The Albanese Government has announced that Scyne Advisory will conduct a trial of fixed voice services and consider the performance of Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEOSats) to inform the Government’s work to improve mobile connectivity for more Australians. Scyne Advisory will independently deliver the fixed voice service trials, with work already underway to progressively set up trial sites across 50 regional and remote locations across Australia. The trials will track the reliability and quality of voice calls, and test impacts of weather conditions on services. Data from the trial will also help the Albanese Government to better understand how LEOSat services perform to support voice services across a representative range of regions across Australia, including over the northern Australia wet season. Existing NBN Co fixed wireless and satellite services will also be trialled in parallel to provide a comparison. Data collected will be independent of industry and be made publicly available next month. The Government has also today released a summary of feedback received from stakeholders through recent public consultation on modernising delivery and funding of universal telecommunications service arrangements. Overall, the public consultation process demonstrated there is support for change to universal service arrangements to better reflect evolving consumer needs and the emergence of new alternative technologies. Stakeholders suggested a more flexible and technology-neutral approach would be preferable, including to adopt modern networks and services that are best suited to each premises, and to future-proof arrangements. There was also general agreement that simpler funding arrangements would better reflect the market and enable greater efficiency and sustainability. While the Government is yet to make a decision on how to best modernise the Universal Service Obligation, feedback received from stakeholders is being taken into consideration and will be considered alongside the trial data to help inform next steps. For more information, and to view the summary paper, visit:http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/modernising-universal-telecommunications-services Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP: “The Albanese Government is committed to modernising telco services in the interest of all Australians, particularly those living in rural and regional Australia, and I look forward to data from the trials helping us to consider and deliver a more modern and effective universal service framework.” “The Government has been clear it will proceed on a consultative and transparent basis. Stakeholder views on delivery and funding issues will be carefully considered to help inform future decisions on a more modern and fit for purpose framework. “The Government’s focus is that universal service arrangements continue to deliver for consumers, can be more flexible to accommodate changes, and that we have related funding arrangements for baseline services that are efficient and sustainable.”
We took over administration of early release of super on compassionate grounds on 1 July 2018.
We only approve a release of super on compassionate grounds if you meet all conditions set out in the regulations. These conditions include that you have no other means to pay the expenses.
The 5 main grounds of eligibility are:
medical treatment or transport for you or your dependant
accommodating a disability for you or your dependant
palliative care for a terminal illness for you or your dependant
funeral expenses for your dependant
preventing foreclosure or forced sale of your home.
If you apply for compassionate release of super (CRS) for medical treatment, the law states the treatment must be necessary to:
treat a life-threatening illness or injury
alleviate acute or chronic pain
alleviate acute or chronic mental illness.
To access super early for medical treatment expenses, you must provide 2 medical reports with your application. At least one of the reports must be from a specialist treating one of the above conditions.
The reports must state that the treatment is necessary to treat or alleviate one of the conditions above, and that the treatment is not readily available in the public health system.
All data shown here is current as of 27 August 2024.
The following data tables capture information about applications we have received and approved for release per financial year. We don’t have data regarding amounts released as these payments are made by super funds.
Note: One person may submit multiple applications in one financial year. There is no limit on the number of applications a person can submit.
Table 1: Total compassionate release of super applications
Financial year
2018–19
2019–20
2020–21
2021–22
2022–23
2023–24
Applications received
53,800
60,000
45,300
56,400
75,600
90,700
Applications approved
31,100
33,700
29,500
34,400
41,800
53,100
Individuals applied
33,800
39,100
36,300
45,600
57,800
68,900
Individuals approved
26,900
30,000
27,200
32,200
39,600
50,000
Amount approved ($m)
456.6
523.2
472.4
573.1
761.7
1,040.4
In the table above, we rounded:
applications and individuals’ data to the nearest 100
amounts approved data to the nearest $100,000.
Totals may not add due to rounding.
Table 2: Medical (includes medical treatment or transport)
Financial year
2018–19
2019–20
2020–21
2021–22
2022–23
2023–24
Applications received
39,100
45,500
34,800
42,600
57,700
71,900
Applications approved
26,100
30,100
27,600
32,100
39,500
50,200
Individuals applied
25,500
30,100
28,400
35,200
44,900
55,600
Individuals approved
22,700
26,800
25,400
30,100
37,400
47,400
Amount approved ($m)
389.1
476.6
447.4
544.7
730.5
1,001.0
In the table above, we rounded:
applications and individuals’ data to the nearest 100
amounts approved data to the nearest $100,000.
Table 3: Accommodating a disability
Financial year
2018–19
2019–20
2020–21
2021–22
2022–23
2023–24
Applications received
2,300
2,300
1,500
1,700
2,200
2,300
Applications approved
1,100
1,000
700
700
800
900
Individuals applied
1,400
1,500
1,100
1,300
1,590
1,670
Individuals approved
970
890
660
670
720
810
Amount approved ($m)
21.1
15.4
11.5
11.3
12.7
12.8
In the table above, we rounded:
applications received and approved data to the nearest 100
individuals’ data to the nearest 10
amounts approved data to the nearest $100,000.
Table 4: Palliative care for a terminal illness
Financial year
2018–19
2019–20
2020–21
2021–22
2022–23
2023–24
Applications received
250
205
195
215
260
290
Applications approved
110
90
45
45
35
35
Individuals applied
175
140
160
180
210
245
Individuals approved
90
65
45
40
40
30
Amount approved ($m)
1.9
1.8
0.9
1.3
0.9
0.8
In the table above, we rounded:
applications and individuals’ data to the nearest 5
amounts approved data to the nearest $100,000.
Table 5: Preventing foreclosure or forced sale of a home
Financial year
2018–19
2019–20
2020–21
2021–22
2022–23
2023–24
Applications received
10,500
10,300
7,300
9,700
12,400
12,900
Applications approved
2,870
1,780
560
750
710
1,100
Individuals applied
6,140
6,770
5,850
7,650
9,600
9,930
Individuals approved
2,470
1,630
540
710
680
1,040
Amount approved ($m)
35.4
22
7.2
8.9
9.7
17.1
In the table above, we rounded:
applications received data to the nearest 100
applications approved and individuals’ data to the nearest 10
amounts approved data to the nearest $100,000.
Table 6: Funeral expenses for a dependant
Financial year
2018–19
2019–20
2020–21
2021–22
2022–23
2023–24
Applications received
1,700
1,600
1,500
2,200
3,100
3,300
Applications approved
920
760
600
740
760
850
Individuals applied
1,190
1,160
1,240
1,790
2,340
2,410
Individuals approved
840
710
580
720
750
820
Amount approved ($m)
9
7.5
5.3
6.9
7.9
8.7
In the table above, we rounded:
applications received data to the nearest 100
applications approved and individuals’ data to the nearest 10
amounts approved data to the nearest $100,000.
Medical treatment subcategories
The data from our application process allows us to split the medical (treatment or transport) category into the subcategories listed below. While eligible medical treatment is not limited to these categories, we cannot individually identify all treatment types at a reporting level.
