Double-take! The Kiwi labour market is even weaker than the headline suggests. The devil is in the detail. Worker demand has waned, and unemployment is drifting higher.
* The unemployment rate rose to just 4.8% from 4.6%, slightly better than we and the market consensus had predicted. But it’s a result of a much sharper decline in labour force participation, from 71.7% to 71.2%. That in itself is a sign of a weak jobs market. Workers are now heading (or are forced) for the exits as demand wanes.
As StatsNZ comments “From the survey, some of the largest increases in those not in the labour force over the year came from people mainly engaged in leisure activities, studying or training, and taking care of themselves due to their own sickness, illness, injury, or disability.”
We’ve heard a lot about voluntary redundancies, migrants struggling to find work, and some going back to Uni and other reasons. The fall in participation appears to have been concentrated within the younger cohort (15-24years).
Almost 60k more people were classified as ‘not in the labour force’ over the past year. So don’t be fooled by the stronger headline print (unemployment rate). Worker demand is waning, with employment contracting 0.5% over the quarter, and down 0.4% on the year – the first since September 2012, and the deepest since the GFC. The Kiwi labour market is weakening.
* Wage inflation cooled faster than expected. Annual wage growth has slowed to 3.3%, moving further away from the 4.5% peak. A shrinking proportion are receiving a payrise, with fewer enjoying a 5% increase (from 32% to 27%). And a growing share are seeing no change in pay. Weaker wage inflation however is necessary to drive an easing in domestic inflation.
* The labour market has more catch up to do. We still see the unemployment rate on track to exceed 5% in the coming year – peeling further and further away from the 3.2% low.
We expect the unemployment rate to drift higher from here. By our calculations, it is still on track to hit around 5.5% next year. That’s some distance from the 3.2% low recorded in 2021. We attributed the initial rise in unemployment to fast-growing labour supply led by rising migration.
The level of employment has climbed to record highs, but growth was still not strong enough to keep pace with rapid population growth. Now, however, the increasing number of unemployed is due to a slowdown in hiring. And mounting job losses are a consequence of aggressive policy tightening pushing the economy into a downturn.
Today’s update was an important one ahead of the RBNZ’s policy update later this month. Despite a stronger headline number, the data is unlikely to skew the RBNZ’s thinking. Because the key takeaway is the same: the Kiwi labour market is weakening. A further relaxation in monetary policy settings is needed. The labour market has crumbled under the weight of the RBNZ’s heavy-handed interest rate hikes. And it’s only the beginning.
Like the RBNZ, we forecast a further increase in the unemployment rate next year.
But it’s important for the RBNZ to stay ahead of any further labour market slowing by proceeding with rate cuts sooner rather than later. With the 2% target inflation rate well within reach, we believe the RBNZ needs to get the cash rate below 4% ASAP. We continue to expect a 50bp cut at the RBNZ’s final meeting for the year. And potentially a third 50bp cut in February.
At about 6am this morning, four people armed with a large machete and other weapons entered the Te Ngai Road Caltex Service Station in Owhata, Rotorua.
They threatened a staff member, stole cash, vape products and cigarettes.
The offenders then left in a stolen vehicle which they dumped nearby.
After calls from the public alerting Police to the location of the vehicle, a police dog and handler tracked the offenders to a nearby address.
Three youth offenders were arrested and are facing charges of aggravated robbery and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
The offenders are from Hamilton and Rotorua. The property stolen has been recovered along with the weapons used in the incident.
The vehicle used which was stolen from Hamilton overnight has been recovered and will be returned to its owner.
Inspector Phil Gillbanks, Rotorua Area Prevention Manager says “Police would like to thank the members of the public who were alert enough to notice suspicious activity and call Police right away.
We will not tolerate this behaviour and will take enforcement action where appropriate to keep our community safe. It is good to be able to recover the stolen items, including the vehicle used, and make these arrests.
Let this be a reminder that Police will continue to hold to account, those offenders choosing to behave like this. It is very lucky no one was injured.
Like the witnesses did in this case, always call Police straight away on 111 if you see or suspect anything suspicious happening.”
You can also make a report after the fact, using our 105 service, either by phone or online.
Movember is an annual campaign held each November to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.
While there is strong support for men to grow moustaches throughout the month to spark conversations around men’s health, Movember also promotes other health initiatives like the Move for Movember campaign, which encourages people to get active and raise awareness about the benefits of physical activity for mental and physical well-being.
As Movember kicks off, Exercise New Zealand is emphasising the crucial role of regular physical activity in promoting men’s health, particularly in reducing the risk of prostate cancer and improving mental well-being.
Recent findings from ExerciseNZ’s 2024 consumer research reveal that mental health now rates as the second most important reason to exercise among men, following general health by only a few percent.
Many men report that exercise not only enhances how they feel but that the social connections fostered in structured exercise programs offer additional mental health benefits. This aligns well with Movember’s focus on mental well-being and social support, underscoring the value of men talking openly about their challenges and supporting one another through physical activity.
The Move for Movember campaign provides a supportive space where men can openly discuss their challenges while staying physically active.
The challenge—to walk 60 km throughout November—honours the 60 men who die by suicide each hour worldwide.
Walking just 90 minutes per week at a comfortable pace can help reduce fatigue, ease depression, and support a healthy body weight.
Whether it’s on a footpath, along the beach, or on a treadmill at the local gym, Movember encourages men to embrace the simplicity of walking for its wide-reaching benefits for mental and physical well-being.
In addition, studies have also shown that men who engage in regular exercise have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer, especially aggressive forms of the disease. Urologist, Dr. Michael Johnson explained in John Hopkins Medicine that “Most likely, it’s not just the exercise that counts — it’s the subsequent weight loss that also makes a difference. Studies have linked obesity with particularly aggressive forms of prostate cancer”.
Furthermore, a study from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study found that men who exercised vigorously for three or more hours per week had a 61% reduction in the risk of prostate-specific death compared to those who exercised for less than one hour per week.
These studies highlight the importance of regular physical activity or exercise as a vital measure to help reduce the risk of certain cancer-related deaths.
In summary, while growing moustaches is a hallmark of the campaign, Movember also champions physical activity through initiatives like Move for Movember. Exercise New Zealand supports this focus, highlighting the role of regular exercise in reducing cancer risks and improving mental health.
With research showing that mental well-being is a key reason men engage in physical activity, Movember creates space for open conversations and physical activity, reinforcing the benefits of an active lifestyle for both mental and physical health.
Exercise New Zealand is encouraging all men across Aotearoa to prioritise their health this Movember by incorporating regular physical activity into their routines.
Winners include a digital tool to predict rural transport demand and deliver on-demand services, as well as a journey mapping tool to support health providers in delivering hospital transport for patients.
The 8 projects, which have won £150,000 each, are spread across the UK’s rural areas and will be trialled from Norfolk to Herefordshire and Suffolk to south east Scotland.
Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:
People who live in rural areas have unique needs when it comes to transport and we’re always looking for ways to improve connections across the country.
Through our funding, these projects will shake up the way rural transport is delivered, using the latest innovations to help residents see their friends and family, do their weekly food shop or attend hospital appointments.
The winning projects include:
You.Smart.Thing – development of a digital tool to offer shared, demand responsive or community transport options for those without car access, trialled in Warwickshire
UrbanTide – mapping rural hospital patient journeys to identify barriers to accessing health services in rural areas and support health providers in enhancing rural transport services, trialled near Fife
Alchera Technologies – use of data insights to create a behavioural travel model to help local authorities with rural mobility decision making, trialled in Norfolk County Council
Civil Water Management – installation of new drainage systems using recycled car tyres to aid safer cycling along flood-prone sections of cycle routes, trialled in Milton Keynes County Council
This year’s scheme called for solutions to a number of challenges that rural areas face:
the importance of rural roads for everyday journeys
driving towards a sustainable future
enabling innovation in rural mobility
advancements in agricultural transportation
open challenge – building communities and enabling adoption of technology in rural areas
The grant is delivered in collaboration with the Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation accelerator for cities, transport and place leadership
I am delighted to welcome 8 exciting companies onto the Rural Transport Accelerator.
