NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Govt Bill strips vital job protections from workers

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The Employer Relations Amendment Bill will make work even less secure for Kiwis.

    “At a time when New Zealanders are doing it tough, the Government wants to cut worker protections and make it easier to fire people,” Labour workplace relations and safety spokesperson Jan Tinetti said.

    “Christopher Luxon should be focused on creating well-paying jobs and strengthen worker protections. Instead, he’s cut women’s future pay and thinks what New Zealanders need is fewer sick days and less job security.

    “Yesterday, Christopher Luxon signalled he is open to halving sick leave days from 10 to five. Opening the door to cuts to sick leave is wrong and Labour will fight it.

    “Now, they’ve introduced a Bill that would effectively bypass union-negotiated protections for workers.

    “Their Bill repeals rules that provide benefits to new employees in collective bargaining agreements in their first 30 days. They are stripping away protections for new workers who aren’t yet union members.

    “It also makes it harder for workers who have been dismissed to seek remedies or reinstatement. Put another way, it’s about to get a lot easier for an employer to fire you.

    “Labour will stand up for fairness at work and protect workers’ rights,” Jan Tinetti said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Govt overreach removes power from local councils

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Ministers will now be able to override the decisions of councils and locally elected officials.

    “Chris Bishop has taken National’s general disdain for local councils up a notch and has assigned himself the role of Chief Council Despot,” Labour local government spokesperson Tangi Utikere said.

    “Councils are elected by the people they serve and know their regions and cities best. Chris Bishop deciding that plans made by local communities are overly restrictive without any evidence to back it up is wrong.

    “National’s Resource Management Act legislation is getting the whims of every minister taped to it – instead of protecting natural and urban environments and delivering better outcomes, the hodge podge law is giving Chris Bishop a free pass to do whatever he likes.

    “New Zealand is not a sandpit for Chris Bishop to play in.

    “We had a bipartisan agreement on Medium Density Residential Standards which National backed out of. They shafted councils on water, pulled out of RMA reform that was already underway to fix intensification, and used their fast-track law to override much of what local communities want.

    “National has long displayed a thinly veiled disdain for local Government, offending regional and local councils at every turn, it’s not just rude, it’s poor politics. There is absolutely nothing heroic about this,” Tangi Utikere said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Solomon Islanders safe but unable to leave Israel amid war on Iran

    RNZ Pacific

    The Solomon Islands Foreign Ministry says five people who completed agriculture training in Israel are safe but unable to come home amid the ongoing war between Israel and Iran.

    The ministry said in a statement that the Solomon Islands Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, was closely monitoring the situation and maintaining regular contact with the students.

    Ambassador Cornelius Walegerea said that given the volatile nature of the current situation, the safety of their citizens in Israel — particularly the students — remained their top priority.

    “Once the airport reopens and it is deemed safe for them to travel, the students will be able to return home.”

    The five Solomon Islands students have undertaken agricultural training at the Arava International Centre for Agriculture in Israel since September 2024.

    The students completed their training on June 5 and were scheduled to return home on June 17.

    The students have been advised to strictly follow instructions issued by local authorities and to continue observing all precautionary safety measures.

    Ministry updates
    The ministry will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.

    Its travel advisory, issued the day Israel attacked Iran last Friday, said the ministry “wishes to advise all citizens not to travel to Israel and the region”.

    Citizens studying in Israel were told they “should now make every effort to leave Israel”.

    Meanwhile, a friend of a New Zealander stuck in Iran said the NZ government needed to help provide safe passage, and that the advice so far had been “vague and lacking any substance whatsover”.

    The woman told RNZ the advice from MFAT until yesterday had been to “stay put”, before an evacuation notice was issued.

    MFAT declined interview
    MFAT declined an interview, but told RNZ it had heard from a small number of New Zealanders seeking advice about how to depart from Iran and Israel.

    It would not provide any further detail regarding those individuals.

    MFAT said the airspace was currently closed over both countries, which would likely continue.

    The agency understood departure via land border crossings had been taking place, but that carried risks and New Zealanders “should only do so if they feel it is safe”.

    Meanwhile, the NZ government said visitors from war zones in the Middle East could stay in New Zealand until it was safe for them to return home.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: G7 leaders fail to stand up and propel climate action

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Toronto, Canada, G7 leaders have failed to deliver outcomes that advance bold climate action, as the shadow of a stand-off with the US held back urgently needed progress.

    Tracy Carty, Climate Politics Expert, Greenpeace International said: “As G7 leaders grapple with how to de-escalate multiple conflicts they can ill afford to ignore another threat to global stability – the worsening climate emergency.” 

    “But even before the latest intensification in the Middle East, the climate had already been sidelined, as the G7 – under Canada’s leadership – tiptoed around Trump’s climate denialism. The leaders of these nations – among the most responsible for global emissions – cannot retreat and hide.”

    “The G7 must urgently work towards bold action to cut emissions, hold the fossil fuel industry accountable, and ensure big polluters pay their fair share for the climate damage already unfolding across the globe.”

    Keith Stewart, Senior Energy Strategist, Greenpeace Canada said: “Canada is literally a country on fire, but despite wanting to discuss an improved joint response to wildfires, it allowed the summit to end with a statement on the issue that included no mention of tackling the climate crisis fuelling the latest disaster.”

    “This was a wasted opportunity as Canada ducked away from a confrontation with Trump. But true leadership requires standing up to climate denialists and fostering cooperation instead of deepening climate culpability. The G7 cannot abdicate its responsibility to lead the charge for bold, urgent global action to cut emissions and the time to act is now.”

    ENDS

    Contacts:

    Aaron Gray-Block, Climate Politics Communications Manager, Greenpeace International, [email protected]

    Gaby Flores, Communications Coordinator, Greenpeace International, +1 214 454 3871, [email protected]

    Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to Dutch study looking at sexual function in transgender adults who had had puberty blockers in adolescence and then cross-sex hormones

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine & Research looks at sexual function of transgender adults who had taken puberty blockers during adolescence. 

    Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus Professor of Applied Statistics, Open University, said:

    “I should start by saying that I’m no expert in sexual medicine, and certainly not in the sexual problems and issues faced by trans people.  It does seem to me, as a non-expert, that much of the information in this new study will be useful to those who do work with trans people on these matters (and to trans people themselves).

    “I do, however, have expertise in the design and interpretation of research studies, and because of that I have some doubts about the interpretation of some of the findings, including how they are described in the press release.  (The press release does generally match what is said in the research paper.)

    “The research paper tells us that, of their group who had been treated with puberty blockers and later with gender-affirming hormones, 58% of the trans men and 50% of the trans women reported at least one sexual dysfunction.  52% of the trans men and 40% of the trans women said they were satisfied with their sex lives.  My doubts are mostly about some comparisons within these groups in the study, and particularly about comparisons with other groups that weren’t in the study (trans people who did not have puberty blockers, and cis people).

    “The first issue to note is that the number of participants was pretty small for trans men (50 of them) and very small for trans women (just 20).  This in itself limits how far the findings can be generalized beyond people attending the clinic where the research was done.

    “But how do these rates of sexual dysfunction compare to other groups?  Are those percentages large or small?  Some comparisons between groups are made in the research paper and reported in the press release, and here I have some doubts.

    “Some comparisons are made within the participants in the study.  For instance, a quote in the release says, “There was also no difference between people who started puberty blockers early or later in puberty.”  That does generally match what the research paper says.  However, this was an observational study.  In observational studies, there are always doubts about what is causing what.  That’s because there will be differences between the groups being compared in terms of other factors, and perhaps the other factors are causing any observed differences in the outcomes.  This extends to doubts about whether a lack of difference between people who got puberty blockers at different stages is because the stage of starting the blockers has no real effect – maybe it does have an effect but that is masked by some other factors.

    “Typically in this kind of study, the researchers would make statistical adjustments to try to allow for the effects of other factors that differed between subgroups of the participants.  But in this study, that could not be done because the number of participants was too small.  So there must remain some doubt about whether the puberty stage when puberty blockers began does affect the level of sexual problems later.  It might not, or it might.

    “However, the researchers make comparison with other groups too, groups on which this study did not itself collect any data.  It’s always very awkward to make comparisons between findings from different studies that might use different measurement methods – different questionnaires in this case – and possibly very different populations of participants, where differences in other factors may be very important.

    “In the research paper, the researchers make informal comparisons about the level of sexual problems between the people in their own study, who all had puberty blockers and then, later, gender-affirming hormones, with people in a different study who had gender-affirming treatment that started in adulthood, and so had no puberty blockers.  They report that the other study (reference 26 in the new paper) found that 54% of sexually active trans men and 69% of sexually active trans women reported at least one sexual difficulty.  Those rates are higher than the rates in the new study, but (as the paper points out) there are several differences between the new study and the one used for comparison.  But nevertheless the press release says, “The frequency of sexual problems was consistent with previous studies among transgender adults who did not start hormone therapy until adulthood.”  Given the small numbers of participants, and the fact that there are reasonably substantial differences between the two studies in terms of sexual difficulties, I think that’s going a bit too far.

    “Also, part of a quote in the press release says, “This [the level of satisfaction with their sex lives of the participants in the new study] corresponds to the sexual satisfaction of the cisgender population.”  I think that’s going too far as well: The research article quotes rates of sexual dysfunction in cis women in young women in the Netherlands and adult women in the US as 42% and 43% respectively, and in the new study, 50% of the trans women reported at least one sexual dysfunction.  (But remember there were only 20 trans women in the new research.)  For adult cis men in the US and England, the researchers quote that 31% and 34% reported sexual dysfunction.  In the new study, 58% of the trans men reported at least one sexual dysfunction.

    “I think the best we can say is that all these percentages are in roughly the same ballpark.  But does it make sense to say that they ‘correspond’?  How far does it make sense at all to compare data on adults, on average much older than the people in the new study, and to compare recent data (in the new study) with data going back to1998 and 2000 for the UK and US results?  And anyway, to what extent might all these figures represent what participants want to tell researchers, rather than what they truly think about their own sex lives?”

    Dr Channa Jayasena, Associate Professor in Reproductive Endocrinology, Imperial College London, said:

    “Puberty blockers ‘switch off’ a hormone signal from the brain which tells the body to develop male or female adult characteristics.  Puberty blockers are approved in many countries to stop puberty in children with gender dysphoria who do not want to go through puberty aligned with their birth sex.  In the UK, puberty blockers cannot be given, and a clinical trial is planned to investigate how well they treat symptoms in children with gender dysphoria.

    “The current study used questionnaires to investigate rates of sexual problems in patients who had been treated with puberty blockers starting from the ages of 11-18 years.  The size and design of the study is like other studies investigating sexual symptoms in patients.  The authors found that about half of transgender individuals who were given puberty blockers between ages 11 and 18 years reported sexual satisfaction as adults; the authors state that levels of sexual satisfaction reported in their study were similar to levels of satisfaction reported previously for individuals starting treatment for gender dysphoria as adults.  It would have been helpful to have included another group of young people without gender dysphoria, to judge how much gender dysphoria affects sexual satisfaction.  In addition, we currently do not know whether puberty blockade alters sexual satisfaction for young people with gender dysphoria if given

    ‘Sexual satisfaction and dysfunction in transgender adults following puberty suppression treatment during adolescence’ by Isabelle S. van der Meulen et al. was published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine & Research at 01:01 UK time on Wednesday 18 June 2025. 

