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Australia has the highest gambling losses in the world. Is it time for mandatory limits?

<div class="theconversation-article-body">Gambling prevalence studies provide a snapshot of gambling behaviour, problems and harm in our communities. They are typically conducted about every five years. In some Australian states and territories, four or five have been conducted over the past 20 or so years. These have provided a snapshot into how gambling has changed – and how it has not. So, how has gambling in Australia changed in the past two decades or so, and where may we be heading? <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Australia has the highest gambling losses in the world. Australia should: 🚫 Ban gambling ads 🎰 Introduce loss limits on pokies and online gambling 📉 Progressively cut the number of pokies in each state Our new report shows how governments should prevent gambling harm.… <a href="https://t.co/7U3IgzOLSp">pic.twitter.com/7U3IgzOLSp</a> — Grattan Institute (@GrattanInst) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrattanInst/status/1831297414080176469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <h2>The intensification of gambling</h2> In 1997-98, the Productivity Commission found <a href="https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/gambling/report/summary.pdf">about 82% of Australians</a> had gambled in the previous 12 months. Almost all further prevalence studies show the proportion of adults gambling has declined substantially over time. The <a href="https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/check-out-our-research/published-research/nsw-gambling-survey-2024">2024 NSW prevalence survey</a>, for example, found 54% reported gambling in the previous 12 months, down from 69% in 2006. While fewer people are gambling, the proportion of people experiencing problems has not changed much, <a href="https://www.qgso.qld.gov.au/statistics/theme/society/gambling/australian-gambling-statistics">nor has gambling turnover</a>. In some states, gambling turnover has increased, even when you take inflation into account. So while a smaller proportion of people are gambling, those who do gamble are doing so more frequently, and spend more money – a phenomenon we have described as the “intensification” of the industry. As figures from the Grattan Institute show, the vast majority of gambling spend comes from a very small proportion of people who gamble. <iframe id="Z6EYJ" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Z6EYJ/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <h2>What’s the problem?</h2> Typically, the focus in gambling studies has been on “problem gamblers”, a term we now avoid because it can be stigmatising. This refers to those experiencing severe problems due to their gambling, which is typically <a href="https://www.justice.vic.gov.au/justice-system/safer-communities/gambling/victorian-population-gambling-and-health-study-2023">about 1% of the adult population</a>, and around 2% of people who gamble. This doesn’t sound like much, until you remember 1% of adults in Australia is more than 200,000 people. That’s a lot of people struggling with severe problems. Based on recent prevalence surveys in Australia, these gamblers spend <a href="https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/check-out-our-research/published-research/nsw-gambling-survey-2024">about 60 times as much</a> as people who do not experience problems. However, that’s just the most severe cases. <h2>How gambling harms people</h2> When most people think of gambling harm, they think about financial harm. But gambling can cause problems with relationships, work and study, emotional and psychological harm, and <a href="https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-016-2747-0">even cause health issues</a>. Some degree of gambling harm is experienced by <a href="https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/check-out-our-research/published-research/nsw-gambling-survey-2024">around 10-15%</a> of people who gamble. Some groups are overrepresented: young men typically experience very high levels of harm compared to others. Other overrepresented groups are: <ul> <li>those who have not completed tertiary education</li> <li>people who speak a language other than English</li> <li>people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.</li> </ul> Harm isn’t just experienced by people who gamble, though – it impacts the people around them. While young men are more likely to experience harm from their own gambling, <a href="https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/check-out-our-research/published-research/nsw-gambling-survey-2024">women, particularly young women</a>, are most likely to experience harm from someone else’s gambling. When we take all of these sources of harm into account, we get a much better picture of gambling harm in our community: <a href="https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/check-out-our-research/published-research/nsw-gambling-survey-2024">around 15-20% of all adults</a> (not all gamblers) experience harm. That’s very different to the figure of 1% we’ve focused on in the past. We’re still missing some accounting, though: we don’t know how much harm is experienced by people under 18, for example, because prevalence studies typically only include adults. <h2>Where does the harm come from?</h2> The most problematic form in Australia is pokies, responsible for <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10260219/#:%7E:text=EGMs%20are%20responsible%20for%2051,problems%20due%20to%20low%20participation.">about 51-57% of problems</a>. Casinos are responsible for <a href="https://ftp.justice.vic.gov.au/justice-system/safer-communities/gambling/victorian-population-gambling-and-health-study-2023">another 10-14%</a>, although fewer people have been gambling in casino games in recent years. Sports betting and race betting together account for about another 19-20% of harm. Between them, pokies, casino games and sports and race betting account for about 90% of harm to Australian gamblers. <iframe id="w2wEY" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/w2wEY/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <h2>Availability is an issue</h2> This widespread availability of pokies is the biggest single driver behind gambling harm in Australia. <iframe id="hIgeD" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/hIgeD/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> In other countries, pokies are limited to venues that are specifically used for gambling, like casinos or betting shops. We have pokies in a huge number of our pubs and clubs, except in Western Australia. A couple of years ago, we used national prevalence data to compare gambling problems in WA <a href="https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2006/12/3/article-p721.xml">to the rest of the country</a>. A higher percentage of adults in WA gamble, but mostly on the lotteries which are typically <a href="https://theconversation.com/pokies-lotto-sports-betting-which-forms-of-problem-gambling-affect-australians-the-most-240665">not associated with much harm</a>. Gambling on pokies is far less prevalent in WA because they’re only available in one casino. Gambling problems and harm are about one-third lower in WA, and our analysis shows this can be attributed to the limited access to pokies. This also tells us something important. If pokies are not available, people will typically not substitute them with other harmful forms. It points to the role of the availability of dangerous gambling products in gambling harm, rather than personal characteristics. Online gambling has also become a lot more available. Most of us now have a mobile phone almost surgically implanted onto our hand, making online gambling more accessible than ever. Not surprisingly, <a href="https://www.gamblingresearch.org.au/publications/second-national-study-interactive-gambling-australia-2019-20">online gambling continues to increase</a>. <h2>An obvious solution to try</h2> Governments have taken increasingly proactive measures to help address gambling harm, such as the <a href="https://www.dss.gov.au/gambling/resource/national-consumer-protection-framework-online-wagering-national-policy-statement">National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Gambling</a>, strategies for minimising harm such as NSW’s investment into <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/gambleaware-week-0">gambling harm minimisation</a>, Victoria’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/nov/26/victoria-pokies-changes-limits-new-laws">proposed reforms on pokies</a> including mandatory precommitment limits, Queensland’s <a href="https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/gambling-harm-min/resource/84d444db-97e0-4be0-8e87-0c6f0cb412d6">Gambling Harm Minimisation Plan</a> and the ACT’s <a href="https://www.gamblingandracing.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/1436580/Strategy-for-gambling-harm-prevention.pdf">Strategy for Gambling Harm Prevention</a>. Voluntary limits have been trialled to help people keep their gambling under control, but have had <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-03/nsw-government-cashless-gaming-trial-findings-released/104679384">virtually no uptake</a>. For example, the recent <a href="https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/1340136/evaluation-of-the-nsw-digital-gaming-wallet-trial-2024.pdf">NSW Digital Gaming Wallet trial</a> was conducted in 14 venues. Only 32 people were active users, and 14 of these were deemed genuine users. <a href="https://www.adelaide.edu.au/saces/ua/media/652/evaluation-of-yourplay-final-report_0.pdf">Another study</a> found only 0.01% of all money put through machines in Victoria used the voluntary YourPlay scheme. The problem with voluntary limits is, no one volunteers. Mandatory limits though are almost certainly necessary, just like we have mandatory limits for how fast you can drive, or how much you can drink before the bartender puts you in a taxi. There will almost certainly be push back against this, just like the introduction of mandatory seatbelts in the 1970s, or <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-04/road-safety-history-australia-toll-increase/102903364">the introduction of random breath testing</a>. Now, we accept them as important public health measures. History tells us the same will happen with mandatory gambling limits, even if we’re a bit uncomfortable about it at first.<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/252389/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alex-russell-133860">Alex Russell</a>, Principal Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matthew-browne-97705">Matthew Browne</a>, Senior Lecturer in Statistics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matthew-rockloff-569">Matthew Rockloff</a>, Head, Experimental Gambling Research Lab, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a> 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/gambling-in-australia-how-bad-is-the-problem-who-gets-harmed-most-and-where-may-we-be-heading-252389">original article</a>. Image: Shutterstock </div>

Money & Banking

Catch of the day: bride hauls in shark at her wedding!

