NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S., ROK forces forge interoperability with combined arms exercise

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    It is only through robust cooperation between ROK and U.S. forces that defense against aggression on the Korean peninsula can be deterred or, if need be, repelled.

    This interoperability is forged through joint trainings, exercises and drills. A prime example of this took place between the U.S. and ROK forces Feb. 12-13, 2025.

    “A combined maneuver exercise took place with the 112th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, ROK Army Special Forces, the 25th Fighter Squadron and joint terminal attack controllers from the 607th Air Support Operations Group,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Murphy, 51st Fighter Wing ground liaison officer.

    The purpose of training, from the ground perspective, was for the 112th MIB to train on establishing and executing a hasty defense in response to a simulated attack, said Murphy. Additionally, ROKA Special Forces exercised their targeting and terminal guidance operations in coordination with U.S. air assets.

    “Opportunities to train in a combined environment can be limited, so training like this is incredibly important to the U.S.-ROK Alliance,” said Murphy. “The ability to work side by side increases our overall effectiveness by allowing one another to grow our understanding of our partners’ tactics and capabilities.”

    This training was a new opportunity from the aerial perspective as well, providing valuable experiences for members of the 25th FS.

    “This was really the only opportunity that I have seen that there has been actual live tanks out there playing as an opposition force that is postured against friendly infantry,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Justin Davis, 25th Fighter Squadron commander. “It helped us practice how we would actually fight. If we get called for close air support it could be for a U.S. unit or a ROK unit. It helped them understand what support we can provide and it helped us understand what kind of support they might need.”

    Increased tactical proficiency is crucial to effective mission completion, but is not the only benefit that was seen from this exercise.

    “It makes us better at our job of close air support, but more than that it showcases that we have a strong alliance, that we put a lot of time and effort into maintaining the alliance and strengthening those bonds, even at the lowest tactical level,” said Davis. “From the 7th Air Force and U.S. Forces Korea, all the way down to the squadron level, we are integrating to improve our ability to support each other if war were to come.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Strengthens Bonds with Japanese Ground Self Defense Force through Co-Op Program

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    During the visit, JGSDF Soldiers were provided an in-depth mission briefing on the sophisticated integrated air and missile defense systems of the brigade, which included insights into the capabilities of the mobile interceptor missile – 104 surface-to-air missile system Patriot and the terminal high altitude area defense systems. This knowledge-sharing initiative is pivotal to bolstering the interoperable defense architecture between the United States and Japan, showcasing a unified stance against a myriad of aerial threats.

    As tensions and strategic interests heighten across the Indo-Pacific theater, such collaborations are pivotal to ensure shared understanding and interoperability among allies. The Co-Op Program, spanning nine compelling weeks, immerses JGSDF members in the nerve center of U.S. Army operations at Camp Zama, the heart of U.S. Army Japan’s mission to safeguard peace and security in the region.

    During their stay, JGSDF soldiers did not only gain insights into the operational imperatives of the 38th ADA brigade but also engaged in intensive language training designed to facilitate seamless communication in mission-critical scenarios. Each participant is paired with a counterpart from a different unit at Camp Zama, who guides them through their daily responsibilities, promoting a hands-on experience of the U.S. Army’s rigorous duties and responsibilities.

    This holistic approach to exchange and cooperation underscores the U.S. Army’s commitment to deepening ties with its Japanese partners. By fostering such interpersonal and professional relationships, the 38th ADA brigade and USARJ are paving the way for a resilient and responsive integrated defense force, ready to confront the challenges of the 21st century.

    The 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade is a key component of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, U.S. Army Pacific, strategically forward-deployed and tasked with the vital mission of integrated air and missile defense in Japan as well as across the Indo-Pacific region. With a focus on readiness, modernization, and integration, the brigade stands at the forefront of strategic defense operations, ensuring peace and stability through unwavering vigilance and strong alliances.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Cross-border telecom fraud gang stands trial

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A total of 23 defendants, including key members of several major telecom fraud groups based in northern Myanmar stood trial in China on multiple charges including crimes that had killed 14 Chinese nationals and injured six others.