    Declared interests

    Prof Kevin McConway: “No conflicts.”

    Dr Channa Jayasena: “None.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Chair’s Summary

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) gathered in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15-17, 2025, with the objective of building stronger economies by making communities safer and the world more secure, promoting energy security and accelerating the digital transition, as well as fostering partnerships of the future.  

    Five decades after its founding in 1975, the G7 continues to demonstrate its value as a platform for advanced economies to coordinate financial and economic policy, address issues of peace and security, and cooperate with international partners in response to global challenges.  

    G7 Leaders focused on economic developments. In a context of rising market volatility and shocks to international trade, as well as longer-term trends toward fragmentation and global imbalances, they discussed the need for greater economic and financial stability, technological innovation, and an open and predictable trading regime to drive investment and growth. They considered ways to collaborate on global trade to boost productivity and grow their economies, emphasizing energy security and the digital transition. They acknowledged that both are underpinned by secure and responsible critical mineral supply chains and that more collaboration is required, within and beyond the G7. Leaders undertook to safeguard their economies from unfair non-market policies and practices that distort markets and drive overcapacity in ways that are harmful to workers and businesses. This includes de-risking through diversification and reduction of critical dependencies. Leaders welcomed the new Canada-led G7 initiative – the Critical Minerals Production Alliance – working with trusted international partners to guarantee supply for advanced manufacturing and defence.

    G7 Leaders expressed support for President Trump’s efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. They recognized that Ukraine has committed to an unconditional ceasefire, and they agreed that Russia must do the same. G7 Leaders are resolute in exploring all options to maximize pressure on Russia, including financial sanctions. The G7 met with President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Mark Rutte to discuss their support for a strong and sovereign Ukraine, including budgetary defence and recovery and reconstruction support.

    G7 Leaders reiterated their commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East. They exchanged on the evolving situation, following Hamas’s terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, and the active conflict between Israel and Iran. Leaders discussed the importance of unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza, the release of all hostages and an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Leaders also talked about the need for a negotiated political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that achieves lasting peace. Leaders affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself, and were clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. They underlined the importance of protecting civilians. They expressed their readiness to coordinate to safeguard the stability of international energy markets. They urged that the resolution of this crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza. G7 Leaders released a statement on recent developments between Israel and Iran.

    Leaders highlighted the importance of a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific, based on the rule of law, and discussed growing economic cooperation with the region. They stressed the importance of constructive and stable relations with China, while calling on China to refrain from market distortions and harmful overcapacity, tackle global challenges and promote international peace and security. Leaders discussed their ongoing serious concerns about China’s destabilizing activities in the East and South China Seas and the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They expressed concern about DPRK’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs and the need to jointly address DPRK cryptocurrency thefts fueling these programs. The need to resolve the abductions issue was also raised. Leaders acknowledged the links between crisis theatres in Ukraine, the Middle East and Indo-Pacific. Leaders discussed other instances of crisis and conflict, including in Africa and Haiti. 

    The G7 Leaders underscored their resolve to ensure the safety and security of communities. They condemned foreign interference, underlining the unacceptable threat of transnational repression to rights and freedoms, national security and state sovereignty. Leaders highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration to promote border security and counter migrant smuggling and illicit synthetic drug trafficking, noting recent successes. They stressed the need to work with countries of origin and transit countries. Leaders discussed the impacts of increasingly extreme weather events around the world. They highlighted the need for more international collaboration to prevent, fight and respond to wildfires, which are destroying homes and ecosystems, and driving pollution and emissions. 

    The G7 welcomed participation in the Summit by the President of South Africa, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, President of the Republic Korea, Lee Jae-myung, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, as well as UN Secretary General, António Guterres, and President of the World Bank, Ajaypal Singh Banga. Together, they identified ways to collaborate on energy security in a changing world, with a focus on advancing technology and innovation, diversifying and strengthening critical mineral supply chains, building infrastructure, and mobilizing investment. They discussed just energy transitions as well as sustainable and innovative solutions to boost energy access and affordability, while mitigating the impact on climate and the environment. They talked about the consequences of growing conflicts for shared prosperity, including energy security, and the need to work towards a shared peace. 

    Leaders and guests had a productive discussion on the importance of building coalitions with reliable partners – existing and new – that include the private sector, development finance institutions and multilateral development banks, to drive inclusive economic growth and advance sustainable development. The upcoming United Nations’ Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development was raised as an opportunity to continue these discussions, including on private capital mobilization. 

    G7 Leaders agreed to collaborate with partners on concrete outcomes that deliver for everyone. To this end, they agreed to six joint statements. Their commitments included: 

    • Securing high-standard critical mineral supply chains that power the economies of the future.
    • Driving secure, responsible and trustworthy AI adoption across public and private sectors, powering AI now and into the future, and closing digital divides.
    • Boosting cooperation to unlock the full potential of quantum technology to grow economies, solve global challenges and keep communities secure.
    • Mounting a multilateral effort to better prevent, fight and recover from wildfires, which are on the rise around the world.
    • Protecting the rights of everyone in society, and the fundamental principle of state sovereignty, by continuing to combat foreign interference, with a focus on transnational repression.
    • Countering migrant smuggling by dismantling transnational organized crime groups. 

    G7 Leaders welcomed the endorsement by many outreach partners of the Critical Minerals Action Plan and the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter. 

    Discussions at the Kananaskis Summit were informed by the recommendations of the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council (GEAC), which stressed the social and economic benefits of gender equality, and of all G7 engagement groups. 

    The G7 remains committed to working with domestic and international stakeholders and partners, including local governments, Indigenous Peoples, civil society, industry and international organizations, to advance shared priorities. 

    The G7 will continue its work under Canada’s presidency throughout 2025, and looks forward to France’s leadership in 2026.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier urges improved industrial innovation, sound development of platform economy

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

    Chinese vice premier urges improved industrial innovation, sound development of platform economy

    GUANGZHOU, June 17 — Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has stressed the importance of efforts to improve the efficiency and quality of industrial innovation, and to promote the sound development of the platform economy.

    Zhang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an investigation and research tour in south China’s Guangdong Province, which lasted from Sunday to Tuesday.

    He said that efforts should be made to integrate scientific and technological innovation deeply with industrial innovation, and to improve the platform economy’s governance system to create a fair and orderly development environment for the sector.

    According to Zhang, it is imperative that we use technological innovation as a guide, promote the research and development of key core technologies, and build a virtuous cycle in which technological breakthroughs drive industrial upgrading.

    He also stressed the importance of improving laws and regulations related to the platform economy’s rules, algorithms, charges and livestreaming sales, of strengthening regular supervision, and of cracking down harshly on irregularities stemming from irrational rat-race competition.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi calls on China, Uzbekistan to introduce more measures for trade liberalization, facilitation

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

    Xi calls on China, Uzbekistan to introduce more measures for trade liberalization, facilitation

    Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, June 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    ASTANA, June 17 — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called on China and Uzbekistan to introduce more measures to promote trade liberalization and facilitation.

    Xi made the remarks in a meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of the second China-Central Asia Summit in the Kazakh capital of Astana.

    Xi noted that last year he and Mirziyoyev met twice, in Beijing and Astana respectively, and made strategic plans for the development of bilateral relations.

    Cooperation between the two countries in various fields has shown a favorable situation of full-scale expansion and vigorous development, he said.

    China, he added, is willing to work with Uzbekistan to strengthen the synergy of development strategies and exchange of governance experiences, implement more mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation projects, boost the development of both countries, and jointly build a China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future that is more substantial and dynamic.

    Xi emphasized that China and Uzbekistan should expand the scale of bilateral trade and investment, advance the high-quality construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, foster a multidimensional connectivity framework, and expand practical cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, new energy, smart agriculture and public health.

    The two sides should actively promote the reciprocal establishment of cultural centers, organize well the second China-Uzbekistan educational forum, continue to strengthen cooperation on poverty alleviation, and promote people-to-people connectivity, Xi added.

    Xi also stressed the need to further deepen law enforcement and security cooperation, jointly combat terrorism, separatism and extremism, and work together to address new threats and challenges, so as to safeguard regional peace and stability.

    Xi said the two sides should strengthen collaboration within multilateral platforms, including the China-Central Asia mechanism and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, to jointly safeguard international equity and justice and uphold the international economic and trade order.

    For his part, Mirziyoyev said that President Xi is a distinguished statesman on the world stage, who has led China in implementing effective domestic and foreign policies, promoting substantial progress in economic and social development, with China’s economy becoming a major engine of the global economy.

    No major global issue can be resolved without China’s involvement, he added.

    Mirziyoyev described Uzbekistan and China as close as brothers, noting that frequent exchanges at all levels and robust cooperation across various fields have brought bilateral relations to their highest level in history.

    The Uzbek side values its friendly relations with China, appreciates China’s long-standing selfless support for Uzbekistan’s economic and social development, and will unwaveringly adhere to the one-China principle, he said.

    The Uzbek side is willing to strengthen exchanges with China on governance experience, learn from China’s successful practices in poverty alleviation, expand the scale of trade and investment, enhance cooperation with China in such fields as cutting-edge technologies, connectivity, agriculture and green energy, and promote the high-quality development of bilateral relations, Mirziyoyev said.

    He said Uzbekistan also stands ready to enhance law enforcement and security cooperation with China, with a firm commitment to combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

    The Uzbek side highly appreciates President Xi’s three major global initiatives, which carry significant relevance in today’s world, and is willing to work closely with China to fully implement them, jointly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, safeguard international fairness and justice, and advance the noble cause of world peace and development, Mirziyoyev said.

    The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East.

    Xi said all related parties should work to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East as soon as possible and avoid further escalation.

    Xi said China is deeply worried as Israel’s military operation against Iran has caused a sudden escalation of tensions in the Middle East, adding that China opposes any actions that infringe upon sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of other countries.

    He said military conflicts are not the solution to problems, and the escalation of regional situations is not in the common interests of the international community.

    Xi said China is ready to work with all parties to play a constructive role in restoring peace and stability in the Middle East.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, June 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s Statement on Adriana Smith

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    Adriana Smith’s Family Was Denied the Right to Make Medical Decisions for Months, After She Was Declared Brain Dead, Due to Georgia Abortion Ban

    Pressley Joins Williams, Jacobs in Introducing Resolution Condemning Anti-Abortion Laws that Denied Smith’s Dignity and Human Rights

    Adriana’s Son Chance was Delivered via Postmortem Emergency C-Section and Adriana Will be Taken Off Life Support

    Resolution Text (PDF)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) released the following statement on the tragic case of Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old Georgia mother who was declared brain dead in February and had been kept on artificial life support without her family’s consent. The Georgia hospital where Adriana died indicated that the state’s extreme abortion ban mandated Adriana remain on life support because she was 9 weeks pregnant at the time of her death. On Friday, June 13, 2025, her infant son, named Chance, was born prematurely at approximately 4:41 a.m. via a postmortem emergency Cesarean section. Chance weighs about 1 pound, 13 ounces and is currently in the NICU. Adriana is being taken off life support today.