Most brides on their big day are content with a nice bouquet, a slice of cake and a husband who hasn’t locked his knees and fainted at the altar. But Miccala Toms of Darwin had slightly more ambitious ideas – and they involved beer, fishing and a decent-sized aquatic predator. After saying “I do” to her now-husband Brodie, the couple did what any sensible Territorians would do in the sweltering heat: they swung by the Dundee Tavern for a couple of cold ones and some casual wedding photos. You know – veil, vows and VB. But while some brides might be focused on getting the perfect shot with golden sunlight and maybe a well-behaved Labradoodle, Miccala spotted a local teen fishing off the rocks and thought, “Now that’s a vibe.” “It was a hot day,” Miccala explained on the Today show. “So we thought we’d have a few drinks and take some photos at the front.” The vibe was clearly: bridal glam meets bush telly. The helpful teen handed over his fishing rod – probably assuming she’d hook a little barra or, at worst, a mildly confused crab. But Darwin had other plans. Cue dramatic Jaws music. What Miccala thought would be a cute “bride-with-fish” moment turned into a full-on marine wrestling match when something large, scaly and very toothy yanked on the line. “It was a shark and I’m like, ‘Oh my god, it’s a shark!’” she recalled, possibly while her wedding photographer simultaneously reconsidered their life choices. In true Northern Territory fashion, this bride did not flinch. In fact, she dug in her heels (or possibly bare feet, unclear), while Brodie jumped in to help haul in the unexpected guest star of their wedding album. And because true love is built on mutual support, Brodie did what any man witnessing his wife dragging a shark in her wedding dress would do: picked the beast up by the tail so they could pose together, glowing with wedded bliss and mild concern for their fingers. The shark, possibly the only one more confused than the couple, was photographed before being safely released back into the water, no doubt with a wild story to tell its shark mates. As for Brodie? He knows he’s punched above his weight. “To be honest, I wouldn’t be here without her, that’s for damn sure,” he said. “She’s given me three lovely children and made me the happiest I’ve ever been, so can’t let it go now.” And why would he? When you marry a woman who’ll fish in full bridal gear and take a spill while catching a shark with a beer buzz and a grin... well, you know you’ve found The One. Moral of the story? In Darwin, love is real, the beer is cold and the brides are tougher than the wildlife. Images: The Today show

Relationships

"Dumb and Dumber": Karl levels brutal accusation

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has dismissed accusations that Australia’s major political parties are recklessly splurging on big-ticket promises to win votes, defending Labor’s fiscal strategy during a heated exchange with Today host Karl Stefanovic. Stefanovic didn’t hold back on Monday morning, opening the interview with a blunt comparison, saying watching the major parties was like "watching Dumb and Dumber, you guys recklessly buying our votes". Chalmers swiftly pushed back, insisting there is "a really important difference" between responsible budgeting and empty spending. “What we've shown as a Labor government is we’ve been able to maintain a focus on the cost of living,” Chalmers said. “At the same time, we’ve got the budget in much better nick, and that’s meant that we could make room for the sorts of commitments that we have been making in a really responsible way." Chalmers pointed to the government’s fiscal achievements, highlighting a significantly stronger budget position. “The budget’s more than $200 billion stronger than when we came to office. We’ve got the Liberal debt down,” he said. “We’ve delivered those two surpluses, and that’s meant we’ve been able to help with the cost of living. Ongoing tax relief, helping with medicines and energy, bill rebates and the like.” The debate comes as both Labor and the Coalition unveil costly housing policies, which economists warn could further inflate housing prices by injecting more money into an already overheated market. Chalmers criticised the Coalition’s approach, claiming it lacks lasting impact. “What Peter Dutton did yesterday was to borrow and burn another $10 billion and still provide no ongoing cost of living help for people who are doing it tough," he argued. “And then he’ll claw that back with permanently higher income taxes, lower wages and secret cuts to pay for his nuclear reactors.” As the election campaign heats up, both sides are under increasing scrutiny over their spending pledges and their real impact on Australians facing mounting cost-of-living pressures. Images: Today show

Aussie TV star wins $9.2m on game show – the largest in history

In an electrifying moment that will surely go down in television history, Australian reality TV star David Genat has claimed a jaw-dropping AUD$9.2 million prize on US television, securing the largest single cash payout ever seen on American TV. The 44-year-old, widely recognised by Aussie audiences from Survivor Australia, Celebrity Apprentice, Rush and Getaway, delivered a masterclass in risk-taking and intuition in NBC’s Deal or No Deal Island. Genat, dubbed the “Survivor golden god” after his 2020 Survivor Australia: All Stars victory, knew he had the upper hand early in the final showdown. But the real twist came when the show’s notorious banker was revealed as none other than Chrissy Teigen. Faced with 26 cases – one containing the life-changing sum of AUD$12.2 million – Genat navigated a nail-biting elimination round, fuelled by his father’s memory and a razor-sharp strategy. Rejecting a staggering seven offers, including multiple million-dollar deals, he played with nerves of steel until just two cases remained. Then came the final offer: a mind-blowing $US5.8 million ($AUD9.2 million). With tension at an all-time high, Genat made the call – he took the deal. It was a decision that paid off in monumental fashion. When his chosen case was opened, it contained just $75. Had he gambled one step further, he would have walked away with next to nothing. Instead, he etched his name into television history with the record-breaking win. “It was surreal,” Genat later shared with USA Today. “The offer came in at US$5.8 million and I started thinking about it, and that is just so much money. I was having a spiritual experience, man. I just knew where that money was. I knew which cases to open. I was looking for signs from my father, who passed away a couple of years ago. I felt his presence there, and he was just guiding me on what cases to open.” That deep connection gave him the clarity to seize the moment and walk away with a life-altering fortune. “My frequency is on another level,” he added. “I fully feel like I’m floating.” With his newfound millions, Genat already has a few indulgences in mind, including a new motorcycle, a luxury watch and some sleek new cars for his four kids. But the adventure might not stop here. Rumours are swirling that Genat could be gearing up for another reality TV showdown on the upcoming Survivor: Australia vs. the World, set to air later this year. Images: Instagram

Money & Banking

"It's time": ABC legend announces retirement

ABC’s chief election analyst Antony Green has announced his plans to step down from the public broadcaster after 30 years in his distinguished role. Green announced that he would be retiring after the next federal election, which is rumoured to take place between March and May 2025. “By the time of the next election, I’ll be 68 and I know I’m not as sharp and quick as I was five years ago,” Green said, according to the ABC. “It gets harder and harder. It’s like a footballer, sometimes they play on a season too long, and I’m making sure I don’t do that.” Green, who has covered more than 90 Australian elections, said it was “time to retire” but he would “stay on” for a couple years “handing over work and doing other things”. “Essentially I’m deciding to retire and work less,” Green said. “I got this job as an election worker 36 years ago and I decided I enjoyed doing it – I’ve done a lot of development since. It’s been a long, fun journey.” Green’s final on-air appearances will be the West Australian state election on March 8th and the federal election, which is yet to be announced. Casey Briggs will step in as ABC’s chief election and data analyst after Green's departure, as she announced he would be missed. “For more than three decades Antony Green has set the bar for election analysis. He is sharp, fast and, even under the immense pressure of the night, manages to keep his sense of humour,” Briggs said. “For me, it has been such a privilege to have had a front-row seat to watch and learn from the master at work." “We will all miss him from our screens, but I’m thankful that at least we get a couple more chances to celebrate his monumental contribution to Australia and its democracy.” ABC journalist Annabel Crabb said covering four federal elections with him had been “one of the great pleasures of (her) professional life”. “What a gift it is to our democracy and to our national broadcaster that in 1989 this wee maths nerd saw the ad in the paper for a research position at the ABC and the late Ian Carroll recognised in him the sprouts of the Tree Of Wisdom he’d become!” Crabb wrote in a social media post. “A legendary figure. A migrant success story. A generous colleague.” Image credits: ABC

