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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fostering to change a child’s life

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Since 2002, foster parents Mrs Ip and her husband have opened their hearts and home to nine foster children, including the two currently under their care. Many of these children have special needs, but for Mrs Ip, fostering is more than just a career, it is a calling.

“When children feel that you treasure them, they will treasure you in return. I wish them all a happy ever after, and I will take care of them. I will not leave them.”

Mrs Ip cherishes every memory of her foster children, carefully keeping thank you cards and student handbooks as mementos of their time together. Reflecting on her journey, she shared: “Most of the foster children were raised by me since they were just babies. It is hard to let them go. Watching them improve brings me great joy. Helping them become healthier and learn is truly fulfilling. This is a vocation.”

Unforgettable moments

Mrs Ip recounted both the joys and challenges of fostering, in particular, a special two-month-old baby girl.

“As soon as I started caring for her, I realised she was experiencing severe asthma at night. Despite multiple consultations with a paediatrician and several hospital visits, her condition did not improve. Eventually, after discussing with a social worker, further examinations revealed the baby had a lung disease.

“It was difficult, but the process taught me so much about perseverance and love,” Mrs Ip said.

She also shared the story of a baby boy she cared for since he was less than a month old. Now 17, the boy has moved into a hostel but still visits frequently.

“He comes back for a ‘staycation’ every week. He loves the room I reserved for him, filled with his favourite cartoons. He always says he will take care of us in the future, which makes us so happy.”

Positive impact

Fostering has not only impacted the lives of the children Mrs Ip has cared for but also her own family. Her husband and two sons have played an important role in supporting her journey.

“My sons treasure the foster children. When they go out, they walk hand in hand, just like elder brothers. I have been able to foster for so long thanks to their support.”

Her youngest son has even chosen a career in special education, a path Mrs Ip believes may have been influenced by their fostering experiences.

Fostering incentive

Foster care services in Hong Kong are provided by 11 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) overseen by the Social Welfare Department’s (SWD) Central Foster Care Unit.

To encourage more people to become foster parents, the SWD nearly doubled the incentive payment for foster families in April. This led to a 35% increase in fostering enquiries from April to November compared to the same period last year. By the end of November, over 1,000 registered foster families were providing care for children in need.

According to Central Foster Care Unit Officer-in-charge Tsung Ka-yee, anyone who is healthy, committed to providing love and time for foster children, and can offer a safe living environment may apply to become a foster parent.

“Any adult, regardless of their sex, marital or employment status, can apply. Applicants must complete a home suitability assessment and pre-service training to ensure they are prepared to provide proper care.”

Foster homes must meet specific safety requirements, such as installing window grilles or safety devices for balconies. They must also provide adequate living space, including separate beds and activity areas for the children.

Tailored support

Foster parents receive a monthly incentive payment based on the type of service they provide, with additional payments for caring for children with special needs or those under the age of six.

To support foster families, the Central Foster Care Unit and 11 Foster Care Agencies offer professional assistance. Social workers conduct regular home visits, interviews, and phone check-ins to monitor the children’s adjustment and provide guidance to foster parents. For children with special educational needs, social workers also offer tailored advice, parenting support and psychological consultation services, ensuring the well-being of both the children and their caregivers.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Australian Deputy PM: Transcript – Sunrise

Source: Minister of Infrastructure

SALLY BOWREY: Power will be given back to Australian travellers with a raft of new rights for cancelled and delayed flights. The initiative is designed to keep airlines honest and hold the industry accountable in some of the biggest travel reforms in a decade.

JAMES TOBIN: For more, we’re joined by Transport Minister, Catherine King. Good morning Catherine. Now, as someone who does quite a lot of travel, normally on the road with weather, catches a lot of flights, I am all ears on this one. What’s it going to mean for passengers?

CATHERINE KING: Well, what it will mean for passengers is that you get what you pay for, so either you’re able to enforce your rights to be able to get a refund or actually get the flight that you’ve actually asked for. And so, we’ve put out a draft charter of rights today. They’re out for consultation until the 28th of February. And really it is about enforcing the rights that you’ve booked a flight and that you should get what you actually pay for. So, there’s a range of rights in the draft charter that will ensure that airlines, and airports as well, actually lift their game when it comes to delivering the services that so many of us use to get around the country to work, to actually visit family, get to medical appointments, all of those things. So really, that’s what we’re doing today. It forms part of the ombudsman scheme that we’ve developed as part of the Aviation White Paper work we did this year. That scheme will be legislated next year, and the Charter of Rights really does spell out what you should be entitled to. It’s backed up by the Australian Consumer Law, what you’re entitled to if your flight doesn’t go ahead. So, if your flight is delayed by three hours or more at the fault of the airline, you should expect to be able to at no cost to yourself, get your flight rebooked either with that airline or another airline. If, because of time sensitivity, you can’t take another flight, they should be giving you a refund for that. Or if you’re stuck in not in your port where you live, you should be able to get accommodation and meals and again at no cost to yourself.

SALLY BOWREY: And I think anyone, when you pay for something, you expect to actually get the product. And we do, have some pretty dismal stats in terms of, you know, flight delays, 30% of flights are delayed. So, I think the report is showing that it can take also up to almost 100 days for customers when they complain this is way too long. So, it is promising to push airlines to really reduce that. How will the new rules actually hold them to account to make sure that issues are resolved quickly?

CATHERINE KING: Well, the first thing is that the Charter of Rights basically spells out very clearly what travelling public’s rights actually are. And so, we want to make sure that’s got out widely so people are aware of exactly what their rights are to enforce them in the first instance, to try and resolve the dispute with the airline, or if it’s a dispute with the airport, and then it’s backed up by an ombudsman scheme that is legislated. So, in the same way you’ve got a telecommunications ombudsman scheme, people, if they can’t get a remedy, then can go to the ombudsman and basically then have that referred up and they’ll do the work with you to try and make sure that your rights are enforced. It doesn’t preclude you still going to the Australian Human Rights Commissioner if you’ve got an issue in terms of disability access or things like that, but it’s basically underpinned by that. At the moment, if you book a flight, it’s really complicated and it’s often not until you try and get on the phone, try and get your refund that you actually then find out, well, what you booked. You know, they’re saying you can’t have a refund, you can have a flight credit. It’s not something you can use. And so this is really spelling out what the expectations are on the airline and then backed up by the ombudsman.

SALLY BOWREY: Yeah. And I think there is a great deal of room for improvement. Catherine, just before you go, can I just quickly ask obviously in a separate issue in New South Wales, we’ve got trains being delayed and cancelled. It’s causing a lot of stress for people trying to get around at Christmas and also businesses. Is this fair and how do you see this issue being resolved quickly?

CATHERINE KING: Well, I can’t imagine a circumstance where the iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks on Sydney Harbour are coming under pressure. And I think, you know, I’d say really clearly to the union, you know, understand you’ve got a dispute with the New South Wales government, but you need to sort this out because you’re doing yourself quite a bit of damage. This is not a great time of year to be doing this. People are trying to get their last-minute Christmas shopping done. Understand you’ve got a dispute. You need to resolve it quickly, because those fireworks, I mean, you know, everyone watches them. The world.

