NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 4th ASEAN Mineral Awards

    Source: ASEAN

    ASEAN Set to Honour Mining Excellence at 4th ASEAN Mineral Awards in Lao PDR

    The spotlight will soon shine on the region’s mining sector as ASEAN prepares to honour top-performing companies in the 4th ASEAN Mineral Awards (AMA), to be announced during the 10th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Minerals (AMMin) in the week of 29 September 2025 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
     
    Held biennially, the AMA recognises excellence in environmentally and socially responsible mining and minerals processing practices across Southeast Asia. The prestigious awards ceremony will take place during the AMMin Gala Dinner, a highlight of the ASEAN minerals calendar.
     
    The awards celebrate companies that have demonstrated significant contributions to sustainable development in the sector—ranging from community upliftment and workforce development, to improved resource efficiency and enhanced environmental, health and safety standards.
     
    Six awards will be given across two mineral categories:
     
    Metallic Minerals:

    Best Practices in Mining
    Best Practices in Processing (including smelting)
    Best Practices in Distribution (including transport, handling, storage)

     
    Non-metallic Minerals:

    Best Practices in Mining
    Best Practices in Processing
    Best Practices in Distribution

     
    Launched in 2017, the AMA has become a key platform for recognising regional excellence. While the first and second editions were held in 2017 and 2019 respectively, the third edition—originally planned for 2021—was postponed to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
     
    In addition to the awards, ASEAN will unveil a special AMA Handbook showcasing the achievements of winners and finalists. The publication will document real-world examples of best practices in the region’s minerals sector, serving as a reference and inspiration for future innovation.
     
    Applicants and stakeholders are encouraged to consult the official guidelines and contact their respective ASEAN Member State Focal Points for national nomination timelines and submission procedures.
     
    —

    The post 4th ASEAN Mineral Awards appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Papua New Guinea police blame overrun system for prison breakouts

    By Margot Staunton, RNZ Pacific senior journalist

    Police in Papua New Guinea say the country’s overrun courts and prisons are behind mass breakouts from police custody.

    Chief Superintendent Clement Dala made the comment after 13 detainees escaped on Tuesday in Simbu Province, including eight who were facing murder charges.

    Dala said an auxiliary policeman who had the keys to a holding cell at Kundiawa Police Station is also on the run.

    Police are investigating a claim by local media that he is the partner of a female escapee who was facing trial for murder.

    Six police officers on duty at the time have been suspended for 21 days while investigations continue.

    “The auxiliary officer is not a recognised police officer and should not have had the key, but it appears he was helping the sole police officer on cell duties,” said Dala, who is the acting assistant commissioner for three Highlands provinces.

    Dala said it appeared the auxiliary officer wandered off for a meal and left the cell door open at the entrance to the police station.

    “He may have played a role in assisting the escapees, but we are still trying to find out exactly what happened.”

    ‘Probably hiding somewhere’
    “If we find it was deliberate then he will definitely be arrested. He is probably hiding somewhere nearby and we’ll get to him as soon as we can,” he said.

    As of yesterday, none of the escapees had been caught. Police are relying on community leaders to encourage them to surrender.

    But this could take a month or longer and police fear some could reoffend.

    He said the police have previously been told not to use auxiliary officers in any official capacity as they were community liaison officers.

    “This is a symptom of our severe staff shortages, but I have reissued an instruction banning them from frontline duties,” he said.

    Dala said PNG’s courts and prisons were completely overrun, and this was the main reason detainees in police custody escape.

    Up to 200 people on remand
    He said on any given day there could be up to 200 people on remand in police cells under his command and many brought in weapons and drugs.

    “We have different cells for different remandees, but if we are overcrowded we have to keep prisoners in the main corridor, especially those who have committed minor crimes,” he said.

    Dala said some remand prisoners were being kept in police holding cells for more than a month.

    He said the police had faced a lack of political will to deal with severe staff shortages, a lack of training across the force and outdated infrastructure.

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Completes the Fourth Reviews of the EFF/ECF Arrangements and the Third Review of the RSF Arrangement for Côte d’Ivoire

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 25, 2025

    • The IMF Executive Board today completed the Fourth Reviews of Côte d’Ivoire’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangements and the Third Review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) Arrangement. The decision allows for an immediate disbursement of about US$758 million.
    • Program implementation has been strong, with all end-December 2024 performance criteria and structural benchmarks met satisfactorily under the EFF/ECF program, and all climate-financing reform measures completed under the RSF arrangement.
    • The authorities’ ongoing commitment to reforms is expected to support Côte d’Ivoire’s sustainable transformation toward upper middle-income status over the medium term, while strengthening economic resilience to climate-induced shocks and maintaining balance of payments stability.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Fourth Reviews of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangements and the Third Review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) Arrangement for Côte d’Ivoire.

    The EFF/ECF-supported program approved in May 2023 in the amount of SDR2,601.6 million (equivalent to 400 percent of quota or about US$3.6 billion), has substantially reduced imbalances and safeguarded a moderate risk of debt distress rating, while important reforms under RSF arrangement for a total amount of SDR975.6 million (equivalent to 150 percent of quota or about US$1.3 billion) are contributing to prospective balance of payments stability and economic resilience to climate-induced shocks. The authorities’ ongoing commitment to reforms under both programs should support Côte d’Ivoire’s sustainable transformation toward upper middle-income status over the medium-term. Program implementation has been generally strong thus far, with all end-December performance criteria met and implementation of structural benchmarks being satisfactory. Moreover, all reform measures under the RSF arrangement for this review with a focus on climate-financing architecture were implemented. The completion of the reviews allows for an immediate disbursement of about US$758 million under the multi-year Fund arrangements.

    Côte d’Ivoire’s resilient economy has consolidated its role as an anchor of stability in the region against a still difficult global backdrop. Amid a recovery in agricultural production, favorable terms of trade and rising household incomes growth is expected to pick up in the near term. The medium-term outlook also remains favorable as economic fundamentals strengthen further and the hydrocarbon and mining sectors add to broad-based growth. Risks are broadly balanced. For 2025, growth is projected to be 6.3 percent, while average inflation is expected to return to within the 1 to 3 percent WAEMU target range. The 2025 current account deficit is projected to narrow to 3.6 percent of GDP, and the fiscal deficit is expected to meet the WAEMU deficit ceiling of 3 percent of GDP.

    The authorities remain firmly committed to boosting tax revenue in the medium term, and to implementing the medium-term revenue strategy (MTRS) approved in May 2024. Sustained effort is expected by the authorities to increase tax revenue to GDP by 0.5 percent of GDP, each year through 2026 and reach approximately 20 percent of GDP over the medium-term through self-sustaining tax policy and tax administration reforms.

    Important structural reforms continue to focus on improving the business climate and increasing the involvement of the private sector in the country’s development. To this end, enhancements in the transparency and accountability of public enterprises, further strengthening governance and financial integrity (particularly the AML/CFT framework), along with investment in human capital, broader financial inclusion, and climate resilience, to support higher productivity growth will be instrumental.

    Following the Executive Board discussion, Mr. Okamura, Acting Chair and Deputy Managing Director, made the following statement:

    “Côte d’Ivoire’s performance under the Fund-supported programs has been strong, reflecting the authorities’ commitment to entrenching macroeconomic stability. Sustained reform efforts will help safeguard fiscal and debt sustainability and consolidate the country’s role as an anchor of regional stability.

    “Continued fiscal consolidation envisaged in the 2025 budget will be underpinned by high-quality and permanent tax policy measures, as well as tax and customs administration reforms. These measures will support bringing the fiscal deficit to 3 percent of GDP by 2025, in line with the WAEMU ceiling, and help reduce the country’s debt sustainability risks.

    “Sustaining domestic revenue mobilization over the medium-term remains a priority to generate the fiscal space needed to finance social and development spending and support a deeper economic transformation toward upper middle-income status. To this end, implementation of the Medium-term Revenue Mobilization Strategy (MTRS) will continue to require significant engagement with stakeholders to ensure buy-in for the needed overhaul of the tax system and the streamlining of VAT tax exemptions and other tax expenditures.

    “Preserving fiscal space will be aided by the authorities’ commitments to enhance the coverage, transparency, and management of public finances. The authorities’ continued active debt management remains critical in safeguarding debt sustainability. Sustaining structural reform momentum and continuous improvements in safeguarding financial integrity and governance are important for unlocking the private sector’s potential.

    “Addressing identified AML/CFT framework deficiencies, and showcasing an implementation track-record on AML/CFT is critical. Further investments in human capital development, especially amongst youth and women, along with the reduction of informality, will make growth more inclusive. Continuing efforts to strengthen resilience to climate shocks will also be important for a sustainable transformation of Côte d’Ivoire’s economy.”