Retirement Life

Today reporter shares joyous news after heartwarming home birth

Popular Today Entertainment Reporter Renée Bargh has shared an exciting life update: she's welcomed her second child! Bargh and her partner Andrew Lange announced the news in a heartwarming Instagram post recently that they have lovingly welcomed a little girl named Soléil James. "Our beautiful sunshine girl joined us earthside a week early in the most magical birth," Bargh told her 106,000 followers. "Born peacefully at home in the water, surrounded by love." The journalist shared several black-and-white photos, including one of her holding her newborn daughter after giving birth. She also posted an adorable picture of her nearly two-year-old son, Tide, with his sister. Bargh also expressed her deep gratitude to her midwife and doula: "Forever grateful for our incredible midwife @janineatibirth for creating the most peaceful and safe environment for this to take place and giving us the healing experience we dreamed of," she wrote. "Thank you to our doula @thehealingshed for your tender love, calming presence and support." The post was flooded with congratulatory messages from friends and fans. Model Megan Gale commented, "She is precious ♥️ Congratulations beautiful Mama xx." Journalist Lisa Wilkinson added, "These are the magical moments. Congrats Renée, and enjoy every second xx." <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/p/DF_HWckzF_Z/?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/DF_HWckzF_Z/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Renée- Claire Bargh (@reneebargh)</a> </div> </blockquote> Bargh and Lange welcomed their first child, son Tide, in March 2023. Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

Journalists rumoured to replace Alex Cullen on Today

Two female Channel Nine journalists are rumoured to be the front runners for Alex Cullen's sports presenter role on the Today show, after he was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/we-ll-miss-him-terribly-alex-cullen-steps-down-from-today" target="_blank" rel="noopener">axed for accepting a $50,000 gift</a> from billionaire Adrian Portelli. Insiders have told the Daily Mail that Roz Kelly and Danika Mason are the top contenders for the role, alongside Sarah Abo and Karl Stefanovic. They also claim that Kelly is "the obvious first choice" with her current role as the sports presenter on Friday and Saturday evenings, but she might not be too keen on taking the role. "She's polished and the viewers already know her and love her. But she's got two young sons and her husband has to travel to India a lot for work," the source told the Daily Mail. "Right now, her life is really finely balanced and in a good place so she might not be too keen to take on all the pressures and demands of live television five days a week." "Danika is also equally amazing and is the other really strong contender that everyone is talking about at the moment," the source continued. Another source suggested that Mason was actually the top pick for the position, as she already has a loyal NRL fan base. "Danika would have to be the top pick - she's an absolute live wire, which is what you need at breakfast, and is a hard-worker who throws herself into every challenge with everything she's got," they said. "While nothing has been decided as yet, she's definitely in strong consideration." Image: Nine/ Instagram

Returning home after a flood? Prioritise your health and take it one step at a time

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kazi-mizanur-rahman-1057615">Kazi Mizanur Rahman</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> Parts of North Queensland have received almost <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgpvrgezp3o">two metres</a> of rain since the weekend, causing flash and riverine flooding that claimed the lives of <a href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/second-death-confirmed-in-flood-hit-north-queensland-as-threat-eases-20250204-p5l9l1.html">two women</a> around Ingham. While some North Queensland residents are <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-05/north-queensland-flooding-townsville-rainfall-flood-recovery/104894530">on alert</a> for more flooding, others are <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-05/north-queensland-flooding-townsville-rainfall-flood-recovery/104894530">returning home</a> to assess the damage. This can be very confronting. You may have left in a rush when the evacuation order <a href="https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/aws">was issued</a>, taking only a few valuables and <a href="https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/emergencykit">necessary items</a>, and maybe your <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1423501/full">pet</a>. You may have been <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37791723/">scared</a> and unsure of what would happen. Coming back and seeing the damage to the place you lived in and loved can be painful. You might also be worried about the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35681967/">financial consequences</a>. <h2>First, focus on safety</h2> Make sure it’s <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/After-a-flood-returning-home-safely">safe to return home</a>. Check with your energy provider whether power has been restored in your area and, if so, whether it’s <a href="https://www.ewoq.com.au/news-and-publications/news/support-for-customers-affected-by-floods">safe to turn the main switch back on</a>. Do not use appliances that got wet, as electrical hazards can be <a href="https://floodlist.com/dealing-with-floods/electricity-safety">deadly</a>. Look for any <a href="https://asic.gov.au/about-asic/news-centre/news-items/what-to-do-if-you-are-affected-by-floods-in-queensland/">structural damages to your property</a> and any hazards such as <a href="https://www.asbestos.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/asbestos-cleaning-removing-asbestos-containing-materials.pdf">asbestos exposure</a>. Watch out for sharp objects, broken glass, or slippery areas. The hardest part is cleaning up. You will need to be patient, and prioritise your health and safety. <h2>What risks are involved with flood clean ups?</h2> <a href="https://theconversation.com/dont-go-wading-in-flood-water-if-you-can-help-it-its-a-health-risk-for-humans-and-dogs-too-178027#:%7E:text=Health%20risks%20from%20flood%20water,thrive%20in%20mud%20and%20water">Floodwater</a> carries <a href="https://www.health.qld.gov.au/newsroom/doh-media-releases/health-risks-lurking-in-far-north-queensland-floodwaters#:%7E:text=Queensland%20Chief%20Health%20Officer%20Dr,risk%20of%20disease%20and%20infection.">mud</a> and <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/ma/Fulltext/MA23051">bugs</a>. It can also be contaminated with sewage. Contaminated flood water can cause <a href="https://theconversation.com/drinking-water-can-be-a-dangerous-cocktail-for-people-in-flood-areas-178028">gastroenteritis</a>, skin infections, conjunctivitis, or ear, nose and throat infections. Mud can <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0010486">make you sick</a> by transmitting germs through broken skin, causing nasty diseases such as the bacterial infection <a href="https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/melioidosis-a-deadly-infection-that-can-spread-aft">melioidosis</a>. Your house may also have <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-04/qld-pest-controllers-report-spike-in-rats-snakes-after-floods/100958648">rodents</a>, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-04/qld-pest-controllers-report-spike-in-rats-snakes-after-floods/100958648">snakes</a>, or <a href="https://theconversation.com/after-the-floods-stand-by-for-spiders-slugs-and-millipedes-but-think-twice-before-reaching-for-the-bug-spray-157600">insects</a> that can bite. Rats can also carry diseases that contaminate water and enter your body through <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9151845/#:%7E:text=It%20is%20presumed%20that%20infection,urine%20from%20animal%20reservoir%20hosts.">broken skin</a>. Be <a href="https://asthma.org.au/triggers/flooding-and-mould/">careful about mould</a>, as it can affect the air quality in your home and make asthma and allergies worse. Stagnant water in and around your home can become a place where <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/8/1393">mosquitoes breed and spread disease</a>. <h2>How can you reduce these risks?</h2> When you first enter your flood-damaged home, open windows to let fresh air in. If you have breathing problems, wear a face mask to protect yourself from any possible air pollution resulting from the damage, and any mould due to your home being closed up. Cleaning your home is a long, frustrating and exhausting process. In this hot and humid weather, drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks. Identify any covered part of your home with sufficient ventilation which is high and dry, and where flood water did not enter. Use that as your resting space. While assessing and cleaning, wear <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/emergency_preparedness/weather/Pages/household-cleanup.aspx">protective clothing</a>, boots and gloves. Covering your skin will reduce the chance of bites and infection. Wash your hands with soap and water <a href="https://www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/coping-after-a-crisis/cleaning-up-wind-water/">as often as possible</a>. And don’t forget to <a href="https://www.torres-cape.health.qld.gov.au/about-us/news/take-care-of-health-and-safety-during-flood-and-rain-20241213">apply</a> sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Throw away items that were soaked in floodwater. These could have germs that can make you ill. Empty your fridge and freezer because the food inside is <a href="https://www.foodsafety.asn.au/when-the-power-goes-off/#:%7E:text=Food%20stored%20in%20freezers&text=If%20the%20freezer%20door%20is,food%20chilled%20for%2024%20hours.">no longer safe</a>. If there is standing water, avoid touching it. When you can, empty outdoor containers with stagnant water to prevent mosquitoes breeding. <h2>Don’t overlook your mental health</h2> When cleaning up after a flood, you may feel sad, anxious, or stressed. It’s hard to see your home in this condition. But know you are not alone. Stay connected with others, talk to your friends and families, and accept support. If you feel too overwhelmed, seek help from mental health support services in your area or contact <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/">Lifeline</a> on 13 11 14. On top of everything, be mindful about those who are vulnerable, such as older people and those with disabilities, as they may be <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/8/e056210.abstract">more affected and find the clean up process harder</a>. Recovering from a flood takes time. Focus on what needs to be fixed first and take it step by step. <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kazi-mizanur-rahman-1057615">Kazi Mizanur Rahman</a>, Associate Professor of Healthcare Innovations, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond 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/returning-home-after-a-flood-prioritise-your-health-and-take-it-one-step-at-a-time-248902">original article</a>. </div>

