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How risky is turbulence on a plane? How worried should I be?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hassan-vally-202904">Hassan Vally</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> The Singapore Airlines <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-21/singapore-london-flight-makes-emergency-landing/103876370">turbulence incident</a> that has sadly left one person dead and others hospitalised has made many of us think about the risks of air travel. We’ll hear more in coming days about how the aircraft came to drop so suddenly on its route from London to Singapore earlier this week, injuring passengers and crew, before making an emergency landing in Thailand. But thankfully, these types of incidents <a href="https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/2014/in-flight-turbulence">are rare</a>, and much <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/injury/transport-accidents">less-common</a> than injuries from other types of transport. So why do we sometimes think the risk of getting injured while travelling by plane is higher than it really is? <h2>How common are turbulence injuries?</h2> <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-air-turbulence-196872">Turbulence</a> <a href="https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/2014/in-flight-turbulence">is caused by</a> the irregular movement of air, leading to passengers and crew experiencing abrupt sideways and vertical jolts. In the case of the Singapore Airlines flight, this type of turbulence is thought to be a severe example of “<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/may/21/what-causes-air-turbulence-and-how-worried-should-passengers-be">clear-air turbulence</a>”, which can occur without warning. There are several other types. About 25 in-flight turbulence injuries <a href="https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/2014/in-flight-turbulence">are reported</a> to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau each year, although it is thought many more are un-reported. Some of these reported injuries are serious, including broken bones and head injuries. Passengers being thrown up and out of their seat during turbulence is one of the most common type of head injury on a plane. Other injuries from turbulence are caused by contact with flying laptops, or other unsecured items. In <a href="https://www.atsb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-04/AR-2008-034%20Turbulence%20FactSheet_v2.pdf">one example</a> of clear-air turbulence that came without warning, cabin crew, passengers and meal trolleys hit the ceiling, and landed heavily back on the floor. Serious injuries included bone fractures, lacerations, neck and back strains, a dislocated shoulder and shattered teeth. Almost all of those seriously injured did not have their seat belts fastened. But we need to put this into perspective. In the year to January 2024, there were <a href="https://www.bitre.gov.au/statistics/aviation/international">more than 36 million</a> passengers on international flights to Australia. In the year to February 2024, there were <a href="https://www.bitre.gov.au/statistics/aviation/domestic">more than 58 million</a> passengers on domestic flights. So while such incidents grab the headlines, they are exceedingly rare. <h2>Why do we think flying is riskier than it is?</h2> When we hear about this recent Singapore Airlines incident, it’s entirely natural to have a strong emotional reaction. We might have imagined the terror we might feel if we were on the aircraft at the time. But our emotional response <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2001-16969-005">alters our perception</a> of the risk and leads us to think these rare incidents are more common than they really are. There is a vast body of literature addressing the <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-how-our-understanding-of-risk-is-changing-79501">numerous factors</a> that influence how individuals perceive risk and the cognitive biases we are all subject to that mislead us. Nobel Prize-winning economist <a href="https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/economic-sciences/2002/kahneman/facts/">Daniel Kahneman</a> covers them in his bestselling book <a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/thinking-fast-and-slow-9780141033570">Thinking, Fast and Slow</a>. He describes the way we respond to risks is not rational, but driven by emotion. Kahneman also highlights the fact that our brains are not wired to make sense of extremely small risks. So these types of risks – such as the chance of serious injury or death from in-flight turbulence – are hard for us to make sense of. The more unusual an event is, and this was a very unusual event, Kahneman says the more impact it makes on our psyche and the more likely we are to overestimate the risk. Of course, the more unusual the event, the <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1999-02435-000">more likely</a> it is for it to be in the media, amplifying this effect. Similarly, the easier it is to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0010028573900339">imagine an event</a>, the more it affects our perception and the more likely we are to respond to an event as if it were much more likely to occur. <h2>How can we make sense of the risk?</h2> One way to make sense of activities with small, hard-to-understand risks is by comparing their risks to the risks of more familiar activities. If we do this, the data shows very clearly that it is much <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/injury/transport-accidents">more risky</a> to drive a car or ride a motorbike than to travel by plane. While events such as the Singapore Airlines incident are devastating and stir up lots of emotions, it’s important to recognise how our emotions can mislead us to over-estimate the risk of this happening again, or to us. Apart from the stress and anxiety this provokes, overestimating the risks of particular activities may lead us to make bad decisions that actually put us at greater risk of harm.<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/230665/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hassan-vally-202904">Hassan Vally</a>, Associate Professor, Epidemiology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock 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-risky-is-turbulence-on-a-plane-how-worried-should-i-be-230665">original article</a>. </div>