    Table 1. Côte d’Ivoire: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2022–26

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Kwabena Akuamoah-Boateng

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/25/pr25220-cote-d-ivoire-fourth-reviews-of-the-eff-ecf-and-third-review-of-the-rsf

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08) Blasts RFK Jr. For Lying to a Sitting Senator, the American People About His Dismantling of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), Vaccine Efficacy and Safety

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Just hours ago, at the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) – the first pediatrician elected to Congress and co-chair of the Congressional Doctors Caucus – blasted Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for lying to Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and the American people about his dismantling of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and his undermining of vaccine efficacy and safety.

    “I just want to tell you that for most of us sitting here right now, we believe Senator Cassidy more than we trust you when it comes to vaccinations. It sounds to me like you gave him the answer he needed to hear in order to get his confirmation vote, and then as soon as you were Secretary, you turned around and did whatever you wanted – you fired all 17 members [of ACIP],” said Congresswoman Kim Schrier. “Mr. Secretary, you are now on the record – you lied to Senator Cassidy, you have lied to the American people, you have lied to parents about vaccines for 20 years, and I also want to be clear that I will lay all responsibility for every death from a vaccine-preventable at your feet.”

    To watch Congresswoman Schrier’s full remarks, click here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Higgins, Ezell Introduce Legislation to Support Dredging Workforce

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) and Congressman Mike Ezell (R-MS) introduced today the “Industrial Certification for Coast Guard Veterans Act,” which would expand opportunities for U.S. Coast Guard personnel to transition to the dredging sector upon completion of their service.

    The bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to produce a report analyzing the transferability of Coast Guard skills to the dredging industry. The report would identify recruitment strategies to connect with retiring Coast Guard personnel, evaluate the potential for credentialing or certification programs, and outline any existing or planned coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

    “The dredging and maintenance of America’s ports and waterways is critical to our economic and national security,” said Congressman Higgins. “This legislation prioritizes workforce development efforts for the dredging industry in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard. We’re exploring opportunities for retiring Coast Guard personnel to transition their skills into the private sector, all while supporting efforts to maintain our maritime infrastructure.” 

    “As Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I’ve seen firsthand the talent and expertise our Coast Guard members bring to the table,” said Congressman Ezell. “The Industrial Certification for Coast Guard Veterans Act will help ensure those skills don’t go to waste after service. By identifying pathways into the dredging sector, this bill supports our veterans, strengthens our maritime workforce, and reinforces our commitment to maintaining vital infrastructure across the country.”

    Read the legislation here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Golden statement on the third anniversary of Dobbs v. Jackson’s Women’s Health Organization

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement on the third anniversary of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, allowing individual states to outlaw abortion services:

    “Each day that passes without the federal protections enshrined by Roe v. Wade is an affront to women’s freedom,” Golden said. “Millions of women have lost autonomy over their own bodies, and millions more would be harmed by the extreme anti-choice agenda being driven across the country. I reject those efforts, and will continue to support efforts to restore reproductive freedom to every single American woman.”

    Golden has been a champion of reproductive freedom throughout his time in Congress, and is an original cosponsor of two new bills that were reintroduced today. The Women’s Health Protection Act would enshrine abortion rights for patients and providers and create a federal prohibition against medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion, while the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act would outlaw any restrictions on women traveling across state lines to access abortion services. Golden also helped introduce the Right to Contraception Act earlier this year to establish statutory protections for contraceptives.

    When the Dobbs decision was released by the Supreme Court, Golden called it a “grave mistake” and added that Congress should codify the Roe and Casey v. Planned Parenthood frameworks into federal statute.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Golden statement on bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today released the following statement regarding the United States’ bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities on Saturday and Iran’s retaliatory strikes targeting American bases in the Middle East today:

    “Iran is governed by a regime that is hostile to the United States and allied with others that seek the destruction of America. They sponsor terrorist organizations that have killed American troops and citizens and are a source of chaos and bloodshed in the region. The IAEA determined the regime had been dangerously close to developing nuclear weapons. Based on what I know so far, I believe the president was right to launch limited strikes to deter that outcome.

    “It is important now that the country learns what information helped inform the president’s decision and the timing of these strikes, and that we learn more about whether we were successful in destroying Iran’s nuclear program. I look forward to Congress receiving a full briefing. But what matters most now is what happens next: Just today, Iran launched missiles at American bases in Iraq and Qatar. The top priority for the president and his administration, as well as for Congress, must be to use every tool at our disposal to defend Americans and deter further escalation by Tehran.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Case Opposes Homeland Security Funding Measure That Would Cripple Federal Disaster Assistance To State And Local Governments

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the House Appropriations Committee and of its Subcommittee on Homeland Security, voted yesterday in the full committee against the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations measure.  

    The FY 2026 Homeland Security bill proposes a total discretionary allocation of $66.4 billion to the Department of Homeland Security, an increase of $1.3 billion over the FY 2025 enacted level.

    Combined with the additional $26.5 billion for disaster response and $6.3 billion for programs offset by fee collections, the bill proposes to spend a total of $99.1 billion for the Department of Homeland Security in FY 2026. 

    The bill supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Secret Service and more.

    “While the measure funds many critical Hawai‘i and Indo-Pacific priorities I requested, I regrettably had to vote against this version because it dangerously underfunds disaster mitigation and cybersecurity initiatives, ultimately leaving Americans less safe,” said Case. “The Committee also was forced to draft the bill in the dark because the administration failed to provide a detailed budget request, and this is a dangerous precedent to support.”

    In his remarks to the full committee here, Case focused specifically on critical FEMA assistance to for the Maui wildfire disaster as well as proposed cybersecurity cuts.

    Through his assignment on the Subcommittee, Case secured $1 million for the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency’s (HIEMA) Emergency Operations Center IT Modernization Project. This is one of Case’s Member-designated Community Project Funding (CPF) projects that specifically focuses on local needs in Hawai‘i. The project will fund the procurement and installation of touchscreen monitors for a new information wall at the emergency operations center to facilitate emergency response communications and instantaneous information sharing.

    “These facilities will share information in real time so that emergency responders can make informed decisions and take necessary actions to save lives and protect property in the event of a disaster,” said Case. 

    The House’s CPF rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed by the requesting Member and must be subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here.  

    Case also secured a number of other key programs and provisions for Hawai‘i, including:

    ·         $355 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants, which support state and local emergency management agencies like HIEMA. 

    ·         $360 million for FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, which is a major source of funding for county fire departments.

    ·         $360 million for FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program. 

    ·         $60 million for increased Coast Guard operations and support funding in the Indo-Pacific, to include workforce support in housing, medical and childcare access for Coasties in Hawai‘i.

    ·         $15 million for the Coast Guard’s Honolulu Homeport Project, which funds expansion of operations and cutter maintenance activities at Base Honolulu. 

    ·         $101 million for the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, a $10 million increase over FY 2025, which funds University of Hawaii’s National Disaster Preparedness Training Center. 

    ·         $60 million for another Coast Guard Medium Endurance Cutter to be stationed in the Indo-Pacific.  

    ·         $40 million for FEMA’s Next Generation Warning System. 

    ·         Language requiring a report on the opportunity for the Coast Guard to acquire additional pier and related space at Base Honolulu. 

    ·         Language requiring a report on unmet requirements for the infrastructure at the Coast Guard’s Air Station Barbers Point. 

    ·         Language encouraging TSA to address potential degradation of security scanning equipment at open-air airports.

     The measure also includes the following priorities requested by Case: 

    ·         $14.4 billion for the Coast Guard. 

    ·         $54 million for the National Computer Forensic Institute, through which 397 state and local law enforcement officers from agencies in Hawai‘i have received a host of forensic training courses.

    ·         Report language supporting the growth of CISA support in the Pacific Islands. 

    ·         Language requiring a report on Coast Guard engagement and needs in the Indo-Pacific. 

    ·         Language requiring a briefing on the Coast Guard’s role in combatting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which is a major issue in the Indo-Pacific. 

    ·         $615 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative under FEMA. 

    ·         $520 million for the State Homeland Security Grant Program, which provides funding to protect against terrorism and other threats. 

    ·         $95 million for the Transit Security Grant Program, which protects critical transportation infrastructure from acts of terrorism. 

    ·         $105 million for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. 

    ·         $100 million for FEMA’s Port Security Grant Program. 

    ·         $45 million for the TSA Law Enforcement Officer Reimbursement Program. 

    This measure is one of the twelve bills developed by the House Appropriations Committee that will collectively fund the federal government for FY 2026 (commencing October 1, 2025). The bill now moves on to the full House of Representatives for its consideration.   

    A summary of the bill is available here.  

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Cash Converters and Mobile Travel Agents pay penalties for allegedly breaching Franchising Code of Conduct

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    Franchisors Cash Converters Pty Ltd and MTA – Mobile Travel Agents Pty Ltd (MTA) have each paid a $16,500 penalty after the ACCC issued both companies with an infringement notice after they each allegedly breached the Franchising Code of Conduct.

    The ACCC alleges that second-hand goods retailer and pawn broker Cash Converters, and travel agency MTA, each failed to meet their obligation to annually update or confirm franchisor information on the Franchise Disclosure Register as required by the Franchising Code of Conduct.