    Members of a telecom fraud criminal gang stand trial at Wenzhou Intermediate People’s Court in Zhejiang province. The six-day trial closed on Wednesday. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A local court in Wenzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, heard the case from Feb. 14 to 19.
    The defendants included Mg Myin Shaunt Phyin and Ma Thiri Maung, ringleaders of a criminal gang led by their family, as well as major members of the gang and members of other related gangs who served as the “sponsors” of the family’s criminal activities.
    They were facing 11 counts of criminal charges including fraud, intentional homicide, intentional injury, illegal detention, operating casinos, drug trafficking, and organizing prostitution.
    According to the prosecutors, the defendants took advantage of the family’s influence in relevant areas in northern Myanmar and set up several compounds to house criminal gangs, providing armed protection for the operations of the “sponsors” and colluding with them in relevant crimes, such as telecom fraud schemes targeting people in China.
    The gambling and fraud crimes involved funds of more than 10 billion yuan (about 1.4 billion U.S. dollars) and caused the deaths of 14 Chinese nationals and injuries to six other Chinese, the indictment said.
    In a high-profile incident, on Oct. 20, 2023, the gang, in collaboration with the “sponsors,” organized armed escorts to relocate people working for their gangs in an attempt to evade an upcoming crackdown.
    During the relocation, some individuals attempted to escape but were shot by the armed escorts, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
    At the trial, prosecutors presented evidence and each defendant and their lawyers examined it. Both sides gave their respective accounts, and the defendants made their respective final statements.
    More than 100 people, including Chinese legislators, political advisors, journalists, family members of those involved, and members of the public, observed the court proceedings.
    The verdict will be announced in due course.
    In addition to the latest trial, several thousand other suspects linked to the criminal groups have been put under investigation after they were linked to more than 10,000 reported telecom fraud cases.
    A prior official statement emphasized that the handling of the case reflects China’s dedication to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the nation and its citizens.
    The crimes partially took place within Chinese borders, specifically targeted Chinese citizens, and jeopardized the shared interests of the international community, thus granting China jurisdiction under its Criminal Law and international treaties, according to procuratorial sources. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Ne Zha 2’ premieres in Macao as box office soars

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Chinese mainland’s animated blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” premiered on Wednesday night in Macao and was officially scheduled to hit Macao theaters on Saturday.

    The film premiered in Hong Kong on Tuesday and garnered significant attention in both Hong Kong and Macao.

    A sequel to the 2019 hit “Ne Zha,” “Ne Zha 2” gained wide popularity thanks to its contemporary re-imagination of Ne Zha, a well-known mythical figure with extraordinary powers, and via its intriguing plot twists.

    “Seven cinemas and 42 Macao screening rooms have scheduled 60 screenings of ‘Ne Zha 2,’” said Ding Kai with the Sil-Metropole Organization Ltd., a co-distributor of the film, adding that more shows will be added in the coming days.

    Leong Wai Man, head of Macao’s Cultural Affairs Bureau, said that this film’s success will inspire Macao’s cinema industry to focus more on Chinese culture as a theme in the future, creatively incorporating cultural elements into animated films and other audiovisual works.

    With a long history, Macao’s Ne Zha beliefs were listed in 2014 as part of China’s national intangible cultural heritage.

    A Macao resident named Pang told Xinhua he was looking forward to watching the premiere with his family to see Ne Zha’s charm.

    Since its release in the Chinese mainland during the Chinese New Year, “Ne Zha 2” has proved a smashing success at the box office, with total earnings worldwide, including pre-sales, surpassing 12.3 billion Chinese yuan (1.72 billion U.S. dollars) as of Tuesday evening.

    This figure positions the film ahead of “Inside Out 2,” making it the highest-grossing animated film globally. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ has long suffered from low productivity. A simple fix is keeping workers happy

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dougal Sutherland, Clinical Psychologist, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

    bbernard/Shutterstock

    The low-productivity bogeyman has long haunted New Zealand, with people working longer hours for lower output than other comparable countries. The country is now one of the least productive in the OECD.

    At its most basic level, productivity measures how much output can be produced with a set of inputs. The inputs can be the work of staff, as well as technical innovation, research and development and automation to encourage more efficient processes.

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has committed to resolving this persistent productivity crisis with science sector reforms and overseas investment.

    But after decades of lagging behind the rest of the world, a growing body of research shows the answer could lie in greater support for workers’ mental health.

    Linking productivity and mental health

    For many, increasing productivity equates to people working “harder” for longer hours – the implication being that if only we “pulled finger” and “knuckled down” the country’s productivity would magically increase.

    Instead, could the answer to our productivity crisis be in improving the psychological functioning and mental health of our workforce?

    There is a substantial body of evidence showing poor mental health is related to poor productivity. Recent New Zealand data show workers with the poorest mental health lost more than three times the number of productive workdays annually (71 days) than those with the highest mental health (19 days).

    Poor mental health can take a toll in the form of time away from work (absenteeism), loss of focus, and emotional exhaustion (presenteeism).

    Conversely, measures taken by employers to improve the mental health of workers show a strong positive relationship with increased productivity.

    Data from more than 1,600 publicly listed companies in the United States found employee wellbeing predicts higher company valuations, return on assets, gross profits and stock market performance.

    Of those interventions used to improve mental health and productivity at work, the most promising appear to target leadership capability, health screening and psycho-socially healthy working environments.

    One of the more notable initiatives happened in our own backyard. Andrew Barnes from Perpetual Guardian has been a vocal proponent of four-day work week.

    This doesn’t mean packing a 40-hour week into four days instead of five. Rather, its central tenet is reducing the working week (usually to 32 hours), keeping workers’ salaries at 100%, and continuing productivity at 100% (at least) of its existing level.