Table 7: Dental treatment subcategory
Financial year
2018–19
2019–20
2020–21
2021–22
2022–23
2023–24
Applications received
7,140
10,610
8,240
11,780
20,960
31,780
Applications approved
3,850
6,000
5,960
8,380
14,020
22,530
Individuals applied
4,310
6,720
6,500
9,720
16,260
25,070
Individuals approved
3,470
5,580
5,530
8,020
13,540
21,790
Amount approved ($m)
66.4
111.7
108.2
171.3
313.4
526.4
Table 8: IVF subcategory
Financial year
2018–19
2019–20
2020–21
2021–22
2022–23
2023–24
Applications received
3,380
4,250
3,700
4,150
4,290
5,200
Applications approved
2,720
3,260
3,260
3,390
3,360
4,210
Individuals applied
2,140
2,610
2,670
3,020
3,080
3,740
Individuals approved
2,080
2,490
2,580
2,750
2,780
3,460
Amount approved ($m)
36.2
40.1
42.1
45.4
47.9
64.1
Table 9: Weight loss subcategory
Financial year
2018–19
2019–20
2020–21
2021–22
2022–23
2023–24
Applications received
17,690
18,710
14,510
15,760
17,690
17,320
Applications approved
13,790
14,570
12,970
13,960
14,770
14,370
Individuals applied
12,920
13,920
12,900
14,160
15,170
14,780
Individuals approved
12,550
13,530
12,570
13,620
14,410
14,030
Amount approved ($m)
207.5
234.2
220
233.9
248.9
250.5
Table 10: Other medical treatment subcategory
Financial year
2018–19
2019–20
2020–21
2021–22
2022–23
2023–24
Applications received
9,880
10,980
7,970
10,400
14,030
16,880
Applications approved
5,440
6,040
5,260
6,230
7,230
8,940
Individuals applied
6,050
6,900
6,360
8,340
10,460
12,280
Individuals approved
4,580
5,340
4,870
5,830
6,830
8,320
Amount approved ($m)
74
87
75.3
92.2
118.1
156.7
‘Other’ includes all other types of medical treatment recommended by a medical practitioner.
These tables exclude applications that were solely for medical transport (totals will differ to tables above).
In the tables above, we rounded:
applications and individuals’ data to the nearest 10
These case studies show how engaging with us early and working transparently can mutually resolve tax issues prior to lodgment and help avoid tax disputes post-lodgment.
Capital gains tax case study
Three siblings each had a 33% shareholding in a family company, and 2 of them wanted to sell their shares to their brother. The family trusts controlled by the 2 siblings each disposed of their 33% ownership in the family company to their brother’s trust. This left their brother with 100% ownership of the company.
We enquired if the siblings had considered whether the market value substitution rule for capital proceeds applied. That part of the tax law has the effect of replacing the actual capital proceeds with their market value when the parties to the transaction didn’t deal with each other at arm’s length.
With advice from internal valuation advisers on whether the siblings had transacted for an arm’s length value, we concluded that the capital proceeds were below their market value. We asked the siblings for information and evidence to demonstrate that real bargaining had taken place in relation to the sale.
The 2 siblings provided a valuation of the shares that aligned with our view. They informed the case officer that their brother, who was purchasing their shares, set the price and they accepted to avoid family conflict. For this reason, the 2 siblings couldn’t provide any evidence of bargaining in relation to the terms and conditions of the sale.
With these facts, we took the position that the market value substitution rule applied. A pre-lodgment agreement was reached that the market value amount would be substituted for the capital proceeds.
Company restructure case study
A company was founded by four individuals who were looking to sell some of their business. To do this, they started trading under a new company. The shares were owned 25% each personally by the four individuals. Days later, one quarter of these shares were sold to a third party.
As part of the sale, new classes of shares were issued for $1 each (one A class share issued to the third party and one B class share issued to a family trust, controlled by the founders), with priority to dividends and other specific rights attached.
In the 2022 income year, the rights and terms attached to both the A and B class shares were altered, via a share split and variation of rights, by the ordinary shareholders in anticipation of a scheduled Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) process. Prior to this, one founder had a valuation prepared for the B class share, which determined the market value of the B class shares based on the priority dividend rights.
We examined this valuation, given our concerns over the valuation presented to us. The A and B class shares, which were split and rights varied, now had an inflated value, equal to the ordinary shares.
Several months after the share split and variation of rights, the SPAC process was successfully completed in the 2023 income year. The change in rights and share split shifted the inflated value from the initial ordinary shareholders (the individuals) to their family trust via a direct value shift.
After reviewing the general value shifting regime, with technical adviser guidance, agreement was reached that the direct value shifting rules applied to effectively deem capital gains for the four individuals in the 2022 income year. This treated it as if they had sold the shares to the trust at that point in time. This determination increased the capital gain from the client’s original position but provided tax certainty on the transaction moving forward.
Foreign resident capital gains case study
A foreign resident held shares in a listed company. The company entered a binding Scheme Implementation Deed where 100% of the ordinary shares would be acquired for non-cash consideration. A timely outcome was necessary due to an upcoming shareholder vote.
The foreign resident proposed to provide us with acceptable security equal to the agreed capital gains tax (CGT) liability, and, in return, they would receive a variation in the rate of foreign resident capital gains withholding (FRCGW) to 0%.
A preliminary assessment by the foreign resident predicted a $30 million tax liability dependent on the market value of the non-cash consideration (shares) at the time of the transaction.
Following open and transparent discussions and collaboration between us and the foreign resident’s representatives, an agreement was reached and an escrow deed was executed. Approximately $30 million in future tax payable was secured and the FRCGW rate was also varied to 0%.
Commercial deals videos
Our video resources explain the commercial deals process and the advantages of engaging with us early to get certainty of the tax implications and impacts of your transaction.
Increased certainty prior to lodgment
With certainty prior to lodgment, you can avoid potential post-lodgment tax disputes.
How to navigate your commercial deals engagement
Navigate your commercial deals engagement by preparation, commitment and transparency.
Practical certainty on your approach
Commercial deals assistance can give you practical certainty that the approach you are taking is acceptable.
Advice and assurance options for early engagement
Exploring the advice and assurance options available for early engagement.
Advantages of knowing the likely outcome
Engaging with us early gives you the advantage of knowing the outcomes you are likely to receive.
A Victorian woman has been sentenced to 4 years imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 2 years and 4 months, after she claimed nearly $600,000 in GST refunds from 27 fraudulent business activity statements lodged, contrary to section 134.2(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
Tahra Wyntjes was sentenced for obtaining $599,349 in fraudulent GST refunds she was not entitled to and for attempting to obtain a further $259,976, which was stopped by ATO officers. A reparation order to the value of the amount obtained was granted. This debt to the Commonwealth will be actively pursued in addition to the jail time Ms Wyntjes will serve.
Ms Wyntjes registered for both an Australian Business Number and for GST in November 2021 for a residential cleaning business. Between November 2021 and March 2022, she lodged the fraudulent business activity statements (BAS), which ATO officers quickly noticed and began investigating.
After failing to respond to ATO officers following a review on her BAS lodgments and reviewing available evidence, it was concluded that Ms Wyntjes was not carrying on a genuine business and had submitted multiple false claims for GST.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Jade Hawkins welcomed the court’s decision which serves as a warning to those who deliberately try to defraud the government for their own personal gain.
‘Not only did this individual lodge fraudulent activity statements, but she also invented a fake business in order to claim GST refunds she was not entitled to.’
‘Our message remains clear. If you don’t run a business, you don’t need an ABN and you can’t claim GST refunds. This is fraud,’ Ms Hawkins said.
For those who may be tempted to take part in these criminal activities, the ATO has sophisticated risk models and technologies to detect and prevent fraud.
This is the latest result of extensive efforts under the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)–led investigation, Operation Protego, which was initiated in response to calculated GST fraud.
‘GST fraud is not a victimless crime – those who steal funds from the community that would otherwise be used for essential services will face severe consequences including jail sentences for serious offenders,’ Ms Hawkins said.
