digital world continues to evolve, so too must our strategies for protecting ourselves and our data.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/236681/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jane-andrew-10314">Jane Andrew</a>, Professor, Head of the Discipline of Accounting, Governance and Regulation, University of Sydney Business School, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dr-penelope-bowyer-pont-1550191">Dr Penelope Bowyer-Pont</a>, Researcher, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/max-baker-25553">Max Baker</a>, Associate professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-organisations-still-struggle-to-protect-our-data-we-asked-50-professionals-on-the-privacy-front-line-236681">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Legal

Anthony Albanese under fire over free Qantas upgrades

<p>A journalist's new book has claimed that Anthony Albanese has been scoring free flight upgrades with Qantas for over 15 years.</p> <p>According to <em>AFR</em> journalist Joe Aston's new book <em>The Chairman’s Lounge</em>, the PM and his family received upgrades from Qantas over his time as Transportation Minister and Opposition Leader between the years of 2007 and 2019.</p> <p>Aston's investigation allegedly found that Albanese had used his relationship with former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce to secure free upgrades to business and first-class flights on at least 22 occasions.</p> <p>“According to Qantas insiders, Albanese would liaise with Joyce directly about his personal travel,” Aston wrote.</p> <p>Albanese has defended these upgrades by stating they were all “declared as appropriate”, saying, “From time to time, members of parliament receive upgrades. What’s important is that they are declared. All of mine have been declared."</p> <p>“I note that a range of them go back a long, a long period of time and that they have all been declared as appropriate.”</p> <p>Despite claiming that the upgrades were all above board, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton called the perks “a bit strange.”</p> <p>“I think it is a bit strange that Mr Albanese is contacting the CEO of an airline when he is the shadow minister or minister for transport,” said Dutton.</p> <p>“I very strongly believe in the need for people to declare their interests, and sometimes there are oversight and human error involved, but when you’re talking about having a personal phone call to ask for an upgrade, as the transport minister or shadow transport minister, then I presume the prime minister will answer questions about that.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock/LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Fury over black market for disabled parking permits

<p>An investigation has uncovered a rise in the black market for disabled and mobility permits on online classified sites.</p> <p>According to motoring news outlet <a href="https://www.drive.com.au/caradvice/outrage-after-disabled-parking-permits-spotted-for-sale-online/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Drive</em></a>, some users around Australia are using Facebook and other social media outlets to sell their unused mobility parking permits to give other drivers unauthorised access to disabled parking spots.</p> <p>The publication unearthed one permit for sale in Sydney was priced at $500 and valid until 2028.</p> <p>The permit was equipped with the holder, photo ID, and a description stating the buyer will get free unmetered parking and that the permit is valid Australia-wide.</p> <p>A spokesperson for Transport NSW told <em>Drive</em> this practice is illegal and carries large fines for both the purchaser and seller, adding that the permit holder is subject to cancellation for misuse.</p> <p>“The sale of mobility parking permits online is illegal, and Transport for NSW urges anyone who is aware of this happening to report it to NSW Police," the spokesperson said. “These permits are reserved only for people with permanent or temporary mobility challenges as assessed by a medical professional."</p> <p>“The regulatory penalty for misuse of a permit is currently a penalty notice of $818 or a maximum court-imposed penalty of $2200 under the Road Transport (General) Regulation 2021. This includes ‘permitting another person to have possession of it’.”</p> <p>A spokesperson for the Department of Social Services Australia went on to stress the importance of not buying a mobility parking permit if you are not legally entitled to one.</p> <p>“Australia’s Disability Strategy recognises that people with disability should be supported to live more accessible and connected lives within their communities, including being able to fully participate in social, recreational, and cultural events," the spokesperson said.</p> <p>“The inappropriate use of accessible parking spaces can negatively impact people with disability.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Drive / Facebook</em></p>

Legal

Aussie drivers warned over commonly ignored road rule

<p>Aussie drivers are being reminded to follow simple road rules and etiquette when driving on a highway, with one often ignored rule costing drivers hundreds. </p> <p>Police are fining drivers caught driving in the right lane on a highway without overtaking anyone.</p> <p>A Victorian man was fined $198 and two demerit points over the weekend "after travelling 3km in the right-hand lane and passing no one,” Senior Sergeant Aaron Riches told the <em>Geelong Advertiser.</em></p> <p>Penalties also apply in other states and territories, including NSW where the penalty can be as much as $410.</p> <p>Victoria Police told <em>Yahoo News Australia </em>that this wasn't part of a crackdown, as they are always monitoring roads to ensure drivers are following the road rules. </p> <p>"Police are out and about every day, making sure people are following the road rules. Road safety is a priority for police, and we will continue to focus our efforts on ensuring those using the roads are safe," a spokesperson said.</p> <p>According to VicRoads, when travelling on a multi-lane road with a speed limit of over 80km/h, drivers must keep out of the right lane unless they are overtaking, turning right or if all lanes are congested.</p> <p>In NSW a P-plater was caught "disobeying" this rule and copped a $410 fine. </p> <p>Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh of Astor Legal said some drivers get of easy, with penalties actually reaching $2,200. </p> <p>"On a road where there is a speed limit of more than 80km/h, you must not drive in the right lane, unless you're overtaking," he said.</p> <p>Although unlikely, "you can incur a fine of up to $2,200 for disobeying this rule," he added.</p> <p>NSW Police also reminded drivers in August against ignoring "keep left signs unless overtaking" as travelling in the right lane has resulted in "an increase in collisions involving drivers overtaking other vehicles".</p> <p><em>Images: NSW Police Highway Patrol</em></p>

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Pet owner fined $806 over simple mistake

Why do organisations still struggle to protect our data? We asked 50 professionals on the privacy front line

Anthony Albanese under fire over free Qantas upgrades

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Aussie drivers warned over commonly ignored road rule

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