SALLY BOWREY: Unfortunately, it seems we have just lost the transport minister, Catherine King. They’re just talking about the train strike in New South Wales. Let’s move on now.

MIL OSI News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Transcript – Sunrise

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

SALLY BOWREY: Power will be given back to Australian travellers with a raft of new rights for cancelled and delayed flights. The initiative is designed to keep airlines honest and hold the industry accountable in some of the biggest travel reforms in a decade.

JAMES TOBIN: For more, we’re joined by Transport Minister, Catherine King. Good morning Catherine. Now, as someone who does quite a lot of travel, normally on the road with weather, catches a lot of flights, I am all ears on this one. What’s it going to mean for passengers?

CATHERINE KING: Well, what it will mean for passengers is that you get what you pay for, so either you’re able to enforce your rights to be able to get a refund or actually get the flight that you’ve actually asked for. And so, we’ve put out a draft charter of rights today. They’re out for consultation until the 28th of February. And really it is about enforcing the rights that you’ve booked a flight and that you should get what you actually pay for. So, there’s a range of rights in the draft charter that will ensure that airlines, and airports as well, actually lift their game when it comes to delivering the services that so many of us use to get around the country to work, to actually visit family, get to medical appointments, all of those things. So really, that’s what we’re doing today. It forms part of the ombudsman scheme that we’ve developed as part of the Aviation White Paper work we did this year. That scheme will be legislated next year, and the Charter of Rights really does spell out what you should be entitled to. It’s backed up by the Australian Consumer Law, what you’re entitled to if your flight doesn’t go ahead. So, if your flight is delayed by three hours or more at the fault of the airline, you should expect to be able to at no cost to yourself, get your flight rebooked either with that airline or another airline. If, because of time sensitivity, you can’t take another flight, they should be giving you a refund for that. Or if you’re stuck in not in your port where you live, you should be able to get accommodation and meals and again at no cost to yourself.

SALLY BOWREY: And I think anyone, when you pay for something, you expect to actually get the product. And we do, have some pretty dismal stats in terms of, you know, flight delays, 30% of flights are delayed. So, I think the report is showing that it can take also up to almost 100 days for customers when they complain this is way too long. So, it is promising to push airlines to really reduce that. How will the new rules actually hold them to account to make sure that issues are resolved quickly?

CATHERINE KING: Well, the first thing is that the Charter of Rights basically spells out very clearly what travelling public’s rights actually are. And so, we want to make sure that’s got out widely so people are aware of exactly what their rights are to enforce them in the first instance, to try and resolve the dispute with the airline, or if it’s a dispute with the airport, and then it’s backed up by an ombudsman scheme that is legislated. So, in the same way you’ve got a telecommunications ombudsman scheme, people, if they can’t get a remedy, then can go to the ombudsman and basically then have that referred up and they’ll do the work with you to try and make sure that your rights are enforced. It doesn’t preclude you still going to the Australian Human Rights Commissioner if you’ve got an issue in terms of disability access or things like that, but it’s basically underpinned by that. At the moment, if you book a flight, it’s really complicated and it’s often not until you try and get on the phone, try and get your refund that you actually then find out, well, what you booked. You know, they’re saying you can’t have a refund, you can have a flight credit. It’s not something you can use. And so this is really spelling out what the expectations are on the airline and then backed up by the ombudsman.

SALLY BOWREY: Yeah. And I think there is a great deal of room for improvement. Catherine, just before you go, can I just quickly ask obviously in a separate issue in New South Wales, we’ve got trains being delayed and cancelled. It’s causing a lot of stress for people trying to get around at Christmas and also businesses. Is this fair and how do you see this issue being resolved quickly?

CATHERINE KING: Well, I can’t imagine a circumstance where the iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks on Sydney Harbour are coming under pressure. And I think, you know, I’d say really clearly to the union, you know, understand you’ve got a dispute with the New South Wales government, but you need to sort this out because you’re doing yourself quite a bit of damage. This is not a great time of year to be doing this. People are trying to get their last-minute Christmas shopping done. Understand you’ve got a dispute. You need to resolve it quickly, because those fireworks, I mean, you know, everyone watches them. The world.

SALLY BOWREY: Unfortunately, it seems we have just lost the transport minister, Catherine King. They’re just talking about the train strike in New South Wales. Let’s move on now.

MIL OSI News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 10,000 UK Armed Forces personnel deployed overseas to keep us safe this Christmas
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

The Defence Secretary visited British Army soldiers deployed in Estonia this Christmas to thank them for their service
The Defence Secretary visited UK Armed Forces personnel deployed to Estonia to thank them for their vital service at Christmas.

Some 10,000 sailors, marines, soldiers, and aviators will spend Christmas Day deployed overseas, sacrificing celebrations with their families and friends to keep the UK safe.

The work of the UK Armed Forces continues over Christmas on 60 operations in 44 countries this, while hundreds more personnel are working to protect the UK’s skies, shores, and seas at home.

There are 900 British personnel deployed in Estonia, ready to defend NATO’s eastern flank and working alongside French and Estonian forces to deter aggression and uphold stability in eastern Europe.

The visit to Estonia by the Defence Secretary also highlighted the UK’s unwavering dedication to NATO and commitment to defending the alliance.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

In a world in which global insecurities are rising, we depend more and more on those who are willing to serve. And those who are willing to serve are supported by the families that stand with them and behind them.

This Christmas, I pay special tribute to those 10,000 military personnel who are deployed overseas, many of them not seeing family and loved ones at this important time.

It was an honour to spend time with some of those troops in Estonia, to serve them Christmas lunch and thank them for their commitment and professionalism. This week they will sacrifice what most of us take for granted, that special time with our families, to ensure that our nation is safe.

Our British deployment in Estonia demonstrates our unshakeable commitment to NATO and the security of Europe, keeping us secure at home and strong abroad. Our presence here is a powerful message to our allies and adversaries: the UK stands ready to defend its allies and uphold our shared values, all year round.

The visit to Estonia provided an opportunity for the Defence Secretary to discuss Project ASGARD, which will help UK Armed Forces in the country utilise new and emerging tech to become more lethal and better able to defeat the enemy.

It will harness developing technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and advanced sensors to help more quickly discover and process information and strike enemies on the battlefield, with priority work continuing on the programme in 2025.

The UK’s relationship with Estonia is a cornerstone of NATO’s defence. British personnel stationed in Estonia form a vital part of the enhanced Forward Presence, ensuring a permanent presence along the alliance’s eastern flank.

The visit comes as the UK has recently signed a defence roadmap with Estonia. The agreement will see the UK’s 4th Brigade Combat Team held at high readiness from 2025, ready to deploy at short notice to Estonia in times of crisis.

It will also include the first overseas deployment of the UK’s cutting-edge Challenger 3 tanks and Boxer armoured vehicles, reinforcing NATO’s defensive capabilities along its eastern border.

The British deployment at Tapa remains the UK’s largest permanent overseas deployment, and both countries are working together closer than ever, with the UK leading on the new DIAMOND initiative, which will improve NATO’s integrated air and missile defence by ensuring that the different air defence systems across the Alliance operate better and more jointly across Europe.