    The Franchise Disclosure Register is an online register hosted and administered by the Department of the Treasury. It is a free service intended to give prospective franchise buyers, current franchisees and professional advisers access to information provided by franchisors.

    “The requirement for franchisors to maintain accurate and up-to-date public profiles on the Register ensures prospective franchisees and other stakeholders have clear and accurate information to help them make informed business decisions, including whether to enter into a franchise agreement,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.

    “A franchisor’s failure to maintain up-to-date information on the Register undermines transparency for prospective franchisees, and the reliability and integrity of the Register.”

    The ACCC will continue to monitor the franchising sector’s compliance with the Franchising Code of Conduct including the Register obligations.

    “The Franchising Code of Conduct applies to franchising in Australia to help address some of the problems caused by the power imbalance in the franchise relationship,” Mr Keogh said.

    “Failure to comply with the requirements of the Franchising Code of Conduct may result in penalties or other enforcement action by the ACCC.”

    One of the ACCC’s enduring compliance and enforcement priorities is to ensure that small businesses receive the protections of competition and consumer laws, including mandatory industry codes such as the Franchising Code of Conduct.

    More information for current and potential franchisees, and for franchisors, is available on the ACCC website at Franchising Code of Conduct.

    Background

    MTA is an Australian-based travel agency offering personal travel planning services. It has approximately 488 franchisees and operates nationally.

    Cash Converters offers buying and selling of second-hand goods, pawn broking and personal loans. In Australia, it has about 74 franchisee-owned stores and 79 corporate-owned stores.

    Notes to editors

    The ACCC is responsible for regulating industry codes that are prescribed under the Competition and Consumer Act, including the Franchising Code of Conduct. The Franchising Code of Conduct is a mandatory national code that regulates the conduct of franchising participants towards each other.

    The Franchising Code of Conduct sets out, among other things:

    • franchisors’ disclosure requirements
    • how disputes between parties to a franchise agreement should be resolved, and 
    • when franchisors must include or update information on the RegisterThe ACCC can issue an infringement notice when it has reasonable grounds to believe a person or business as contravened certain provisions of an industry code.

    A person or business is not regarded as having contravened the provision of the industry code merely by paying the penalty specified in an infringement notice.

    On 18 March 2025, the Government announced it will provide $7.1 million over two years to strengthen the ACCC’s enforcement of the Franchising Code of Conduct. This funding uplift enables the ACCC to undertake more education, enforcement and engagement in the franchising sector.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ulf Kristersson receives Vietnam’s Prime Minister

    Source: Government of Sweden

    On Friday 13 June Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson received Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh for bilateral talks at Rosenbad. During the official visit, Sweden and Vietnam entered into a bilateral sectorial strategic partnership aimed at advancing cooperation in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests of Morocco

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests of Morocco, Redouane Arrach, in Rabat, on 25 June 2025. They discussed key issues aimed at advancing cooperation in the food, agriculture, and forestry sectors, with a focus on addressing common challenges such as climate change and sustainable development. Both sides exchanged views on ways to formulate and implement programmes related to agricultural trade, decarbonisation, digitalisation, and the promotion of public-private partnerships, among others.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests of Morocco appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tuberville Joins Colleagues in Press Conference on the Golden Dome

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    “We send billions of dollars overseas, and it’s past time that we make an investment in our national security.”

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) for a press conference to speak on the importance of developing the Golden Dome for America’s national security. He emphasized the need to invest in securing our airspace and ensure the U.S. is constantly on the cutting edge of defense technology. Sen. Tuberville also highlighted the capabilities of Redstone Arsenal and various defense companies in Huntsville, Alabama, as major leaders in the future development of the Golden Dome.

    Sens. Tuberville and Sullivan were joined by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), John Hoeven (R-ND), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT). Representative Mark Messmer (R-IN-08) also joined the press conference. 

    Read Sen. Tuberville’s remarks below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.

    Vision and leadership. We couldn’t do that— this project—without President Trump. I don’t think anybody else you put in this situation would even have the tenacity to step up and do something like this. But, you know, the world has been amazed at the effectiveness of the Iron Dome [in Israel].


    They’ve been able to shoot down 90% of incoming threats. Think about that—90%—incredible. President Trump is exactly right. There is no reason why we shouldn’t have the same technology right here at home. This is a dangerous world, and it’s getting more dangerous every day. People made fun of President Reagan with his Star Wars program. And it was amazing. They laughed at him. They said it wouldn’t work. But he understood the growing danger that the American people really didn’t know. But now we’re all finding out. No other president since has been bold enough […] to step up and say, ‘we’ve got to have something to protect this country,’ and     thank God for President Trump.


    Now that the president is forcing our NATO partners to start paying their own share, we can focus on our own defense, and it’s about time. We need to do that. We can’t count on anybody else. It’s gonna have to be us, and the American taxpayers, and our military.


    We send billions of dollars overseas, and it’s past time that we make an investment in our national security. Thanks to President Trump, peace through strength is back. You know, the Senate is proposing nearly $2    5 billion dollars in a reconciliation package as a down payment to begin construction on this massive project, $25 billion. That’s just as I said—a down payment.


    That’s why getting the President’s One Big Beautiful Bill passed is critical for national security. Countries like Iran are openly chanting ‘Death to America,’ and we have to be able to protect ourselves. You know, there’s no better place to help design this and build and operate than in my home     state—Redstone Arsenal [in] Huntsville, Alabama.


    And let me tell you something. It is probably the best kept secret in this country. […    ] For more than 80 years, Redstone Arsenal has been leading the way in space, cybersecurity, and national defense. Huntsville’s talent, facilities, and resources are second to none all over the world. According to Forbes, Huntsville has the most engineers per capita in the world. That’s why you see more and more agencies expanding their footprint in Huntsville and the surrounding area—including: Missile Defense Agency, NASA, FBI, Missile and Space Intelligence Center, Defense Intelligence Agency, [and] the Army’s Material Command. Huntsville is also home to more than 500 defense contractors: Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance. We will be big in building a lot of this Golden Dome. Huntsville helped put the first person on the moon. What a better place to help begin the origination of Golden Dome than Huntsville, Alabama. 

    So, thanks to President Trump, American dominance and deterrence his back. The Big Beautiful Bill is a down payment on the Golden Dome. It will help make sure America remains the strongest, most secure nation in the world. The Golden Dome Act will advance our security even further with critical investment in emerging technologies, many of which will be developed in my home state of Alabama. Thank you very much.”

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tuberville on The Bottom Line: “Today’s a great day to fire Jerome Powell”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined Dagen McDowell and Guy Benson on The Bottom Line to discuss his recent calls for President Trump to fire the Chair of the Federal Reserve Jerome Powell. 

    Excerpts from Senator Tuberville’s interview can be found below, or viewed on YouTube or Rumble.

    McDOWELL: “Our next guest says, ‘Today’s a great day to fire Jerome Powell.’”

    BENSON: “He is Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, and he joins us right now. Alright, Senator. So clearly, the President is very frustrated with Jay Powell. Powell was saying that he’s expecting this inflation to show up at some point. I guess the question that I have is: what if it doesn’t? How long does he wait?”

    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. Well, he’s playing god, is what he’s doing. And inflation is as low as it’s been in months. And by the way, he did lower rates right before the election—for Kamala Harris. But, yeah, FJP– ‘Fire Jerome Powell’. We put that out every day online, and we’ve gotten a lot of hits from that. He’s killing our farmers, our small businesses, and the middle class, because there’s no homes for sale. The problem is people liked that 3% interest rate they got years ago–back before everything went to hell in a handbasket. And now, it’s up to 7-8%. Nobody wants to sell. There’s no homes out there. So, he’s putting the middle class and small businesses and farmers in tough shape.”

    McDOWELL: “Well, even the stock market, Senator, is telling him to cut rates, because the 2-year Treasury is well below–it’s at like 3.8%–well below the overnight lending rate that the Federal Reserve controls, which is at 4.25-4.5 [%]. I’ll tell you who’s gonna push him out. You don’t need to fire him and rattle the market. [Who is going to] push him out will be […] fellow Fed governors like Bowman, Waller, and Austan Goolsbee have all come out and said, ‘Yeah, we’re probably gonna need to cut rates in July.’ They’re pushing him and embarrassing him. And I venture a guess, they might want his job, and I can’t wait to see the infighting develop. That will just be the most delicious soap opera.” 

    BENSON: “Like Conclave.” 

    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. Yeah. They’re pushing back right and left. We had Scott Bessent, the Secretary of Treasury, here for lunch today, and he spoke about the very same thing. They’re starting to infight a little bit. But at the end of the day, he’s playing politics. And he’s played politics. When I first got here 5 years ago, he came to my office and I asked him, you know, ‘Are you ever gonna raise rates?’ He waited forever to raise rates, you know, when Joe Biden went in, and then he kept raising. Now, he’s not not even thinking about lowering the rates. Miki Bowman, by the way–she’s Vice Chair of the [Federal Reserve]. I’ve known her for a long time. She’s very, very good. But she did not vote for those rate increases before the election. And, of course, she knew politics were involved. But we got to get politics out of all this mess. If he would drop 100 points down–which is basically one point today–that would save $300 or $400 billion dollars for the American taxpayers for a year. That’s a lot of money, and our debt is so high. We’ve got to find some way to pay it off.”

