Leadsled
You are right about the old days, charter was less onerous and I believe safer.
With the exception of a couple of dramatic accidents such as Monarch Airlines at Young, General Aviation was reasonably safe.
However private flying was decidedly unsafe with CIFT a predominate factor in accidents. Now we don't hear of many probably due to the transition to RA type aircraft.
What I find amazing is the proliferation of Travel Agencies such as Captains Choice etc operating Air Tours. Even when they use Qantas Aircraft the route is a non standard RPt and would have to be listed as a Charter. I cannot see CASA TELLING Qantas to stop!!!!!!!!!!