    “Adriana Smith was a beloved daughter, a devoted mother, and a compassionate nurse denied dignity and basic human rights,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus. “She and her family were failed by a broken system that ignored her pain and then forced them to endure months of trauma under cruel, dehumanizing laws. These laws stripped Adriana of her dignity and denied her family the right to make deeply personal medical decisions. I hope their experiences compel Congress and the states to finally end cruel abortion bans, end fetal personhood laws, and confront the Black maternal morbidity crisis once and for all. I am proud to join Congresswoman Williams and our colleagues on this resolution to honor Adriana’s life, uplift her family, and recommit ourselves to fighting for reproductive freedom, Black maternal health, the right to abortion care and the bodily autonomy of every person who calls this country home. We join Adriana’s family members in praying for strength for baby Chance and mourning the loss of Adriana.”

    In light of this solemn update, Congresswoman Pressley joined Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51) in introducing a resolution recognizing the deeply disturbing case of Adriana Smith.

    The resolution calls for urgent legislative and policy changes to protect the rights, autonomy, and dignity of pregnant people — particularly Black women, who are disproportionately impacted by systemic medical neglect and restrictive anti-abortion laws.

    “I extend my sympathies to Adriana Smith’s family as they spend their final moments with Adriana on their terms. Adriana Smith deserved better at every point of this tragedy. Her family, along with baby Chance, remain in my family’s prayers as they navigate life after this unimaginably devastating situation that Georgia’s laws imposed on them. From my service in the State Senate when the LIFE Act was passed in 2019, I know that the bill was drafted in a way that created uncertainty among medical providers and my constituents in Georgia’s 5th District about what is permitted under the law and how the law would be enforced. The clear intention of this was to create a chilling effect on doctors providing essential maternal healthcare services and on patients seeking lifesaving medical treatment. We are now seeing this lack of clarity result in unimaginable cruelty to Adriana Smith and her family,” said Congresswoman Nikema Williams.

    “My heart breaks for Adriana Smith, her family, and new baby Chance, who had to enter the world this way. Georgia’s fetal personhood law denied Adriana Smith’s family the ability to say goodbye to her on their own terms,” said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs. “Instead, she was kept on life support, breathing through machines for nearly four months to serve as an incubator. Women are worth more than their ability to get pregnant and give birth – we are human beings who should be trusted to make our own health care decisions. It’s devastating that Adriana is the latest casualty of our nation’s Black maternal health crisis and anti-abortion laws – but let’s ensure she’s the last. This needs to be the watershed moment to end anti-abortion and fetal personhood laws and guarantee the rights and dignity of everyone to make the best health care decisions for themselves and their families.”

    Adriana Smith, a nurse and mother, sought medical care for symptoms, including an extreme headache, in early February but was not given adequate treatment. She returned the next day as her condition worsened and was declared brain dead while nine weeks pregnant on February 19. She has been kept on artificial support until her pregnancy reaches 32 weeks and the fetus can be delivered, meaning her bodily functions will have been supported for more than 5 months. Due to Georgia’s LIFE Act and uncertainty surrounding fetal personhood laws, Emory University Midtown Hospital began maintaining Adriana’s bodily functions without consent from her family.

    The resolution urges the government to:

    • Repeal state laws that ban or criminalize abortion and abortion-related services;
    • Repeal laws that exclude pregnant people from having their advance directives come into effect;
    • Clarify how anti-abortion and fetal personhood laws should be interpreted in medical settings;
    • Reaffirm and guarantee autonomy and dignity to pregnant people over their lives, well-being, and medical needs.

    While Georgia’s Attorney General has stated that nothing in the LIFE Act explicitly mandates keeping a brain-dead patient on life support, the lack of a formal legal opinion or prosecutorial guidance leaves families and doctors in limbo.

    Anti-abortion laws deprive people who can become pregnant of their autonomy by prioritizing the life of the fetus over the health, medical decisions, and rights of the pregnant person — a dehumanizing practice that violates their civil rights and reinforces systemic control over their bodies.

    Out of fear of criminalization, family separation, or mistreatment like what Adriana Smith is experiencing, many pregnant people avoid healthcare settings even when they desire care, putting their health and the health of their fetus at risk.

    The resolution declares that the House of Representatives stands with Adriana Smith’s family in their efforts to return dignity and justice to their family, condemns giving fetuses rights and taking them away from pregnant people in our laws, and condemns the troublingly common experience that Black women face in medical settings of having their pain not given full credence or treatment.

    A copy of the resolution text can be found here.

    On June 5, Rep. Pressley delivered an impassioned speech on the House floor demanding justice for Adriana Smith and sharing her family’s story. Pressley connected the horrific mistreatment of Adriana Smith to the brutal history of medical violence Black women have faced in America for centuries.

    Last month, as Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, Rep. Pressley and Co-Chair Diana DeGette (CO-01) released a statement calling for the state of Georgia and the hospital in question to respect the fundamental rights of Adriana Smith and her family and condemned GOP abortion bans.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New York ETO promotes biotechnology and academic ties with Boston (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    New York ETO promotes biotechnology and academic ties with Boston  
    At the June 15 (Boston time) welcome dinner for the Hong Kong delegation at BIO 2025, Ms Ho highlighted Hong Kong’s status as a global hub for biotech innovation and fundraising. She also noted Hong Kong’s strong presence at BIO 2025, showcasing the depth and diversity of the city’s biotechnology sector, including pharmaceuticals, immunotherapies, gene editing, diagnostics and stem cell technologies.
     
    The Hong Kong delegation included representatives from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and its delegation of 16 leading biotech portfolio companies, the medical faculties of the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, as well as representatives from the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. At the Hong Kong Pavilion, they showcased the city’s life and health sciences capabilities, aiming to attract global enterprises, talent, and investment, and reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a global biotech hub.
     
    At the “Hong Kong x Boston Biotech Disrupt Night” on June 16 (Boston time) hosted by Invest Hong Kong, Ms Ho spoke on Hong Kong’s strategic advantages in biotechnology, citing world-class infrastructure, strong intellectual property protection, top-tier universities, and a vibrant start-up ecosystem. She also emphasised government support, funding and initiatives such as InnoLife Healthtech Hub and the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme. The event, attended by over 140 biotech industry representatives and investors, also featured a panel discussion featuring Hong Kong and Boston’s biotech leaders where they had an insightful exchange on the potential of Boston biotech companies in leveraging Hong Kong for their Asian market expansion.
     
         “Hong Kong offers a nurturing environment for life sciences—combining policy support, research excellence, and regulatory certainty. As the world’s second-largest fundraising hub for biotech IPOs, we also offer deep access to capital and a highly international talent pool. With our world-class infrastructure, common law system, robust IP protections, and proximity to Mainland China and Asia, we serve as a gateway and global launchpad for biotech companies aiming to scale and internationalise”, she said.
     
    While in Boston, Ms Ho also met with representatives of the academia to explore areas of mutual interests and promoted Hong Kong’s various talent admission schemes and the city’s commitment to become an international education and research hub. Her meetings included discussions with Visiting Fellow of Practice at Harvard University’s Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies Mr Mitchell Presnick; and representatives from the University of Massachusetts Boston, including the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Mr Joseph B. Berger; the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Ms Karen Ferrer-Muñiz; and the Vice Provost of Research and Strategic Initiatives, Mr Bala Sundaram. She also attended a reception hosted by the Mayor of Boston Ms Michelle Wu for key international biotech leaders and stakeholders.
    Issued at HKT 7:40

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Scott Champions Historic Senate Passage of GENIUS Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — Today, the United States Senate passed the bipartisan Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act – legislation Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) co-sponsored and championed as it advanced through the Senate. The GENIUS Act – which is led by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and also cosponsored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), and Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) – establishes a first of its kind regulatory framework for payment stablecoins, protecting consumers and strengthening national security. Under Senator Scott’s leadership, the bill passed the Senate Banking Committee in March, with every Republican and five Democrats supporting it.
    “Today is a bold step forward – not just for financial innovation, but for American leadership, consumer protection, and economic opportunity. With the GENIUS Act, we’re bringing clarity to a sector that’s been clouded by uncertainty and proving that bipartisan, principled leadership can still deliver real results for the American people. This did not happen by accident. It happened because we led – across the aisle and with purpose. I’m especially grateful to Senator Hagerty for his leadership, as well as the hard work of many of my colleagues to get this across the finish line,” said Senator Scott.
    BACKGROUND:
    Upon becoming Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, Scott pledged to advance a regulatory framework that will provide clarity for the digital assets industry and promote consumer choice, education, and protection. Building on that promise, Senator Scottcreated the first-ever Subcommittee on Digital Assets, led by Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.).
    In its first legislative markup of the 119th Congress, and after considering nearly 40 amendments to the bill, the Senate Banking Committee voted to advance the GENIUS Act, with every Republican and five Democrats supporting it. 
    Ahead of the Senate’s vote on the bill, key stakeholders voiced support for the legislation. After the Senate voted to begin consideration of the bill, Senator Scott issued astatement and spoke on the Senate floor highlighting the importance of passing the bill, noting that the GENIUS Act is the result of months of good-faith, bipartisan negotiations and has benefited from extensive consultation with industry participants, legal and academic experts, and government stakeholders. 
    To read Senator Scott’s op-ed in the Washington Examiner on the GENIUS Act, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Introduces The Bicycles For Rural African Transport Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    June 17, 2025

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the Bicycles for Rural African Transport Act, legislation that would establish within the United States Agency forInternational Development (USAID) a program to promote mobility in rural communities using affordable, sustainable bicycles to support access and key development objectives. 

    “U.S. foreign assistance makes up less than one percent of the federal budget—yet, it can yield millions in returns, both financially and in lives saved.  Sometimes, the simplest of tools, like a bicycle, can help make incredible progress,” said Durbin.  “Since 2019, I have worked through the appropriations process to push USAID to invest in locally appropriate and sustainable bicycles, which help meet needs in health care, education, and women and girls’ empowerment. Now that the Trump Administration has gutted USAID and is trying to jam a rescissions package through the Senate that strips global funding for the most vulnerable abroad, we need this legislation more than ever.”

    “Reliable, purpose-built bicycles are among the most cost-effective tools to improve access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities in rural communities. We applaud Senator Durbin’s leadership in reintroducing the Bicycles for Rural African Transport Act, which recognizes that mobility is foundational to development. This bill has the power to accelerate progress and unlock potential for millions of people,” said Dave Neiswander, CEO, World Bicycle Relief.

    This Bicycles for Rural African Transport Act builds on the work Durbin has done through the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) in the annual appropriations package in recent years, to provide modest funding and a comprehensive USAID assessment for a pilot program related to bicycles that has been successful at helping get girls to school, providing health services, allowing farmers to take their crops to market, and more. This bill would effectively codify those efforts, and requires USAID to report on such projects from which the agency can continue to build.  