Travel Trouble

How risky is it to give card details over the phone and how do I reduce the chance of fraud?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paul-haskell-dowland-382903">Paul Haskell-Dowland</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ismini-vasileiou-1031778">Ismini Vasileiou</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/de-montfort-university-1254">De Montfort University</a> Paying for things digitally is so common, most of us think nothing of swiping or tapping our card, or using mobile payments. While doing so is second nature, we may be more reluctant to provide card details over the phone. Merchants are allowed to ask us for credit card details over the phone – this is perfectly legal. But there are minimum standards they must comply with and safeguards to protect consumer data. So is giving your card details over the phone any more risky than other transactions and how can you minimise the risks? <h2>How is my card data protected?</h2> For a merchant to process card transactions, they are expected to comply with the <a href="https://docs-prv.pcisecuritystandards.org/PCI%20DSS/Standard/PCI-DSS-v4_0.pdf">Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard</a>. This is a set of security requirements designed to protect cardholder data and the trillions of dollars of transactions each year. Compliance involves various security measures (such as encryption and access controls) together with strong governance and regular security assessments. If the information stored by the merchant is accessed by an unauthorised party, encryption ensures it is not readable. That means stealing the data would not let the criminals use the card details. Meanwhile, access controls ensure only authorised individuals have access to cardholder data. Though all companies processing cards are expected to meet the compliance standards, only those processing large volumes are subject to mandatory regular audits. Should a subsequent data leak or misuse occur that can be attributed to a compliance failure, a <a href="https://www.csoonline.com/article/569591/pci-dss-explained-requirements-fines-and-steps-to-compliance.html">company can be penalised</a> at levels that can escalate into millions of dollars. These requirements apply to all card transactions, whether in person, online or over the phone. Phone transactions are likely to involve a human collecting the card details and either entering them into computer systems, or processing the payment through paper forms. The payment card Security Standards Council has <a href="https://docs-prv.pcisecuritystandards.org/Guidance%20Document/Telephone-Based%20Payments/Protecting_Telephone_Based_Payment_Card_Data_v3-0_nov_2018.pdf">detailed guides for best practice</a>: <blockquote> A policy should be in place to ensure that payment card data is protected against unauthorised viewing, copying, or scanning, in particular on desks. </blockquote> Although these measures can help to protect your card data, there are still risks in case the details are misplaced or the person on the phone aren’t who they say they are. <h2>Basic tips for safe credit card use over the phone</h2> If you provide card details over the phone, there are steps you can take to minimise the chance you’ll become the victim of fraud, or get your details leaked. 1. Verify the caller If you didn’t initiate the call, hang up and call the company directly using details you’ve verified yourself. Scammers will often masquerade as a well-known company (for example, an online retailer or a courier) and convince you a payment failed or payment is needed to release a delivery. Before you provide any information, confirm the caller is legitimate and the purpose of the call is genuine. 2. Be sceptical If you are being offered a deal that’s too good to be true, have concerns about the person you’re dealing with, or just feel something is not quite right, hang up. You can always call them back later if the caller turns out to be legitimate. 3. Use secure payment methods If you’ve previously paid the company with other (more secure) methods, ask to use that same method. 4. Keep records Make sure you record details of the company, the representative you are speaking to and the amount being charged. You should also ask for an order or transaction reference. Don’t forget to ask for the receipt to be sent to you. Check the transaction against your card matches the receipt – use your banking app, don’t wait for the statement to come through. <h2>Virtual credit cards</h2> In addition to the safeguards mentioned above, a <a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/virtual-credit-card-numbers-guide/">virtual credit card</a> can help reduce the risk of card fraud. You probably already have a form of virtual card if you’ve added a credit card to your phone for mobile payments. Depending on the financial institution, you can create a new credit card number linked to your physical card. Some banks extend this functionality to allow you to generate unique card numbers and/or CVV numbers (the three digits at the back of your card). With this approach you can easily separate transactions and cancel a virtual card/number if you have any concerns. <h2>What to do if you think your card details have been compromised or stolen?</h2> It’s important not to panic, but quick action is essential: <ul> <li> call your bank and get the card blocked so you won’t lose any more money. Depending on your situation, you can also block/cancel the card through your banking app or website </li> <li> report the issue to the police or other relevant body </li> <li> monitor your account(s) for any unusual transactions </li> <li> explore card settings in your banking app or website – many providers allow you to limit transactions based on value, restrict transaction types or enable alerts </li> <li> you may want to consider registering for <a href="https://theconversation.com/your-credit-report-is-a-key-part-of-your-privacy-heres-how-to-find-and-check-it-116999">credit monitoring services</a> and to enable fraud alerts. </li> </ul> <h2>So, should I give my card details over the phone?</h2> If you want to minimise risk, it’s best to avoid giving card details over the phone if you can. Providing your card details via a website still has risks, but at least it removes the human element. The best solution currently available is to use virtual cards – if anything goes wrong you can cancel just that unique card identity, rather than your entire card.<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/216833/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paul-haskell-dowland-382903">Paul Haskell-Dowland</a>, Professor of Cyber Security Practice, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ismini-vasileiou-1031778">Ismini Vasileiou</a>, Associate Professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/de-montfort-university-1254">De Montfort University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a style="font-style: italic;" href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a style="font-style: italic;" href="https://theconversation.com/how-risky-is-it-to-give-card-details-over-the-phone-and-how-do-i-reduce-the-chance-of-fraud-216833">original article</a>.

