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Peter Dutton defends comparing pro-Palestine rally to Port Arthur massacre

<p>Peter Dutton has doubled down on controversial comments he made comparing a pro-Palestine rally to the Port Arthur massacre in 1996. </p> <p>The leader of the opposition sparked fierce criticism fort he remarks he made when discussing the rise of anti-Semitism in Australia as the Israel-Palestine war rages on. </p> <p>He compared a pro-Palestine protest that took place outside Sydney Opera House on October 9th, just days after the first attacks by Hamas, to the deadly massacre in Tasmania in which 35 people were killed which prompted major gun reforms in Australia under the Howard government.</p> <p>Dutton later repeated the comments, insisting Mr Howard’s response had been “strong” and claimed Mr Albanese has not done enough to stem the rise in anti-Semitism.</p> <p>The Opposition Leader appeared on <em>Today</em> on Friday morning where he again defended his comments when asked if he had gone too far with the comparison. </p> <p>“The point I was making, which is absolutely a legitimate one, is that I thought this was a time for the Prime Minister (Anthony Albanese) to show leadership and to step up,” Mr Dutton said.</p> <p>“I think, with John Howard, who stood up at a point of national importance for our country, demonstrated leadership and changed the course of history for the better. The Prime Minister has allowed this rise of anti-Semitism in our country.”</p> <p>“I don’t resile from that at all.”</p> <p>Mr Dutton’s fury was sparked by comments made by the Foreign Minister Penny Wong in her own speech earlier this week, which left the door open for Australia to back Palestinian statehood in the UN. </p> <p>“Penny Wong never went to cabinet with this proposal. It’s not agreed to by the Palestinian leaders here in Australia,” he said. </p> <p>Government Services Minister Bill Shorten then chimed in on the debate, arguing there was nothing new in Senator Wong’s comments as the war in Palestine continued to claim thousands of innocent lives. </p> <p>“Labor has had as its policy for a very long time, the whole time I’ve been a member of the Labor Party, support for a two state solution,” he told Nine. </p> <p>But he said it was a grave mistake to conflate Port Arthur with the “unacceptable” rise in anti-Semitism.</p> <p>“I think probably if he had his time again in the privacy of his own head, he would probably not do (that),” Mr Shorten said. </p> <p>“They’re two separate issues. Port Arthur was a shocking, murderous, evil act in Australia. And John Howard certainly spoke up about it."</p> <p>“I think Peter, you know, has got to make his point. That’s his job. But I think he should work with the Prime Minister to call out inflammatory language here.”</p> <p>Mr Dutton went on to clarify he was just trying to make a parallel between the two leaders’ responses. </p> <p>“John Howard stood up for our country at a time when he needed moral clarity. He did that he changed the course of history with gun laws,” he said. </p> <p>“That’s the parallel that I’m making to the absolute absence of leadership from the Prime Minister at the moment, which has given rise to those in the Jewish community talking about feeling unsafe in our country.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <div class="media image" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 24px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; width: 705.202209px; max-width: 100%;"> </div>

Legal

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5 of the best things to do in Port Stephens