    The legislation also emphasizes partnerships with existing entities, such as Chicago-based World Bicycle Relief, with successful models for providing access to affordable bicycles to achieve development objectives. Founded in 2005, World Bicycle Relief partners with communities across nearly two dozen countries to establish and manage a sustainable transportation ecosystem that has delivered nearly 900,000 sustainable bicycles and supported more 4.4 million people.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Judiciary Democrats Call On Secretary Noem To Testify Before The Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    June 17, 2025
    Durbin, SJC Dems cite alarming conduct such as the unnecessary use of force by masked ICE agents, family separations, targeting of workers, unjustified invocation of wartime powers, defiance of court orders, ignoring congressional oversight, and deployment of National Guard to California
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in calling on Chairman Grassley to schedule Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem for testimony before the committee.
    In a letter to Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), the Senators write: “We request that you immediately convene a Judiciary Committee oversight hearing with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to discuss the Department of Homeland Security’s escalating use of alarming immigration enforcement practices.”
    The Senators cited recent alarming conduct as part of the Trump Administration’s anti-immigrant agenda, writing: “Federal agents’ conduct during the incident last week with Senator Padilla has become all too common. We increasingly are seeing masked agents, acting with unnecessary force and failing to identify themselves, arresting noncitizens in raids that terrify communities and needlessly separate families. The treatment of Senator Padilla is the latest in a string of attacks on our constitutional order. Earlier this year, President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime authority that was last used during World War II to detain Japanese, Italian, and German immigrants. He has sent nearly 300 people to a dangerous and brutal prison in El Salvador without due process. He has consistently failed to comply with court orders. In recent days, he deployed the National Guard to California in response to protests of his Administration’s mass deportations over the objections of state officials.”
    The Senators continued by criticizing the Trump Administration’s hypocrisy for abandoning its promise to hold violent criminals accountable, writing: “We must ensure violent criminals are held accountable. The Administration, however, has abandoned its commitment to arresting and deporting dangerous immigrants, sweeping up hardworking, longstanding members of our communities in disorganized and dangerous raids in a misguided effort to meet arrest quotas. One Administration official reports that White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller admonished U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials not to focus deportation efforts on criminals.”
    The Senate Judiciary Committee has a constitutional responsibility to conduct oversight of Executive Branch agencies under its jurisdiction, regardless of the party in charge of the White House or Congress. During the Biden Administration, then-Chair Durbin held a DHS oversight hearing months into then-Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas’ tenure.
    The Senators then admonished the Trump Administration for neglecting to comply with Congressional oversight, writing: “This Administration, however, has dismissed Congress’s critical role in ‘seek[ing] information to help inform Members as they perform their Constitutional duty to legislate and fix real problems for the American people.’ Ranking Member Durbin alone has eight outstanding letters and briefing requests that have gone unanswered by DHS. To quote you once more, Mr. Chairman, ‘oversight brings transparency, and transparency brings accountability. And, the opposite is true. Shutting down oversight requests doesn’t drain the swamp …. It floods the swamp.’”
    The Senators concluded by reiterating the necessity for a DHS oversight hearing, writing: “The President should not be allowed to bypass constitutional principles like due process, separation of powers, and federalism. Senator Padilla’s mistreatment by federal agents should be a warning to us all. We urge you to quickly schedule a hearing to ensure we have an opportunity to question Secretary Noem regarding Committee members’ many unanswered requests for information from DHS, and the cruel and un-American steps this Administration has taken to carry out its mass deportation agenda.”
    In addition to Durbin, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).
    For a full PDF of the letter to Chairman Grassley, click here.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Nutrition replacements fully funded for adults with Crohn’s disease who use them as their only source of nutrition

    Source: PHARMAC

    Pharmac is fully funding two brands of liquid nutrition replacements for adults with Crohn’s disease who use them as their only source of nutrition.

    The nutrition replacements are Ensure Plus and Fortisip (200ml bottles, 1.5kcal/ml) and changes to funding will take place from 1 July 2025.

    Adrienne Martin, Manager Pharmaceutical Funding says, “we are removing the additional cost on Ensure Plus and Fortisip so adults with Crohn’s disease, who use them as their only source of nutrition, can continue to access and benefit from fully funded treatment.”

    Crohn’s is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Some people with this condition use these nutrition replacements as their exclusive diet for a period of 4–12 weeks.

    The goal of this exclusive diet is to rest the gut, to reduce inflammation and promote healing. This also may help manage symptoms and reduce the likelihood of needing surgery.

    A different fully funded nutrition replacement was previously available for these people, but the supplier stopped making it.

    “We are grateful to those who provided feedback to our proposal and shared it with their community. Having this additional information from clinicians and the community helps with our decisions.”

    “Our role is to help people access the medicines and related products they need to improve their health. We estimate around 200 adults with Crohn’s disease will benefit from the funding each year,” says Martin 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrests, assets restraints following Police operation targeting Greazy Dogs MC

    Source: New Zealand Police

    NZ Police have this week dealt a significant blow to the manufacture and supply of methamphetamine by the Greazy Dogs MC in western Bay of Plenty this week, with the arrest of several members and associates of the gang, and the restraint of more than $1.5 million of assets.

    On 17 – 18 June, Police carried out 35 search warrants at properties across Tauranga, including the Greazy Dogs MC pad. Those arrested as a result of these warrants include senior members of the Greazy Dog MC, including the national vice president and the sergeant at arms.

    “The arrests and asset restraints this week mark the successful culmination of a National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) operation that began in late 2024,” says Detective Inspector Albie Alexander.

    “This operation – Operation Kingtide – identified the Greazy Dogs MC as controlling the methamphetamine supply across the western Bay of Plenty, through local manufacture.”

    Search warrants executed located firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, chemicals and equipment used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, cannabis and approximately $25,000 in cash.

    In addition, Police’s Asset Recovery Unit has restrained more than $1.5 million of assets to date, including two residential properties, two cars and three motorcycles.

    Further search warrants are being carried out this week and more arrests and charges are likely.

    “With the arrest of these senior gang members and the seizure of their equipment and assets, I’m confident we have dealt a significant blow to the Greazy Dogs’ methamphetamine operation, and the supply of methamphetamine in the western Bay of Plenty,” says Detective Inspector Alexander.

    “Police will continue to focus on the enforcement and disruption of such criminal groups, who are dealing primarily in the sale and supply of methamphetamine into our most vulnerable communities.”

    Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Tim Anderson, has welcomed the arrests of the Greazy Dogs MC members and associates, saying he has seen first-hand the immense harm that methamphetamine causes in communities in Bay of Plenty and across New Zealand.

    “The Greazy Dogs MC, as with other gangs involved in the supply of methamphetamine in New Zealand, are in this for the money. They don’t care about the enormous damage the drug is doing to families in our communities, even though many of them are parents themselves. All they are interested in is how much money they can make for themselves and their associates.”

    Working alongside the officers undertaking enforcement action this week has been the team from the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) programme, which takes a multi-agency approach to help address the social conditions that feed the emergence or growth of organised crime, and the harms that flow from it.  

    Op Manawaroa (Resilience) has run alongside Operation Kingtide and is led by Bay of Plenty ROCC, with assistance from other ROCC regions including Eastern, Southern and Porirua.

    “What this looks like in practice is officers and senior advisors from our ROCC team visiting homes after search warrants have been executed, looking to engage and support families and whānau of those arrested,” Superintendent Anderson.

    “Our local ROCC team, with the support of other Police harm prevention work groups, local agencies, iwi and community partners, will continue to work with families and whānau of those affected. This is a long-term approach to prevention and in response to mitigating and preventing further harm and offending.”

    Arrest and charge details to date:

    25-year-old Tauranga man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine

    34-year-old Mt Maunganui man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine for supply

    34-year-old Papamoa man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession for supply of methamphetamine

    33-year-old Mt Maunganui man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for supply, and conspiring to supply cocaine

    37-year-old Tauranga man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine for supply.

    MEDIA ADVISORY:

    Detective Inspector Albie Anderson and Superintendent Tim Anderson will be available to speak to media at Tauranga Police Station at 1pm today. 
    Media wishing to attend are asked to report to the front counter of the police station by 12.50pm.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF: Warnock, Ossoff Secure Over $14 Million in Federal Funding for Georgia Airports through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF: Warnock, Ossoff Secure Over $14 Million in Federal Funding for Georgia Airports through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

    Southwest Georgia Regional Airport in Albany will receive $1,757,262 for infrastructure improvements
    Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport will receive $11,398,769 for taxiway upgrades, road construction, and more
    Additional communities receiving federal funding include BLAIRSVILLE, BUTLER, CANON, COCHRAN, MONROE, PEACHTREE CITY
    Senator Warnock: “Georgia is one of the most important aviation states in the nation, and I will always be committed to ensuring our economy and infrastructure can reach new heights”
    Senator Ossoff: “Georgia’s airports are a key driver of job creation and economic competitiveness. Alongside Senator Reverend Warnock, we are pleased to announce this funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law for airport upgrades across the State of Georgia”

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) announced new federal investments to upgrade Georgia’s airports through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation championed by the senators for its investments in Georgia. Senators Warnock and Ossoff announced airports in Savannah, Albany, and six additional communities across Georgia will receive a total of $14,107,485 for infrastructure upgrades. The federal funding will be used for taxiway and runway upgrades, road construction, a planning study, and more.

    “This new investment is a testament to the good we can accomplish when we center the people in policymaking,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Georgia is one of the most important aviation states in the nation, and I will always be committed to ensuring our economy and infrastructure can reach new heights.”

    “Georgia’s airports are a key driver of job creation and economic competitiveness. Alongside Senator Reverend Warnock, we are pleased to announce this funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law for airport upgrades across the State of Georgia. Our bipartisan infrastructure law will continue to deliver long-overdue upgrades to Georgia’s infrastructure for years to come,” said Senator Ossoff. 

    More information on these federal grants can be found below:

    Locality Airport Description Amount
    Albany Southwest Georgia Regional Airport Taxiway upgrades, pavement upgrades $1,757,262
    Blairsville Blairsville Airport Runway infrastructure upgrades $159,000
    Butler Butler Municipal Airport Runway infrastructure upgrades $110,000
    Canon Franklin-Hart Airport Runway infrastructure upgrades $201,744
    Cochran Cochran Airport Runway infrastructure upgrades $159,000
    Monroe Cy Nunnally Memorial Airport Runway infrastructure upgrades $159,000
    Peachtree City Atlanta Regional Falcon Field Runway infrastructure upgrades $162,710
    Savannah Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport Taxiway upgrades, road construction, planning study, expanded apron space $11,398,769

    A longtime champion for Georgia’s aviation industry, last year Senator Warnock secured provisions in the FAA Reauthorization law that will help transform the aviation industry, including provisions to bolster the aviation workforce pipeline and invest in our aviation economy. In May 2025, Senators Warnock and Ossoff announced more than $13 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to upgrade and help maintain Georgia’s regional airports. Last summer, Senator Warnock toured Gulfstream headquarters in Savannah, Georgia, as well as Savannah Tech’s Crossroads Aviation Campus to meet with current students who are training to work at Gulfstream or in Georgia’s aviation economy. In 2023, Senator Warnock visited Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to review progress on federally funded projects, including construction of a security checkpoint expansion. In April 2023, Senator Warnock met with local aviation workers and leaders at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport in Chamblee, Georgia to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing workers on the frontlines of the aviation industry; following his visit, the Senator introduced the AIRWAYS Act to strengthen the aviation workforce by recruiting and training future industry workers from all zip codes. Additionally, in 2022 Senators Warnock and Ossoff secured $13.5 million to update nine airports across Georgia, including Augusta Regional Airport and Columbus Airport. The awards announced today were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included at least $619 million for Georgia’s airports to improve efficiency, upgrade terminals, and more. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF: Warnock, Ossoff Secure Over $14 Million in Federal Funding for Georgia Airports through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF: Warnock, Ossoff Secure Over $14 Million in Federal Funding for Georgia Airports through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

    Southwest Georgia Regional Airport in Albany will receive $1,757,262 for infrastructure improvements
    Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport will receive $11,398,769 for taxiway upgrades, road construction, and more
    Additional communities receiving federal funding include BLAIRSVILLE, BUTLER, CANON, COCHRAN, MONROE, PEACHTREE CITY
    Senator Warnock: “Georgia is one of the most important aviation states in the nation, and I will always be committed to ensuring our economy and infrastructure can reach new heights”
    Senator Ossoff: “Georgia’s airports are a key driver of job creation and economic competitiveness. Alongside Senator Reverend Warnock, we are pleased to announce this funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law for airport upgrades across the State of Georgia”

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) announced new federal investments to upgrade Georgia’s airports through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation championed by the senators for its investments in Georgia. Senators Warnock and Ossoff announced airports in Savannah, Albany, and six additional communities across Georgia will receive a total of $14,107,485 for infrastructure upgrades. The federal funding will be used for taxiway and runway upgrades, road construction, a planning study, and more.

    “This new investment is a testament to the good we can accomplish when we center the people in policymaking,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Georgia is one of the most important aviation states in the nation, and I will always be committed to ensuring our economy and infrastructure can reach new heights.”

    “Georgia’s airports are a key driver of job creation and economic competitiveness. Alongside Senator Reverend Warnock, we are pleased to announce this funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law for airport upgrades across the State of Georgia. Our bipartisan infrastructure law will continue to deliver long-overdue upgrades to Georgia’s infrastructure for years to come,” said Senator Ossoff. 

    More information on these federal grants can be found below:

    Locality Airport Description Amount
    Albany Southwest Georgia Regional Airport Taxiway upgrades, pavement upgrades $1,757,262
    Blairsville Blairsville Airport Runway infrastructure upgrades $159,000
    Butler Butler Municipal Airport Runway infrastructure upgrades $110,000
    Canon Franklin-Hart Airport Runway infrastructure upgrades $201,744
    Cochran Cochran Airport Runway infrastructure upgrades $159,000
    Monroe Cy Nunnally Memorial Airport Runway infrastructure upgrades $159,000
    Peachtree City Atlanta Regional Falcon Field Runway infrastructure upgrades $162,710
    Savannah Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport Taxiway upgrades, road construction, planning study, expanded apron space $11,398,769

    A longtime champion for Georgia’s aviation industry, last year Senator Warnock secured provisions in the FAA Reauthorization law that will help transform the aviation industry, including provisions to bolster the aviation workforce pipeline and invest in our aviation economy. In May 2025, Senators Warnock and Ossoff announced more than $13 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to upgrade and help maintain Georgia’s regional airports. Last summer, Senator Warnock toured Gulfstream headquarters in Savannah, Georgia, as well as Savannah Tech’s Crossroads Aviation Campus to meet with current students who are training to work at Gulfstream or in Georgia’s aviation economy. In 2023, Senator Warnock visited Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to review progress on federally funded projects, including construction of a security checkpoint expansion. In April 2023, Senator Warnock met with local aviation workers and leaders at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport in Chamblee, Georgia to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing workers on the frontlines of the aviation industry; following his visit, the Senator introduced the AIRWAYS Act to strengthen the aviation workforce by recruiting and training future industry workers from all zip codes. Additionally, in 2022 Senators Warnock and Ossoff secured $13.5 million to update nine airports across Georgia, including Augusta Regional Airport and Columbus Airport. The awards announced today were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included at least $619 million for Georgia’s airports to improve efficiency, upgrade terminals, and more. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping Calls on China, Central Asian Countries to Promote High-Quality Cooperation within Belt and Road Initiative

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    ASTANA, June 18 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called on China and Central Asian countries to advance high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and jointly move toward the goal of building a community with a shared future for China and Central Asia guided by the “China-Central Asian spirit.”

    Xi Jinping made the statement in his keynote speech at the 2nd China-Central Asia Summit, which was chaired by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The summit was also attended by Presidents Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan.

    Xi Jinping recalled that during the previous summit in Xi’an, China, two years ago, the leaders of the six countries jointly formulated the “Xi’an vision” for China-Central Asia cooperation. Over the past two years, he added, China and the Central Asian countries have deepened and given concrete content to cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, achieving progress in various areas of cooperation.

    According to the Chinese leader, the framework of the China-Central Asia mechanism has basically been formed, the agreements of the first summit are being comprehensively implemented, the paths of cooperation are steadily expanding, and the blossoming flowers of friendship are becoming ever brighter.

    Xi Jinping noted that through years of joint efforts, the six countries have formed a “China-Central Asian spirit” based on the principles of mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit and mutual assistance, and advancing joint modernization through high-quality development.

    As the Chinese President pointed out, the “China-Central Asian spirit” has set important guidelines for friendship and cooperation from generation to generation, and this spirit should be steadily maintained and continuously developed by the six countries.

    In the context of accelerating changes unseen in a century, today’s world is entering a new period of global upheaval and transformation, Xi Jinping said, stressing that only unwavering adherence to the principles of honesty, fairness, mutual benefit and win-win will help safeguard world peace and achieve common development.

    Xi Jinping called on the six countries to follow the “China-Central Asia spirit” and enhance cooperation with greater enthusiasm and pragmatism.

    In this regard, he put forward a five-point proposal.

    First, China and Central Asian countries should unswervingly adhere to the original aspiration for unity based on mutual trust and mutual support.

    Second, China and Central Asian countries should optimize the framework for pragmatic, highly effective and deeply integrated cooperation.

    Third, China and Central Asian countries should build a security architecture based on peace, tranquility and common interests. They should strengthen regional security governance, steadily deepen cooperation in law enforcement and security, jointly prevent and counter the spread of extremist ideology, resolutely combat the “three evil forces” (terrorism, separatism and extremism), and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region.

    Fourth, China and the Central Asian countries should strengthen the cultural ties of common thoughts and moral principles, mutual understanding and closeness between the peoples. China is ready to intensify cooperation with the Central Asian countries at the levels of legislative bodies, political parties, women’s and youth organizations, media and think tanks, conduct in-depth exchanges of public administration experience, open new cultural centers, university branches and “Lu Ban Workshops” in the Central Asian countries to train highly qualified personnel for these countries.

    Fifth, China and Central Asian countries should uphold a fair, reasonable, equitable and orderly international order. They should jointly safeguard international fairness and justice, oppose hegemonism and power politics, and actively promote the construction of an equitable and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive economic globalization that benefits everyone.

    In conclusion, the Chinese President noted that China is currently comprehensively promoting the building of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization.

    He stressed that regardless of changes in the international situation, China will unswervingly adhere to the policy of opening up to the outside world. China hopes to work with Central Asian countries to establish higher-quality cooperation and deepen the integration of interests, so as to achieve common prosperity and promote continuous new achievements in China-Central Asia cooperation, Xi Jinping concluded. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Changes to stalking Bill important step for women’s safety

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Parliament today took an important step to improve women’s safety with the Government moving closer to Labour’s position on how stalking should be defined in law.

    “Stalking should be a crime. It can make a victim feel extremely unsafe and insecure, and in some cases result in serious assault, or even death,” Labour police spokesperson Ginny Andersen said.

    “The tragic murder of Farzana Yaqubi highlighted the urgent need for change. The Independent Police Conduct Authority found that more should have been done to protect her. We owe it to Farzana, and to every other person who has lived in fear, to ensure stalking is taken seriously.

    “The Justice Committee has now reported back a Bill that would make stalking a standalone offence, with key changes that reflect the recommendations of women’s advocates and parts of my Member’s Bill.

    “One important change is the threshold for what constitutes stalking. Originally the Government bill required three incidents within a year, something victims’ advocates warned was too high. It has now been amended to two acts over two years, more closely matching the definition Labour proposed in our Member’s Bill.

    “This is a constructive step forward. It shows that when parties listen to experts and work collaboratively, we can make better laws that protect people.

    “I will continue to work with advocates to strengthen protections for victims and ensure the law keeps pace with the realities of stalking and harassment,” Ginny Andersen said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: PM must stop changes further failing children

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Today’s damning report on Oranga Tamariki shows Māori children are being left with little chance of success, or even survival, after their experiences in the state care system, and Minister for Children Karen Chhour is making it worse.

    “This report is the first of its kind and reveals a disturbing and urgent problem which can no longer be ignored by the Prime Minister who has overseen dangerous changes to Oranga Tamariki during his term in government,” Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime said.

    “The Government has cut early intervention, continued with botched bootcamps that have never worked, and taken away funding from community-run services that help children and whānau.

    “Christopher Luxon has allowed an ACT Minister to recklessly erode the services that have been built up to support children.

    “As well as repealing Section 7AA, Karen Chhour has removed a key target for placement of children with whanau, and removed the target for investment for services provided by Iwi organisations.

    “The Government has taken away actions specifically put in place to address the significant disparities for Māori children in care.

    “Christopher Luxon must step in and cancel boot camps and restore funding to frontline community providers before it’s too late,” Willow-Jean Prime said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Government is full of it on homelessness

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The Government continues to deny its policies are contributing to homelessness in New Zealand, despite being told they are.

    “Frontline housing providers have told Government Ministers that there are more people on the streets as a result of its policies,” Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said.

    “They are stopping people from accessing emergency housing, which is resulting in more people sleeping rough. Even victims of domestic violence are being denied, which providers have been raising for some time.

    “Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka admitted in today’s hearing that he only acted on the scandal of victims of domestic violence being denied emergency housing after Labour raised it in Parliament.

    “The Minister of Housing Chris Bishop continues to say the housing register is not an accurate reflection of need, yet he uses it to justify a budget that neglects housing.

    “They’re denying there’s a growing number of homeless people while claiming they’re making a difference based on what they admit is inaccurate data. All the while dismissing frontline providers who all say it is an issue that is getting much worse.

    “Housing is a human right, yet there are more people on the streets under National. The fact they won’t admit that shows they’re full of it,” Kieran McAnulty said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Quarterly current account deficit $5.5 billion – Stats NZ media and information release: Balance of payments and international investment position: March 2025 quarter

    Quarterly current account deficit $5.5 billion – media release

    18 June 2025

    New Zealand’s seasonally adjusted current account deficit narrowed by $53 million to $5.5 billion in the March 2025 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    “The value of New Zealand goods exports increased in the March 2025 quarter. However, rising export values were partly offset by increases in goods imports,” international accounts spokesperson Viki Ward said.

    “The March 2025 quarter current account deficit is very similar to the December 2024 quarter.”

    The value of services New Zealand imported from the rest of the world increased, while the value of services exported decreased in the March 2025 quarter.

    Visit our website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Concludes Staff Visit to Liberia

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 17, 2025

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. This mission will not result in a Board discussion.

    Monrovia, Liberia: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team, led by Mr. Daehaeng Kim, Mission Chief for Liberia, visited Monrovia from June 4 – 17, 2025, to conduct the 2025 Article IV Consultation and the Second Review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement.

    At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Kim issued the following statement:

    “The IMF staff held engaging and constructive discussions with the authorities on recent macroeconomic developments, the economic outlook, and medium-term policy priorities under the Article IV Consultation, as well as the performance and policies supported by the Extended Credit Facility arrangement.

    “The authorities have continued to make progress in maintaining macroeconomic stability, and their commitment to reform remains strong. Slow mining activity and fiscal adjustment were key factors that moderated economic activity in 2024. A significant reduction in unproductive expenditures combined with recovery of tax revenues contributed to an impressive fiscal outturn, with the primary fiscal balance improving from a deficit of 4.2 percent of GDP in 2023 to a surplus of 1.3 percent of GDP in 2024. Inflation reached 13.1 percent in February 2025, driven primarily by domestic food prices, but has come down to 11.7 percent in May. The current account has improved significantly. Overall, program performance has been broadly satisfactory.

    “The medium-term outlook has been marked down due to the sudden stop of aid flows and less favorable global environment. The growth outlook is supported by a rebound in mining activity, a recovery in agriculture and sustained growth in manufacturing and services. Inflation is projected to return to single digits, supported by prudent fiscal and monetary policies and projected lower global food and crude oil prices. The current account is expected to narrow further, while the debt-to-GDP remains on a sustainable path.

    “Policy dialogue under the Article IV Consultation focused on structural reforms to tackle significant development needs, mitigate climate risks, and promote private sector growth and economic diversification to achieve sustained and inclusive growth.

    “IMF staff and the authorities have reached understandings on most key macroeconomic policies for the second review of the ECF arrangement. Discussions on a few outstanding issues will continue virtually, with the goal of finalizing the staff level agreement (SLA) in the coming weeks.

     “IMF staff express its gratitude to the authorities and all other counterparts for their warm hospitality and constructive engagement.”

    “The team met with the leadership of the national legislature, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Mr. Augustine K. Ngafuan, Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia, Mr. Henry F. Saamoi, senior government officials, development partners, representatives of the private sector and civil society.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Wafa Amr

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/17/pr-25200-liberia-imf-staff-concludes-staff-visit-to-liberia

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Solitude sees rare spider numbers increase

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Date:  18 June 2025

    A population of the rare and unusual spider, which lives in the “Crazy Paving Cave” in the Ōparara Valley on the South Island’s West Coast, is increasing and scientists think it is because the spiders have had a break from visitors.

    The spiders had been monitored for a number of years, with a steadily declining population, when the decision was made to close the cave to visitors in 2022.

    Since then, spider numbers have shown a steady increase from an average of eight found during monitoring in 2022 to 33 in 2025. Rangers have also seen signs of the spiders breeding.

    Senior Ranger Scott Freeman says people unknowingly interupt the natural behaviour of the spiders with bright lights, vibration, sound, and the heat they bring into the cave.

    “The cave has a low ceiling, and it’s quite small, so people get close to the spiders, which don’t like large creatures such as humans wandering round.”

    Scott says, “We have proven in many parts of the country that when we remove or manage the threats, restore habitats or modify how we use or interact with nature, it comes back, and we can see that here with the spiders.”

    It is thought that numbers of spiders may have peaked, and scientists are keen to see what happens in the next year before decisions about visitor access to the cave are made.

    The spiders are relatively long lived, with baby spiders taking two to three years to mature. Most spiders complete their life cycle in a year.

    New Zealand’s native species are unique and special. On average, 70% of our nature is found nowhere else in the world. 93% of New Zealand’s estimated 2000 spider species are only found here.

    Nelson cave spiders evolved separately from the rest of the world for millions of years and are thought to be directly descended from the earliest true spiders. They may be the missing link between primitive and modern spiders.

    These spiders live near cave entrances and mostly eat cave wētā, which they drop onto while attached to the cave roof by their web. They are also found in Golden Bay and were the first spider species to be protected under the Wildlife Act.

    The other walks and experiences in the Ōparara and the adjacent Box Canyon Cave remain open for visitors.

    Background information

    Crazy Paving Cave gets its name from its floor of ancient, fragile, fine deep sediment which has dried out slowly, cracking and curling into what looks like large, distorted paving stones.

    It’s a dry cave where the sediment has stayed in place unchanged for hundreds of years. It’s like a time capsule holding information about what life was present when water once washed into the cave.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Changes to reserve allocations

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    What are the changes?

    From 7 December 2024, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Legacy Retirement Product Commutations and Reserves) Regulations 2024External Link (the Regulation) changes the way allocations from reserves count towards an individual’s contribution caps.

    Before 7 December 2024, certain reserve allocations by a complying superannuation plan for an individual counted towards the individual’s concessional contributions cap. This could result in excess concessional contributions for the individual.

    From 7 December 2024, the Regulation:

    • counts those allocations towards the individual’s non-concessional contributions cap instead of their concessional contributions cap
    • updates the drafting used to describe those allocations, and
    • excludes from the non-concessional contributions cap an additional class of reserve allocation (from a pension reserve), making allocations of that class effectively ‘uncapped’.

    These changes are not limited to reserves associated with legacy pension products (although the changes may be applicable to such reserves).

    See Other concessional and other non-concessional contributions for more information on when reserve allocations by Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) funds will need to be reported.

    Reserve allocations before 7 December 2024

    Before 7 December 2024, 2 classes of reserve allocation counted towards the concessional contributions cap:

    1. A particular allocation of an assessable contribution.
    2. Any other allocation (‘a capped allocation’) that did not fall within various specified exclusions.

    In other words, for allocations other than assessable contributions (the first class mentioned above), a ‘catch-all’ mechanism counted towards the concessional contributions cap all allocations that did not fall within the specified exclusions (the second class mentioned above).

    The exclusions (‘excluded allocations’) did not count towards the concessional contributions cap, with the result that they could be made without contribution cap taxation consequences for the member.

    Capped allocations before 7 December 2024

    An allocation was a capped allocation unless it was an excluded allocation. The excluded allocations were:

    • a certain type of rollover superannuation benefit
    • an amount of applicable fund earnings transferred from a foreign super fund included in the assessable income of the plan
    • a refund of excess capped fees and costs charged to a member
    • a ‘fair and reasonable allocation’, which could be made from any kind of reserve (subject to fund rules and regulatory requirements), being an allocation
      • made to each member of the fund, or each member of a class of member
      • for which the amount allocated was less than 5% of the value of the member’s interest at the time of allocation, and
      • that would not have been assessable income of the fund if it were made as a contribution
    • the following types of pension reserve allocation
      • an allocation to satisfy a pension liability
      • an allocation on the commutation of an income stream, except as a result of the death of the primary beneficiary, to the recipient to commence another income stream as soon as practicable
      • certain allocations on the commutation of an income stream as a result of the death of the beneficiary.

    Reserve allocations from 7 December 2024

    From 7 December 2024, the Regulation counts capped allocations towards the non-concessional contributions cap instead of the concessional contributions cap. The mechanism for counting allocations has not changed: a reserve allocation counts towards the non-concessional contributions cap it if does not fall within specified exclusions.

    Each class of exclusion specified for the concessional contributions cap before 7 December 2024 has been specified for the non-concessional contributions cap from that date. This means types of allocations that fell within those exclusions before 7 December 2024 continue to be uncapped if made from that date. The Regulation makes no change to the treatment of allocations of certain assessable contributions, which continue to count towards the concessional contributions cap.

    The drafting of the ‘fair and reasonable’ and ‘pension reserve’ exclusions in the Regulation has been updated. As a result, the exclusions do not mirror those specified for the concessional contributions cap word-for-word. One class of excluded allocation – ‘pension reserve allocation except as a result of death – after commutation to commence another income stream’ – is not explicitly specified as an exclusion for the purposes of the non-concessional contributions cap, because it falls within a new pension reserve exclusion discussed below (‘excluded cessation allocation’).

    The table below lists these exclusions for the concessional contributions cap and their non-concessional contributions cap equivalents (legislative references are to the Income Tax Assessment (1997 Act) Regulations 2021 (ITAR (1997 Act) 2021).

    Table: Excluded allocations before and from 7 December 2024

    Class of excluded allocation

    Exclusion from counting towards concessional contributions cap – before 7 December 2024 (repealed)

    Exclusion from counting towards the non-concessional contributions cap – from 7 December 2024

    Fair and reasonable allocation

    Former subsection 291‑25.01(4)

    Subsection 292-90.02(2)

    Pension reserve allocation – to satisfy pension liability

    Former paragraph 291‑25.01(5)(a)

    Subsection 292-90.02(3)

    Pension reserve allocation except as a result of death – after commutation to commence another income stream

    Former paragraph 291‑25.01(5)(b)

    Subsection 292-90.02(4)

    Pension reserve allocation after death – to discharge pension reserve liabilities as a result of death

    Former subparagraph 291‑25.01(5)(c)(i)

    Subsection 292-90.02(5)

    Pension reserve allocation after death – paid as lump-sum and death benefit

    Former subparagraph 291‑25.01(5)(c)(ii)

    Subsection 292-90.02(6)

    Counting allocations towards the non-concessional contributions cap instead of the concessional contributions cap will affect the amount that can be allocated to some individuals without incurring contribution cap taxation consequences.

    For example, some individuals have a nil non-concessional contributions cap. If a reserve allocation counts towards the individual’s non-concessional contributions cap in those circumstances, the amount of the allocation will exceed their non-concessional contributions cap.

    Example: remediation payment allocations

    A superannuation fund maintains an operational risk reserve, the purpose of which includes the remediation of amounts wrongly charged to member accounts.

    As part of one such remediation exercise, amounts are allocated to a class of members in the fund on 1 January 2025 in a manner that does not satisfy:

    • the ‘fair and reasonable’ allocation exclusion, or
    • any other exclusion from the non-concessional contributions cap.

    As the allocations were made for those members on or after 7 December 2024, they count towards the amount of the members’ non-concessional contributions for the 2024–25 financial year.

    End of example

    New class of excluded allocation from 7 December 2024

    From 7 December 2024, the Regulation also excludes another broad class of pension reserve allocation for an individual. An allocation (an ‘excluded cessation allocation’) from a reserve of a complying superannuation plan for an individual is excluded if:

    • the reserve is a pension reserve of the plan
    • the reserve is used to discharge all or part of a liability of the plan to pay a superannuation income stream benefit from a superannuation income stream of which the individual is the recipient
    • the superannuation income stream is commuted or ceases
    • the commutation or cessation is not a result of the death of the primary beneficiary
    • the amount is allocated from the reserve for the individual as a result of the individual having been (before the commutation or cessation) the recipient of the superannuation income stream, and
    • where the reserve relates to more than one superannuation income stream, the allocation is fair and reasonable having regard to
      • for each superannuation income stream that has not been commuted or ceased – the value of the interest that supports the superannuation income stream, and
      • for each superannuation income stream that has been commuted or ceased – the value of the interest, that supported the superannuation income stream, immediately before the superannuation income stream was commuted or ceased.

    Definition of pension reserve

    From 7 December 2024, the Regulation provides that a reserve is a pension reserve of a complying superannuation plan at a particular time if the reserve is used at that time solely for the purpose (the ‘pension liability purpose’) of enabling the plan to discharge all or part of its pension liabilities (contingent or not) as soon as they become due. This definition is relevant not only for excluded cessation allocations, but also for the other excluded allocations (other than fair and reasonable allocations).

    In addition:

    • under the Regulation, certain allocations made as a result of commutation or cessation of a superannuation income stream are deemed to be a use of a reserve for a pension liability purpose, and
    • under transitional rules provided by the Regulation, certain allocations are disregarded in working out, for the purposes of excluded cessation allocations, whether a reserve is a pension reserve at a time occurring after commencement.

    The new definition of pension reserve and the 2 additions above are only relevant for determining excluded allocations from 7 December 2024. They do not apply when determining whether a reserve is a ‘pension reserve’ for the purposes of determining whether allocations are excluded from counting toward the concessional contributions cap before that date.