Money & Banking

Using social media for your holiday ‘inspo’ can be risky and even dangerous – here’s why

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/samuel-cornell-1418374">Samuel Cornell</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amy-peden-1136424">Amy Peden</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> How do you choose your next travel destination? Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are handy tools for holiday research, full of #inspo for new and beautiful places to go. However, behind those mesmerising selfies, highlights and reels, there’s often a stark reality that isn’t shared. Our <a href="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e47202">ongoing research</a> shows that dangers abound from social media related misadventures. These include the hidden dangers of getting to the location, as well as the ecological strains on sites that get overcrowded with tourists. Australia, with its breathtaking natural wonders, is no stranger to the downsides of social media tourism. Many people have been injured, needed rescue or even perished when visiting trendy places. <h2>The illusion of safety</h2> Influencers are in the business of presenting the best version of their experiences – not necessarily the safest. Our interviews with influencers who make content of beautiful places in nature, reveal that they see themselves as entertainers more than guides. When it comes to the risks associated with the places they promote, they don’t view safety communication as their responsibility. The <a href="https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/lookouts/figure-eight-pools">Figure Eight Pools</a> in New South Wales’ Royal National Park are one potent reminder of how online portrayals and reality don’t always match up. The photos showcase tranquil pools with glistening waters. But many visitors, enticed by these images, have faced the peril of sudden large waves washing over the rock shelf and <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-28/call-to-close-access-to-social-media-favourite-figure-8-pools/10853854">even causing injuries</a>. Babinda Boulders, near Cairns in Queensland, is another such location. Wrapped in lush rainforests, this waterhole might seem inviting, but its <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/calls-for-change-aussie-tourist-spot-qld-21-deaths-babinda-boulders-060358597.html">tragic history of drownings</a> speaks volumes – 21 drownings since 1965, and three since 2020. <iframe id="tc-infographic-962" class="tc-infographic" style="border: none;" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/infographics/962/4183438c91d92e8e594f9a0700092002547b3c60/site/index.html" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe> Despite this, the pull of picturesque posts lures visitors into prohibited and <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/warnings/grim-truth-about-deadly-queensland-waterhole/news-story/5f02dfcc25edb2978022d41eebed03ca">dangerous areas</a>. Josephine Falls in Queensland has also <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/aussies-fume-over-dangerous-mistake-at-deadly-waterfall-theres-always-one-064337596.html">experienced numerous incidents</a>, all requiring resource-intensive rescues. Unfortunately, for many visitors, the warnings provided by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service are to no avail – the lure of social media content is simply too strong. <h2>A burden on local infrastructure</h2> Aesthetically pleasing, curated tourism content sets unrealistic expectations. Visitors who want to see the “insta-famous” scenery often find themselves underprepared for the actual experiences, sometimes leading to unsafe choices. Drone shots can be particularly misleading. While they capture expansive vistas from above, they mask the ground-level challenges and dangers. <a href="https://www.grampiansguide.com.au/explore-location/37/the-balconies/">The Balconies</a> in the Grampians National Park in Victoria is another infamous spot for taking risky photos for Instagram. To get the photo they came for, tourists must traverse a barrier. The viral content has led ever-increasing