Paying tribute to Armed Forces personnel on duty at Christmas, the Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said:

Thank you to all our Armed Forces personnel for your extraordinary hard work this year.

From delivering the nuclear deterrent and policing NATO skies, to training Ukrainian recruits and protecting merchant shipping in the Red Sea, the Armed Forces have stepped up to deliver all that the nation asks of us.

I am immensely grateful to those deployed away from home over the festive season and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

In the UK, Royal Air Force aviators at RAF Boulmer and NATS Swanwick are ready to scramble Typhoon aircraft from RAF Coningsby and RAF Lossiemouth to monitor any hostile aircraft which approach UK airspace.

Behind the scenes and out of sight at the MOD’s digital HQ in Corsham, military cyber experts will remain vigilant this festive season, defending the UK against constant cyber threats every minute of every day.

These dedicated professionals ensure the security of vital digital networks, guaranteeing that the systems that connect our people, places, and equipment run smoothly and securely.

Royal Navy ships will also continue their work protecting the UK’s seas and coastline.

Somewhere, deep in the ocean, a Royal Navy nuclear attack submarine continues to provide the nation’s nuclear deterrent in a patrol that has continued 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for 55 years.

And the Household Division of the British Army will continue to guard royal palaces in the nation’s capital throughout the Christmas period.

In an address to the soldiers deployed at Tapa Army Base in Estonia, the Defence Secretary said:

I wanted to say, above all, thank you. Thank you on behalf of all those back home who will never have the chance to say this to you for themselves. Thank you for your commitment to keeping our country safe.

This is a really important deployment for us. What you’re doing here really matters. It matters for the security of Europe, and it matters to us all back home in Britain.

You are making good on Britain’s unshakable commitment to NATO and to a safe and peaceful Europe. And that’s why we have this Operation CABRIT, the biggest commitment of British troops in another country.

Here on the front line, we must also be on the cutting edge of new technologies and new combat techniques we must learn from Ukraine.

We ask a lot of you all in the Armed Forces, not least the separation from your families and your friends and your loved ones. And at Christmas, that sense of separation can be especially strong.

So thank you for your service. Thank you for your willingness to sacrifice what almost all of the rest of us take for granted. It’s an honour to be with you.

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Published 22 December 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: World’s largest ice-and-snow theme park opens on Winter Solstice in China’s ‘city of ice’

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

World’s largest ice-and-snow theme park opens on Winter Solstice in China’s ‘city of ice’

Tourists visit the Harbin Ice-Snow World, the world’s largest ice-and-snow theme park, in Harbin, the capital city of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

HARBIN, Dec. 21 — Gliding down an over-500-meter-long ice slide, Zhang Jiajia felt like she was flying, and that her one-minute experience had been worth the hour-plus wait in line.

“It’s super exciting. My heart soared with me,” said Zhang, a tourist from east China’s Zhejiang Province, after trying the Super Ice Slide at the iconic Harbin Ice-Snow World, which kicked off its annual run on Saturday.

The world’s largest ice-and-snow theme park, the 26th edition of the Harbin Ice-Snow World, officially opened at 10 a.m. in Harbin, the capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province also known as the “city of ice.”

Themed “Dream of Winter, Love among Asia,” the park was built using 300,000 cubic meters of ice and snow, incorporating elements inspired by the upcoming 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games, which will open next February, right after China’s Spring Festival holiday. It is also the first major international ice and snow event hosted by China since the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

With an overall planned area of 1 million square meters, up from last year’s 800,000 square meters, the park is the largest in its 26-year history.

The park features nine major zones, recreating landmark landscapes of 42 countries and 3 regions that are members of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in the form of ice-and-snow structures that can be illuminated at night, including replicas of the Temple of Heaven in China, Osaka Castle in Japan and the Taj Mahal in India.

The main tower stands on the main axis of the park, featuring towering ice columns that depict the official emblem of the OCA.

“The ice sculptures are incredibly exquisite. It’s hard to imagine that they are made of ice blocks harvested from the Songhua River. Each piece of artwork showcases the superb craftsmanship of the artists,” said Zhong Xueying, another tourist from Zhejiang.

The most popular attraction in the park, the Super Ice Slide, has increased the number of its lanes to 24, with a 300-meter-long windproof warm house mounted at the queuing area, allowing visitors to take a break from freezing weather while overlooking the park’s scenery.

Saturday also marks the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. The day not only means another solar term but also marks an important festive day on Chinese lunar calendar.

Just one hour after the park opened, the queue for the Super Ice Slide stretched hundreds of meters.

In addition to ice-and-snow landscapes, the park has added fantasy shows, virtual reality projects and an immersive digital art museum to its inventory of winter wonders, offering new and exciting experiences for both global and domestic visitors.

The “Snow Disco” event, which attracted thousands of tourists last winter, will also be held at the Dream Stage in the park for this year’s edition.

“How lucky! Today is the last day of my trip to Harbin, and I didn’t expect to witness the opening of the Ice-Snow World. I’m so happy that it feels like I’m celebrating the Lunar New Year in advance,” said Dai Xiaoqin, a tourist from Wuhan City in Hubei Province.

“We wish to showcase the enthusiasm and confidence of the people in participating in ice-and-snow sports, and integrate a variety of new elements into this edition of the park,” said Guo Hongwei, Party secretary and chairman of Harbin Ice-Snow World Co., Ltd.

An adult park ticket is priced at 328 yuan (about 45.6 U.S. dollars). The park also offers discounted tickets and free admission to certain groups of visitors.

As an established ice-and-snow theme park, Harbin Ice-Snow World stands out as one of China’s iconic winter attractions. It surged in popularity on Chinese social media last winter, becoming an internet sensation as passion for winter sports and tourism continues to rise across the country.

Last year, China recorded over 385 million winter leisure visits nationwide, a year-on-year increase of 38 percent, with related revenue up 50 percent.

In Harbin alone, last snow season saw over 87 million visitors, up 300 percent year on year, and 124.8 billion yuan in tourism revenue, up 500 percent. The 25th edition of the Harbin Ice-Snow World, in particular, received over 2.7 million tourists.

To accelerate growth of winter economy in the country’s northeastern region, the Chinese government has recently unveiled initiatives including establishing dedicated ice-and-snow holidays, increasing flight routes and optimizing visa-free policies, all aimed at attracting more domestic and international visitors.

A tourist poses for photos at the Harbin Ice-Snow World, the world’s largest ice-and-snow theme park, in Harbin, the capital city of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo shows tourists queuing at the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo shows the emblem of the 9th Asian Winter Games made of ice at the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Staff members greet tourists at the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Tourists enjoy an ice slide at the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo shows a view of the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Tourists visit the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Tourists visit the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Tourists visit the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

A drone photo shows a view of the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Tourists visit the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China operates largest photovoltaic project in Xinjiang

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠China connected one of its largest photovoltaic (PV) projects in Ruoqiang, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Wednesday. The four-gigawatt facility, located on the southeastern rim of the Taklimakan Desert, is a solar project with the largest single-installed capacity set in the country’s sandy areas, rocky areas and deserts.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police asking residents to check CCTV in relation to missing woman in Wellington

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are asking residents to check their CCTV in relation to a missing woman in Wellington.

