Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China’s continued efforts in safeguarding its cultural relics have achieved fruitful results, thanks to coordinated measures adopted by various departments.
In the past two years, the country has successfully solved over 1,200 cases of cultural heritage crimes and apprehended more than 3,500 criminal suspects, according to a news conference held on Wednesday by the State Council Information Office.
More than 3,100 “precious cultural relics” — those rated as national first-, second- and third-grade relics — and over 470,000 other cultural relics have been recovered during the same period, it said.
Guan Qiang, deputy director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, said a special action plan to combat and prevent cultural heritage crimes was implemented in September 2022 following the National Interministerial Joint Meeting on the Safety of Cultural Relics. The action plan is effective for three years.
“We will further intensify scrutiny on crimes involving cultural relics by taking decisive action against major instances of such violations and safety incidents, reinforcing disciplinary accountability, and encouraging local authorities to effectively fulfill their obligations,” he said.
Remote-sensing satellites, big data analysis and other advanced technologies will be more widely used to promptly detect illegal activities, thereby ensuring the effective preservation of cultural relics, Guan said.
For example, remote-sensing satellites have been used this year to monitor all UNESCO World Heritage Sites and national-level cultural heritage sites under key protection in China.
China is home to 767,000 immovable cultural relics, such as ancient architecture, historical monuments and archaeological sites, and about 108 million State-owned movable cultural relics such as artifacts curated by museums, according to the third national census on cultural relics, which was completed in 2011.
Guan said the fourth national census, which started in November, has rechecked about one-third of these registered immovable relics, and as of last week, around 18,000 such relics have been newly discovered.
More than 5,000 well-equipped teams comprising 45,000 well-trained personnel have been mobilized to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the census. “Various academic programs can be launched thanks to this large-scale investigation,” Guan said.
As heritage architecture makes up about 53 percent of China’s immovable cultural relics, Deng Chao, director of the heritage administration’s department of cultural relics and historical sites, said that meticulous preservation of such architecture is among the priorities in the ongoing endeavor to safeguard cultural relics.
The huge number and rich variety of heritage architecture in China presents challenges for conservators.
Deng said that improving the surrounding environment is an essential step in conservation efforts, as it enhances the high-quality development of local communities and contributes to rural vitalization.
Concerted efforts have been made in recent years to establish a system to prevent and mitigate the impact of natural disasters on heritage architecture.
Since 2012, the fiscal expenditure of the central government has been used for the renovation of about 1,000 heritage structures that were registered as national-level cultural heritage sites under key protection.
In addition, special public welfare funds and bonds, among other measures, have been initiated by the central government to ensure upkeep of heritage structures with lower protection levels.
Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Grisons in Italian
The government has granted the Chur Unihockey and Piranha Chur associations a cantonal contribution from the special sports funding of up to CHF 135,000 per year for the three-year pilot project for the professionalization of large clubs in Graubünden. The project is based on the desired professionalization of the two National League A floorball associations in the course of the planned merger of the associations. Specifically, this is to be achieved through the appointment of a director or sports manager. The establishment of the new large association is planned for autumn 2024. The decision to contribute to this pilot project is subject to the approval of the merger by both existing associations.
The management of large sports associations in Graubünden and throughout Switzerland is predominantly undertaken by voluntary board members. They are often supported by a secretariat that performs purely administrative tasks and is managed on a subsidiary basis. However, in addition to professional and family obligations, the large commitment to the associations usually leads to a more or less significant overload of the board members. This does not lead to significant progress in the development of the association. Such inefficient management and the scarcity of resources jeopardize the function of large associations as models, places of social cohesion, training centers and performance centers. However, professional operational management does not compete with volunteering, but rather strengthens it. The pilot project aims to gather valuable experience to test whether investments in a more efficient management can be refinanced through increased revenue and whether improved management of the association pays off from a sporting and organizational point of view for members and employees. The findings should pave the way for optimizing structures within other sports associations, so that volunteer work becomes attractive again in terms of content and feasible in terms of time. According to the submitted project, the total costs for the three-year pilot phase amount to 960,000 francs.
Good afternoon everyone and thank you for having me here today.
I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and acknowledge their custodianship.
I pay my respects to the Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge anyone here who has lived or living experience with family, domestic, and sexual violence.
The voices of victim-survivors are central to all our efforts, and I offer my deepest thanks to those who share their experiences as a platform for change.
I would also like to recognise here with us today:
Holly Donaldson, CAPHIA Executive Director and the CAPHIA Board of Directors
Lisa Hall, Sheelagh Lawler, Rebecca Johnson and the University of Queensland Public Health team
Associate Professor Courtney Ryder, Injury Prevention Discipline Lead at Flinders University and CAPHIA Board Member and Director
Jack Feng, Chief Student Entrepreneur, University of Queensland, Mindmuse.care Co-Founder, and
Damian Topp, Challenge DV Board Member, Chief Executive Officer PA Research Foundation.
As we all know, family, domestic and sexual violence is an issue that remains pervasive within our society.
It has long term and far-reaching impacts – affecting children, families, friends, work colleagues, communities and society as a whole.
Ending violence requires sustained and collective efforts across all parts of society.
The Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments in Australia have committed to these efforts through the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children.
This is our national policy framework which seeks to end violence against women and children within a generation.
Within the National Plan, family, domestic and sexual violence is called out as a health issue.
Victim-survivors may experience physical injuries including lifelong disability and increased pain, as well as mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, fear.
These issues will no doubt continue to affect them throughout their lives.
Viewing family, domestic and sexual violence through a public health lens presents the opportunity to understand its multifaceted nature.
It also helps us to better understand the significant and often lifelong health and wellbeing impacts for victim-survivors, family members and communities.
Family, domestic and sexual violence is preventable when addressed within a systemic framework.
In 2022, the Albanese Labor Government appointed the first federal Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner, Micaela Cronin.
Commissioner Cronin just last month tabled her first yearly report to Parliament. The report noted that of workforces that respond to domestic, family and sexual violence, 90 per cent are medical professionals and allied health workers.
Health services which are person-centred, trauma informed and coordinated across public health services with other support services can enable effective support and treatment while ensuring safety is a priority.
And importantly at this conference, we can consider what can be done to enhance healthcare workers’ knowledge of family, domestic and sexual violence.
Because we know that primary health care professionals are often a first point of contact, and therefore play a vital role in prevention, early identification and responding to family, domestic and sexual violence.
It’s vital to look across all service support systems and how they interact to support those that need help.
As I stand here at a university, it would be remiss of me not to mention the important role universities play when it comes to ending gender-based violence.
As with all workplaces, universities also have an important role in reducing, preventing and responding appropriately to sexual harassment and violence.
The Albanese Government recently introduced legislation to establish an independent National Student Ombudsman to investigate student complaints and resolve disputes with universities, including in relation to sexual assault and sexual harassment.
A National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence will also be established.
Universities also have a critical part to play in furthering the research and evidence we need.
Everyone across our community has a part to play and I commend the students and judges participating in these Hackathon pitches, and all of you here today – students, academics and educators – for your work and your interest in this important issue.
I encourage you all to think broadly about how we can prevent gender-based violence, knowing that where a person interacts with a service – be it a GP, a counsellor, or a police officer – might be one of the only opportunities we have to help them.
I look forward to getting feedback from these pitches, and hope you enjoy the rest of the forum.
Released by: Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW
The Minns Labor Government has today announced funding of $1.8 million for grants to improve recreational fishing as part of the 2024/2025 Recreational Fishing Trust grants program.
The NSW Government is committed to supporting recreational fishing and making it more accessible to everyone across the state.
This is demonstrated in funding for 21 projects that will contribute to the delivery of the Government’s election commitment to make fishing more welcoming to people with disabilities.