numbers of people to these rocks for a shot – risking their lives for the same photo hundreds of others have posted. <iframe id="tc-infographic-963" class="tc-infographic" style="border: none;" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/infographics/963/b612524d8c78779f930243d11b92356d3902097e/site/index.html" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe> Additionally, geotagging (attaching metadata, such as latitude and longitude coordinates, to a photo) has its merits, offering travellers directions to exact locations. However, it’s a double-edged sword. When a location becomes popular on social media, the influx of visitors can strain local infrastructure. As <a href="https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/jervis-bay-and-shoalhaven/hyams-beach">Hyams Beach</a> in NSW went viral on various platforms, the once-peaceful coastal village grappled with traffic congestion and overwhelmed local resources. Lincoln’s Rock in the Blue Mountains in NSW, once a little-known spot, was transformed by geotagged posts into a magnet for tourists and influencers. Some would engage in risky behaviours at the cliff edge. It’s one of many lookouts that once had few footprints, and is now a popular vista with little infrastructure. Some regional areas simply don’t have the infrastructure or capacity to handle a large influx of tourists. As social media algorithms <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/11/12/3356">push trending posts even further</a>, once-secluded gems face threats of overtourism. <h2>Be a responsible tourist</h2> While it’s easy to fall prey to the siren call of viral destinations, it’s essential to approach with caution and do proper research before you set out. It’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in natural areas, and not get tunnel vision, or “<a href="https://theconversation.com/metourism-the-hidden-costs-of-selfie-tourism-87865">tourist gaze</a>”. Fortunately, in Australia, national parks provide detailed information about popular locations. They can be relied upon to give accurate information and a true representation of the area, including safety information and guides for great hikes and the best lookouts. All states in Australia have parks agencies that provide this information online (and they’re on social media, too). <iframe id="tc-infographic-964" class="tc-infographic" style="border: none;" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/infographics/964/b56b02bd5c1accfd6f19f18a6e549b4f667c66bf/site/index.html" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe> <h2>Things to keep in mind</h2> <ol> <li> Social media is a highlight reel. Before diving into that enticing pool or hiking that mountain, do thorough research. Don’t let it be your last swim </li> <li> engage with locals, understand the history, the culture, and importantly, respect the environment </li> <li> it’s also essential to challenge the content we consume and share. By geotagging responsibly and authentically portraying experiences, we can safeguard Australia’s treasures </li> <li> social media is a powerful tool but needs to be wielded wisely. Australia’s natural wonders are worth more than just a fleeting snapshot; they deserve our utmost respect and care. </li> </ol> So, as you scroll through your feed, dreaming of your next escape, remember that every location has a story beyond its pixels. Dive deep, explore responsibly, and treasure the real over the reel. <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/216434/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/samuel-cornell-1418374">Samuel Cornell</a>, PhD Candidate, School of Population Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amy-peden-1136424">Amy Peden</a>, NHMRC Research Fellow, School of Population Health & co-founder UNSW Beach Safety Research Group, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> Image credits: Getty Images 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/using-social-media-for-your-holiday-inspo-can-be-risky-and-even-dangerous-heres-why-216434">original article</a>.

Travel Tips

No, the Voice proposal will not be ‘legally risky’. This misunderstands how constitutions work