Their innovations and technologies promise to make a real impact for people living in rural areas, and I look forward to following their progress through the programme over the coming months.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2
Mental Health Act reformed to improve treatment of patients and address disparities
Outdated Mental Health Act modernised to better support patients, treat them more humanely, and address disparities
Reforms will introduce statutory care and treatment plans, end the use of police and prison cells to place people experiencing a mental health crisis, and end the inappropriate detention of autistic people and people with learning disabilities
Greater involvement of patients, families and carers will improve treatment whilst protecting patients, staff and the wider public
New laws will give patients sectioned under the Mental Health Act more dignity and say over their care in long-awaited updates to be introduced in Parliament today (Wednesday, 6 November).
Currently, outdated laws do not meet modern standards and fail to give patients an adequate voice. For example, individuals experiencing severe mental illness can be placed in police cells, and the law automatically gives a patient’s nearest relative – rather than the person of their choosing such as a partner – a say in decisions about their care.
Black people are over three times more likely to be detained under the Act, whilst those with a learning disability and autistic people are also found to be inappropriately sectioned. Patients currently have little say over their care and treatment should they be detained, or over who should be involved in making decision related to their care, such as family members and carers.
The new Mental Health Bill addresses the significant changes in attitudes towards mental illness since the original Act was passed, recognising outdated laws around the treatment of people in a mental health crisis are no longer tolerable. Modernising the Bill was a manifesto commitment and will reform the existing Mental Health Act to make it fit for purpose, improving patients’ experiences of hospital and mental health outcomes, while also introducing stronger protections for patients, staff and the general public.
This includes making it a legal requirement for each patient to have ‘care and treatment plans’ tailored and shaped by their individual needs that will make clear what is needed to progress them to discharge. The Bill will also give patients the right to elect a person to represent their interests and greater access to advocacy when they are detained. Together, these reforms will make it more likely for patients to stay in contact with health services and continue to engage with treatment.
As well as ensuring patients have a voice in their care, the reforms also recognise the critical role that families and carers can play in keeping patients safe – providing insight and knowledge of a patient’s wishes and preferences and an understanding of what keeps them safe – including when a patient is too unwell to express this themselves. The Bill will strengthen the rights of families and carers through changes to the Nominated Person role, and require clinicians to consult with others close to the patient as they make decisions around their care where appropriate or where the patient wishes.
Police and prison cells will also no longer be used to place people experiencing a mental health crisis, as well as creating more space for police forces to hold criminal suspects. Instead, patients will be supported to access a suitable healthcare facility that will better support their needs.
The Mental Health Act is vital to keeping people safe when necessary. It will continue to provide clinicians with the powers to admit and treat people if they become a risk to themselves or others.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said:
Our outdated mental health system is letting down some of the most vulnerable people in our society, and is in urgent need of reform.
The treatment of autistic people and people with learning disabilities, and the way in which black people are disproportionately targeted by the act should shame us all.
By bringing the Mental Health Act in line with the 21st Century, we will make sure patients are treated with dignity and respect and the public are kept safe.
Safety is paramount, which is why the Bill also includes measures to ensure patients, staff and the general public are better protected. The Bill will improve decision making around detention, discharge, care and treatment. As part of this, the Bill will introduce a new requirement for the Responsible Clinician to consult another person before they discharge a patient. Increased access to second opinion doctors will help ensure care is appropriate, compassionate and effective. Discharge processes will also be reviewed more broadly and will include a safety management plan for the patient, to keep themselves and other safe.
Claire Murdoch, NHS National Mental Health Director, said:
This new Mental Health Act is a once in a generation opportunity to ensure that patients experiencing serious mental illness and crises receive safe, modern, evidence-based care, and that the needs and wishes of patients and their loved ones are central to care and better mental health outcomes.
This comes alongside the NHS’s work to transform mental health services – either through intervening earlier with hundreds of NHS teams working in schools, or trialling new 24/7 crisis mental health hubs to prevent people needing hospital care in the first place, and if an admission to hospital is needed the health service is working with local services to ensure this is delivered in a safe and therapeutic environment close to people’s homes.
Lord Timpson, Minister for Prisons and Probation, said:
This Bill will rightly end the use of prison cells for people who need care under the Mental Health Act and ensure they get the urgent specialist help they need.
It will also mean prisoners requiring mental health hospital treatment are transferred quicker, and builds on our ongoing work to ensure prisons make better citizens and not better criminals.
Whilst there have been decreases in the number of detentions from 2021/22 and 2022/23, latest data from NHS England shows an increase in 2023/24 with 22,000 people subject to the Act as of September.
An independent review of the Mental Health Act, chaired by Professor Sir Simon Wessely, President of the Royal Society of Medicine, and commissioned by former Prime Minister Theresa May in 2017, found rising rates of detention under the Act, racial disparities, poor patient experience especially for autistic people and those with a learning disability.
For those with a learning disability or autistic people, the Act will be amended to place a limit of 28 days for which they can be detained unless they have a co-occuring mental health condition.
Professor Sir Simon Wessely, Chair of the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act, said:
I am delighted that at long last a new Mental Health Act bill is to go before Parliament. No one doubts that it is time to modernise our legislation, in order to achieve the goal of reducing coercion and increasing choice for those who suffer from the most severe mental illnesses.
Our reforms will achieve that by ensuring better treatment and discharge planning with more family involvement, replacing outdated Victorian rules, and by reforming community treatment orders tackle unacceptable ethnic differences. Most of all ensuring that more attention is given to patient preferences will improve compliance with essential treatment, reduce coercion, whilst still protecting the public where necessary.
Reforms in the Mental Health Bill aim to improve patient experiences, choice and autonomy as well as tackling racial discrimination and better supporting those with learning disabilities.
This includes:
Increase the frequency of clinical reviews, to better ensure that the treatment patients receive is appropriate
Update the use of Community Treatment Orders, so that they are only used when appropriate and proportionate
Limit the length of time that people with a learning disability and/or autistic people can be detained under the Act, if they do not have a co-occurring mental disorder that needs hospital treatment and have not committed a criminal offence
End the use of police and prison cells for detaining someone experiencing a mental health crisis instead of getting them access to a facility where they can get the proper support, such as a hospital
Speed up transfers from prison to hospital by limiting the time it can take to transfer prisoners who need treatment in a mental health hospital to a maximum of 28 days
The action follows the introduction of one of the world’s first all-hours mental health crisis support service in August through NHS 111. The government also announced £26 million will be invested to open new mental health crisis centres as part of last week’s Budget, with extra funding also secured to provide talking therapies to an extra 380,000 patients.
For people who need support at A&E, every emergency department in England now also has a liaison psychiatric team available to offer specialist care.
A full list of mental health support options is available via the NHS.uk website. The service is also suitable for deaf people, with tailored services available via the NHS 111 website.
Commenting on the announcement, Mark Rowland, Chief Executive at the Mental Health Foundation, said:
These long overdue updates to the Mental Health Act cannot come soon enough. People need support that reflects our modern understanding of how to help and care for people during a mental health crisis – not our understanding four decades ago. The original version of the Act has driven racial disparities, stripped those who are sectioned of their humanity in a wholly unnecessary way, and all too often made crises worse.
We particularly welcome reforms to give greater say to patients, such as granting people with severe mental health problems more control over who makes decisions for them during a crisis, banning the use of police cells as ‘places of safety’ for people experiencing a crisis, and addressing the inappropriate use of Community Treatment Orders, which Black people were 11 times more likely to receive. We will look to work with the Department of Health and Social Care over the next weeks and months to help shape the Mental Health Bill and put dignity at the heart of how our public services support people experiencing a mental health crisis.
Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive, Rethink Mental Illness, said:
People tell us that the Mental Health Act has saved their life, but that the experience was horrendous. It is hard to fathom that when people are at their most unwell they are still routinely placed in prison cells, have no say in who is appointed as their nearest relative and have so little involvement in their treatment.
Reform of this vital legislation is long overdue, and today marks another important step towards the reality of a Mental Health Act fit for the 21st century. Reform should help ensure people are with dignity and respect, and help to protect us all.
We hope the Bill is given careful passage through Parliament so it can be swiftly implemented, and bring improvements for the thousands of people who are detained under the act every year.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)
MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) expressed his appreciation for Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to fire him today over their differences on the conduct of the war and on domestic political issues, and made the following statement:
“I commend Yoav Gallant on his work as Defense Minister and his service to Israel at this important time. I have met with the now-former Defense Minister several times, including on my last trip to Israel in June. He was always well-versed on the issues and a credit to the government and his nation. I wish him well in his future pursuits.”
Please attribute to Sergeant Rowan Steenkamp, Wellington Prevention Coordinator.
We’re heading into the busiest time of year for postal deliveries and Police want to remind everyone to do what they can to stop parcel theft.
Coming into Christmas there are more parcels being delivered, and more chance for your presents to be stolen.
Thieves will take any opportunity to steal, and parcels left on front doorsteps or in apartment building common areas are an easy target.
Our advice is:
• Get packages delivered to a place where someone will be home to receive them, or to a work address.
• If you do have deliveries made to your home, make sure you’re going to be home to sign for them, or have a secure location where they can be left.
• Make sure your delivery instructions are clear, and ask for packages not to be placed at your front door, or on top of an apartment building post box.
• If you’re not going to be home when the parcel is delivered, arrange to collect your parcel from the depot, or have the parcel redirected to the address of someone you trust.
• Be smart when disposing of packaging, so passers-by can’t see what you’ve been buying.
• Report any suspicious behaviour to Police – e.g. if you see a car following a courier van, or an unexpected visitor knocks on your door asking for someone you don’t know.
Source: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW – Media Release
6 Nov 2024
The Minns Labor Government today opened the next round of Recreational Fishing Trust Grants, with $5 million available for fishing clubs, community groups and other organisations to run projects which improve and promote recreational fishing in their local area.
For the first time, applicants in this round will be able to access the $2 million recreational fishing small infrastructure grants program announced by the NSW Government in August.
This program will make it easier for local fishing clubs, community groups and other organisations to apply for funding for projects such as fishing platforms, fish cleaning tables, fishing access tracks, kayak launching platforms and other fishing facilities.
Applicants are encouraged to contact dedicated Department staff to discuss their ideas and for assistance in applying your small infrastructure grants.
As well as small infrastructure, funding is also available to promote participation in the sport and the mental health and well-being benefits of fishing, such as for free fishing events, fishing workshops, come and try fishing days, fishing for therapy initiatives, and the development of educational material to promote sustainable and responsible fishing practices.
Grants are available for both large projects valued at more than $10,000 in funding and small projects involving less than $10,000.
Applications will be open for the next six weeks, until 18 December 2024.
Following the recent review of the Recreational Fishing Trust, the NSW Government will continue to provide greater support to the NSW recreational fishing community by:
Strengthening communications with all fishers and organisations to encourage them to apply for grants to improve fishing in their local areas.
Providing more support for applicants to discuss ideas for projects and assist with developing their applications through the dedicated Recreational Fishing Trust grants assistance phoneline.
Making the grant application process clearer and simpler, so groups have the best opportunity to receive funding, including streamlining the application form.
This round of funding follows the recent announcements of some $20 million in grants and program funding from the Recreational Fishing Trust to enhance recreational fishing across the State.
Funding guidelines and the new online application form are available here or you can email recreational.fishingtrust@dpird.nsw.gov.au or call the dedicated Recreational Fishing Trust phoneline on 02 4424 7428.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
“We want to make fishing accessible, enjoyable and safe for everyone.
“By streamlining the grant application process, we aim to provide every fishing group with a greater chance to secure funding for projects that improve the fishing experience in their local communities.
“The $2 million infrastructure grants program will ensure more of the licence fees collected from recreational fishers are invested back into the infrastructure we know fishers want, such as fishing platforms, fish cleaning tables and other fishing facilities.
“This is an excellent example of how funds generated by the NSW Recreational Fishing Licence Fee are reinvested into projects that directly support the recreational fishing community.
“If you have an idea on how to improve your local fishing spot or make fishing even better for your local community, I encourage you to contact our dedicated DPIRD staff to discuss your ideas.”
MEDIA: Michael Salmon | Minister Moriarty | 0417 495 018
Images of completed infrastructure projects available here
Kimberlyn King-Hind, from the CNMI Republican Party, won the race for the CNMI’s lone non-voting delegate in the US House of Representatives on Tuesday.
The former Commonwealth Ports Authority chairwoman and lawyer from Tinian received 4931 votes (40.34 percent) of total ballots cast.
Democratic Party of the Northern Mariana Islands’ candidate Edwin Propst finished second, 864 votes behind with 4067 (33.27 percent).
Independent candidates John Oliver Gonzales, James Rayphand, and Liana Hofschneider gained 2282, 665, and 280 votes, respectively.
Even before the results of the 2024 general elections were certified about 5.20am on Wednesday, Propst conceded defeat and congratulated King-Hinds in a social media post.
“Congratulations to Kim King-Hinds, delegate-elect. I wish you the very best,” he wrote.
“To my amazing committee, I cannot thank you enough for your hard work and support. To our supporters, thank you for your votes, messages of support, donations, and kindness. To Daisy and Kiana, Devin, Kaden, and Logan, I love you more than anything in this world. Thank you for always being there for me,” he added.
Kimberlyn King-Hinds . . . congratulated by her Democratic opponent. Image: RNZ Pacific
Other electoral results In other races, Senate President Edith DeLeon Guerrero, who ran as an independent, lost her Saipan seat to Representative Manny Castro of the Democratic Party, as the latter took 52.89 percent of the votes (5178) compared to the former’s 43 percent (4210).
For Tinian, incumbent Senator Karl King-Nabors of the GOP ran unopposed and was elected in by 803 voters.
Incumbent and longtime Senator Paul Manglona, meanwhile, lost his Senate post to fellow independent Ronnie Mendiola Calvo, 476-441.
There was not much shakeup in the House of Representatives races, as only incumbent Vicente Camacho, a Democrat, among the incumbents lost his seat. Newcomers in the incoming lower house include Elias Rangamar, Daniel Aquino, and Raymond Palacios — all independents.
Associate Judge Teresita Kim-Tenorio was also retained, receiving 9909 “yes” votes (84.21 percent) compared to 1858 (15.79 percent) “no” votes.
The US territory also elected members of the CNMI Board of Education and councillors for the municipal councils for Saipan, the Northern Islands, Tinian, and Rota.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
A woman was arrested after allegedly robbing a Pooraka service station yesterday morning.
It will be alleged just before 7am on Tuesday 5 November, the woman entered the service station on Main North Road, Pooraka and demanded money.
No weapon was sighted.
The suspect left with cash, lollies and cigarettes. There were no reported injuries.
Following investigations, police arrested a 38-year-old Pooraka woman and charged her with aggravated robbery. She was refused police bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today.
The North-West Interconnected System (NWIS) has become a central focus of the WA Government’s energy sector reform agenda in recent years. Since the introduction of the Pilbara Regime in July 2021, a series of additional reforms have been set in motion.