    Results from a pilot with 61 companies in the United Kingdom show an average increase of 36% per annum in revenue for participating businesses, with over 90% of UK businesses that have trialled the programme choosing to continue with it.

    Similarly positive results came from a widespread trial of a shorter working week (at full pay) in Iceland, involving 1% of the working population, including office workers, teachers, and healthcare workers.

    The four-day work week trial in Iceland has been heralded as a success.
    Canadastock/Shutterstock

    More than a ‘nice-to-have’

    But despite the need to improve productivity and the growing business case for improving employee wellbeing, demand for organisational mental health services has dipped.

    Anecdotally, organisations involved in supporting the mental health of New Zealand workplaces have reported a decrease in demand, with many businesses and government agencies citing budget constraints as a major barrier to investing in this area.

    This is likely a sign of the economic times, with more than three-quarters of New Zealand business leaders citing economic uncertainty as a key threat to their organisation in 2025.

    To some, providing psychological support to workplaces may appear frivolous at worst, and a “nice-to-have” at best. Understanding the mechanisms by which these interventions can boost productivity may help dispel these doubts.

    If we consider some of the core symptoms of poor mental health at work – namely exhaustion, reduced focus and greater sickness absence – it’s easy to see how improving workers’ mental health can improve the productivity of a business.

    Maintaining workers

    The idea of sustainable labour practices isn’t new or radical, nor is it just another attempt to load businesses with extra responsibility for worker mental health.

    It is a way to enable people to work more efficiently in the time they have, and to keep them in their jobs for longer. In turn, this improves overall company performance and, crucially, improves population health.

    For many businesses, people are their biggest asset. Ensuring your biggest asset is functioning well is as essential to enhancing productivity as regular maintenance and capital expenditure on physical machinery and buildings.

    Like any business strategy worth its while, it’s not always easy. But there is too much at stake not to get it right.

    Dougal Sutherland is an Honorary Teaching Fellow at Te Herenga Waka. He is also Principal Psychologist at Umbrella Wellbeing.

    Dr Amanda Wallis from Umbrella Wellbeing contributed to this article

    – ref. NZ has long suffered from low productivity. A simple fix is keeping workers happy – https://theconversation.com/nz-has-long-suffered-from-low-productivity-a-simple-fix-is-keeping-workers-happy-248752

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Child poverty reduction must remain a priority

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The latest child poverty statistics show child poverty reduction must remain a priority for the Government. 

    “Children should not be living in poverty, and the latest statistics are hugely concerning,” Labour child poverty reduction spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni said.

    “There are huge challenges that families are facing right now, with high cost of living, high unemployment and housing – and significant work is needed to lift more children out of poverty.

    “Labour is staunchly committed to child poverty reduction, and I am proud that it remained a priority for us throughout our time in government, even with the immense challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. But there is still so much more work to do.

    “The Government must put our tamariki first. Now is not the time to be bending over backwards for landlords and tobacco companies, instead we must focus on alleviating the struggle for families and their children who need our support most.

    “Denying funding to food banks, stopping families from accessing emergency housing, and building no new public homes will only exacerbate these statistics. Stagnating benefits by tying increases to inflation instead of wage growth will mean less money for many families over time. Going against official advice on minimum wage increases means many of our poorest workers are going backwards.

    “These statistics come after a recent report showing half of Pacific children sometimes go without food, and homelessness is increasing.

    “I urge the Government to take these statistics seriously. Diminishing the child poverty targets to make it easier to achieve is a worrying sign they’re not.

    “We made changes that lifted tens of thousands of children out of poverty while in government. Child poverty reduction must remain a priority for this Government too,” said Carmel Sepuloni.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Govt losing police faster than it can hire them

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The Government is falling even further behind its promised target of 500 new police officers, now with 72 fewer police officers than when National took office.

    “Instead of increasing police numbers as promised, Mark Mitchell is taking New Zealand Police backwards and overseeing a reduction in officers,” Labour police spokesperson Ginny Andersen said.

    “The reality is that we’re seeing fewer police officers, more job cuts to police staff, and officers being tasked with extra duties like taking jackets off gang members instead of focusing on criminal behaviour, all of which is stretching Police to a breaking point.

    “The numbers reported by the Police Association show that as of January 2025, the total number of police officers has decreased from 10,211 to 10,139 since November 2023, leaving New Zealand with 72 fewer police officers than when National made its announcement 14 months ago.  

    “A recruitment campaign launched by Police today to try to turn this around may be a little too late. There are reports of increasing attrition at New Zealand Police, as more Kiwi officers choose to take up the offer of a job in Australia, adding to the record numbers of people taking the Prime Minister’s advice of ‘Everyone Must Go’ and leaving the country.     

