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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Retail petrol prices lower across all capital cities and almost all regional locations in the December quarter

    Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

    The quarterly average for retail petrol prices decreased in the December quarter 2024, hitting a three-year low in real (inflation adjusted) terms, the ACCC’s latest petrol monitoring report has found.

    Click to enlarge

    Average retail petrol prices across the five largest cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth) were 179.8 cents per litre (cpl), a decrease of 3.0 cpl from the previous quarter.

    The decrease was largely due to lower international prices for refined petrol (Mogas 95). Mogas 95 prices are largely driven by international crude oil prices, which declined following slowing global oil demand together with increases in oil supply from Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) members and some non-OPEC countries.

    “A range of international factors which influence the prices of commodities like crude oil have led to prices at the bowser easing from the higher levels that were seen in early 2024,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

    Lower average petrol prices in other capital cities and in regional locations

    Average retail petrol prices in Canberra, Hobart and Darwin also fell in the December quarter 2024. Average prices in Darwin were 168.9 cpl, the lowest of the eight capital cities.

    Average retail petrol prices across regional locations (in aggregate), fell to 179.5 cpl in the December quarter 2024, slightly below the average prices across the five largest cities. The ACCC monitors fuel prices of more than 190 regional locations across Australia.

    “It is pleasing to see that motorists had some relief when filling up at petrol stations across the country,” Ms Brakey said.

    Average petrol gross indicative retail differences increased

    Gross indicative retail differences are a broad indicator of gross retail margins, including retail operating costs and profits. Average gross indicative retail differences across the five largest cities were 17.2 cpl in the December quarter 2024, an increase of 1.6 cpl from the previous quarter.

    Quarterly average gross indicative retail differences can vary between cities, and were lowest in Perth (9.6 cpl) and highest in Brisbane (24.1 cpl).

    In 2024, annual average gross indicative retail differences across the five largest cities were 16.3 cpl, which is slightly higher than pre-pandemic levels in real (inflation-adjusted) terms.

    The following chart shows the changes in the components of average retail petrol prices across the five largest cities.

    Components of quarterly average retail petrol prices across the five largest cities

    Source: ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources, Argus Media, Ampol, bp, Mobil, Viva Energy, FuelWatch, the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Australian Taxation Office.

    Notes: cents per litre change from the previous quarter.

    *  Excise and wholesale goods and services tax (65.4 cpl) excludes a component of retail goods and services tax (1.5 cpl) in the above chart. This is for consistency in reporting gross indicative retail difference figures throughout this report, which include a small component of goods and services tax. Total excise and goods and services tax for both wholesale and retail (66.9 cpl) is shown in the petrol bowser in the ‘December quarter 2024 – Petrol snapshot’.

    Average diesel prices were lower in all capital cities, reflecting international trends

    Quarterly average retail diesel prices across the five largest cities were 177.1 cpl in the December quarter 2024, down 8.4 cpl from the September quarter 2024. Average retail diesel prices were also lower in Canberra, Hobart and Darwin.

    Retail diesel prices generally followed lower international diesel benchmark prices, which accounted for the largest component of retail diesel prices.

    Quarterly average retail diesel prices in capital cities in the December quarter 2024

    Source: ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources.

    Note: cents per litre change from the previous quarter.

    In real (inflation adjusted) terms, quarterly average retail diesel prices across the five largest cities were the lowest in over three years, when average diesel prices were 172.4 cpl in the September quarter 2021.

    More consumers are using fuel price apps

    Around two in five consumers (or 41 per cent) reported using fuel price apps to shop around for cheaper fuel in 2024, according to research published by the Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association. This was up from 34 per cent in 2022.

    “Taking advantage of the available information through apps and websites can be well worth it to find retailers with lower fuel prices in your area and to save money on fuel,” Ms Brakey said.

    The ACCC also publishes up-to-date price charts, buying tips, and information on movements in the petrol price cycles that occur in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, which can be helpful for consumers.

    The ACCC has championed greater fuel price transparency for consumers for some time.

    “We are aware that the Victorian Government recently announced a price transparency scheme to be phased in over 2025. Victoria is the only jurisdiction in Australia without a state or territory government fuel price transparency scheme,” Ms Brakey said.

    Note to editors

    ‘Petrol’ means regular unleaded petrol unless otherwise specified.

    Price changes are reported in nominal terms unless otherwise specified.

    Singapore Mogas 95 Unleaded (Mogas 95) is the relevant international benchmark for the wholesale price of petrol in Australia. Singapore Gasoil with 10 parts per million sulphur content (Gasoil 10 ppm) is the international benchmark for the wholesale price of diesel.

    Background

    The ACCC has been monitoring retail prices in all capital cities and over 190 regional locations across Australia since 2007.

    On 14 December 2022, the Treasurer issued a new direction to the ACCC to monitor the prices, costs and profits relating to the supply of petroleum products in the petroleum industry in Australia and produce a report every quarter for a further three years.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Ongoing Liquidity Crisis Hindering United Nations Ability to Retain Geographically Diverse, Skilled Workforce, Delegates Stress as Fifth Committee Resumes Session

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Stressing that the Organization’s key asset is its staff, many delegates of the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) today emphasized the pressure that the ongoing liquidity crisis is having on efforts to rejuvenate the Organization and attract and retain talent from all parts of the world.

    “The human resources policies and the liquidity situation of the United Nations are inextricably linked,” said Singapore’s representative, speaking for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the opening day of the Committee first resumed session.  “We note with concern from the Secretary-General’s report that temporary hiring restrictions imposed as a result of the dismal liquidity situation of the UN have constrained efforts to fill geographical posts that could have gone to un- and under-represented countries.”

    She emphasized that staff training and development are key to building a United Nations that can respond to contemporary challenges.  “While we are cognizant of the UN’s ongoing liquidity challenges, we hope that their training is not compromised to achieve short-term savings,” she said, adding that training locations should not be limited to UN Headquarters.

    Echoing this sentiment, the representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, said the Organization’s financial situation must be carefully considered when discussing the Organization’s most essential resources: its staff.  “We strongly believe in the fundamental importance of a comprehensive and strategic workforce planning system,” she said, adding that planning and selection should be closely aligned with a recruitment process that ensures the Organization attracts and hires the most suitable candidates with the right skill sets.  In addition, the 120-day target for staff selection should be met.  “We repeat our call to rejuvenate the Organization and acquire and retain young talent,” she said, adding that talent outreach and well-structured internship programmes are key priorities that “we take very seriously”.

    Speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, Iraq’s delegate said geographical representation and gender parity remain a core concern for the Group, which expects the Secretariat to intensify its efforts to achieve equal representation at all staff levels, with a focus on senior level staff at D-1 and above posts, as well as significant contributions from troop-contributing countries and police-contributing countries.  He noted that the Secretary-General’s staff composition report showed that staff declined by 34 to 36,757 during the reporting period ending on December 2023, due in part to temporary hiring restrictions placed against the regular budget in July 2023. 

    Keen to review the Secretariat’s efforts to improve the Organizaton’s rejuvenation, including through the Young Professionals Programme, the Group notes that during the 2022-2023 biennium, 175,781 applications applied for 2,765 jobs in the internship programme.  “With an average of 63 applicants competing for one vacancy, the Group looks forward to having more information on how the refined internship programme, including the financial support from the UN, will help more applicants from all developing countries be successfully selected as interns,” he added.

    Kuwait’s delegate, speaking on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, agreed that the Organizaton’s staff are its greatest asset and noted that data from Secretariat reports indicate that personnel from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries remain underrepresented.  “Recruiting must be completed to ensure a balance,” he said. Recognizing the unprecedented loss of staff working with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), he called for the protection of staff and all relief workers.

    The President of the UN Field Staff Union said the Organizaton’s severe liquidity and funding shortfall has created a crisis that threatens the foundation of the staff’s work.  “UN staff — who are the backbone of this institution — are being forced to bear the brunt of these financial constraints.  Workloads are increasing beyond sustainable levels,” he said, urging Member States to meet their financial commitments fully and on time.  “The cost of inaction is measured in human lives.  If we allow this crisis to continue, we are not just failing UN staff; we are failing the world.

    “Fewer staff means fewer peacekeepers in conflict zones, fewer aid workers delivering food and medicine, fewer experts tackling global challenges.  Every member of staff lost weakens our ability to respond to the world’s most pressing crises.  Let me be clear — this is not just about jobs.  It is about the UN’s ability to fulfill its mission,” he said.

    The representative of Switzerland, speaking also for Liechtenstein, welcomed Secretariat efforts to improve mechanisms for recruiting young professionals, including modernizing job descriptions, removing artificial barriers to entry and enhancing digital and language skills.  She also backed the Secretary-General’s proposal to structure and professionalize the UN internship programme.  “We note with interest the recommendations to introduce financial support for interns to strengthen geographical diversity and to offer more structured learning,” she added.

    The representative of the United States said Washington, D.C., will consider proposals using three criteria:  whether the proposal promotes a transparent and accountable system; reflects actual or proposed cost-savings and efficiencies; and how it aligns with his Government’s national interests and priorities, including “making the US safer, stronger and more prosperous”.  To this end, the delegation will defend against efforts to undermine the system of desirable ranges by advancing a vague, discriminatory and deeply flawed concept of equitable geographic representation. 

    Human Resources Management

    Martha Helena Lopez, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Resources, presented the Secretary-General’s five reports on human resources management reform:  Overview of human resources management reform for the period 2023–2024 (document A/79/566); Review of the United Nations Secretariat Internship Programme (document A/79/566/Add.1); Composition of the Secretariat: staff demographics (document A/79/584); Composition of the Secretariat: gratis personnel, retired staff, consultants, individual contractors and United Nations Volunteers (document A/79/581); and Practice of the Secretary-General in disciplinary matters and cases of possible criminal behaviour, from 1 January to 31 December 2023 (document A/79/615).

    Regarding the redesigned internship programme, she said “it aligns with UN values of fairness and accessibility, upholds commitments to youth in the Pact for the Future, and ensures meaningful engagement of young people.”  The proposal addresses the need for more structured learning and financial support for interns, including the cost of travel, health insurance, a monthly stipend and a technology allowance for remote interns.  “This would remove a significant barrier to broader participation for individuals from all economic backgrounds,” she added.  The Secretariat invites the Assembly to approve the removal of current restrictions and the principle of a centrally funded support scheme.

    The Secretary-General report covering staff demographics offers a comprehensive view of Secretariat staff from 1 January to 31 December 2023 and during the 2019 to 2023 period, she noted.  It gives a comprehensive analysis of the gratis personnel, retired staff, consultants, individual contractors, and United Nations Volunteers engaged across the Secretariat from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023 and highlights trends observed from 2014 to 2023, offering insights into the evolution of the Secretariat’s affiliated personnel.  The final report provides comprehensive measures for the Secretary-General’s approach to misconduct cases and analysis of the data and trends in the Secretariat’s disciplinary practices.

    Juliana Gaspar Ruas, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), presented that body’s related reports (documents A/79/745, A/79/746, A/79/747, A/79/748 and A/79/749).

    After those presentations, Fifth Committee Vice-Chair Johanna Bischof (Austria) drew delegates’ attention to the relevant reports of the Joint Inspection Unit and related notes by the Secretary-General transmitting his comments and comments of the United Nations Chief Executives Board for Coordination on the respective reports: Review of the use of non-staff personnel and related contractual modalities in the United Nations system organizations – Note by the Secretary-General (documents A/79/694 and A/79/694/Add.1); Review of the quality, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of health insurance schemes in the United Nations system organizations (documents A/79/695 and A/79/695/Add.1); and Flexible working arrangements in United Nations system organizations (documents A/79/693 and A/79/693/Add.1).

    Joint Inspection Unit

    Carolina Fernández Opazo, Inspector and Chairperson of the Joint Inspection Unit, introduced the Report of the Joint Inspection Unit for 2024 and programme of work for 2025 (document A/79/34), and Federica Pietracci, Senior Programme Management Officer of the United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination, introduced the Note by the Secretary-General on the Report of the Joint Inspection Unit for 2024 (document A/79/742).

    Standards of Accommodation for Air Travel

    Ms. Lopez also introduced the Secretary-General’s report on standards of accommodation for air travel (document A/79/628), and Ms. Gaspar Ruas presented the Advisory Committee’s related report (document A/79/7/Add.44).

    Proposed Programme of Work 

    The Committee also approved its proposed programme of work for this session (document A/C.5/79/L.29).

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Helping women in Dubbo leave violent relationships

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    The Albanese Labor Government is supporting women and children living in Dubbo to leave violent intimate partner relationships.

    Bunmabunmarra Service Pty Ltd will receive $6.3 million to deliver culturally safe programs to support victim-survivors of intimate partner violence in the regional NSW area.

    This is one of three place-based trials commencing from 1 July – part of the next stage of the $925 million Leaving Violence Program.

    The Government is investing $22.35 million in trials in Dubbo, Broome in Western Australia and Darwin in the Northern Territory, to provide tailored, trauma-informed support to victim-survivors.

    Bunmabunmarra Service Pty Ltd will also support victim-survivors to access the Leaving Violence Program.

    Under the Leaving Violence Program, eligible victim-survivors receive financial support of up to $5,000, including up to $1,500 in cash and the remainder in goods and services. Supports include safety planning, risk assessment and referrals to other essential services for up to 12 weeks. The national program is expected to support over 36,000 victim-survivors a year.

    Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said financial barriers can be a huge impediment to victim-survivors breaking free of a violent relationship.

    “The Albanese Labor Government is absolutely committed to ending family, domestic and sexual violence in a generation. We want people to know if they need to leave, they can afford to go,” Minster Rishworth said.

    “These regional trials will provide a financial and practical lifeline for people experiencing intimate partner violence in regional Australia, helping them break free from abusive relationships and build a life free from violence.”

    Assistant Minister for Social Security and Women Kate Thwaites said people experiencing violence would have access to culturally safe programs through the trials.

    “It’s important for anyone experiencing intimate partner violence to have a range of options to choose from when seeking support.

    “Increasing the access and choices for this program will help more people experiencing violence, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to receive support and to leave violent intimate partner relationships.”

    Intimate partner violence is a problem of epidemic proportions in Australia, with a quarter of all Australian women having experienced it in their lifetime.

    The Leaving Violence Program helps support the aims of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-32 to end violence in one generation, and forms part of the Albanese Government’s $4 billion investment in women’s safety since 2022.

    More than 78,000 victim-survivors have accessed the EVP payment since 2021. Over 70 per cent of those accessing the support were self-referrals meaning without this program they may have fallen through the cracks of the support system.

    More information on the Leaving Violence Program is available on the Department of Social Services website.

    If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732.

    If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au

    Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Sudan: MSF forced to halt its activities as violence engulfed Zamzam camp in North Darfur

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    Port Sudan, 25 February 2025 – The current escalation of attacks and fighting in and around Zamzam camp for displaced people near El Fasher in North Darfur, is making it impossible for Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) to continue providing medical assistance in such dangerous conditions. Despite widespread starvation and immense humanitarian needs, we have no choice but to take the decision to suspend all our activities in the camp, including the MSF field hospital.

    The area has seen heavy fighting between the Rapid Support Forces and the Joint Forces, a coalition of armed groups allied with Sudanese armed forces, with dreadful consequences on civilians. Besieging and shelling the town of El Fasher for the last 10 months, the Rapid Support Forces have stepped up their offensive in recent weeks and launched attacks against Zamzam camp, in particular on February 11 and 12.

    People who were already struggling to survive now find their access to water and food even more compromised, as the central market has been looted and burnt down.

    “Halting our project in the midst of a worsening disaster in Zamzam is a heartbreaking decision,” says Yahya Kalilah, MSF head of mission in Sudan. “For more than two years, our teams have done their utmost to provide care against all the odds:  despite the siege, supply shortages, and multiple other challenges. We have been calling for and waiting for a scaled up humanitarian response which has never materialised. As the battle for El Fasher rages on and now reaches Zamzam camp, even the most minimal security conditions are not met for us to stay. The sheer proximity of the violence, great difficulties in sending supplies, the impossibility to send experienced staff for adequate support, and uncertainty regarding routes out of the camp for our colleagues and civilians, leave us with little choice but to suspend our activities”

    In the first three weeks of February, our teams in Zamzam received 139 wounded patients in the MSF field hospital, mostly suffering with gunshots and shrapnel injuries. The MSF facility was designed to help tackle the massive malnutrition crisis unfolding in the camp, which was declared as undergoing famine conditions by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification last year, and cannot provide trauma surgery for people in critical conditions.

    “11 patients died while in the MSF hospital, 5 of them children, because we could neither treat them properly nor refer them to Saudi hospital, the only facility with surgical capacity in nearby El Fasher. In January and December, two of our ambulances carrying patients from the camp to El Fasher were shot at. Now it’s even more dangerous and as a result, many people, including patients requiring trauma surgery or emergency caesarian section, are trapped in Zamzam” says Yahya Kalilah, MSF head of mission in Sudan.

    Hosting about 500,000 people, Zamzam camp saw new arrivals fleeing from Abu Zerega, Shagra and Saluma who are now staying in schools, community buildings, or under the trees in the open. They have told our teams of dwellings set on fire, looting, sexual violence, killings, beatings and other abuses in villages and roads in the El Fasher locality. Some hundred families also reached Tawila, sometimes barefoot, after leaving everything behind and escaping horrific violence on the way.

    MSF is deeply concerned about the safety of its staff and the hundreds of thousands of people in Zamzam camp and urges the Rapid Support Forces, the Joint Forces and all armed actors in the area, to protect civilians and let those willing to flee, be able to do so unharmed.

    In North Darfur, we continue to run emergency activities in Tawila while looking for every possible way to help people in Zamzam and El Fasher without exposing our staff to unacceptable levels of risk. In West, Central and South Darfur and in other parts of the country, our teams keep responding to the catastrophic malnutrition and health crisis driven by a relentless conflict, continued obstructions of the warring parties, and exacerbated by a failing humanitarian response.

    MSF reiterates its call to drastically scale up the provision of assistance in the many places where it remains possible. Warring parties must grant unhindered access for aid delivery and their allies and influential States. must use their leverage to ease the obstacles that are causing death and starvation.

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz: USAID Shuttering Is Illegal, Inefficient, Counterproductive, And Carries Deadly Consequences Worldwide

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, issued the following statement after the Trump administration moved to eliminate 1,600 jobs at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and place the majority of personnel remaining on leave.

    “Trump’s attempted shuttering of USAID is both illegal and carries deadly consequences around the world. None of this is about achieving efficiency – rather, it’s about Trump trying to wish away whatever parts of the government he doesn’t like. In the meantime, as a direct consequence of illegally stopping aid from flowing, vulnerable people are on the verge of dying, diseases are spreading, famine is growing, and all of it threatens the economic and security interests of the United States and our allies and partners. Make no mistake: this indiscriminate and inhumane dismantling of a key instrument of American power undermines decades of work to build goodwill and trust with other nations, leaves an opening our adversaries are eager to fill, and will make all Americans less safe and secure for years to come.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: With 10 Votes in Favour, 5 Abstentions, Security Council Adopts Resolution 2774 (2025) Mourning Loss of Life, as Russian Federation’s Invasion of Ukraine Enters Fourth Year

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Members Implore Swift End to Conflict, Urge Lasting Peace between Two Nations

    As the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine entered its fourth year, the Security Council today adopted a resolution mourning the tragic loss of life and reiterating that the principal purpose of the United Nations is to maintain international peace and security and peacefully settle disputes.

    Adopting resolution 2774 (2025) (to be issued as document S/RES/2774(2025)) by a vote of 10 in favour to none against, with 5 abstentions (Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia, United Kingdom), the Council implored a swift end to the conflict and urged a lasting peace between Ukraine and the Russian Federation.

    Before the vote, the representative of the United States said that the Council stands on “the precipice of history with a solemn task — creating conditions to end the bloodiest war on the European continent” since the organ was created in June 1945.  Noting that her country’s draft text is “a symbolic, simple first step towards peace”, she added that it “is not a peace deal”.  Rather, it represents a path to peace, and she urged all Council members to join the United States in vanquishing the scourge of this war.

    Proposed Amendments Fail to Obtain Required Number of Votes

    However, the representative of the United Kingdom underscored:  “There can be no equivalence between Russia and Ukraine in how this Council refers to this war.”  Moscow chose to launch a war of aggression, and “the Council must be clear on this”, she stressed.  “We must also be clear that peace must respect the UN Charter and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders,” she added, proposing several amendments to the text on behalf of the Council members who ultimately abstained from the vote on the text as a whole.

    France’s delegate noted such proposed amendments demonstrate “our resolute commitment — after three years of war — to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine”.  However, he underscored that peace cannot be a synonym for capitulation of the aggressed State.  The amendments, he said, also aim to recall that there is an aggressor and an aggressed State, with the Russian Federation having attacked a sovereign State that posed no threat to it.

    The representative of the Russian Federation, for his part, said of today’s text:  “We consider it, overall, as a common-sense initiative.”  It reflects, he said, the desire of the new United States Administration to “really contribute”.  He also proposed several amendments, including inserting language regarding the need to “eradicate the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis”.  On the amendments proposed by the European Council members, he said they “replace the essence of the American text and make it into another anti-Russia ultimatum”.

    None of the five proposed amendments were adopted, either because they failed to obtain the required number of votes or because the Russian Federation cast its veto.

    United States’ Speaker Welcomes Adoption of First Resolution in Three Years on Ukraine Firmly Calling for End to Conflict 

    Following the adoption of the unamended text, the representative of the United States welcomed Council members’ support of the resolution, welcoming the first Council action taken in three years on Ukraine to firmly call for an end to the conflict.  “This resolution puts us on the path to peace,” she affirmed, and although it is a first step, it is a crucial one.  The Council must now use it to build a peaceful future for Ukraine, the Russian Federation and the international community.

    Other Council Members Support Text Overall Yet Raise Concerns

    The representative of France, however, said that, while his country is “fully committed to peace in Ukraine”, Paris calls for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace — “certainly not for capitulation of the victim”.  “There will be no peace and security if aggressors are rewarded and the law of the jungle wins,” he stressed.  Similarly, the representative of the United Kingdom stressed that the terms of peace must send the message that aggression does not pay.  No peace will be sustainable without Ukraine’s consent, she said, voicing regret that her delegation’s proposals making these points clear were not taken on board.

    “There is nobody who wants peace more than Ukrainians and Europeans,” stressed Slovenia’s representative.  However, he observed:  “A person convinced against their will is against you still — there will be peace, but it will be just and it needs to last.”  Building on that, Denmark’s representative stressed that peace must be on the right terms, voicing regret that today’s resolution falls far short of that vision.  “We need to reaffirm our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” she stated.

    For his part, the representative of the Republic of Korea — noting that Moscow’s war of aggression has “tragically claimed countless innocent lives” — expressed hope that today’s adoption will provide an opportunity “for all relevant parties to accelerate efforts to achieve just and sustainable peace”.  And while Guyana’s representative said that the text is an important step towards a peaceful end to the war, she said that there would have been added value in affirming support for the UN Charter – particularly States’ obligation to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State.

    Pakistan’s representative — noting that the “priority of peace has remained largely absent and elusive”, even as the security, humanitarian and economic crises have intensified — said:  “A different approach was perhaps required.”  He therefore expressed hope that today’s resolution will “lend impetus to an inclusive peace process that yields a durable solution in accordance with international law”.

    Panama’s representative also voiced support for the resolution, as it is not objectionable due to its simplistic content.  However, “its silence speaks more eloquently than its words”, he observed, adding that his country understands the aftermath of violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity.  “And for our own historic reasons, we have always rejected the aggression of one State against another,” he said.

    Recalling his delegation’s repeated calls for the parties to engage in negotiations to reach a just and permanent peace in the region, the representative of Algeria said that “our call was the only criteria that Algeria used to determine its position today through our vote”.  Similarly, the representative of China, Council President for February, spoke in his national capacity to recall his country’s “consistent principles and propositions on the Ukraine issue”.  He added: “The ultimate solution for any conflict lies at the peace table.”

    Russian Federation Welcomes Changes in United States Position

    Meanwhile, the representative of the Russian Federation welcomed changes in the United States’ position on the Ukrainian conflict.  “It is clear that the militarizing Europe today is the only player internationally which wants the war to continue,” he stated.  And while today’s text is not ideal, it is a first attempt to have a constructive and future-oriented product by the Council.  The key outline of a restored European and international security “can already be seen in the American text and this gives us a certain optimism”, he stated.

    At the outset of the meeting, the representative of France proposed that today’s vote be postponed, expressing concern that the text was introduced “without real negotiations among Council members”.  While the representative of the United Kingdom expressed strong support for that proposal, the representative of the United States opposed it.  Ultimately, that proposal was rejected for failing to obtain a sufficient number of votes.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Social workers enabled to have more time helping children and young people

    Source: New Zealand Government

    “Families, young people, and social workers are set to benefit from technology upgrades at Oranga Tamariki that will free up social workers to spend more time with families, will help young people by ensuring important routines and needs are shared, and will improve collaboration and transparency,” Children Minister Karen Chhour says.

    “This is a significant development that will greatly enable social workers to better serve and work with children, families, caregivers, and partner organisations that provide services.

    “Until now, social workers and other practice staff have been having to use outdated, 20-year-old computer programmes and systems for administration tasks. 

    “I have heard feedback from social workers, caregivers, partners, and young people who have voiced their frustrations about the challenges of out-of-date legacy technology, and I am extremely pleased that we are now delivering a modern, fit-for-purpose solution.

    “I am looking forward to seeing the difference this makes not just for social workers but for young people and families.

    “It will also support working alongside service provider partners by making it easier to share personal information with them to improve the wellbeing of children – such as a child’s regular routine and specific needs.”

    Min Chhour says that the new case management system will also help make it faster for records and information to be provided to children and families when they need it, and will help ensure the protection of records in the future.

    “The records of our young people and of all New Zealanders are sacred. The report into abuse in state care highlighted for many the scenarios where records have been fragmented or lost over the decades. That is unacceptable for the people we serve and I am very pleased that the new systems will help to resolve this issue for the future.

    “The information that social workers record is an important part of the journey and life story of children and young people, particularly those in care.  

    “These improvements will enable better collaboration between children, families and social workers, with regard for how they participate in their plans and develop them. They will also be able to make sense of their experiences while in care.

    “Investing in our frontline and making sure social workers have the tools they need to focus on their critically important job of supporting children and young people in need is an absolute priority for me.  

    “Young people deserve to be heard, and to have agencies working together for their betterment. I also want young people to make sure they have control over the direction of their future, and this will enable that.

    “I’m delighted we can invest in our critical frontline workforce, remove barriers, and provide the tools they need to do their job, so they can focus on making the most difference for children and families.”  

    This upgrade is just one part of the $68.5m funding boost for frontline technology systems over four years announced as part of Budget 2024. 

    It will be up-and-running within 12 months, if not earlier. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: IPCA/OPC Joint Inquiry into Police conduct when photographing members of the public

    Source: Privacy Commissioner

    The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) and Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) released their Joint Inquiry into Police conduct when photographing members of the public (opens to PDF) on 8 September 2022. Report findings
    The report found that a general lack of awareness amongst Police of their obligations under the Privacy Act led to officers routinely taking, using and retaining photographs when it is not lawful for them to do so. It also found that thousands of photographs of members of the public have been kept on the mobile phones of individual officers or, if transferred to the Police computer system, not destroyed after there is no longer a legitimate need for them. The Joint Inquiry was initiated in March 2021 after Wairarapa whnau complained that Police officers were photographing their rangatahi in circumstances they felt was unfair or unjustified.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Four to appear in court following burglaries, Waihi

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Four people are before the courts after separate burglaries in Waihi and Waihi Beach areas.

    The offending occurred between 23 January and 5 February.

    A 31-year-old woman and 40-year-old man, both of Karangahake, have been jointly charged with burglary from a holiday park; a 48-year-old Auckland man is also charged with burglary from a separate holiday park; while a 24-year-old Waihi man has been charged with burglary of a residential property.

    Across all three burglaries, clothing, food and a car were stolen.

    Waihi Sergeant Nigel Sanderson says Police want to thank the members of the public who promptly reported the incidents.

    “The information they provided us allowed us to act quickly – and two of the accused were arrested as they walked past the Waihi Police station.”

    All four have appeared in court and will reappear at later dates.

    “It’s horrible knowing that someone has invaded your home or rifled through your property, and it’s great being able to get this result for the victims.

    “If you’ve been the victim of a crime, please let us know – call 111 if it’s happening now, or make a report via 105 if it’s after the fact.”

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Samstag explores the chaos of communication to open its 2025 exhibition program

    Source: University of South Australia

    25 February 2025

    Chunxiao Qu, An artist doesn’t need a label (Biannual Façade Commission), 2004, Borchardt Library, La Trobe University, Bundoora. La Trobe Art Institute, La Trobe University. Photograph by AJ Taylor. Image courtesy the artist.

    The absurdity of contemporary communication will be on display at the University of South Australia’s Samstag Museum of Art, delivering an insightful and humorous take on how humans are easily misunderstood between the translation of what is said and what is heard.

    Direct, Directed, Directly will kickstart Samstag’s 2025 program for the Parnati season (Parnati meaning autumn in Kaurna culture) from Friday 28 February, coinciding with the launch of the Adelaide Festival.

    Installed across the two levels of the art museum, the exhibition is one of many in Samstag’s annually curated program of innovative and experimental contemporary art from SA and around the world.

    Direct, Directed, Directly explores communication – speaking directly, speaking indirectly, looking for meaning (and not finding it), double meanings and breakdowns.

    Featuring performances, moving images and sounds created by national and international artists, the installation dives into the difficulties between what is said and what is heard. This group exhibition suggests that amid frustration, futility and misunderstanding, there is catharsis to be found in the humour and absurdity of our attempts to connect.

    Director of Samstag Museum of Art Erica Green says the year ahead for Samstag will be a celebration of innovative and thought-provoking contemporary arts practice.

    “Delving into a diverse range of themes – from the absurdity of contemporary communication to the formal qualities of light and movement – our 2025 program will deliver a year of surprising and insightful visual art experiences for everyone to enjoy,” she says.

    Parnati season
    Friday 28 February to Friday 30 May
    2025 Adelaide Festival
    Direct, Directed, Directly
    Artists: Richard Bell (Kamilaroi, Kooma, Jiman and Gurang Gurang), Madison Bycroft, Kuba Dorabialski, Danielle Freakley, Christine Sun Kim and Thomas Mader, Monte Masi and Chunxiao Qu.

    Kudlila season
    20 June to 26 September
    Frank Bauer
    Samstag’s Kudlila Season, Kudlila meaning winter in Kaurna culture, will begin in June with works by Adelaide-based designer, jeweller, silversmith and artist Frank Bauer. Over a career spanning 45 years, the German-born artist’s cross-disciplinary practice is hallmarked by exceptional quality and a breadth of skill. His process begins with the hand – first drawing then progressing to handling, touching, making in his workshop – and results in works that bear human nature first and foremost in mind. A former lecturer at SACAE, an antecedent of the University of South Australia, who has exhibited in Europe and Australia, his work is held in major museums around the world.

    Caption Frank Bauer, Flag pole, detail, 2024. Photograph by Sia Duff.

    North Terrace: worlds in relief
    Artists:     Andrew Burrell, Allison Chhorn, Louise Haselton, the ArcHitects (Gary Carsley and Renjie Teoh), with poetry by Natalie Harkin (Narungga).
    As the city’s cultural boulevard, North Terrace is emblematic of Tarntanya/Adelaide’s founding on Kaurna Yarta and the conduct of colonial relations today. In this suite of new works, curated by guest curator Jasmin Stephens, artists from Adelaide, NSW and Singapore respond to the city’s environs and the world views that they convey. The exhibition begins with Narungga poet/activist Natalie Harkin’s text Cultural Precinct, first published in 2016. The artists cast a critical eye over North Terrace’s familiar and lesser-known aspects. Invoking histories of sculpture, moving image and design, the exhibition draws on the collection of UniSA’s Architecture Museum.

    Wirltuti Season
    16 October to 5 December
    Sean Cordeiro and Claire Healy: Psychopomp
     NSW-based artistic duo and Samstag scholars (2006) Sean Cordeiro and Claire Healy will premiere their vibrant moving image work Psychopomp alongside a selection of past works for Samstag’s Wirltuti season in 2025 (Wirltuti meaning ‘spring’ in Kaurna culture). Psychopomp is the outcome of the 2024 UniSA Jeffrey Smart Commission. This vibrant moving image work explores the porous relationship between science and mysticism, and rocket technology and spirituality. From NASA’s Apollo, Mercury and Gemini mission names, which are directly inspired by the gods of antiquity, to pioneer rocket scientist Jack Parson’s conversion to Aleister Crowley’s Church of Thelema, Cordeiro and Healy identify a strong spiritual thread in the history of rocket and space exploration. Melding the significant historical text, the poem Hymn to Pan, with footage of farming fertility festivals in Thailand and Laos, Psychopomp explores the expressive potential of motion, technology and pagan rituals.

    5 STEPS FOR BETTER LIVING, MAXIMUM GAINS AND MANIFESTING YOUR MOST OPTIMISED SELF!!
    Adelaide Film Festival Expand Moving Image Commission
    Artists: Nisa East, Anna Lindner and Yasemin Sabuncu.
    5 STEPS… originates from the 2023 AFF EXPAND Lab, a development initiative bringing together filmmakers, artists and screen-based practitioners to develop collaborative approaches to making moving images. 5 STEPS… offers a satirical, critical reflection on the trends of commodified, masculine ‘wellness’ in times of existential crisis. The multi-channel installation draws on experimental performance, surrealism and dark humour to examine the way wellness subcultures can be used to promote self-centred ideas of freedom and success. A series of compelling character studies of the ‘alpha’ personalities and fitness evangelists that populate the manosphere, this work examines the psychological mechanisms of rejecting failure, vulnerability and introspection, and the pursuit of infinite growth at any cost.

    Nisa East, Anna Lindner and Yasemin Sabuncu, 5 STEPS FOR BETTER LIVING, MAXIMUM GAINS AND MANIFESTING YOUR MOST OPTIMISED SELF!!, production still 2024. Still courtesy the artists.

    Ryan Presley
    In 2024, UniSA commissioned Marri Ngarr artist Ryan Presley to paint a portrait of its Chancellor, The Honourable John Hill. To accompany the unveiling of this commission, Samstag will display a selection of works by Presley. Presley’s figurative paintings weave personal and cultural motifs with art historical references. Raised a Catholic, his art practice explores religious iconography, often featuring intricate patterning and human figures set against seductive and lyrical dreamscapes composed of clouds, sand dunes and industrial motifs.

    Samstag Museum of Art is located at UniSA’s City West campus, an easy 15-minute walk from the city centre. Free city trams operate daily. Samstag is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. Visit the website for more information.

    …………………………………………………………………………………

    Media contact: Erica Green, Director Samstag Museum of Art M: +438 821 239 E: erica.green@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Refreshed eating disorders strategy announced during awareness week

    Source: New Zealand Government

    As part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is announcing his intention to refresh New Zealand’s eating disorders strategy, and shining a spotlight on the work and research being done to support people with disordered eating.   

    “Very positive work is being done across the country to address eating disorder issues and the Government wants to take this even further. Eating disorders are not choices, they are a health crisis that have the potential to disrupt people’s lives. New Zealand’s strategy has not been refreshed in 16 years and it is time for an update.  

    “Today I am signalling my intent to refresh the ‘Future Directions for Eating Disorders Services in New Zealand’ strategy document, with the objective of having clear prioritised actions for implementation. Other focuses will include identifying where further efforts across eating disorders services are required, and improving our understanding of eating disorder data. 

    “There is also great opportunity to grow and utilise the peer support workforce more – professionals with lived experience who help people within the health system.  

    “The introduction of new roles like lived-experience peer support workers and family peer support workers provides additional valuable help, along with reassurance that recovery is possible. They also recognise the important role that families play in treatment and provide support to families. 

    “The refresh we are carrying out will give an opportunity to better explore how to help people benefit from these roles more. 

    “Currently there are not many peer support workers in New Zealand focused specifically on eating disorders. Today I had privilege of meeting with one of the only peer support workers who works exclusively at an eating disorder service, based at Hillmorton Hospital, to discuss their unique role in improving treatment.  

    Mr Doocey also met with the South Island Eating Disorders (SIEDs) service today to show his support for the sector. SIEDS is one of four regional specialist eating disorders hubs, which work closely with their district partners or ‘spokes’.  

    “It is always inspiring to meet with our frontline clinicians, and to hear about innovation and improvements that are underway to support people, including those with eating disorders, to make a full recovery,” Mr Doocey says.    

    “Important research is being done in the sector – SIEDs is involved in research partnerships with the University of Otago, with a particular focus on prevention and understanding more about the genetics of eating disorders that will contribute treatment advances internationally.  

    “The team are also working on expanding Media Smart, an eight-lesson programme aimed at improving body image and reducing eating disorder risk factors among young people. 

    “Prevention is key in this space, and this programme has shown significant improvements in intermediate-aged students’ resilience against harmful media messages.  

    “It is work like this that will contribute to helping people with mental health and addiction needs, as well as supporting people to stay well and help us reach the mental health targets this Government has committed to.”  

    Eating Disorders Awareness Week is an annual campaign to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders and to provide hope and visibility to individuals and loved ones impacted by eating disorders. Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2025 is taking place from 24 February to 2 March. New Zealand’s Body Image and Eating Disorder Awareness Week will take place between 2 September and 8 September. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Broken Hill’s energy future secured by hi-tech air energy storage system

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 25 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

    An old Broken Hill mine site will soon be transformed into a first-of-its-kind compressed air energy storage system, delivering energy security, jobs and investment to Broken Hill.

    The Minns Labor Government has provided planning approval for Hydrostor’s compressed air energy storage system with a capacity of 200 megawatts (MW) / 1,600 MW-hours (MWh). The Silver City Energy Storage Centre could power about 80,000 homes in peak demand and will maintain a reserve capacity of 250 MWh to provide back-up to Broken Hill during times of planned and unplanned outages.

    The project is the first-of-its-kind in Australia. It utilises advanced technology that uses compressed air to store energy and generate electricity, without producing greenhouse gases.

    The $638 million project will boost the local economy, creating up to 400 full-time construction jobs and around 26 ongoing operational jobs.

    During periods of low-energy demand, excess electricity is used to compress air and store it in large underground caverns or tanks.

    When energy demand is high, the compressed air is released, heated and expanded through turbines to generate electricity.

    The project will be supported by a 65-year government lease on a Crown land site near the Potosi mine at Broken Hill.

    The energy storage system will support different renewable energy sources in the region to reliably power homes and businesses in and around Broken Hill.

    Broken Hill City Council will receive $3.1 million under a Voluntary Planning Agreement, paid over five years, to benefit the local community.

    With work expected to start this year, it is estimated construction of the project will take three to four years.

    For more information visit Silver City Energy Storage System | Planning Portal – Department of Planning and Environment

    Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

    “Hydrostor’s Silver City Energy Storage Centre boosts the reliability of the NSW electricity grid and provides back-up for homes and businesses in the state’s far west in times of planned and unplanned outages.

    “Energy storage solutions like this will go a long way to preventing blackouts like the ones the Far West experienced last year.

    “The project will provide construction and ongoing jobs, and will put Broken Hill on the map as a nation leader in renewable energy.”

    Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

    “The city needs a reliable supply of power and this project will provide certainty and reliability for local residents and businesses.

    “The Minns Government is working with proponents to see industrial sites rehabilitated and renewed for future use.

    “This technology not only supports our transition to cleaner energy sources but also promotes economic growth through job creation in the energy sector.”

    Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

    “It’s fantastic to see planning approval confirmed for the Hydrostor project which will be further supported by a 65-year government lease on a Crown land site near Broken Hill.

    “The Silver City Energy Storage Facility will be the first of its kind for Australia, generating both vital backup energy for Broken Hill and significant ongoing jobs and investment spending for the Far West economy.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New Early Career Academy to support more of our best and brightest to take on teaching in NSW

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: New Early Career Academy to support more of our best and brightest to take on teaching in NSW

    Published: 25 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Education and Early Learning

    The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to rebuild public education across New South Wales with the $20 million Innovative Teacher Training Fund to support NSW’s best and brightest students to embark on a successful teaching career.

    In a NSW first, the NSW Government is establishing the Early Career Academy for Teachers, fulfilling an election commitment which will serve as a centre of excellence for new and future teachers, with expanded support, enhanced development opportunities and stronger partnerships with universities and across schools.

    The Academy will be a one-stop-shop for attracting and supporting new teachers, featuring a digital hub, new scholarships, tailored learning and resources, and embedded department support with a dedicated employee stationed at key universities.

    University Admissions Centre data shows growing interest in applications and offers for students studying Education degrees, following several years of decline.

    Applications by school leavers for Education degrees have risen by 500 or 23 per cent compared to the same time last year, while offers have risen by 642 or 36 per cent compared to 2024.

    The Early Career Academy will focus on making a teaching degree the first preference for more students, improving the classroom readiness of beginning teachers and retaining more early career teachers in NSW public schools.

    This initiative builds on the historic pay rise in teachers’ salaries, which took NSW beginning teachers from the worst paid in the country to among the highest. Targeted strategies to address the unsustainable workloads of teachers are also bearing fruit, leading to a greater attractiveness of the teaching profession.

    The Early Career Academy for Teachers will develop a range of programs and opportunities including:

    • An enhanced scholarship program including early offers to future teachers in high priority regions and specialist areas
    • Revamped professional experience placements to facilitate consistent and high quality experiences for pre-service teachers before they enter the classroom
    • Greater system-led support for pre-service and beginning teachers, including enhanced resources and collaboration opportunities, to enhance the quality of assistance available to early career teachers
    • Stronger strategic partnerships with universities, including Department of Education University Partnership Leads to provide tailored support with those seeking employment opportunities in NSW public schools
    • Department-led professional learning to support classroom readiness, curriculum expertise and teaching practices
    • A Digital Hub with personalised content to support new and future teachers throughout their educational and professional pathway

    The Academy will also continue and expand existing, successful programs such as the school-based Future Teachers Club and rural and remote Beyond the Line study tours.

    The Early Career Academy will formally commence in Term 1, 2026, following co-design and engagement with the profession, union and key stakeholders.

    The NSW public education system is the largest employer of teachers in Australia with more than 96,000 educators working in our schools every year.

    Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said: 

    “The Minns Labor Government promised we would do everything we can to get more of our best and brightest into teaching and keep them in the classroom – and we are delivering.

    “The Early Career Academy will be a game-changer for new and prospective teachers, provide co-ordinated, multi-faceted support and ensuring we have highly skilled, classroom-ready teachers getting jobs in NSW public schools.

    “With the NSW Department of Education being the largest employer of teachers in Australia, it is crucial that universities understand the needs of our public schools, and the Academy will play an important role in ensuring partner universities offer the right courses for our future teachers.

    “Our government has delivered nation-leading pay rises for teachers and reduced teacher vacancies by 40%, and we are building on this work to attract more of our best and brightest to teaching careers in our schools – while ensuring they are supported and valued to stay.

    “The Academy is not just about getting more people to choose a career in teaching or ensuring they are prepared for the classroom from day one, it is about letting our early career teachers know that the Department and the Government is backing you to succeed.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Funding for regional groups for stocking native fish in local waters now available

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Funding for regional groups for stocking native fish in local waters now available

    Published: 25 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW

    The Minns Labor Government has announced that funding for fishing clubs and native fish stocking groups is now available for restocking regional rivers and dams with iconic native fish such as Australian Bass, Golden Perch and Murray Cod.

    These fish are also appreciated as highly sought after angling fish that support recreational fishing and local tourism.

    The NSW Government is committed to delivering for recreational fishers and the NSW regional environment to preserve the many locations and lifestyles that are special for families and locals.

    Two dollars in funding is provided from for every dollar raised by the community to purchase Australian Bass, Golden Perch and Murray Cod from accredited commercial fish hatcheries for stocking into public waterways.

    This program is part of the Government’s commitment to recreational fishers and helps boost native fish stocks to deliver enhanced fishing opportunities into regional waterways where factors such as carp and drought may have hindered native fish stock levels.

    The program also supports the regional aquaculture ventures which produce the high-quality fish stock that are released release into public waters to benefit recreational fishers. These ventures provide local jobs in the regions at hatcheries and breeding sites.

    Last year 70 grants were approved under the program and delivered fish stocks for local fishing clubs to restock waterways in places like Lake Cargelligo, Leeton, Walgett, Bermagui, Nowra, Goulburn, Tumut and Yass.

    Australian bass live in coastal rivers along the east coast and downstream for breeding from may to August. Golden Perch occur throughout the Murray-darling river system and are migratory species following increases in water flow up stream during spring and summer.

    Murray Cod encompass most of the Murray Darling Rivers and mature adults will travel long distances to spawn during spring and summer.

    Fish stocking in NSW is carefully managed under a fish stocking fishery management strategy to ensure sustainability to ensure the activity is conducted with appropriate environmental controls and generates quality recreational fishing outcomes.

    Groups interested in applying for the grants, can apply online before the closing dates for the Community Native Fish Stocking (CNFS) 2025/26 grants program. Fish stocking is expected to take place between November 2025 and April 2026.

    A minimum of $2,000 and a maximum of $6,000 per application per group is required.  Only one application per group may be submitted.

    Applications to stock Australian Bass close on 28 March 2025. 

    Applications to stock Golden Perch or Murray Cod close on 9 May 2025.

    To apply https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/stocking/CNFS

    Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

    “Our Government is focused on delivering great recreational fishing and environmental outcomes. This program delivers in every way for fishers by populating highly popular native sportfish in regional waterways.

    “These fish stocking events will help diversify and enhance our valuable native fishery, increase fishing amenity and support local businesses.

    “Millions of fish are produced and stocked by government and private sector hatcheries each year into rivers, streams and dams across the State to improve recreational fishing opportunities in NSW that create jobs for regional people.

    “Native fish stocking provides many economic and social benefits, as well as positive environmental outcomes due to the importance of native fish in the landscape.

    “This is another great example of your fishing licence fees at work. More information on fish stocking can be found online.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Scientists have discovered a 3 billion-year-old beach buried on Mars

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aaron J. Cavosie, Senior lecturer, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University

    A view of the Utopia Planitia region on Mars which is believed to be the site of an ancient ocean. ESA/DLR/FU Berlin, CC BY-SA

    In the 1970s, images from the NASA Mariner 9 orbiter revealed water-sculpted surfaces on Mars. This settled the once-controversial question of whether water ever rippled over the red planet.

    Since then, more and more evidence has emerged that water once played a large role on our planetary neighbour.

    For example, Martian meteorites record evidence for water back to 4.5 billion years ago. On the young side of the timescale, impact craters formed over the past few years show the presence of ice under the surface today.

    Today the hot topics focus on when water appeared, how much was there, and how long it lasted. Perhaps the most burning of all Mars water-related topics nowadays is: were there ever oceans?

    A new study published in PNAS today has made quite a splash. The study involved a team of Chinese and American scientists led by Jianhui Li from Guangzhou University in China, and was based on work done by the China National Space Administration’s Mars rover Zhurong.

    Data from Zhurong provide an unprecedented look into rocks buried near a proposed shoreline billions of years old. The researchers claim to have found beach deposits from an ancient Martian ocean.

    An illustration of Mars 3.6 billion years ago, when an ocean may have covered nearly half the planet. The orange star (right) is the landing site of the Chinese rover Zhurong. The yellow star is the landing site of NASA’s Perseverance rover.
    Robert Citron/Southwest Research Institute/NASA

    Blue water on a red planet

    Rovers exploring Mars study many aspects of the planet, including the geology, soil and atmosphere. They’re often looking for any evidence of water. That’s in part because water is a vital factor for determining if Mars ever supported life.

    Sedimentary rocks are often a particular focus of investigations, because they can contain evidence of water – and therefore life – on Mars.

    For example, the NASA Perseverance rover is currently searching for life in a delta deposit. Deltas are triangular regions often found where rivers flow into larger bodies of water, depositing large amounts of sediment. Examples on Earth include the Mississippi delta in the United States and the Nile delta in Egypt.

    The delta the Perseverance rover is exploring is located within the roughly 45km wide Jezero impact crater, believed to be the site of an ancient lake.

    Zhurong had its sights set on a very different body of water – the vestiges of an ancient ocean located in the northern hemisphere of Mars.

    Topography of Utopia Planitia. Lower parts of the surface are shown in blues and purples, while higher altitude regions show up in whites and reds, as indicated on the scale to the top right.
    ESA/DLR/FU Berlin

    The god of fire

    The Zhurong rover is named after a mythical god of fire.

    It was launched by the Chinese National Space Administration in 2020 and was active on Mars from 2021 to 2022. Zhurong landed within Utopia Planitia, a vast expanse and the largest impact basin on Mars which stretches some 3,300km in diameter.

    Zhurong is investigating an area near a series of ridges – described as paleoshorelines – that extend for thousands of kilometres across Mars. The paleoshorelines have previously been interpreted as the remnants of a global ocean that encircled the northern third of Mars.

    However, there are differing views among scientists about this, and more observations are needed.

    On Earth, the geologic record of oceans is distinctive. Modern oceans are only a few hundreds of millions of years old. Yet the global rock record is riddled with deposits made by many older oceans, some several billions of years old.

    This diagram shows how a series of beach deposits would have formed at the Zhurong landing site in the distant past on Mars.
    Hai Liu/Guangzhou University

    What lies beneath

    To determine if rocks in Utopia Planitia are consistent with having been deposited by an ocean, the rover collected data along a 1.3km measured line known as a transect at the margin of the basin. The transect was oriented perpendicular to the paleoshoreline. The goal was to work out what rock types are there, and what story they tell.

    The Zhurong rover used a technique called ground penetrating radar, which probed down to 100 metres below the surface. The data revealed many characteristics of the buried rocks, including their orientation.

    Rocks imaged along the transect contained many reflective layers that are visible by ground penetrating radar down to at least 30 metres. All the layers also dip shallowly into the basin, away from the paleoshoreline. This geometry exactly reflects how sediments are deposited into oceans on Earth.

    The ground penetrating radar also measured how much the rocks are affected by an electrical field. The results showed the rocks are more likely to be sedimentary and are not volcanic flows, which can also form layers.

    The study compared Zhurong data gathered from Utopia Planitia with ground penetrating radar data for different sedimentary environments on Earth.

    The result of the comparison is clear – the rocks Zhurong imaged are a match for coastal sediments deposited along the margin of an ocean.

    Zhurong found a beach.

    Photograph of frosted terrain on Utopia Planitia, taken by the Viking 2 lander in 1979.
    NASA/JPL

    A wet Mars

    The Noachian period of Martian history, from 4.1 to 3.7 billion years ago, is the poster child for a wet Mars. There is abundant evidence from orbital images of valley networks and mineral maps that the surface of Noachian Mars had surface water.

    However, there is less evidence for surface water during the Hesperian period, from 3.7 to 3 billion years ago. Stunning orbital images of large outflow channels in Hesperian land forms, including an area of canyons known as Kasei Valles, are believed to have formed from catastrophic releases of ground water, rather than standing water.

    From this view, Mars appears to have cooled down and dried up by Hesperian time.

    However, the Zhurong rover findings of coastal deposits formed in an ocean may indicate that surface water was stable on Mars longer than previously recognised. It may have lasted into the Late Hesperian period.

    This may mean that habitable environments, around an ocean, extended to more recent times.

    Aaron J. Cavosie has received funding from Australian Research Council and the Space Science and Technology Centre at Curtin University.

    – ref. Scientists have discovered a 3 billion-year-old beach buried on Mars – https://theconversation.com/scientists-have-discovered-a-3-billion-year-old-beach-buried-on-mars-250496

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: All eyes on the Eastern Bay of Plenty 

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Over the past few weeks Eastern Bay of Plenty highways have been a hive of activity with crews busy resurfacing State Highway 2 (SH2) in the Waioweka Gorge (and carrying out other general maintenance work) which is due to be completed on Wednesday 26 February.

    There is more work to come around the region, ensuring the network is resilient and safe for everyone. 

    Here’s a look at what’s happening: 

    SH35 Roundabout Ōpōtiki 

    Once the Waioweka Gorge work is complete, crews will move to the Ōpōtiki township to resurface the roundabout on State Highway 35 (SH35). From Wednesday 26 to Friday 28 February, between 8am and 4pm each day, the road will be closed at the St John and Elliot Street roundabout, with a detour available for all vehicles via King Street and Goring Street. There will be temporary traffic management in place while the work is taking place. 

    SH2 Matatā 

    From Friday 28 February for 4 days, a new chipseal surface will be laid on SH2 between Western Close and Manawahē Road in Matatā. This work will take place during the day, between 9am and 4pm, with stop/go traffic management and a reduced speed limit in place. Traffic management will remain until after the work has been completed to allow for the chipseal to be embedded into the road surface. 

    SH2 Waimana Gorge 

    From Monday 3 to Friday 7 March the Waimana Gorge will be closed from 10am to 6pm each day. Crews will be laying a new asphalt road surface and completing maintenance activities. Outside of work hours there will be temporary traffic management in place with a reduced speed limited until the new surface has been line marked. 

    While the road is closed there’s a 12-minute detour for light vehicles and trucks below the HPMV status, via Tāneatua Road, Valley Road, right to Ōhope Road to Pōhutukawa Ave through to Wainui Road then left to SH2. There is no suitable detour for HPMV vehicles. HPMV’s are advised to travel outside of these times. 

    By closing the Waimana Gorge completely for this time contractors can complete the work more efficiently and safely. 

    At the SH2 and Wainui road intersection service relocation works are underway near Kutarere west of Ōpōtiki. Shoulder closures will be in place and road users should be aware there may be 3-way stop/go traffic management operating at the intersection during this time.  

    Work schedule

    • SH2 Waioweka Gorge, resurfacing and general maintenance – complete 26 February  
    • SH35 roundabout Ōpōtiki, resurfacing – 26 to 28 February 
    • SH2 Matatā, chipsealing – 28 February to 3 March 
    • SH2 Waimana Gorge, resurfacing – 3 to 7 March 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greens stand in solidarity with mana whenua of Lake Rotokākahi

    Source: Green Party

    The Green Party supports the peaceful occupation at Lake Rotokākahi and are calling for the controversial sewerage project on the lake to be stopped until the Environment Court has made a decision.

    “We stand in solidarity with the peaceful Lake Rotokākahi resistance and are calling for a stop to all works. For too long Māori land has been confiscated, corrupted and condemned to degradation,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Māori Development Hūhana Lyndon.

    “As tangata whenua, we should be empowered to look after the lands our tūpuna have cared for across generations. This is something that would benefit us all.

    “Lake Rotokākahi is a wāhi tapu, a sacred site for Tūhourangi and Ngāti Tumatawera, as it is a resting place for their tūpuna who died in the 1886 eruption of Tarawera maunga. The path of the sewerage pipeline past Lake Rotokākahi puts the sacred lake at risk of environmental damage and the desecration of this wāhi tapu.

    “Tūhourangi and Ngāti Tumatawera have consistently opposed the council bringing the sewerage pipe through their wāhi tapu. For over a year, there have been protests, a hīkoi, and occupation led by mana whenua. It is abhorrent that this is what mana whenua have been met with.

    “Works must stop until the Environment Court has been given the opportunity to assess this project.

    “Our institutions and the legislation that supports them contribute to the entrenchment of colonisation through the constant and consistent taking of Māori land. Whether it be the Resource Management Act, Public Works Act or now Fast Track, the rules that govern the use of land are failing to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, failing Māori and are failing the environment we all depend on,” says Hūhana Lyndon.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Chinese live fire: a wake-up call for NZ’s investment priorities

    Source: ACT Party

    “Chinese war ships engaging in live fire in the Tasman Sea ought to be a wake-up call for our investment priorities,” says ACT Defence spokesperson Mark Cameron.

    “We have been taking the so-called benign strategic environment for granted, but the rule of history is that big fish eat the little fish. New Zealand needs to wake up, get together with its mates, and up our defensive capability – fast.

    “Lifting investment in Defence is a matter of security, but also of prosperity. Our fisheries, sea mining, trade routes, and Exclusive Economic Zone hold untold economic value, and any serious strategy to grow the economy will rely on our continued control of these assets.

    “Prior to the election, ACT campaigned on increasing defence spending to 1.5% of GDP, or $4.35 billion over four years, with a long-term target of reaching 2% by 2030.

    “Australia’s defence spending has already surged above 2%, heading to 2.4% by the end of the decade. We need to do our part and work with our friends to effectively direct our investment, so that we can be taken seriously as an ally worth defending.

    “Crucially, ACT is open to debate around tough trade-offs in spending and investment to make a Defence boost possible.

    “This morning, the New Zealand Initiative released a report valuing the government’s existing assets at $571 billion. It raises some interesting questions. Does it make more sense for the government to own a television station, or a P8 Poseidon? Should we keep a 51% share in a power company, or get our hands on some more frigates?

    “ACT would argue it’s time to pull money out of the nice-to-haves, and invest in the men and women who protect our livelihoods.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Results – Port Marlborough reports strong half year performance for 2025

    Source: Port Marlborough

    Port Marlborough has filed its Half Year Report for the first half of the 2025 financial year, highlighting positive progress across its key focus areas: people, planet, prosperity, and partnerships.
    The port continues to invest in workforce capability, with new marine cadetships, internal promotions, and leadership development programmes supporting career progression and workplace culture. Critical risk and fatigue risk management measures have been implemented, and the port’s strong focus on the Hauora (Health, Safety and Wellbeing) of all people in its workplaces remains a priority.
    Environmental progress has also been a standout, with Marlborough Sounds Marinas becoming the first in New Zealand to achieve International Clean Marina accreditation, recognising high standards in marine biosecurity and environmental management. Across operations, 82% of waste has been diverted from landfill, and habitat restoration efforts continue, with thousands of native plants established in key areas.
    Revenue has increased by 13% compared to the same period last year, driven by strong trade performance and increased uptake of berthage at Waikawa North West Marina. Forestry trade has grown by 18%, supported by the completion of the South Island’s first on-port debarking facility, in partnership with Pedersen Group and C3.
    Port Marlborough Chief Executive Rhys Welbourn said the results reflect the company’s focus on sustainable growth and long-term investment.
    “These results show the benefits of our continued investment in infrastructure, environmental initiatives, and workforce capability. We are seeing strong performance across key trade areas, our marinas remain in high demand, and our sustainability initiatives are delivering measurable outcomes. The International Clean Marina accreditation is a milestone achievement and highlights how seriously we take the importance of marine biosecurity across our operations.
    “As we move into the second half of the financial year, we remain committed to delivering value for Marlborough, supporting and facilitating Marlborough’s key trades, and ensuring that our investment decisions contribute to the long-term success of the region.”
    Port Marlborough’s partnerships with industry, iwi, and regional stakeholders remain a key focus, including hosting the launch of the Protect Our Paradise national biosecurity campaign and delivering community sponsorships that support local initiatives.The 2025 Half Year Report can be found here: LINK: https://portmarlborough.co.nz/strong-half-year-performance-for-2025/

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advocacy – Over 150 police storm peaceful protection of Lake Rotokākahi

    Source: Protect Rotokākahi

    Over 150 police storm peaceful protection of Lake Rotokākahi

    On Monday at 8pm, over 150 police officers arrived at Lake Rotokākahi, where members of Tūhourangi, Tūmatawera Hapū and their supporters have been holding space with the goal of protecting this wāhi tapu (sacred site).

    Reports on the ground suggest several arrests have been made.

    Rotokākahi has been a site of controversy due to the Rotorua Lakes District Council’s planned Tarawera Sewerage Scheme. This scheme places a sewer line through a sacred site where over 100 tūpuna perished during the Lake Tarawera eruption of 1886.

    Mana i te whenua have disputed this decision since it was announced, and have taken several avenues to oppose it – including filing against the council in the Environment Court.

    This police escalation occurs during the same week as Te Matatini, a time where the public’s eyes and attention are focused on celebrating kapa haka from around Aotearoa.

    Waiata such as “Ngā iwi e” and “Rua Kenana” have been heard from livestreams taken at Rotokākahi tonight, with the sight of rows of police facing the singers.

    Protectors have been peacefully and legally holding space at Rotokākahi since August of 2024. Their numbers recently swelled after mana i te whenua invited the nation to join them in their peaceful noho whenua to protect Rotokākahi.

    The Protect Rotokākahi Instagram states in a call-to-action for its supporters:

    “This is a tohu that the desecration of Māori land will come with its own private protectors, paid for with your money.”

    “We need to protect this. We need you here.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Business Appointments – Raine & Horne beefs up executive team in New Zealand with the appointment of James Shepherd

    Source: Raine & Horne

    Highlights

    • Raine & Horne appoints James Shepherd as Supervision and Compliance Manager for New Zealand, bringing almost 16 years of industry experience to support the super brand’s rapid expansion.
    • Mr Shepherd is excited about the company’s growth in New Zealand and is eager to unlock further potential and streamline processes for improved sales and compliance.
    • Looking ahead for 2025, Mr Shepherd predicts steady market conditions across New Zealand, offering opportunities for savvy buyers and vendors, particularly for downsizing.

    Christchurch, NZ (25 February 2025) One of Australasia’s fastest-growing real estate networks Raine & Horne has scored a major executive coup with Mr James Shepherd’s appointment as Supervision and Compliance Manager for New Zealand.

    Mr Shepherd, who began his real estate career in 2009 after transitioning from the machinery and construction sector, has almost 16 years of experience working with two major real estate networks.

    Besides his compliance role, Mr Shepherd will also assume general management responsibilities for the rapidly growing brand. Raine & Horne has quickly grown its footprint in New Zealand, with over 70 offices since launching in April 2023.

    Mr Angus Raine, Executive Chairman of Raine & Horne, is thrilled to welcome Mr Shepherd to the team. He believes his extensive background in office ownership, management, and sales will be invaluable.

    “James is a major asset for our business as we expand across New Zealand. He has a strong background in office ownership and management, sales management, and a wealth of recent sales experience in the Christchurch region,” said Mr Raine.

    “With his extensive background, he will be responsible for supporting our existing offices and sales agents and helping to grow the office network. His role will, of course, also strongly focus on our compliance framework.”

    Amplifying rapid growth for Raine & Horne’s offices, sales agents and brand

    Mr Shepherd said he is excited to join Raine & Horne at this point in its growth curve in New Zealand.

    “The impressive growth the brand has experienced over the past 18 months, particularly after the acquisitions in 2024, shows a strong upward trajectory,” he said.

    “Our new offices want to grow their businesses and are embracing Raine & Horne’s systems and processes, and there’s massive potential for them to expand. I’m excited that I’ll be helping them to unlock this potential.”

    Mr Shepherd noted that one exciting opportunity for real estate businesses in New Zealand is the chance to streamline administrative processes and navigate complex regulations more efficiently.

    “With my deep understanding of compliance issues, I’m confident I can help streamline the process and free up salespeople to focus on what matters – selling their vendor’s properties.”

    Having worked with two of New Zealand’s major real estate brands, Mr Shepherd is excited to be part of a company pushing beyond the status quo.

    “Raine & Horne’s unique edge is our advanced technology, and I am eager to drive awareness of our ecosystem of technology firsts throughout New Zealand, particularly the first-to-market AI-powered social media marketing platform, Amplify.”

    Mr Shepherd also sees tremendous potential for Raine & Horne’s rural real estate division in New Zealand, drawing from his extensive rural background in farming before his stint in construction.

    “New Zealand has a deep connection to rural life, so I see excellent opportunities for Raine & Horne Rural in New Zealand,” he said.

    Steady market conditions expected in 2025

    Looking ahead to the remainder of 2025, Mr Shepherd believes vendors and buyers can expect a steady year. “While there are still some economic challenges to navigate, I expect the residential property market to remain steady and gradually build momentum.

    “It won’t be a year for price surges, but this also means 2025 will be an excellent year for those ready to make moves,” he adds.  

    “If you’ve got your finances in order, 2025 could be the year to jump in, while conditions remain stable.”

    Mr Shepherd also sees a strong opportunity for those considering a move. Despite increased stock levels, the highest seen in a decade, he envisages the potential for better prices in 2025 than the past couple of years.

    Finally, Mr Shepherd is excited about the future with Raine & Horne, saying, “I’m thrilled about the opportunities ahead. I’m eager to dive in, visit the offices, meet the teams, and help build the future of this exciting business.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Activist News – Peace diplomacy must lead in addressing Chinese warships in Tasman Sea – PAW

    Source: Peace Action Wellington

    Over the past five days, a group of Chinese warships has been travelling
    in the Tasman Sea and practicing live fire drills. The NZ Navy and Australian Navy have been deployed to keep watch on the ships’ movements and activities.

    “Alarm over the deployment of Chinese warships is a deeply hypocritical reaction and represents a double-standard of impressive height.
    Moreover, the Prime Minister’s suggestion that weapons spending will go up is opportunistic and in the service of US imperial aims, not NZ security,” said Valerie Morse of Peace Action Wellington.

    “The government is behaving hypocritically: US warships invade and occupy spaces across the globe, enforcing US power and dominance, including directly off the coast of China, something the US itself would never abide by on its own seaboard. Yet not only is there no criticism of the US, there is active participation by the NZDF in the US’s imperial war mongering in places like the Red Sea.”

    “By the same token, New Zealand has previously hosted Chinese warships in the ports of Auckland and Wellington.”

    “No one should be under an illusion any longer that the US represents a force for good in the world or the upholding of international law and norms. The US has declared war on international law and is using its military to enforce US supremacy with missiles. This actively undermines New Zealand security.”

    “At the same time, the Chinese state is an authoritarian nightmare with an aggressive plan for military spending and zero regard for human rights. The experiences in Hong Kong and Xinjiang should be evidence for how much respect China has for basic rights and freedoms.”

    “This is why the response of the New Zealand government should not be to play into the US’s anti-China rhetoric but instead should be a strong voice for peace, diplomacy and disarmament. It is critically important that New Zealand ends participation in dangerous and counterproductive US military activities including active deployments in the Middle East, space launches, training and through the Five Eyes intelligence agencies. Now is the time for a foreign policy that actually puts people and planet first, not weapons companies and US capitalists.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Helping women and children in Dubbo leave violent relationships

    Source: Australian Ministers for Social Services

    The Albanese Labor Government is supporting women and children living in Dubbo to leave violent intimate partner relationships.

    Bunmabunmarra Service Pty Ltd will receive $6.3 million to deliver culturally safe programs to support victim-survivors of intimate partner violence in the regional NSW area.

    This is one of three place-based trials commencing from 1 July – part of the next stage of the $925 million Leaving Violence Program.

    The Government is investing $22.35 million in trials in Dubbo, Broome in Western Australia and Darwin in the Northern Territory, to provide tailored, trauma-informed support to victim-survivors.

    Bunmabunmarra Service Pty Ltd will also support victim-survivors to access the Leaving Violence Program.

    Under the Leaving Violence Program, eligible victim-survivors receive financial support of up to $5,000, including up to $1,500 in cash and the remainder in goods and services. Supports include safety planning, risk assessment and referrals to other essential services for up to 12 weeks. The national program is expected to support over 36,000 victim-survivors a year.

    Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said financial barriers can be a huge impediment to victim-survivors breaking free of a violent relationship.

    “The Albanese Labor Government is absolutely committed to ending family, domestic and sexual violence in a generation. We want people to know if they need to leave, they can afford to go,” Minster Rishworth said.

    “These regional trials will provide a financial and practical lifeline for people experiencing intimate partner violence in regional Australia, helping them break free from abusive relationships and build a life free from violence.”

    Assistant Minister for Social Security and Women Kate Thwaites said people experiencing violence would have access to culturally safe programs through the trials.

    “It’s important for anyone experiencing intimate partner violence to have a range of options to choose from when seeking support.

    “Increasing the access and choices for this program will help more people experiencing violence, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to receive support and to leave violent intimate partner relationships.”

    Intimate partner violence is a problem of epidemic proportions in Australia, with a quarter of all Australian women having experienced it in their lifetime.

    The Leaving Violence Program helps support the aims of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-32 to end violence in one generation, and forms part of the Albanese Government’s $4 billion investment in women’s safety since 2022.

    More than 78,000 victim-survivors have accessed the EVP payment since 2021. Over 70 per cent of those accessing the support were self-referrals meaning without this program they may have fallen through the cracks of the support system.

    More information on the Leaving Violence Program is available on the Department of Social Services website.

    If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732.

    If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au

    Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Tribal Officer Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Abusive Sexual Contact

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced an Oglala, South Dakota, man convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child. The sentencing took place on February 20, 2025.

    Oscar Hudspeth, Sr., age 54, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for each count to run concurrently, followed by five years of supervised release on each count to run concurrently, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200. Upon Hudspeth’s release from federal prison, he must register as a sex offender.

    Hudspeth was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2023. He was found guilty following a federal jury trial in October 2024.

    The conviction stemmed from disclosures in 2023 by a female juvenile who reported that Hudspeth had sexually abused her while her mother was married to him in the early to mid-2000s. The child was forensically interviewed and disclosed that Hudspeth touched her in a sexual manner on more than one occasion while he was her stepfather. The abuse occurred at their home in Oglala and while the child’s mother was working. At the time, Hudspeth worked as a law enforcement officer for the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    This matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.

    This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

    Hudspeth was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: African Development Bank and global public development banks to convene in Cape Town to advance climate resilience

    Source: African Development Bank Group

    WHAT:            Finance in Common Summit 2025

    WHEN:           February 26-28, 2025

    WHERE:         Cape Town, South Africa

    WHO:             The African Development Bank; senior leaders of 530 public development banks                                   representing 155 countries; global development and finance leaders

    The Fifth Finance in Common Summit (FiCS), co-hosted by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) with the support of Agence Française de Développement (AFD), will take place this year in Cape Town, South Africa from 26-28 February. The African Development Bank is a sponsor for the event.

    The African Development Bank President Dr Akinwumi Adesina will lead a delegation to the summit which has the theme, Fostering Infrastructure and Finance for Fair and Sustainable Growth. The theme aligns with the objectives of South Africa’s presidency of the G20: Solidarity, Equity, Sustainability.

    Dubbed a “Summit of Solutions,” the event will bring together institutions that manage US$23 trillion in assets (10% of global investments) to address critical infrastructure needs in climate-vulnerable regions and advance financial innovation and sustainable development, focusing on Africa and developing Asian nations. It will focus on three critical pillars: inclusive finance to reduce inequality, digital transformation to bridge technological gaps, and climate-resilient infrastructure development, all aimed at creating a more equitable and sustainable world.

    The African Development Bank delegation also includes Solomon Quaynor, Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialization; Nnenna Nwabufo, Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery; Hassatou Diop N’Sele, Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer; Leila Farah Mokaddem, Director General for Southern Africa and Moono Mupotola, Deputy Director General for Southern Africa, who will be speaking at sessions across the three days.

    The Finance in Common Summit, launched in 2020, represents the world’s largest gathering of public development banks.

    To request media interviews with members of the Bank’s delegation, please email the contact below.

    Click here to register for the event and more information.

    Join the conversation: #FiCS2025 #SustainableFinance

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Smoother path for Great Rides

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Cycling our Great Rides is about to get a whole lot smoother, with a $9 million Government boost for infrastructure upgrades and replacements, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has announced.

    “Together, the 23 Great Rides receive about a million visitors a year, of whom around 20 per cent are international visitors,” Louise Upston says.

    “With those numbers expected to continue growing, maintaining and improving these trails is a must, so visitors can keep enjoying the unique experience of pedalling through New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes. 

    “We know some of the Great Rides trails need work so the first priority will be addressing issues such as improving design and resilience, making them better able to cope with rider numbers and extreme weather. 

    “I’m excited to announce this investment and am looking forward to seeing local communities welcome more visitors to experience everything they have to offer. 

    “This initiative builds on the Government’s commitment to tourism. The sector is a crucial part of our focus on economic growth, with domestic and international tourism expenditure at almost $38 billion and supporting nearly 200,000 jobs.

    “Already this month we’ve announced: 

    • $500,000 for marketing New Zealand as the ‘go now’ destination for Australians
    • $30 million to support conservation tourism
    • $3 million for regional tourism initiatives. 

    “Investment in tourism has overwhelming support from Kiwis – 93 per cent of New Zealanders surveyed last year agreed that tourism is good for the country. 

    “This is a year of opportunity.  2025 is our chance to reinforce the value of tourism to a humming, vibrant country, where we welcome anyone, from anywhere, anytime,” Louise Upston says. 

    Today’s announcement came in Queenstown, where Minister Upston attended the opening of the Hugo Tunnel on the separately funded Shotover Gorge Trail. Once opened, this trail will link Frankton to Arthurs Point to provide a spectacular off-road journey along the Shotover River.

    The two years of funding is available through the Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trail Fund and applications open on 31 March. 

    This is a contestable funding round and applicants will be expected to fund 25-50 per cent of the total project cost. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Energy – Meridian and NZAS agree 50MW reduction for winter 2025

    Source: Meridian Energy

    25 February 2025 – Meridian Energy Limited and New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Limited (NZAS) have agreed that NZAS will provide 50MW per hour of demand response for winter 2025. 

    The full 50MW of demand response is expected to be provided from 10 March 2025 to 31 August 2025 inclusive (unless mutually agreed between the parties), with a ramp-up period of 86 days to follow.  

    As a result, the contract quantity under the Core Agreement between Meridian and NZAS will, during this period, be reduced by up to 50MW.  

    As part of the agreement, Meridian and NZAS have also agreed that Meridian will next have the ability to call for demand response Option 3 (100MW) or Option 4 (185MW) under the demand response agreement between the parties to take effect from 12 April 2026.

    This agreement modifies the remainder of the demand response option (Option 4) exercised by Meridian on 21 July 2024 which was expected to complete its ramp-up on 12 April 2025.  Meridian understands NZAS held, and expects to hold, its reduction under the Option 4 ramp up at around 25MW between 17 February 2025 and 2 March 2025.

    “There is plenty of time for it to rain before winter, but based on current inflows it is prudent for us to use agreements like this to protect some of the water we’re holding and ensure we head into winter in the strongest possible position,” says Meridian Chief Executive Neal Barclay.

    “NZAS have once again showed their willingness to be flexible with our demand response agreement and work with us in the interests of all New Zealanders. We are hugely appreciative of that.”

    A copy of the original demand response agreement and the new 50MW demand response agreement is available on Meridian’s website at NZAS contract | Meridian Energy: https://www.meridianenergy.co.nz/about-us/investors/reports/nzas-contract

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – Mum needing essential heart scan faced life-threatening delays

    Source: Kia Manawanui Trust | The Heart of Aotearoa New Zealand

    A mum needing an essential heart scan was told she’d have to wait ten months – at the earliest – for an appointment.
    Māhina Ngāpō is battling stage three breast cancer and needs an echocardiogram every three months to ensure she can undergo life-saving treatment.
    But she was shocked when Wellington Hospital said there was no chance of that – and health experts say her case is all too common.
    The Heart of Aotearoa – Kia Manawanui Trust Medical Director Dr Sarah Fairley says Māhina needed to have this scan before her next round of treatment due to the potential long-term risk of harm to her heart.
    “I’m pleased we were able to advocate strongly and bring Mahina’s appointment forward, but, sadly, this isn’t always the case.”
    Luckily, Māhina’s story has a happy ending – but only after she fought the system alongside a cardiologist to make it happen sooner.
    “Honestly, I feel like one of the lucky ones,” Māhina says.
    “I couldn’t have started my radiation without having this scan, as my heart showed a small amount of damage at my last scan.
    “If I hadn’t been able to start my treatment because of the huge delays in New Zealand to have an echocardiogram, then who knows what that could have meant for me and my whānau?” the 42-year-old says.
    “My mindset is that advocating for yourself is the only way you will get the heart services you need, otherwise, you’ll get lost in the system.”
    Dr Fairley says the waitlist for a heart scan (echocardiogram) is out of control.
    The waitlist has ballooned to 10 months for a semi-urgent scan in some regions – the acceptable timeframe is 6 to 8 weeks, she says.
    “Patients like Māhina would not be put in the position of self-advocacy if we had a fully-staffed and appropriately resourced public healthcare system”.
    However, the echocardiogram issue is the tip of the iceberg, she says.
    “We are seeing these delays more and more throughout the system.”
    The Heart of Aotearoa – Kia Manawanui Trust Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says cases like Māhina’s show the pressure our heart health system is under.
    “It’s like Russian roulette with people’s lives because the system is severely underfunded, under-resourced, and under-staffed.
    “People shouldn’t have to wait in fear that they might not get an echocardiogram in time, with the very real possibility that they could die on the waitlist,” Ms Harding says.
    “That’s why The Heart of Aotearoa – Kia Manawanui Trust was established – to draw attention to the issues we face in the cardiology space.”
    Note: Māhina Ngāpō has started a Give-a-little page to help her raise funds for her healing journey: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/please-help-mahina-grace-ngapo-heal-from-breast

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Drug and Alcohol Testing – Recent data indicates an increase in amphetamine-type substances and opioids

    Source: Botica Butler Raudon

    Imperans Q4 Report, State of Workplace Drug Use from TDDA.

    AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 25 February 2024 – The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), New Zealand’s largest workplace drug testing provider has released its Q4 2024 workplace drug and alcohol findings.  

    The Imperans Report provides New Zealand employers with an analysis of drug and alcohol usage trends, combining results from the nation to empower businesses to engage in proactive workplace risk management.  

    This quarter, 3.99 per cent of the screens conducted by TDDA indicated the presence of drugs. THC (cannabis) continues to be the most prevalent substance detected in workplace drug tests, accounting for 59.1 per cent of cases. Recent data also indicates a sharp increase in amphetamine-type substances and opioids compared to the same quarter last year. This suggests shifting patterns in substance use that requires greater employer awareness and policy reinforcement, especially around non-medical use of pharmaceuticals.  

    Below are the most prevalent substances detected nationally in TDDA testing:

    • THC (cannabis): 59.1 per cent (down from 63.8 per cent in Q4 2023) 
    • Amphetamine-type substances (including methamphetamine): 24.4 per cent (up from 18.8 per cent in Q4 2023) 
    • Opioids (including oxycodone): 12.1 per cent (up from 11.9 per cent in Q4 2023) 
    • Benzodiazepines: 3.5 per cent  
    • Cocaine: 1.1 per cent.

    “New Zealand workplaces must remain vigilant in addressing substance use. Working under the influence of amphetamines is also a major workplace hazard,” says Glenn Dobson, CEO, TDDA.  

    “These substances impair vision, cause dizziness, and adversely affect coordination, increasing the risk of serious accidents. In high-risk environments like construction, transport, and manufacturing, impairment can be the difference between a routine workday and a fatal incident.”

    “The increase in amphetamine detections a real issue, but opioid detections are what concerns me more. Until now, New Zealand has largely avoided the opioid epidemic seen overseas, so any rise in detection rates is worth examination. As a workplace risk, opioids are at the top. Legally prescribed or illegally procured, they can cause workplace accidents, long-term addiction and lead to the loss of life in more way than one.”  

    With shifting patterns in substance use, Kiwi employers can benefit from reviewing their testing protocols and support systems to ensure both compliance and workforce well-being. As members of the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) and the California Narcotic Officers Association (CNOA), TDDA closely follows and acts on global drug trends.  

    TDDA recommends that companies update drug and alcohol policies to include stronger measures addressing opioids and amphetamines, train managers to recognise impairment, particularly the subtle signs of opioid use, and ensure regular and random drug testing to deter misuse and protect workplace safety.  

    “Employers need to stay ahead of these trends, enforce policies consistently, and provide education to their workforce to prevent harm,” says Dobson. “With the right measures in place, businesses can protect their employees and maintain a safe, productive environment.”

    In Q4 2024 tests from 27 sterile clinic locations and over 60 mobile clinics throughout New Zealand were used. All tests were taken between 1 October 2024 and 31 December1.  Data is anonymised and aggregated using TDDA’s Imperans system, a bespoke IT platform for testing services, data recording, and reporting.  

    TDDA drug tests screen for amphetamines; benzodiazepines; cocaine; methamphetamine; opiates and opioids; cannabis; and synthetic drugs like synthetic cannabis.

    1 Total figures on testing volumes or testing results by industry and region are commercially sensitive.

    Methodology  
    Testing data from 1 October 2024 and 31 December 2024 is aggregated and anonymised from 27 clinic and 60 mobile clinic operations throughout Australasia. Data from preemployment, post incident, regular and random testing has been combined. Testing methods included urine and oral fluid screening. Data is reported into the TDDA Imperans system, anonymised, and represents a snapshot of drug trends across Australasian workplaces and industries.  

    About The Drug Detection Agency
    The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) is a leader in workplace substance testing with more than 300 staff, 90 mobile health clinics, 65 locations throughout Australasia, and processing more than 250,000 tests annually. TDDA was established in 2005 to provide New Zealand and Australian businesses with end-to-end workplace substance testing, education and policy services. TDDA holds ISO17025 accreditation for workplace substance testing in both AU and NZ. Refer to the IANZ and NATA websites for TDDA’s full accreditation details. Learn more about TDDA at https://tdda.com/.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Western Sydney gets its first truck rest stop

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    Truck drivers travelling across Sydney will soon be able to stop at the city’s first dedicated heavy vehicle rest area, with the Australian and NSW governments identifying a six-hectare piece of land located close to a key junction of the motorway network.

    The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments will each contribute $40 million as a first step towards transforming the greenfield site at Eastern Creek into a purpose-built rest stop where truckies can shower and take a break from the road.

    Developing the first dedicated truck stop in Western Sydney was an election commitment by NSW Labor, and the Eastern Creek site will deliver a much-needed rest area for truck drivers between Pheasants Nest to the south of Sydney and Wyong to the north – a distance of 180 kilometres and nearly two hours driving.

    The site is located five minutes from the M7 and ten minutes from the M4 and will be of particular benefit to drivers hauling freight through Sydney between Victoria and Queensland.

    A survey of 800 truckies – overwhelmingly long-haul drivers of B-doubles and semi-trailers – found safety and security was their highest priority for a rest area, as well as the provision of separate toilet and shower facilities for female drivers.

    Based on driver feedback and industry consultation, the rest area will provide flushing toilets, clean drinking water, hot showers, ample available parking including secluded bays for sleeping, and shaded areas for time outside the truck cabin.

    The new rest stop will provide space for a range of heavy vehicles, including oversize overmass, and it will give truckies a safe and accessible area to rest and mange fatigue as part of their journey.

    For more information click here Heavy Vehicle Rest Stopping Improvements | Transport for NSW

    Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

    “The safety of our truckies is a priority of our government and improving the number and quality of heavy vehicle rest areas is critical for that.

    “We’ve listened to our truck drivers, and will deliver what they’ve asked for – shelter, toilets, hot showers, drinking water, shade and bays to sleep.

    “These are things that we often take for granted at our own workplace but are not easily accessible for our truckies while they are working on the road.

    “Availability of adequate rest areas helps truckies to better manage fatigue and avoid incidents on the road, ultimately saving lives.”

    Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Transport and Roads John Graham:

    “Sydney has a reputation for being Australia’s least friendly city for truck drivers. We are changing that.

    “Truckies are the backbone of our economy and they deserve a place in Sydney to rest and recharge. It was our promise to deliver a dedicated truck rest area in Western Sydney and identifying this six-hectare site is the critical step.

    “This land is close by the heart of the motorway network where the M7 and the M4 meet at Eastern Creek making it the ideal site.

    “At the moment there is a 180-kilometre gap from the southern outskirts of Sydney to the Central Coast in which truck drivers must make do with service stations and local roads to get a break. This is not fair.

    “By ensuring our truck drivers are well-rested we are also ensuring the safest possible motorway network for all drivers.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for McMahon Chris Bowen:

    “We know that Western Sydney is the beating heart of Australia’s economy.

    “The Eastern Creek industrial complex is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

    “That requires measures to ensure that local truckies stay safe when delivering for our community.

    “This is what the community wanted, and we’re delivering”.

    Quotes attributable to the Steering Committee Chair Senator Glenn Sterle:

    “The Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative aims to increase heavy vehicle user safety and productivity through vital new and upgraded rest areas across their journey.

    “We want to keep our truck drivers and communities safe and these new and upgraded rest stops will help drivers reduce their fatigue as they keep goods moving across the country.”

    MIL OSI News –