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/william-partlett-708330">William Partlett</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> The “no” campaign’s primary argument in the current referendum debate focuses on the dangerous consequences of a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament. This argument is relevant to the parliamentary debate about how a constitutional Voice to Parliament will be set up through legislation. But it has no bearing on the referendum debate. This debate involves a different, moral question: do you support the idea of recognising First Australians in the Constitution by giving them a voice on matters that affect them? <h2>What exactly is the ‘no’ campaign arguing?</h2> Although the “no” campaign opposes a constitutionally enshrined Voice, some of its key leaders are not against the general idea of a Voice institution itself. Instead, many “no” campaigners, including Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, <a href="https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/voice-to-parliament/dutton-says-his-priority-remains-establishing-a-local-and-regional-voice/video/45255e2fa30463000b1111d7188db1aa">support</a> legislated Voice institutions at the regional level. The “no” side also does not oppose constitutional recognition for First Australians. Dutton has recently promised that if the Voice referendum fails, the Coalition would <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/sep/03/peter-dutton-says-coalition-will-hold-indigenous-recognition-referendum-if-voice-to-parliament-vote-fails">hold another referendum</a> on First Nations constitutional recognition if it is returned to power. The “no” side’s main argument, therefore, is a very specific one. It focuses on what it claims are the dangerous consequences of recognising First Australians by placing a Voice institution in the Australian Constitution. In its official campaign <a href="https://aec.gov.au/referendums/files/pamphlet/referendum-booklet.pdf">pamphlet</a>, the “no” side claims that doing this will: <ul> <li> be “legally risky” and lead to litigation </li> <li> “risk delay and dysfunction” in government </li> <li> be a “costly and bureaucratic” institution with “no issue beyond its scope”. </li> </ul> Finally, the “no” side claims the Albanese government has not put forth any details on how this Voice body would function, and it would be a “permanent” change that will open the door for “activists”. <h2>The nature of constitutions</h2> These concerns, however, fundamentally misunderstand how constitutions work. Constitutions are not detailed documents that anticipate every possible circumstance. On the contrary, they are by nature short and incomplete documents. They inherently contain large gaps. In Australia, the evolution of constitutional institutions has been primarily shaped by parliament through legislation. Take the constitutional provision creating the High Court as an example. The Constitution contains very little detail on how the High Court operates. It does not even specify how many justices will be on the court. It merely says: <blockquote> The High Court shall consist of a Chief Justice, and so many other Justices, not less than two, as the Parliament prescribes. </blockquote> Indeed, it was left to parliament to establish the jurisdiction and powers of the High Court in the <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2016C00836">Judiciary Act</a> in 1903. And since then, parliament has passed numerous amendments that continue to shape the operation of the court, ensuring it continues to develop in line with the needs of contemporary Australian society. For instance, the court has <a href="https://www.hcourt.gov.au/about/history-of-the-high-court">increased</a> in size from three to seven justices in order to handle its increasing case load, which many in the early 20th century thought would be very light. <h2>The Voice to Parliament proposal</h2> The proposed Voice body will operate in the same way. The <a href="https://voice.gov.au/referendum-2023/referendum-question-and-constitutional-amendment">proposal</a> is typical of other clauses already in the Constitution – it contains little detail other than there “shall be a body” called the “Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders Voice” that will make “representations” to parliament. Details on how the body is selected and how it will operate are explicitly left to parliament. The final section of the proposed Voice provision <a href="https://voice.gov.au/referendum-2023/referendum-question-and-constitutional-amendment">states</a>: <blockquote> the parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures. </blockquote> If the October referendum vote is successful, it will be up to the current parliament to pass the foundational legislation setting up the Voice body. But this law will always be subject to change by subsequent parliaments. If there are problems with the way it functions, future parliaments can fix those issues through amending legislation (just as the functioning of the High Court has changed over time). The proposed constitutional Voice will, therefore, operate in much the same way as a legislated Voice would. In the end, both would be controlled by parliament. The various concerns of the “no” side are best suited to this legislative debate. For instance, it will be important to ensure the legislation creating the Voice does not lead to dysfunctional government or become a costly or ineffective bureaucracy. But the “no” side’s concerns have no bearing on the constitutional question we all must answer in the referendum. <h2>A moral question</h2> Instead, we face a clearer, moral question on October 14: do we support the idea of recognising First Australians in the Constitution by giving them a voice in matters that affect them? In answering this question, it is worth considering the <a href="http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/IndigLRes/rciadic/national/vol1/">findings</a> of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody from more than 30 years ago. The commission linked the shocking number of First Australians dying in state custody to the historical fact that Aboriginal people have faced “deliberate and systematic disempowerment” for more than a century. It said: <blockquote> Decisions were made about them and for them and imposed upon them. </blockquote> Only First Nations empowerment, the report concluded, would overcome this disadvantage. This empowerment process began with a series of First Nations regional dialogues that ultimately called for a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament in 2017. This empowerment is not real, however, until we heed this call.<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/212696/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/william-partlett-708330">William Partlett</a>, Associate Professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> Image credits: Getty Images 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/no-the-voice-proposal-will-not-be-legally-risky-this-misunderstands-how-constitutions-work-212696">original article</a>.

