NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI China: New toad species discovered in south China’s Guangdong

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Chinese researchers have discovered a new horned toad species, which has been named Boulenophrys pepe, in Lianshan Bijiashan Nature Reserve in south China’s Guangdong Province.
    The research findings, led by Guangdong Polytechnic of Environmental Protection Engineering and other institutions, were published in a recent edition of the international academic journal Zootaxa.
    The new species was discovered in evergreen broadleaf forests at altitudes of 490 to 540 meters, where mountain streams and a layer of leaf litter create diverse microhabitat systems.
    The toad, notable for its swollen lips, differs significantly from closely related species in the same area, according to Lin Shishi, a member of the research team.
    Lin noted that Boulenophrys pepe is highly sensitive to changes in the forest ecosystem. The discovery of this new toad species enhances the understanding of biodiversity and shows that China’s conservation efforts to protect mountain forest ecosystems have been very effective, Lin said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: GDP decreases 0.2 percent in the June 2024 quarter – Stats NZ media and information release: Gross domestic product: June 2024 quarter

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    GDP decreases 0.2 percent in the June 2024 quarter – 19 September 2024 – New Zealand’s gross domestic product (GDP) fell 0.2 percent in the June 2024 quarter, following a 0.1 percent increase in the March 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    Retail trade and accommodation; agriculture, forestry, and fishing; and wholesale trade industries all fell.

    “Activity in retail trade and wholesale trade has been in steady decline since 2022,” national accounts industry and production senior manager Ruvani Ratnayake said.

    Forestry and logging drove the fall in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry. This is mirrored by a fall in exports of forestry primary products.

    Despite the overall fall in GDP, 7 out of the 16 industries increased. The largest rise was in manufacturing.

    Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Stats NZ information release: Electronic card transactions: August 2024

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Electronic card transactions: August 2024 – 12 September 2024 – The electronic card transactions (ECT) series cover debit, credit, and charge card transactions with New Zealand-based merchants. The series can be used to indicate changes in consumer spending and economic activity.

    Key facts
    All figures are seasonally adjusted unless otherwise specified.

    Values are at the national level and are not adjusted for price changes.

    August 2024 month
    Changes in the value of electronic card transactions for the August 2024 month (compared with July 2024) were:

    • spending in the retail industries increased 0.2 percent ($10 million)
    • spending in the core retail industries increased 0.4 percent ($25 million).

    Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this information release and to download CSV files:

     

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Stats NZ information release: International travel: July 2024

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    International travel: July 2024 – 11 September 2024 – International travel covers the number and characteristics of overseas visitors and New Zealand resident travellers (short-term movements) entering or leaving New Zealand.

    Key facts
    Monthly arrivals – overseas visitors
    Overseas visitor arrivals were 221,800 in the July 2024 month, an increase of 8,000 from the July 2023 month. The biggest changes were in arrivals from:

    • Australia (up 11,400)
    • China (up 10,000)
    • United States (down 13,100).

    July 2023 saw a boost in overseas visitor arrivals from the United States, coinciding with the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 hosted by New Zealand and Australia.

    Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this information release:

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Food prices increase 0.4 percent annually – Stats NZ media and information release: Selected price indexes: August 2024

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Food prices increase 0.4 percent annually – 12 September 2024 – Food prices in New Zealand increased 0.4 percent in the 12 months to August 2024, following a 0.6 percent increase in the 12 months to July 2024, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    Higher prices for restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food and grocery food drove the annual increase in food prices, up 3.6 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively.

    The price increase in restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food was due to higher prices for lunch/brunch, hamburgers, and takeaway coffees.

    The price increase in grocery food was due to higher prices for olive oil, chocolate blocks, and butter.

    Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: New Zealand net migration rate down from peak – Stats NZ media and information release: International migration: July 2024

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    New Zealand net migration rate down from peak – 11 September 2024 – International migration in the July 2024 year increased New Zealand’s population by 13 more people for every 1,000 already living here, according to provisional estimates from Stats NZ.

    The net migration rate of 13 per 1,000 in the July 2024 year was down from a rate of 26 per 1,000 in the October 2023 year.

    “New Zealand’s net migration rate is down on last year, but is still relatively high by historical standards,” population indicators manager Tehseen Islam said.

    High net migration rates in 2023 and 2024 mainly reflect the large number of migrant arrivals to New Zealand following the relaxation of COVID-19-related travel and border restrictions, both in New Zealand and overseas, from 2022.

    Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Down and under pressure: US and UK artists are taking over Australian charts, leaving local talent behind

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Kelly, PhD Candidate, University of Technology Sydney

    Shutterstock

    Missy Higgins’ recent ARIA number-one album, The Second Act, represents an increasingly rare sighting: an Australian artist at the top of an Australian chart.

    My recently published analysis of Australia’s best-selling singles and albums from 2000 to 2023 shows a significant decline in the representation of artists from Australia and non-English-speaking countries.

    The findings suggest music streaming in Australia – together with algorithmic recommendation – is creating a monoculture dominated by artists from the United States and United Kingdom. This could spell bad news for our music industry if things don’t change.

    Who dominates Australian charts?

    In 2023, Australia’s recorded music industry was worth about A$676 million, up 10.9% year on year.

    Building a strong local music industry is important, not only to support diverse cultural expression, but also to create jobs and boost Australia’s reputation on a global stage.

    When Australian artists succeed, this attracts global investment, which in turn stimulates all aspects of the local music industry. Conversely, a weak music economy can lead to global disinvestment, thereby disadvantaging local companies, artists and consumers.

    My research shows how the rise of music streaming – which became the dominant format for Australian recorded music sales in 2017 – has had a noticeable impact on the diversity of artists represented in the ARIA top 100 single and album charts.

    In the year 2000, the top 100 singles chart featured hits from 14 different countries. By contrast, only seven countries were represented in 2023.

    The percentage of Australian and New Zealand artists in the top 100 single charts declined from an average of 16% in 2000–16 to around 10% in 2017–23, and just 2.5% in 2023.

    Album share also declined from an average of 29% in 2000–16 to 18% in 2017–23, and 4% in 2023.

    This chart shows changes in diveristy in the ARIA top 100 albums chart over 22 years.
    Author provided

    Similarly, the proportion of artists from outside the Anglo bloc of North America, the UK and Australia/New Zealand declined from an average of 11.1% in 2000–16 to 7.3% in 2017–23 – while album share declined from 5% in 2000–16 to 2.3% in 2017–23.

    My study also found representation of Indigenous artists remained low, but stable, over the period studied – and in line with population ratios.

    Concetration of power

    The findings suggest the decline in Australian and non-Anglo representation in the ARIA top 100 charts is linked.

    Some economists and academics have argued easier access to independent music and global distribution via streaming will lead to greater diversity in music. But this hasn’t been the case in Australia, at least as far as chart-topping artists are concerned.

    The global recorded music industry has consolidated in recent years. In the early 2000s there were five major music labels. Currently there are just three: Universal, Sony and Warner.

    Last year, these three labels were responsible for more than 95% of the Australian top 100 single and album charts. Meanwhile, Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube make up an estimated 97% of the Australian streaming market.

    These concentrations of power allow a handful of record labels and distributors to have a disproportionate influence over music design, production, distribution and governance – thereby limiting opportunities for diversity.

    The need for new policy

    My findings align with European research that found markets with a strong cultural differentiator of language are showing increased national diversity with streaming.

    However, countries without a distinctive language are being increasingly dominated by global music production. In Australia’s case, we’re becoming reliant on the star-making machinery of the US.

    Recently, Australia’s live music crisis came under scrutiny at a federal government inquiry, which highlighted the significant power imbalance between artists and multinational promoters.

    As I and many others have suggested, targeted cultural policies are necessary to combat our highly concentrated and US-dependent market.