    “Police are being stretched thin at a time when cocaine and methamphetamine use is surging. It’s time for the National Government to stop making excuses and start delivering the resources our police need,” Ginny Andersen said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Major members of northern Myanmar telecom fraud syndicates stand trial

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A total of 23 defendants, including key members of several major telecom fraud groups based in northern Myanmar stood trial in China on multiple charges including crimes that had killed 14 Chinese nationals and injured six others.
    A local court in Wenzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, heard the case from Feb. 14 to 19.
    The defendants included Mg Myin Shaunt Phyin and Ma Thiri Maung, ringleaders of a criminal gang led by their family, as well as major members of the gang and members of other related gangs who served as the “sponsors” of the family’s criminal activities.
    They were facing 11 counts of criminal charges including fraud, intentional homicide, intentional injury, illegal detention, operating casinos, drug trafficking, and organizing prostitution.
    According to the prosecutors, the defendants took advantage of the family’s influence in relevant areas in northern Myanmar and set up several compounds to house criminal gangs, providing armed protection for the operations of the “sponsors” and colluding with them in relevant crimes, such as telecom fraud schemes targeting people in China.
    The gambling and fraud crimes involved funds of more than 10 billion yuan (about 1.4 billion U.S. dollars) and caused the deaths of 14 Chinese nationals and injuries to six other Chinese, the indictment said.
    In a high-profile incident, on Oct. 20, 2023, the gang, in collaboration with the “sponsors,” organized armed escorts to relocate people working for their gangs in an attempt to evade an upcoming crackdown.
    During the relocation, some individuals attempted to escape but were shot by the armed escorts, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
    At the trial, prosecutors presented evidence and each defendant and their lawyers examined it. Both sides gave their respective accounts, and the defendants made their respective final statements.
    More than 100 people, including Chinese legislators, political advisors, journalists, family members of those involved, and members of the public, observed the court proceedings.
    The verdict will be announced in due course.
    In addition to the latest trial, several thousand other suspects linked to the criminal groups have been put under investigation after they were linked to more than 10,000 reported telecom fraud cases.
    A prior official statement emphasized that the handling of the case reflects China’s dedication to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the nation and its citizens.
    The crimes partially took place within Chinese borders, specifically targeted Chinese citizens, and jeopardized the shared interests of the international community, thus granting China jurisdiction under its Criminal Law and international treaties, according to procuratorial sources. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Abu Dhabi to enhance trade, investment with China

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is currently leading a high-level delegation of 140 government and business leaders on an official visit to China. The visit, which commenced on Feb. 17, aims to further strengthen partnership with a leading economy and cement Abu Dhabi’s stature as a global magnet for talent, businesses and investment.

    The delegation is meeting with senior government officials, key businesses and investors in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong to explore business opportunities and foster strategic relations with their Chinese counterparts.

    During the visit, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and the Abu Dhabi Global Market hosted the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in Beijing on Feb. 18 under the theme “Invest with Abu Dhabi.” Meanwhile, an additional session of the forum will be held in Shanghai on Feb. 20.

    The ADIF features a comprehensive agenda, including keynote addresses, panel discussions and bilateral meetings with delegates representing various sectors of Abu Dhabi’s economy. Industry experts, including executives from institutions such as Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Mubadala, HSBC and Gulf Capital, provided in-depth insights into the emirate’s investment landscape, showcasing opportunities in technology, financial services, health care and trade.

    Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce, held the Business Connect-Abu Dhabi-Shanghai in Shanghai on Feb. 19. The event focused on strengthening economic relations and partnerships between the business communities in Abu Dhabi and China.

    Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of ADDED, said: “Our longstanding relations with China are going from strength to strength, as reflected by the growth of bilateral trade and mutual investments over the past few years, and we are doubling down our efforts to take it to the next level by deepening cooperation and exploring new opportunities in various sectors to create more partnerships.”

    He added: “We are eager to enable investors and businesses to benefit from ample opportunities provided by our soaring ‘Falcon Economy,’ which is harmonizing between advanced technologies, sustainability, human development and economic diversification as we accelerate the transition towards the next phase of Abu Dhabi’s development.”

    According to the data from ADDED, bilateral trade between China and the United Arab Emirates is projected to reach $200 billion by 2030. Abu Dhabi is already home to many of the over 6,000 Chinese companies operating in UAE’s key sectors including technology, financial services and energy. As such, the emirate continues to reinforce its position as the main gateway for Chinese investment in the Middle East and beyond.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US’ new tariffs worsen global prospects

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President Donald Trump attends a press conference at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, Feb. 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    After US President Donald Trump’s first punitive tariffs targeted the United States’ major trade partners — Mexico, Canada and China — tariff threats are shifting to the European Union, even the rest of the world. The tariff threats are also shifting from steel and aluminum to computer chips and pharmaceuticals.

    In the latest move, Trump said on Tuesday he intends to impose auto tariffs “in the neighborhood of 25 percent” and similar duties on semiconductors and pharmaceutical imports.

    The US has a major trade deficit with many other trading economies, including Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Vietnam, which are likely to be in the firing line later, if not soon.