Legal

The risky ambulance interview that put Kochie on the map

Footage has resurfaced of the moment David “Kochie” Koch cemented his role as the king of breakfast TV as he prepares to finish up his 21-year run on Sunrise. The 67-year-old has hundreds of interviews under his belt, but it was a risky interview in the back of an ambulance that thrust him into the spotlight. In April 2006, Kochie and his then co-host Melissa Doyle were stationed at Beaconsfield Tasmania to report on a collapsed mine that left one miner dead and seventeen trapped underground. The Sunrise hosts were competing with several other news outlets at the scene of the tragedy, but Kochie managed to secure the scoop of the century after jumping into the back of an ambulance to interview injured miner Todd Russell. The veteran TV presenter rushed through the security cordon and leapt into the vehicle after being invited by Russell, who coincidently was a big Sunrise fan. “So, I got into the ambulance and that's when he gave me his miners tag, which is a moment, I got to say, a moment and a symbol I will cherish forever,” Koch later told the ABC. “And I make no apologies for doing it.” In 2017, Kochie reflected on the incident on Sunrise, describing his interview with Russell as “touch and go”. “Todd says he wants that 'big, fun, son of a 'b', Koch, at the gate' when they come out in the ambulance,” he said. “It was one of the most memorable [interviews] because of that connection,” Kochie added. On May 29, Kochie <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/the-world-s-best-job-kochie-quits-sunrise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced his departure</a> from Sunrise on air, with plans to pursue his own businesses and spend more time with family. Seven Network <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/the-world-s-best-job-kochie-quits-sunrise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced Koch’s replacement</a> on June 5, which sees former Olympic sprinter Matt Shirvington joining Natalie Barr behind the news desk. Image credit: Instagram

White Island volcano eruption: Risky recovery operation begins

A New Zealand military team has landed on the volcanic White Island to recover the bodies of eight people killed in Monday’s eruption, the police announced on Friday morning. The eight-member NZ Defence Force team has arrived on Whakaari/White Island to airlift the bodies off to the naval ship HMNZS Wellington. Located about 50 kilometres off the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, the White Island is still “highly volatile” with 50 to 60 per cent chance of erupting in the next 24 hours, geological agency GNS Science said <a href="https://www.gns.cri.nz/Home/News-and-Events/Media-Releases/GNS-Science-maps-show-risk-levels-at-Whakaari-White-Island-still-high-12-12-2019">on Thursday</a>. “Whakaari/White Island is an active volcano, and the estimated chance of an eruption is increasing every day,” said the agency’s volcanologist Graham Leonard. “This level of volcanic activity is the highest we’ve seen since the eruption in 2016.” Six Australians are believed to be among the victims on the island: Karla Matthews and Richard Elzer from Coffs Harbour; Julie and Jessica Richards from Brisbane; Zoe Hosking from Adelaide; and Krystal Browitt from Melbourne. There were 47 people on the island at the time of eruption. Twenty-four of those were from Australia, nine from the United States, five from New Zealand, four from Germany, two each from China and Britain, and one from Malaysia. Police said on Thursday two people who were hospitalised from injuries sustained during the eruption had died, bringing the official death toll to eight. Police believe a total of 16 people have died. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told ABC Radio National on Friday morning the country’s workplace health and safety regulator WorkSafe was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2019/dec/12/new-zealand-volcano-eruption-white-island-nz-police-victim-recovery-retrieval-operation-whakaari-live-news-latest-updates">investigating the circumstances</a> around the eruption. “I’m passing no judgement,” she said. “I need that job to be done properly and [families and the community] deserve to have their questions answered.”