Upper Hutt residents who live in the Totara Park area who have CCTV cameras are asked to check for any sightings of missing woman Maia Johnston.

The 19-year-old was last seen leaving a family home in Totara Park at around 8.30pm yesterday (Saturday 21 December).

Police are keen for anyone with CCTV cameras to check for sightings of Maia between 8pm and 9pm on Saturday.

If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105. Please use the reference number 241222/0237.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Copley

Source: South Australia Police

Police are at the scene of a serious crash in Copley in the State’s far north.

About 6.30am today (Sunday 22 December), police and emergency services were called to Harris Street after reports of a crash involving a car and pedestrian.

Major Crash officers are attending the scene.

Please avoid the area if possible.

MIL OSI News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrests made in Napier homicide case

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attributable to Detective Inspector David De Lange:

Police have arrested and charged two men following the death of Napier man Boy Taylor.

Police have been investigating Mr Taylor’s death after he died following an incident in Napier’s CBD on Wednesday 18 December.

Two men, aged 21 and 33, have been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and are expected to appear in Hastings District Court on Monday 23 December 2024.

Police cannot rule out the possibility of further arrests and charges.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Dearborn, Michigan Man, Who Used Fake Refund Scheme to Defraud Retailers of More Than $4 Million, Sentenced to Three Years in Prison

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

Lead defendant obtained more than $1.7 million in fraud proceeds on goods he falsely claimed he returned or never received

Seattle – A 27-year-old Dearborn, Michigan, man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to three years in prison and three years of supervised release for a fraud scheme damaging retailers across the country, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Teal L. Miller. Sajed Al-Maarej operated “Simple Refunds” through the messaging service Telegram, where coconspirators were encouraged to purchase items from retailers Al-Maarej claimed he could defraud. Al-Maarej and his staff of “professional refunders” impersonated the purchaser and lied to the retailer about the status of the item to secure a refund for the purchaser, while permitting the purchaser to keep the ordered item. The scheme caused more than $4 million in losses for retailers and induced young adults nationwide to join a criminal scheme. At sentencing U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik noted that the fraud “was a difficult and expensive proposition” for the victim companies. “We need to send a message that this behavior is criminal,” Judge Lasnik said.

“This defendant enticed many young and naïve online contacts to his illegal refunding scheme – some perhaps believed Al-Maarej’s spiel that this conduct was not illegal. They were badly misled,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Teal L. Miller. “This fraudulent refund scheme hurts retailers and ultimately raises prices for all of us. Al-Maarej got his expensive toys by convincing others to become complicit in his crimes.”

According to records in the case, between September 2020 and December 2022, Al-Maarej represented to prospective purchasers that they could buy high value goods and keep them, while falsely claiming to the merchant company that a refund was due. Purchasers provided Al-Maarej information about their purchase (order number, name, address, value) and for a cut of the refund, Al-Maarej and his coconspirators would seek a refund by making false representations. For example, Simple Refunds would claim the item had not been delivered; was irretrievably damaged; or would have the purchaser mail a box of garbage or junk back to the company – once the package was scanned at the shipping point the refund was often issued before the box arrived back and the fraud was discovered. Al-Maarej recruited “insiders” at UPS and the US Postal Service who would input false scans into the order tracking history to make it appear items had been lost in shipping, stolen from the mail, or returned to the company.

The end goal was for the purchaser to keep the product and get their money back. The purchaser then paid Al-Maarej 15-25% of the purchase price as his fee.

Al-Maarej engaged in fraudulent refunding activity as well, on his own purchases. That conduct lasted until at least August 2023. In one instance, Al-Maarej obtained a refund for bulky tools, but he returned to the retailer an envelope filled with plastic toy frogs. One retailer identified more than $500,000 in items shipped to Al-Maarej’s home for which Al-Maarej obtained fraudulent refunds. In total, Al-Maarej made (and retailers lost) more than $1.4 million to his personal refunding activities.

The Simple Refunds channel on Telegram amassed a following of more than 1,000 subscribers. Al-Maarej used a second channel to post information on successful refunds. Al Maarej represented to some of those he recruited that the scheme was not illegal. He targeted young men in their teens and twenties and embroiled them in criminal conduct.

The indictment details how two Snohomish County residents ordered thousands of dollars of merchandise and conspired with Al-Maarej to get the payments refunded. Al-Maarej or others at his direction, impersonated the buyers, claimed the items had been “delivered not received” and got the purchase price refunded. The customers kept the items.

In May 2022, Al-Maarej deepened his fraud by offering a “mentorship” program where he would teach others to create their own refunding scams – he charged $6,000 for admission to the program. He boasted that students would “learn from the best in the game, from everything fraud related, to legit businesses and cleaning your money.”

Last summer, Al-Maarej pleaded guilty to wire fraud and mail fraud. As part of his sentence Al-Maarej was ordered to pay $4,353,819.

The case is being investigated by the FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Amazon, Costco, and Microsoft assisted in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Watts Staniar.

MIL Security OSI –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Memorial service held for car-ramming victims at German Christmas market

Source: China State Council Information Office

Policemen stand guard at a Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany, Dec. 21, 2024. At least five people were killed and over 200 others injured after a car rammed into a large crowd at a German Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg Friday evening, German news agency dpa reported Saturday, citing State Premier Reiner Haseloff. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

Approximately 200 people sustained injuries, many of them serious. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise.

A memorial service was held Saturday evening in the German city of Magdeburg to mourn the victims of a tragic attack at a Christmas market on Friday night, where a car rammed into a crowd, killing at least five people and injuring 200 others.

The service took place at the city’s cathedral and was intended primarily for the victims’ relatives, emergency responders, and invited guests, including Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Outside the cathedral, mourners gathered to lay flowers and light candles in remembrance of the victims.

To mark the tragedy, church bells tolled across Magdeburg at 7:04 p.m. (1804 GMT) — the exact time the attack occurred.

This photo taken on Dec. 21, 2024 shows a Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

VICTIMS INCLUDE 9-YEAR-OLD CHILD

A nine-year-old child is among the five people killed, confirmed Horst Walter Nopens, head of the local public prosecutor’s office, without disclosing further details about the other four adult victims.

He said approximately 200 people sustained injuries, many of them serious. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise.

According to German media, the attack lasted roughly three minutes. The emergency route used by the perpetrator was not secured with barriers, raising concerns about safety measures.

Condemning the act, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the incident as “a terrible tragedy to harm and kill so many people with such brutality.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks to the press during a memorial ceremony in Magdeburg, Germany, Dec. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

DOCTOR FROM SAUDI ARABIA UNDER INVESTIGATION

A 50-year-old doctor originated from Saudi Arabia was arrested at the site and taken into custody for questioning. Police searched his home overnight, and authorities assume he acted alone. He has lived in Germany since 2006 and worked in a nearby town.

Authorities noted earlier that the suspect was not previously known to law enforcement as an Islamist.