<p>From magnificent coastline to whale watching and sunsets that will take your breath away, these are five of the best things to do in Port Stephens. Be warned: After reading this you’ll want to hop in the car immediately.</p> <p><strong>1. Camp in luxury safari tent (pictured above)</strong></p> <p>If you’re looking for that up-close-and-personal-with-nature feel that goes hand in hand with camping, but don’t want to go with out the luxuries of a resort, the safari tents at <a href="http://www.twsr.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Thou Walla Sunset Retreat</span></strong></a> are for you. Labelled as “Glamping Safari Tents,” the experience is just that – camping with all of the glamourous trimmings. From the king-size bed to the large flat-screen TV, you can expect all the features that you get from a luxury hotel room, including an electric fireplace, fridge and a big bathroom with a shower and toilet – they are, however, eco friendly with a few different bells and whistles. The tents themselves are located a stone’s throw from the marina and the calm waters of Soliders Point, which runs alongside one length of the site. Located around 15 minutes from Nelson Bay, the award-winning retreat is home to villas as well as the safari tents. If you are adverse to noises in the night, you may want to pack you earplugs to drown out the noisy birds – but apparently they don’t make a ruckus all year round and in any case, the piece des resistance that is the amazing sunset, enjoyed from your tent’s deck with a tipple in hand, by far makes up for the noise. It is absolute bliss.</p> <p><strong>2. Hike up to Tomaree Head</strong></p> <p>Tomaree Head sits 161 metres above Port Stephens and offers the most incredible views of the region. The track to the summit is just over two kilometres and will take around an hour, but you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over Zenith, Wreck and Box beaches, the lighthouse and WWII gun placements, Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands, and potentially even whales or dolphins. There’s a picnic table at the top, so bring your lunch for a meal with a view.</p> <p><strong>3. Go whale watching</strong></p> <p>Every year, thousands of humpback and southern right whales make their way past Port Stephens during their annual migration. At this time of year, the southern migration has begun and you’ll see many mothers with newborn calves returning from the breeding grounds. There are plenty of spots to watch the whales from shore, but for the real experience you need to be out on the water. <a href="http://www.imaginecruises.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Imagine Cruises</span></strong></a> runs whale-watching tours every day from May to November. You’ll be sailing on a 16-metre catamaran as the whales swim right alongside or breach from the water in a stunning display of aquatic acrobatics.</p> <p><strong>4. Spend the day at the beach</strong></p> <p>Port Stephens is surrounded by more than 20 golden sandy beaches so enjoy a classic stop on the shore. There’s a beach for just about every kind of water activity you could ask for, from swimming and surfing to snorkelling, parasailing, fishing and jetskiing. Divers can explore the sea caves and shipwrecks of Fly Point Marine Park. Or you can just spread out your towel, pick up a good book and soak up some sun.</p> <p><strong>5. Have dinner by the water</strong></p> <p>The Port Stephens region is famous for its food and wine, and one of the best spots to taste it is the <a href="http://littlebeachboathouse.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Little Beach Boathouse</span></strong></a>. The restaurant sits right on the water at Nelson Bay – but set away from the main shops on the marina. Styled like a cool, breezy beach house, the menu features fresh local produce like rock oysters, fish and prawns, accompanied by wines from the nearby Hunter Valley and Murray Brewery Beers brewed in Port Stephens. Arrive early for dinner to watch the sunset with a glass of bubbles.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><strong>Related links</strong></p> <p><a href="../travel/international/2016/09/10-of-the-most-incredible-landmarks-in-australia/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>10 of the most incredible landmarks in Australia</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="../travel/international/2016/08/10-images-showcase-the-beauty-of-tasmanian-wilderness/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>10 images showcase the beauty of Tasmania’s wilderness</strong></span></em></a></p> <p><a href="../travel/international/2016/08/12-aerial-photos-showcasing-south-australias-beauty/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">12 aerial photos showcasing South Australia’s beauty</span></em></strong></a></p>

Domestic Travel

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Two years on since the Beirut port explosion

<p dir="ltr">It’s been two years since the devastating port explosion that rocked Lebanon and saw the country slowly become even more poor. </p> <p dir="ltr">The terrifying explosion killed 218 people, wounded 7,000 and damaged 77,000 apartments, displacing more than 300,000 people in the already struggling country. </p> <p dir="ltr">Covid was well underway with hospitals already under pressure, but the explosion saw them suddenly overflowing with injured citizens desperate for help. </p> <p dir="ltr">People are saying that the country’s stay-at-home orders saved lives which would have otherwise seen hundreds of thousands on the roads, at work and at the beach near the exploded port.</p> <p dir="ltr">But two years on and the residents are still struggling through the worst economic crisis in 30 years.</p> <p dir="ltr">Electricity runs for an hour a day unless you have a deal with electricity companies, there is also no running water, no bread, no gas, and much more. </p> <p dir="ltr">And it’s only expected to get worse in winter when temperatures plummet and families struggle to keep their loved ones, particularly the elderly, warm. </p> <p dir="ltr">Even putting food on the table has become more difficult with grocery prices soaring exponentially – almost 10 times what they were back in 2019. Families are being forced to ration and even resort to basics. </p> <p dir="ltr">There have been several protests calling for an end to the widespread corruption and tax increases.</p> <p dir="ltr">Will the politicians listen? Probably not, as this has been a long-running issue for Lebanon. </p> <p dir="ltr">Despite all this heartache, Lebanon remains the Paris of the Middle East and is likened to a phoenix, a mythical bird that is born again from the ashes of its predecessor.</p> <p dir="ltr">But what can we do to help Lebanon? Go and visit. </p> <p dir="ltr">Lebanon’s economy continues to rely on tourism and is a stunning summer/spring destination.</p> <p dir="ltr">Travellers will be in awe at the beauty of the Middle Eastern country which is constantly bringing Aussie tourists in.</p> <p dir="ltr">From its capital city Beirut, to Byblos in the seaside of the north of the country, Tyre, also known as Sour (pronounced soor), Harissa and many more it is certainly the place to be. </p> <p dir="ltr">It comes as the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism launched a tourism campaign to bring in Lebanese expats to come to the country during the 2022 summer season. </p> <p dir="ltr">The campaign was dubbed “Ahla Bha Talle,” in reference to a song by late and prominent Lebanese singer Sabah.</p> <p dir="ltr">So in reference to that TikTok video “Yallah come to Lebanon habibi” (Come to Lebanon my love). </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Twitter</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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7 free activities to do at a port stop