News

The MasterChef judges' "risky" next move revealed

George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston are exploring their next small screen endeavours together after announcing their shock departure from Masterchef Australia. The trio are preparing to develop new concepts under the banner of their own production company GGM, in which they’ll be pitching to streaming giants Netflix and Amazon. However, the damage could be done to Calombaris’ brand, which has hurt his two MasterChef co-stars. One media expert believes that a reality competition format on any streaming platforms won’t work, as streaming service cooking shows have had mixed reactions from fans. Media analyst Steve Allan has said that the trio have become some of the biggest TV stars around due to their explosion on the television scene back in 2009. “Each one of them have used MasterChef to get all kinds of lucrative deals — product sponsorships, TV commercials, appearances, food brands, kitchen appliances and tourism endorsements,” Mr Allen, boss of Fusion Strategy, said to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/reality-tv/masterchef-trio-plot-their-risky-new-move-after-exiting-show-with-millions-of-dollars-on-the-line/news-story/9d056704c5c376a9d053efb52033e4e6" target="_blank">news.com.au. </a> “Those kind of clients rely on those three being on screens several nights a week for months and months on end. “Those streaming services they’re rumoured to be targeting are popular, but they don’t offer that kind of ongoing, long-running and saturation visibility.” Allen says that the trio are in for a rude awakening as they could “find themselves being worth not quite as much to advertisers”. “If they think they can get these kinds of deals without MasterChef, they’re completely wrong.” <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz-Vp7xA53p/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz-Vp7xA53p/" target="_blank">@garymehigan’s face when he hears there’s gravy going spare... #masterchefau</a> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/mattscravat/" target="_blank"> Matt Preston</a> (@mattscravat) on Jul 16, 2019 at 3:19am PDT </div> </blockquote> Allen also thinks that Calombaris faces an impossible challenge to rehabilitate his toxic public profile after the Fair Work investigation into his $7.8 million underpayment of 500 staff. “George hasn’t handled his issues very well at all,” he said. “I think it’s crazy.” However, the trio seem insistent on working and staying together. There is a big unknown hanging over their head. “What I think is the big unknown is these three being the stars of such a show,” Mr Allen said. “There are a number of very well-established celebrity chefs who front a number of shows all over the world, especially in the US and UK. “Can these guys compete with them? We’ll see.” “It’ll be a tricky thing to get it right for these three,” he said. “It’s a hell of a gamble they’re taking.”

News

Pilots reveal their scariest stories while flying

Pilots have taken to the internet to share their stories behind the flights. They shared their stories with <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=12239732">The New Zealand Herald</a>. Muffingrinder was up first and shared a story about their father. “Not me but my dad, first years with Delta Airlines in the ‘90s as a navigator (back when they still had them) he was working a flight crossing the Atlantic and a passenger died (nothing dramatic, he was old and had a heart condition). “This particular plane had a gap between a wall and a row of seats so my dad had to be the one to move the body there and cover it with a blanket. Some people were bound to notice but a portion of the plane didn’t know until all the drama that ensued when they pulled up to the gate.” Redditor Giftofnarwhals reminds us why fear of flying is a valid fear. “I used to work with elderly people and one of my clients was a former pilot that finally quit when he realised in the middle of a flight his dementia had progressed and he couldn’t remember where he was supposed to be flying to. Meaning he had been flying for a commercial airline with dementia for quite some time before that.” TopGun966 shared a story from when they were a 14-year-old student pilot. “A few minutes before I was about to call for permission, my instructor goes really quiet. I looked over at him and he looked really bad. I thought he was going to puke so looking for a bag. But then I notice he isn’t breathing,” they said. “I figure out where I am at and call up Detroit approach. I declare a medical emergency and that my instructor was not breathing. I also told them I am a student and never landed on my own before, and never in a large airport. Detroit approach was amazing at helping me. “Anyway, did my approach and made the most butter smooth landing I have ever made in my life (even till this day). Ambulance was right there on the taxi waiting for me. Turns out my instructor (who was only 25) had a heart attack. He ended up being OK.” Sometimes, passengers overhear some things that they wish they hadn’t. “Flight was fine until we passed the mountain range just north of the airport. From that point on it was like a bad rollercoaster. Most of us passengers were white knuckling it, except for my infant son who laughed at every lurch. “I was one of the last people off the plane because I was having to haul the baby and his carseat off, and either the pilot or co-pilot came off behind me with a flight attendant, and one said to the other ‘I wasn’t sure we were going to make it down in one piece.’ Not something I wanted to overhear.”

Travel Trouble

Daredevil Duke and Duchess take risky railway walk

When you’re an aide travelling with the Royal Family there’s never a dull day, and as you can see in the gallery above there can also be some very tense moments. As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge continue their tour of Canada they made a spur-of-the-moment decision to visit the railway line the Queen and Prince Phillip stopped in at when they were exploring the region back in 1959. But not to be outdone by their illustrious forebears, Will and Kate decided to embark on an impromptu railway walk. As you can see in the gallery above, this tricky manoeuvre saw the royal couple sidestepping on the very edge of the track next to the train, all the while running the risk of falling into the icy cold waters below. Royal aides’ hearts were in their mouths as the daredevil Duke and Duchess performed the manoeuvre. And justifiably so – the prospect of fishing a royal family member out of freezing cold rapids isn’t exactly that appealing. But it looks like it was all in good fun. To see the risky moment, scroll through the gallery above. What’s your favourite memory involving the Royal Family? Share your thoughts in the comments section below, we’d love to hear from you. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/09/duke-and-duchess-grant-womans-wish/">Duke and Duchess of Cambridge make woman’s wish come true</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/09/6-surprising-facts-about-how-the-royal-family-travels/">6 surprising facts about how the Royal Family travels</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/09/duchess-of-cambridge-stuns-in-red-gown/">The Duchess of Cambridge stuns in red gown on Canadian tour</a>

News

Is a home equity release too risky?