His motive remained unclear and police have not yet named the suspect. Nopens said one possible factor could be the suspect’s frustration with Germany’s handling of Saudi refugees.

According to the German news agency dpa, authorities had been alerted about the man approximately a year ago.

Scholz and other top officials, including Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser, arrived in Magdeburg on Saturday. Faeser ordered Saturday morning that all flags at all federal buildings be flown at half-mast nationwide.

This photo shows police vehicles near a Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany, Dec. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

Magdeburg, a city of approximately 237,000 residents, is located in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, about 150 km west of Berlin.

The incident echoes a tragic attack on Dec. 19, 2016, when a terrorist drove a truck into a Berlin Christmas market, killing 12 and injuring over 70 others. The perpetrator fled to Italy, where he was eventually shot dead by police.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Death toll rises to 38 in major road crash in Brazil

Source: China State Council Information Office

The death toll from a road accident in the southeastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais has risen to 38, with 13 others injured, local authorities reported Saturday.

The accident, involving a bus, a truck, and a car, occurred in the early morning hours in the municipality of Teofilo Otoni. It was triggered when a large block of granite fell from the truck’s cargo onto the road, causing the bus to collide with the truck traveling in the opposite direction. A car following the bus then slammed into it from behind, according to the Federal Highway Police.

The majority of fatalities were caused by a fire that engulfed the bus after the collision, said the police.

According to Teofilo Otoni officials, 13 people sustained injuries, including the three occupants of the car, all of whom are in critical condition.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Tunisia busts drug trafficking network

Source: China State Council Information Office

Tunisian security units have dismantled a drug trafficking network in the northern Ariana province, private radio station Mosaique FM reported on Saturday.

“On Friday, the security units dismantled a drug trafficking network, led by two brothers and operating in the Ettadhamen City,” said the radio.

After a raid on his home, the security units arrested a man, while his brother and other members of the network remain at large.

During the operation, three kilograms of marijuana, 2,100 ecstasy pills, and 150 grams of cocaine were seized.

The Tunisian government has taken a strong stance against drug trafficking. Recent nationwide operations have led to the arrest of hundreds of suspects.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Hungary’s industrial policy, future lie in electromobility: Orban

Source: China State Council Information Office

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Saturday underlined the country’s commitment to electromobility as a cornerstone of its industrial policy.

At a year-end international press conference, Orban said Hungary’s industrial policy and future lie in electromobility. “For us, the defining issue of the next decade will be electromobility, and it’s not just about mobility but about electro-specifically,” he added.

Orban said that from Hungary’s perspective, this direction is strategic and will remain unchanged.

Noting that large battery factories will go online, Orban also mentioned the BYD plant in the southern Hungarian city of Szeged, which will become the first Chinese electric car factory in Europe to start operation.

These are “pivotal developments for Hungary’s industrial future,” according to Orban.

On the electric vehicle (EV) dispute between the European Union (EU) and China, Orban said that “it is a consequence of bad European policy, particularly affecting Germany.” Hungary is aligned with Germany on this matter, he noted.

Orban qualified Hungary’s EU Council presidency as “successful,” which tackled major issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and European competitiveness.

The Hungarian prime minister also touched on EU-U.S. relations and the potential impact of Donald Trump’s presidency on global trade and Western policies. He urged the EU to adapt to a changing reality, including shifts in migration, family values, and economic policies.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Prague commemorates university shooting victims with concert, mass

Source: China State Council Information Office

A benefit concert, memorial service and mass were held Saturday in Prague to commemorate the victims of the shooting tragedy at Charles University’s Faculty of Arts one year ago.

Czech President Petr Pavel, along with the victims’ families and survivors, attended the benefit concert in the afternoon at the Church of the Holy Saviour in central Prague.

According to Charles University, the concert, titled “A Year Later,” aimed to support a non-profit organization dedicated to the mental health of children and adolescents.

Following the concert, participants and members of the public gathered for a memorial service in front of the university’s Faculty of Arts building, the site of last December’s tragedy.

The service began with a moment of silence in remembrance of the deceased, after which attendance laid flowers and lit candles. The university choir performed during the memorial service.

Later in the day, a mass was held in the St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle.

In the evening, President Pavel said on social media platform X: “I firmly hope that we will never go through this experience, shock, and grief again as a society and a country. I remember it with deep respect.”

On Dec. 21 last year, a gunman killed 14 people at the Charles University’s Faculty of Arts building before committing suicide. An additional 25 people were injured. Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan called the shooting “a terrible act, unprecedented in the history of the Czech Republic.”

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Hamilton Police investigating after man critically injured in assault

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Hamilton Police are investigating after a man was critically injured in an assault early this morning.

The man was assaulted outside his home on Sefton Crescent at around 4.25am today.

He is currently in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

Police would like to hear from anyone who has CCTV in the Sefton Crescent area, or anyone who may have heard or seen anything relevant to our investigation.

If you can help, please contact Police via 105 and quote file number 241222/9970.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Pewsey Vale

Source: South Australia Police

Police are at the scene of a serious crash at Pewsey Vale.

About 12.30pm today (Sunday 22 December), police and emergency services were called to Springton Road after reports that a car had crashed down an embankment.

Major Crash officers are attending the scene.

Please avoid the area if possible.

MIL OSI News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Iraqi PM, Omani FM meet on bilateral ties

Source: China State Council Information Office

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’al-Sudani and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi met in Baghdad on Saturday to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations.

They underscored the importance of strengthening ties between the two nations and enhancing bilateral economic and trade exchanges, particularly in the oil derivatives sector, a statement by al-Sudani’s media office said.

The meeting also addressed the latest developments in the region, particularly the situation in Syria, with both sides emphasizing the need to coordinate positions among Arab countries to solidify stability, the statement said.

Their discussions also touched on the conflict in Gaza, efforts to support the Palestinian people, and the necessity of consolidating the ceasefire in Lebanon, it said.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Gaza ceasefire agreement nearly finalized: Palestinian source

Source: China State Council Information Office

A ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip is imminent, with most of its terms already agreed upon, a senior official from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement said on Saturday.

The official, who required anonymity, said the proposed agreement outlines a gradual cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, with the final deal also including a comprehensive prisoner-for-hostage exchange and a permanent end to the war between Hamas and Israel.

Although some contentious points are still being negotiated, they are not expected to be a major obstacle to reaching a final agreement, added the official.

The source also expressed optimism that the agreement would be finalized before the end of the year, as long as Israel does not impose new conditions.

There is political will from all parties to reach a lasting resolution to the Gaza conflict, which has persisted for over 14 months, according to the official.

The ongoing negotiations, mediated by Egypt and Qatar with the participation of the United States, are based on a plan introduced by the United States in May to end the war, which began on Oct. 7, 2023, after Hamas’s attack on southern Israel that resulted in about 1,200 deaths.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Russia’s Tatarstan declares emergency after Ukrainian drone attacks

Source: China State Council Information Office

Russia’s Tatarstan Republic on Saturday declared a state of emergency for government bodies and emergency response units to manage the aftermath of Ukrainian drone attacks.