Some of the newly funded projects enabling better access include:
$375,000 in the Shoalhaven to repair, refurbish and upgrade five fishing platforms with improved accessibility
$98,300 in Hay to allow better and safer access to a local fishing platform and boat ramp
$11,035 in Davistown to replace ageing platform and build a pedestrian bridge with disabled access
$26,210 in Tumbulgum to provide local fiish cleaning facilities next to the jetty with disabled access
$79,500 in Port Macquarie/Hastings for multiple fish cleaning facilities
$10,000 for Fishing4All to introduce people with intellectual impairment to fishing
In total, 24 projects from external applicants will receive $1.8 million in funding, as recommended by the Recreational Fishing
NSW Advisory Council. The areas receiving funding cover the following:
$717,612 – fishing access and facilities
$85,000 – recreational fishing enhancement
$552,000 – recreational fishing education
$444,000 – aquatic habitat protection and rehabilitation
The next funding round for Recreational Fishing Trust Grants will open on 6 November and will open up for applications the Government’s new $2 million recreational fishing small infrastructure grant program.
This new program will make it easier for fishing clubs, community groups and other organisations to apply for funding for grassroots projects.
As part of the next round, the Government will boost communications with all fishers and clubs so that they know when and how to apply for grants to improve their local areas.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
“Fishing licence fees have been put to work to improve the state’s recreational fishing facilities, fishing habitats and opening up fishing to more people.
“I am pleased to see some significant new facilities being funded to welcome people with a disability into fishing around our state, both inland or along the coast.
“There are some big and small projects that will benefit many people, including Morisset High School receiving funding for students with disabilities to engage with fishing, to a fly-fishing day for people who have experienced breast cancer in the New England region.
“The NSW Government is committed to supporting the recreational fishing community and seeing it contribute to regional tourism where it is creating jobs and generating income.”
Released by: The Premier, Minister for Health, Minister for Women
Thousands of women across NSW will have easier, more affordable access to the oral contraceptive pill as a 12-month trial is made permanent by the Minns Labor Government.
Since the oral contraceptive pill trial began in September 2023, more than 500 pharmacies have delivered over 2,000 consultations to women in NSW.
From Saturday 28 September 2024, NSW pharmacists who have completed the required training and work in pharmacies with suitable facilities will be able to offer this service as part of their usual business.
Women who have been using these contraceptive options continuously for the last two years, as prescribed by a doctor (GP) or nurse practitioner, and require a refill of their script, will be able to access extended supply for up to 12 months without having to visit their doctor for a prescription.
The NSW Government will make the existing service more accessible by expanding patient age eligibility criteria from 18-35 years to 18-49 years. Women aged 40-49 will now be able to access extended supply for up to three months without having to visit their doctor for a prescription, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.
The announcement follows the successful implementation of the first phase of the NSW Pharmacy Trial in May 2024, which saw more than 3,300 NSW pharmacists provide more than 18,000 consultations to women aged 18 to 65 with symptoms of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI). The UTI service transitioned to usual pharmacy care from 1 June 2024.
The third and final phase of the trial allowing pharmacists to manage common minor skin conditions is underway and will be running until early 2025.
A detailed evaluation of all three phases of the NSW Pharmacy Trial will be provided to NSW Health in 2025 and will inform future expansion of services.
The NSW Government is committed to expanding the role of community pharmacists outside the trial framework, and is working with NSW universities to develop formal training courses for pharmacists to manage a range of common conditions where clinically appropriate.
Quotes attributable to Premier Chris Minns:
“We know that people across NSW are doing it tough right now, even cutting back on essential healthcare because of affordability.
“This trial has been a huge success, and now we’ll make it permanent – women who are eligible will be able to go to their pharmacist to renew an existing script.
“At a time when seeing a GP can be difficult, we hope that this service will make it a little bit easier for women to access affordable healthcare, where and when they need it.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“I am excited to announce that women in NSW will now have easier ongoing access to continue their chosen contraceptive option as a result of the oral contraceptive pill trial service becoming usual business for community pharmacies in NSW.
“It has been amazing to see over a thousand pharmacists across the state sign up to take part in each of the trial’s three phases so far, and this has prompted us to look at more ways they can help our communities.
“Earlier this month, the NSW Government announced thousands of people across NSW will in the near future be able to access treatment for ear infections, wound management, gastro, acne, muscle and joint pain at their local pharmacy, boosting access to fast, convenient healthcare across NSW.
“By empowering pharmacists to undertake consultations for these common conditions and medications, we can help improve access to primary care services which will relieve the pressure on the state’s busy GPs and our hospital system.
“We are working with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia to ensure pharmacists have the support they need to continue delivering best practice and connected primary care.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Jodie Harrison
“Women’s timely access to quality health services, their health needs and sexual and reproductive health is a priority for the NSW Government.
“Making the trial permanent is a real win for women in NSW, who, if eligible, can now access the contraceptive pill at their local pharmacy. It not only increases accessibility, it saves time and GP costs, for busy women in our state.”
Quotes attributable to Catherine Bronger, Senior Vice of President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, NSW Branch:
“With our GPs stretched, community pharmacists have provided thousands of women with repeat prescriptions of the oral contraceptive pill under the NSW Government’s trial.
“Making the availability of the pill at community pharmacies is the right thing for women and our communities.”
Quotes attributable to Pharmaceutical Society of Australia New South Wales President Luke Kelly:
“Pharmacists across New South Wales continue to show that we can do more to support our patients. Giving our patients the option to access contraception through skilled community pharmacists is an important step in making reproductive care more accessible to women across the state.
“I congratulate the Minister on solidifying the role of pharmacists in the continuous supply of oral contraceptives as a permanent part of the New South Wales health care system.”
The park will reopen on Friday 27 September following the removal of invasive animals including pigs, rabbits, hares and horses from critical areas of the park through aerial and ground shooting operations.
Part of the park has been closed for 4 weeks during the operation, with public alerts on the NPWS website, onsite signage and standard notifications in place.
Barrington Tops National Park is a world heritage listed area. Invasive animals are one of the major threats to its unique plants and animals.
These animals have been damaging fragile sub-alpine areas across Barrington Tops, leading to the destruction of native plants, soil erosion and degradation of habitat for endangered species such as the broad-toothed rat and endangered orchid species.
There have also been risks to the public, including incursions into campgrounds and popular walking areas.
The operation focussed on areas of the park where invasive animals pose the greatest risk to world heritage and other values. This included aerial shooting in and around the sensitive Phytophthora quarantine area to reduce the potential spread of this soil-borne pathogen.
The recent program follows NPWS’ efforts throughout the year to remove invasive animals such as pigs, foxes, wild dogs, deer, cats, rabbits and hares from the national park by methods such as ground trapping, baiting and ground and aerial shooting.
NPWS will seek interest from individuals and organisations interested in rehoming horses from the park and, subject to interest, will undertake trapping for rehoming in 2025.
Visitors can keep up to date with the most recent update in all lands managed by NPWS: Alerts for NSW National Parks.
Released by: Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, Minister for Lands and Property
Aboriginal communities in Condobolin are celebrating completion of $2.8 million in essential infrastructure upgrades funded by the NSW Government to support social, economic and employment benefits for the area.
The Roads to Home program in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has funded Condobolin Local Aboriginal Land Council to upgrade infrastructure at the Willow Bend village in Condobolin.
Infrastructure improvements have included upgraded roads and guttering, footpaths, an amenities block, stormwater drainage and sewerage infrastructure, new streetlighting, new house fencing, upgrades to the community basketball and tennis courts and public gardens, landscaping, a community yarning circle, and a new village entrance sign.