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZCTU statement on Takutai Tarsh Kemp

    Source: NZCTU

    The union movement is sending its love and condolences to the whānau of MP for Tāmaki Makaurau, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, following the shocking news of her passing.

    “We are heartbroken for Takutai’s whānau, hapū and iwi, for the people of Tāmaki Makaurau, and for Te Pāti Māori at this sad time,” said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff.

    “We deeply appreciate Takutai’s tireless dedication and service on behalf of her people, including as a staunch advocate for rangatahi and for some of the most marginalised whānau in Aotearoa.

    “We acknowledge that as Te Pāti Māori’s spokesperson for Workers’ Rights, Takutai fought to ensure the rights of working people were upheld. 

    “Takutai was a leader who had so much more to give, and will be missed dearly,” said Wagstaff.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact check: Claims swirling on California gas prices

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 25, 2025

    What you need to know: There are many disingenuous claims swirling about California gas prices “set to soar” – the truth is that gas prices won’t come anywhere close to increasing by 65 cents, as many would have you believe.  

    SACRAMENTO – California gas prices are 20 cents lower than one month ago and 17 cents lower than one year ago – despite a swirl of misinformation drawing attention to current prices.

    According to a 2024 report, thanks to major improvements in fuel efficiency, California drivers rank 45th in the nation for gasoline consumption and 21st in spending on gasoline per capita. Trump’s tariffs and policies impacting the price of crude oil stand to swing gas prices far more than any state policy. 

    Driven by misinformation pushed by Republican lawmakers and the oil industry, there remains a lot of speculation about California gas prices. Here are the facts.

    CLAIM: California gas prices will go up by 65 cents or higher on July 1. 

    FALSE. There are two separate changes to fuel prices expected on or around July 1 – a legislatively mandated and voter-approved gas tax increase of 1.6 cents and updated fuel standards that could, according to experts, translate to 5 to 8 cents. 

    • Gas tax: California’s gasoline tax will increase by 1.6 cents per gallon, starting July 1, as required by law. This annual inflation increase was enacted by the Legislature in 2017 to help pay for road repairs – and overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2018 when they rejected a repeal attempt. 
    • Fuel standard: Additionally, changes to the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) – which is not a tax – have been requested to go into effect on July 1. Experts at UC Davis estimate this program, first established by Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, could add between 5 and 8 cents per gallon – well below one extreme projection that showed 65 cents. In the long term, LCFS is estimated to reduce fuel costs for Californians per mile by 42% – translating to savings of over $20 billion in gasoline costs every year by 2045. Studies also show that LCFS credit prices have no correlation with gasoline prices.

    CLAIM: Gas prices could top $8 a gallon by next year.  

    FALSE. That number – widely reported in the media – comes from an unscientific analysis whose author has close ties with the oil industry and has been on the payroll of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The author fails to provide evidence to support his main claim and only relies on vague references to models with no details on what those models are based on. Other experts, such as these Stanford economists, say gas price increases based on recent refinery announcements are likely to be negligible. 

    Correcting the record

    Republican lawmakers in Congress recently echoed false claims about California gas prices in a letter. Here’s what they got wrong. (View full-size here.)

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jun 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced $135 million is available for wildfire prevention grants – protecting communities from catastrophic wildfire at the same time as President Trump adds new strain to firefighting resources. SACRAMENTO – As President…

    Jun 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: As part of California Jobs First, the state is awarding $15 million through the Regional Investment Initiative to support California Native American tribal partners in creating jobs and developing high-paying and fulfilling careers….

    Jun 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: The First Partner launched her annual Book Club today, which features great kids’ reads curated by librarians across California, as well as investments to support library community programming. SACRAMENTO – California First Partner Jennifer…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The real benchmark for AI progress is whether it makes a real difference in people’s lives — in healthcare, education and productivity. Thanks to Y Combinator for having me at AI Startup School.

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: The real benchmark for AI progress is whether it makes a real difference in people’s lives — in healthcare, education and productivity. Thanks to Y Combinator for having me at AI Startup School.

    The real benchmark for AI progress is whether it makes a real difference in people’s lives — in healthcare, education, and productivity. Thanks to Y Combinator for having me at AI Startup School. 

    Transcript

    If there’s one lesson history is thought of is that if you’re going to use energy, you better have social permission to use energy. So that means you’ve got to make sure that the output of this AI is socially useful. If we really are not creating social surplus, economic surplus as measured by countries and communities, we just can’t consume energy. And so that to me is the bigger thing. Like everybody’s today hot and bothered about, OK, what do I do about energy production, I think. The real question in the next 5 years is we’ve got to produce enough products that are creating great value, which I’m very confident of, by the way, in healthcare and education in in productivity. So there’s many, many domains. But that’s the real challenge for us as a tech industry is to prove unequivocally that what we have created is showing up in real stats. That is not just an AGI or AI benchmark. The hope is that this will show up. And sort of the real things that you sort of interact with on a daily basis that 100%, you know, you go use your, you get a mortgage loan and instead of, you know, beautiful three months or two months of waiting around and you don’t know if you’re going to get approved or, you know, there’s just so many things that are important parts of your life that, you know, get drowned in paperwork or bureaucracy that those things could potentially go away. 100% Think healthcare like in the United States. What is it 1819% of our cost? Healthcare and a lot of it, like everybody talks about the magical drug, blah, blah, blah, except all of the cost is in workflow. And so if you really take something like a simple thing like discharge the amount that you take the back end of an EMR system with a just a, an LLM and a prompt, that itself is going to save so much time and money and energy that it would sort of pay for itself.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The real benchmark for AI progress is whether it makes a real difference in people’s lives — in healthcare, education and productivity. Thanks to Y Combinator for having me at AI Startup School.

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: The real benchmark for AI progress is whether it makes a real difference in people’s lives — in healthcare, education and productivity. Thanks to Y Combinator for having me at AI Startup School.

    The real benchmark for AI progress is whether it makes a real difference in people’s lives — in healthcare, education, and productivity. Thanks to Y Combinator for having me at AI Startup School. 

    Transcript

    If there’s one lesson history is thought of is that if you’re going to use energy, you better have social permission to use energy. So that means you’ve got to make sure that the output of this AI is socially useful. If we really are not creating social surplus, economic surplus as measured by countries and communities, we just can’t consume energy. And so that to me is the bigger thing. Like everybody’s today hot and bothered about, OK, what do I do about energy production, I think. The real question in the next 5 years is we’ve got to produce enough products that are creating great value, which I’m very confident of, by the way, in healthcare and education in in productivity. So there’s many, many domains. But that’s the real challenge for us as a tech industry is to prove unequivocally that what we have created is showing up in real stats. That is not just an AGI or AI benchmark. The hope is that this will show up. And sort of the real things that you sort of interact with on a daily basis that 100%, you know, you go use your, you get a mortgage loan and instead of, you know, beautiful three months or two months of waiting around and you don’t know if you’re going to get approved or, you know, there’s just so many things that are important parts of your life that, you know, get drowned in paperwork or bureaucracy that those things could potentially go away. 100% Think healthcare like in the United States. What is it 1819% of our cost? Healthcare and a lot of it, like everybody talks about the magical drug, blah, blah, blah, except all of the cost is in workflow. And so if you really take something like a simple thing like discharge the amount that you take the back end of an EMR system with a just a, an LLM and a prompt, that itself is going to save so much time and money and energy that it would sort of pay for itself.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Oregon Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by the Harney County Flooding

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to Oregon small businesses, private nonprofits and residents to offset physical and economic losses from the Harney County flooding occurring March 12-April 15.

    The declaration covers the Oregon counties of Crook, Deschutes, Grant, Harney, Lake and Malheur as well as the Nevada counties of Humboldt and Washoe.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.62% for PNPs, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    “When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers play a vital role in helping small businesses and their communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “At these centers, SBA specialists assist business owners and residents with disaster loan applications and provide information on the full range of recovery programs available.”

    Beginning Friday, June 27, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

    The DLOC hours of operation are as follows:

    HARNEY COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Harney County Senior Center
    17 S. Alder Ave.
    Burns, OR  97720

    Opens at 12 p.m., Friday, June 27

    Mondays – Fridays, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

    Closed Friday, July 4 for Independence Day

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is Aug. 25, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 25, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian Gas Networks in Court over alleged greenwashing in renewable gas campaign

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The ACCC has launched Federal Court action against gas distributor Australian Gas Networks Limited alleging it made false and misleading representations in its ‘Love Gas’ TV and digital advertising campaign.

    The ACCC alleges Australian Gas Networks misled millions of consumers when it represented, in ads that ran during 2022 and 2023, that the gas it distributes to households on its network will be renewable within a generation.