“The head of Tatarstan has signed an order imposing a special emergency mode for government agencies and the Ministry of Emergency Situations. This status is necessary to swiftly handle the consequences of the attacks in accordance with the law,” the press service of Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov said. “The order applies exclusively to those involved in the response efforts and does not affect the general population.”

On Saturday, eight drone strikes were reported in Tatarstan’s capital city of Kazan, six of which targeted residential buildings. Preliminary reports indicated there were no injuries.

Following the attack, operations at Izhevsk Airport near Kazan were temporarily restricted. The restrictions were lifted by 15:00 local time (1100 GMT) on Saturday, Russia’s TASS news agency quoted Alexander Sinelnikov, general director of Izhevsk-based aviation company Izhavia, as saying.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Belarus ready to enhance cultural exchanges with China

Source: China State Council Information Office

Belarus is ready to enhance cultural exchanges with China, jointly launch new cooperation initiatives, and develop creative projects based on the traditional values of their people, Belarusian Culture Minister Ruslan Chernetsky said Saturday.

At a Spring Festival concert held at the Belarusian State Philharmonic, Chernetsky said although separated by thousands of kilometers, Belarus and China have maintained close and effective cooperation, and the foundation of cultural cooperation has grown stronger.

Chinese Ambassador to Belarus Zhang Wenchuan said that the concert is a significant cultural exchange event between China and Belarus and a testament to bilateral relations.

Zhang added that China is willing to continue to make joint efforts with the people from all walks of life in Belarus to implement the Global Civilization Initiative through practical actions and continuously open up a new chapter of cultural exchanges, integration, and mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Around 700 people attended the event, including representatives from various sectors of the Belarusian society, foreign ambassadors, Chinese nationals residing in Belarus, representatives of Chinese enterprises, and Chinese students.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Additional assistance in response to Vanuatu earthquake

Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Australian Government will provide an additional $5 million in practical humanitarian assistance to the people of Vanuatu, following Tuesday’s tragic earthquake.

This support builds on the Australian Government’s initial $2 million package and will assist the next phase of the Vanuatu Government’s emergency response.

It includes $2.5 million for medical care for those injured, and to supply water, sanitation and hygiene products and services.

Assistance will also be directed to NGOs through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) consortium to address the distinct needs of vulnerable community members and to the Australian Red Cross, who in partnership with the Vanuatu Red Cross will deliver services and supplies including shelter, first aid and non-food items.

An Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT), with 16 members will depart tomorrow. They will continue to support local health services to address critical injuries. The team has been drawn from across Australia, and we thank them for their contribution, especially over Christmas.

The 64-member Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), which has been assisting with search and rescue efforts, and the six-person AUSMAT team that were deployed on Wednesday will return to Australia tomorrow.

The Royal Australian Air Force will conduct two further flights to Port Vila today. Commercial flights are now resuming.

Australians should be proud of the emergency rescue and medical teams that deployed less than 24 hours after the earthquake. We are grateful to all of those involved in Australia’s response for their work.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is continuing to provide consular assistance where needed to Australians present in the affected region.

Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre (+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas or 1300 555 135 in Australia).

Imagery will be available via Dropbox.

MIL OSI News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Transcript – Press conference, Ballarat

Source: Australian Ministers 1

CATHERINE KING: Today the Albanese Labor government is releasing our draft consumer rights charter for airline travellers. This is part of the work we have done this year as part of the Aviation White Paper and the establishment for the first time ever of an aviation industry ombudsman. We know the travelling public has not been happy with the services that they are getting both from our airlines and from our airports, and we want to improve the circumstances. Customers should get what they pay for or they should get a refund. This Charter of Rights, which is out for consultation now, spells out very clearly what people, the flying public, can expect. If they have flight cancellations, they should expect, at no cost of their own, to either be rebooked on that airline or another airline, or they should get a refund and that refund should be a timely refund within 14 days. We also know that people should – if they are stuck away from their home, away from the where they actually live – that they should also get access to accommodation and food to be able to stay overnight then go onto their travels. This is the first time we’ve had a consumer rights for the air travelling public and it’s part of the reforms that we have of trying to make sure customers actually get what they pay for or get a refund.

JOURNALIST: If this charter is ultimately improved, is there a plan to impose penalties on airlines if they don’t comply with it and how will you ensure that they do comply?

CATHERINE KING: We will be legislating next year the aviation industry ombudsman scheme. We’ve got an interim person in at the moment who’s been developing this Consumer Rights Charter and all of those issues in relation to penalties, in relation to the way in which people can get remedies, will all be detailed as part of that legislation. This is the first part of putting that together, drafting the consumer rights charter to make sure we get that right.

JOURNALIST: And what powers can you say at this stage? What powers will the interim ombudsman have?

CATHERINE KING: Well, similar to the communications industry ombudsman, where they will be able to seek remedies directly from airlines, being able to name and shame in terms of the amount of complaints that they are getting, and to seek remedies. But again, all of that will be in the draft legislation.

JOURNALIST: And I understand that this aviation code is now out for public comment until the end of January?

CATHERINE KING: Until the end of February, so 28th of February, people can access it on my department’s website, infrastructure.gov.au and look for the Aviation Charter of Rights, [indistinct] and you can just send an email to the email but basically says we think it should be this way, or we think it should have a shorter time frame, all of those things. It can just be a line in an email to give us some feedback about it.

JOURNALIST: And so after feedback closes, how long could it realistically take for this charter to be approved and become legislation?

CATHERINE KING: Well, not long. We’re obviously subject to parliament sitting, and they’re sitting in February, and then obviously getting it past, but we hope to do so as quickly as possible.

JOURNALIST: The feedback closes at the end of February, after Parliament sits, so at this stage, is it likely there’ll be another sitting after that before the next election?

CATHERINE KING: What we will be doing is that obviously the legislation will reference the charter and then the actual wording of the charter can be finalised later.

JOURNALIST: So you hope to pass this legislation in the February week of parliament, is that correct?

CATHERINE KING: Well we are certainly hoping to introduce the legislation as soon as possible, but again, we announced this back in November that we were establishing an aviation industry ombudsman scheme. The drafting of that legislation is underway, but it is part of our commitment to improving the experience of the travelling public.

JOURNALIST: Obviously, the changes won’t be in effect this Christmas, this travel season, when do you want the changes to kick in, and if companies do not comply with the changes will there be penalties and what will they be?

CATHERINE KING: Well, people already have rights under Australian Consumer Law. The problem we have is, when you’re booking a flight ticket, very few of us look at the terms and conditions of the contract you’re entering into. But people do already have existing rights really under Australian Consumer Law, part of the problem has been, A). not knowing what those rights are, but also having real difficulty enforcing those rights – trying to get hold of someone in the first place, and waiting for hours on the phone to a call centre, or then in some cases, having almost 100 days in some cases before any remedy is put in place. So, building in a Charter that basically says, this is what your rights are, this is making it very clear what our expectation of the airlines and the airports are, provides that opportunity for remedies.

JOURNALIST: And when do you want that to kick in, and will there be penalties?