Upgrades have also occurred to a levee bank at the village which has been reinforced in sections and new flood gates and drainage flaps installed to help control flooding from the nearby Lachlan River.
The delivery of infrastructure upgrades to normal standards enhances quality of life for residents and improves access to services, including household waste collection, postal delivery, emergency vehicles and community transport.
A key feature of Roads to Home projects is ensuring there are employment and training opportunities for local Aboriginal communities. The Condobolin project provided training for 10 residents and work for 8.
The Minns Labor Government has so far committed a total of $173.8 million through the Roads to Home program to enable upgrades in 34 discrete Aboriginal communities.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“It’s fantastic to see these upgrades delivered to bring infrastructure up to acceptable standards to benefit the residents of the Willow Bend village in Condobolin.
“Infrastructure upgrades such as these are very important for Aboriginal communities as they improve quality of life and empower residents by supporting better health and safety and facilitating improved access to community services.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“The Roads to Home program is correcting an historic injustice where Aboriginal communities on former missions and reserves across NSW were left to fend for themselves without the types of infrastructure and services that communities in the rest of the state take for granted.
“It is a unique program that takes a partnership approach to empower Aboriginal landowners to make decisions about essential infrastructure upgrades in their communities to improve social outcomes while providing training and employment opportunities.
“We know there are better Closing the Gap outcomes when local Aboriginal communities and people drive shared decision-making and self-determination.”
Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:
“Its always great to see investment in Barwon communities.
“Things like reinforcing the levee to prevent inundation from the Lachlan river, along with upgrading the roads and building an amenities block, are not luxury items but they bring residents some much needed improvements that make Willow Bend a much better place to live.
“It has a net benefit to peoples wellbeing when they see investment and improvement in their community”
Condobolin Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Louise Davis said:
“The infrastructure upgrades have made a big difference. The village looks a lot better than it did before and the improvements have given residents ownership and pride in the community.
“As part of the project, local residents got work and training with machinery including excavators and backhoes, and in fencing. and concreting.”
Released by: Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty
The NSW Government is delivering on its election commitment to consult with Aboriginal people about their desire for a treaty process, with the appointment of three commissioners to lead a process with Aboriginal people and communities across NSW.
The commissioners will lead a 12-month consultation to hear from Aboriginal people. This will include asking whether Aboriginal communities want an agreement-making process with government, and if so, what form that process could take.
NSW is home to the largest Aboriginal population in Australia. The commissioners will engage with Aboriginal communities across metropolitan, rural, regional and remote parts of NSW, before delivering a report on their findings to the Government.
The appointees bring with them experience, expertise and connections to Aboriginal people and communities.
The Government has appointed former senator Aden Ridgeway, academic Todd Fernando and Koori Mail newspaper CEO Naomi Moran to the roles.
The commissioners have been appointed for a fixed term of two years following an open, competitive process led by an independent Aboriginal advisory panel.
Consultation about agreement making aligns directly with NSW’s bipartisan commitment to the 2020 Closing the Gap National Agreement signed by then prime minister Scott Morrison and then premier Gladys Berejiklian.
The Closing the Gap Agreement includes a commitment to formal partnerships and shared decision-making with Aboriginal people to help close the gap faster in areas such as life expectancy, health and education.
Aboriginal people and communities hold answers to issues they face. When Aboriginal people have a direct say in these issues, the whole community gets better outcomes.
Over coming months, the commissioners will develop a detailed consultation plan, with consultations to commence in 2025.
Interstate treaty and agreement-making processes have not been simple nor fast. This is the first step in work that could drive improved outcomes for Aboriginal people, and all NSW taxpayers, so the NSW Government will not be rushing.
The NSW Government allocated $5 million for this work in the September 2023 budget.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“The appointment of the treaty commissioners is central to the process of listening to Aboriginal people on treaty and agreement-making.
“The commissioners have been appointed following a rigorous process that attracted strong candidates.
“We get better outcomes when we listen to the needs of Aboriginal people and communities. We must ensure Aboriginal people have a direct say on matters that affect them.”
A statement from the Associate Minister of Education today, about school attendance and when schools are open or closed for instruction, is a little perplexing, says Chris Abercrombie, PPTA Te Wehengarua president.
On September 25, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, sent a congratulatory letter to H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, following his inauguration on September 23 after the presidential election.
In his congratulatory message, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his congratulations to President Dissanayake on his inauguration, commended the various efforts that Sri Lanka has been making to overcome the economic crisis, including economic reforms, and expressed his strong hope that Sri Lanka will return to the track of robust economic development as early as possible.
Released by: Minister for Regional Transport and Roads
The Minns Labor Government has launched engagement to understand community views on future passenger rail services for Orange, with a forum to be held on 31 October 2024.
The forum, hosted by Transport for NSW, will hear from the Orange and Central West community about transport connections in the region.
The forum, to be held in the Greenhouse function room at Orange Ex-Services Club, will bring together around 80 key stakeholders including local government, rail groups, Aboriginal bodies and representatives from the education, business and health sectors.
The forum will be followed by a drop-in session in the afternoon that will be open to members of the community.
Details will be announced closer to the date.
Feedback will also be sought from the wider community with around 130 other stakeholders from Orange and the Central West asked to complete a survey about passenger rail services.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“We are aware there is broad community support for improved rail services to Orange. The NSW Government has listened and is now responding with the next step.
“Through this targeted consultation process, including a forum at the end of October, we want to gather specific information on community needs, expectations and potential viability of options, to help inform decision making.
“We know the existing Bathurst Bullet train service provides an important and popular daily return train connection and we are considering all the possible options for Orange and the wider Central West.
“We are committed to safe and affordable public transport that allows regional people access work, education, health appointments and connect with other transport modes and networks.”
Independent Member for Orange Phil Donato said:
“More than 10,000 people signed Orange Rail Action Group’s petition, seeking to improve passenger rail services between the Central West and Sydney.
“Minister Aitchison has taken active interest in the proposal to initiate a daily return passenger rail service between Orange and Sydney, to meet transport needs of our growing community.
“I am pleased to see further consideration of the proposal, including vital community consultation to ensure future transport plans and services meet the needs and expectations of the community.
“I encourage all stakeholders and interested residents to participate in Transport for New South Wales’ consultation event at Orange Ex-Services Club on October 31.”
Fast facts:
Sydney Trains operates a twice daily Intercity service between Sydney and Bathurst on the Blue Mountains Line, which is commonly referred to as the Bathurst Bullet.
Sydney Trains Intercity train services are part of the Opal network, where customers can turn up and go and tap on and off to travel. Since 1 July 2024 the Bathurst Intercity train service has been operated by Sydney Trains.
NSW TrainLink operates a daily XPT train service between Sydney and Dubbo via Orange and a weekly Xplorer train service between Sydney and Broken Hill via Orange.
There are daily NSW TrainLink coach connections to and from Orange to Bathurst that provide connections with Bathurst Intercity services. There are also several coach connections from Orange to Lithgow daily, where passengers join Intercity train services to Sydney.
NSW TrainLink operates all regional train and coach services, including those that serve Orange. Advance booking is required on all NSW TrainLink services, including those that connect with Bathurst Intercity services.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
From September 26 to 28, the capital will host the International Forum “Russian Energy Week”. For the first time in seven years, the event will be held at two venues at once. The business program can be visited in the Central Exhibition Hall “Manezh”, and the exhibition of equipment and technologies – in Gostiny Dvor.
Thus, in Manezh the Moscow Government will present a stand with the achievements of the capital’s fuel and energy complex. The interactive platform will be dedicated to the development of the industry and the use of innovative technologies in it.
One of the main installations will be an interactive exhibition, thanks to which you can see the appearance of Moscow of the future. Guests will be able to take a quiz, based on the results of which artificial intelligence will generate an image of the city in a few years.