These reforms reflect the WA Government’s recognition that decarbonisation of the Pilbara region is key to its net zero target. In line with this vision, Energy Policy WA (EPWA) has developed the Pilbara Energy Transition Plan (PET Plan), which invites private sector involvement in developing new, common-use transmission infrastructure, known as Priority Projects.
In this Insight, we explore current and proposed reforms, highlighting opportunities for developers and investors to drive decarbonisation in the Pilbara region.
Key takeaways
The pace of reforms to the NWIS has been rapid, with an ambitious policy agenda going forward.
The WA Government is strongly focused on decarbonising the Pilbara region, seeking to leverage significant Federal Government support.
The PET Plan, particularly Priority Projects, has the potential to significantly transform the NWIS and transmission infrastructure in the region. This presents opportunities for industrial load and heavy industry to decarbonise their operations and increase renewable energy consumption.
The proposed reforms to the NWIS present a key opportunity for development and investment in transmission infrastructure.
What is the NWIS?
The NWIS consists of a series of interconnected electricity transmission, distribution and generation assets in the Pilbara region. It supplies major mining and heavy industrial customers, coastal towns such as Karratha and Port Hedland, and some remote communities. However, it should be noted that many industrial facilities and communities in the region rely on remote generation, such as stand-alone power systems and microgrids, which are not connected to the NWIS.
The NWIS market does not operate through a central dispatch mechanism; rather, electricity is generated either for self-supply or contracted under bilateral agreements. There are three registered network service providers, APA, Horizon Power and Rio Tinto (NSPs), each operating a vertically integrated business, participating in electricity generation, supply, and in some cases provision of essential system services and retail supply.
Pilbara ISOCo Limited (Pilbara ISOCo) oversees NWIS operations as the independent system operator including administering the energy balancing and related settlement process. The role of Pilbara ISOCo reflects an administrative system operator model, designed to align with the ‘light-handed’ regulatory regime that applies to the NWIS. Under this model, Pilbara ISOCo performs a series of core functions, while the registered NSPs retain significant control over other system-related functions and operations, in contrast to other electricity networks in Australia such as the Wholesale Electricity Market and the National Electricity Market. The NSPs are also members of Pilbara ISOCo.
How did we get here?
Prior to July 2021, the NWIS operated primarily under informal or bilateral agreements between NSPs. It developed in a somewhat ad hoc manner, as energy companies and industrial facilities invested in generation for self-supply. There was no central planning or coordination framework—each NSP was generally responsible for functions such as system security on an autonomous basis, with no independent system operator in place.
After a series of consultations on the potential for regulatory reform, the WA Government determined there was a need for a formal framework for the NWIS and subsequently announced the Pilbara Regime. The regime would consist of a suite of reforms aimed at addressing, among other things, access and more centrally coordinated system operations. These substantive reforms took effect on 1 July 2021.
Pilbara Regime
Key regulatory instruments
Part 8A of the Electricity Industry Act 2004 (WA) (EIA) sets out the overarching framework for the Pilbara Regime. Amendments to the EIA were recently passed and, once in effect, the Pilbara electricity objective will expressly acknowledge the need to invest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions for electricity services.
The Electricity Industry (Pilbara Networks) Regulations 2021 recognised Pilbara ISOCo as the independent system operator and allowed the Minister to establish the initial Pilbara Network Rules (PNR). The PNR, which includes the Harmonised Technical Rules (HTR), governs the operations of the NWIS, connection standards and approval processes, as well as system security and reliability measures. There have been two rule changes amending the PNR to date, and the Pilbara Advisory Committee (PAC)—which consists of industry representatives—advises the EPWA coordinator on rule change proposals.
The HTR set out technical design and operation requirements for systems and equipment connected to the NWIS. Horizon Power, as a NSP, also has its own set of technical rules which apply to those who connect to its network.
Pilbara ISOCo also develop procedures in accordance with the PNR which outline specific requirements for the processes set out in the PNR. The procedures are currently being developed on an interim basis and can be accessed here.
The Pilbara Networks Access Code (PNAC) regulates access and connection to the NWIS by outlining the requirements for ‘covered’ networks, which are subject to rules on ringfencing, tariffs and access disputes. The PNAC was modelled on part of the National Gas Rules, which similarly include access provisions for pipelines. The Minister for Energy may decide a network is covered if a person makes an application or an NSP may opt in to become a covered network. Horizon Power and APA’s networks are covered under the PNAC and are required to publish access information as part of their obligations.
Pilbara Roundtable
The Pilbara Industry Roundtable (Roundtable) was formed by the WA Government in August 2022, with a broad membership from industry stakeholders in the NWIS and the Pilbara more generally.
The Roundtable released a communiqué in July 2023, supporting the development of common-use transmission infrastructure to support the growth of renewable generation and decarbonisation. The Roundtable agreed that any new infrastructure should empower Traditional Owners and expressed their support for regulatory reform to the Pilbara Regime to ensure it remains fit-for-purpose during the energy transition.
Where are we now?
The consensus goals contained in the Roundtable communiqué form the basis of the PET Plan. The PET Plan aims to increase the scale of renewable generation in the region and facilitate the decarbonisation of the Pilbara to meet the WA Government’s net zero target. The WA Government has placed a strong emphasis on involving Traditional Owners and their communities in this process, including benefit sharing and minimising disturbance to country as the PET Plan is implemented.
Priority Projects
The flagship policy outlined in the PET Plan is the development of new, common-use transmission infrastructure, to be built in priority transmission corridors known as Priority Projects. On 13 September 2024, EPWA opened an expression of interest (EOI) process for developing Priority Projects in two corridors in East Pilbara (Hamersley Range and the Great Sandy Desert), and two corridors in West Pilbara (Burrup (Murujuga) and Chichester Range). Construction within these corridors aims to connect current and potential loads, such as strategic industrial areas, and to provide access to areas that will be favourable for future renewable energy projects connecting to the Priority Project. EPWA envisages that Priority Projects may form part of an expansion of the NWIS. The EOI deadline closed on 25 October 2024, and it is anticipated that the EOIs and ongoing regulatory reviews will help develop the design elements to facilitate the PET Plan, such as how charges for ‘wheeling’ electricity through various transmission assets will apply.
In August 2023, the Federal Government committed $3 billion from the Rewiring the Nation fund to WA to assist in the investment in new and upgraded transmission infrastructure. Funding from Rewiring the Nation is provided as concessional finance from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. This may trigger significant reform and investment in both the NWIS and the South-West Interconnected System. The WA Government has made clear it will recommend Priority Projects for obtaining this funding, although this does not guarantee that Priority Projects will be successful in obtaining Rewiring the Nation funding.
Where are we going?
In April 2025, the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) will commence its statutory review of the Pilbara Regime, which is required on the fifth anniversary of the Pilbara Regime coming into force (the Five-yearly Review). The aim of the Five-yearly Review is for the ERA to determine whether the Pilbara Regime is meeting the Pilbara electricity objective, which is being updated. If the ERA finds that the Pilbara electricity objective is not being met, it is to make recommendations for reform in its report, which is due no later than April 2026. The report is then laid before Parliament within six months of receipt by the Minister, who must prepare a response.
EPWA is currently reviewing the PNR with the support of the Evolution of the Pilbara Networks Rules Working Group established by the PAC. The objective of the Evolution of the Pilbara Networks Rules review project (EPNR Project) is to ensure that the PNR and HTR effectively enable and facilitate the planned rapid decarbonisation of the Pilbara region, as well as the shift from thermal sources to renewable generation (ie solar and wind) and storage in the NWIS. EPWA has acknowledged that the reforms surrounding the regulatory regime create mixed signals for potential investors and, as such, has implemented a staggered approach to reviewing the PNR to support early investment decisions. EPWA and the PAC are proposing to present a final implementation plan in February 2025.