CATHERINE KING: It certainly when the legislation passes through the parliament, obviously the timing of that will be a part of the legislation but as I said, people do have rights and they should be upheld, but really what this charter is doing – and what we’re consulting on – is trying to codify those rights and ensure that they are part of the legislation and the ombudsman scheme going forward. But we hope for that to be in place certainly for next year.

JOURNALIST: And the penalties for non-compliant?

CATHERINE KING: Again, that would be part of legislation that we’re drafting at the moment.

JOURNALIST: You mentioned that this is the first time that airlines have been held to account or have such harsh laws in place. Why has it taken so long and I understand the Coalition’s private members bill has been up since March on Pay on Delay, why not support that? And do you think you will have the Coalition’s support in Parliament next year?

CATHERINE KING: Well, who knows what the Coalition is going to do, frankly, you know, you never know they seem to have decided to say no to absolutely everything just to cause political havoc, even when it is in the travelling public’s actual interest to do so. We know that the previous government, they were in power for a decade, they couldn’t have cared less about the aviation industry, couldn’t have cared less about aviation consumers, did nothing for a decade. What we’ve seen in the two and a half years of the Albanese Labor Government is the most significant reforms that they aviation sector and the travelling public have ever seen. That’s what we’ve done in the two and a half years that we’ve been in Government. The opposition can be accountable for their lack of action in the last decade.

JOURNALIST: [indistinct] is it enough to deter the practice?

CATHERINE KING: What we’re seeing in terms of the travelling public is where consumers are more informed about what their rights are, where they have information about what to expect and what their rights are, we know that they can be enforced in a much stronger way. Having an ombudsman for the first time, we’ve had a sort of voluntary system at the moment that’s really not been working for the travelling public. Having an ombudsman who then, you know, if you can’t get anywhere with the airline and yourself, then actually going to the ombudsman and having that capacity to get a remedy through that process really will be a significant change from the Australian travelling public.

JOURNALIST: Airlines make it hard enough to get a voucher or switch flight, how hard do you think they’re going to make it for passengers to get a refund?

CATHERINE KING: Well, certainly this is what we’re trying to rectify, we’re trying to make sure that the traveling public either gets what they pay for or they get a refund. If someone wants to have a credit voucher then that it is an option that they have available but it has to be at, the travelling public, if that’s what you want and you want the voucher, then that’s what you get, but that can’t be the default. So that’s what this Charter of Rights lays out really clearly that if you need a refund and you want and refund, then that is what you should actually get, you shouldn’t get a flight credit that you may or may not be able to use later on, unless you want one.

JOURNALIST: Minster, on Sunrise this morning, this flight delays of three hours or more, what about for delays like say a Volcano in Bali or you know, this considered out of the airlines control will you expect refunds for cancellations or at least a some sort of hotel room or meal provided oin those circumstances?

CATHERINE KING: So, certainly refunds for cancellations is part of the charter of rights and that’s important. If a flight gets cancelled, those refunds are important. If you don’t get what you pay for, then you should get a refund, and that is very much part of the charter. In terms of the delay, really, uh, you know, there are delays that, of course, that are no fault of the airlines themselves. Really what this is about is where the airline is at fault, you know, had crewing issues or maintenance issues, or they’ve really not delivered what they should be delivering. Then, really, the next thing is to say can you rebook? how else can we travel? And if you can’t do any of those things, being able to get a refund for your flight or getting your meals and your accommodation paid if you’re not at your home port.

JOURNALIST: Arguable you’ve got bigger airlines, Virgin and Qantas, [indistinct]… do you think that legislation like this might create a barrier for new airlines entering the market?

CATHERINE KING: No, I think that any new airline entering the market really should take into account what they are supposed to do under Australian Consumer Law. People do have substantial rights under Australian Consumer Law. What this draft charter is doing is codifying that, is putting that down in writing, so that people have a much better understanding of it. And of course, any new entrant it has to comply with that law.

JOURNALIST: So far have you had any feedback from the airlines?

CATHERINE KING: Well, we are just releasing it today. I’m sure they’ll have plenty to say. I’m sure the airports will have plenty to say, but at the end of the day, this is about the travelling public and improving the experience for everybody.

JOURNALIST: How much can you estimate this will cost the airlines annually?

CATHERINE KING: Well, we don’t know, hopefully it costs them nothing because they actually deliver the service that people pay for and that’s what really this is about improving the experience of the travelling public, and if nothing goes wrong, then it’s not you know, their fault, then they won’t have to pay for it. And so that’s what this is really about – improving the experience of the travelling public. And again, as I said, you know, we’ve had this is the single biggest reform, we’ve had to the aviation sector. Our demand management system at Sydney Airport, the slots reforms there, and this ombudsman scheme, really is a significant reform and it should improve the services that people are experiencing going forward.

JOURNALIST: And what lost luggage?

CATHERINE KING: Yeah, well, certainly in terms of luggage that is one of the rights that is part of the charter, and I encourage people to have a look at it and again, [indistinct]. So sometimes you have delayed luggage, your luggage, they can’t find where it is, so you might have some costs that are incurred having to buy some toiletries so that you can actually get through the next day or so. So, getting a refund or getting money back for those, but also making sure that you are fairly refunded or compensated for the luggage if it’s lost for good and that is very much part of the consumer rights charter that we’re putting forward at the moment and again encourage people to have a look at that and give us feedback as to whether that goes far enough.

JOURNALIST: Apologies, I haven’t read the paper…

CATHERINE KING: [laughs] I certainly have read it, yes, I’ve read it extensively.

JOURNALIST: Will there be any scope in here for how loyalty programs are managed?

CATHERINE KING: It doesn’t cover so much loyalty programs. Again, there are significant rights that people have under consumer law in relation to those. That certainly has been an area of some contention as well. Uh, but again, this is a draft, it’s out for consultation and we’re happy to have a look at whether there is broader things that needs to be picked up in the charter, or there needs to be something else that the ombudsperson looks at more broadly as part of those flight incentives as well.

JOURNALIST: I’ve just got a few more questions about two unrelated matters, first of all, have you heard the latest about the ADF flights out of Vanuatu?

CATHERINE KING: Yes, so certainly we’ve already repatriated 568 people out of Vanuatu. There are two more flights today, more RAF flights out of Port Vila today, and commercial flights are restarting as well. So options for people to get home continue. Obviously, it continues to be a difficult circumstance on the ground there, but really that’s what we’ve done, so there are two more flights out of Port Vila today and commercial flights are commencing as well. We’ve already repatriated 568 people. We’ve also announced a further $5 million of humanitarian assistance on top of the two million that’s already been there, but, you know, we’re in there for the long haul. This is a really important, one of our important Pacific neighbours and we want to make sure that we do everything we can to help them recover.

JOURNALIST: And looking a bit closer to home, obviously, there’s a bushfire emergency into Grampians at the moment. Can you say at this stage what Federal support is available to people who are evacuating or who might be spending weeks away from home?