The stand will also feature a model of the capital, each object of which symbolizes a certain branch of energy or resource supply. When touching the structures, visitors will be able to see videos about the work of fuel and energy complex enterprises, their achievements and development plans. In addition, a 3D model of Moscow will be displayed on the screen, hovering above the ground thanks to the flow of energy.
Another project is “Elevator to Energy”. An installation simulating a ride in an elevator will introduce modernized thermal power plants, as well as modern electrical substations, gas equipment production, treatment facilities, control centers and communication collectors.
In addition, guests will be told about the operation of life support systems and shown a visualization of how electricity is transmitted, water flows in pipes, and how digital platforms and control systems function.
In Gostiny Dvor, the achievements of fuel and energy companies will be presented at the stand of the municipal economy complex. The exposition of enterprises will be of interest to those who want to get to know the industry better. For those who want to find work in this area, information about current vacancies will be posted.
Thus, JSC “OEK” will recreate a miniature street with smart LED lighting, architectural and artistic lighting, festive illumination and electric charging stations for cars. And GUP “Mossvet” has prepared an interactive exhibition with a screen that demonstrates the organization’s achievements.
The Mosgaz JSC site is dedicated to the production of gas distribution equipment and heat supply sources. Guests will be presented with models of gas control points, boiler houses and a complex for automating gas distribution systems.
The main element of the PJSC Mosenergo exposition will be a large multimedia screen, which will show videos about the company’s activities, the operating principles of power plants and environmental protection. In addition, at the information stand, you can learn about the history of the enterprise and its current projects.
PAO Rosseti Moscow Region will introduce modern equipment and software used in the electric grid complex. Among the exhibits are the OZHUR software package, a model of the new Krasnaya substation, the Electra virtual dialogue office, and others.
JSC Mosvodokanal will present an exhibition that immerses viewers in the operation of water supply and sanitation systems. An interactive model will allow you to see the movement of water from the water intake to the consumer and back to the water source, and a 3D model of urban development with an augmented reality function will introduce the operation of engineering systems.
The State Budgetary Institution “IMC” will demonstrate a metrological center for conducting inspections, a system designed for monitoring and servicing common house heat and hot water meters, as well as a unified installation module for metering thermal energy of its own production.
Only registered participants and delegates of the forum can attend the business program in Manezh. Admission to the exhibition in Gostiny Dvor is free, but a registration.
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.
Improvements to the way shooting clubs and ranges are regulated are on the way with the Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges and Other Matters) Amendment Bill passing its first reading says Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee.
“The package of reforms in this Bill will enable simple and effective regulation of pistol and non-pistol shooting clubs and ranges, with a focus on public safety.
“Our clubs and ranges provide a safe environment for New Zealanders to learn, practise, and compete. Changes imposed in 2020 went beyond what was necessary to keep the public safe and instead jeopardised the future of some ranges.
“We promised New Zealanders they would be able to have their say on our firearms reforms and with the Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges and Other Matters) Amendment Bill going to select committee, people now have that opportunity.
The Bill will:
maintain the regulatory requirements for pistol clubs and ranges but streamline annual reporting requirements;
simplify the regulatory requirements for non-pistol clubs and ranges by replacing the approval and certification systems with a more effective enrolment system;
require non-pistol clubs to be incorporated only if they sell ammunition, unless all ammunition sold by the club is purchased for, and used, on the day of sale at the club range or event and is not taken off the premises;
support the operation of temporary non-pistol ranges to enable the holding of club events, as long as the Firearms Safety Authority is informed; and
provide certainty about when inspections for compliance can occur and clarify what can be removed when an inspection is conducted, to reduce the burden on operators.
“Firearms reform is a priority for the Government and today’s announcement delivers on a commitment made in the National-ACT coalition agreement.
“I encourage everyone to have their say through the select committee process.”
The Education Minister’s decision to axe a te reo Māori teacher professional development programme and use the funds for new primary school Mathematics workbooks is extremely disappointing, concerning and short-sighted, says Chris Abercrombie, PPTA Te Wehengarua president.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
Specialists from the city services complex are completing the improvement of the territory of the Russian Biotechnology University in the north of the capital. The work is 80 percent complete, said the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing and Public Utilities and Improvement Petr Biryukov.
“This year we are improving the territory of the Russian Biotechnology University, which is the flagship of scientific developments in the field of biotechnology and health preservation. Today, the project to create a “Biocity” is being implemented on the territory of the university, and in addition, at the request of students, we are updating the territory so that it becomes more functional,” said Petr Biryukov.
“Biogorod” is an educational and leisure space where teachers will be able to implement modern teaching practices, and Muscovites will be able to attend various events and educational programs, play sports, and relax. In addition, conditions will be created for the application and demonstration of the results of innovative developments.
Three functional zones are being created on the university’s territory. The first will appear in the courtyard of the main building for employees and students. There, pavilions for coworking and a lecture hall, a summer open stage with an amphitheater and a media screen, a recreation and self-study area, as well as one small space with a round dry fountain and an amphitheater are being set up. A small sports cluster will appear in the second zone between buildings A and B — table tennis tables and exercise machines have already been installed, a streetball court has been prepared, and an amphitheater is being assembled. A gastropark with recreation areas is being created.
The third zone, located between the dormitory buildings, the educational building and the residential building, is almost ready. There is a universal area for ball games, next to which a small stand was placed. In addition, there are tables for playing table tennis, a workout area and an area with weight training equipment, a place for playing panna football, a summer terrace and recreation areas.
In all three zones, flower beds were laid out in which trees, shrubs and cereal plants will be planted.
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.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
On September 28 and 29, within the framework of the projects “My Sports District” and “Sports Weekend”, cardio training sessions in running, basketball, table tennis, fitrock and fitness boxing will be held. Muscovites are invited to celebrate World Heart Day. It is designed to draw public attention to health issues and emphasize the importance of preventing cardiovascular diseases.
City residents will be able to do fitrock, which combines elements of functional and dance training. The training is based on repeating various dance movements and combinations with drumsticks. Classes within the framework of the Sports Weekend project will be held on Saturday from 17:00 to 18:00 at VDNKh, and from 19:00 to 20:00 at the ZIL Cultural Center. On Sunday, they will be held from 17:00 to 18:00 at VDNKh and from 12:00 to 13:00 at the Yuzhny River Terminal. Registration is required on the website.
In addition, on September 29 at 10:30, as part of the My Sports District project, the final fitness training sessions will take place on the roofs of the district centers Sofia, Angara, Elbrus, and Rassvet. You can sign up for the class through the Dance Fitness form on the website.
Muscovites are offered to try such a direction as fitness boxing. The lesson consists of a combination of punches and kicks on a punching bag at a fast pace. This training increases endurance and develops coordination. On September 28 and 29, fitness boxing will be held in the Smstretching studio near the Tulskaya metro station from 11:30 to 12:30. You can see the schedule and sign up for the lesson on this page.
On September 29 at 10:00 in the Olympic complex “Luzhniki”, parks “Sokolniki”, “Severnoye Tushino” and 850-letiya Moskvy, as well as at the addresses: Shirokaya street, building 30 and Zelenograd, building 904, running training will be held. They help improve heart function and increase lung capacity. You can choose a convenient site and sign up for training on the website.
On September 28, residents of the capital can play basketball and table tennis under the guidance of professional coaches. Basketball training will take place in Severny Khapilovsky Square and at the following addresses: Festivalnaya Street, Building 4, Building 3 (Friendship Park), Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Street, Building 39, Bolshoy Ovchinnikovsky Lane, Building 11, Domodedovskaya Street, Building 22, Building 3, Marshal Golovanov Street, Building 4, Zarayskaya Street, Building 51, Building 2 (Plyushchevo Square). The training will start at 19:00. Muscovites will practice the correct throwing technique, learn to dribble and pass the ball. Basketball develops tactical thinking, agility and attention.
Table tennis classes will be held in the parks “Sviblovo”, “Kuzminki-Lyublino”, “Dubovaya Roshcha “Mayak”, as well as at the stadium “Avangard” and at the address: Perekopskaya street, house 34, building 2. This sport develops attentiveness and reaction speed. During the training, they practice moving around the court, the accuracy of strikes and game combinations. You can register for basketball and table tennis classes on the website.
“My Sports District” — one of the flagship projects Department of Sports of the City of Moscow, within the framework of which residents of the capital train under the guidance of professional trainers in courtyards and parks all year round, and in the summer also on the roofs of district centers. Depending on the season, children and adults have access to different sports – for example, in winter, participants go ice skating and learn cross-country skiing.
The Sports Weekend project offers free yoga, stretching, barre, Pilates, functional and dance training under the guidance of experienced trainers. Classes are held at 13 indoor venues in the capital. Those who prefer to stay at home are invited to online training. You can find out more about the project and follow the news on the website.
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.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
A private educational center consisting of a kindergarten for 112 children and a primary school for 257 children is planned to be built in the Maryina Roshcha district. The building will be located at Polkovaya Street, Building 1.
“The total area of the future building will be almost 8.7 thousand square meters. In plan, it has a Y-shape, includes three above-ground floors. Near the building, playgrounds and a sports ground near the kindergarten, a school sports ground, as well as areas for students to relax and hold mass events will be equipped,” clarified the Minister of the Government of Moscow, head of the Department of Urban Development Policy
The window openings, varying in proportion, and the corner slopes framing them will highlight the building’s appearance. The second and third floors form a single block hanging over the first, creating the effect of a levitating building.
The kindergarten block includes group, administrative and auxiliary rooms, a lobby, a stroller room, a music room, a gym, and a room for correctional and developmental classes.
The elementary school block will be equipped with a robotics classroom and other classrooms, universal educational studios, a laboratory and research complex, a playroom, a cafeteria, a medical block, and an art room.
Mosgosstroynadzor issued a permit for the construction of the educational center at the end of August of this year.
“After the developer notifies the Moscow State Construction Supervision Committee about the start of construction and installation work, our inspectors will draw up a schedule of on-site inspections that will be carried out at each stage of the construction of the facility. They will involve specialists from the subordinate Expertise Center to conduct research into the quality of the work being carried out and the materials used,” added the Chairman of Mosgosstroynadzor
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.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in New York on Wednesday the political manipulation of human rights issues by a few countries, such as the United States, is becoming increasingly unpopular across the world.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk and multiple countries’ foreign ministers on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Over 100 countries have voiced their support for China’s position and opposed the politicization of human rights at the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) held in Geneva on Tuesday, said Wang.
During the session, nearly 80 countries, including many Muslim nations, delivered a joint statement supporting China, and more than 20 other countries expressed their support in various ways, backing China’s just position when a few countries, including the United States, used Xinjiang-related issues to attack and smear China’s human rights situation.
The vast majority of Muslim countries have long seen through the tricks of the United States and understand that it is merely using human rights as a pretext to interfere in the internal affairs of China and other developing countries, he added.
Wang said that the clear support from over 100 developing countries at the UNHRC is not only to defend China’s legitimate rights but also to uphold international fairness and justice, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and protect the fundamental principle of non-interference in internal affairs in international relations, said Wang.
Wang pointed out that such action of the United States and its followers once again exposed their double standards on human rights issues to the world. People cannot help but ask: if the United States is so concerned about the human rights of Muslims, why does it continuously provoke or support wars in regions like the Middle East, causing numerous innocent Muslim casualties? Why does it turn a blind eye to the historical injustices faced by the Arab people and not support Palestine in becoming a full member of the United Nations? Why does it fail to play its due role in achieving a permanent ceasefire and full military withdrawal from Gaza?
The top Chinese diplomat emphasized that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and China’s achievements in protecting and promoting human rights are widely recognized, and the development and progress in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are evident to all.
Wang said China is willing to engage in dialogue with all countries on human rights issues on the basis of equality. China’s doors are open to the world, and it welcomes friends from all nations to visit China and see for themselves, he added.
China and Europe share extensive converging interests, and should promote mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, as well as advocate for openness and cooperation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in New York on Wednesday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Wang expressed hope that the European Union would maintain strategic autonomy and avoid politicizing economic and trade issues.
On the bilateral ties, Wang urged Greece and China to strengthen the two major ties of civilizational exchange and practical cooperation to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership.
For his part, the Greek minister affirmed Greece’s adherence to the one-China principle, support for Europe-China cooperation, and commitment to free trade.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday that China will always stay true to the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations with Russia and continuously enrich their comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era for the greater well-being of people of both countries.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
The two sides should continue to hold high the banner of multilateralism and promote a more just and rational global governance system with the United Nations at its core, Wang said.
China will fully support Russia in playing the role as the BRICS chair and ensure the success of the Kazan summit to open a new chapter in the greater BRICS cooperation, he added.
For his part, Lavrov said that Russia is willing to work with China to push for greater development of bilateral relations.
Detectives are appealing for help to identify a man after a woman was sexually assaulted and had her possessions stolen in north London.
Police were called at 04:35hrs on Friday, 13 September to reports of a robbery on Regents Park Road in Finchley.
The victim, aged in her 70s, was getting off a bus when she was followed by an unknown man who pushed her into a doorway and sexually assaulted her. He then ran off having stolen her bank cards and roughly £20,000 worth of jewellery.
The victim suffered several broken ribs and a broken leg as a result of the incident and remains in hospital.
PC Harry Morrice, from the North West area’s local investigations team, said: “This was an extremely distressing incident which has left an elderly woman in hospital, having suffered serious injuries.
“We are committed to finding the perpetrator and continue to carry out a number of enquiries in order to hold those responsible to account.
“We are now releasing an image of a man we would like to identify and are asking for assistance from the public. We are also keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen the robbery, or a man running off.
“Any information you provide will be treated in the strictest confidence. Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously.”
Anyone who knows this man or has information can call police on 101 or message @MetCC on X quoting CAD 838/13Sep.
Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting on Thursday to analyze and study the current economic situation and make further arrangements for economic work. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Northern Territory Police are investigating an attempted ram-raid incident in Yarrawonga this morning.
Around 4:00am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report of an abandoned Toyota Troop Carrier next to a damaged business on the Stuart Highway, Yarrawonga.
Investigations confirmed the vehicle was stolen from a business address in Berrimah earlier in the night.
Forensics has been completed on the vehicle and investigations are continuing.
Strike Force Trident are investigating and are urging anyone with information on the matter to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference NTP2400096392 .
Responding to the acquittal of Japanese man Iwao Hakamada, who spent nearly five decades on death row, Amnesty International’s East Asia Researcher Boram Jang said:
“We are overjoyed by the court’s decision to exonerate Iwao Hakamada. After enduring almost half a century of wrongful imprisonment and a further 10 years waiting for his retrial, this verdict is an important recognition of the profound injustice he endured for most of his life. It ends an inspiring fight to clear his name by his sister Hideko and all those who supported him.
“As we celebrate this long overdue day of justice for Hakamada, we are reminded of the irreversible harm caused by the death penalty. We strongly urge Japan to abolish the death penalty to prevent this from happening again.
“Japanese authorities must also review all existing death sentences, particularly when there are concerns of mental and intellectual disabilities. Only complete abolition of capital punishment will ensure that such grave errors are never repeated, and people not irreversibly and arbitrarily deprived of their lives. Amnesty International will continue to push for the abolition of the death penalty and for reforms that ensure fairness and justice for all.”
Background
On 26 September 2024, a long-awaited ruling was delivered by Shizuoka District Court to acquit Hakamada Iwao, described as the world’s longest-serving death row prisoner.
During his first trial, Hakamada was convicted of the murder of his employer and his employer’s family, largely based on a forced “confession”. He “confessed” to the crime after 20 days of interrogation by police. Hakamada proceeded to retract the “confession” during the trial, alleging that police had threatened and beaten him. Hakamada was sentenced to death by Shizuoka District Court in 1968 and spent over 45 years held on death row.
In March 2014, Hakamada was granted a retrial by Shizuoka District Court and was released from prison after DNA evidence surfaced which questioned the reliability of his conviction.
The decision to open a retrial was based on more than 600 pieces of evidence disclosed by the prosecutor. This evidence undermined the legitimacy of earlier evidence.
In June 2018, the Tokyo High Court overturned the decision of the lower court denying Hakamada’s retrial after an appeal from prosecutors. Hakamada’s lawyers appealed this ruling, which led to Japan’s Supreme Court reversing the High Court decision in December 2020 and asking it to re-examine the appeal. Eventually, the Tokyo High Court also ruled in support of the Supreme Court decision for retrial in March 2023.
Hakamada’s retrial officially commenced in October 2023. The forced “confession” was excluded from the evidence. Prosecutors have since continued to voice their support for upholding the conviction and for Hakamada to be sentenced to death.
Japan has continued to carry out executions − including of people who had judicial appeals pending, which is in violation of international safeguards guaranteeing protection of the rights of those facing the death penalty. The last execution in Japan was carried out on 26 July 2022. As of 31 December 2023, 107 out of the 115 people on death row had their death sentences finalized and were at risk of execution. Those on death row continued to be held in solitary confinement; and in the absence of effective safeguards or transparent regular psychiatric evaluations, persons with mental (psycho-social) and intellectual disabilities continued to be subjected to the death penalty, in violation of international law and standards.
Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception regardless of the nature or circumstances of the crime; guilt, innocence or other characteristics of the individual; or the method used by the state to carry out the execution.
Even by these standards, the latest proclamation from OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, published on his personal website this week, seems remarkably hyperbolic. We are on the verge of “The Intelligence Age”, he declares, powered by a “superintelligence” that may just be a “few thousand days” away. The new era will bring “astounding triumphs”, including “fixing the climate, establishing a space colony, and the discovery of all of physics”.
However, even setting aside these motivations, it’s worth taking a look at some of the assumptions behind Altman’s predictions. On closer inspection, they reveal a lot about the worldview of AI’s biggest cheerleaders – and the blind spots in their thinking.
Steam engines for thought?
Altman grounds his marvellous predictions in a two-paragraph history of humanity:
People have become dramatically more capable over time; we can already accomplish things now that our predecessors would have believed impossible.
This is a story of unmitigated progress heading in a single direction, driven by human intelligence. The cumulative discoveries and inventions of science and technology – Altman reveals – have led us to the computer chip and, inexorably, to artificial intelligence which will take us the rest of the way to the future. This view owes much to the futuristic visions of the singularitarian movement.
Such a story is seductively simple. If human intelligence has driven us to ever-greater heights, it is hard not to conclude that better, faster, artificial intelligence will drive progress even farther and higher.
This is an old dream. In the 1820s, when Charles Babbage saw steam engines revolutionising human physical labour in England’s industrial revolution, he began to imagine constructing similar machines for automating mental labour. Babbage’s “analytical engine” was never built, but the notion that humanity’s ultimate achievement would entail mechanising thought itself has persisted.
According to Altman, we’re now (almost) at that mountaintop.
Deep learning worked – but for what?
The reason we are so close to the glorious future is simple, Altman says: “deep learning worked”.
Deep learning is a particular kind of machine learning that involves artificial neural networks, loosely inspired by biological nervous systems. It has certainly been surprisingly successful in a few domains: deep learning is behind models that have proven adept at stringing words together in more or less coherent ways, at generating pretty pictures and videos, and even contributing to the solutions of some scientific problems.
So the contributions of deep learning are not trivial. They are likely to have significant social and economic impacts (both positive and negative).
But deep learning “works” only for a limited set of problems. Altman knows this:
humanity discovered an algorithm that could really, truly learn any distribution of data (or really the underlying “rules” that produce any distribution of data).
That’s what deep learning does – that’s how it “works”. That’s important, and it’s a technique that can be applied to various domains, but it’s far from the only problem that exists.
What is interesting here is the fact that Altman thinks “rules from data” will go so far towards solving all humanity’s problems.
There is an adage that a person holding a hammer is likely to see everything as a nail. Altman is now holding a big and very expensive hammer.
Deep learning may be “working” but only because Altman and others are starting to reimagine (and build) a world composed of distributions of data. There’s a danger here that AI is starting to limit, rather than expand, the kinds of problem-solving we are doing.
What is barely visible in Altman’s celebration of AI are the expanding resources needed also for deep learning to “work”. We can acknowledge the great gains and remarkable achievements of modern medicine, transportation and communication (to name a few) without pretending these have not come at a significant cost.
They have come at a cost both to some humans – for whom the gains of global north have meant diminishing returns – and to animals, plants and ecosystems, ruthlessly exploited and destroyed by the extractive might of capitalism plus technology.
Although Altman and his booster friends might dismiss such views as nitpicking, the question of costs goes right to the heart of predictions and concerns about the future of AI.
Altman is certainly aware that AI is facing limits, noting “there are still a lot of details we have to figure out”. One of these is the rapidly expanding energy costs of training AI models.
Microsoft recently announced a US$30 billion fund to build AI data centres and generators to power them. The veteran tech giant, which has invested more than US$10 billion in OpenAI, has also signed a deal with owners of the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant (infamous for its 1979 meltdown) to supply power for AI. The frantic spending suggests there may be a hint of desperation in the air.
Magic or just magical thinking?
Given the magnitude of such challenges, even if we accept Altman’s rosy view of human progress up to now, we might have to acknowledge that the past may not be a reliable guide to the future. Resources are finite. Limits are reached. Exponential growth can end.
What’s most revealing about Altman’s post is not his rash predictions. Rather, what emerges is his sense of untrammelled optimism in science and progress.
This makes it hard to imagine that Altman or OpenAI takes seriously the “downsides” of technology. With so much to gain, why worry about a few niggling problems? When AI seems so close to triumph, why pause to think?
What is emerging around AI is less an “age of intelligence” and more an “age of inflation” – inflating resource consumption, inflating company valuations and, most of all, inflating the promises of AI.
It’s certainly true that some of us do things now that would have seemed magic a century and a half ago. That doesn’t mean all the changes between then and now have been for the better.
AI has remarkable potential in many domains, but imagining it holds the key to solving all of humanity’s problems – that’s magical thinking too.
Hallam Stevens has previously received funding from the Ministry of Education (Singapore), the National Heritage Board (Singapore), the National Science Foundation (USA) and the Wenner-Gren Foundation.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anthony Scott, Professor of Health Economics and Director, Centre for Health Economics, Monash Business School, Monash University
A battle between private hospitals and private health insurers is playing out in public.
At its heart is how much health insurers pay hospitals for their services, and whether that’s enough for private hospitals to remain viable.
Concerns over the viability of the private health system have caught the attention of the federal government, which has launched a review into private hospitals that has yet to be made public.
But are private hospitals really in trouble? And if so, is more public funding the answer?
Private hospitals vs private health insurers
Many private hospital operators have reported significant pressures since the start of the COVID pandemic, including staff shortages.
Inflationary pressures have increased the costs of supplies and equipment, pushing up the costs of providing hospital care.
Now, private hospitals have publicised their difficult contract negotiations with private health insurers in an attempt to gain support and help their case.
Healthscope, which runs 38 for-profit private hospitals in Australia, has been threatening to end agreements with private health insurers.
St Vincent’s, which operates ten not-for-profit private hospitals, announced it would end its contract with nib (one of Australia’s largest for-profit health insurers) but then reached an agreement.
UnitingCare Queensland, which operates four private hospitals, announced it would end its contract with the Australian Health Service Alliance, which represents more than 20 small and medium non-profit private health insurers. Since then, the two parties have also kissed and made up.
Why should we care?
There are three reasons why viability of the private health sector affects us all, regardless of whether we have private health insurance or use private hospitals.
1. Taxpayers subsidise the private health system
Australian taxpayers subsidised private health insurance premiums by A$6.3 billion
(in premium rebates) in 2021–22. Much of this makes its way to private hospitals. Medicare also subsidised fees for medical services delivered for private patients in private and public hospitals to the tune of $3.81 billion in 2023–24.
But when the going gets tough, the private health sector (both hospitals and health insurers) turns to the government for more handouts.
So we should be concerned about the value we currently get from our public investment into the private health system, and if more public investment is warranted.
2. Public hospitals may be affected if private hospitals close
Calls for greater government support for private health have long argued that a larger private hospital sector would help reduce pressures on the public system.
Indeed, this was the justification for a series of incentives introduced from the late 1990s to support private health insurance in Australia.
However, the extent of this is hotly debated. Recent evidence shows higher private health insurance coverage leads to only very small falls in waiting times in public hospitals.
While it is possible the closure of a few private hospitals might lead some patients to seek care in public hospitals, this shift might not be that large and will not increase waiting times too much.
3. Fewer private beds, but is that a bad thing?
If unviable private hospitals close or merge, we’d expect to see fewer
private hospital beds overall.
Fewer private hospital beds is not necessarily bad news. Mergers of small private day hospitals, in particular, might make them more efficient and lead to lower costs, which in turn lowers health insurance premiums.
We might also need fewer private beds. This is due to policies that try to shift health care out of hospitals into the community or the use of hospital-in-the-home schemes (where patients receive hospital-type care at home with the support of visiting health staff and/or telehealth). The private health insurers are supporting both.
If a few small private hospitals close, this reflects the market adjusting to less demand for hospital care. Some of the closures have been for maternity wards but with falling birth rates, this also seems like an appropriate market adjustment.
Any objective data about what is happening in the private hospital sector is scarce. This is mainly because the Australian Bureau of Statistics has stopped a compulsory survey of all private hospitals. The latest data we have is from 2016–17.
Health insurers are the largest payer of private hospitals and hence wield a considerable amount of negotiating power. In 2016–17, almost 80% of private hospitals’ income came from private health insurers. Health insurers have also increasingly become “active” purchasers of health care – not just passively paying insurance claims, but wanting to strike a good deal with private hospitals for their members to keep premiums (and costs) down, and profits high.
Reports of hospitals closing ignore hospitals that are opening at the same time. But since 2016–17 there are no publicly reported data on the total number of private hospitals in Australia or changes over time.
The latest figures we have show about half of all hospitals in Australia are private, and of these 62% are for-profit with the rest run by not-for-profit organisations (such as St Vincent’s).
The main for-profit providers are Ramsay Health Care and Healthscope. Both have operations overseas and were in trouble before the COVID pandemic.
Fast-forward to 2024 and the recent issues with contract negotiations suggests the financial situation of for-profit private hospitals might not have improved. So this could reflect a long-term issue with the sustainability of the private hospital sector.
What are the options?
The private health system already receives large public subsidies. So the crux of the current debate is whether the government should intervene again to prop up the private sector. Here are some options:
do nothing and let this stoush play out Closure and mergers of private hospitals might be good if smaller hospitals and wards are no longer needed and patients have other alternatives
introduce more regulation Negotiations between small groups of private hospitals and very large dominant private health insurers may not be efficient. If the insurers have significant market power they can force small groups of private hospitals into submission. Some private hospital groups may be negotiating with many different health insurers at the same time, which can be costly. Regulation of exactly how these negotiations happen could make the process more efficient and create a more level playing field
change how private hospitals are paid Public hospitals are essentially paid the same national price for each procedure they provide. This provides incentives for efficiency as the price is fixed and so if their costs are below the price, they can make a surplus. Private hospitals could also be funded this way, which could remove much of the costs of contract negotiations with private hospitals. Instead, private hospitals would be free to focus on other issues such as the number and quality of procedures, and providing high-value health care.
How do we help private hospitals become more efficient? Regulating prices and contract negotiations are a start. Kitreel/Shutterstock
What next?
Revisiting the regulation of prices and contract negotiations between private hospitals and private health insurers could potentially help the private hospital sector to be more efficient.
Private health insurers are rightly trying to encourage such efficiencies but the tools they have to do this through contract negotiations are quite blunt.
As we wait for the results of the review into the private hospital sector, value for money for taxpayers is paramount. We are all subsidising the private hospital sector.
Anthony Scott has previously received funding from the Medibank Better Health Foundation.
Terence C. Cheng 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
2024 ExportNZ DHL Barometer reveals challenges and opportunities in the Business Central region
The 2024 ExportNZ DHL Barometer, released this week, reveals challenges and opportunities for exporters in the Business Central region, alongside suggestions to boost export growth.
This year’s survey shows signs of optimism, despite challenging conditions at home and abroad.
Business Central CEO Simon Arcus says: “These results prove what we know already – exporters in our region are exceptionally resilient, managing to grow export earnings despite the challenges of a sluggish economy and the damage of Cyclone Gabrielle.”
“I acknowledge the really difficult time that Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne faced in the recent past. It’s a credit to the hard work of businesses in our region that more than half expect their orders to grow,” says Arcus.
Business Central represents exporters across the lower North Island and Nelson-Tasman through our network partner, ExportNZ. Businesses in the region contribute significantly to New Zealand’s export earnings, primarily through manufacturing and agriculture.
39% of exporters in the region saw orders increase in the last 12 months. 28% saw a decrease, while 28% saw them stay the same.
Encouragingly, 54% of businesses expect export orders to increase in the next 12 months.
But the survey reveals significant cost pressures are restraining export earnings. 78% of respondents saw costs increase in the past 12 months, with the cost of transport and logistics and the price of doing business in New Zealand cited as the biggest barriers to growth.
There are a number of opportunities to boost exporters through enhanced government support. 43% of respondents in the Business Central region highlighted support for attending trade shows as an opportunity to export more, while 33% cited better access to market research. 29% called for new free trade agreements and better access to R&D.
Business Central also welcomes the announcement of a new free trade agreement between New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates, which was signed today. 24% of firms in the Business Central region export to the Middle East.
Joshua Tan, ExportNZ Executive Director, praised the industry’s response to the volatile economic and exporting environment.
“The current operating environment is difficult to navigate, with persistent challenges connected with the rising cost of doing business. Despite the many challenges, exporters have expressed optimism and confidence in future growth through the survey, which is very encouraging.
“Given the Government’s goal to double export value within ten years, there are areas where Government support would be valued by exporters – support to help them grow their businesses here in New Zealand and leverage market opportunities overseas,” says Tan.
Business Central delivers and supports ExportNZ in the Hawke’s Bay and wider Central New Zealand region. It represents 3,500 employers and exporters across the lower North Island, providing advice, training, support, and advocates for policies that reflect the interests of the business community.
Students should be in school and learning instead of protesting during school hours, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says in response to the school climate strike planned for Friday 27th September.
“If students feel strongly about sending a message, they could have waited until Monday, when the end of term holidays begin and there is no school for two weeks. It has become far too common to sacrifice valuable learning time for other causes,” says Mr Seymour.
“The previous government said that protesting instead of attending school could be justified. This in my view is unacceptable. My expectation is that schools will treat students protesting today as explained but unjustified absences.
“I appreciate that some students have passionate views and are anxious about their futures. To that effect I want to be clear, if they want to make real change in the world, they need to turn up to school and get a good education now.
“New Zealand attendance rates are low by national and international standards. In 2023, 80.6% of students in England and 61.6% of students in Australia were attending using a measure similar to the Term 2 New Zealand regular attendance rate, which was only 47.1%.
“Today I announced the introduction of the Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) system. The STAR system will help the government to reach its goal of 80% of students attending class 90% of the time by 2030.
“The idea of the STAR system is that no child will be left behind. To achieve this, any student who reaches a clearly defined threshold of days absent will trigger an appropriate and proportionate response from their school and the Ministry, targeted at returning them to the classroom.
“I encourage students, parents, and educators to prioritise education. That is what this Government is doing, and it is what is required for New Zealand to have a better future.”
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
Classes within the postgraduate course “Fundamentals of Scientific Research” will begin at Novosibirsk State University on September 26. This course is an integral part of the educational component of the new model of postgraduate study at NSU along with another discipline – “Academic English”. They are mandatory for first-year postgraduate students of all faculties of the university.
The course program was developed by the head of the laboratory of functional diagnostics of low-dimensional structures for nanoelectronics Physics Department of NSU Pavel Geidt in 2022. The course is designed for one semester. Some postgraduate students study it in the first half of the academic year, the rest in the second. Over 360 young scientists have completed it in two years.
— This course does not involve mastering the deep theoretical aspects of philosophy, entrepreneurship, communication psychology, natural sciences and other classical disciplines. It is rather a synthesis of several sections of these disciplines that have the greatest practical significance for graduate students at this stage. Its goal is to help young scientists from various sciences undergo postgraduate studies and further engage in independent research activities. The idea of the course comes from a common problem: often university teachers do not tell graduate students in a structured way about a lot of practical information related to scientific activity, about its organizational and reporting aspects, about performance in projects, about the features of preparing grant applications, about etiquette in the scientific community and team , about information retrieval tools, about computer tools for working with data arrays and much more. As a result, graduate students face many difficulties: how to formulate a hypothesis for their research, how to prepare a publication for a scientific publication, how to successfully defend their dissertation and other uncertainties. The knowledge that they will receive as part of the course will help young scientists at the very beginning of their scientific career to build relationships with scientific supervisors, heads of departments and faculties, heads of scientific projects, employees of their laboratory, foundations, monitoring agencies and other structures that they will encounter ,” explained Pavel Geidt.
The course consists of 8 lectures, including “The Main Aspects of Conducting Research”, “The Role of Management in Scientific Research”, “Financing Scientific Activity”, “Writing Scientific Publications”, “Participation in Scientific Events” and “Methods of Defending Dissertations through the Higher Attestation Commission and the NSU Dissertation Council”. These lectures will be given by Pavel Geidt, as well as Ilya Beterov, Associate Professor of the Quantum Electronics Department of the NSU Physics Faculty, Anna Komarova, Associate Professor of the Political Economy Department of the EF, Leading Researcher of the Laboratory of Empirical Analysis of Industry Markets of the EF, and Natalia Aksenova, Head of the Department of Support and Analysis of Scientific Research at NSU.
The course includes two practical classes. Unlike lectures, which are a summary of existing knowledge and organized information from various sources, practical classes are original authorial material. The first class, “Michael Faraday’s Principle: Work, Finish, Publish,” was developed by Pavel Geidt.
— Publication of research results in scientific journals is mandatory for every scientist, but for those who are taking their first steps in big science, this causes many difficulties. Which journal should I send my work to? How to write and format a manuscript correctly? How to respond to reviewers’ comments? Who decides whether to publish an article? What should I do if my manuscript is not accepted for publication? How can I make sure that it is published anyway? And these are far from all the questions that young researchers have at the first stage of their independent, thoughtful scientific work. We tried to recreate the process of preparing an article for publication in a classroom setting so that it would be understandable and “transparent.” The students are divided into 4 groups: a group of authors, the university administration, the editorial board of a foreign scientific journal, and the editorial board of a domestic publication. Each participant in the practical lesson receives their own role: scientist, scientific supervisor, editor-in-chief of a scientific journal, reviewer, and others. In this way, all stages of the process of creating and publishing an article are reproduced, and the roles of the participants in this process acquire meaning, as if they come to life, said Pavel Geidt.
The second practical lesson “Critical Thinking in Science. TRIZ: Relevance for Technical and Humanitarian Sciences and Further Prospects for the Application of TRIZ for Dissertations” was developed and is being conducted by the Director Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization of NSU Alexander Kvashnin. Teamwork is also important here. Mixed groups of young scientists from different faculties and institutes work together to resolve complex contradictions in science and technology that require a creative approach. Here, graduate students are also given homework: find a way to solve a technical problem within the framework of their dissertation research and describe it in 200 words.
At this stage, it is expected that graduate students will develop the skills to formulate research problems and systematically design ways to solve these problems in the types of activities that interest them, encourage young scientists to methodologically reflect on their research project, instill a desire for clarity, structure and internal coherence of arguments and reasoning in their written works and oral presentations, and maintain interest in further in-depth mastery of disciplines related to the courses within and beyond the framework of their dissertations.
— A budding scientist must be prepared for practical scientific work in graduate school and be able to conduct independent scientific research. This requires a clear knowledge of current scientific problems, the ability to analyze the state of the topic of interest and the related field of activity. Graduate students need skills in preparing grant applications, planning the execution of work and completing a project on time. Submitting reports with the publication of the results of intellectual activity, speaking at international conferences and, of course, successfully defending a dissertation are also important. We will teach graduate students to do science independently, as well as to speak about it in an understandable language, — Pavel Geidt summarized.
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.
Today the government announced a $30m cut to Te Ahu o Te Reo Māori- a programme that develops te reo Māori among our kaiako.
“This announcement is just the latest in an onslaught of attacks on te iwi Māori,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Rawiri Waititi.
“This is what the new wave of colonisation looks like:
• Demolishing Te Aka Whai Ora. • Throwing out Smokefree Targets- sentencing more Māori to premature death. • Sidestepping Te Tiriti with the fast-track bill. • Repealing section 7aa of the Oranga Tamariki Act – stealing our mokopuna. • Confiscating our coastlines with their Marine and Coastal Area Amendments. • Extracting oil and gas from our Moana. • Cutting $300 million of targeted Māori funding. • Cutting Matariki funding. • Rejecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. • Defunding section 27 reports. • Restoring Three Strikes. • Building Mega-Prisons. • Resurrecting youth bootcamps. • Removing Te Mana o Te Wai obligations. • Ignoring the Waitangi Tribunal Recommendations and High Court Rulings. Setting in motion a wave of anti-Māori sentiment by giving life to the Treaty Principles Bill.
“The government are playing with fire, and they must back down. Our people are too invested in our mokopuna and our whenua to let this ethnocide occur right in front of our eyes,” said Waititi.
“Te iwi Māori, tangata Tiriti, and tangata Moana are all preparing to activate because we all believe in a Tiriti-centric Aotearoa that values the protection of our mokopuna, our whenua, and our taiao,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.
We will back the will of our people. We will support their intentions and their activations in all the ways we can.