    Australian Gas Networks did not have reasonable grounds for making the unqualified claim about the future of gas, which featured in advertisements run on free-to-air television, streaming services and on YouTube, the ACCC alleges.

    “We allege that Australian Gas Networks engaged in greenwashing in its ‘Love Gas’ ad campaign,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

    “We allege that the ads overstated the likelihood of Australian Gas Networks overcoming significant technical and economic barriers to distribute renewable gas to households within a generation.”

    “It is not currently possible to distribute renewable gas at scale and at an economically viable price, and throughout 2022 and 2023 it was highly uncertain whether, and if so when, this would be possible,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    “We allege that even though Australian Gas Networks knew the future of renewable gas was uncertain, it made an unqualified representation to consumers that it would distribute renewable gas to households within a generation.”

    “We say these ads were intended to encourage consumers to connect to, or remain connected to, Australian Gas Networks’ distribution network and to purchase gas appliances for their homes, based on the misleading impression they would receive ‘renewable gas’ within a generation,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    “We consider that consumers were deprived of the opportunity to make fully informed choices, in accordance with their values, about the most appropriate energy sources for use in their homes, the household appliances they should invest in, and the steps they could take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

    The claims by Australian Gas Networks were contained in four advertisements which all featured a young girl and her father using gas appliances in the home for cooking, bathing or heating. The advertisements then fast-forward in time to show the girl, now portrayed as a young adult, engaging in the same household activities.

    The ads featured a voiceover stating the following, or similar:

    • Some things never change, but the flame we use will.
    • It’s becoming renewable.
    • Controllable, reliable gas.
    • For this generation and the next.

    The final frame of each ad featured the company’s logo next to a green flame, and the words; “Love gas. Love a renewable gas future”; or just “Love Gas”.

    The ads did not contain any qualifications, fine print or disclaimers.

    “Businesses that make false or misleading environmental claims make it harder for consumers to support businesses that are genuinely working to reduce their environmental impact,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    “Businesses that make environmental claims about the future must have reasonable grounds for those claims, or they will be taken to be misleading under the Australian Consumer Law. Businesses must take care when they promote emissions-reduction measures that their claims can be backed up with evidence, and that they are realistic about emerging energy technologies and when changes are likely to be achieved. Misleading claims not only break the trust of consumers, they also breach the Australian Consumer Law.”

    The ACCC is seeking declarations, penalties, costs and other orders.

    Background

    The “Love Gas” advertising campaign ran between 20 March 2022 to 2 October 2022 and again from 1 August 2023 to 15 October 2023.

    Australian Gas Networks is one of Australia’s largest gas infrastructure businesses. It owns and operates gas transmission and distribution pipelines.

    Australian Gas Networks distributes natural gas to around 1.3 million homes and businesses, principally in Victoria and South Australia, as well as in Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory.

    The ACCC commenced this investigation after receiving complaints about Australian Gas Networks from consumers and the Australian Conservation Foundation.

    In December 2023, the ACCC published its guidance for businesses on making environmental and sustainability claims. It sets out what the ACCC considers to be misleading conduct and good practice when making such claims, to help businesses provide clear, accurate and trustworthy information to consumers about the current and future environmental performance of their business.

    Images from the Love Gas Advertisements

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Brown applauds court order against the Trump administration for blocking funds for electric vehicle chargers

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — Attorney General Nick Brown and 13 other attorneys general have won a court order blocking the Trump administration’s attempt to withhold about $1 billion in funding for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure directed by Congress to the plaintiff states.

    U.S. District Court Judge Tana Lin said the Trump administration must restore the states’ Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plans to their previous legal status and stop withholding previously authorized National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funds. She stayed the order for seven days, saying it would go into effect on July 2 if the defendants do not file an appeal.

    “Congress invested in forward-looking, clean electric vehicle infrastructure – exactly the future that Washington wants,” Brown said. “The court has now confirmed that Donald Trump can’t just wish that future away because he likes fossil fuels.”

    Lin opened her order by quoting a 1995 episode of The Simpsons, in which “Homer must cut short a tearful goodbye with his long-lost mother after her traveling companions protest that their `electric van only has 20 minutes of juice left!’” That episode foretold the “range anxiety” many drivers of electric vehicles feel when trying to figure out where to charge their cars.

    In the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Congress appropriated $5 billion for the NEVI Formula Program to fund states’ nationwide deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure to improve reliability for the public. The plaintiff states moved forward with developing plans to identify sites, solicit bids, and begin building EV charging stations.

    On Jan. 20, President Trump mandated federal agencies pause disbursement of all funds appropriated under the IIJA and the Inflation Reduction Act, including NEVI program funding. Despite being mandated by Congress to fund the NEVI program, the Federal Highway Administration notified states in February the agency was unlawfully revoking previous state plan approvals and withholding NEVI program funds from the states.

    On May 7, Brown and a coalition of attorneys general from 15 other states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration for illegally withholding NEVI funding, arguing the administration engaged in overreach and violated the Constitution, which grants the power of the purse to Congress. Brown co-led the lawsuit along with attorneys general from California and Colorado.

    Lin, of the Western District of Washington, said that even beyond the matter of EV charging stations, the case centers on the “bedrock doctrines of separation of powers and agency accountability, as enshrined in Constitution and statute.”

    “When the Executive Branch treads upon the will of the Legislative Branch, and when an administrative agency acts contrary to law, it is the Court’s responsibility to remediate the situation and restore the balance of power,” she wrote.

    Lin granted the preliminary injunction to the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin.

    Lin said she excluded the District of Columbia, Minnesota, and Vermont from her preliminary injunction because they did not submit declarations that attested to the Federal Highway Administration’s approval and re-approval of their state deployment plans.

    A copy of Lin’s order can be found here.

    -30-

     

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties.

    Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Pan-Asia Pacific Regional Congress on Military Medicine opens in Beijing

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

    BEIJING, June 25 — The sixth Pan-Asia Pacific Regional Congress on Military Medicine opened on Wednesday in Beijing, bringing together the heads of military health departments and medical experts from more than 20 countries, as well as representatives of five international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Health Organization and the International Committee of Military Medicine.

    Themed “Innovation, Cooperation, Development, Together for a Shared Future,” the event features discussions and exchanges on innovations in health services and administration, improvements in combat casualty care, and other topics.

    The congress aims to enhance regional public health security capabilities, collaboratively promote pragmatic cooperation and innovative development in military medicine, and promote the construction of a global community of health for all.

    It also features exhibitions related to combat casualty care, training injury prevention, traditional medicine, and medical equipment.

    The medical equipment exhibition zone highlights dual-use technologies and equipment, while other sections make use of interactive demonstrations and immersive experiences to showcase the Chinese military’s medical capabilities and traditional medicine expertise.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Guizhou launches Level III emergency response to rainstorms

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

    GUIYANG, June 25 — Southwest China’s Guizhou Province has activated a Level III emergency response for meteorological disasters triggered by rainstorms, effective from 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, as a new round of heavy rain continues to affect the region, according to the provincial meteorological authorities.

    The rainfall is forecast to sweep from the northeast to the central southwest of the province over the next two days, with expected precipitation ranging from heavy rain to rainstorms. Some areas are likely to experience torrential rain, according to the Guizhou Meteorological Service.

    From 8 a.m. Tuesday to 8 a.m. Wednesday, eight county-level regions, including Qixingguan, Dafang, and Xiuwen, experienced torrential rain, while 34 counties reported heavy rainfall.

    At 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, the provincial meteorological observatory upgraded its blue alert for rainstorms to a yellow alert, warning rainstorms are expected in parts of Guiyang, Liupanshui, Anshun, and Tongren, among others. Some areas may experience torrential rain.

    Authorities have issued alerts over the high degree of overlap between the upcoming and previous rainfall zones, with soils now near saturation, increasing the risks of secondary disasters such as mountain torrents, landslides and mudslides.

    China has a four-tier emergency response system for flood control, with Level I being the most severe and a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Next phase of Dellows Bluff slip repairs about to begin

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Contractors will be back at the site of an overslip on State Highway 6 at Dellows Bluff next week.

    Rob Service, System Manager for Nelson/Tasman, says work is about to resume at the overslip site, which occurred during heavy rain in October last year.

    “Contractors have already done work here, with rock blasting and tree removal done in February this year.”

    “However, during this work, site investigations revealed the slip was far more complex, larger, and more fragile than originally thought,” Mr Service says.

    SH6 Dellows overslip site, October 2024

    He says the work was put on hold and plans for a fix were revised.

    “We now have a plan in place and the first phase of it will begin next week.”

    “Contractors will build a new access track south of the slip site, remove some trees, and build a landing from which further work can be done. We expect this to take about a month to complete,” Mr Service says.

    To ensure both workers and drivers are kept safe while the tree-felling is underway and the new access track is being built, Mr Service says there will be  intermittent road closures during the day.

    “We do not want to put traffic at risk from falling debris. So, there will be periods when we will have to stop traffic during the day between 7 am and 5.30 pm.”