CATHERINE KING: At the moment we’re really in the emergency phase. There’s an emergency warning, obviously for Grampians fire and a watch and act in Pomonal. These are communities that we’re hit very hard in February Pomonal, in particular. We’ll let the emergency services agencies do their work at the moment, in fighting the fires. This is going to be something that is quite difficult, but Minister McAllister will have a bit more to say when we are working with the Victorian state government about what emergency services and relief will be put in place fairly quickly for people. But right at the moment it’s really the emergency situation just trying to make sure we keep people safe. I do want to give a shout out to our emergency services personnel, from our firefighters in the air to those that are on the ground, really doing an amazing job, to our relief services, there’s relief centres at Stawell, at Ararat and I believe one opening up at Kyneton shortly. Just doing an amazing job and I want to thank them and say, please stay safe everyone. Take head of the emergency warnings. It is absolutely critical that you do so. Leave if leaving is your best option and leave if they tell you to leave.

MIL OSI News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Available for sale soon… Silver Commemorative Coin on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty the King, marking 25 years of His Majesty’s reign

Source: Central Bank of Bahrain

Available for sale soon… Silver Commemorative Coin on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty the King, marking 25 years of His Majesty’s reign

Published on 22 December 2024

Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain – 22 December 2024 – The Central Bank of Bahrain announces the issuance of a silver commemorative coin minted on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, marking 25 years of His Majesty’s reign, in a limited quantity of 1,000 coins.

The front side of the silver commemorative coin features the portrait of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Silver Jubilee logo, while the reverse side features The Prosperous Al- Sakhir Palace.

It is worth noting that the Central Bank of Bahrain issued the commemorative coin using Ultra High Relief Technology for a three dimensional (3-D) effect on both sides.

Under the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, all proceeds from the sale of the coin will go to charitable organisations and funds, through the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF).

The sale of the silver commemorative coin will be announced shortly, noting that appointments will be open for booking soon through ‘Mawaeed’ National Appointment System app. The app can be downloaded from the eGovernment App Store www.bahrain.bh/apps.

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MIL OSI Economics –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Search continues for Maia Johnston

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police are still actively searching for 19-year-old Maia Johnston, who is missing from Totara Park, Upper Hutt.

Maia was last seen leaving a family home in Totara Park at around 8.30pm yesterday (Saturday 21 December).

Previously, Police asked for residents in the Totara Park, Upper Hutt area to share any CCTV footage they might have.

We are now expanding this request and are asking for anyone in the vicinity of Harcourt Park and Brown Owl, as well as those in Totara Park, to review their CCTV for any sightings of Maia after 8:15 PM last night.

We believe that Maia was wearing a black cardigan or light top, short shorts, and black and white converse shoes.

Police continue to search this evening.

Residents of Totara Park may see a drone in the air behind the houses on the northern end of Totara Park and should not be alarmed, as this is part of the search.

If you have any information or CCTV footage that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105. Please use the reference number 241222/0237.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: NORTH COAST ROAD, KINGSCOTE (Building Fire)

Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia

Issued on
22 Dec 2024 17:51

Issued for
KINGSCOTE in Kangaroo Island.

Warning level
Advice – Monitor Conditions

Action
There is a shed fire at the waste recovery resource centre on North Coast Road, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island.

There is currently no threat to the community. If you are in this area, stay informed and monitor local conditions.

Smoke can affect people’s health. If you are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.

More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

MIL OSI News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China firmly opposes US military assistance to Taiwan

Source: China State Council Information Office

China strongly deplores and firmly opposes U.S. military assistance and arms sales to China’s Taiwan region, and has immediately lodged solemn representations with the United States, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Sunday.

The White House on Dec. 21 announced military assistance worth 571.3 million U.S. dollars to Taiwan. The U.S. Department of Defense announced on the same day that the State Department has approved 295 million U.S. dollars worth of arms sales to Taiwan.

In response, the spokesperson said the United States once again approved military assistance and arms sales to China’s Taiwan region. This seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, especially the August 17 Communique of 1982, and China’s sovereignty and security interests.

The decision is a severe breach of the U.S. leaders’ commitment of not supporting “Taiwan independence,” and sends a gravely wrong signal to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. “China strongly deplores and firmly opposes it and lodged solemn representations at once with the United States,” the spokesperson said.

The Taiwan question is at the core of China’s core interests, and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-U.S. relations, the spokesperson said. “To aid ‘Taiwan independence’ by arming Taiwan is just like playing with fire and will get the United States burned, and to use the Taiwan question to contain China is doomed to fail.”

The spokesperson said that China urges the United States to immediately stop arming Taiwan and stop the dangerous moves that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

“China will take all measures necessary to firmly defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity,” the spokesperson said.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: 5 injured after driver crashes into shopping mall in Texas

Source: China State Council Information Office

Five people were injured after a fleeing driver crashed into a shopping mall in Killeen in the U.S. state of Texas on Saturday evening, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Responding law enforcement officers shot the driver dead, who was chased by police for nearly 32 km before driving his pickup truck “several hundred yards” through the entrance of the mall and “actively running people over,” Sgt. Bryan Washko of the Texas Department of Public Safety said at a news conference.

The victims are aged from six to 75, Washko said. The suspect has not yet been identified.

A Texas Highway Patrol trooper attempted to stop the driver around 5 p.m. Central Time (2300 GMT) for possibly driving while intoxicated, Washko said.

According to Washko, the driver exited the highway and entered the Killeen Mall parking lot, where he drove through the glass doors of the main entrance of a JCPenney store.

“The suspect drove through the doors and continued to travel through the JCPenney store, striking multiple people,” he said.

“This mall is pretty busy at this time of year,” he said.

An investigation is underway to determine whether the man drove into the mall intentionally or “out of desperation because he was being pursued,” Washko said.

Killeen, a city of nearly 160,000 residents, is about 240 km south of Dallas.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Trump threatens retaking Panama Canal, whining “unfair” fees

Source: China State Council Information Office

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday called the Panama Canal “a VITAL National Asset for the United States,” threatening to retake the canal, citing “exorbitant prices” on U.S. ships.

In a Truth Social post, Trump claimed that Panama has been treating the United States “in a very unfair and injudicious way” by charging U.S. Navy and commercial vessels transiting the waterway “exorbitant prices and rates of passage.”

“This complete ‘rip-off’ of our Country will immediately stop,” Trump said.

Panama Canal, now a vital international maritime trade route connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, was returned to Panamanian control in 1999 according to the Torrijos-Carter Treaties signed in 1977 under pressure from the Panamanian people.

In 1903, the United States signed a treaty with the newly independent state of Panama to construct the canal. After its inauguration in 1914, the canal and its surrounding area, known as the Panama Canal Zone, were administered and governed under U.S. jurisdiction.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: S. Korean main opposition party urges acting president to promulgate special counsel bills

Source: China State Council Information Office

Park Chan-dae, floor leader of South Korea’s main opposition party, on Sunday called on acting President Han Duck-soo to promulgate special counsel bills against impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol and first lady Kim Keon-hee by Tuesday, vowing to hold him accountable if he fails to do so, Yonhap news agency reported.

Earlier this month, the National Assembly passed a special counsel bill to investigate whether President Yoon committed insurrection and other violations over his declaration of martial law.

The parliament also passed a bill mandating a special counsel probe into two key allegations involving the first lady — her alleged involvement in a stock manipulation scheme and interference in election nominations through a power broker.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025