<p>Having a fun during your port stop doesn’t mean you have to spend lots of money. Depending on where you have stopped, there are various activities that you can spend your time doing that will still allow you to soak up the country that you are in.</p> <p><strong>1. Beach</strong></p> <p>Beaches not only provide some of the most beautiful views on earth but they are an enjoyable activity that requires no money. You can spend your time taking in some Vitamin D, reading a book, searching for seashells or cooling off in the crystal waters.</p> <p><strong>2. Explore</strong></p> <p>Depending on where you are, you can choose to go on a nice walk to take in the outdoor views or explore the streets and local life. You will be able to stretch your legs, take in the views and you will also be bound to meet some friendly faces that might be willing to give you some insider tips to where to go next. If you prefer not to walk too much when you explore, research prior to your trip to see if there are any free bus rides where you are stopping. </p> <p><strong>3. Tour the city</strong></p> <p>If you have great navigation skills, don’t bother paying for a tour but visit the most prominent sites by yourself. From churches, to statutes and museums, you can explore the history of the location on your own terms. This will allow you to spend more time on the places you don’t want to rush or skip the attractions that don’t interest you at all.</p> <p><strong>4. Browse markets</strong></p> <p>Markets are often free and will definitely entertain you as you browse through the local handmade goods and food. If you find some cheap items you can also purchase them as souvenirs and save yourself from spending lots of money at the tourist trap shops. You will also be supporting locals who may need the money. The markets will also provide a lot of options to meet different people. Be sure to know the conversion rate before you go to the markets so you don’t get ripped off.</p> <p><strong>5. See live music</strong></p> <p>Live music is delightful to watch in another country and is a great way to see how the country’s culture and history has influenced the music. Live music can be found anywhere whether it be in front of prominent attractions, street corners or in bars. If you stumble upon an act that you enjoy, feel free to dance along or start clapping. Be aware of pickpocket thieves when you listen to live music as they love crowds.</p> <p><strong>6. People-watch</strong></p> <p>People-watching is a great way to learn about the culture of a country. If you feel like relaxing in a park or at a café, be sure to pick a spot that gives you a great view of the crowds. You will be easily entertained watching people going about their lives oblivious of your gaze.</p> <p><strong>7. Attend local events</strong></p> <p>There are so many local events on in all countries around the world, it is just a matter of being aware of where they are and what time they are occurring. Check out the events calendars for your cruise ports to see which events take your fancy.</p> <p>What free activities are your favourite in cruise ports? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

Cruising

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“Awful”: Steve Price slams upcoming Port Arthur movie

<p>The film about the 1996 Port Arthur massacre has proven to be a massive controversy, with many saying it should not be made.</p> <p>On Wednesday night’s episode of The Project, Lisa Wilkinson asked Steve Price his opinion on the upcoming film.</p> <p>“A controversial new film about the 1996 Port Arthur massacre has been widely condemned. It is due for release next year. Survivors have branded it ‘tasteless and inappropriate,’” Lisa stated.</p> <p>“The film focuses on the gunman who killed 32 people and injured 23 others in what became one of Australia’s worst mass shootings.”</p> <p>“Steve Price was at the scene after that horrific event unfolded in 1996.</p> <p>“There are films made about 9/11, World War II and here in Australia about Snowtown. What is different about this one?” Lisa asks.</p> <p>“Well, Lisa, I think it is probably too soon and too close to home. I mean, the 35 people who were killed there, their relatives today I would think would be having flashbacks,” Price said.</p> <p>“The 21 people injured by that gunman would be feeling uncomfortable. I saw an interview back with Walter who did it from the ABC, where he was talking about how he lost his wife and his two children and he described how the gunman had left the cafe and was driving back down the road. He saw his wife. He jumped out of the car. He killed her. He then shot one of the daughters. The other was hiding behind a tree. He turned around the side of that tree and gunned her down as well. I stood in front of that tree the day after that happened and I can tell you, and I wasn’t there on the day but I was there the next day, it still haunts me. It was an awful feeling and awful place and it would be an awful movie.”</p> <p>“Is it fair to protest a film – we don’t know what is in the film. Is it fair to protest a film which has not been made yet?” asked co-host Joel Creasey.</p> <p>“We all know how it ends and the end is grim and awful. I don’t know what sort of job this filmmaker will make of this movie. I won’t see it. I am sure anyone there on the day will avoid it at all costs. I agree it should not be made,” he said.</p> <p>“I don’t see the point in making something which was an awful stain on our history.”</p> <p>Waleed Aly asked him whether the film could be seen as a crucial way to learn lessons from the tragedy, as there was no trial.</p> <p>“It sounds like an important story to tell. Isn’t this a way to do that?” Waleed asked.</p> <p>But Price didn’t think so.</p> <p>“The big lesson we learn is there’s no place in Australian homes for automatic and semiautomatic weapons. We learnt that John Howard took guns off people after that. A lot of people turned weapons in and we’ve not had as may a mass shooting as that ever since. That is the lesson we learnt. What did we learn about the gunman? What we have learnt today is we’re not using his name. That is a good lesson. I don’t though how a movie can be made without using the person it is about and saying their name.”</p> <p>The movie based around the events leading up to the horrible tragedy will make its cinematic debut in 2021.</p>