If you’re over 60, own your own home and find yourself in need of a bit of extra cash, using the equity in your home may seem like an appealing option. And there’s no shortage of marketing out there suggesting you do so. A range of companies out there are looking to take advantage of cash-poor Australian homeowners. We’ve taken a look at home equity releases and ask the question – does it ever make sense to borrow against your home, or is it simply too risk a financial move? What is a home equity release? Home equity release products generally borrow against the value of your house. There are two main types of home equity release products available in Australia – reverse mortgages and home reservation schemes. In a reverse mortgage you use equity in your home as collateral to borrow and repay the loan (with interest and fees) when you move out of the place of die. As a result, the final amount can be huge, depending on how much you’ve borrowed. A home reservation scheme is when you sell part of the equity in your home and continue living there. When the house is sold, the provider receives the value of the proportion of equity originally purchased which, depending on how the housing market is going can be massive. When home equity release might be suitable ASIC recommends using your home equity may be suitable if: <ul> <li>You want a small amount each year to supplement your income and you can afford to do this for many years (most products)</li> <li>You need a lump sum for home maintenance or renovations so you can stay in your home</li> <li>You want money for a critical need e.g. medical treatment</li> <li>You need a loan to secure aged care accommodation until you sell your home</li> </ul> When home equity release is not suitable ASIC suggests using your home equity may not be suitable if: <ul> <li>You are spending much more each year than you can afford for the long term (a better solution may be to bite the bullet and do some serious budgeting using our budget planner)</li> <li>You want to give or lend money to your family (it may affect your pension and you may need the money in the years ahead)</li> <li>The debt could eat into money you need in the future for medical bills, aged care or home maintenance</li> <li>You are thinking of investing - because you would be risking your entire home, not just the portion you are investing</li> </ul> Related links: <a href="/finance/retirement-income/2016/03/products-up-to-date-ageing-population/">Are products keeping up to date with the ageing population?</a> <a href="/finance/retirement-income/2016/03/simple-ways-maximise-your-super/">Simple ways you can maximise your super</a> <a href="/finance/retirement-income/2016/03/asic-on-financial-advice-practices/">ASIC to weigh in on financial advice practices</a>

Retirement Income

Consolidating debt is risky business

On the surface debt management businesses seem like a good deal. The prospect of cleaning up your financial matters in one fell swoop is an enticing one and to many people with various financial problems this seems like a gift from heaven. But there’s a pretty substantial kicker. Most of these services charge significant upfront fees for services you can actually do for free. And the Australian Securities and Investment Commission is warning consumers. Where can I get better advice for free? In the ASIC report, there’s a strong case for seeking free financial advice rather than falling for the false promises of a dodgy debt consolidation firm. As ASIC points out, “there is no uniform regulatory framework for debt management firms and barriers to entry are low or non-existent". "Where consumers go to debt management firms, it is important they understand what they are getting and how much it will cost, so they can decide if it's worth it," said ASIC Deputy Chairman Peter Kell. "It is hard to find information about fees and they tend to be high, front-loaded, and not refunded if the promise isn't delivered. The promise is always more prominent than the price." What is already available for free? <ul> <li>You can access your credit report and challenge an incorrect listing at no cost.</li> <li>Seek help from financial counsellors or community legal services.</li> <li>Use an independent ombudsman scheme to help resolve disputes.</li> <li>Enter a hardship program and negotiate a timeframe to pay back your debts.</li> </ul> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/finance/money-banking/2016/02/10-extremely-charitable-celebrities/">10 extremely charitable celebrities</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/finance/money-banking/2016/02/story-of-the-first-atm-in-the-world/">The story behind the world’s first ATM</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/finance/money-banking/2016/02/tips-for-picking-the-right-charity/">5 tips to find a good charity to help out</a>

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Pilots reveal their scariest stories while flying

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Consolidating debt is risky business

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