This matter was prosecuted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) (CDPP) following a referral from the ATO.
As part of Operation Protego, the ATO has taken action against more than 57,000 alleged offenders, and those involved in this fraud have already been handed in the order of $300 million in penalties and interest.
As of 30 September 2024:
104 people have been arrested.
59 people have been convicted with a range of sentencing outcomes, including jail terms of up to 7 years and 6 months and with orders made to restrain real property.
The ATO has finalised 60 investigations and referred 51 briefs of evidence to Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
The ATO also supports Operation Protego investigations which are led by local law enforcement agencies rather than the SFCT.
You can confidentially report suspected tax crime or fraud to us by making a tip-off online or calling 1800 060 062.
Curiosity continues to drive along the western edge of the upper Gediz Vallis channel. After exiting the channel a few weeks ago, we turned north to image the “back side” of the deposits that we investigated on the eastern side before the channel crossing. As a member of the Channel Surfers working group, we believe that acquiring these views will help further our understanding of the geometry, nature, and evolution of these landforms. The bumpy terrain in front of us, however, plays a role in determining our route and length of drive. The rover planners on the team always do a fantastic job in charting the course on this once-in-a-lifetime road trip. I like to imagine Curiosity with the windows down, blaring U2, as she steadily blazes a new path across the sulfate unit.
With an eye towards imaging in this two-sol plan, Mastcam crafted a large mosaic of “Fascination Turret” that rises above the channel floor. ChemCam fit an unprecedented number of long distance RMI images in the plan that will document the upper extent of the white stone deposit, the nature of the “Kukenan” mound, and characterize the rocks in Fascination Turret at targets named “Chimney Tree” and “Forgotten Canyon.” In our immediate workspace, ChemCam used the Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument on a laminated (very thinly bedded) bedrock in the workspace at “Puppet Lake” to determine its chemical composition, which will be documented with a coordinating Mastcam image. MAHLI and AXPS teamed up to analyze a cluster of small gray rocks in front of us at “Jumble Lake.”
The second sol includes a 25-meter (about 82 feet) drive to the west/northwest as we continue along our path adjacent to the channel. The Environmental theme group included a range of activities such as a Mastcam tau that will measure the optical depth of the atmosphere and constrain aerosol scattering properties, dust devil movies, and a suprahorizon movie to monitor clouds.
Written by Sharon Wilson Purdy, Planetary Geologist at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
In the underwriting auctions conducted on October 18, 2024, for Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) of the undernoted Government securities, the Reserve Bank of India has set the cut-off rates for underwriting commission payable to Primary Dealers as given below:
Background There’s a rise in criminals calling, emailing or messaging people and pretending to be from their bank so that they can steal your money. The scammers ask you for personal or financial information or to transfer funds or to give them a one-time security code over the phone. They often claim to be from the bank’s fraud department and might say that there has been a compromised account or suspicious transaction. They may use technology to make it look like the call is coming from the bank’s phone number. They may send a message that looks like it comes from the same conversation thread as genuine bank messages.
How to spot the scam You may get a call, message or email from a scammer claiming to be from the bank and asking for personal and bank details. The scammer may tell you there is a problem with your account and ask you to transfer money to ‘keep it safe’. They may say it’s an urgent problem to get you to respond. Anyone calling and behaving like this is probably a criminal. What you can do:
Do not use any phone numbers in a message. Ask for a reference number and contact your bank directly through a phone number that you find and confirm yourself. Hang up if you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your bank requesting you to transfer money. Don’t click on any links in an email or message on your phone, even if it looks like it comes from your bank.
How the scam works Someone calls, emails or messages you saying they’re from the bank. The phone call, email or message looks like it comes from the bank. The message may be in the same message thread as a previous legitimate banking message. They say they’re investigating a problem with your account, like a hacked account, suspicious transaction, or online banking outage. These criminals ask you for personal or financial information like account details or security codes. They will then use your account details to steal your money.
What you should know Your bank will never ask you to transfer your money to keep it safe. Your bank will never ask you over the phone for online banking passwords, one-time security codes, PINs or tokens.
Find out more This scam is a type of impersonation scam. Scammers pretend they are from your bank. They use technology to make it look like they’re calling or messaging from a legitimate phone number. They may send emails that look like they are from the bank.
Stay protected STOP – Don’t give money or personal or financial information like passwords, security codes, PINs or tokens. Don’t click on any links if you’re unsure. Say no, hang up, delete. CHECK – Verify who you are talking to. Contact your bank using your banking app or a phone number you have sourced from your banking app, bank website, statement, or card. PROTECT – Act quickly. If you have transferred funds, provided access to your account or information to a scammer, contact your bank immediately and report to Scamwatch. Tell your friends and family; it helps to share your experience so they can give you support and to help them stay safe from scams.
If you’ve been affected There is no shame in getting scammed. It can happen to anybody. If you’ve had money stolen, contact your bank or financial institution immediately. If you’ve had personal information stolen or need help to recover from a scam, contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160. If you’re feeling distressed and need to talk about it, reach out to Lifeline or Beyond Blue. If you’re worried about your safety or someone else’s, call the police immediately on 000 or go to your nearest police station. Help others by reporting scams to Scamwatch.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government today (October 18) gazetted the Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) (Health and Safety: General Duties) (Amendment) Regulation 2024 (Commencement) Notice; the Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) (Working and Living Conditions) (Amendment) Regulation 2024 (Commencement) Notice; and the Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) (Returns of Births, Deaths and Missing Persons) Regulation (Amendment of Schedules) Notice 2024 (Commencement) Notice, to specify the amendment regulations and notices in relation to seafarers of merchant ships to come into effect on December 23 this year.
The Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) (Health and Safety: General Duties) (Amendment) Regulation 2024; the Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) (Working and Living Conditions) (Amendment) Regulation 2024; and the Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) (Returns of Births, Deaths and Missing Persons) Regulation (Amendment of Schedules) Notice 2024, which were enacted by the Legislative Council earlier on, seek to incorporate into local legislation the latest relevant requirements of certain amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, approved by the International Labour Organization (the 2022 Amendments). The latest requirements cover seafarer recruitment and placement agents, provision of drinking water supplies and balanced meals, repatriation of the bodies or ashes of deceased seafarers, reporting of deaths of seafarers, as well as provision of appropriately sized personal protective equipment. The aforesaid regulations and notice will come into operation on December 23, in line with the date on which the 2022 Amendments will enter into force globally.
​The commencement notices will be tabled to the Legislative Council on October 23 for negative vetting.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the InnoTech Forum 2024 today (October 18):
Alpha (Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the InnoTech Forum 2024 organised by InvestHK. Themed “Pioneering in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and New Energy Era”, this full-day forum brings together experts from diverse fields to explore how Hong Kong can establish itself as a global leader in innovation and technology (I&T).
Technological empowerment is the cornerstone of achieving high-quality economic development. It accelerates the emergence of new quality productive forces and enables industries to adapt and thrive in the increasingly competitive local, regional and global arenas. As we navigate in this new era, we must harness technology not just for individual success or lucrative business, but for collective growth that benefits our society.
Just two days ago, our Chief Executive unveiled a range of initiatives in his third Policy Address, reinforcing Hong Kong’s commitment to becoming an international I&T centre. This year’s theme, “Reform for Enhancing Development and Building Our Future Together”, emphasises the importance of collective growth. That means your success is our success, and together we can scale new heights and build a brighter future for Hong Kong.
AI, as this year’s forum highlights, remains a key driver of I&T and business development. To support enterprises like yours in leveraging AI technologies, the Government has invested billions of dollars in cultivating an all-round AI ecosystem here in Hong Kong. I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some of the exciting developments that are under way.
Talking about AI development, computation facility is pivotal. Cyberport will soon put into operation its AI Supercomputing Centre (AISC) to support the strong computing demand from universities, research institutes and the industry. With its first-phase facility capable of providing at least 300 petaFLOPS and in a year or so, the computing power will be augmented to a level of 3 000 petaFLOPS; the AISC will offer top-notch, high-performance computing facilities and serve as a collaborative platform to foster AI-driven research and innovation. Apart from Cyberport, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation has officially launched the High-Performance Computing service last month, which is expected to support the growth of around 300 companies working on AI and data technology in Science Park’s ecosystem.
To support the commissioning of the AISC, the Government has allocated $3 billion to launch a three-year AI Subsidy Scheme. This significant sum is aimed at subsidising eligible users of the AISC to leverage the computing power, by offering a subsidy of up to 70 per cent of the list price of the computing power or 90 per cent in exceptional cases. Cyberport has also been tasked to promote the AI ecosystem and enable AI enterprises and talent to land in Hong Kong through the scheme. I encourage you to tap into our latest technology infrastructure at Cyberport, where we hope to see even more scientific breakthroughs.
AI has taken the world by storm, revolutionising not only industries but also the Government. The provision of public services must harness this powerful technology. The Policy Address announced that the Government will pilot the use of a generative AI document processing copilot application, developed on the basis of a locally trained large language model, within the Government to assist staff in writing, translating and summarising documents. This trial run will also lend support to Hong Kong’s exploration in generative AI technologies and enrich the use cases for better, accurate and localised outcomes.
In fact, a number of the hundred digital government and smart city initiatives that the Government presses ahead for rollout this year and next will make use of AI technology. For instance, we have expanded the AI chatbot service for the 1823 enquiry service, making it much more adept at handling the public’s frequently asked questions within its scope of service. This improves user experience and allows our staff to focus on other complex tasks, thereby lifting the overall service quality. The judicious application of AI in the Government will advance our digital government and smart city development, benefitting both the people and businesses of Hong Kong, and bringing them closer to the fruition of I&T development.
Ladies and gentleman, Hong Kong stands on the cusp of making ground-breaking strides by capitalising on the vast potential of AI and other cutting-edge technologies. We are partners in this journey to seize the opportunities that lie ahead. So let’s invest in technology, invest in innovation, and invest in Hong Kong. Together, we can push the boundaries of what is possible to make Hong Kong a truly international I&T centre.
In closing, I would like to thank InvestHK for making this happen, and I hope you would leave this forum with mind-blowing takeaways. Thank you.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HEFEI, Oct. 18 — Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Thursday afternoon inspected the cities of Anqing and Hefei in east China’s Anhui Province.
Xi visited the Liuchi Alley in Tongcheng City under Anqing and the Hefei Binhu Science City.
During the visits, he learnt about the local efforts to carry forward fine traditional Chinese culture, promote cultural-ethical progress, advance institutional innovation of science and technology, and accelerate the application of scientific and technological advances.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
Faculty of Economics, Novosibirsk State University held a “Financial Literacy Day,” during which five representatives of banks and consulting companies shared their experience in combating fraudsters.
This topic is relevant for students not only because today the victims of telephone scammers are very different people. The faculty trains future economists, so it is important that they are also prepared in the field of fraud prevention, since the price of a mistake by a bank employee, broker or expert of a consulting agency can be very high.
— I think the event was a success, the lectures were very diverse and informative. I judge by the fact that I myself heard a lot of new things. I think we will continue to hold such events in the future, — noted Deputy Dean of the NSU Faculty of Economics Naimdzhon Ibragimov.
— The Faculty of Economics, including student clubs, often organize thematic meetings for students. The issue of financial literacy and the topic of fraud are relevant now. Despite the fact that the problem of fraud is not new, the number of deceived people remains significant. And this can be due to different factors, of which I would highlight two: the first is that modern technologies are used not only by honest people, the second is that there are features of the psychology of perception of information that fraudsters know and use. These issues need to be discussed. This can be useful for young people, — said Svetlana Bekareva, head of the Department of Finance and Credit of the Faculty of Economics of NSU.
In their speeches, the experts touched on various aspects of the financial security problem. Sberbank representatives shared advice on how to protect yourself from fraudsters and told in more detail about the principles on which Sber’s ecosystem is built (which has long included not only the banking infrastructure itself).
Yulia Krasnova, head of the Novosibirsk branch of the large audit company DRT, described the methods used by fraudsters to increase the attractiveness of their reporting for investors.
The head of the Siberian regional center Kept Leonid Kozlenko, using specific examples, revealed the mechanisms for combating fraud that modern businesses use.
— I really liked the concept of this event, so we gladly responded to the invitation. We generally really like communicating with students, so our company has many different joint projects with the NSU Faculty of Economics. Their subject matter is much broader than financial security issues, they relate to both training and smooth introduction to the profession of future graduates, — Leonid Kozlenko emphasized.
The speech by the director of the SFM company, PhD in economics Andrey Bekarev was devoted to the psychology of fraud. Using examples from the documentary, she showed how one can manipulate a person’s opinion quite strongly, and this influence remains unnoticed by him. And as a result, he perceives other people’s assessments, views as his own and makes decisions on their basis that are beneficial to the manipulator.
— Modern propaganda and marketing technologies influence us much more than we are used to thinking. And this is often used for nefarious purposes, like the same scammers we have been talking about all day today. I would like to draw attention to this with my lecture. I hope this will help you maintain independent thinking and reduce the risks of becoming a victim of someone else’s manipulation, — Andrey Bekarev addressed his listeners.
Financial Literacy Day attracted the interest of students from various fields of study. Some of the students have been participating in the events of the Faculty of Economics for several years now, and began to get involved in the topic of finances back in school.
— Last year I attended the Financier’s Day, which was held by the Financial Club and the Faculty of Economics. I was not yet a student of the Faculty of Economics at that time and I really liked the interesting and useful lectures and, of course, the competitions. Today’s event is smaller in scale than the Financier’s Day, but the idea is about the same. I was the host of the game part in the question-and-answer format. It is interesting that people from different fields took part in them, for example, historians and journalists, — shared Mikhail Muravyov, a first-year student of the Faculty of Economics, the Jurisprudence field.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Amazing turnout at yesterday’s strike rally at IAM District 751 in Seattle! The energy was electric, and our unity was stronger than ever as we packed the hall, standing shoulder to shoulder, fighting for what we deserve. This strike is about every one of us – our future, our families, and our fight for a contract we have earned. There is no Boeing without the IAM!
“The report makes it clear that, at least to the Committee’s ‘majority’, it’s more important to push through developments fast, than to get it right for Aotearoa and future generations,” says Augusta Macassey-Pickard, spokesperson for the group (see membership list below).
“This isn’t about speed, it’s a clear demonstration that the government simply wants to avoid any environmental regulation or community oversight.The Committee has ignored the thousands of submissions against this bill, along with its minority members.”
The group noted that of all consents notified at the moment, 93% or them are successful, making a mockery of the Government’s rationale that there is a desperate need for this extreme reform. And they question the determination to remove any avenue for public input.
“Intentionally excluding community voices, including those of tangata whenua, is actively ensuring that significant knowledge and understanding will be missed. The lack of adequate scrutiny by anyone but the applicant, the Ministers and their expert panels creates a risk that even the few projects that, at face value, could be beneficial, are likely to be sub-par as they have not been properly interrogated.”
CAFT members are also deeply concerned at the apparent comfort of the (majority) Select Committee with the lack of information they were provided around the implications for Aotearoa in the international trade space.
“The casual attitude taken to our trade situation is reflective of what this bill demonstrates – this Government’s apparent disrespect for our country, for our communities.”
“Considering that, and the zombie projects, the retention of aspects like overrides for prohibited activities and Council plans, and the sheer number of proposals on the list that are not relevant to our infrastructure, but, as with seabed mining, and coal and gold mining, are harmful to our environment, it is absolutely clear; the Fast Track Bill is about what’s good for the pockets and bottom lines of a few.
It is abundantly clear this is not about what’s good for Aotearoa.This bill stinks.”
Macassey-Pickard also says the group has serious concerns and doubts over the ability of the system to cope – 149 significant proposals at a time when the EPA has, like many other Government Departments, been significantly scaled back.
“It’s a lot of work to service even one application: appointing the panel, coordinating hearings, notifications, transcripts, decisions and setting up monitoring programmes if a consent is granted. How can the EPA do anything to protect the public interest with this deluge, especially in light of its recent cuts? How can this be anything other than a rubber-stamping exercise?” asked Macassey-Pickard.
Who is CAFT Communities Against the Fasttrack
We collectively represent thousands of volunteers who are actively out in communities around the country giving their time and energy, expertise and experience to help create the kind of communities we want to live in, sustainable, inclusive and forward thinking
CAFT members:
Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki, 350 Aotearoa, Kiwis Against Seabed Mining, Coal Action Network Aotearoa, Climate Justice Taranaki, Environment and Conservation Organisations of NZ (ECO), 350 Aotearoa, Taranaki Energy Watch, Extinction Rebellion Tāmaki Makaurau, All Aboard, Save the Basin Campaign, and individual grassroots community organisers from around the motu.
The Housing Bureau today invited tenders for the third operation and management contract of Light Public Housing (LPH), involving a project at Tsing Fuk Lane in Tuen Mun.
The project will provide about 1,900 units, with intake tentatively scheduled in the fourth quarter of 2025.
As with the previous two contracts, the scope of operation and management services for this contract mainly cover occupant management, property management, daily maintenance, as well as the provision of social services, and the management and operation of ancillary facilities.
To encourage participation of different stakeholders in the community, the bureau welcomes tenders from all capable and experienced service providers, including non-government organisations and those with a valid property management company licence, or a collaboration between them.
The bureau will carry out a technical assessment based on factors including the organisations’ management capability, relevant experience and past service performance, as well as the proposed modes of operation and management, social service support to be provided, feasibility of an exit plan and use of innovation and information technology as stated in their proposals.
This is to ensure that the LPH facilities and services can meet the needs of the residents and the local community.
The tender price will then be evaluated to form a consolidated assessment to decide on the most suitable organisation for operating LPH.
The bureau pointed out that LPH could fill the short-term gap of public housing supply and improve the living conditions and quality of life of people living in inadequate housing as soon as practicable, adding that construction of a number of projects has already commenced.
Interested organisations may download the tender documents (tender reference HB2024/OPR-LPH-TFL) via the relevant tender notice on the bureau’s website from the e-Tendering System. They may also contact the bureau’s dedicated team on LPH to obtain the tender documents.
Tenders must be submitted by noon on December 6, either electronically via the e-Tendering System or by deposit in the Government Secretariat Tender Box situated at the lobby of the Public Entrance on Ground Floor, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar.
Eight CFA crews were called to a fire at a local Yarram sawmill on Yarram-Morwell Road at around 6.30pm on Monday 14 October.
On arrival crews were confronted with a difficult fire within the elevated hopper (sloped) structure, which quickly spread to adjoining bins containing several tonnes of woodchips.
Quick and effective action from the on-site staff and the CFA crews limited the spread as they undertook a controlled release of the bins supported by onsite heavy machinery, while crews protected the adjoining facilities and significant timber stock.
Incident Commander Ian Bounds said the fire was brought under control within two hours with minimal dollar loss or damage to the infrastructure and time down for the sawmill.
“Another half hour of fire development and the job would have escalated to a significant incident requiring fire crews through the night and potentially specialist aerial units to combat the fire,” said Ian.
“The fire was attended by four tankers and three operational support units from Yarram, Alberton, Jack River, Won Wron, Devon North and Port Albert.”
AKD Yarram Site Manager Glen Davis expressed his appreciation to CFA crews who battled the fire.
“AKD would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the CFA for their quick response and exceptional professionalism in swiftly bringing the situation under control,” Glen said.
“The CFA’s efforts were crucial, and we deeply appreciate the support provided to our Yarram facility.”
The regulation of housing in Australia traditionally relies on well-informed buyers being responsible for managing the risks. But our new study found home buyers are often not aware of the long-term risks.
Only after they’ve bought the home do they start thinking about these risks. When faced with unexpected high insurance costs, many opt to take the risk of being underinsured or even uninsured. This leaves them highly vulnerable.
The National Strategy for Disaster Resilience promotes a shared-responsibility concept. However, we found the main responsibility still lies with households. And they are not equipped to cope with the increasing complexity, impacts and costs of extreme weather events.
What’s wrong with the current approach?
The uncertain knowledge about future extreme weather events is challenging the traditional prioritising of individual responsibility. It’s becoming even harder for households to make informed decisions based on past experiences.
Government efforts to regulate increasing flooding events might not be effective when households do not want to relocate or cannot afford housing elsewhere.
Governments are also under pressure to jump in to compensate households for the costs of extreme weather damage.
Our research found a number of issues prevent efficient regulation:
stakeholders such as the insurance industry and home lenders face legal hurdles to sharing data and giving financial advice for housing in high-risk areas
well-intended measures such as buybacks and planned relocations can fail when they do not relate to people’s experiences and life situation, such as limited financial resources and deep connections to a place and community
households’ motivation to insure themselves might decrease if they can expect government to provide compensation as a de facto last insurer.
Who is responsible for what?
In Australia, responsibility for managing extreme weather events is roughly divided among three main stakeholders: the three levels of government, businesses and households.
Within the three levels of government, states and territories bear the main responsibility for managing extreme weather events. They do so through disaster risk management plans and policies, hazard prevention and land-use planning.
Yet housing is still built in flood-prone regions. It happens where commercial interests conflict with regional planning, and governments are under pressure to deliver housing for growing populations.
After extreme weather hits, house and contents insurance cover is key for a household to recover. But insurance costs are based on the risk of events such as flooding. As these risks rise, premiums may also increase and become unaffordable. The Climate Council estimates one out of 25 properties will even become uninsurable by 2030.
When housing is built in at-risk areas, under the current system home buyers are largely responsible for informing themselves about the risks of floods, bushfires and other natural disasters. Our research suggests many are struggling to estimate what insurance is likely to cost them.
To prepare for these costs before they invest in a home, they must assess their own risk, know the value of their house and contents and calculate the costs of rebuilding after a disaster. They must also take into account increasing costs for builders and materials after an extreme weather event.
Climate change is making these already complex calculations even more difficult.
Our study is based on interviews with 26 insurance, legal, financial, policy and urban planning experts. Despite the National Strategy for Disaster Resilience’s concept of shared responsibility, we found most of the burden still falls on households.
Yet households often lack the knowledge to assess the risks. The data and information are either unavailable, or hard to access and understand.
These difficulties, coupled with the complex language of insurance contracts, contribute to high numbers of underinsured and uninsured households.
The Australian government responded in 2022 by setting up a cyclone reinsurance pool. Its aim is to keep premiums for households and businesses affordable.
There are also government buyback programs or relocationplans to move people out of high-risk regions. As noted above, though, these don’t always suit households when offered away from their communities or full costs aren’t adequately covered.
Governments must take on more responsibility
According to the experts we interviewed, households are no longer able to carry the main responsibilities for managing the risks of climate change. Government must take on more responsibility.
At the local level, councils need to better educate their staff on climate change risks. They should ban housing development in at-risk areas.
Better information and data sharing among stakeholders such as insurers and governments will also be crucial. Such data and information also need to be made more accessible and easier for households to understand.
In a climate change world, increasing extreme weather events result in new complexities. Households are not able to assess these new risks and complexities to make well-informed decisions.
Australia needs stronger sharing of responsibilities between different stakeholders such as insurers, governments and households. This includes changes to laws on information and data sharing between insurers, governments and households, bans on building in high-risk areas, and better advice about the costs of buying in high-risk regions.
Jens Zinn received funding from the Hanse Wissenschaftskolleg/Institute for Advanced Study, Delmenhorst/Germany (10/2023-05/2024).
Julia Plass has received funding for the data collection in the study mentioned in the article from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
SUBJECTS: Northcott Dapto Disability Hub; NDIS reform; Housing; Interest rates; University of Canberra
BILL SHORTEN, MINISTER FOR THE NDIS AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES: It’s great to be at Northcott today in Wollongong. The opening of the new multi-use hub is fantastic news for thousands of people with disability. In particular, the hundreds of clients that Northcott looks after every day.
JOURNALIST: You mentioned in your speech downstairs that it’s a village of hope, and if you can expand on that, and that sort of means?
SHORTEN: Buildings reflect a society’s values. If we build a brand new shopping centre, it reflects the value that Australians value shopping. But when a community or a group like Northcott build a marvellous, purpose-built building so that people with disabilities can have more fulfilling lives, I think it reflects very positive values. So this is not just a set of walls and windows, some fabulous rooms and a roof. This is a village of hope where people with disability cannot be invisible, where they can help – have dreams, have hopes, make plans and have social interaction. So the values of this building are based on the finest moral foundations of a fair go for people with disability.
JOURNALIST: Reflecting I guess on your time as the Minister in charge of the NDIS, you’re obviously outgoing at the moment, there were recommendations about how to improve the service that were handed down last year. As you leave your position, what do you think? Do you think those – , yeah, what state do you think you leave the service in?
SHORTEN: You’re right. I’m very outgoing. I love the NDIS, I bleed it, I was fortunate enough to be able to help create it more than 15 years ago. Coming back into Government, I realised that whilst it was changing lives for the better, hundreds of thousands of lives, it was off track. Money was getting spent on the wrong things. There were a minority of service providers who were seeking to enrich themselves rather than look after the people they meant to. Australians are very generous. They, I think, don’t mind spending some taxes on Medicare and on looking after people with profound and severe disability. Participants deserve fulfilling lives. So therefore, what we’ve spent the last nearly three years is get it back on track. Now I want to take it above politics. I want to make it politician proof. Now we’ve got the legal authority to outline what you can spend your money on and what you can’t. Who you can spend your money with, with registered providers. We can now make sure that we’ve got a process for clear eligibility, which we’re working on. And I think also most importantly – so who can be in it, what we can spend the money on and who with. We’re clearing that up. We’re clamping down on the fraud and the cheats and the crooks. They’re not welcome anymore. But also what we’re doing is writing a new chapter of inclusion by building supports outside the NDIS. For people who don’t need the full orchestra of the NDIS, but have special needs, and so that the NDIS is not the only lifeboat in the ocean of services for people with disability.
JOURNALIST: Just on the changes that have been made, I spoke to a provider earlier this morning saying – who’s here in the Illawarra – saying that a lot of clients are I don’t feel like they have enough information about what can and can’t access now, and that’s actually worsening their mental health as well. Are there plans to kind of improve communications in that sense?
SHORTEN: Good providers should be telling their people what’s going on. I mean, a provider can simply access a website. It’s all there. I get any changes can bring anxiety. If you’re a person with a disability or a family who has fought hard to get a personal budget, when you hear the words change, that’s not what you hear, you hear, am I going to lose something? I don’t want to go backwards. All we’re doing is providing clarity. It’s very easy to access on the NDIA or the National Disability Insurance website. Our providers, they’re meant to be professional. They’re paid to provide services. So I can understand participants taking longer to work out what’s in and what’s out. But a provider should be acquainting themselves with the road rules. You’re not allowed to drive a truck without knowing basic road rules, and providers should do the same.
JOURNALIST: You talk about eligibility requirements. We have a local in Kiama who’s the name of Bobby English, who’s been campaigning for years to have her partner, who’s over 65 and developed a disability, have him be included in the Scheme. I guess as you’re leaving the position, do you regret not having this issue resolved? And will this be a priority for your successor, I guess?
SHORTEN: For the person who needs the support, I hope they’re getting support. But for the proposition that the NDIS, to the NDIS should look after people of all ages of disabilities, that would sink the Scheme. The Parliament made it very clear in 2013, when it was legislated, that the NDIS is for people up to 65 and aged care would look after people over 65. When I started campaigning for the NDIS, aged care was in much better shape than disability. What’s happened in the intervening 15 years, 16 years since I first raised it, is aged care had fallen backwards and for all of the problems with the NDIS, it was more generous. I think the answer to the issue of older Australians who acquire a disability after 65 is better support in the aged care system, which is what it’s designed for. And the Labor Government has been making pretty significant reforms in aged care to improve the support which would be available.
JOURNALIST: This is your, most likely your last visit to the Illawarra region is it?
SHORTEN: I don’t know, nice to say, but you know you have –
JOURNALIST: Well I was going to ask –
SHORTEN: I’m going to do more farewell trips than Johnny Farnham, but I’ll be coming back, to the South Coast anyway. I’m actually moving from Melbourne to Canberra, so actually I’ll be closer to the Illawarra than I’ve ever been.
JOURNALIST: Yes, but last in a ministerial – as an announcement, with an announcement sort of thing?
SHORTEN: Yeah.
JOURNALIST: in terms of this region in particular, obviously you’re a Federal Minister, but in this area, what do you hope the legacy of your role will be?
SHORTEN: I’ve been very fortunate to visit the Illawarra in different roles over my working life as a steel union rep with the Australian Workers Union. I’ve been at the north gate BHP. I’ve seen when things have gone bad. So I know this is a an industrial town. People work hard for their money here. Then I had the chance to work in disability here, and I realised it had a very strong culture of support for people with disability in the area, which I think reflects well on the values of the community here. I got to campaign here as Leader of the Opposition for six years. So I’ve seen how this area is reinventing itself and diversifying. And indeed, you know, to the south of the Illawarra has become a very crowded part of Australia. So I’ve seen this community reinvent itself. It works hard and it cares for the people within it. But what I’m pleased is that there’s 5,600 people in the Wollongong region receiving personal budgets of support because of a severe and profound disability, which but for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, they’d be stranded. Families will have kids on non-standard developmental journeys, little precious babies who are two and three. But for the NDIS, they wouldn’t get the sort of support they’re getting now. There’s ageing carers in their 80s who will be drying the dishes at 10:00pm tonight overlooking the, you know, the back window from the kitchen sink. They’ll have that anxiety, who’s gonna look after their adult child when they no longer can? We’re not fully there at fulfilling that promise. But for people in this region, we’re a lot closer to fulfilling a promise that even when you can’t look after the person you love because they have a profound and severe disability, there’ll be someone there.
JOURNALIST: Bill. Negative gearing is back in the spotlight today, with analysis showing more than 750,000 renters could become homeowners under your policy that you introduced in 2019. Is it time for the Federal Government to consider changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions?
SHORTEN: Well, unfortunately, Mr. Morrison won the election, so I didn’t quite introduce my policies but thank you for the compliment. Listen, the Government said that we’re going to focus on supply, that negative gearing is not on the agenda. I think that’s fine. We did take a series of policies to 2019. They were narrowly rejected. I think the Government’s got it right where we’re going to focus on supply. I’d encourage the Liberals and the Greens political party to get out of the way. They’re not – we want to build more houses. They’re delaying that. I mean, I have to say of Mr Dutton’s Opposition. They won’t lead, they won’t follow, and they won’t get out of the way. That’s a problem for renters.
JOURNALIST: Should the Prime Minister have bought an expensive home so close to the election in the middle of a housing crisis?
SHORTEN: Oh, it’s so up to him. It’s his business. Good luck to him and Jodie. Again, what I see is people are focusing on one house. I wish the Opposition and the Greens would focus as hard on the tens of thousands of houses that we want to support, and they are just on the Prime Minister’s house.
JOURNALIST: You did used to call Turnbull, at the time, Mr. Harbourside mansion back in the day, saying he was out of touch. Should Albanese have waited until after the election to buy his own?
SHORTEN: I think the difference between Malcolm Turnbull and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is chalk and cheese. Mr. Albanese has worked very hard. He comes from or he came from a tough background. I just wish the very best for him and Jodie in their future. But the other thing is I’ve got no doubt that Prime Minister Albanese will lead us to the next election and successfully.
JOURNALIST: But just in terms of cost of living, do you think the Reserve Bank should hold off on cutting interest rates?
SHORTEN: That’s a decision for the Reserve Bank. But I do know that 3 million mortgagees are doing it tough. I do know that the economy in large part is doing it tough. You know, it’s great that Labor’s been able to create a million jobs, and that shows you the focus of the Government. But people are doing it hard. It’ll be up to the Reserve Bank when they cut rates, but that can’t come too soon as far as I’m concerned.
JOURNALIST: Can I ask one more just for our Canberra colleagues? Your new position that you’ll be taking up, will you be launching a review into the governance of UC?
SHORTEN: Uh, I’ll wait until I get there. What I said about my new job is that until I finish my current job, I won’t be talking about my new job. But the day I start there, then I’m open for – the shop is open for interviews. Thanks.
On a review of the current and evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided to conduct a second Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction on October 18, 2024, Friday, as under:
Do you wash your hands every time you use the toilet? How about before you handle food? Be honest.
Australia’s Food Safety Information Council has released its latest report card on the country’s hand washing habits. It found 19% of Australians don’t wash their hands every time they use the toilet. Close to half (42%) admit they don’t always wash hands before handling food.
So who’s doing well when it comes to hand hygiene, who’s not – and why does it matter?
What did the report find?
The new report surveyed hand washing practices of 1,229 people. Results were consistent with what we’ve learned from similar surveys.
Once again, women do better than men at washing their hands after using the toilet, although only slightly (80% of men say they do every time, versus 83% of women). Just 55% of men wash their hands before touching food, compared to 62% of women.
Age also seemed to make a difference. Under 34 years old, 69% of people washed their hands every time they used the toilet. Over age 65, that jumped to 86%.
Although some of these differences aren’t completely unexpected – such as the gap between men’s and women’s hand washing habits – the reasons remain unclear.
People over 65 were much more likely than younger people to wash their hands after using the toilet. Mélissa Jeanty/Unsplash
Why don’t people wash their hands?
Public health messaging often focuses on how to wash hands well. But there’s less research that follows up on how widely people actually adopt these practices. And to understand why – if they are skipping the soap and water – those messages might not be getting through effectively.
One study that looked at this question in India asked school children about barriers to hand washing. The vast majority (91%) had low “illness threat perception”. In other words, they simply didn’t perceive a risk of getting sick form not washing their hands after going to the toilet.
Interestingly, the inability to see germs with their own eyes was one of the biggest barriers, cited by 46% of the children. But 72% said they would wash their hands if their friends did.
It’s tempting to speculate these reasons may also apply to other age groups, but we simply haven’t done enough research to know. People’s reasons for hand washing, or not, likely vary across their lifetime and with their circumstances.
What are the risks?
Urine and faeces contain millions of germs, especially faeces, which has more than 100 billion germs per gram.
When you use the toilet and touch surfaces in the bathroom, you will pick up germs. People who skip the hand washing step on the way out take those germs with them when they leave, depositing them on each surface they touch afterwards.
You may not get sick yourself, but you’re increasing the spread of bacteria. This can increase the risk of infection and illness for other people, including those with compromised immune systems such as older people and those undergoing common forms of treatment for cancer.
Hand washing before cooking and eating is also important. The risk here goes both ways. If you have disease-causing germs on your hands (maybe because you didn’t wash them after the toilet) you may transfer them to the food where they can multiply and even produce toxins. People who eat the food may then get sick, often involving vomiting and diarrhoea.
Washing hands before eating and preparing food can stop germs spreading from the food to hands, and vice versa. CDC/Unsplash
In the other direction, some foods naturally carry germs before cooking – such as salmonella and campylobacter bacteria in raw poultry. If you don’t wash your hands after handling these foods you may transfer them to other surfaces and risk spreading infection.
How should I wash my hands?
Follow these three simple tips for hand washing correctly:
wet your hands and rub them together well to build up a good lather with soap for at least 20 seconds and don’t forget to wash between your fingers and under your nails. You might have to use a nail brush
rinse well under running water to remove the bugs from your hands
dry your hands thoroughly on a clean towel for at least 20 seconds. Touching surfaces with moist hands encourages bugs to spread from the surface to your hands.
What about hand sanitiser?
If no running water is available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. These rapidly inactivate a wide range of germs, rendering them non-infectious. Hand sanitisers are effective against a wide range of bacteria and viruses that can cause many common gastrointesintal and respiratory infections.
However if your hands are soiled with organic matter – such as blood, faeces, meat, sand or soil – they won’t be effective. In that case you should clean your hands with soap and water.
The bottom line
Hand washing is a bit like wearing a seat belt — you do that every time you get in a car, not just on the days you “plan” to be involved in an accident. The bottom line is hand washing is a simple, quick intervention that benefits you and those around you — but only if you do it.
Christine Carson 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.
MIL OSI Translation. Timor-Leste Portuguese to English –
Presidency of the Council of Ministers
Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste
……………………………………………. ……………………………………………. …………………….
Press release
Council of Ministers meeting on 18 October 2024
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs and Minister for Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino, and by the Executive Director of the Mission Unit to Combat ‘Stunting’, Joel Maria Pereira, for the first amendment to Decree-Law No. 91/2022, of December 22, relating to the Mission Unit to Combat ‘Stunting’.
Decree-Law No. 91/2022 created the Mission Unit to Combat Stunting with the mission of preparing and implementing the National Plan to Combat Stunting and promoting the coordination of government bodies in combating child malnutrition. However, although the National Plan to Combat Stunting has been completed, the planned measures have not yet been fully implemented.
To ensure the continuity of this work, the Government intends to extend the mandate of the Mission Unit until December 31, 2030, allowing the full implementation of the plan and the fight against the high rate of stunting in Timor-Leste. This amendment also aims to adjust the new ministerial framework resulting from the organic structure of the IX Constitutional Government, whereby the Mission Unit for Combating Stunting will be under the supervision of the Vice-Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs. This draft Decree-Law also aims to ensure effective and efficient coordination between the various government departments and public administration bodies in the execution of the responsibilities related to nutritional security assigned in the Plan.
At the previous meeting of the Council of Ministers, the National Multisectoral Annual Plan to Combat Stunting was also approved for the period 2024 to 2030, with the aim of reducing the rate of stunting and improving nutritional health in Timor-Leste.
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The Council of Ministers endorsed the agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on measures to enhance resilience and livelihoods in the rural sector, presented by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino. This agreement aims to increase the resilience of approximately 46,000 people in rural areas of the Manatuto Municipality.
The main aim of this project is to improve access to water, promote the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and strengthen the institutional and organizational capacities of rural communities. The initiative, aligned with the priorities of the IX Constitutional Government, includes investments in water infrastructure, the formation of agricultural groups and the development of more diversified and climate-resilient livelihoods. It is also expected that this rural development model to be implemented in Manatuto will be replicated in other municipalities, thus promoting the sustainable development of Timor-Leste.
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Finally, the Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law establishing the Community Revitalization Program, also presented by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino.
The program aims to promote the economic and social development of rural communities by supporting productive activities in the agriculture, fisheries, livestock, forestry and horticulture sectors, as well as infrastructure and equipment of collective interest. Aligned with the principles of sustainability, social inclusion and community participation, the program provides for the granting of subsidies for community projects, to strengthen local capacities and promote the resilience of communities throughout the country. END
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FS to visit Peru and US FS to visit Peru and US ***********************
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will depart for Peru this evening (October 18) to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting and other related events to be held in Lima, after which he will visit New York, the United States, from October 22 to 24. In addition to attending the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting during his visit to Lima, Peru, Mr Chan will have bilateral meetings with officials of other economies to exchange views on issues of mutual concern. He will also attend a luncheon hosted by the APEC Business Advisory Council and meet with members of business communities from various regions. With a theme of “Sustainable + Digital + Resilient = APEC”, this year’s Finance Ministers’ Meeting will explore topics including global economic and financial outlook, fostering green and sustainable development, providing financial support to tackle climate change, as well as digitalisation of finance and financial inclusion. During his visit to New York, Mr Chan will attend the Global Regulatory Forum organised by Bloomberg and deliver a keynote speech. He will also join a number of breakfast meetings and luncheons to meet and exchange views with members of the political, business and financial communities in the United States, and promote Hong Kong’s advantages and opportunities. Mr Chan will also visit local enterprises. Mr Chan will leave New York on October 24 local time and arrive in Hong Kong in the early evening of October 25. During his absence, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, will be the Acting Financial Secretary.
National’s fast track bill enables the most radical and unbalanced consenting regime in living memory.
As the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Rt Hon Simon Upton said in his submission to select committee ‘the Bill lacks many of the environmental safeguards its predecessor legislation contained. Even the much-maligned National Development Act 1979 had more checks and balances.’
“Despite masquerading under the same name as Labour’s fast-track consenting legislation, it is fundamentally different. Its objective is to override environmental protections,” Labour’s acting environment spokesperson David Parker said.
“Labour’s fast-track process worked. Under it almost 100 projects were approved without undue delay or excessive cost. Many significant housing subdivisions, wind farms, solar farms, retirement villages and infrastructure projects were approved. This process worked and did not override the Resource Management, Conservation, Wildlife and Heritage Protection Acts.
“In contrast this bill excludes any reference to the environment or sustainable management in its purpose, and now enables environmental protections in the Resource Management, Conservation, Wildlife and Heritage Protection Acts to be overridden.
“The Bill is obviously not aimed at approving the sorts of projects that were already being approved. It is aimed at pushing through environmentally contentious projects, some of which have been previously declined or are midway through other processes.
“Examples include mining 50 million tonnes of iron sands off Taranaki for export (not New Zealand processing), coal mines, and a contentious proposal to burn large quantities of plastic.
“Climate polluting emissions will increase.
“The list of projects to be considered – which was released after submissions closed – includes many projects where locals adversely affected should have the opportunity to make submissions. They won’t be able to.
“It was reported this morning that even a National Party MP disagrees with a project on that list and would lie on train tracks to stop it, making a complete mockery of their consultation process.
“The Parliamentary Commissioner’s serious concerns have been ignored. So have the submitters who overwhelmingly opposed this overreach.
“There are many other problems with this legislation described in Labour’s part of the Committee report back, which has been tabled in the House this afternoon.
“The tens of thousands of New Zealanders who marched in the streets to protest against this radical override of New Zealand’s environmental laws have been ignored. The legislation is more extreme than it was when it went to the select committee,” David Parker said.
To be attributed to Detective Senior Sergeant Kristine Clarke:
Police have arrested a second man in relation to the death of a man found critically injured on Hampton Downs Road, Whangamarino earlier this week.
A 42-year-old man was arrested in Auckland today and is due to appear in Counties Manukau District Court tomorrow charged with murder.
Police continue to make enquiries and cannot rule out further arrests and charges.
Police would still like to hear from anyone who was travelling on Hampton Downs Road between 10pm on Sunday 13 October and 1am on 14 October, particularly if you have dashcam footage.
If you can help, please update us online now or call 105.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Mr Michael Tatham CMG has been appointed His Majesty’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Cyprus in succession to Mr Irfan Siddiq OBE
Mr Michael Tatham CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Cyprus in succession to Mr Irfan Siddiq OBE who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Tatham will take up his appointment during November 2024.
Curriculum vitae
Full name: Michael Harry Tatham
2023 to 2024
FCDO, Delivery Director European Political Community Summit
2018 to 2022
Washington DC, Deputy Head of Mission (Chargé d’Affaires, 2019-20)
2015 to 2017
FCO, Director Eastern Europe and Central Asia
2011 to 2015
UK Mission to the United Nations, New York, Political Counsellor
2008 to 2011
Sarajevo, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2006 to 2008
FCO, Head of Western Balkans Department
2002 to 2005
Prague, Deputy Head of Mission
1999 to 2002
10 Downing Street, Private Secretary (Foreign Affairs) to the Prime Minister
1997 to 1999
Sofia, Deputy Head of Mission
1995 to 1996
FCO, Private Secretary to Minister for Europe
1995
FCO, Head of East Mediterranean Section, Southern European Department
1993 to 1995
FCO, European Union Department (Internal)
1989 to 1993
Prague, Third later Second Secretary (Political/Press)
1987 to 1988
FCO, Namibia Desk Officer, Southern African Department
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has emphasized that science and technology should be at the forefront in advancing Chinese modernization. Xi made the remarks during his visit to the Hefei Binhu Science City in east China’s Anhui Province on Thursday afternoon.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed the importance of building a national platform for recycling and reusing resources in a recent instruction on the establishment of a company specialized in resources recycling. Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.ChinaNews App Download
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has stressed the importance of carrying forward traditional Chinese virtues to foster a more harmonious society. Xi made the remarks during his visit to the Liuchi Alley, a historical cultural site in Tongcheng City, east China’s Anhui Province, on Thursday afternoon.