    “They will be no longer than 15-minutes and work crews will do their best to ensure drivers and the community aren’t too disrupted. Access for emergency services, school buses, and other critical transport will be prioritised,” Mr Service says.

    Phase One work schedule

    • Monday 30 June to Friday 25 July. Monday to Friday, 7:00am–5.30pm (weather permitting)
    • Stop/Stop traffic management – expect delays of up to 15 minutes

    Next steps

    Mr Service says once the tree-felling is complete and the access track built, contractors will be able to resume stabilising the slip site.

    “It is expected this will take one to two months to complete.”

    We will have to put shipping containers back at the site to ensure the highway and traffic are protected from rockfalls, and work crews will do as much work as possible within the road shoulder,” Mr Service says.

    However, he says there may be times when traffic will have to be stopped.

    “If there are large boulders or other debris at risk of falling and endangering traffic, we will put safety first and use stop/go traffic management at the site. Though, this will be for short periods only.”

    “We understand we are doing this work during winter, but it is time critical and cannot be delayed. This is a critical section of State Highway 6 and, with no local road detours, or alternative highway alignments available, it is essential the slip is stabilised and fixed as soon as possible,’ Mr Service says.

    These works are weather-dependent, and schedules may change. Updates will be provided as the project progresses.

    Project schedule

    30 June–Late July: Tree felling and access track construction
    Late July–August/September: Slope stabilisation
    September: Pavement repair, including roadside drainage and shoulder works
    Mid-October: Road reopened and back to normal level of service

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Audio grabs: wait to lodge tax time reminder

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is warning taxpayers not to lodge their tax returns until their income statement is marked as ‘tax ready’ and data has been pre-filled by the ATO.

    Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson reminds taxpayers to wait to lodge their income tax return in the audio grabs. More information is available in the media release: ATO warns taxpayers: Don’t lodge yet!

    Audio grab 1:

    Tax time isn’t a race! If you wait to lodge until late July, the ATO has done some of the work for you by pre-filling data about your income, interest from your bank, your health insurance details and any payments from government agencies to make sure you get it right the first time.

    Rob Thomson: wait to lodge audio grab 1External Link

    Audio grab 2:

    Lodging before the ATO completes pre-fill of your information means there’s a much higher chance of you having to submit an amendment. This takes more time and may delay any refund you receive. Wait until late July to allow the ATO to prefill essential information from your bank, employer, health insurer and any payments from government agencies.

    Rob Thomson: wait to lodge audio grab 2External Link

    Audio grab 3:

    Last year 142,000 people who lodged in the first 2 weeks of July had to lodge amendments, or had their returns investigated and amended by the ATO to fix inaccuracies in their return.

    Rob Thomson: wait to lodge audio grab 3External Link

    Audio grab 4:

    We know people like to get their tax return out of the way, but in this case, we’re actually encouraging procrastination! Waiting until late July to lodge means the ATO’s done a bit of the work for you and pre-filled information into your tax return. You just need to check the info, add any deductions and make sure it’s good to go!

    Rob Thomson: wait to lodge audio grab 4External Link

    Audio grab 5:

    The great news is the ATO is telling taxpayers to do nothing – spend your weekend at the footy, with the fam, getting a pie. If you wait a couple of weeks, by late July the ATO will have prefilled a lot of data into your tax return making it easier to do your taxes and helping to make sure you get it right!

    Rob Thomson: wait to lodge audio grab 5External Link

    Audio grab 6:

    Get prepared for tax time by grabbing any receipts or records you’ve collected throughout the year and checking the ATO’s occupation guides to see what you can and cannot claim. Then once the ATO has finished pre-filling in late July, you can lodge with confidence!

    Rob Thomson: wait to lodge audio grab 6External Link

    Audio grab 7:

    Tax time isn’t a race! If you wait until late July, we will have pre-filled a bunch of data into your return for you, like wage income, bank interest and your private health insurance data. This will make it easier for you to get it right the first time you lodge.

    Rob Thomson: wait to lodge audio grab 7External Link

    Notes to journalists

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ATO warns taxpayers: Don’t lodge yet!

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is warning taxpayers not to lodge their tax returns until their income statement is marked as ‘tax ready’ and data has been pre-filled by the ATO.

    Last year 142,000 people who lodged in the first 2 weeks of July had to lodge amendments, or had their returns investigated and amended by the ATO to fix inaccuracies in their tax return, for example, income that had not been declared properly.

    ATO Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson said that waiting until late July allows for the ATO to prefill information in your tax return.

    ‘We know doing your tax return is something to tick off your to-do list each year, but there’s no need to rush. The best time to lodge is from late July once everything is ready.’

    ‘We pre-fill information from your employer, banks, government agencies and health funds into your tax return to help you get it right the first time – regardless of whether you use a registered tax agent or lodge yourself,’ Mr Thomson said.

    Waiting for this information to be pre-filled reduces the likelihood of mistakes or omissions, which can often result in taxpayers having to submit an amendment which can cause issues and delays for taxpayers.

    ‘If you wait until late July to lodge, all you need to do is check your information, add anything that’s missing and include any deductions or offsets that you’re eligible for.’

    ‘If you’re keen to get your ducks in a row before you lodge, make sure you have all the necessary records, ensure your personal information and bank details are up to date and check the ATO occupation guides to see what deductions you may be able to claim.’

    ‘The ATO is also encouraging taxpayers to download the ATO app and set up a strong digital identity to protect themselves this tax time to ensure your interactions online are safe and secure. The app not only allows you to keep records of your work and general expenses but it will keep your information safe, including notifying you of any suspicious activity on your account,’ Mr Thomson said.

    Once your employer has finalised your income statement, it will be marked as ‘tax ready’. Taxpayers can check if their income statement is ‘tax ready’, as well as if pre-fill is available in myTax prior to lodging or in the ATO app.

    Notes to journalists

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: News release: CanREA Summit examines renewables investment in Canada’s current financial landscape

    Source: – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: News release: CanREA Summit examines renewables investment in Canada’s current financial landscape

    At Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit 2025, finance and energy industry experts highlighted massive opportunities for investors, developers and policymakers to build a clean, affordable and resilient energy future for all Canadians.

    Toronto, June 25, 2025— More than 200 people attended the second edition of Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit, a full-day conference presented by CIBC and held at CIBC Square in downtown Toronto today.

    This annual event brings together clean energy companies and investment experts to discuss the particularities of investing in renewable energy and energy storage projects, aiming to understand the current financial landscape of Canada’s clean-energy industry, which stands ready to build modular, scalable, clean energy projects at pace to serve Canadian industries, businesses and homes.

    “Clean electricity is a strategic Canadian advantage, and Canada is open for business: CanREA is currently tracking more than 18 GW of new clean energy projects, representing more than $34 billion in investment, and there continues to be massive opportunities for investors, developers and policymakers to collaborate in building a cleaner energy future for Canadians,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.

    “As global electricity demand continues to rise, we must accelerate the planning and execution of clean energy projects to ensure affordable, reliable and sustainable power for our industries, businesses and households.”

    Many leading Canadian finance and energy experts highlighted the critical role of strategic investments and policy support in accelerating Canada’s clean energy transition in the current geopolitical landscape.

    “As markets across Canada continue to seek new energy sources, the clean electricity sector has a unique opportunity to satisfy some of those needs and CIBC is ready to support our clients’ ambitions in the sector,” said James Brooks, Managing Director & Co-Head, Energy, Infrastructure & Transition, Global Investment Banking, CIBC.

    Roman Dubczak (Deputy Chair at CIBC Capital Markets), delivered the Summit’s opening remarks, alongside CanREA’s Bellissimo, followed by a keynote address from Sashen Guneratna (Managing Director, Investments, at Canada Infrastructure Bank).

    In the opening plenary, “Global trends, local impacts: How will international trade and energy policies affect Canada’s clean energy markets,” moderator Michelle Chislett (Executive VP at Northland Power) and panelists James Brooks (Managing Director and Co-Head of Energy, Infrastructure and Investment Banking at CIBC), Elizabeth Kaiga (CCO of Energy Systems, North America at DNV) and Ryan Lax (Counsel, Torys LLP) provided informed answers to urgent questions about the current global trade and energy landscape and how to navigate these turbulent times.

    Other highlights included:

    In “Cutting edge: Financing emerging clean power technologies,” panelists delved into the innovative tech poised to burst onto the clean-power scene—and the supply chains required to service them.

    In “Indigenous equity financing: Funding opportunities for clean energy partnerships,” speakers identified well-known obstacles and various financing and investment solutions for Indigenous communities seeking equity partnerships.

    In “Mapping the political landscape: Policy insights for Canada’s clean power industry,” speakers discussed Canada’s current energy and electricity policies as the cornerstone of our economic growth and national sovereignty.

    In “Canada’s Renewable Energy Market Outlook 2025,” representatives of CanREA and Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors offered a preview of their upcoming report, launching in September 2025, which will present a comprehensive forecast and analysis of the future costs and market outlook for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage technologies across Canada.