    Relying on labels and streaming platforms will do little to preserve and promote our nation’s unique musical and cultural identity.

    Previous employment at Sony Music, Universal Music, Inertia Music. ARIA Chart Committee member 2005-2017. Employment at these labels ceased by 2017. No continued professional relationship with any of the companies.

    – ref. Down and under pressure: US and UK artists are taking over Australian charts, leaving local talent behind – https://theconversation.com/down-and-under-pressure-us-and-uk-artists-are-taking-over-australian-charts-leaving-local-talent-behind-239822

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Stats NZ information release: Local authority statistics: June 2024 quarter

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Local authority statistics: June 2024 quarter – 10 September 2024 – Local authority statistics provides information on the performance of core non-trading activities of New Zealand’s territorial and regional councils.

    Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this information release and to download CSV files:

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ADHD prescribing has changed over the years – a new guide aims to bring doctors up to speed

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brenton Prosser, Professor of Public Policy and Leadership, UNSW Sydney

    Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels

    Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most diagnosed childhood neurological disorder in Australia.

    Over the years, it has been the subject of controversy about potential misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis. There has also been variation in levels of diagnosis and drug prescription, depending on where you live and your socioeconomic status.

    To address these concerns and improve consistency in ADHD diagnosis and prescribing, the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association has released a new prescribing guide. This will help the health-care workforce to consistently get the right treatment to the right people, with the right mix of medical and non-medical supports.

    Here’s how ADHD prescribing has changed over time and what the new guidelines mean.

    What is ADHD and how is it treated?

    Up to one in ten young Australians experience ADHD. It is diagnosed due to inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that has negative effects at home, school or work.

    Psychostimulant medication is a central pillar of ADHD treatment.

    However, the internationally recognised approach is to combine medicines with non-medical interventions in a multimodal approach. These non-medical interventions include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), occupational therapy, educational strategies and other supports.

    Medication use has changed over time

    In Australia, Ritalin (methylphenidate) was originally the most prescribed ADHD medication. This changed in the 1990s after the introduction of dexamphetamine, along with the subsequent availability of Vyvance (lisdexamfetamine).

    Perhaps the most significant change has come with “slow release” versions of the above medications that can last more than eight hours (longer than a school day).

    When following clinical guidelines, prescribing medication for ADHD is safe practice. Yet the use of amphetamines to treat young people with ADHD has caused public concern. This highlights the importance of consistent guidelines for prescribing professionals.

    Medication for ADHD can be combined with other non-drug approaches.
    Caleb Woods/Unsplash

    Growth in diagnosis and prescribing

    Starting from low levels, there was a dramatic rise in diagnosis and drug treatment in the 1990s. Much of this was overseen by a small number of psychiatrists and paediatricians in each state or territory. While this promised the potential of consistency in the early days, it also raised concerns about best practice.

    This led to the development of the first ADHD clinical guidelines by the National Medical Health and Research Council in 1997.

    It was followed by several refinements as prescription expanded due to changing diagnostic criteria (expanding to include a dual diagnosis with autism) and the need for best practice with the growing prescription by GPs. These guidelines enhanced the consistency of approaches nationally and reduced the likelihood of misdiagnosis or overdiagnosis.

    However, a recent Senate inquiry found diagnosis and drug treatment continued to grow substantially in the five years to 2022. It emphasised the need for a more consistent approach to diagnosis and prescribing.

    First the ingredients, then the recipe

    The most recent clinical guidelines, released by the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association in 2022, outlined a roadmap for ADHD clinical practice, research and policy. They did so by drawing on the lived experience of those with ADHD. They also emphasised broader health questions, such as how to respond to ADHD as a holistic condition.

    It remains difficult to predict individual responses to different medication. So the new prescribing guide offers practical advice about safe and responsible prescribing. This aims to reduce the potential for incorrect prescribing, dosing and adjusting of ADHD medication, across different age groups, settings and individuals.

    To put this visually, the clinical guidelines describe what the ingredients of the cake should be, while the prescribing guidelines provide step-by-step recipes.

    So what do they recommend?

    An important principle in both these documents is that medication should not be the first and only treatment. Not every drug works the same way for every child. In some cases they do not work at all.

    The possible side effects of medication vary and include poor appetite, sleep problems, headaches, stomach aches, moodiness and irritability. These guidelines assist in adapting medication to reduce these side effects.

    Medication provides an important window of opportunity for many young people to gain maximum value from psychosocial and psychoeducational supports. These supports can, among others, include:

    Support for ADHD can also include parent training. This is not to suggest parents cause ADHD. Rather, they can support more effective treatment, especially since the rigours of ADHD can be a challenge to even the “perfect” parent.

    Getting the right diagnosis

    There have been reports of people seeking to use TikTok to self-diagnose, as well as a rise in people using ADHD stimulants without a prescription.

    However, the message from these new guidelines is that ADHD diagnosis is a complex process that takes a specialist at least three hours. Online sources might be useful to prompt people to seek help, but diagnosis should come from a qualified health-care professional.

    Finally, while we have moved beyond unhelpful past debate about whether ADHD is real to consolidate best diagnostic and prescribing practice, there is some way to go in reducing stigma and changing negative community attitudes to ADHD.

    Hopefully in future we’ll be better able to cherish diversity and difference, and not just see it as a deficit.

    Brenton Prosser is a Board Member of the Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia and affiliated with the School of Population Health at UNSW.

    – ref. ADHD prescribing has changed over the years – a new guide aims to bring doctors up to speed – https://theconversation.com/adhd-prescribing-has-changed-over-the-years-a-new-guide-aims-to-bring-doctors-up-to-speed-240313

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Curious Kids: What does the edge of the universe look like?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sara Webb, Lecturer, Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology

    Greg Rakozy/Shutterstock

    What does the edge of the universe look like?

    Lily, age 7, Harcourt

    What a great question! In fact, this is one of those questions humans will continue to ask until the end of time. That’s because we don’t actually know for sure.

    But we can try and imagine what the edge of the universe might be, if there is one.

    Looking back in time

    Before we begin, we do need to go back in time. Our night sky has looked the same for all of human history. It’s been so reliable, humans from all around the world came up with patterns they saw in the stars as a way to navigate and explore.

    To our eyes, the sky looks endless. With the invention of telescopes about 400 years ago, humans were able to see farther – more than just our eyes ever could. They continued to discover new things in the sky. They found more stars, and then eventually started to notice that there were a lot of strange-looking cosmic clouds.

    Astronomers gave them the name “nebula” from the Latin word for “mist” or “cloud”.

    It was less than 100 years ago that we first confirmed these cosmic clouds or nebulas were actually galaxies. They are just like Milky Way, the galaxy our own planet is in, but very far away.

    What is amazing is that in every direction we look in the universe, we see more and more galaxies. In this James Webb Space Telescope image, which is looking at a part of the sky no bigger than a grain of sand, you can see thousands of galaxies.

    It’s hard to imagine there is an edge where all of this stops.

    The edge of the universe

    However, there is technically an edge to our universe. We call it our “observable” universe.

    This is because we don’t actually know if our universe is infinite – meaning it continues forever and ever.

    Unfortunately, we might never know because of one pesky thing: the speed of light.

    We can only ever see light that’s had enough time to travel to us. Light travels at exactly 299,792,458 metres per second. Even at those speeds, it still takes a long time to cross our universe. Scientists estimate the size of the universe is at least 96 billion light years across, and likely even bigger.

    You can learn a little more about that and our universe as a whole in this video below.

    What would we see if there was an edge?

    If we were to travel to the very, very edge of the universe we think exists, what would there actually be?

    Many other scientists and I theorise that there would just be … more universe!