    A tariff is a tax levied on imported goods and services. In its haste to target the three countries, the Trump administration has ignored concerns about these tariffs fostering inflation or snarling global supply chains. This is a serious mistake on the part of the administration. In the US, wholesale prices are already rising on higher food and energy costs, adding to the growing pile of bad inflation news ahead of more US tariffs. Globally, these risks are real, costly and damaging.

    As the new US administration has been launching another tariff war, China’s economy has been showing progressive signs of stabilization — especially since the fourth quarter of 2024, as the impact of the November stimulus measures has kicked in. During this period, growth accelerated from 4.6 percent to 5.4 percent to reach 5.0 percent year-on-year in 2024, which prompted the International Monetary Fund to recently upgrade China’s GDP growth.

    But what’s fueling these gains?

    China’s industrial production has proved resilient on the back of both domestic and international demand, particularly in electric vehicles and solar panels. The most prominent part of the growth story is the strong expansion of China’s advanced technology, electronics and automobile sectors. The pace of development in industrial robotics is almost as strong, while consumption is being fueled by equipment and durable goods upgrade.

    Yet two main challenges remain. At home, the nearly 11 percent decline in real estate investment suggests the property market is still ailing. But in about 300 Chinese cities, the decline of residential inventory is slowing.

    The external challenges China faces include the impending trade and tech wars, which the first Trump administration launched in 2017, the Biden administration expanded and the new Trump administration is broadening worldwide.

    On Feb 1, Trump imposed 25 percent tariffs and 10 percent duties on energy products imported from Canada and Mexico, and 10 percent tariffs on Chinese goods. The three countries are the US’ biggest trade partners and the US has a trade deficit with each one of them. These tariffs alone would cost an average US household more than $1,200 a year.

    After separate talks between Trump and the Canadian and Mexican presidents, the US agreed to delay levying the extra tariffs for 30 days. But the threatened tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, if they are imposed, could reduce long-run GDP by 0.3 percent.

    Moreover, a trade war between the US and its two largest trading partners would hit incomes in the US, impact employment and accelerate inflation. As Trump’s tariffs went into effect against China, Beijing announced a broad package of economic measures against Washington on Feb 10. And more countermeasures are likely to follow.

    Half a decade ago, the US’ punitive tariffs on Chinese goods covered goods worth $396 billion, or more than 90 percent of the total trade. But the first round of Trump’s tariffs against Canadian, Mexican and Chinese goods alone will cover far more traded goods in dollar terms.

    Trump’s four tranches of tariffs on Chinese goods in 2018-19 covered imports worth $360 billion. Today, Canada and Mexico and China account for more than two-fifths of all US imports. New tariffs on the goods imported from the two countries plus additional tariffs on Chinese goods would likely cover imports valued at more than $1.3 trillion. That’s more than 3.5 times the value than half a decade ago.

    This might be just the opening salvo in a series of tariffs the Trump administration is likely to announce in the coming weeks. Factor in the potential/likely retaliatory tariffs and duties by the affected countries and the Trump administration’s “reciprocal tariff” plan, and the final toll could be much higher.

    Ironically, US tariffs are legitimized by a flawed victimization narrative in which Washington is portrayed as a target of wrongful economic and geopolitical measures. In reality, the US’ imposed tariff levels are about geopolitical coercion, not economic factors.

    The threatened wave of tariffs could further heighten trade tensions, reduce investments, hit market pricing, distort trade flows, disrupt supply chains and undermine consumer confidence. In fact, much worse could happen.

    Due to the new US tariffs, we are in for a far costlier, global déjà vu all over again.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Media crisis continues amid Government inaction – E tū

    Source: Etu Union

    E tū, the union for journalists and media workers, is sounding the alarm over the confirmation of an additional 30 job losses at NZME’s newsroom, as the wave of media cuts continues.

    E tū Director Michael Wood says the latest redundancies are yet another blow to journalism in Aotearoa.

    “Confirmation that a further 30 jobs will be lost from the NZME newsroom is part of a massacre of journalist capacity across the country,” Michael says.

    “It follows on from NZME closing 14 regional titles, major job reductions at Stuff, and successive rounds of cuts at TVNZ. Cumulatively, these reductions mean that the New Zealand media system has less ability to perform its core functions – holding decision-makers to account, providing information in response to natural disasters, covering breaking news, and undertaking long-term investigations that help to inform the public on important issues.”

    E tū members at NZME have engaged constructively, securing some changes to the original proposals that have preserved journalistic capacity. Michael says this underscores the value of union membership and collective action.

    “The work of E tū members at NZME resulted in some changes to the original proposals, which have preserved some capacity, showing the value of union membership and engagement.

    “However, we remain deeply concerned by the scale of these cuts and the clear signal from NZME that resources will be increasingly steered toward content that generates clicks. NZME must find a balance between generating short-term revenue and continuing to invest in high-quality journalism that drives long-term value.”