    At the annual “CanREA Connects Ontario” networking reception, nearly 300 industry professionals capped off the Summit with drinks, laughs and discussions about the day’s topics.

    “This year’s Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit investigated the financial mechanisms driving Canada’s clean energy future and examined how we can ensure the investment needed to accelerate the deployment of all the affordable clean power we will need in the coming years,” said Wesley Johnston, CanREA’s Vice President, Business Development, Finance and Operations.

    “This event is about more than just capital—it’s about collaboration between developers, investors, Indigenous partners and policymakers, to get clean energy projects built on time and on budget.”

    CanREA wishes to thank all attendees, moderators and speakers for helping to make the Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit a success. A special word of thanks to our Presenting Sponsor CIBC, as well as Platinum Sponsors Vancity Community Investment Bank (VCIB) & Northland Power, Gold Sponsors DNV, Gowling WLG & Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors, Silver Sponsors Goldwind, EDF, LCAB & Osler, and Bronze Sponsors Innergex, Compass Energy Consulting, RES Group, TACT, KPMG, Hub International, PCL Construction, Phoventus & Nordex.

    Photos

    Photo: More than 200 people attended the second annual Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit, held June 25 in downtown Toronto. This full-day conference, hosted by the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), brings together industry leaders and investment experts, aiming to open dialogue between Canada’s finance and clean power industries.

    Photo: Roman Dubczak, Deputy Chair at CIBC Capital Markets, delivered opening remarks from the Summit’s Presenting Sponsor, CIBC.

    Photo: The opening plenary, “Global trends, local impacts: How will international trade and energy policies affect Canada’s clean energy markets,” featured moderator Michelle Chislett (Executive VP at Northland Power) and panelists James Brooks (Managing Director and Co-Head of Energy, Infrastructure and Investment Banking at CIBC), Elizabeth Kaiga (CCO of Energy Systems, North America at DNV) and Ryan Lax (Counsel, Torys LLP).

    Quotes

    “As markets across Canada continue to seek new energy sources, the clean electricity sector has a unique opportunity to satisfy some of those needs and CIBC is ready to support our clients’ ambitions in the sector.”
    —James Brooks, Managing Director & Co-Head, Energy, Infrastructure & Transition, Global Investment Banking CIBC

    “Clean electricity is a strategic Canadian advantage, and Canada is open for business: CanREA is currently tracking more than 18 GW of new clean energy projects, representing more than $34 billion in investment, and there continues to be massive opportunities for investors, developers and policymakers to collaborate in building a cleaner energy future for Canadians. As global electricity demand continues to rise, we must accelerate the planning and execution of clean energy projects to ensure affordable, reliable and sustainable power for our industries, businesses and households.”
    —Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

    “This year’s Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit investigated the financial mechanisms driving Canada’s clean energy future and examined how we can ensure the investment needed to accelerate the deployment of all the affordable clean power we will need in the coming years. This event is about more than just capital—it’s about collaboration between developers, investors, Indigenous partners and policymakers, to get clean energy projects built on time and on budget.”
    —Wesley Johnston, Vice President, Business Development, Finance and Operations, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

    For interview opportunities, please contact:

    Michaela Ianni, Communications SpecialistCanadian Renewable Energy Association613-805-4465communications@renewablesassociation.ca

    About CanREA

    The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. Follow us on Bluesky and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca. 

    The post News release: CanREA Summit examines renewables investment in Canada’s current financial landscape appeared first on Canadian Renewable Energy Association.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Southland commercial fishers and seller fined $36,900 for black-market seafood sales

    Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

    Thousands of dollars of black-market seafood sales have cost 3 Southland commercial fishers and another man fines of $36,900.

    Commercial fishers Michael Noel Hawke (61), Stuart Teiwi Ryan (48) and Peter George Fletcher (32) were sentenced in the Invercargill District Court having pleaded guilty to multiple charges under the Fisheries Act. Another man, Duncan William Davis (39) was sentenced on 2 charges under the Fisheries Act for illegally selling a large amount of kina, some pāua, and blue cod, following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

    Mr Hawke was fined $6,000, Mr Ryan $13,000, Mr Fletcher $3,900, and Mr Davis $14,000.

    The prosecution was part of a larger 2023 investigation into illegal sales of kina, pāua, crayfish, blue cod, and oysters. Fishery officers gathered evidence of the illegal sales by studying seafood landing records and electronic communications between the fishers, black-market suppliers and potential buyers.

    “Our investigation found Mr Hawke sold about 1,000 dredge oysters during the 2023 season that were not part of his allowable commercial take. They were his allowable recreational take and should have been in his landing report.

    “Based on 2023 prices of $37 a dozen, the oysters were valued at more than $3,000. Bluff is the only wild oyster fishery in the world and selling fish illegally has a serious effect on sustainability,” says Greg Forbes, Fisheries New Zealand district manager.

    The investigation found a deckhand aboard the fishing vessel was also selling his allowable recreational catch.

    “Mr Ryan was found to have sold 114 crayfish and about 40 blue cod. Crayfish retails at about $140 a kilogram and blue cod $75 a kilogram. Mr Ryan made around $2,250 in illegal earnings.

    “Most commercial fishers follow the rules because they want their fishery to remain sustainable into the future – black-market sales of recreational catch is a slap in the face to the majority of commercial fishers who do the right thing.”

    Electronic evidence found Mr Davis, who is not a commercial fisher, sold seafood including up to 400 punnets of kina roe, some pāua, and blue cod on the black market he had either caught, or bought from Mr Ryan to resell.

    “This was up to $5,000 of kina that was sold illegally and finfish valued at about $2,000. This was deliberate and the motivation was simply to make money.

    Meanwhile, fishery officers found the third commercial fisher, Mr Fletcher, sold about 200 dredge oysters illegally on about 6 occasions.

    “None of these fishers held permits allowing them to sell fish, nor were they licensed fish receivers or fish farmers. When we find evidence of deliberate illegal sales of seafood – we will take action.

    “Poachers steal from everyone because the shared resources belong to all New Zealanders. Their behaviour also undermines the Quota Management System and our reputation for sustainable kaimoana,” Mr Forbes says.

    MPI encourages people to report suspected illegal activity through the ministry’s 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 476 224)

    For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

    For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: One-size-fits-all approach does not work for autistic adults

    Source:

    26 June 2025

    In a world that is often overwhelming for people with autism, a new study by Australian and US researchers is calling for a rethink in how calming spaces and sensory rooms are designed.

    Feedback from an online survey of 96 autistic adults around the world reveals some common themes, including the importance of music, nature, solitude, and the ability to customise their environment.

    However, what also emerged from the study – recently published in Autism in Adulthood – is that autistic adults often experience the world in profoundly different ways and what might be soothing for one person could be overstimulating or distressing for another.

    Lead author, UniSA PhD candidate Connor McCabe, says that spaces must offer choice and not be based on child-focused designs that don’t reflect the needs of autistic adults.

    “Our research highlights the incredible diversity of sensory needs within the autistic community and the importance of offering flexibility and personal control within these spaces,” McCabe says.

    Key sensory factors such as lighting, sound and touch were shown to have a major influence on participants’ ability to relax.

    For example, dim or adjustable lighting, TV, books, video games, natural environments and sounds were frequently cited as beneficial, but while certain trends emerged, the authors caution against a one-size-fits-all approach.

    “That’s why it’s so important that these spaces offer choice – adjustable lighting, varied seating, different soundscapes and – above all – privacy.”

    The study, which also involved Dr Nigel Newbutt from the University of Florida, found that traditional sensory room elements such as vibration or motion-based stimulation, projected visuals on walls, and standard sensory toys were not rated as particularly helpful.

    Instead, participants called for more natural elements, including views of greenery, calming water features, and even animal interactions.

    Co-author, UniSA Cognitive Psychology Professor Tobias Loetscher, says the survey respondents consistently emphasised the need to control aspects of their environment, such as noise levels, temperature, and even who is allowed in the space.

    McCabe is currently winding up a second study that involves co-designing a VR sensory room with autistic adults.

    This research project aligns with the next steps – exploring the use of customisable virtual reality to provide flexible, cost-effective sensory environments tailored to individual preferences.

    “This VR sensory experience differs quite largely from what is typically found in a sensory room, as the virtual aspect allows much more freedom in terms of the environments we can create, and the stimulation that can be provided.”

    “With virtual reality, people can engage in calming activities like virtual forest walks or immersive soundscapes without needing large physical spaces,” McCabe says.

    A video explaining the findings is available here.

    Notes for editors

    “Insights into sensory and relaxation preferences to inform the design of calming spaces and sensory rooms for autistic adults” is published in Autism in Adulthood. DOI: 10.1089/aut.2024.0088. For a copy of the full paper, email candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Stable public housing in the first year of life boosts children’s wellbeing years down the track – new research

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jaimie Monk, Research Fellow, Motu Economic and Public Policy Research

    Phil Walter/Getty Images

    New Zealand’s unaffordable housing market means low-income families face big constraints on their accommodation options. This involves often accepting housing that is insecure, cold, damp or in unsuitable neighbourhoods.