    As I said, there is a theory that our universe doesn’t actually have an edge, and might continue on indefinitely.

    But there are other theories, too. If our universe does have an edge, and you cross it, you might just end up in a completely different universe altogether. (That is best saved for science fiction for now.)

    Even though there isn’t a straightforward answer to your question, it is precisely questions like these that help us continue to explore and discover the universe, and allow us to understand our place within it. You’re thinking like a true scientist.

    Sara Webb 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.

    – ref. Curious Kids: What does the edge of the universe look like? – https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-what-does-the-edge-of-the-universe-look-like-233111

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrests – Ram raid – Moil

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police have arrested multiple youths in relation to a ram raid in Moil early this morning.

    Around 2:30am, police received reports that a business in Moil Place had been ram raided with a stolen Mitsubishi Pajero. The alleged offenders then stole a quantity of alcohol and fled the scene in the vehicle.

    A crime scene was established and investigations commenced.

    Detectives from Strike Force Trident have now arrested 4 males, aged between 13 and 15. All remain in custody and are expected to be charged later today.

    Police urge anyone with information about the incident to contact 131 444 and quote occurrence number P24273707.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NSW will remove 65,000 years of Aboriginal history from its syllabus. It’s a step backwards for education

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Westaway, Australian Research Council Future Fellow, Archaeology, School of Social Science, The University of Queensland

    The NSW Education Standards Authority has announced that teaching of the Aboriginal past prior to European arrival will be excluded from the Year 7–10 syllabus as of 2027.

    Since 2012, the topic “Ancient Australia” has been taught nationally in Year 7 as part of the Australian Curriculum. In 2022, a new topic called the “deep time history of Australia” was introduced to provide a more detailed study of 65,000 years of First Nations’ occupation of the continent.

    However, New South Wales has surprisingly dropped this topic from its new syllabus, which will be rolled out in 2027. Instead, students will only learn First Nations’ history following European colonisation in 1788.

    This directly undermines the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration of 2020. This is a national agreement, signed by education ministers from all jurisdictions, which states:

    We recognise the more than 60,000 years [sic] of continual connection by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as a key part of the nation’s history, present and future.

    If the planned change to the syllabus goes through, the only Aboriginal history taught to NSW students would be that which reflects the destruction of traditional Aboriginal society. It also means Aboriginal students in NSW will be denied a chance to learn about their deep ancestral past.

    The significance of Australia’s deep time past

    Bruce Pascoe’s groundbreaking 2014 book Dark Emu (which sold more than 500,000 copies), and the associated documentary, have highlighted an enormous appetite for learning about Australia’s deep time past.

    Hundreds of thousands of Australians engaged with Dark Emu. As anthropologist Paul Memmott notes, the book prompted a debate that encouraged a better understanding of Aboriginal society and its complexity.

    It also generated research that investigated whether terms such as “hunter-gatherers” are appropriate for defining past Aboriginal society and economic systems.



    Read more:
    Farmers or foragers? Pre-colonial Aboriginal food production was hardly that simple

    In schools, teachers have used Pascoe’s book Young Dark Emu to introduce students to sophisticated land and aquaculture systems used by First Peoples prior to colonisation.

    The book raises an important question. If you lived in a country that invented bread and the edge-ground axe – a culture that independently developed early trade and social living – and did all of this without resorting to land war – wouldn’t you want your children to know about it?

    For many students, the history they learn at school is knowledge they carry into their adult lives – and knowledge is the strongest antidote to ignorance. Rather than abandoning the Aboriginal deep time story, schools should be encouraging students to engage with it.

    Learning on Country

    One of the strengths of the current NSW history syllabus is the requirement for students to undertake a “site study” in Years 8 and 9. Currently, NSW is the only jurisdiction that has made this mandatory.

    Site studies are an excellent opportunity for students to learn on Country. Many teachers organise excursions to Aboriginal cultural sites where students can directly engage with local Traditional Owners and Elders.

    New South Wales is brimming with sites of cultural significance to Aboriginal people. The map below highlightssome of these, ranging from megafauna sites, to extensive fish traps, to the enigmatic rock art galleries and ceremonial engravings (petroglyphs).

    How students will miss out

    The Ngambaa people and archaeologists from the University of Queensland are currently investigating one of the largest midden complexes in Australia. This complex, located at Clybucca and Stuart’s Point on the north coast, spans some 14 kilometres and dates back to around 9,000 years ago.

    Middens, or “living sites”, are accumulations of shell that were built over time through thousands of discarded seafood meals. Since the shells help reduce the acidic chemistry of the soil, animal bones and plant remains are more likely to be preserved in middens.

    For instance, the Clybucca-Stuarts Point midden complex contains remains from seals and dugongs. Both of these animals were once part of the local ecosystem, but no longer are.

    The middens also extend back to before the arrival of dingoes, so studying them could help us understand how biodiversity changed once dingoes replaced thylacines and Tasmanian devils on the mainland.

    Local school students, especially Aboriginal students, will be actively participating in this cutting-edge research alongside the Ngambaa people, archaeologists and teachers. Among other things, the students will learn how the Ngambaa people sustainably managed land and sea Country over thousand of years during periods of dramatic environmental change.

    But innovative programs like this will no longer be as relevant if Australia’s deep time history is removed from the NSW syllabus.

    An opportunity for leadership

    The study of First Nations archaeological sites, history and cultures tells us a broader human story of continuity and adaptability over deep time. Indigenising the curriculum – wherein Aboriginal knowledge is braided with historical and archaeological inquiry – is a powerful way to reconcile different approaches to understanding the past.

    The NSW Education Standards Authority’s proposed changes risk sending young people the message that Australia’s “history” before colonisation is not an important part of the country’s historic narrative.

    But there is still time to show leadership – by reversing the decisions and by connecting teachers and students to powerful stories from Australia’s deep time past.

    Michael Westaway receives funding from the Australian Research Council and Humanities and Social Science at the University of Queensland .

    Bruce Pascoe is the author of the texts mentioned in this article, Dark Emu and Young Dark Emu: A Truer History. He also has positions on the boards of Black Duck Foods, the Twofold Aboriginal Corporation and First Languages Australia.

    Louise Zarmati receives research funding from the ARC Centre of Excellence of Australian Biodiversity and Heritage.

    – ref. NSW will remove 65,000 years of Aboriginal history from its syllabus. It’s a step backwards for education – https://theconversation.com/nsw-will-remove-65-000-years-of-aboriginal-history-from-its-syllabus-its-a-step-backwards-for-education-240111

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 216-2024: Scheduled Service Disruption: Friday 04 October to Saturday 05 October 2024 – Biosecurity Portal

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    04 October 2024

    Who does this notice affect?

    Approved arrangements operators, customs brokers, importers, manned depots, and freight forwarders who will be required to book and manage requests for import inspections using the Biosecurity Portal during this scheduled maintenance window.

    Approved arrangements operators who will be required to view electronic government certificates (eCertificates) and relevant attachments online as part of document assessment for imported…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Search update – Unoccupied vessel washed ashore, Kingston Beach

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Search update – Unoccupied vessel washed ashore, Kingston Beach

    Friday, 4 October 2024 – 2:09 pm.

    Police have investigated the circumstances of an unoccupied boat washing ashore at Kingston Beach on Wednesday, and have determined there are no suspicious circumstances. 
    “As part of our investigation, police have reviewed cctv from several locations, located personal items, and spoken to a number of people, and it has been determined there are no suspicious circumstances,” said Commander Jason Elmer. 
    “Sadly we believe the owner of the vessel – a man in his 70s – entered the water on Wednesday.” 
    “Extensive searches have been conducted, utilising marine resources and two helicopters, however unfortunately at this stage the man has not been located.” 
    “Following a comprehensive review, the search has been suspended, however we will continue to investigate any information received.” 
    Anyone with information that may assist the police investigation is asked to contact police on 131 444 – quote ESCAD 211-02102024.   
    “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the missing man.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New Specialist Disability Program open for tender

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    The Albanese Labor Government’s vision of a New Specialist Disability Employment Program that puts participants back at the centre is one step closer to being realised with a request for tender now open.