    Responsibility also lies squarely with the Government, which has failed to act on the systemic issues affecting the sector.

    “Primarily, though, this further round of cuts can be sheeted home to a Government that is missing in action,” Michael says.

    “The sector continues to suffer because the content it produces gets used by social media platforms that do not contribute to its costs while earning advertising revenue from it. Last year, the Government committed to advancing the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill to address this issue, but now appears to have wilted in the face of lobbying from big overseas corporates.”

    E tū is calling on the Government to take urgent action to support our local media.

    “In the wake of yet another round of cuts, it is more evident than ever that the Government needs to wake up and take action so that we preserve a media system that supports New Zealand’s democracy.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: National Foundation for Australia-China Relations grants and board appointments

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    I am pleased to announce the recipients of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations grants round for 2024-25, and new appointments to its Advisory Board.

    The Foundation is providing 29 grants to support cooperation and engagement between the people of Australia and China. These programs are focused on building capability in Australian industry, boardrooms, community and institutions to foster engagement in a risk-informed way.

    The initiatives receiving grants are listed on the Foundation’s website and include: 

    • Long-term investment in Australia’s China capability, through scholarships and exchange programs for students, and training and mentoring programs for Australian businesses, academics and members of the public sector.
    • Research, dialogue and cooperation in the priority areas of climate change, sustainable agriculture and decarbonisation.
    • Celebrating Chinese-Australians with initiatives sharing the stories of those making powerful contributions to our communities.
    • Through the convening power of sport, education and the arts, building understanding of Australia in China, and supporting stronger people-to-people connections.

    Today I also announce the appointment of Advisory Board members for the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.

    The Advisory Board helps guide the Foundation in its work to promote and coordinate enhanced cooperation between Australia and China, in support of Australia’s national interest.

    I am pleased to appoint Ms Wendy Huang, Publisher and Managing Director, 1688/Chinese Herald Australia to the Advisory Board.

    I am pleased to confirm that Mr Rowan Callick, Dr Yin Cao, Ms Wesa Chau, Dr Courtney Fung, Mr Douglas Gautier AM, Ms Marina Go AM, Dr Jade Little, Professor Sharon Lewin AO, Mr Richard McGregor and Professor Rory Medcalf AM have been reappointed to the Advisory Board.

    I am also delighted Ms Marina Go AM has accepted my invitation to become Chair of the Foundation in June 2025.

    I pay tribute to outgoing Chair Ms Pru Bennett for her contribution to the Foundation as Chair since 2020.

    I also thank outgoing Board Members Professor Brian Schmidt AC and Professor Duncan Lewis AO DSC CSC for their valuable support to the Foundation over recent years.

    I look forward to the Foundation’s continued work to strengthen engagement with China in Australia’s interest and to reinforce social cohesion by partnering with Chinese-Australian communities to showcase their contributions.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Luján Calls Out Republican Budget That Will Increase Everyday Costs for American Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    Senate Republicans are pushing a partisan budget resolution that will make it harder for families to afford their health care, put food on the table, and get a quality education

    Video of the speech is available HERE.
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on the Budget, delivered a floor speech calling out Republican plans to dramatically cut funding for programs that all Americans rely on like health, nutrition, and public services. He highlighted the staggeringconsequences for working families, including diminished access to health care and higher costs, at a time when federal employees are being illegally fired.
    Senator Luján’s full speech is available below: 
    Mr. President, over the past week, Elon Musk and Donald Trump have fired thousands of federal workers, many of them in New Mexico, without warning. The calls that I get to my office from constituents all across New Mexico express concern, surprise, and alarm. They don’t know what’s going to happen next. They’re worried about a project.
    A professional that I spoke to, who works for the Bureau of Indian Education and has a responsibility to help diagnose and support students with disabilities, asked, “Do I stay and help these kids? What’s going to happen with this stuff?”
    Now, whether it’s our neighbors who work to support the national labs to keep us safe, or friends who work at the United States Department of Agriculture helping our farmers and ranchers feed our nation, these illegal mass firings are impacting communities across every corner of New Mexico. Let me sum this up: what I keep hearing from New Mexicans every day is: Please help me. Speak up. Say something. Do something. Bring attention to what’s happening—to the harm that’s being caused in our communities, for all of our constituents.
    This isn’t about Democrats or Republicans. It’s about right or wrong. It’s about real people. Now, instead of protecting these jobs and helping our fellow Americans, Senate Republicans are pursuing a partisan budget resolution that will make it even harder for families to afford their health care, put food on the table, or get an education for their kids.
    Now, this is, quite frankly, chaos, and it’s chaos that the American people cannot afford. New Mexicans and Americans from all walks of life rely on the programs that Republicans are now attacking. These are programs that feed seniors, veterans, children, and the disabled. These are programs that house our veterans and keep folks warm during these winter months.
    And why are Republicans ripping these services away from people who need them? To fund this Trump tax scam—now it’s 2.0. The American people and constituents across New Mexico told me back in 2017, “This feels like a scam.” What Republicans are saying is that middle-class families are going to get everything in this tax cut. But what we saw play out was that if you were making millions of dollars, you did okay—you got the brunt of everything in this tax scam. Lying to the face of the American people. That’s what happened in 2017, and it certainly feels the same now.
    Now, let’s talk about one possible outcome of this budget resolution. In New Mexico, Medicaid covers 75% of births and supports around 92,000 children in my home state. Across the country, nearly 40% of babies are born with the help of Medicaid. For these babies and pregnant women, this program is vital—offering a chance to grow up healthier and have the best opportunity to succeed. We should all want that for our constituents. That’s not partisan.
    Now, unfortunately, Republicans have made it clear that they are determined to slash Medicaid. They tried it in 2017. When my Republican colleagues are interviewed and asked the question, “Are you going to cut Medicaid?” they certainly attempt, in every form and fashion, to say, “No, no, no, we’re not going to touch it—we’re just going to leave it up to the states.” Let me translate what that means.
    What Republicans in Congress are going to do is work to eliminate every federal dollar for Medicaid. There’s this acronym—FMAP—it’s a federal matching program to make Medicaid work across America. That’s what they’re going after. And if you visit with anyone across America who knows anything about how this program works, they will all tell you—without these federal dollars, this program goes away.
    This Republican budget resolution sets the stage for dismantling Medicaid, which could result in pregnant moms and babies losing health care. That’s just one possible outcome.
    As I said earlier, the American people deserve honesty and transparency. Look, I understand if my Republican colleagues want to do this. Just own up to it. Tell the American people what you want to do. Let them know. Just be honest with them. That’s the least the American people deserve.
    Last week in the Budget Committee, I offered a number of commonsense amendments to help lower costs for families, strengthen border security, safeguard health care, promote American manufacturing and businesses, and invest in public safety.
    Top of mind for many Americans, I offered an amendment to ensure that Elon Musk and his companies are not profiting off the same government that he’s dismantling. Elon Musk, who was not elected by the American people, is pursuing an extreme agenda to serve his own interests and greed—all while the American people are paying the price for it.
    If Republicans are serious about tackling the issues and lowering costs, let’s work together. You have partners here ready to do this for the American people. But my Republican colleagues know better than I that what’s happening under this president and Elon Musk is that the cost of goods continues to go up.
    I don’t know how many of you were at the grocery store this weekend in this chamber, but if you haven’t been—go by. Go by and try to buy some eggs. You will see a sign that limits you to maybe a dozen, maybe two, and you’re going to see the costs going up and up and up. Milk, butter—you look at it, you see it, you name it—it’s all increasing in price.
    What happened to President Trump saying on day one he was going to lower the cost of these goods for the American people? It’s not happening.
    Look, to sum this up—Americans will not be able to make ends meet if Senate Republicans dismantle the programs that make our country strong and secure to advance yet another tax scam.
    Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China taps box office success to boost tourism

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    China’s film authorities launched a movie-themed tourism campaign at the China National Film Museum in Beijing on Feb. 17, riding the momentum of the country’s recent box office success to attract foreign tourists.

    The “China Travel with Chinese Films” campaign is launched at the China National Film Museum in Beijing, Feb. 17, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Movie Channel]

    The “China Travel with Chinese Films” campaign aims to leverage growing international interest in Chinese cinema following a record-breaking Spring Festival movie season. Supported by the country’s expanded transit visa-free policy, the initiative promotes filming locations and cultural sites featured in popular Chinese movies, officials said at the launch event.

    The campaign, sponsored by the China Film Administration and China Media Group and organized by CGTN and the China Movie Channel Program Center, will promote a “film plus tourism” concept, encouraging international audiences to discover China through cinema while boosting tourism spending.

    The initiative will also nurture collaboration between the film and tourism industries by creating themed travel routes connecting filming locations with cultural heritage sites.

    During the 2025 Spring Festival season, six blockbusters generated 9.51 billion yuan ($1.32 billion) in ticket sales and drew 187 million viewers in seven days, according to box office tracker Maoyan Pro. The booming film market has sparked a growing interest in movie-related tourism centered on filming locations and cultural elements among domestic and international visitors.

    Ne Zha and Ao Bing performers dance during the “China Travel with Chinese Films” campaign launch at the China National Film Museum in Beijing, Feb. 17, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Movie Channel]

    Among the blockbusters, the animated sensation “Ne Zha 2” has led the race and has continued its record-breaking run beyond the holiday season. So far, the film has grossed over 12.4 billion yuan, making it the highest-grossing Chinese film and animated feature of all time, surpassing both domestic and global box office records.