Domestic Travel

Readers response: Who's your favourite vocalist of all time?

We asked our readers who their favourite vocalist of all time is, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. Regina Johnson - Barbra Streisand. Vicki Bell - Roy Orbison, hands down. Anne Denise Houghton - I think it’s a tie between Roy Orbison and Freddie Mercury. Christine Phillips - Elvis Presley. That was voice straight out of heaven. Barbara Moretti - Luciano Pavarotti and Barbra Streisand. Marilyn Sheldrick - Tom Jones. Sue McKinnon - Eric Clapton, plus his guitar ability! Kristeen Collison - John Farnham! Australian legend. Lyn Gardiner - Male: Elvis. Female: Karen Carpenter and Linda Ronstadt. Can't separate them. Mary Bartlett - Don Williams, the gentle giant. Deb Wagner - Leonard Cohen. Cheryl Barrett - Freddie Mercury hands down. Peter Brady - Aretha Franklin. Karen Turner - Rod Stewart, Robbie Williams and John Farnham. Image credits: Shutterstock

Music

Despite decades of beach safety ads, at least 55 people have drowned in Australia this summer. It’s time to change tack

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/samuel-cornell-1418374">Samuel Cornell</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> Australia is considered a nation of beach lovers. But with all this water surrounding us, drownings remain tragically common. At least <a href="https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/research-and-policy/drowning-research/summer-drowning-toll">55 people have drowned</a> in waterways in Australia so far this summer, most of whom drowned at the beach. And the season’s not over. Every drowning is a tragedy, and Australia is nowhere near the federal-government supported <a href="https://www.watersafety.com.au/australian-water-safety-strategy/">goal of zero drownings</a>. Public health agencies are <a href="https://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/australia-in-the-grip-of-a-disturbing-rise-in-summer-drownings/news-story/bf2b1595f36bb4b458b371b9fab4f7ed">concerned</a> about the drowning numbers. So how do we fix it? An important factor to consider is how beach safety messages are communicated. <h2>Another season, another campaign</h2> The peak water safety bodies in Australia, <a href="https://sls.com.au/">Surf Life Saving Australia</a> and <a href="https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/">Royal Life Saving Society – Australia</a>, work to reduce drownings in all Australian aquatic locations, from swimming pools to rivers to beaches. Their public safety campaigns aim to raise awareness of drowning and risks around the water. Australians are undoubtedly safer because of the work and advocacy of these organisations – but drowning numbers remain stubbornly high. Surf Life Saving Australia is running a new campaign this summer – <a href="https://sls.com.au/surf-life-saving-calls-in-hollywood-actor-angus-sampson-to-help-reach-men-at-high-risk-of-drowning/">Stop, Look, Stay Alive</a> – featuring Australian-born actor and filmmaker Angus Sampson. This campaign is one of many in recent years urging Australians to stay safe near the water. Others include: <ul> <li>the “swim between the flags” message</li> <li>the “<a href="https://sls.com.au/surf-life-saving-australia-launches-new-summer-safety-campaign-give-an-f-about-the-flags/">give an F about the flags</a>” campaign</li> <li>the <a href="https://sls.com.au/slsa-draws-the-line-on-rips/">“think line”</a> campaign, which urges people to “stop, look and have a plan”</li> <li>the <a href="https://www.floattosurvive.au/">“float to survive”</a> campaign, which urges people to <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f7cf9fd8c3f251339c3dfa8/t/65ea851cbcbf287ede28cdc3/1709868332878/Float+to+Survive+Report.pdf">float if they’re in trouble in the water or stuck in a rip</a></li> <li>the <a href="https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/about/campaigns-and-programs/respect-the-river">“respect the river”</a> campaign.</li> </ul> But the tragic number of drownings, particularly during summer, suggests not everyone is heeding the message. In fact, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278434322000760#:%7E:text=However%2C%20there%20is%20no%20evidence,and%20hazards%20to%20the%20public.">Australian researchers in 2022 found</a> no evidence to suggest beach drowning deaths in Australia have reduced over the long term. This, the researchers said: <blockquote> rais[es] questions regarding the effectiveness of existing strategies designed to communicate messages and information about beach safety and hazards to the public. </blockquote> <h2>Changing how we communicate</h2> <a href="https://sls.com.au/surf-life-saving-calls-in-hollywood-actor-angus-sampson-to-help-reach-men-at-high-risk-of-drowning/">According to Surf Life Saving Australia</a> the current Angus Sampson campaign aims to be: <blockquote> appealing to more Aussies, in particular men who continue to swim at unpatrolled locations and take unnecessary risks. </blockquote> As the <a href="https://sls.com.au/surf-life-saving-calls-in-hollywood-actor-angus-sampson-to-help-reach-men-at-high-risk-of-drowning/">organisation notes</a>, 86% of all drowning deaths on Australia’s coast last year were men. The campaign involves ads on television and online, as well as outdoor advertising. The decision to use a mix of platforms is wise. But the use of a TV and movie celebrity may not be effective. A <a href="https://archive.acrs.org.au/files/arsrpe/RS030057.pdf?utm">review looking at road safety campaigns</a>, for example, found limited evidence of celebrity effectiveness in improving safety outcomes. Could it be more effective to, for example, <a href="https://academic.oup.com/heapro/article/38/2/daad034/7143327">use a TikTok star</a> who is hugely popular among young males? Research suggests using the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/28355245.2024.2350155">right platform</a> and “<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7501494">voices that matter</a>” offer benefits when delivering safety messages. This is in part due to the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17524032.2023.2237693">emotional connection</a> people form with these social media stars, which can result in behaviour change. When asked for evidence to show the current public messaging campaigns are working, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) told The Conversation: <blockquote> SLSA is committed to preventing drowning through holistic, evidence-based approaches, combining awareness programs like Stop Look Stay Alive with lifesaving services, in-person programs, and education. This summer alone, lifesavers have performed over <a href="https://sls.com.au/coastal-safety/sls-research/national-summer-coastal-drowning-data/">2,500 rescues and 700,000 preventative actions</a>. Despite population growth, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1326020023000961">coastal drowning has remained stable</a>. This summer, 32 coastal drownings have been reported, fewer than the <a href="https://sls.com.au/coastal-safety/sls-research/national-summer-coastal-drowning-data/">same period last year</a>. SLSA focuses on behaviour change through initiatives like beachpassport.org.au (with 21,000+ “passports” issued already!), and on-beach programs that have provided active community learning <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420924007040">opportunities</a>. It’s too early to comment on the broader effectiveness of Stop Look Stay Alive, however preliminary campaign results show positive impact and an evaluation will be conducted by <a href="https://www.beachsafetyresearch.com/">UNSW Beach Safety Research Group</a> later this year. </blockquote> <h2>Rethinking ‘swim between the flags’</h2> Many current beach messaging approaches, <a href="https://sls.com.au/1281-reasons-swim-flags/">including “swim between the flags”</a>, compel people to fit into what the system wants. But many beaches <a href="https://theconversation.com/australian-beachgoers-are-told-to-always-swim-between-the-flags-but-what-if-there-arent-any-220043">don’t have flags</a>. And not everyone stops or looks for flags, signs, or even the conditions before they go into the water. And studies show while most domestic beachgoers know to swim between the flags, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278434322000760#:%7E:text=However%2C%20there%20is%20no%20evidence,and%20hazards%20to%20the%20public">many choose not to</a> because, for example, people are located closer to beaches without flags or lifeguard patrols. What’s more, research suggests overseas visitors to Australia do not always understand <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925753522003058">what “swim between the flags” means</a> or terms often used on common beach safety <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925753523003089">signage</a> such as “shore dump” and “shore break”. One 2021 <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925753523003089">study</a> found 21% of international students perceived “always swim between the flags” to mean that beachgoers who don’t or can’t swim need to stay outside the flags. This shows that current strategies aren’t resonating with all beach users, and there’s a need to reassess beach safety messaging. <h2>Changing tack</h2> Other forms of public safety messaging should also be considered when trying to reduce drowning numbers in Australia. For example, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/hpja.785">people who have been caught in rip</a> might be encouraged to tell their stories publicly. Research into other areas of <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10732748241237328">public health communication</a>, such as vaccines, suggest this can form the basis of an effective campaign. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278434322000760#:%7E:text=However%2C%20there%20is%20no%20evidence,and%20hazards%20to%20the%20public.">Research also suggests</a> teaching beachgoers about coastal science can improve beach safety behaviour. For example, people can be taught about how rip currents work, using images of dye released into the water. Crucially, consensus is needed on which <a href="https://www.jsams.org/article/S1440-2440(06)00231-3/abstract">key messages to prioritise</a>. Too much differing messaging <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8807320/?utm_source">may lead to message fatigue or confusion</a> about which message is most important to follow. Messaging on beach safety to date has surely prevented drowning. But the stubborn drowning toll highlights the need to evaluate what is not working. Clear and consistent messaging, using modern platforms and engaging influencers may help us to get to zero drownings sooner.<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/245747/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, UNSW Beach Safety Research Group + School of Population Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</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/despite-decades-of-beach-safety-ads-at-least-55-people-have-drowned-in-australia-this-summer-its-time-to-change-tack-245747">original article</a>. </div>