    From 1 July next year the new program will replace the current Disability Employment Services program to improve the employment and career outcomes for people with disability through high quality, individualised and effective specialist disability employment services.

    The new Program will focus on providing tailored supports to assist people with disability, injury and/or a health condition to find and maintain suitable, sustainable employment that supports their career goals.

    It will build a more viable and attractive market that includes a wider range of small and specialist providers with deep expertise to provide real choice for people with disability.

    The new specialist Program features several key changes, including: 

    • expanded eligibility to help more people with disability, injury and/or a health condition to prepare for and find sustainable employment. This will support up to 15,000 additional people a year with an assessed work capacity below eight hours per week, and people not on income support;
    • the removal of the current two-year program limit; 
    • a focus on the meaningful engagement of participants by providers, with the expectation that providers will work with participants to build positive relationships and take a partnership-based approach to goal setting and engagement in activities; and
    • increased flexibility and customisation to meet the individual needs of participants through two new service offers based around intensive or flexible servicing arrangements.

    Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the design of the new Program will see providers place both participants and employers at the centre of their services, focusing on these important relationships rather than unnecessary complexity.

    “We are inviting organisations with diverse expertise and a focus on providing quality services and are passionate about improving employment outcomes for people with disability to submit a tender response,” Minister Rishworth said.  

    “Under the new Program, providers will be expected to design and deliver services to meet the unique needs of their participants and employers.

    “We are prioritising both intensive and flexible services to meet the individual needs of participants and will expand eligibility to help those who will benefit most. Because we believe that if a person with disability wants help to find a job, support should be available.”

    The new specialist Program was announced as part of this year’s Budget, following two years of stakeholder consultation on DES reforms.

    The program’s design has been informed by extensive consultation with the disability employment sector and multiple reviews, including feedback received through public consultation on an Exposure Draft of the request for tender in August 2024.

    Interested organisations can submit a tender through AusTender.

    More information on the Government’s reforms to Disability Employment Services is available on the DSS website.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New Aeromedical Training Academy opens in Bundaberg

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The new Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Aeromedical Training Academy in Bundaberg is now officially opened.

    Located next to the Bundaberg RFDS base, the new academy has a Beechcraft King Air B360/260 Flight simulator – the first of its kind in Australia – as well as two simulator rooms, two full motion aircraft simulation bays, five meeting rooms and two offices. 

    The facility also features changerooms, IT and storage rooms, solar energy capabilities, 18 car parking spaces and an access road to service the simulator building.

    This world-class facility will train the next generation of Queensland RFDS pilots, with non-RFDS pilots also able to use the simulator for their endorsements or regular training for King Air aircraft.

    In total, the simulator will be able to provide 7,000 hours of simulator training on a 24/7 basis, with the RFDS to utilise 1,500 of those available hours.

    The project supported 200 jobs during construction, 90 per cent of these living in the region. 

    The Australian Government committed $14.9 million to the $28.88 million project, with the RFDS ($10.4 million) QCoal Foundation ($3 million) and Bundaberg Regional Council ($580,000 in kind donation) providing the remaining funds.

    Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:

    “This new state-of-the-art academy will support essential medical services by ensuring Queensland RFDS pilots are trained to meet current flight standards in a superior training device.  

    “We’re proud to have played a role in making this project a reality, through our $14.9 million contribution, so the RFDS has the facilities they need to save lives in the future.

    “This project highlights our commitment to delivering the services and infrastructure that regional, rural and remote communities need.

    “The RFDS Aeromedical Training Academy won’t just benefit the hundreds of people who receive care from the RFDS each year, it will also cement Bundaberg as a hub for regional healthcare and training in specialist services.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Shine bright at the City of Wanneroo’s events series

    Source: Government of Western Australia

    The City of Wanneroo’s 2024/25 free events series guarantees to entertain residents and visitors from this October through to May 2025.

    We have 12 fun-filled family friendly events lined up, from toe-tapping concerts and buzzing festivals, to laid-back evenings in the park.

    Mayor Linda Aitken said the series was all about highlighting the importance of community and encouraging everybody to get involved and attend an event in their suburb.

    “Get ready for the return of our crowd-favourite, Symphony Under the Stars! This year, we’re turning up the spotlight on some incredible local talent,” she said. “Enter our Search for a Star competition and you might just find yourself performing with a 70-piece orchestra!”

    “This concert is always popular, and it’s easy to see why – it’s a night of unforgettable music under the open sky.

    “From the carnival vibes of the Banksia Grove Fun Fest that kicks off the season, to the City-wide celebration of art at the Beach to Bush Arts Festival in May, our event season has something for everyone.

    “Wherever you are in the City, don’t miss out on the fun, there’s something to please everyone.”

    The 2024/25 City of Wanneroo events series includes:

    • Banksia Grove Fun Fest, Saturday 26 October 2024, Grandis Park, Banksia Grove
    • Evening in the Park, Saturday 9 November 2024, Ridgewood Park, Ridgewood
    • Sunset Sounds Alkimos, Saturday 30 November 2024, Leatherback Park, Alkimos
    • Aquamotion Outdoor Cinema, Saturday 7 December 2024, Wanneroo Aquamotion
    • Christmas Fiesta, Saturday 14 December 2024, Wanneroo Town Centre
    • Aquamotion Family Fun Day, 11 January 2025, Wanneroo Aquamotion
    • Sunset Sounds Landsdale, Saturday 18 January 2025, Warradale Park, Landsdale
    • Wanneroo Festival, Saturday 1 February 2025, Wanneroo Showgrounds, Wanneroo
    • Symphony under the Stars, Saturday 22 February 2025, Kingsway Sporting Complex, Madeley *includes Search for a Star competition
    • Fun Fest Clarkson, Saturday 8 March 2025, Riverlinks Park, Clarkson
    • Multicultural Evening in the Park, Friday 21 March 2025, Hudson Park, Girrawheen
    • Beach to Bush Arts Festival, Friday 9 May to Sunday 25 May, various locations across the City.

    All events are free to attend, with no registration required.

    Visit our events page for more information or to submit an application for our Search for a Star competition.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Albanese Government continues tax avoidance crack down

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    The Albanese Government continues its crack down on unethical tax avoidance behaviour with a consultation paper released today to review the tax promoter penalty laws. This forms the next part of the government’s steadfast response to the PwC tax scandal.

    The promoter penalty laws are designed to capture tax agents who promote illegal and fraudulent schemes to clients to reduce their taxes. However, the PwC scandal exposed gaps in these laws, which did not capture the heinous activity of those involved in the promotion of illegal tax dodging schemes to multinational corporations.

    The government responded quickly to close the obvious loopholes, and this consultation builds on the legislation passed in May 2024, which significantly increased the maximum civil penalties for promoters of tax exploitation schemes.

    This consultation is considering whether the regime, as amended in response to the scandal, is fit for purpose, adequately addresses current types of promoter activity, and effectively safeguards taxpayers from being enticed into illegal tax exploitation schemes.

    The government is committed to ensuring the ATO has the tools to address tax exploitation schemes and closing gaps identified during the PwC matter.

    The government seeks feedback on:

    • The effectiveness of the current regime in deterring and addressing the promotion of tax exploitation schemes
    • Operation of the framework, including whether existing exemptions provide appropriate safeguards to tax practitioners providing genuine advice
    • How other existing, comparable regimes effectively deter misconduct.