Movies

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Charging your phone using a public port is dangerous

<p>Have you ever used a public charging station to charge your mobile phone when it runs out of battery? If so, watch out for “juice jacking”.</p> <p>Cybercriminals are on the prowl to infect your mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers and access your personal data, or install malware while you charge them.</p> <p>Specifically, <a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/2732198.2732205">juice jacking</a> is a cyber attack in which criminals <a href="https://securelist.com/wired-mobile-charging-is-it-safe/74804/">use publicly accessible USB charging ports or cables</a> to install malicious software on your mobile device and/or steal personal data from it.</p> <p>Even a <a href="https://media.blackhat.com/us-13/US-13-Lau-Mactans-Injecting-Malware-into-iOS-Devices-via-Malicious-Chargers-WP.pdf">60-second power-up</a> can be enough to compromise your phone’s data. This is because USB cables allow the transmission of both power and data streams simultaneously. Victims can be left vulnerable to identity theft, financial fraud, and significant stress.</p> <p>USB charging stations are a common sight in shopping centres, airports, hotels, fast-food restaurants, and even on public transport. While juice jacking is neither <a href="https://securelist.com/wi-fi-security-and-fake-acdc-charges-threaten-your-data-at-the-2014-world-cup/63759/">new</a> nor particularly widespread so far, it was recently highlighted by <a href="http://da.lacounty.gov/about/inside-LADA/juice-jacking-criminals-use-public-usb-chargers-steal-data-ff">Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office</a> as a significant threat, especially to travellers who can easily find themselves caught short and in need of a battery boost.</p> <p><strong>How does it work?</strong></p> <p>First, the attackers tamper with the charging stations or cables in public areas, and install malicious software on them. This software then infects the phones of unsuspecting users who subsequently plug into the tampered charger.</p> <p>The software can invade, damage or even disable your phone. It can also steal or delete data from your phone and possibly spy on your usage activity, to the extent of transmitting your personal information such as account numbers, usernames, passwords, photos, and emails to the perpetrator.</p> <p><strong>How can I tell if I’ve been juice jacked?</strong></p> <p>Hacked mobile devices will often go undetected. But there are a few telltale signs that your device may have been hacked. These include:</p> <ul> <li> <p>a sudden surge in battery consumption or rapid loss of charge, indicating a malicious app may be running in the background</p> </li> <li> <p>the device operating slower than usual, or restarting without notice</p> </li> <li> <p>apps taking a long time to load or frequently crashing</p> </li> <li> <p>excessive heating</p> </li> <li> <p>changes to device settings that you did not make</p> </li> <li> <p>increased or abnormal data usage.</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>How do I protect myself?</strong></p> <p>The tampering of USB charging stations or USB cables is almost impossible to identify. But there are some simple ways to guard against juice jacking:</p> <ul> <li> <p>avoid USB power charging stations</p> </li> <li> <p>use AC power outlets rather than USB ports</p> </li> <li> <p>use a portable battery power bank (your own, not a borrowed one!)</p> </li> <li> <p>carry your own charging cable and adaptor</p> </li> <li> <p>use a data-blocker device such as <a href="http://syncstop.com/">SyncStop</a> or <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Juice-Jack-Defender-Security-purchased-employees/dp/B00XYTQ4Q8">Juice-Jack Defender</a>. These devices physically prevent data transfer and only allow power to go through while charging</p> </li> <li> <p>use power-only USB cables such as <a href="https://www.4cabling.com.au/portapow-fast-charge-micro-usb-cable-300cm.html">PortaPow</a>, which don’t pass any data.</p> </li> </ul> <p>And finally, if you must use a charging station, keep your phone locked while doing so. USB ports typically don’t sync data from a phone that is locked. Most mobile phones will ask your permission to give the USB port access to your phone’s data when you plug in. If you’re using an unknown or untrustworthy port, make sure you decline.</p> <p><strong>I think I might have been juice jacked – what can I do?</strong></p> <p>If you suspect you have fallen prey, there are several things you can do to protect your device’s integrity:</p> <ul> <li> <p>monitor your device for unusual activity</p> </li> <li> <p>delete suspicious apps you don’t recall installing</p> </li> <li> <p>restore your device to its factory settings</p> </li> <li> <p>install anti-virus software, such as <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&amp;hl=en_AU">Avast Antivirus</a> or <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.antivirus&amp;hl=en_AU%22">AVG AntiVirus</a></p> </li> <li> <p>keep your mobile device’s system software up to date. Developers continually release patches against common types of malware.</p> </li> </ul> <p>A lot of data is stored on our mobile devices these days, and protecting our privacy is crucial. While juice jacking may not be a widespread threat, it is important to ensure the safety of our mobile devices. So, the next time you consider using a public USB charging station or cable, ask yourself if it is worth it, particularly as your personal information is at stake.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/130947/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: http://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ritesh-chugh-162770">Ritesh Chugh</a>, Senior Lecturer/Discipline Lead – Information Systems and Analysis, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/charging-your-phone-using-a-public-usb-port-beware-of-juice-jacking-130947">original article</a>.</em></p>

Technology

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5 things to do when visiting Port Stephens

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Port Stephens is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney and offers jaw-dropping views to boot. With beaches, sand dunes, national parks and coastal walks, you’re bound to find something to do that will suit your holiday style. </span></p> <p><strong>1. See the view from the top of Tomaree Head</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tomaree Head offers the best view of Port Stephens. It’s a 360-degree lookout post that’s easy to get to. The journey is about 25 minutes, 160 metre climb and there are steep steps in some places, but the view up the top is worth it. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You’re able to see the offshore islands, Fingal Spit in the distance as well as Yacaaba Head and the Myall Rover. Don’t forget to pick your jaw up from the floor once you leave.</span></p> <p><strong>2. Enjoy oysters fresh from the sea</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re a fan of seafood and freshly shucked oysters, head to Holbert’s Oyster Farm in Salamander Bay. The plain-brick shop is so simple you might miss it, but there’s plenty to enjoy. With large, cooked king prawns for $30 a kilo, you won’t want to miss out. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Grab a seat outside and enjoy the view of the oyster farms. However, there are no inside tables if the weather is bad, so this is something to keep in mind.</span></p> <p><strong>3. See some seals (or whales if you’re lucky!)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Head down to Port Stephens during the migration period from May to November and you might just be lucky enough to see some humpback whales making the journey. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">More than 7,000 whales pass by the Port Stephens coastline, so if you go during the migration period, you might just get lucky. If you don’t manage to see any whales, there’s seal colonies, fairy penguins and dolphins to look at as well.</span></p> <p><strong>4. Relax with morning tea at the lighthouse</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Enjoy some downtime in the heritage listed Nelson Head Inner Lighthouse along Shoal Bay. You’ll be able to enjoy beautiful water views whilst relaxing with some famous lighthouse scones. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With a relaxed atmosphere and a range of food to suit a variety of tastes, this isn’t the worst place to spend a lazy morning.</span></p> <p><strong>5. Go to the beach</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Saved the best for last. The best things in life are free, so take a sweet stroll along the magnificent coastline of Port Stephens. There’s plenty of beaches to choose from, but for some, the journey towards Fingal Spit is best. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You’re able to walk across the sand spit to the connecting island if the tide is low, but it’s best to keep an eye on the tide before attempting this journey.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Do you have any places to recommend in Port Stephens? Let us know in the comments.</span></p>

Domestic Travel

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Pauline Hanson caught on camera "questioning" Port Arthur tragedy

<p>One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has been recorded on camera making a controversial comment and suggesting that the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, in which a gunman shot and killed 35 people, was a government conspiracy.</p> <p>The hidden camera footage, released as part of Al-Jazeera's three-year <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/03/australia-nation-offered-change-voting-system-cash-190327170846167.html">investigation</a>, showed the Queensland Senator saying she had “a lot of questions” about the mass shooting.</p> <p>"An MP said it would actually take a massacre in Tasmania to change the gun laws in Australia," said Hanson.</p> <p>"Haven't you heard that? Have a look at it. It was said on the floor of parliament."</p> <p>In another footage, Hanson could be seen telling her chief of staff James Ashby, "They were precision shots … I've read a lot and I have read the book on it, Port Arthur. A lot of questions there."</p> <p>In response to the 1996 massacre, which left 35 people dead and 23 wounded, the Australian government established stricter gun laws, banning automatic and semi-automatic long guns as well as introducing more stringent licensing and registration system for firearm ownership.</p> <p>The new video also showed One Nation's Queensland leader Steve Dickson requesting political funding from American energy giant Koch Industries in a meeting September last year. Dickson could be seen telling the company's representative: "<span>What you can do to help us and it's going to get down to money at the end of the day … we can change the voting system in our country, the way people operate, if we've got the money to do it."</span></p> <p>On Tuesday, Dickson and One Nation official James Ashby faced the media after the two men were <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/one-nation-officials-on-the-sauce-when-seeking-20-million-donation-from-us-gun-lobby/" target="_blank">caught on record</a> talking about asking for a $20 million political donation from the US’ biggest gun lobby group, the National Rifle Association (NRA).</p> <p>Ashby and Dickson were also receiving advice from the NRA on ways to weaken gun laws in Australia. </p> <p>"Just shame [gun control supporters] to the whole idea," Lars Dalseide, a member of the NRA's public relations team, told them in one of the footage.</p> <p>Ashby said at the press conference, "The conversations that have been recorded where there is talk of $10 and $20 million dollars – I’ll be the first to admit, we’d arrived in America, we’d got on the sauce, we’d had a few drinks."</p> <p>Hanson, who is <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/pauline-hanson-unrecognisable-after-suffering-facial-paralysis-amid-one-nation-scandal">reportedly suffering facial paralysis</a> after being bitten by a tick, is expected to front the media today over the scandal.</p>

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Scammers can now cut off your mobile phone and drain your bank account in just minutes

<p>A new scam targeting Australians is seeing fraudsters exploiting mobile phone network providers so that they drain a victim’s bank account.</p> <p>Fraudsters will port the victim’s mobile phone number to a new sim card, which is owned by the scammer, so that they can then use the mobile number as a form of identification to transfer money.</p> <p>A victim of this scam, Lisa Johnson, told 9News that it all started when she received a phone call where the caller immediately hung up.</p> <p>Later that night, Lisa received a text from Optus saying a request had been made to port her number, followed 30 seconds later by a confirmation text from Vodafone, confirming the task had been completed.</p> <p>When she called Optus, her service was not active and then, 15 minutes later, she received a notification that $1000 had been withdrawn from her account.</p> <p>Porting a number only requires details such as a name, address, date of birth and bank account numbers. Scammers can obtain this information from stealing mail or hacking methods.</p> <p>Network providers are required by law to fulfil a request to port a mobile phone number to a new carrier within three hours.</p> <p>Detective Chief Inspector Matt Craft told 9News that the scam had cost Australians $10 million in the last year. He said the timeframe for number ports to complete should be extended.</p> <p>“There needs to be time for a customer to respond and respond appropriately,” he said.  </p>

Technology

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12 unknown cruise ports that will amaze you

<p>Sail away to these hidden gems.</p> <p><strong>1. Cienfuegos, Cuba</strong></p> <p>Laid-back French charm meets the fiery Caribbean spirit in this charming town on the southern coast of Cuba. Known as The Pearl of the South, its famous for its well-preserved architecture, lush botanical gardens and sparkling sandy beaches.</p> <p><strong>2. Khasab, Oman</strong></p> <p>The Middle East is emerging as one of the most exciting new cruise destinations in the world. Khasab is a former Portuguese colony and the capital of the Musandam Peninsula, an area known as the Norway of Oman for its many beautiful fjords running into the sea.</p> <p><strong>3. Thursday Island, Australia</strong></p> <p>Part of the rarely-visited Torres Strait Islands, TI (as it is known) has a unique mix of Melanesian and indigenous cultures set on a tiny sandy island fringed by aquamarine water. It also has a long pearling history with farms still operating in the region.</p> <p><strong>4. Puerto Limon, Costa Rica</strong></p> <p>The Caribbean is the most popular cruise destination in the world, but there are still new places to discover. Choose Puerto Limon for its proximity to virgin rainforest teeming with monkeys, crocodiles and sloths.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/45924/unknown-cruise-port-intext_500x333.jpg" alt="Unknown Cruise Port Intext"/></p> <p><strong>5. Monemvasia, Greece</strong></p> <p>Known as the Gibraltar of the East, this small island is dominated by sheer cliffs rising straight up from the sea. The walled medieval village is made up of narrow alleyways, carved stone buildings and historic churches, with a population of just 20 permanent residents.</p> <p><strong>6. Hambantota, Sri Lanka</strong></p> <p>This new cruise port is the gateway to southern Sri Lanka and the Bundala and Yala national parks. Take an excursion to see leopards, elephants, flamingoes, monkeys, monitor lizards, crocodiles and lots more.</p> <p><strong>7. Akureyi, Iceland</strong></p> <p>Annual tourist numbers in Iceland are now more than seven times its population, but many don’t go further afield than Reykjavik. Akureyi is the heart of Iceland’s Arctic north, a small but buzzy city with great galleries, cafes and restaurants tucked away at the head of the country’s longest fjord.</p> <p><strong>8. Tristan da Cunha</strong></p> <p>Get way, way off the beaten track with a cruise to ‘the remotest island on earth’. Tristan da Cunha is a British Overseas Territory midway between South America and Africa in the South Atlantic. It takes seven days at sea to get there, but you’ll be rewarded with rugged volcanic peaks and waters teeming with turtles.</p> <p><strong>9. Morondava, Madagascar</strong></p> <p>A laid-back seaside town that’s the gateway to some of the most incredible wildlife on earth, Morondava is a new stop for expedition lines. Don't miss the Allees de Baobabs, a prominent group of the iconic Madagascan tree.</p> <p><strong>10. Hirara, Japan</strong></p> <p>The Okinawa Prefecture is considered the Hawaii of Japan, a long chain of islands with white sand beaches fronting clear blue ocean. Hirara is on the island of Miyako, home to the region’s best beaches as well as sprawling sugarcane fields and a 16<sup>th</sup> century samurai tomb.</p> <p><strong>11. Newcastle, Australia</strong></p> <p>Move over Sydney – New South Wales has a new port that cruisers are going to love. A dedicated cruise terminal is currently being built to welcome passengers keen to explore this former industrial hub or take day trips out to the iconic Hunter Valley wine region.</p> <p><strong>12. Gizo Island, Solomon Islands</strong></p> <p>The South Pacific is the most popular cruise destination in our region, but if you’re looking for something that’s still off the beaten track then head for the Sollys. Gizo has some of the clearest water in the world and is great for snorkelling or diving, plus there’s some fascinating WWII history.</p> <p>Have you ever visited any of these ports? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

Cruising

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Port Nelson welcomes its biggest vessel

<p>The 188-metre Sirena arrived on Wednesday morning, bringing 688 passengers and 373 crew into Nelson for a one-day stopover.</p> <p>In terms of passenger numbers, the vessel is understood to be the biggest ever to berth in the city.</p> <p>The vessel's short visit marks a watershed few months for the city in its quest to become a high-end fixture for international travellers.</p> <p>The visitors' presence was evident throughout the city on Wednesday, with buses and guided walking tours showing the sights of the area, while cafes along Trafalgar St were filled with overseas guests sampling the region's hospitality.</p> <p>Others were spotted taking an interest in the property market outside several real estate offices.</p> <p>The Sirena's visit brings to an end a busy summer season, with four super yachts berthed in Nelson as well as the eight cruise ships.</p> <p>The port welcomed its biggest-ever cruise vessel, the 225m-long Europa 2 with 515 passengers, prior to Christmas, as well as the 43,188 ton "floating apartment" The World for an overnight berth.</p> <p>A large part of the recent increase in cruise ships stems from extensive behind the scenes efforts from local agencies to raise the region's profile as a cruise destination, targeting higher spending cruises.</p> <p>Nelson may soon welcome 20 cruise ships a year as work continues to increase the city's potential as a destination. </p> <p>Speaking in February, Port Nelson's general manager business development Eugene Beneke said that ​bringing high-end vessels to Nelson offered a niche stopover away from the "main highway" of cruise routes around the country.</p> <p>"We are, from a port perspective, limited in draught so we can't physically bring in the large P&amp;O-style vessels with 3000 passengers, so we like to limit ourselves to 1200 to 1500 passengers maximum.</p> <p>"Within that target cruise market there are quite a few out there that can address those numbers," Beneke said.</p> <p>Bookings for next season are already being locked in, including the 900-passenger Crystal Symphony on February 25, 2018. </p> <p>Further into the future, boutique cruise line Azamara Club Cruises has unveiled their NZ and Australian itineraries for 2019, which will include a maiden call to Nelson in late January.</p> <p><em>Written by Tim O’Connell. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Stuff.co.nz</strong></span></a>. </em></p>

Cruising

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6 stunning ports of call to cruise into

<p>There is no better feeling than entering a port and having your breath be taken away by the views that surround you. Here are six ports of call that have left us speechless.</p> <p><strong>1. Santorini, Greece</strong></p> <p>The Greek island of Santorini is so picture perfect that it will leave you rubbing your eyes in disbelief. And the best way to see it in its full glory is to arrive by ship. Shiny white sugar-cube houses topped with bold blue domes tumble down the side of the island, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the volcanic caldera. All of that is circled by the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea. You’ll fall in love.</p> <p><strong>2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil</strong></p> <p>Sailing into port under the watchful eye of Christ the Redeemer is an experience you will never forget. Rio is one of the world’s most fascinating cities, but the drive from the airport is singularly unimpressive. The cruise port, however, is just outside the city centre and you’ll sail into Guanabara Bay past by golden beaches, glamorous yachts bobbing in marinas and the curved peak of Sugarloaf Mountain.</p> <p><strong>3. Hjorundfjord, Norway</strong></p> <p>Sailing through the fjords of Norway is a bucket list experience for every cruiser and they are dotted with towns and villages each more charming than the last. The Hjorundfjord is one of the longest in the country, running for 35 kilometres from the sea through steep rock walls and green mountains, past isolated farms and tiny fishing villages. Ships stop in the harbour of Urke for passengers to explore this remarkable destination.</p> <p><strong>4. St Thomas, US Virgin Islands</strong></p> <p>The Caribbean is the most popular cruise destination in the world and is home to an endless series of beautiful island ports. St Thomas is something special, with a huge natural harbour surrounded by soaring mountains. At night, the town lights up with thousands of sparkling lights, looking like a glittering string of diamonds. Look out for the well-preserved Danish colonial architecture of the capital, Charlotte Amelie.</p> <p><strong>5. Hong Kong</strong></p> <p>Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour is a fascinating mix of old and new, with futuristic skyscrapers towering over traditional red-sailed junks floating on the water. The city is backed by the lush green slopes of The Peak and the water hums with passenger ferries, cruise ships and zipping water taxis. You won’t be able to take your eyes away from your window.</p> <p><strong>6. New York, USA</strong></p> <p>The New York City skyline is instantly recognisable – you’ve seen it in just about every movie and TV show ever made. So you’ll feel an eerie sense of homecoming when you pull into the harbour, right beside the feet of Lade Liberty, even if you’ve never been before. It’s especially stunning at night, when the skyscrapers are lit up in a rainbow of colours.</p> <p>Have you ever visited any of these ports? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

Cruising

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New track from Palm Cove to Port Douglas is underway

<p>Queensland is already home to the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree National Park, Mission Beach and now there is another exciting attraction in the pipelines.</p> <p>A proposed 70km bike and walking track along coast between Palm Cove and Port Douglas has received funding from the Cairns Regional Council for the next phase of the project.</p> <p>The proposed Wangetti Trail received $50, 000 from the council and will soon offer views of the ocean and access to beaches, waterfalls, rainforests and swimming holes.</p> <p>Cairns council and Douglas Shire Council are collaborating on the project which is expected to become an international attraction for tourists.</p> <p>The trail will run parallel to Captain Cook Highway and would allow people to exit the track to towns and beaches along the route.</p> <p>According to current plans, the trail will be free to use for day visitors but over-night visitors will incur a fee to use the track. On-trail accommodation will also feature on the track including retreats, glamping sites and camping sites.</p> <p>The track is estimated to cost $19.9 million to construct but is expected to generate $18.3 million per year to the local economy.</p> <p>When introducing the concept for the plan to the trail Glen Jacobs said, “My dream has always been to show the world our unique lifestyle and how it plays out amongst the beautiful emerald green jungles, cold granite waterfalls and sky blue seas.”</p> <p>“There are only a handful of outstanding high profile trail opportunities in the world. The Wangetti Trail is one of them.”</p>

Domestic Travel

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Polar bear pokes head through port hole

<p>In something of a Goldilocks moment, Norwegian scientists on board an Arctic research vessel were recently surprised to find an adult polar bear sniffing out their boat-cooked waffles. </p> <p>The wildlife experts were preparing the sweet treats to go with their afternoon coffee when the hungry bear popped its nose through the kitchen porthole.</p> <p>While some might have been scared of the potentially dangerous predator, the team were so charmed by their curious neighbour that they extended it an offer to tea, handing it a raw fish fillet. </p> <p>A Reddit user shared <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/5e0h7z/my_uncle_who_works_on_an_arctic_research_vessel/" target="_blank">the moment</a></strong></span> his uncle, one of the scientists on the research and expedition vessel, hand-fed the bear, which appeared to be minding its manners, taking a delicate nibble at the fillet. </p> <p>The boat docks at Tromsø, Norway and typically tours the Arctic, but it has also made its way down under several times to the Antarctic, the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-4151260/Amazing-moment-polar-bear-pops-head-Arctic-boat.html" target="_blank">Mail Online reports.</a></strong></span></p> <p>In the summer, it's based in Norwegian archipelago Svalbard which, half way to the North Pole, is one of the northernmost areas inhabited by humans. It's also home to plenty of wildlife, including reindeer, Arctic foxes and polar bears of course. </p> <p><em>First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Stuff.co.nz.</strong></span></a></em></p> <p><em>Image credit: Johnny_love via Reddit </em></p>

Cruising

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Why you should never charge your phone in a public port

<p>How many times have you been out and about only to realise your phone’s battery is running dangerously low? Well, if you’re one of the thousands of people who don’t hesitate to take out your charger and plug your phone in to an available USB port or power point, you could be putting yourself at risk.</p> <p>Data security experts have found a growing number of public ports to be compromised by hackers, who, just like when you transfer data from your phone to your computer via USB, can download photos, messages, contacts and more.</p> <p>“Just by plugging your phone into a [compromised] power strip or charger, your device is now infected, and that compromises all your data,” Security expert Drew Paik from Authentic8 told <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2017/02/15/technology/public-ports-charging-bad-stop/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">CNN</span></strong></a>.</p> <p>With so many shopping centres, airports, hospitals and other public places now offering charging hubs, it’s never been easier for hackers. So, aside from avoiding public outlets altogether – which can sometimes be impossible – what else can you do to protect your data?</p> <p><strong>Here are our top tips:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Ensure your phone is fully charged before leaving the house.</li> <li>Invest in a decent portable charger.</li> <li>Look into purchasing a USB cord which can charge your phone, but won’t transfer data.</li> <li>If you have no choice but to use a public port, ensure your phone is secured with a PIN to give yourself the best chance of avoiding hackers.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2017/02/clooneys-reveal-sex-of-twins/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>George and Amal Clooney have revealed the sex of their twins</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2017/02/families-with-polite-kids-given-discount-at-restaurant/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Families with polite kids get discount at Italian restaurant</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2017/02/woman-gives-birth-while-in-a-coma/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Woman gives birth while in a coma</strong></em></span></a></p>

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