    Allocations deemed to be for a pension liability purpose

    From 7 December 2024, the Regulation provides, for the avoidance of doubt, that certain allocations (‘a deemed pension purpose allocation’) to a superannuation income stream recipient after the commutation or cessation of that income stream are taken to be made for the pension liability purpose: see subsection 292-90.02(8) of the ITAR (1997 Act) 2021. This ensures a reserve does not cease to be a pension reserve as a result of such allocations, including in at least the 2 following situations:

    • The active reserve situation – where the reserve is, apart from the deemed pension purpose allocation, a pension reserve because it is used solely for the purpose of discharging pension liabilities relating to one or more other income streams. The deemed pension purpose ensures the reserve continues to be a pension reserve after a deemed pension purpose allocation when continuing to discharge pension liabilities. Otherwise, the deemed pension purpose allocation and subsequent allocations to discharge pension liabilities would count towards the non-concessional contributions cap.
    • The dormant reserve situation – where the reserve is, apart from the deemed pension purpose allocation
      • not being used for the purpose of discharging pension liabilities (because all income streams the reserve previously supported have been commuted or ceased), and
      • used for no other purpose.

    In the dormant reserve situation, the deemed pension purpose allocation does not prevent the reserve from ceasing to be a pension reserve for the purpose of making further cessation allocations.

    There is no requirement that a deemed pension purpose allocation must be made within a specific period after the relevant commutation or cessation. If all other requirements for the allocation to be excluded are otherwise met, the allocations can be made long after the commutation or cessation.

    Example: dormant reserve

    A reserve established and used to support a single superannuation income stream:

    • commenced on 1 July 2005, and
    • ceased on 1 July 2020.

    Between the cessation of the income stream and 6 December 2024, the reserve was not used for any purpose. After 7 December 2024, the trustee allocates the remainder of the reserve to the recipient of the former income stream in circumstances that satisfy all other requirements to be an excluded cessation allocation.

    The allocation itself is deemed to be for a pension liability purpose. As a result, the reserve is a pension reserve at the time of the allocation.

    End of example

    Disregarded allocations

    The Regulation also contains a transitional provision. That provision disregards certain allocations made before 7 December 2024 in working out whether a reserve of a complying superannuation plan is a pension reserve for the purposes of making excluded cessation allocations.

    If one or more allocations before that date are the sole reason the reserve doesn’t otherwise meet the pension reserve definition for that purpose, disregarding the allocations ensures the definition is met.

    An allocation from the reserve is disregarded if:

    • the reserve was used for the purpose of enabling the plan to discharge all or part of a liability of the plan to pay a superannuation income stream benefit from a superannuation income stream
    • the superannuation income stream was commuted or otherwise ceased
    • the allocation was made after the commutation or cessation, and
    • immediately before the commutation or cessation, the reserve was a pension reserve.

    In the case where the reserve only ever supported one income stream, if the above criteria are met, allocations after the income stream commuted or otherwise ceased and before 7 December 2024 are disregarded.

    In the case where the reserve was used to support more than one superannuation income stream, allocations made after the above requirements are met for the first time in relation to any of those income streams and before 7 December 2024 are disregarded. In effect, this could result in all allocations from the reserve occurring after that commutation or cessation being disregarded, even while the other income streams were still being supported by the reserve.

    Example: fair and reasonable allocations disregarded

    A reserve was established and used to support 2 lifetime pensions: income stream A and income stream B. Both commenced on 1 July 2005. Income stream A ceased on 1 July 2015, and income stream B ceased on 1 July 2020. The reserve met the definition of a pension reserve immediately before 1 July 2015. Between 1 July 2020 and 6 December 2024, fair and reasonable allocations were made to all members, but the reserve was otherwise used for no other purpose during that time.

    After 7 December 2024, the trustee allocates a part of the reserve to the recipient of former income stream A in circumstances that satisfy all requirements for that allocation to be an excluded cessation allocation. In particular, the fair and reasonable allocations do not prevent the reserve from satisfying the requirement that it be a pension reserve because the transitional provision disregards all allocations between 1 July 2015 and 6 December 2024.

    The cessation allocation itself is also deemed to be for a pension liability purpose. As a result, the reserve does not cease to be a pension reserve for the purposes of the Regulation because of the allocation, which may be relevant if a subsequent excluded cessation allocation is made to the recipient of former income stream B.

    End of example

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Relaxed commutation rules for legacy retirement products

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Changes to commutation restrictions

    From 7 December 2024, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Legacy Retirement Product Commutations and Reserves) Regulations 2024External Link (the Regulation) temporarily relaxes commutation restrictions for certain retirement income stream products (known as legacy retirement products).

    Before 7 December 2024, providers of certain legacy retirement products had to ensure that those products could not be commuted under the relevant fund rules, contract, or terms and conditions of the product (the fund or product rules), except in limited circumstances.

    The Regulation relaxes this restriction so that the relevant fund or product rules can also allow the products to be fully commuted within the 5-year period beginning on 7 December 2024 and ending on 6 December 2029.

    What can be commuted

    The affected products that can be commuted are:

    • lifetime annuities and pensions, being products that meet the meet the standards in subregulations 1.05(2) or 1.06(2) of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 (SISR), if the fund that purchases or provides consideration for the benefit (in the case of annuities) or provides the benefit (in the case of pensions)
      • is not a defined benefit fund, or
      • is a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF), or
      • was, when the benefit commenced to be paid and at all earlier times, a small APRA fund
    • life expectancy annuities and pensions, being products that meet the standards in subregulations 1.05(9) or 1.06(7) of the SISR
    • market-linked annuities and pensions, being products that meet the standards in subregulations 1.05(10) or 1.06(8) of the SISR, or subregulation 1.07(3A) of the Retirement Savings Accounts Regulations 1997.

    While the affected products are described as legacy retirement products, and many commenced before 20 September 2007, there is no requirement in the Regulation that the affected products must have commenced before a particular date.

    The Regulation relaxes a restriction on what fund or product rules can allow: it does not change fund or product rules themselves. Fund or product rules may need to be changed by the fund or provider to allow commutation before a recipient can commute without the fund breaching those rules.

    Example 1: lifetime pension in an SMSF

    Rebecca starts receiving a lifetime pension from her SMSF on 1 July 2003. That pension is provided under fund rules that meet the standards in subregulation 1.06(2) of the SISR.

    On 1 January 2025, the trustee amends the fund rules to allow full commutation within the 5-year period beginning on 7 December 2024 of lifetime pensions it provides.

    On 1 March 2025, Rebecca fully commutes her lifetime pension. The commutation complies with the standards in the Regulation.

    End of example

    Example 2: market-linked pension in an SMSF

    Isaac starts receiving a lifetime pension from his SMSF on 1 July 2003. On 1 July 2020, that lifetime pension is fully commuted and the resulting lump sum is used to directly purchase a market-linked pension from the same fund in circumstances that do not breach subregulation 1.06(2) of the SISR. The market-linked pension is provided under fund rules that meet the standards in subregulation 1.06(8) and regulation 1.07C of the SISR.

    On 1 January 2025, the trustee amends the fund rules to allow full commutation within the 5-year period beginning on 7 December 2024 of market-linked pensions it provides. After that amendment, Isaac fully commutes his market-linked pension. The commutation complies with the standards in the Regulation.

    End of example

    What happens when a legacy retirement product is commuted

    If an affected legacy retirement product is commuted, in most cases the resulting entitlement can be dealt with by the former recipient in the same way as an entitlement from the commutation of most other superannuation income streams. Generally, the entitlement must be allocated to the member’s account and then can be:

    • subject to preservation rules and payment standards
      • used to commence another income stream (if the individual has sufficient transfer balance cap space), or
      • paid as a lump sum
    • retained in the fund, in ‘accumulation phase’
    • dealt with in a combination of the above ways.

    In some cases, there may be other restrictions on how the entitlement can be dealt with. For example, if the legacy retirement product is a death benefit income stream, the entitlement may need to be paid from the fund to the recipient and not retained in the fund to comply with fund rules and requirements of the SISR.

    Possible tax and social security consequences

    Both the commutation of an affected legacy retirement product and any subsequent dealings with the resulting entitlement will also have taxation consequences for the former recipient. For example:

    • the commutation of the legacy retirement product will result in a transfer balance account debit for the former recipient, and
    • the commencement of another superannuation income stream will result in a transfer balance account credit for that individual.

    Many affected legacy retirement products are treated differently to account-based superannuation income streams for transfer balance cap purposes. For example, special valuation methods for determining transfer balance account debits and credits may be applicable.

    Commuting a legacy retirement product may also have social security implications. Individuals may need to seek financial advice before making decisions about their legacy retirement products to avoid unintended taxation and social security consequences.

    Reserves associated with legacy retirement products

    Some superannuation funds may have reserves associated with affected legacy retirement products. From 7 December 2024, the Regulation also changes the way that allocations from reserves are treated for taxation purposes, including but not limited to allocations from reserves associated with legacy retirement products. For further explanation of those changes, see Changes to reserve allocations.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney meets with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta.

    Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the importance of Canada-India ties, based upon mutual respect, the rule of law, and a commitment to the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The leaders agreed to designate new high commissioners, with a view to returning to regular services to citizens and businesses in both countries. 

    They discussed strong and historic ties between our peoples, partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, and significant commercial links between Canada and India – including partnerships in economic growth, supply chains, and the energy transformation. Prime Minister Carney raised priorities on the G7 agenda, including transnational crime and repression, security, and the rules-based order. 

    The leaders also discussed opportunities to deepen engagement in areas such as technology, the digital transition, food security, and critical minerals. 

    Associated Link

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Delays SH1 Silverdale

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Southbound motorists are advised to expect delays on State Highway 1 north of Auckland.

    Two cars collided around 10.10am between the Silverdale and Oteha Valley Road offramps.

    There are no reports of injury although one of the vehicles is badly damaged.

    Police are at the scene and ask motorists to be patient as there are long queues of traffic at the accident scene.

    ENDS.

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Innovative Welsh exporter puts Britain at the forefront of global immunisation efforts

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Innovative Welsh exporter puts Britain at the forefront of global immunisation efforts

    UK Export Finance supports renewable energy tech company Dulas to deliver life-saving vaccine refrigerators to over 80 countries worldwide.

    • Government backing helps secure British manufacturing jobs and strengthen UK’s position in global health innovation

    A Welsh renewable energy company is helping to protect millions of people against preventable diseases in developing countries with backing from UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the government’s export credit agency – and HSBC UK.

    The Machynlleth-based company developed the world’s first mass-produced solar-powered vaccine refrigerator in 1982. Since then, its pioneering technology has supported vital immunisation efforts for some of the hardest-to-reach communities in over 80 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.

    In 2022, following the challenges of the Covid pandemic, Dulas approached Stephen Wilson, UKEF’s Export Finance Manager for Wales. Through Wilson’s assistance, HSBC UK provided a £600,000 finance package backed by UKEF’s General Export Facility (GEF). This finance enabled the Welsh company to future-proof its operations and maintain consistent production capabilities.

    Since that first financial package, the successful partnership between Dulas, UKEF and HSBC UK has been reviewed and renewed annually, with new facilities for £600,000 in 2023 and £800,000 in 2024. This has enabled the company to provide critical equipment to even more immunisation programmes across the world.

    The company has grown to employ around 100 staff at its headquarters in Mid Wales, its branch office in Inverness (Scotland) and its manufacturing facility in Bognor Regis (West Sussex).

    Gareth Thomas, Minister for Exports, said:

    We’re committed to removing barriers to trade and helping more businesses of all sizes across the country reach new overseas markets.

    I’m delighted to see Dulas expanding production of their world-leading technology thanks to government support.

    Jo Stephens, Secretary of State for Wales, said:

    Dulas is a fantastic success story and demonstrates how Welsh expertise can lead to a brilliant UK-wide and global operation.

    I’m delighted to see UK Export Finance supporting a Welsh business that is not only driving our economy forward but also contributing to international goals in health and renewable energy.

    As the only UK manufacturer of vaccine fridges certified with the World Health Organisation’s Performance, Quality and Safety standard (PQS), Dulas’s cold chain products can be confidently deployed by UN agencies and other humanitarian organisations across programmes worldwide. Research and development support from the Welsh Government has helped Dulas to enhance its product portfolio and meet the stringent PQS accreditation.

    Tim Reid, CEO at UK Export Finance, said:

    Dulas exemplifies the best of British innovation – combining renewable energy expertise with life-saving healthcare technology.

    Their story provides a fantastic example how UK Export Finance can help our businesses supply vital equipment across the globe, while supporting quality manufacturing jobs at home.

    Ruth Chapman, Executive Managing Director at Dulas, said:

    The GEF facility has been an invaluable tool for our export business, supporting us to manage our business in a challenging, but very rewarding, sector.

    We are very proud to manufacture our products within the UK and to contribute towards global efforts to eradicate common childhood illnesses, and international humanitarian efforts.

    Orders for Dulas’s vaccine fridges often follow unpredictable situations such as conflict or natural disasters. Although buyers may request a high number of units – ranging last year between 100 to 300 per order – the frequency of orders can fluctuate significantly. UKEF’s support has enabled Dulas to smooth out the peaks and troughs between production and demand, ensuring cash flow and consistent factory operations.

    Lyndsey Connor, Relationship Director, Corporate Banking at HSBC UK, said:

    At HSBC UK, we’re committed to supporting innovative businesses as they expand into global markets. Dulas exemplifies the type of forward-thinking company that drives sustainable economic growth and creates skilled jobs in Wales and elsewhere in the UK.

    Working alongside UKEF, we’ve been able to provide a financing solution that addresses Dulas’ unique business cycle challenges.

    Contact 

    Media enquiries:

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New plans to supercharge UK cyber sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New plans to supercharge UK cyber sector

    The UK’s growing cyber security sector will be boosted by millions in new investment and a new Cyber Growth Action Plan, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    • New Cyber Growth Action Plan to boost jobs and innovation, growing the UK’s £13.2 billion cyber sector. 
    • Up to £16 million in new funding to turn cutting edge innovation into new business, and boost cyber startups 
    • Cyber experts from defence and big tech set to advise government on public sector cybersecurity, amid growing threats.

    The UK’s growing and cutting edge cyber security sector will be boosted by millions in new investment and a roadmap for growth, as part of the Plan for Change. 

    The government has today [Wednesday 18 June] set out the Cyber Growth Action Plan that will chart a course for the UK’s thriving cyber industry, including the technologies, processes, and services designed to protect digital systems, to continue to grow – with the sector already generating £13.2 billion in annual revenue and supporting over 67,000 jobs in 2024.   

    Led by independent experts at University of Bristol and Imperial College London’s Centre for Sectoral Economic Performance, the Plan will examine the strengths of the UK’s cyber sector and provide a roadmap for its future growth. This will culminate with a set of recommendations later this summer for government to plot out what steps can be taken to deliver maximum impact. 

    On top of this, up to £16 million in new investment has been announced in 2 cyber sector programmes to kickstart growth. Up to £10 million in additional funding will be invested in the CyberASAP programme over the next 4 years, which will support the UK’s cutting edge academic cyber sector to turn their research into commercial companies. The programme has already supported the creation of 34 spin-out companies which have raised over £43 million in investment. The new funding aims to generate a further 25 spin-outs by 2030 and attract £30 million in additional investment. 

    To build on the work of the government’s current cyber accelerator Cyber Runway, up to £6 million will be also allocated to support cyber startups and SMEs – helping firms scale, access new markets through trade missions, and strengthen the UK’s wider cyber ecosystem. By backing researchers and entrepreneurs, these programmes will ensure the UK remains a global leader in cyber innovation and growth. This investment will unlock more jobs, support innovation, and bolster Britain’s cyber security. 

    Cyber Security Minister Feryal Clark said:  

    Cyber security is essential to our economic strength and national resilience. Today’s announcement is backed by investment showing we’re serious about making the UK a global leader in cyber innovation and protection.

    Through our Plan for Change, we’re backing the sector to create high-quality jobs through the Cyber Growth Action Plan and ensuring our public services are built on secure foundations with the expert support of the Government Cyber Advisory Board.

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said:

    Today’s investment will help to turn innovative ideas into successful businesses up and down the country, and the new research will support our mission to grow the economy.  

    Recent cyber attacks show just how important it is we foster the development of the sector – delivering the double dividend of high paying jobs as well as strengthening the country’s cyber security.

    The Growth Action Plan is due to report later this summer and will feed into the forthcoming National Cyber Strategy, ensuring the UK remains resilient and competitive in an increasingly interconnected world. This is central to the government’s Plan for Change, aimed at driving innovation, creating high-quality jobs and securing long-term economic resilience.  

    The review is set to cover the supply and demand of cyber goods and services such as protective monitoring and encryption, to understand opportunities for growth. The research will aim to spot new trends and potential areas to capitalise on – as well as explore emerging technologies including AI and Quantum, and identify opportunities to strengthen Britain’s competitive edge. This will in turn protect our digital economy and the new growth which is fundamental to the government’s Plan for Change.  

    Simon Shiu, Professor of Cyber Security at the University of Bristol and leading the project, said:  

    The UK Cyber Sector is successful and growing, but so too are the challenges as demonstrated by recent events which have affected businesses and consumers. Based on input from all parts of the Cyber Sector, this project will make independent recommendations to accelerate growth in Cyber, but also to increase cyber-resilience in the other sectors critical to UK security, industry, and prosperity.

    Professor Nigel Brandon, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Imperial, said:  

    The Centre for Sectoral Economic Performance (CSEP) at Imperial is uniquely placed to work with the University of Bristol on this important work in a rapidly growing and key sector for the UK economy. This work is aligned with our ambition to help drive economic growth by boosting the UK’s innovation capacity, productivity and competitiveness.

    Senior cybersecurity experts from defence, big tech companies, AI labs, academia and more are also advising the government on public sector cybersecurity. Cyber leaders from BAE Systems, Santander, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and Google DeepMind will form the new iteration of the Government Cyber Advisory Board, which will play a key role in supporting the government’s goal to strengthen the public sector’s cyber resilience. This aligns with the government Cyber Security Strategy and underpins the delivery of secure digital services across government. 

    The cyber sector will be a key focus of the upcoming Industrial Strategy – becoming a central pillar of the government’s Plan for Change to kick-start growth and put more money in people’s pockets across the UK. Cyber security has become a central part of the government’s plans to secure the economy and drive growth across the country as part of its Plan for Change.   

    Earlier this year, the Technology Secretary set out his ambition for the forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill which includes proposals to protect the UK’s supply chains, critical national services, and IT service providers and suppliers and is expected to be introduced to Parliament later this year.   

    As part of the new measures, hospitals and energy suppliers are set to boost their cyber defences, protecting public services and safeguarding growth.

    Notes to editors

    You can find the Terms of Reference for the growth review here.

    The new board members of the Government Cyber Advisory Board include:  

    • Daniel Cuthbert (co-chair), Global Head of Cyber Security Research, Santander   
    • Bella Powell (co-chair), Government Cyber Director, Government Digital Service  
    • Daniel Card, Cyber Security Consultant 
    • Cate Pye, Global Partner Lead for Digital Trust and Cyber Security, PA Consulting   
    • Heather Bedson, Head of Information Security, BPP 
    • Jeff Moss, President of DEF CON Communications Inc 
    • Jen Ellis, Cyber Security Consultant
    • Asif Matadar, CEO and Founder, cyberwargames.ai 
    • Dr Simon Parkinson, Professor of Cyber Security, University of Huddersfield 
    • Julia Spain, Partner, Ashurst Risk Advisory
    • Nicole Fowler, Chief Information Security Officer, Bank of Ireland UK 
    • Thomas Harvey, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Santander UK   
    • Richard Palk, Managing Director Security, Accenture UK
    • Sam Kirby-French, Group CISO, BAE Systems 
    • Phil Legg, Professor in Cyber Security, University of the West of England
    • Mark Evans, Principal Security Strategist, Amazon Web Services
    • Sarah Armstrong-Smith, Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft
    • Ian Thompson, Senior Government Cyber Advisor, Middle East and North Africa, Google 
    • Eleanor Sim, Director Security Strategy and Architecture, Chief Security Architect, Bupa   
    • Euan Birch, Head of Cyber Security Operations, SP Energy Networks 
    • Vijay Bolina, Chief Information Security Officer, Head of Cybersecurity Research, DeepMind  

    Daniel Cuthbert (industry co-chair):

    It is an honour to co-chair the UK Government Cyber Advisory Board (GCAB). Our strength comes from the close partnership between public and private sector experts, drawing on a wide range of experience to help protect the UK. As cyber threats continue to evolve, strong cyber security is essential to safeguarding our economy, protecting public services, and supporting everyday life. The diversity of expertise on the board plays a vital role in ensuring the UK remains resilient, innovative and secure.

    Ian Thompson:

    The Government Cyber Advisory Board plays a vital role in bringing together expertise from across government and a wide set of industry sectors. This cross-sector collaboration not only accelerates the sharing of best practices and experience but also ensures balanced perspectives and mutual learning — something I’m personally finding invaluable.

    Sarah Armstrong-Smith:

    From laggards to leaders – in an era where cyber-attacks are coming thick and fast, GCAB has the opportunity to take a commanding role, setting the right path and principles for how the UK should respond to this systemic threat. This requires a whole-of-society approach to build collective resilience that inspires confidence in times of uncertainty.

    Cate Pye:

    I’m delighted to be part of the GCAB, it is a really pivotal part of making sure that the whole of the UK contribute to our cyber security as this becomes increasingly essential to the way we live and work.  It is also an exemplar of how government and industry can work as one team to really change the way both government and the private sector pragmatically address cyber challenges together, building trust and competency in both.

    Asif Matadar:

    It has been an absolute honour to serve as an inaugural member of the Government Cyber Advisory Board. This initiative has already delivered concrete improvements in how government organisations anticipate and mitigate cyber threats, embedding best practice across government. I am therefore delighted that my term has been extended for a further year, during which I will continue to apply my expertise in incident response, cyber skills development and emerging technologies to support the UK government’s mission of building a world‑class, resilient cyber estate by 2030.

    Euan Birch:

    GCAB reflects the best of trusted public-private partnerships, embedding strategic collaboration and shared responsibility at the heart of government. As a member, I value the opportunity to support government in its mission to strengthen the UK’s resilience to cyber attacks and help secure its position as a global leader.

    Heather Bedson:

    Being part of the GCAB is an opportunity to drive change and improve the Government’s cyber resilience by using expertise from a wide range of industries. I enjoy being part of the GCAB, as it’s an opportunity to share my experiences while collaborating with colleagues across the sector who I might not have otherwise met.

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    Updates to this page

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