    The Albanese Labor Government is overseeing the biggest crackdown on tax adviser misconduct in Australian history.

    The PwC scandal exposed severe shortcomings in our regulatory frameworks that were largely ignored by the Coalition, and we’re taking significant steps to clean up the mess.

    We’re cracking down on misconduct to rebuild people’s faith in the systems and structures that keep our tax system and capital markets strong.

    Interested stakeholders are encouraged to provide their feedback by 1 November 2024.

    Further information regarding the consultation process is available on the Treasury website.

    This is the fifth of eight Treasury‑led reviews announced by the Government in its PwC response.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Firefighter Games a highlight in Swan Reach

    Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

    Bairnsdale Fire Brigade winning members

    More than 70 brigade members recently gathered in Swan Reach to compete in CFA’s District 11 Firefighter Games.

    While the sun shone across the weekend (September 15), members travelling from Mallacoota, Cann River and Omeo drove through snow to participate at Swan Reach Recreation Reserve.

    Seven brigades got involved in the day, competing for medals and trophies throughout activities that made use of their general firefighter, driving, leadership and teamwork skills.

    New Bairnsdale recruit Vijay Ravi was one of the fresh faces to embrace the day, having just completed his General Firefighter Course three weeks ago.

    “It was such a great day. It was really nice to see other members from different brigades and to have so many people there supporting,” Vijay said.

    “I really enjoyed the bushfire event and the hydrant relay – it was a good opportunity to continue developing my skills.

    “Since I finished my practical test a few weeks ago, I haven’t missed a call out.”

    That day entailed a round-robin approach, with members making their way through a running grass fire event, a hydrant relay, entrapment drill, draughting, a five-person fog attack and a navigation and communication exercise.

    Up to five participants took part in each event, with fire ground practices adhered to and time deductions for any errors made. Coaches were encouraged on the course and judges gave feedback at the conclusion of runs.

    To close out the day, each team nominated two pairs to compete in a hose race, with Group Officers jumping in for a go. Metung Fire Brigade were the eventual winners with their promising juniors coming in second, and their Junior Leaders winning the race by less than a second.

    The overall trophy was presented to Bairnsdale Fire Brigade by Tim Bull MP, who were said to be practicing across many nights in the lead up. While gold, silver and bronze medals were presented in each event by Tim Bull MP, CFA’s Manager for South East Region Volunteer Sustainability Lisa Peters and Councillor Arthur Allan.

    “I’ve just moved from Eagle Point, and I knew one of my friends was already in CFA so I just asked him if I could come down with him and give it a go,” Vijay said.

    “It’s a great way to make friends and events like these are such fun experiences.”

    Participants and supporters were also treated to a showcase of specialist vehicles, including the Metung Marine Unit, Lakes Entrance Rescue Unit, Sarsfield Big Fill, Paynesville Rehab Unit and Bairnsdale’s Breathing Apparatus Support Unit.

    The D11 Headquarters Brigade staging area truck and communications van was also on display, and onlookers got a sneak peek at the Light Tanker Prototype truck that is currently touring Victoria.

    Submitted by CFA media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Get on board: make this summer your safest boating season yet

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Get on board: make this summer your safest boating season yet

    Published: 4 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Minister for Transport

    NSW Maritime, Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Police Marine Area Command, and Surf Life Saving NSW have joined forces on NSW waterways, calling on the public to put safety first this boating season, which begins this Labour Day long weekend.

    With a hot summer predicted, the state’s water rescue agencies are on high alert for a busy boating season ahead.

    The start of the boating season aligns with National Safe Boating Week, a week long initiative with a focus on lifejacket wear, care and servicing. All boaters are encouraged to always wear a lifejacket, make sure everybody on board is wearing one, and remember it can only save your life if you’re wearing it.

    Over the last five years, there have been 13 boating-related fatalities on Hunter waterways, with nine of those found to not be wearing a lifejacket.

    Statewide, there were 61 coastal drownings along the state’s coastline last financial year, with life savers undertaking 4,489 surf rescues.

    Leading into the season launch NSW Maritime kicked off the school holidays with Operation Get On Board, a two-day statewide safety and education blitz to help boaters prepare for the months ahead on the water.

    NSW Maritime has conducted 33,265 vessel safety checks in the Hunter over the past five years.

    While the majority of boaters have been doing the right thing, the top 3 offences in the Hunter over the last five years have been:

    • License offences or unregistered vessels – 1478
    • Lifejacket non-compliance – 1239
    • Improper or no safety equipment on board – 969

    All boaters are encouraged to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW before spending a day on the water.

    Logging On provides peace of mind for boaters and their families, knowing that dedicated volunteers will keep watch for their safe return. It is quick and easy to Log On via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF Channel 16. It only takes a minute to protect a lifetime.

    For more on boating safety visit, https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/waterways-safety-and-rules/lifejackets-and-safety-equipment/equipment-checklist

    Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

    “New South Wales is the best place in the world to get out on the water, but popular waterways are busy waterways and we have to work hard to remind every skipper and their passengers safe.

    “Lots of boats will have been sitting idle over winter, so give them a proper once over and check all your safety gear is on board before you set out on the water.

    “Last summer, Boating Safety Officers carried out around 35,000 vessel safety checks across the state and lifejacket non-compliance was the number one offence, accounting for 30 per cent.

    “Sadly, there have been six boating related fatalities this financial year, and five of whom were not wearing a lifejacket.

    “A lifejacket can only save you if you’re wearing it. So if you step into a boat, pop on a lifejacket. It’ll keep you safe.”

    Police Minister Yasmin Catley said:

    “Police will be patrolling all the state’s waterways including dams and rivers and will not tolerate any dangerous and anti-social behaviour this boating season.

    “Officers will be conducting drug and alcohol testing as well as compliance checks – so make sure that your vessel is in good working order, know your vessel’s capabilities and don’t go beyond its limits.

    “We want everyone to get home safely, so we remind skippers that they are responsible for the safety of everyone on board their vessel – it is vital that everyone has a fitted lifejacket, as it could save a life.”

    Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

    “As the weather warms up and people flock back to our waterways, it’s important that boat users check they have enough life jackets on board and make sure their vessels are seaworthy.

    “Our Marine Rescue NSW volunteers dedicate their time to keeping water users safe, and communities need to do their bit by logging on and off with Marine Rescue NSW so volunteers know they are on the water.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Dangerous Driving – Coolalinga

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police have charged a man after a dangerous driving incident in Coolalinga overnight.

    Around 9:10pm, Darwin Traffic Operations were conducting speed enforcement duties along the Stuart Highway, Coolalinga, when a blue Holden Commodore utility  was detected travelling at 122 km/hr in a posted 80 km/hr zone.

    Police followed the offending vehicle along the Stuart Highway up until the Lambrick Avenue intersection, at which time a traffic apprehension was attempted. The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated through the Palmerston suburbs of Zuccoli, Rosebery, Gunn and Bakewell.

    Tyre Deflation Devices were deployed on Lambrick Avenue near the intersection of Hutchison Terrace at which time the vehicle came to a stop. The driver refused  to exit the vehicle resulting in him being extracted and arrested.  

    The 42-year-old man has since been charged with:

    • Exceed speed limit 31 – 45 km/hr over
    • Fail to obey direction of Police officer
    • Resist Police in execution of duty
    • Drive under the influence of drugs
    • Not stop at stop sign
    • Exceed speed limit 01-15 km/hr over

    Senior Sergeant Devrim Kanyilmaz said “ This was an incredibly dangerous driver that was putting himself, other motorists and police at risk.