The EOI for the PET Plan anticipates that changes to the PNAC will be progressed under sections 120H to 120J of the EIA to ensure the PNAC can support Priority Projects. The EOI flags a review of potential changes related to managing vertical integration, the priority regime for constrained versus unconstrained access and access price regulation. It is expected that EPWA will take the lead on this review and any proposed changes will need to be made available by the Minister for public comment.
As the Pilbara regime contemplates coordination between the NSPs and between the NSPs and Pilbara ISOCo, Pilbara ISOCO sought ACCC authorisation for the parties to engage in this conduct. Currently, the regime is exempt from competition law requirements under the Electricity Industry (Pilbara Networks) Regulations 2021 (WA). This exemption expires in November 2024, and the ACCC authorisation is intended to apply beyond that expiry.
The ACCC considered the public benefits associated with the Pilbara regime and the coordination between NSPs and Pilbara ISOCo to facilitate system security, outage coordination and technical connection standards functions. Within that consideration, the ACCC is balancing any potential public detriments, such as those arising from NSPs sharing information.
In a Draft Determination released in September 2024, the ACCC proposed to grant authorisation for a three-year period, subject to conditions to limit the scope of coordination and information sharing and enhance governance controls. The ACCC’s final determination is due by 20 December 2024, following further consultation. The ACCC process has acknowledged the ongoing reform process underway—including the EPNR Project—noting that a three-year authorisation should provide sufficient time for that reform process to take place.
Key considerations
Access, approvals and operational constraints applying to the NWIS remain challenging when developing new projects. However, there is political support for removing these barriers, so developers should stay informed about the latest updates.
The infrastructure investment required for achieving the energy transition presents opportunities for developers, Traditional Owners, the local workforce and local contractors.
ealth insurance open enrollment starts Nov. 1, 2024. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is expecting an increase in calls to our ONE Customer Service Center (800-699-9075). This may mean longer wait times. We know this can be frustrating, but we want you to know that there are several ways to make getting assistance with your benefits easier and faster. Here are some tips that you can use during open enrollment and year-round:
1. Download the Oregon ONE Mobile app
With the Oregon ONE Mobile app, you can manage your benefits on the go, including checking messages, application status, and more. And the best part? It’s free! Find download links at benefits.oregon.gov and handle most of your benefit needs from your smartphone.
2. Check your application status online or in-app
If you need to know the status of your application for medical, food, cash, or child care benefits, you don’t have to wait on hold. Simply log into your ONE Online account at benefits.oregon.gov or check the Oregon ONE Mobile app. Remember – each household only needs one application, so check your household’s application status instead of submitting another!
3. Having tech troubles?
We have a dedicated tech support line – so no need to wait in the ONE Customer Service Center line. Call 833-978-1073 to get help quickly. They are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time.
4. Find an office near you
Prefer face-to-face assistance? ODHS has local offices across Oregon, and our staff is ready to help you with benefit questions. You can find the office closest to you by visiting bit.ly/ODHSoffices.
5. Gather your documents in advance
Before you apply, make sure to have documents ready to verify your income, expenses, and other household details. This helps speed up the application process! Some situations may require additional documents like ID, citizenship (U.S. citizens) or immigration status (non-U.S. citizens). Check out this checklist for more information about what documents you may need.
6. Try calling in the morning
While we expect the ONE Customer Service Center (800-699-9075) to be busy during open enrollment, in general, call wait times are lowest between 7 and 8 a.m. Pacific Time.
7. Stay on top of your messages
You may receive messages about your benefits that need your prompt attention. Read and respond to these messages through your ONE Online account or on the Oregon ONE Mobile app to stay up-to-date. Having trouble viewing messages? Update Adobe Reader or Acrobat, or call tech support at 833-978-1073 if you need further assistance.
8. Providing proof of benefits
Need to show proof of your benefits? No need to call in! You can access eligibility notices in your ONE Online account or through the Oregon ONE Mobile app’s Message Center.
9. Lost or stolen Oregon Trail (EBT) Card?
If you lose your EBT card, report it immediately. Call 855-328-6715 during business hours (Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time) to cancel and request a new card. Outside business hours, call 888-997-4447 to freeze your account and protect your benefits 24/7.
Navigating benefits can be stressful. But hopefully by following these tips, you can get the assistance you need efficiently – even during high call volume times. Visit benefits.oregon.gov for more information and to explore all your options.
Juries are the bedrock of common law, and have been used for centuries to decide factual issues before the court.
Jury research has for years attempted to improve our understanding of how jurors reach a conclusion, both individually and as a collective. But we have very little understanding of how each specific case is decided: in Australia, jurors are banned from discussing their deliberations outside of the jury room.
Predicting the jury’s decision in criminal matters is impossible: the whole system remains totally opaque. This has been evident in a very high-profile case just this year, when a very surprising decision was handed down; I would love to be able to pick that one apart.
A new show by SBS attempts to demystify the process. The Jury: Death on the Staircase follows the deliberations of 12 jurors as they listen to nine days’ worth of evidence in a real, concluded manslaughter case.
Observing the trial, and the jury
The names, dates, locations and images from the original case have been changed to make sure the jurors could not look up the result, and to protect the individuals involved in the real trial. These changes could, of course, alter the jury’s decision-making process.
Actors are used to re-enact the trial, using transcripts of the original case to simulate the real trial as closely as possible. The jurors are everyday Australians who volunteered to take part in this experiment.
The case revolves around the death of a man who was found at the bottom of a staircase, in the home he shared with his male partner.
Other factors the jury attaches relevance to are the 20-year age gap between the deceased and the younger accused man, and the accused is Asian.
We hear the pre-trial thoughts and motivations of the jurors, and some of the biases and prejudices start to show early on.
As the trial unfolds, specific aspects of the accused’s personality impress different members of the jury – some finding points of commonality that encourage them to be very sympathetic, others highly sceptical of his innocence. This seems less based on the evidence being heard, and instead reflects directly the personality and life experience of the juror.
The jurors, like a real jury, come from all walks of life, educational backgrounds, sexualities and ancestral groups. There are some big, dominant voices, as well as others who are much quieter and more circumspect.
What surprised me while watching was that many of the impressions the jury discuss – and their interpretations of them – aren’t based on the evidence at all. They’re watching the accused, trying to get a read on his guilt or innocence from his body language, where he looks at certain times.
None of them are body language experts, but they seem to think they can reliably extrapolate how he is feeling from observing him.
Some of them also speculate wildly as to what could have happened, and why.
If that’s what real jurors do, that’s worrying.
I have some questions
It’s hard to know how closely the producers mirrored the original case: was it a homosexual relationship, was there a large age gap, was the accused Asian?
These factors are important, because the jury puts weight on them and hypothesises with these in mind.
Another big question for me was how they chose the members of the jury. Was it random? If it was, they do not reflect the personalities of the original jurors and it is very clear that personality and life experience were heavily influential in each person’s response to the case.
The question was asked by one of the jurors: what if they reach a different conclusion than the original, genuine jury? What would that mean for the accused?
My sense was they were wondering if they found him not guilty of manslaughter, would that have any legal implication.
The answer is no.
It’s impossible to truly replicate a case. I would even suggest the same jury could reach a different conclusion at a different time, depending on what had happened in their lives recently and other external factors. Regardless of what result this jury reached, it could not hurt or help the real accused person.
But it is certainly an interesting program, and will give the viewer an insight into what factors most influence jurors.
It might also scare them slightly. We like to think juries make their decision based on the evidence put before them, but that does not appear to be the case, at least certainly not early on in the trial process.
The jurors focused on how the accused lived their life, and judged him accordingly – both positively and negatively. The scientist in me feels that it would be great to repeat this experience, to see if the same or a different result was achieved under these, somewhat controlled conditions.
I’d also love to see more access to real jurors, post decision: that is the only true way to gauge their thoughts and impressions as they work through a case. But as that is unlikely, this series is as close as we’ll get. It is worth a watch if you’re interested in how juries reach their – sometimes apparently inexplicable – decisions.
The Jury: Death on the Staircase is on SBS and SBS On Demand from today.
Xanthe Mallett does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
CAIRO, Nov. 5 — Participants at the 12th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Egypt on Tuesday spoken highly of the Chinese experience in promoting green cities.
“The Chinese steps towards urban greening, with much focus on promoting the concept of nature in cities, are noticeable,” said Simon Borelli, urban forestry officer and coordinator of Green Cities Initiatives Forestry Division of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.
“Looking at recreating natural ecosystems, and not just rows of trees and plantations, is an essential step forward for making cities more resilient and more prepared for climate change,” he added, stressing that China has been working on building park cities with a more holistic view.
Noting China’s focus on improving urban living, the coordinator said its experience could benefit Africa, home to the largest number of developing countries.
Shi Nan, secretary general of the Urban Planning Society of China, said, “We are trying to share our experiences and also the lessons regarding sustainable development.”
“The city is not only … a settlement for people, but also the home for animals, forest, trees, and grasses,” he said.
Regarding Egypt’s urban development, Shi said he was impressed by Egypt’s rich civilization, which has played a significant role in the country’s urban growth.
There is significant potential for cooperation between China and Egypt, both of which boast ancient civilizations, he added.
Co-organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Egyptian government, the WUF12 commenced on Monday and will continue until Friday.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China-Europe SMILE satellite to depart for Europe
Updated: November 6, 2024 09:01Xinhua
Technicians check the Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) at a workshop of the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 4, 2024. The SMILE is a joint mission between the CAS and the European Space Agency (ESA) that aims to deepen the understanding of the Sun-Earth connection by observing the dynamic interaction between the solar wind and the Earth’s magnetosphere. The SMILE satellite has completed the development work in China, including satellite testing, system interface testing and environmental experiments, according to the National Space Science Center of the CAS. The SMILE is about to depart for Europe. It is scheduled for launch by the end of 2025 from Europe’s space launch site in Kourou, French Guiana, by Arianespace’s Vega-C launch vehicle. [Photo/Xinhua]A technician checks the Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) at a workshop of the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]A technician checks the Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) at a workshop of the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]A technician measures the Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) at a workshop of the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]Technicians check the Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) at a workshop of the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]Technicians pack the battery pack of the Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) at a workshop of the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]Customs officers check the packages for the Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) at a workshop of the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]A technician checks the Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) at a workshop of the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]A technician packs the battery pack of the Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) at a workshop of the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]Technicians measure the Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) at a workshop of the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]A technician checks the Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) at a workshop of the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Cesium Fallout, a disaster film starring icons Andy Lau and Bai Yu, overtook Hollywood blockbuster Venom: The Last Dance to become the country’s new box-office champion on Monday.
As of Nov 4, the feature directed by Anthony Pun has grossed around 90 million yuan ($12.7 million) since its debut on Friday, according to the movie information live tracer, Beacon.
Set in Hong Kong, it follows two parallel storylines about teams of specialists and firefighters as they try to prevent a doomsday disaster following an accident that leads to the release of Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope.
During the film’s Beijing premiere last week, executive producer Bill Kong, revealed that his inspiration for the film stemmed from reports about the illegal transshipment of waste from other countries.
He consulted environmental experts, who disclosed that some foreign companies previously dumped electronic waste overseas to reduce recycling expenses, with a portion being directed to Hong Kong.
He emphasized the danger posed by electronic waste, highlighting the potential environmental harm if the substances they contain leached into the soil, contaminating water sources, and expressed the hope that the film would increase public awareness of the issue.
Members of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) employed by Te Whatu Ora are attending a series of 62 meetings across the country over urgent pressing issues.
These hour-long meetings started on Monday and end on Friday. They aim to allow nurses, midwives, and health care assistants to review Te Whatu Ora’s intention to pause calculations for the Care Capacity Demand Management (CCDM) safe staffing programme during collective bargaining late last month.
The employer restricting bargaining parameters to 1% of total employee costs will also be discussed.
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Government is cutting red tape in the ECE sector to help make it easier for providers to operate and offer more options to families looking for home-based education and care for their children.
“I have heard from providers that some of the red tape around home-based ECE care is too onerous and makes them spend too much time on compliance,” says Mr Seymour.
“While there is huge demand for ECEs, numbers show supply isn’t keeping up. That is why we are committed to making changes which will allow the industry to expand and continue to provide high-quality service for families and their children.
Current regulations require 60 percent of educators working for a home-based provider to hold a Level 4 ECE qualification. The remaining 40 percent can be anyone, whether they are working towards their qualification or not, in no particular ratio.
“Plans to increase the requirement to 80 percent of educators at the start of 2025 have been scrapped. It would have been burdensome for providers and make it difficult for those wanting to enter the profession by limiting opportunities. This also harms the prospects of industry growth, which providers want,” says Mr Seymour.
“We’ve listened to providers and added flexibility to the equation. From 1 January 2025 the qualified educator requirement will be removed all together and replaced with a requirement that 100 percent of educators are either fully qualified, or in training to be fully qualified, within six months of their employment.
“This means providers can more easily maintain the balance between qualified and in-training educators, reducing the possibility of closure. For smaller providers, the difference between compliance and non-compliance could be one qualified educator. This is the difference between a child being able to access education or not.
From 1 January 2025, the standard funding rate will no longer apply. All services will receive one single funding rate set at the current quality funding rate. This will become the new base rate for licensed home-based services regardless of how many qualified educators they have in their service.
“To further increase flexibility, we are allowing home-based persons responsible (often referred to as visiting teachers or coordinators) to work in more than two licensed ECE services per month,” says Mr Seymour.
“These changes, which I expect to be made by the end of this year, are part of our effort to reduce red tape in the early learning sector. Alongside these changes the Ministry for Regulation is conducting a regulatory review of the ECE sector as a whole.”
Whether it’s in Harris Park or Riverstone, Merrylands or the MCA, Diwali celebrations are taking over Sydney.
Last night the NSW Government hosted the annual Diwali celebration at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The event provided multicultural leaders from across NSW a chance for to come together and celebrate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Also known as Deepavali, the festival is of great significance to the Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities.
The lights represent the lifting of spiritual darkness and the renewal of life. It is a time spent with family and friends, praying for health, knowledge and peace.
In recognition of Diwali and its timeless message, the Sydney Opera House’s iconic sails were bathed in gold last night as part of the celebrations.
Participants wear colourful clothes, decorate their homes and exchange gifts and sweets.
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
“Wherever you go in NSW you can find the positive impact in our lives made by the Indian diaspora.”
“The ideals of knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and light over darkness are messages that everyone can embrace.”
“By sharing in this celebration, we can all join together, foster greater understanding and keep our communities strong.”
With Election Day for one of the most consequential United States presidential races in recent history underway, Pasifika communities on both sides of the Pacific Ocean are considering how a new administration could impact US-Pacific relations.
Roy Tongilava, a public policy professional and Pacific community advocate in the United States, hopes to see improved US-Pacific relations under either a Harris or Trump administration.
“I’m not an expert in foreign affairs, but my hope would be that either a presidency under Harris or under Trump would continue to build those relations, to build those investments, to really help not only combat climate change but also to really aid in the Pacific development, which is inherently connected to what I believe is the Pacific Islander American experience,” he said.
Pacific commentators Roy Tongilava (left) and Christian Malietoa-Brown . . . interviewed by Pacific Media Network’s Pacific Mornings programme. Image: PMN
New Zealand political commentator and former chair of the National Party’s Pacific Blues group, Christian Malietoa-Brown, is backing Donald Trump in the presidential race.
He says the Pacific is caught in a “tug-of-war” between major powers like the US and China, with Australia playing an increasingly significant role.
“For me, I think in terms of long-term investment, Trump likes to prevent war by showing strength . . . I think they [the US] will strategically put some investments here just because they don’t want China running around too much in this area for defence reasons.
“Under the Biden administration, we saw record investment down this way in the Pacific region, obviously to try and push away China’s influence in the region,” Malietoa-Brown says.
Picking a big player “So you have China, you have America, you have Russia, you have India that’s coming up big,” Malietoa-Brown said.
“And if I had to pick a big player to be in charge of the world, I would pretty much stick to America as it is right now, because that’s the devil we know, rather than someone else that we don’t know. And that’s probably purely a selfish thing.”
Tongilava agrees that the Joe Biden administration has been positive for the Pacific region in terms of investment.
“The Biden administration has pumped record investment into the Pacific to a number of things, infrastructure, education, all of that. Ultimately, though, to try and cool off and push away China’s advances towards this region.
“We’ve seen Vice-President Harris during her time as Vicep-President really commit to climate change as well as building relations within the Pacific region,” he said.
Education concerns For Tongilava, who is part of the South Pacific Islander Organization (SPIO), a nonpartisan non-profit organisation that champions education and workforce development for Pacific youth, this election has serious implications for youth.
“Our mission is laser focused on enhancing college access, college retention, and degree completion for Native Hawai’ian and Pacific Islander students throughout our college systems,” Tongilava said.
“A lot of our work has focused on expanding educational opportunity and workforce development for young Pacific Islander students.
“In terms of education, I think it is crucial that Pacific Islanders turn out today in support of the policies specifically that may hinder or create opportunity for their families and for their communities,” Tongilava said.
He said it was crucial that Pacific Islanders vote in support of the specific policies that might hinder or create opportunities for their families and their communities.
Tongilava is concerned about Trump’s proposal to dismantle the US Department of Education, noting that such a move would disproportionately harm communities like the Pacific Islanders, who often rely on federal support for educational programmes.
“This raises additional questions around what role does the federal government play within our school systems here within states and at the local level. For many Pacific Islander Americans, we live in under-resourced communities,” Tongilava said.
Republished from Pacific Media Network with permission.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Wilbert Lamon Rivers, age 26, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.
The Indictment alleged that on November 4, 2023, Rivers knowingly possessed a semiautomatic pistol and forty rounds of ammunition after having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Muscogee (Creek) Lighthorse Police Department, the Okmulgee Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Rivers will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.
Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton, Auckland City Financial Crime Unit:
Three suspected scammers have been arrested trying to leave New Zealand with a large quantity of cash from their alleged victims.
A 50-year-old man and two women, 59 and 53, were arrested at Auckland International Airport yesterday by detectives from the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit. The trio, all Chinese nationals, were arrested just before they checked in for their flights to China.
They arrived in New Zealand on 10 October. Police alleged that two days later, they began operating a blessing scam – a form of fraud targeting immigrant or elderly communities who are deceived into believing they or their loved ones are cursed or in spiritual danger.
Police have jointly charged the three suspects with two counts of obtaining by deception. The charges relate to two victims – one who lost $14,500 and jewellery and another who lost $15,000.
The accused were remanded in custody following their arrest and are due to appear in the Auckland District Court today. Police are continuing to tally the money that has been recovered, but it is a substantial amount.
Perpetrators of blessing scams pose as healers or spiritual practitioners, offering to remove the curse or bring good fortune in exchange for money or valuable items. Victims are pressured to hand over cash or jewellery, typically instructed not to open the packages they receive, only to later discover that the contents are worthless.
While the Financial Crime Unit has identified two victims so far, it’s highly likely more people were targeted.
We urge anyone who may have fallen victim to this scam to contact us and encourage members of New Zealand’s Chinese community to talk with elderly relatives and make a report if they have been scammed.
If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please contact us at https://105.police.govt.nz or call 105.
In New Zealand, blessing scams have predominantly targeted Chinese communities, exploiting cultural beliefs in spiritual healing and curses. This type of fraud has been active in New Zealand for more than 15 years, with a notable rise in cases in Auckland in recent years.
Police have continued to raise awareness within at-risk communities, yet these fraudulent activities persist, often carried out by well-coordinated groups.
Police remain committed to protecting all members of the public from fraud and financial harm, and ensuring that everyone feels safe from deceptive practices.
We encourage the community to stay vigilant against scams and to remain cautious when approached by individuals offering unsolicited services.
If you suspect that you may have fallen victim to a scam, please contact Police via 105 immediately.
The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican Governors Association Chair and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued the following statement congratulating Governor-elect Mike Braun on his victory in Indiana:
“Governor-elect Mike Braun is a true conservative who built a successful business and created thousands of high-paying jobs for Hoosier families. Mike’s record of public service has delivered results for Indiana and his commitment to economic growth, protecting parental rights, and defending our constitutional freedoms will keep Indiana moving forward. The RGA is proud to congratulate Governor-elect Mike Braun and looks forward to supporting him as he puts his freedom and opportunity agenda into action.”
The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican Governors Association Chair and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued the following statement congratulating Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey on his victory in West Virginia:
“Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey has proven himself as a relentless defender of West Virginia’s conservative values and a national leader in the fight against the Biden Administration. His unmatched record, from securing one of the largest victories against the deep state in the WV v. EPA case to bringing over $1 billion in opioid settlements to fight the drug epidemic is a testament to his commitment to fighting for West Virginians.
“Patrick Morrisey has demonstrated time and again that he will deliver real results. His conservative leadership has made a profound impact. The RGA is proud to congratulate Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey, and we look forward to supporting his efforts to continue leading the Mountain State forward.”
The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican Governors Association Chair and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued the following statement congratulating Governor Phil Scott on winning re-election in Vermont:
“Governor Phil Scott’s leadership continues to make a real difference in the lives of Vermonters. His commitment to growing the economy, making Vermont more affordable, and protecting the most vulnerable has earned him overwhelming support across the state. From investing in workforce development to addressing the opioid crisis, Governor Scott has consistently put the people of Vermont first.
“Governor Scott’s hands-on approach and dedication to community service reflect the values that Vermonters hold dear. The RGA is proud to congratulate Governor Scott on his re-election victory and looks forward to supporting his continued efforts to keep Vermont on the path of prosperity.”
1.RYAN HAMILTON (National—HamiltonEast) to the Minister ofFinance: What recent reports has she seen on the economy?
Hon NICOLA WILLIS (Minister of Finance): Today, Statistics New Zealand released its labour market statistics for the September quarter. This release includes information from the household labour force survey, which looks at people’s labour force status, and the quarterly employment survey, which captures earnings, paid hours, and jobs. The household labour force survey showed that the unemployment rate increased from 4.6 to 4.8 percent in the quarter, and the quarterly employment survey showed that average hourly earnings increased 3.9 percent over the previous year.
Ryan Hamilton: Why is unemployment rising?
Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Unemployment is rising and has been rising since 2001 because New Zealand has been in a prolonged recession, with monetary tightening used to drive high inflation out of the economy. Sadly, recessions have a human cost. My heart goes out to people who’ve lost their jobs and who are struggling to enter the labour market. Rising unemployment is a reminder of how letting inflation get a grip on the economy is so damaging.
Ryan Hamilton: Was the increase in the unemployment rate as much as expected?
Hon NICOLA WILLIS: No. The increase from 4.6 percent to 4.8 percent was lower than forecasters had been predicting. In its August Monetary Policy Statement, the Reserve Bank had forecast 5 percent unemployment and the Treasury had forecast 5.2 percent in the Budget update in May. To give some historical context, I would also point out to members that over the last 15 years, the average unemployment rate in New Zealand has been 5 percent.
Ryan Hamilton: What is the outlook for unemployment?
Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Today’s results reflect where we are in the economic cycle. Typically, when the economy starts underperforming, the unemployment rate is slow to rise. Then when the economy starts to pick up, it can be slow to fall. In other words, unemployment is a lagging indicator. Now, there are clear indications that the economy has turned upwards, but even so, I would expect the unemployment rate to rise a bit further before beginning to fall. In the August Monetary Policy Statement, for example, the Reserve Bank was forecasting the unemployment rate to rise to a peak of 5.4 percent early next year, then steadily decline.
TEANAU TUIONO (Assistant Speaker—Green): E te Atua kaha rawa, ka tuku whakamoemiti atu mātou, mō ngā karakia kua waihotia mai ki runga i a mātou. Ka waiho i ō mātou pānga whaiaro katoa ki te taha. Ka mihi mātou ki te Kīngi, me te inoi atu mō te ārahitanga i roto i ō mātou whakaaroarohanga, kia mōhio ai, kia whakaiti ai tā mātou whakahaere i ngā take o te Whare nei, mō te oranga, te maungārongo, me te aroha o Aotearoa. Amene.
1.RYAN HAMILTON (National—HamiltonEast) to the Minister ofFinance: What recent reports has she seen on the economy?
Hon NICOLA WILLIS (Minister of Finance): Today, Statistics New Zealand released its labour market statistics for the September quarter. This release includes information from the household labour force survey, which looks at people’s labour force status, and the quarterly employment survey, which captures earnings, paid hours, and jobs. The household labour force survey showed that the unemployment rate increased from 4.6 to 4.8 percent in the quarter, and the quarterly employment survey showed that average hourly earnings increased 3.9 percent over the previous year.
Ryan Hamilton: Why is unemployment rising?
Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Unemployment is rising and has been rising since 2001 because New Zealand has been in a prolonged recession, with monetary tightening used to drive high inflation out of the economy. Sadly, recessions have a human cost. My heart goes out to people who’ve lost their jobs and who are struggling to enter the labour market. Rising unemployment is a reminder of how letting inflation get a grip on the economy is so damaging.
Ryan Hamilton: Was the increase in the unemployment rate as much as expected?
Hon NICOLA WILLIS: No. The increase from 4.6 percent to 4.8 percent was lower than forecasters had been predicting. In its August Monetary Policy Statement, the Reserve Bank had forecast 5 percent unemployment and the Treasury had forecast 5.2 percent in the Budget update in May. To give some historical context, I would also point out to members that over the last 15 years, the average unemployment rate in New Zealand has been 5 percent.
Ryan Hamilton: What is the outlook for unemployment?
Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Today’s results reflect where we are in the economic cycle. Typically, when the economy starts underperforming, the unemployment rate is slow to rise. Then when the economy starts to pick up, it can be slow to fall. In other words, unemployment is a lagging indicator. Now, there are clear indications that the economy has turned upwards, but even so, I would expect the unemployment rate to rise a bit further before beginning to fall. In the August Monetary Policy Statement, for example, the Reserve Bank was forecasting the unemployment rate to rise to a peak of 5.4 percent early next year, then steadily decline.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Northern Territory Police have charged a 19-year-old man following an alleged assault on a 53-year-old male victim in Darwin on 31 October 2024.
The incident reportedly involved multiple attacks on the victim at his residence in Moulden, resulting in serious injuries. Following the assault, it is alleged the offender posted an image on his social media account, displaying the weapon used in the attack and capturing the crime scene. Police allege the offender’s actions were intended to boast or glorify the offending.
Police identified and apprehended the offender, who has since been charged with acts intended to cause serious harm and publishing material related to offending conduct. He has been remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on Friday 8 November 2024.
Detective Superintendent Mark Grieve said, “This type of behaviour has no place in our community. Northern Territory Police take these matters seriously, and we urge the public to report any concerning behaviour, especially when it glorifies criminal conduct.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are encouraging anyone with further information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs
Many Australians are understandably traumatised by the past year in the Middle East. Every day, we see more unbearable scenes. The terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023: the worst loss of Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust, and almost 100 hostages still held. And in Israel’s response: 42,000 Palestinians killed – including more than 13,000 children. About 2 million facing starvation.
While this conflict might be far away, it is close to many in Australia. Some have lost family – or have loved ones in danger. Communities connect with different sides in this conflict.
The Middle East’s contested history helps explain these divergent perspectives. Those who know the imperative of Israel for the Jewish people’s survival. Who feel October 7 as part of the long shadow of antisemitism; the abomination of the Holocaust and millennia of Jewish persecution. And those who know the dispossession of the Palestinian people; the failure of the international community to honour the 1947 promise made for a Palestinian state when Israel was established. Who feel that the loss of Muslim and Arab lives has been too easily dismissed.
These two experiences seem less reconciled than ever – and they are intensified in a debate often framed by incorrect information.
For example, people continue to demand Australia call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Yet, it’s nearly 11 months since Australia voted for a ceasefire with 152 other countries at the United Nations General Assembly. While some don’t hear our condemnation of Israel Defence Forces’ attacks on civilians or aid workers, others wrongly claim we enable Hamas by insisting Israel follow the rules of war.
As the conflict spread to Lebanon, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said Australia was isolated by calling for a ceasefire there – when we did so with dozens of other countries. And despite that call, I am asked when Australia will stop bombing Lebanon. We never started.
These examples show what happens when certain politicians and media make false claims in bad faith – and when people shout over each other rather than listen to each other. I understand people want their government to make this war end. But this isn’t Vietnam or Iraq – Australia is not contributing to the war. Nor are we supplying weapons for it.
There is a big difference between Australia wanting to end this war and being able to do it on our own. Our only hope is in being active in the international community. As long as this war goes on, we will keep partnering to deliver aid, uphold international law and drive towards peace.
As well as our co-ordinated calls for ceasefire and the release of hostages, we act in concert with other donors to provide lifesaving aid. Australia has committed more than $90 million in humanitarian assistance to support civilians impacted by conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. We have also doubled our annual funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
I’m leading an influential group of countries to create a global Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel. We are building a coalition for the safety of aid workers who provide the food, water and medicine that civilians need to survive.
Australia works with Canada, New Zealand and other supporters of international law, including by backing the independence of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. International law includes the UN Charter that allows countries to defend themselves – and the Geneva Conventions that protect civilians during wars. Palestinian civilians cannot pay the price of defeating Hamas.
Australia has joined a large number of countries in condemning and sanctioning Hamas, Hizballah and others for their terrorism. Just as we have partnered in sanctioning Israeli extremist settlers for their violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
We work with others because going it alone gets us nowhere in the Middle East. But you wouldn’t think that listening to somepoliticians. Peter Dutton demands I do what no other country has done: say the rules don’t apply to Israel. And the Greens demand I apply sanctions to Israel that no other country has applied. When Australia applies sanctions, we co-ordinate with partners. That’s what makes them effective.
These two ends of the political spectrum repeat absolutist positions we see overseas in order to recklessly reproduce the conflict in our diverse society and exploit distressed Australians. All-or-nothing demands do nothing to end the Middle East cycle of violence.
That can only happen when the promise of two states is fulfilled. Frustratingly, this seems a distant prospect. It is bitterly opposed by Hamas, which seeks to end the Jewish state. It is also not supported by many in the Netanyahu government. But Israel’s own long-term security requires it, and Palestinians have a right to self-determination.
Australia was one of 143 countries to vote in support of Palestinian aspirations for full membership of the UN – where we have also called for a timeline for the international declaration of Palestinian statehood.
On our own, we have little leverage to move the dial in the Middle East. That’s why our approach centres on building international support with other countries that want to end this war.