Domestic Travel

Home ownership is slipping out of reach. It’s time to rethink our fear of ‘forever renting’

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dorina-pojani-413644">Dorina Pojani</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> A wide range of voices in the Australian media have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/dec/05/share-with-parents-or-rent-forever-i-have-put-life-on-hold-while-trying-to-buy-a-house">sounding the alarm</a> about the phenomenon of “forever-renting”. This describes a situation in which individuals or families are <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-10/young-people-priced-out-of-home-ownership/104202602">unable to transition</a> from renting to home ownership, due to rising property values and wages that can’t keep up. Forever-renting is often framed as a terrible condition that should be avoided at all costs – that renting is only acceptable in the short term, as an individual or family saves for a down-payment. The underlying implication is that the ultimate goal in life for just about every Australian should be to own a house – or at least a condominium unit. This only serves to stigmatise renters, who currently make up <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/housing/housing-occupancy-and-costs/2019-20">nearly a third</a> of Australian households. Demographic research indicates <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/24639395">about 15% of Australia’s population</a> changes address every year. Many of these moves require rental accommodation. And, yes, millions of Australians will <a href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/analysis/news/rising-proportion-forever-renters-requires-tax-and-policy-re-think">rent for their whole life</a>. Clearly, we need to change our thinking around renting to bring it into step with reality. We must accept that the proportion of renters may never go down – or may even increase – and that that’s not necessarily a bad thing. <h2>Where did this attitude come from?</h2> The Australian tradition of home ownership was established in the early decades of European settlement. To make what we now call the “Australian dream” happen, the continent had to be treated as a tabula rasa, or blank slate. A mass of Indigenous people were <a href="https://theconversation.com/refugees-in-their-own-land-how-indigenous-people-are-still-homeless-in-modern-australia-55183">dispossessed</a>. Migration to Australia offered impoverished Britons an opportunity to own a house and plenty of land. In the old country, in contrast, real estate ownership had been a privilege of the gentry. Postwar waves of immigrants from southern Europe and East Asia were also intent on home ownership. In a low-density nation with smallish cities and cheap land, owning a home made sense. Now, urban land is no longer cheap and our <a href="https://www.apimagazine.com.au/news/article/scale-of-urban-sprawl-in-australia-hurting-more-than-just-the-environment">cities have sprawled</a> beyond what’s sustainable. <h2>Renting can have advantages</h2> The first step towards rethinking renting as a norm is acknowledging it can have some significant and often overlooked advantages. For some, renting is a <a href="https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/09604521011027598/full/html">lifestyle preference</a>. Ownership comes with burdens such as house and garden maintenance. This makes renting much more convenient and carefree for some demographics, including young people and older adults. Another key advantage of renting is the <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Homeownership_and_the_Labour_Market_in_E/GwoUDAAAQBAJ">employment flexibility</a> it can provide. Renters can look for work outside their commute range and are less tied to particular employers. There’s some evidence that high levels of home ownership could even damage the overall labour market. Previous <a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w19079">research</a> by the US National Bureau of Economic Research has shown that increasing home ownership leads to less labour mobility, longer commutes, and fewer new businesses because homeowners are less likely to move. <h2>Safe as houses?</h2> One common argument against renting is that investing in your own home is a “safe bet”. But we perhaps need to rethink this unquestioned reliance on housing as a store of wealth. Those who enter the housing market for investment purposes should be aware of several issues. Over the long term, housing prices have historically shown a <a href="https://www.dpn.com.au/articles/house-price-growth-australia-over-30-years">general upward trajectory</a>, driven by population growth and limited land supply in desirable areas. In the short term, however, housing prices can be <a href="https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/H/bo20832545.html">quite volatile</a>. They may move up, down, or stay the same. This depends on broader economic cycles, market conditions and interest rates. Think of the housing bubble in the United States, which led to a global recession in 2008, or the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-07/china-property-crash-a-warning-for-australian-housing-market/104788660">current downturn in China</a>. The cycles in property prices are often worsened by <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1914185">psychological biases</a> that can lead to overoptimism during booms or panic during busts. Investors may win or lose. <h2>Compounded by climate change</h2> In the contemporary era, we also need to factor in climate change. Areas that are currently desirable may become unappealing before too long – due to <a href="https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/how-hot-will-your-neighbourhood-be-by-2050/">heatwaves</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/one-of-the-most-extreme-disasters-in-colonial-australian-history-climate-scientists-on-the-floods-and-our-future-risk-178153">floods</a> or <a href="https://theconversation.com/la-is-on-fire-how-will-australia-cope-when-bushfires-hit-sydney-melbourne-or-another-major-city-246967">fires</a>. Natural disasters, or even just growing disaster risks, can prompt large drops in property prices and massive population movements. To illustrate: during the pandemic, South East Queensland began to draw many domestic migrants as other states struggled to contain the virus. People from cooler southern states were also attracted by the region’s mild winter climate. In 2024, Brisbane became Australia’s <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/uneven-price-growth-reshuffles-rankings-of-australias-most-expensive-cities/">second-most expensive</a> city for property values. That might appear to bode well for property buyers who’ve invested millions of dollars. But one <a href="https://rmets.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/joc.5998">2019 study</a> has predicted that temperature rises could make Brisbane “<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-22/temperature-increases-from-climate-change-brisbane-unliveable/11227404">unbearably hot</a>” by 2050. In this context, renters may be more adaptable than owners. <h2>A more renter-friendly Australia</h2> None of this is to argue that everyone should be a renter, or that renters should be left to the whims of the market. In Australia, current rent increases are <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/price-indexes-and-inflation/consumer-price-index-australia/latest-release">outpacing</a> both wage growth and inflation (CPI). The rental affordability crisis has driven a <a href="https://homelessnessaustralia.org.au/rough-sleeping-surges-as-homelessness-crisis-worsens-new-report/">recent surge</a> in homelessness. There is a wide range of policy tools available to us, many of which have been shown to <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-16/build-to-rent-fix-housing-crisis-australia-us-uk-hong-kong/104458458">work relatively well in other countries</a> and could be adopted here. These include: <ul> <li> <a href="https://thefifthestate.com.au/housing-2/the-case-for-rent-control-and-historical-norms-in-rent-increases/">rent caps</a>, which tie allowable rent increases to the CPI (Australia already <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-03/round5-5.pdf">regulates the price of utilities</a> in this way) </li> <li> nationwide no-ground eviction bans (already in place in <a href="https://www.choice.com.au/money/property/renting/articles/no-grounds-evictions-update">some states</a>) </li> <li> normalisation of <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-28/how-to-find-a-long-term-rental-home/100217074">long-term leases</a> beyond 12 months and restrictions on <a href="https://cities-today.com/barcelona-set-to-ban-short-term-rentals/">short-term rentals such as Airbnb</a> </li> </ul> More vulnerable renters, including people with disabilities, single parents, victims of domestic abuse, those on low incomes, and older retirees, need extra protections. The supply of rental units should also be increased, through <a href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/analysis/brief/what-build-rent">build-to-rent</a> and <a href="https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/news-and-events/granny-flats-provide-housing-choice-in-tight-rental-market">granny flat</a> construction, for example. Landlords should not be vilified either. In an unregulated market, they are often cast as “<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/robber-barons-great-landlord-myth-exposed/">robber barons</a>” and “<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/apr/16/landlords-social-parasites-last-people-should-be-honouring-buy-to-let">social parasites</a>”. If tenants were protected from excessive rent increases and evictions, landlordism could also be recast as an essential service that yields reasonable profits to providers.<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/245848/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dorina-pojani-413644">Dorina Pojani</a>, Associate Professor in Urban Planning, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</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/home-ownership-is-slipping-out-of-reach-its-time-to-rethink-our-fear-of-forever-renting-245848">original article</a>. </div>

Money & Banking

Most adults will gain half a kilo this year – and every year. Here’s how to stop ‘weight creep’

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nick-fuller-219993">Nick Fuller</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> As we enter a new year armed with resolutions to improve our lives, there’s a good chance we’ll also be carrying something less helpful: extra kilos. At least half a kilogram, to be precise. “Weight creep” doesn’t have to be inevitable. Here’s what’s behind this sneaky annual occurrence and some practical steps to prevent it. <h2>Small gains add up</h2> Adults <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3151731/">tend to gain weight</a> progressively as they age and typically gain an average of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23638485/">0.5 to 1kg every year</a>. While this doesn’t seem like much each year, it amounts to 5kg over a decade. The slow-but-steady nature of weight creep is why many of us won’t notice the extra weight gained until we’re in our fifties. <h2>Why do we gain weight?</h2> Subtle, gradual lifestyle shifts as we progress through life and age-related biological changes cause us to gain weight. Our: <ul> <li> activity levels decline. Longer work hours and family commitments can see us become more sedentary and have less time for exercise, which means we burn fewer calories </li> <li> diets worsen. With frenetic work and family schedules, we sometimes turn to pre-packaged and fast foods. These processed and discretionary foods are loaded with hidden sugars, salts and unhealthy fats. A better financial position later in life can also <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00953.x">result in more dining out</a>, which is associated with a higher total energy intake </li> <li> sleep decreases. Busy lives and screen use can mean we don’t get enough sleep. This disturbs our body’s energy balance, increasing our <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945708700133">feelings of hunger</a>, triggering cravings and decreasing our energy </li> </ul> <ul> <li> stress increases. Financial, relationship and work-related stress increases our body’s production of cortisol, triggering food cravings and promoting fat storage </li> <li> metabolism slows. Around the age of 40, our muscle mass naturally declines, and our body fat starts increasing. Muscle mass helps determine our metabolic rate, so when our muscle mass decreases, our bodies start to burn fewer calories at rest. </li> </ul> We also <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2807660">tend to gain a small amount</a> of weight during festive periods – times filled with calorie-rich foods and drinks, when exercise and sleep are often overlooked. <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2807660">One study of Australian adults</a> found participants gained 0.5 kilograms on average over the Christmas/New Year period and an average of 0.25 kilograms around Easter. <h2>Why we need to prevent weight creep</h2> It’s important to prevent weight creep for two key reasons: 1. Weight creep resets our body’s set point Set-point theory suggests we each have a predetermined weight or set point. Our body works to <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-the-weight-set-point-and-why-does-it-make-it-so-hard-to-keep-weight-off-195724">keep our weight around this set point</a>, adjusting our biological systems to regulate how much we eat, how we store fat and expend energy. When we gain weight, our set point resets to the new, higher weight. Our body adapts to protect this new weight, making it challenging to lose the weight we’ve gained. But it’s also possible to <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-the-weight-set-point-and-why-does-it-make-it-so-hard-to-keep-weight-off-195724">lower your set point</a> if you lose weight gradually and with an interval weight loss approach. Specifically, losing weight in small manageable chunks you can sustain – periods of weight loss, followed by periods of weight maintenance, and so on, until you achieve your goal weight. 2. Weight creep can lead to obesity and health issues Undetected and unmanaged weight creep <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5817436/">can result in</a> obesity which can increase our risk of heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and several types of cancers (including breast, colorectal, oesophageal, kidney, gallbladder, uterine, pancreatic and liver). A <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5817436/">large study</a> examined the link between weight gain from early to middle adulthood and health outcomes later in life, following people for around 15 years. It found those who gained 2.5 to 10kg over this period had an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, strokes, obesity-related cancer and death compared to participants who had maintained a stable weight. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to build lasting habits that will make weight creep a thing of the past. <h2>7 practical steps to prevent weight creep</h2> 1. Eat from big to small Aim to consume most of your food earlier in the day and taper your meal sizes to ensure dinner is the smallest meal you eat. A low-calorie or small breakfast <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32073608/">leads to increased feelings of hunger</a>, specifically appetite for sweets, across the course of the day. We burn the calories from a meal <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32073608/">2.5 times more efficiently</a> in the morning than in the evening. So emphasising breakfast over dinner is also good for weight management. 2. Use chopsticks, a teaspoon or an oyster fork Sit at the table for dinner and use different utensils to encourage eating more slowly. This gives your brain time to recognise and adapt to signals from your stomach <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28718396/">telling you you’re full</a>. 3. Eat the full rainbow Fill your plate with vegetables and fruits of different colours first to support eating a high-fibre, nutrient-dense diet that will keep you feeling full and satisfied. Meals also need to be balanced and include a source of protein, wholegrain carbohydrates and healthy fat to meet our dietary needs – for example, eggs on wholegrain toast with avocado. 4. Reach for nature first Retrain your brain to rely on nature’s treats – fresh vegetables, fruit, honey, nuts and seeds. In their natural state, these foods release the same pleasure response in the brain as ultra-processed and fast foods, helping you avoid unnecessary calories, sugar, salt and unhealthy fats. 5. Choose to move Look for ways to incorporate incidental activity into your daily routine – such as taking the stairs instead of the lift – and <a href="https://theconversation.com/does-exercise-help-you-lose-weight-198292">boost your exercise</a> by challenging yourself to try a new activity. Just be sure to include variety, as doing the same activities every day often results in boredom and avoidance. 6. Prioritise sleep Set yourself a goal of getting a minimum of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945708700133">seven hours of uninterrupted sleep</a> each night, and help yourself achieve it by <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms3259">avoiding screens</a> for an hour or <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1477153515584979?journalCode=lrtd">two</a> before bed. 7. Weigh yourself regularly Getting into the habit of weighing yourself weekly is a guaranteed way <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-often-should-you-really-weigh-yourself-223864">to help avoid the kilos creeping up</a> on us. Aim to weigh yourself on the same day, at the same time and in the same environment each week and use the best quality scales you can afford. <hr /> At the Boden Group, Charles Perkins Centre, we are studying the science of obesity and running clinical trials for weight loss. <a href="https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/surveys/?s=RKTXPPPHKY">You can register here</a> to express your interest.<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/244186/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nick-fuller-219993">Nick Fuller</a>, Clinical Trials Director, Department of Endocrinology, RPA Hospital, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</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/most-adults-will-gain-half-a-kilo-this-year-and-every-year-heres-how-to-stop-weight-creep-244186">original article</a>. </div>

Body

John Farnham to become a grandfather for the first time

John Farnham is set to become a grandfather for the first time. On Thursday, the legendary singer's son James took to Instagram to announce that his partner Tessa is pregnant with a baby boy due later this year. The clip showed James setting alight a burn away cake with the words "coming 2025" inscribed on it. The inscription peeled away to reveal the word "Boy", confirming that the couple are having a son. He also shared a photo of an ultrasound of their unborn baby's hand, with the caption: "Coming 2025! Tessa, I love you so much!" James' celebrity friends were quick to congratulate the couple's joyous baby news. "Congratulations guys. Great news to kick off the year," wrote Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac's fiancée Rebecca James. "Ahhhhhhh this is the best ever! So happy for you guys," added Neighbours star Bonnie Anderson. "Yeah wooohooo, so happy for you both. Congratulations to the coolest parents," wrote one person. "Woohoo! Massive congratulations to you both! Baby Boy is very lucky to have you both as their mummy and daddy! Big love," added another. <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/DEj0BaHzmRM/?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/DEj0BaHzmRM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by James Farnham (@jimbofarnham)</a> </div> </blockquote> James has been in a relationship with Tessa for several years, and even attended the premiere of the John Farnham: Finding the Voice documentary together in Melbourne in 2023. The joyful news comes after a challenging period for Farnham and his family following his battle with mouth cancer. In August 2022, Farnham underwent surgery and treatment for mouth cancer. The following year, he was declared cancer free following multiple surgeries and eight weeks of radiation therapy. However, the beloved singer later shared that the life-saving surgery has left him unable to sing. “My facial disfigurement from the surgery means I can’t open my mouth wide enough for a strip of spaghetti, let alone to sing,” Farnham said in an excerpt from his memoir published by the Sydney Morning Herald. “I can’t get the movement to make the sounds I want to make, that’s where the vibrations and my voice come from. It’s a very disconcerting thing. And trying hurts.” Despite the challenges, the legendary singer hopes that he will be able to perform again one day. “I was given a gift and to be able to get out there and affect people in some way was special, I would like to continue doing that,” he said. “Though I am not putting all my hopes into it, we’ll see.” Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

Sam Armytage's stunning return to breakfast TV

Samantha Armytage has made a stunning return to breakfast television. The beloved journalist made her debut as co-host of the Today show on Monday morning alongside Weekend Today weather presenter Dan Anstey. The pair took over the reins from Weekend Today hosts David Campbell and Sylvia Jeffreys who were filling in for Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo. This is the first time Armytage has appeared on morning TV, since she last co-hosted Seven’s rival breakfast show Sunrise with David Koch from 2013 to 2021. “I’ve remembered where I am, on channel Nine. Isn’t it lovely to be on channel Nine?” she asked, addressing the elephant in the room, before saying, "Hi guys, good morning, it's nice to be here and nice to look at this new team." “Well, we met at Melbourne Cup, didn’t we? You were handsome as always,” she told co-host Anstey, who jokingly replied: "I can't remember that now." "You may have confused me with another Dan." Armytage, who started her TV career on Nine, was recently welcomed back as host of the new dating program, The Golden Bachelor, which will premiere next year. Her appearance on the breakfast TV show comes after a dramatic development in her personal life, following news of her<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/the-reason-behind-sam-armytage-s-shock-split-from-husband" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> split from husband</a> Richard Lavender after four years together. Images: Today

Ray Hadley chokes up during final radio show

Ray Hadley has become emotional during his last show on-air, farewelling his loyal 2GB audience for the last time. Hadley was joined by fellow 2GB host Ben Fordham for his final show on Friday, with Fordham surprising Hadley with a tribute to his stellar career. The tribute spanned Hadley’s entire career, from top sporting moments, interviews with Keith Urban, to his children speaking with him on air. “Ray Hadley, this is your life,” Fordham said before it played. However, Hadley became emotional when a snippet of his mother’s voice was played during the segment. “Very emotional. I had heard my mother’s voice previously,” Hadley told listeners, choked up. “I wasn’t gonna get upset. You’ve done this to me you little bludger.” Earlier this week, Hadley spoke with <a href="https://honey.nine.com.au/latest/ray-hadley-retires-from-2gb-sydney-radio-interview-exclusive/354a86f1-eeac-49a2-bc04-a91f3f22ff13" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9Honey</a> about his <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/retirement-life/the-time-has-come-ray-hadley-announces-retirement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retirement</a>, reflecting on his 43-year career. Hadley admitted he worked brutal hours during his illustrious career, with his dedication leading to what became one of the most impressive runs in radio history in Australia. "I've fought hard for every position I've got and a couple were thrust upon me without fighting for them, but once I got them I realised that it was things I liked doing," he told 9Honey. "So yeah, it's been an adventure." "Like every adventure, there's highs and lows. The lows are about as low as you can get, the highs are about as high as you can get, and hopefully most of the time is in the middle somewhere." Hadley said while he's "retiring from full-time radio work" he's "not retiring from life" and with his contract set to run with 2GB until 2026 he is considering his options. "That doesn't mean I won't do something else. What that is, I don't know, because I'm still contracted here. And I'm still committed to this station in many respects ... I've been here for 24 years." "So, you know, there's always a part of me that is willing this station and this network to do well," he said. For now, he's planning to take a three-month break "to clear my head." Image credits: 2GB

Retirement Life

"About time": Coles bold parking move sparks debate

Frustrated staff at a Coles-owned bottle shop in Brisbane have taken matters into their own hands and retaliated against drivers flouting parking rules outside their store. Management at a First Choice Liquor Market store in Newstead have locked in cars taking advantage of the customer-only spaces. It is understood that some cars remain parked in the 15-minute spots for extended periods, sometimes overnight, despite signs saying that fines apply. A photo shared on Facebook showed a car with P-plates blocked in by a yellow bollard and note that read: "Due to you not adhering to the parking rules, your vehicle has been locked in by management and will be kept on record." "Please see First Choice management to discuss your options". A local woman who shared the photos said there "were at least two other cars locked in" when she was passing by this week. Locals were divided by the store's actions, but many supported their decision. "About time. Pub takes all the spaces," one said. "I’ve been there when the store opens and there have been no car spaces available". "Don’t park where you shouldn’t. It’s simple," another added. A third said it was "about bloody time" something was done about the parking. However, a few others had a more understanding approach, with one local saying that the limited parking in a large apartment complex across the road could be contributing to the limited parking. Another suggested the staff had gone too far, noting the importance of being able to "flee" in a hurry, particularly in violent situations. "The thought of their vehicle being blocked in by bollard, should an unthinkable situation arise, is horrific to think of," she said. "While I understand this would be frustrating for your shop, it could be putting someone’s life in danger — as another perspective to think of." Coles have responded to the management's actions explaining that their commitment to customers means providing "parking and clear access to our stores." "The Newstead store carpark is owned by Coles and has signage throughout the carpark informing locals about parking time restrictions which are also painted on the parking bays," a Coles spokesperson told Yahoo News. "To ensure we are making our stores more accessible for customers, our store team may use its discretion to remind the community of the parking rules.” Images: Facebook

Legal

Lindt Cafe siege hero revealed for the first time

The name of the hero police officer who killed terrorist Man Haron Monis ten years ago during the Lindt Cafe siege in Sydney has finally been revealed. For the last decade, Ben Besant was only known as Officer A, his name suppressed for his own protection. Now, he can finally tell his story publicly for the first time, following a court decision to lift his suppression order on Friday. “I’m never one to walk away from a fight, and I have been fighting for a long time to have my name returned to me,” he told told Seven’s Spotlight program. The former NSW Police Tactical Operations Unit Officer led the assault and fired the final shots that took Monis down. While the suppression order was for his own protection, Besant said that not being able to tell anyone about the moment aggravated his PTSD, that cost him his career, marriage and home. “It’s become such a big issue for me to be able to get my name back,” he said. The siege lasted 17-hours and Besant told Spotlight that it took 17 shots to bring down the terrorist. His mission now is to help other frontline responders deal with the effects of PTSD. Besant added that having his identity back will help him deal with what has become the most difficult day of the year for him. The decision comes two weeks before the 10-year anniversary of the siege. On the morning of December, 15, 2014, Monis took eight staff members and 10 customers hostage inside the popular cafe on Martin Place, Sydney. Police quickly evacuated the area and surrounded the building, as the terrorist claimed he was armed and had a bomb in his backpack. At 2.13am the next morning the cafe’s manager, Tori Johnson, 34, was shot dead by Monis, promoting police to storm the building. Barrister and Sydney mother-of-three, Katrina Dawson, 38, died when she was hit by fragments of police bullets. Images: Seven/Spotlight

Legal

Pauline Hanson levels lawsuit at Lidia Thorpe and Today show

Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, has initiated defamation proceedings against Senator Lidia Thorpe and Channel Nine’s Today show after being described as “a convicted racist” during a live television interview. Legal letters sent to both parties demand immediate apologies and retractions, claiming the statement is false and defamatory. Hanson’s legal team, represented by barrister Sue Chrysanthou and solicitor Anthony Jeffries, has labelled the situation “highly irresponsible” and warned of further legal action if the demands are not met. In the letter to Senator Thorpe, Hanson’s lawyers argue, “You alleged during that interview that Senator Hanson has been convicted of racism. That never occurred.” They insist no criminal conviction of that nature exists and called on Thorpe to issue a public correction. The dispute arises in the wake of a Federal Court ruling earlier this month, where Hanson was found to have racially vilified Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi. The ruling stemmed from a 2022 social media post in which Hanson told Senator Faruqi to “pack your bags and p*ss off back to Pakistan”. Justice Angus Stewart described the tweet as an “angry personal attack” that conveyed “a strong form of racism”. Hanson has appealed the court's decision, arguing that the statement did not target Faruqi’s race, religion or ethnicity and should not be classified as racist. Her legal team claims the tweet was directed solely at Senator Faruqi and was not reflective of broader discrimination. They further argue that the original judgment misinterpreted the context of the remarks. In the same Today show interview, Senator Thorpe also described Australia as “a very racist, divided country”. Thorpe has not yet publicly addressed Hanson’s legal warning. Hanson, whose supporters have donated nearly $700,000 to fund her legal efforts, appears ready for a protracted legal battle. Her legal filings challenge the broader interpretations of offensive speech and the legal thresholds for defamation and racial vilification. Images: Today Show

Legal

Susie O'Neill's replacement announced on popular morning show

Popular comedian Nikki Osborne has been announced as the new co-host of Nova Brisbane’s 106.9 breakfast show, stepping in to fill the void left by Olympic swimming champion Susie O’Neill. Osborne will join longtime presenters Ash Bradnam and David “Luttsy” Lutteral from January 20, 2024, bringing her signature humour and vibrant personality to the much-loved morning program. “I have big flippers to fill, but I’m confident Brisbane will warm to my ways,” Osborne quipped. “Sure, I get in trouble a bit, but I’ve got two big brothers in Ash and Luttsy, and I have no doubt they’ll steer me even further off course!” Osborne, a seasoned performer in the Australian entertainment industry, is no stranger to the spotlight. She has made her mark in stand-up comedy and starred in TV shows such as How To Stay Married and Kinne Tonight. Reality TV fans may also recognise her from I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here in 2020 and Dancing with the Stars earlier this year. A Brisbane native and mother of two, Osborne expressed excitement about her new role. “I love Brisbane. I grew up here, and I look forward to having a good laugh with our listeners in this amazing city,” she said. Her appointment comes after O’Neill’s <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/heavy-heart-susie-o-neill-breaks-down-as-she-resigns-live-on-air" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tearful departure announcement</a> last month. O’Neill, who has been a staple of Nova’s breakfast lineup for over a decade, revealed that turning 50 had prompted her to embrace new personal and professional opportunities. “For a lot of the time, it has been more than just a job,” O’Neill shared emotionally. “When I’ve had really hard times, I’ve known that I can come in here, just be myself, and enjoy it.” Reflecting on her decision, O’Neill explained, “I feel like I want to get back to the grassroots of sport and involve myself more in the wider community.” Listeners can expect a fresh dynamic with Osborne at the mic, as she brings her comedic flair and Brisbane pride to the morning airwaves. Images: Nova

Music

NRL legend sacked from radio show

NRL legend Mark 'MG' Geyer has been axed from his popular Triple M radio show that he hosts alongside Mick Molloy. The NSW State of Origin star joined Triple M in 2009 and quickly became one of the network's most popular talents, co-hosting the Mick & MG in the Morning show for many years. Geyer, 56, was absent from Wednesday and Thursday’s shows with Molloy making no mention of his whereabouts. News of Geyer being axed was first reported by <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/triple-m-rocked-as-mark-mg-geyer-sacked-from-breakfast-show/news-story/c8257f6989eda13b0dde61a9bb3b67d0" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="c8257f6989eda13b0dde61a9bb3b67d0" data-tgev-label="entertainment" data-tgev-metric="ev">The Daily Telegraph </a>with his departure following in the wake of several on-air talents being let go. The shock sacking comes after it was announced that Mick Molloy would also depart the show next year and return to Melbourne where he’ll host Triple M Melbourne’s breakfast show next year alongside Nick Riewoldt, Titus O’Reily and Rosie Walton. Listeners of the show took to social media to vent their frustration after learning the NRL legend had been let go. “MG has been refreshing to listen to on MMM. He isn’t one of the sanitised radio ‘personalities’ who are full of themselves. MG is honest and speaks from the heart,” one wrote. A second added: “MMM are a total joke, was once a great radio station now run by suits who have no idea on what the listeners want. Where’s the MMM we had back 30 years ago when MMM was the Number 1 radio station in Sydney.” While no official announcement has been made by Southern Cross Austereo, Geyer has updated his Facebook profile which now reads: Former Locutor at Triple M Sydney 104.9. According to The Daily Telegraph, an official announcement about the Triple M breakfast show's new lineup would be made "in due course". Image credits: Triple M - news.com.au

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Pauline Hanson levels lawsuit at Lidia Thorpe and Today show

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NRL legend sacked from radio show

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