    “ There is absolutely zero excuse for this behaviour on our roads and I commend the officers involved who no doubt averted a potentially fatal incident from occurring. ”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Record breaking season for Snowy Mountains Bus Service

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Record breaking season for Snowy Mountains Bus Service

    Published: 4 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

    A record breaking number of people have ditched cars for the Minns Labor Government’s expanded Snowy Mountains Bus Service which has hit a major milestone of more than 90,000 customer journeys for the first time.

    This snow season has been the service’s most successful ever, with more than 10,000 additional journeys taken compared to the 2023 season.

    The success of the service has led to improved road safety, with Transport for NSW estimating about 30,000 fewer car trips have been taken to and from the Alpine slopes due to the availability of the bus service.

    The winter school holidays was unsurprisingly the busiest period this year, with an additional 50 services scheduled to manage the demand. Between 8 and 28 July, 409 services ran at 100 per cent capacity – or about 20 per cent of all services.

    Feedback from passengers was again overwhelmingly positive, with 90 per cent of those surveyed saying they would use the service again.

    The Snowy Mountains Bus Service for 2024 will conclude on 6 October.

    Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

    “The Minns Labor Government is proud to have supported another successful season for the Snowy Mountains Bus Service which is going from strength to strength.

    “In response to this growing demand, we delivered an expansion of routes to include a Cooma via Berridale to Jindabyne service while more trips were also added to support the school holiday peak.

    “Increased services led to improved safety on our roads at the busiest times for the snowfields, contributing to fewer journeys by car on roads impacted by ice and snow.

    “The convenience was experienced by both locals and visitors to our region who not only used the bus as a reliable way to get to the snow, but also to access our mountain trails for other recreational activities.”

    Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

    “The Snowy Mountains Bus Service continues to offer a reliable public transport option improving access to the snowfields for workers, visitors and locals. This also means less cars on the road which is a great safety outcome.

    “The service allows a stress-free journey to the snowfields for all snow goers and takes the stress off drivers who might not have much experience driving in the alpine conditions.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on October 03, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 543,858.34 6.23 1.11-6.65
         I. Call Money 10,590.81 6.45 5.10-6.55
         II. Triparty Repo 375,564.65 6.17 5.60-6.45
         III. Market Repo 156,369.88 6.36 1.11-6.65
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,333.00 6.50 6.50-6.50
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 391.79 6.34 6.00-6.50
         II. Term Money@@ 1,187.75 – 6.60-7.30
         III. Triparty Repo 737.00 6.32 6.25-6.40
         IV. Market Repo 3,291.51 6.56 6.50-6.60
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo Thu, 03/10/2024 1 Fri, 04/10/2024 48,120.00 6.49
    3. MSF# Thu, 03/10/2024 1 Fri, 04/10/2024 636.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Thu, 03/10/2024 1 Fri, 04/10/2024 181,857.00 6.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -229,341.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo Fri, 20/09/2024 14 Fri, 04/10/2024 25,002.00 6.52
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo Tue, 01/10/2024 3 Fri, 04/10/2024 93,815.00 6.49
      Mon, 30/09/2024 4 Fri, 04/10/2024 1,000.00 6.49
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    5. On Tap Targeted Long Term Repo Operations€ Mon, 15/11/2021 1095 Thu, 14/11/2024 250.00 4.00
    Mon, 27/12/2021 1095 Thu, 26/12/2024 2,275.00 4.00
    6. Special Long-Term Repo Operations (SLTRO) for Small Finance Banks (SFBs)£ Mon, 15/11/2021 1095 Thu, 14/11/2024 105.00 4.00
    Mon, 22/11/2021 1095 Thu, 21/11/2024 100.00 4.00
    Mon, 29/11/2021 1095 Thu, 28/11/2024 305.00 4.00
    Mon, 13/12/2021 1095 Thu, 12/12/2024 150.00 4.00
    Mon, 20/12/2021 1095 Thu, 19/12/2024 100.00 4.00
    Mon, 27/12/2021 1095 Thu, 26/12/2024 255.00 4.00
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       7,249.79  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -59,023.21  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -288,364.21  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on October 03, 2024 986,487.06  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending October 04, 2024 1,005,433.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ October 03, 2024 0.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on September 06, 2024 427,689.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    € As per the Press Release No. 2020-2021/520 dated October 21, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/763 dated December 11, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/1057 dated February 05, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/695 dated August 13, 2021.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    £ As per the Press Release No. 2021-2022/181 dated May 07, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/1023 dated October 11, 2021.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad            
     Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/1218

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN to participate in the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, hosted by Lao PDR

    Source: ASEAN

    At the invitation of H.E. Sonexay Siphandone, Chair of ASEAN for 2024 and Prime Minister of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will lead the ASEAN Secretariat’s Delegation to participate in the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, including ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) and ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Youth, which will convene in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 8-11 October 2024, under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.” Prior to participating in the ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, Dr. Kao will also partake in the 24th ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council Meeting, ASEAN Investment Forum, ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, 28th ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Council Meeting, 35th ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) Meeting, ASEAN Business and Investment Summit and a Special Reception hosted by Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, on 7- 8 October 2024. During his stay in Vientiane, Dr. Kao is scheduled to meet bilaterally with leaders and heads of delegations of ASEAN’s external partners countries and international organizations in order to further strengthen existing cooperation, explore untapped areas of collaboration and advance ASEAN Community building goals. The series of meetings will serve as important platforms to take stock of the progress of ASEAN’s key initiatives, set future priorities and reaffirm ASEAN’s role in fostering regional peace, security, stability, and sustainable economic growth.
    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN to participate in the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, hosted by Lao PDR appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Sony Semiconductor Solutions to Release the Industry’s First CMOS Image Sensor for Automotive Cameras

    Source: Sony

    Atsugi, Japan — Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (SSS) today announced the upcoming release of the ISX038 CMOS image sensor for automotive cameras, the industry’s first*1 product that can simultaneously process and output RAW*2 and YUV*3 images.

    The new sensor product has proprietary ISP*4 inside and can process and output RAW and YUV images simultaneously. RAW images are required for external environment detection and recognition in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving systems (AD), while the YUV images are provided for infotainment applications such as the drive recorder and augmented reality (AR).

    By expanding the applications a single camera can offer, the new product helps simplify automotive camera systems and saves space, cost, and power.

    *1  Among CMOS sensors for automotive cameras. According to SSS research (as of announcement on October 4, 2024).
    *2  Image for recognition on a computer.
    *3  Image for driver visual such as recording or displaying on a monitor.
    *4  Image signal processor – a circuit for image processing.

    ISX038 CMOS image sensor for automotive cameras

    Model name Sample shipment date

    Sample price
    (including tax)

    ISX038 1/1.7-type (9.30 mm diagonal)
    8.39- effective-megapixel*5
    CMOS image sensor

    		 October 2024 ¥15,000*6

    *5  Based on the image sensor effective pixel specification method.
    *6  May vary depending on the volume shipped and other conditions.

    The roles of automotive cameras continue to diversify in line with advances in ADAS and AD and increasing needs and requirements pertaining to the driver experience. On the other hand, there is limited space for installing such cameras, making it impossible to continue adding more indefinitely, which in turn has created a demand to do more with a single camera.

    The ISX038 is the industry’s first*1 CMOS image sensor for automotive cameras that can simultaneously process and output RAW and YUV images. It uses a stacked structure consisting of a pixel chip and a logic chip with signal processing circuit, with the SSS’ proprietary ISP on the logic chip. This design allows a single camera to provide high-precision detection and recognition capabilities of the environment outside the vehicle and visual information to assist the driver as infotainment applications. When compared with conventional methods such as a multi-camera system or a system that outputs RAW and YUV images using an external ISP, the new product helps simplify automotive camera systems, saving space, costs, and power.

    ISX038 will offer compatibility with the EyeQ 6 System-on-a-Chip (SoC) currently offered by Mobileye, for use in ADAS and AD technology.