    But little is known about the impact of housing type early in life on children’s wellbeing over time.

    Using data from nearly 6,000 children in the Growing Up in New Zealand study, our new research compared outcomes for children provided with public housing support during the crucial earliest years (pregnancy through to nine months) with those in other types of housing.

    What we found supports ongoing investment in secure, quality housing as a way to reduce inequalities in New Zealand – particularly for those with very young children.

    Importantly, by the age of 12, children who started life in public housing had higher levels of wellbeing than some of their peers.

    Tracking wellbeing

    For our project, we used data on the type of housing at nine months of age, as well as mothers’ assessments of children’s social and emotional development across the period when the children were two to nine years old.

    The final data we used were the children’s own responses regarding their quality of life at 12 years old.

    Housing was categorised into four types: private ownership (52.3% of children), public rental (9.1%), private rental (35.8%) or other (2.9%).

    The New Zealand government provides housing subsidies to approximately 7% of the population. Public housing comprises around 4% of the country’s housing stock.

    Demand for help has remained high, with 20,300 people on the waitlist for social housing in December 2024. At the same time, Kāinga Ora has axed 212 housing projects because they did not stack up financially, or were in the wrong locations.

    Housing influences behaviour

    Throughout our research, we found children who began life in public housing were the group facing the most disadvantage. They exhibited higher levels of behavioural difficulties in early childhood than those in other housing types.

    These behavioural difficulties include conduct, hyperactivity and emotional or peer relationship problems. However, their difficulty scores declined more steeply over time, getting closer to their peers by age nine.

    In contrast, children’s trajectories of prosocial behaviour, such as being kind and helpful, were the same for each group.

    By 12, self-reported wellbeing for children who started life in public housing was at or above that of their peers in private rentals, despite being in the most disadvantaged group in their early years.

    These results are different to the outcomes seen in similar research from Australia which found children in public housing had widening gaps in wellbeing compared with their peers in privately owned houses.

    In New Zealand, factors such as strong relationships with important adults such as parents and teachers, and reduced exposure to bullying, were found to be more strongly associated with quality of life at this age than housing type or frequency of moving house.

    The importance of a stable home

    Our work focuses on the early years of a child’s life where security, financial stability and a warm, dry home are important for children’s healthy development. Public housing filled this need for many low-income families.

    Despite the positive results seen at 12, gaps in behavioural development between children from the public housing group and their peers were apparent when children started school.

    These differences in school readiness mean these children are likely to need wider support to ensure they can make the most of long-term educational opportunities.

    But overall, having access to public housing in infancy appears to have cumulative benefits for vulnerable children in New Zealand, providing a stable base for families as children start their lives.

    Jaimie Monk received funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Endeavour Programme for this research and has previously received funding from the Ministry of Social Development.

    – ref. Stable public housing in the first year of life boosts children’s wellbeing years down the track – new research – https://theconversation.com/stable-public-housing-in-the-first-year-of-life-boosts-childrens-wellbeing-years-down-the-track-new-research-259534

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Thousands more to get the tools they need to start construction careers

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Thousands more to get the tools they need to start construction careers

    Thousands of people are set to benefit from on-the-job training and career opportunities in the construction sector.

    • Deputy Prime Minister and Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall attend inaugural Construction Skills Mission Board attended by CEOs from across the sector, launching industry commitment to recruit 100,000 more construction workers per year by the end of the Parliament.
    • Partnership between Jobcentres and the industry to give more people the skills they need to start fulfilling careers.
    • Marks a significant step in delivering the Plan for Change commitment to build 1.5 million new homes, which is underpinned by £39 billion for affordable and social housing over ten years announced at Spending Review.

    Roles ranging from project managers to bricklayers will be made available to jobseekers thanks to the agreement, which will mean Jobcentres working more closely with the construction industry to offer work experience and tailored placements to meet the need of employers and people looking to start a fulfilling career.

    The agreement signed earlier this week at the newly-launched Green Plant Academy at the Earl’s Court Skills Centre, by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Department for Work and Pensions, is a major step in the government’s drive to get Britain building and get Britain working as part of its Plan for Change.

    More than 40,000 industry placements will be funded through a further £100 million from the government, alongside a £32 million contribution from the CITB.

    This comes alongside a £1 billion employment support package to support more disabled people and those with health conditions back into work. This is a quadrupling of the level of annual spend on supporting sick and disabled people into work, from the £275 million in 2024/25 we inherited, to over £1 billion in 2029/30.

    It comes as the Deputy Prime Minister will co-chair the first Construction Skills Mission Board with Mark Reynolds, Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council today, where, alongside Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Industry Sarah Jones, and several CEOs and sector leaders, they will launch an industry commitment to recruit 100,000 more construction workers per year by the end of the Parliament. This will be a step-change for the construction sector, creating good jobs across the country to deliver on government’s housing and infrastructure commitments, including building 1.5 million homes over this Parliament and delivery of the 10-year infrastructure strategy.

    Ministers will highlight major reforms to transform Jobcentres as well as the £625 million investment to tackle skills shortages in the construction sector – expected to create up to 60,000 more jobs for engineers, electricians and joiners by the end of the parliament. 

    Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said:

    Building 1.5 million homes takes investment, skills, and a government that’s ready to roll up its sleeves to deliver. And that is exactly what we are doing. 

    Our Plan for Change commits to delivering the biggest boost for affordable and social housing in a generation, which we’ve backed with a £39 billion investment over ten years. 

    We’re working hand-in-hand with industry to recruit thousands more workers into skilled construction jobs, and thanks to our Make Work Pay reforms we will ensure these jobs are more secure and better rewarded.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:

    I am determined that our young people have the best start in life. To do this we must give them the tools they need to get ahead.

    This agreement, alongside our record funding will do just that. Our welfare reforms will see the biggest investment in a generation to support disabled people into secure, well-paid work.

    Our Plan for Change will deliver the jobs, homes and opportunities we need to build a stronger and more prosperous Britain.

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

    The construction sector is on the frontline in our mission to grow the economy, giving more people skilled jobs building the homes and infrastructure we need. 

    Through our Plan for Change we are determined to break the link between background and success, so that more young people can get on in well paid careers. 

    The Construction Skills Mission Board will make sure we hear directly from employers about what their skills needs are, driving our reforms and helping more young people achieve and thrive.

    Tim Balcon, CEO, CITB said:

    Opportunities in construction are for everybody, whatever their background. By working together, we can widen the talent pool, bring in more diverse voices, and encourage more people to consider a career in construction. 

    Every year, over 100,000 people receive construction training. I want many more of them to forge lasting careers in the sector. This is why the partnership with DWP is so vital, as it helps ensure individuals are not just trained but truly prepared for careers in construction.

    The government commitment to addressing the housing shortage, improving the country’s infrastructure, and investing in construction skills mean this is a real boom time for our industry.

    This industry commitment follows the biggest boost to social and affordable housing investment in a generation, with the Chancellor committing £39 billion for the Affordable Homes Programme. This is the first time in living memory affordable housing funding has been committed over a 10-year period.

    From August, new construction foundation apprenticeships, backed by an additional £40 million, will provide young people at the start of their career with a route into construction.The scheme comes as part of the governments Youth Guarantee to ensure every young person is either earning or learning and will give youngsters skills in a range of specialist occupations, such as brick laying and carpentry, as well as employability skills and behaviours.

    Mark Reynolds, Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council and Co-Chair of the Construction Skills Mission Board, said:

    The Construction Skills Mission Board represents a new partnership between industry and government, working together to find industry-led, collaborative solutions to delivering the workforce of the future.

    I am delighted that we have seen such strong support from Ministers and some of the most important leaders in our sector – and I hope everyone will play their part in the delivery of this essential mission.

    Construction will be essential to delivering growth and investment across the UK; and so it is vital that we now step up as a sector.

    Jason Poulter, Unite National Officer for Construction, who attended the Mission Board on behalf of Unite the Union, said:

    We are proud to represent workers voices and the pride they hold in their skills and trades on the construction skills mission board. We welcome the governments focus on a job-outcomes approach. 

    This is the largest investment in skills for a generation and the CSMB is a clear demonstration of industries commitment to supporting the skilled construction workforce of tomorrow.

    In attendance at the signing of the agreement in West London earlier this week was Millie, whose bricklaying apprenticeship with The Skills Centre enabled her to gain meaningful, long-term work in the sector. She now works on live sites, putting her training into practice and has discovered her passion for the industry; “I really enjoy learning brickwork and then doing it for real on site. I would really recommend an apprenticeship in construction — it’s open to all.”

    The government is already expanding workplace training through Sector-based Workplace Academy Programmes (SWAPs), with over 100,000 SWAPs expected to take place this financial year. The placements offer jobseekers the opportunity to kickstart a new career by providing training, workplace placements and a guaranteed interview with an employer.

    SWAPs are proven to help people to stay in work for longer and boost their pay, while getting businesses loyal staff with the right skills, with the scheme to be boosted even further, giving even more people access to these life-changing.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –