Surprisingly, no bomb was found on board. Although, Bob was found to be quite ill, actually.

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Earlier today, following the controversy in Sydney that resulted in the grounding of an American Airlines jet, we had to leave the building here in Brisbane.

Someone had found a sickbag in the toilet with the word Eric written on it. Security officials assumed that it implied that it meant “Evacuate. Ricin in cupboard”.

Police Superindendent Peter O'Brien was quoted as saying that the "threat" was a "hoax".

It is my understanding that a hoax is deliberate or mischievous deception. This was a misunderstanding.

• If it was a ‘hoax’, then it was not a ‘threat’, as a hoax is not a real threat.
• If it was a ‘threat’ then it cannot have been a ‘hoax’ as a threat is real.

So if it was not a 'hoax' and it was not a threat, what was it?

It was just a sick bag.

It is inappropriate and inaccurate use of language like this that all adds to the pervasive climate of fear.