    Main Features
    ■Industry’s first*1sensor capable of processing and outputting RAW and YUV images simultaneously
    The new sensor is equipped with dedicated ISPs for RAW and YUV images and is capable of outputting two types of images simultaneously with image quality optimized for each application on two independent interfaces. Expanding the applications a single camera can offer helps build systems that save space, costs, and power compared to multi-camera systems or systems with an external ISP.

    ■Wide dynamic range even during simultaneous use of HDR and LED flicker mitigation
    In automobile driving, objects must be precisely detected and recognized even in road environments with significant differences in brightness, such as tunnel entrances and exits. Automotive cameras are also required to suppress LED flicker, even while in HDR mode, to deal with the increasing prevalence of LED signals and other traffic devices. The proprietary pixel structure and unique exposure method of this product improves saturation illuminance, yielding a wide dynamic range of 106 dB even when simultaneously employing HDR and LED flicker mitigation (when using dynamic range priority mode, the range is even wider, at 130 dB). This design also helps reduce motion artifacts*7 generated when capturing moving subjects.

     *7  Noise generated when capturing moving subjects with HDR.

    ■Compatibility with conventional products*8
    This product shares the same compatibility with SSS’ conventional products,*8 which have already built a proven track record for ADAS and AD applications with multiple automobile manufacturers. The new product makes it possible to reuse data assets collected on previous products such as driving data from automotive cameras. This helps streamline ADAS and AD development for automobile manufacturers and partners.

    *8 SSS’ IMX728 1/1.7 type 8.39 effective megapixel CMOS image sensor.

    ■Compliant with standards required for automotive applications
    The product is qualified for AEC-Q100 Grade 2 automotive electronic component reliability tests by mass production. Also, SSS has introduced a development process compliant with the ISO 26262 road vehicle functional safety standard, at automotive safety integrity level ASIL-B(D). This contributes to improve automotive camera system reliability.

    Key Specifications
    Model name ISX038
    Effective pixels 3,857×2,177(H×V), approx. 8.39 megapixels
    Image size Diagonal 9.30 mm (1/1.72-type)
    Unit cell size 2.1 μm×2.1 μm (H×V)
    Frame rate (all pixels) 30 fps (RAW&YUV dual output)
    Sensitivity (standard value F5.6, 1/30 second cumulative) 880 mV (Green Pixel)
    Dynamic range (EMVA 1288 standard)

    106 dB (with LED flicker mitigation)
    130 dB (dynamic range priority)
    Interface MIPI CSI-2 serial output
    (Single port with 4-lanes / Dual port with 2-lanes per port)
    Package 192 pin BGA
    Package size 11.85 mm×8.60 mm (H×V)

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Development Asia: Empowering Communities: A Path to Resilience in Maldives

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Grassroots organizations can help address fragility.
    The work of Villijoali highlights the critical role of grassroots organizations in fostering social inclusion and resilience, particularly in fragile contexts. By focusing on inclusive dialogue and empowering marginalized groups, they help strengthen social cohesion in communities facing fragility. Community engagement not only mitigates vulnerabilities but also enhances the community’s capacity to recover from societal disruptions, aligning closely with the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Development partners play an important supporting role.
    Without government support, Villijoali’s work remains limited in scale. CSOs need capacity-building support and partnerships with development organizations to expand their impact. Development actors can play a vital role by offering technical assistance and exposure to global best practices, empowering organizations to scale its efforts and collaborate with other grassroots movements. A notable example is the Australian High Commission’s support in helping Villijoali raise funds through community engagement. Additionally, the Commission invited Villijoali to participate in focus group discussions with persons with disabilities (PWDs) and allies, fostering collaboration on enhancing the inclusivity of Australia Awards scholarships for PWDs in Maldives.

    In this context, ADB’s fragility and resilience assessments under its Fragile and Small Island Developing States Approach (FSA) provides a comprehensive framework for engaging CSOs like Villijoali. These assessments emphasize the importance of resilience through community engagement, social cohesion, and the empowerment of marginalized groups. This engagement is essential in conflict contexts where the role of CSOs is crucial in service delivery and fostering social trust.

    Interconnected issues require a nexus approach. 
    Incorporating the Humanitarian–Development–Peace (HDP) nexus into CSO work could also significantly enhance its capacity to build resilience in fragile communities. The HDP nexus emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanitarian aid, long-term development, and peacebuilding. Through Villijoali’s ongoing efforts to empower local communities, the organization contributes to both immediate relief (such as support for disabled persons and migrant workers) and long-term development (such as youth empowerment and environmental advocacy). By engaging at-risk youth and promoting peaceful dialogue, Villijoali’s initiatives also play a critical role in preventing the escalation of conflict, a core tenet of the HDP approach.

    As the organization continues to flourish, its role in advancing social inclusion, environmental stewardship, and community resilience will be pivotal in shaping the future of Maldives.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: PP24-2 COM-FSM Visit [Image 7 of 15]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    240909-N-BB269-1105
    YAP, Federated States of Micronesia (Sept. 9, 2024) – U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73, introduces himself at the College of Micronesia-Fisheries and Maritime Institute during a campus visit with Pacific Partnership 2024-2 mission personnel in Yap, Federated States of Micronesia, Sept. 9, 2024. Now in its 20th iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the U.S. Navy’s largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Raymond D. Diaz III/Released)

    Date Taken: 09.09.2024
    Date Posted: 10.01.2024 02:12
    Photo ID: 8670644
    VIRIN: 240909-N-BB269-1105
    Resolution: 6977×4656
    Size: 937.13 KB
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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Navy Unit in Singapore Recognizes Guyana, Brooklyn Native as Top Sailor

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Once a young boy from Brooklyn, petty officer first class Jamal Thompson’s journey began with the dreams of his Guyanese parents who sought freedom, democracy, and prosperity in New York City. As he grew up, he found solace in the cheers for the New York Yankees and the rhythm of music from Nas. Venturing south to Gordon State College in Barnesville, Georgia, he not only found love in meeting his future spouse, but also discovered his calling by joining the U.S. Navy. Fast forward seven years, Brooklyn’s finest, Thompson, stood tall as he was honored with the prestigious title of the 2023 U.S. Navy Sailor of the Year (S.O.Y.) for Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF-73) in Singapore. Equipped with a no-nonsense New York state of mind, Thompson was unanimously recognized as S.O.Y. by senior leaders for operating as a personified Swiss Army knife, successfully balancing five jobs simultaneously in a single calendar year.
    “I’m honored to be the CTF-73 Sailor of the Year, yet, I take more pride in serving and caring for my Sailors,” said Thompson. “Whether it is ensuring their award recognition or helping them achieve their goals, I’m there to serve and support. Whether their ambitions are to be a chief petty officer, a commissioned officer, or to transition to the corporate world, I take pride in helping junior personnel reach their professional goals, whether in the Navy or after.”
    Thompson practices what he preaches, as in 2023, he operated as second in command for CTF-73’s human resources (admin) department, where he approved hundreds of urgent travel claims for personnel. He also served as a victim’s advocate for the command’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program while operating as the then-elected president of the non-profit first class petty officer association (FCPOA). Thompson continued setting the example by also leading weekly early morning group fitness sessions for fellow Sailors and Marines through a program called Sailor 360, and stood over 100 hours of security watch — often on nights and weekends.
    “Sailor 360 coordinator is my favorite collateral duty because I can impact the entire command with just 30 minutes of morning fitness,” said Thompson. “It’s a great way to let our hair down because of the physicality of the workouts before we all start the workday. I never waste anyone’s time because I truly enjoy helping co-workers improve themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually.”
    The six-foot four Brooklynite who grew up in a predominantly Caribbean-cultured household, credits his unmatched work ethic to his upbringing and “humble beginnings, where I saw a lot of people financially struggle,” he said.
    According to the American Forces Network (AFN), Thompson is among the approximately 19 percent of Hispanic Americans currently serving in the Armed Forces today. Cuban-born Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro echoed this year’s theme, ‘Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together’, when he said, “Hispanic Americans have had a profound and positive influence on our country. As we discover more of these stories and honor their ultimate impact, we enrich our understanding and strengthen our collective identity.”
    Thompson identifies as Guyanese-American or Afro-Latino, with his collective South American, Caribbean, and North American identities making him the man he is today. A man whose profound influence is strengthening the U.S. Navy by investing in his fellow Sailors in Southeast Asia.
    When Thompson isn’t juggling multiple roles, he says he likes to enjoy the sights and tastes of Singapore with his spouse and young children because “it reminds me of home with the train system and the melting pot of different cultures. You can walk the streets of downtown and hear countless different languages: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, French, Japanese, or English. Singapore feels a lot like New York.” Thompson says he also enjoys the Lion City’s spicy Indian cuisine as it “reminds me of the food I ate growing up like Roti and Chicken Curry,” he said.
    While Thompson is more than 15,000 kilometers from the Big Apple and over 17,000 kilometers from South America, he says childhood lessons from his heritage are always with him, regardless of his geographic location. Thompson says he was taught, “Haz con los demás, lo que te gustaría que te hicieran a ti, or in other words, ’Just pay it forward.’ We don’t need to backstab or belittle to get ahead in the workplace. If you continue to work hard to the best of your ability, everything will work itself out.”
    Thompson is living proof of how the U.S. Navy is strengthened by the diversity and inclusion of our people from the rich tapestry of the United States. Thompson plans to continue his humble servant-style leadership at his forthcoming duty station in Spain where he aspires to promote to the rank of chief petty officer.
    For more information on Sailors and Marines like Thompson serving in Singapore, visit https://www.clwp.navy.mil/

    [END]

    Date Taken: 09.23.2024
    Date Posted: 10.04.2024 00:10
    Story ID: 482499
    Location: SG
    Hometown: BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, US
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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Managing Director’s Opening Remarks: 2024 Michel Camdessus Central Banking Lecture

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    Washington, DC

    September 20, 2024

    Excellencies, Honored Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Welcome to the IMF, and welcome to the eleventh annual Michel Camdessus Lecture—our signature lecture series on central banking.

    Let me also welcome our speaker today: the President of the European Central Bank, Madame Christine Lagarde. Christine’s extraordinary professional standing and personal charisma have earned her remarkable prominence, respect and admiration all over the world. She needs no introduction — least so here, at the IMF. Welcome home, Christine!

    During your years at the helm you led the Fund through turbulent times — the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis, and the Euro area sovereign debt crisis.

    And you steered the Fund to adapt to a changing world — by broadening the institution’s perspective on the macro-criticality of inequality, governance, gender, and climate; and by making sure the quotas reform is advanced, so the Fund can better represent its membership. During COVID the social spending floors introduced in 2018 made a material difference in Fund support to the membership. 

    I am immensely grateful for the fortune to come after you and advance your legacy. I am also a direct beneficiary of your relentless pursuit of breaking new ground for women — first woman-chair at Baker McKenzie, first woman-Minister of Economy and Finance in France, first woman-Managing Director of the Fund, first woman-President of the ECB. I can vouch from experience that when you break the glass ceiling it is so much easier for the next woman to come!

    Of course, another indelible mark you left at the Fund is the creation of the Michel Camdessus Lecture series!

    So, on behalf of all of us here today: thank you for your friendship, leadership, and exceptional contributions to our entire membership. And thank you for gifting us the Camdessus Lecture series and coming to give one today.

    Cautious Optimism about a Soft Landing

    Before I turn the floor to you, let me briefly reflect on developments in the world since last year’s Camdessus Lecture.

    This has been a year of determined action of central banks — of synchronized tightening of monetary policy to address the surge of global inflation. Not popular, but necessary.

    Despite of it, inflation remained stubbornly high and it generated in some places concern about the effectiveness of monetary policy.

    Fast forward to today, and we are clearly in a better place.

    Inflation has declined significantly, to or near target in many economies. It is the result of resolute actions of central banks, as well as fading supply shocks. The forces of monetary policy transmission have re-asserted themselves in the end.

    We are in a better place, but we can’t be complacent. First, in many countries, services inflation is persistent, and inflation could yet tip upwards.

    Second, in more shock-prone environment, we simply don’t know what surprise may hide around the corner. Since COVID and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it has become clear central banks need to scan the horizon beyond monetary and financial sector developments.

    Above all, as we know central bankers face a balancing act. They must ensure that inflation sustainably returns to target — and remain there — while avoiding the risk of excessively tight policies. This is particularly important in a world faced with a low growth/high debt conundrum.

    Yet, we can be reasonably confident we have entered the “last mile” in the fight against inflation, allowing most central banks to enter an easing cycle—with ECB in June and the Fed this week marking the most important developments.

    Over the last year at the Fund we have been on the side of the “softlanders” — a win against inflation without a sharp global downturn. In fact, while clearly weaker than we would want, economic activity has been remarkably resilient: we are projecting global growth to be more than 3 percent this and next year.

    Structural shifts and Monetary Policy

    So what next? The fight against inflation has come against the backdrop of four and a half years of extraordinary challenges for central banks.

    And while inflation is retreating, rates are going down and recession appears unlikely, challenges will abound. We are living in a more shock-prone world, a world in which geopolitical considerations turn into geo-economic fragmentation, and a world of tremendous structural shifts due to the green and digital transformation.

    In this new world, central banks must be vigilant to the potential for shocks to unleash powerful inflationary forces and create difficult tradeoffs.

    And they must grapple with ongoing structural changes in the financial sector and the broader economy.

    We must urgently invest in understanding how the growing importance of non-bank financial institutions could affect the transmission of monetary policy and create new tradeoffs between price and financial stability.

    As you do in ECB (and we do at the Fund), we need to recognize the rapid increase of climate-related financial stability risks and the tremendous growth and jobs potential of greening the economy.

    We must manage the gains and the disruptions of AI, which could provide a major impetus to productivity growth but also increase inequality if not accompanied by supportive policies. And we need to monitor how further advances in digitalization transform the financial landscape. Digital assets, including central bank digital currencies, stand out as potential game changers.

    Last but not least, the conduct of fiscal policy is and will remain relevant to the job of central bankers — complicated by the higher levels of public debt.

    Christine, in such a rapidly changing environment, your lecture on structural shifts and monetary policy could not be more timely.

    With your exceptional career, you are uniquely positioned to consider the future of monetary policy strategies and toolkits, both conventional and unconventional.

    You have often said that your experience as an elite athlete in the French synchronized swim team helped define your managerial style. You have embraced collaborative leadership. You value discipline, endurance and strategic planning.

    And you always act with grace under pressure. These are all essential qualities for a central banker — especially one blessed to do the job in such interesting times!

    We look forward to hearing your insights on “Setbacks and Strides Forward: Structural Shifts and Monetary Policy in the Twenties.”

    The floor is yours!

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER:

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/09/20/sp092024-managing-director-opening-remarks-11th-michel-camdessus-central-banking-lecture

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Concern for welfare – Zuccoli

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police are calling for information in relation to a missing child in Zuccoli.

    At about 10.45am today, 7-year-old Victor left a park near Laniyak Court Zuccoli. It is not known which direction he travelled.

    Victor is described as Asian in appearance with short dark brown/black hair and wearing an orange t-shirt and dark blue shorts with a pattern on them.

    Anyone who see’s him is urged to immediately contact police on triple zero.

    MIL OSI News –