    Thus, “Ne Zha” has become the campaign’s promotional ambassador. A performer dressed as the animated character received a certificate onstage before joining another character, Ao Bing, for a dance performance inviting global audiences to explore China. The film’s influence has spread beyond theaters, sparking nationwide interest. Regions are competing to claim Ne Zha’s “hometown” status to boost local tourism, while related merchandise has sold out quickly.

    “‘Ne Zha 2’ is a visually spectacular comedy that tells a Chinese story, innovates traditional Chinese culture and continues the legacy of Eastern aesthetics,” said Wang Jing, the film’s executive producer. “With strong support from Chinese audiences, it aims to deliver a powerful voice of Chinese culture in the new era to global viewers.”

    Another Chinese New Year release making international inroads is “Detective Chinatown 1900,” which has grossed more than 3.2 billion yuan ($446 million) in China and opened in nearly 20 overseas territories, including North America, the United Kingdom and Malaysia.

    “Chinatowns have long served as windows for Chinese cultural exchange,” said producer Fan Xia, noting how the film showcases historic landmarks across these communities. “The ‘Detective Chinatown’ series, which tells their stories, has also demonstrated remarkable vitality in the field of cultural exchanges.”

    Representatives of Spring Festival films present their films’ achievements and tourist destinations during the “China Travel with Chinese Films” campaign launch at the China National Film Museum in Beijing, Feb. 17, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Movie Channel]

    During the event, actor Anastasia Shestakova also invited international visitors to tour the film’s shooting locations in China, including a Native American village constructed in Xingtai, Hebei province, and a full-scale replica of various locations in 1900s San Francisco in Laoling, Shandong province. The 200,000-square-meter San Francisco set, built in just seven months at Laoling Film Studio, opened to the public during the Spring Festival, allowing moviegoers to explore the landmarks they saw on screen.

    Actor Nashi, who plays the female general Deng Chanyu in “Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force,” a film set in ancient China’s Shang dynasty, passionately shared insights about period artifacts preserved in museums across Henan and Shaanxi provinces.

    Besides the cities and attractions featured in the films, film studios and shooting locations have become popular cultural tourism spots. Representatives from China Movie Metropolis, Wuxi Studios, Western Film Group and Hengdian World Studios presented their production facilities advantages, industry policies and tourism offerings.

    Representatives of film studios present their production resources, facilities and tourism offerings during the “China Travel with Chinese Films” campaign launch at the China National Film Museum in Beijing, Feb. 17, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Movie Channel]

    Several foreign cultural ambassadors and travel bloggers shared their China travel plans inspired by Spring Festival films at the event. Tourism and financial sector representatives offered promotional deals, while China Media Group announced its international bureaus would partner with Chinese filmmakers to expand the “China Travel with Chinese Films” campaign, attracting more overseas audiences.

    This Chinese New Year, the first since the Spring Festival was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, has triggered increased overseas interest in traveling to China.

    Ma Yiliang, chief statistician at the China Tourism Academy, said the successful holiday films drove both domestic and international tourists to cities like Xiangyang and Yibin. Local products, including Hubei’s lotus root starch, saw sharp sales increases.

    “This wave of cultural tourism has not only enhanced brand recognition for local destinations but also generated significant economic benefits,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Harrogate man arrested after weapons found

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police have arrested a man after an investigation led them to locating homemade explosive items, firearms and weapons at his address.

    On Wednesday 19 February, police from Mount Barker arrested and charged a 41-year-old man from Harrogate with possess a prohibited weapon, possess a firearm without a licence, possess a dangerous article, manufacture an explosive and two counts of unlawful possession.

    The arrest followed a search of the male’s home where police located knuckledusters, two gel blasters, two large PVC pipe-based cannons, two small homemade explosive devices, illicit drugs and prescribed drug equipment.

    Police also located a stolen boat and trailer and two motorbikes, suspected of being stolen.

    Police are making further enquiries to identify the owner of the bikes.

    The man was refused bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today, Thursday 20 February.

    CO2500007271

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Palestine and Gaza’s Hamas resistance condemn Fiji over embassy plan

    By Anish Chand in Suva

    Palestine has strongly condemned Fiji’s decision to open a Fiji embassy in Jerusalem, calling it a violation of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

    The Palestinian Foreign Ministry and the Hamas resistance group that governs the besieged enclave of Gaza issued separate statements, urging the Fiji government to reverse its decision.

    According to the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, the Fijian decision is “an act of aggression against the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights”.

    The Palestinian group Hamas said in a statement that the decision was “a blatant assault on the rights of our Palestinian people to their land and a clear violation of international law and UN resolutions, which recognise Jerusalem as occupied Palestinian territory”.

    Fiji will become the seventh country to have an embassy in Jerusalem after the US, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, and Paraguay.

    Republished from The Fiji Times with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Multi-sensory artwork Waimahara brings Auckland Pride Festival to a reflective close 

    Source: Auckland Council

    On Saturday 1 March the 2025 Auckland Pride Festival will conclude, completing the city’s month-long celebrations in a thoughtful, restful and reflective way.

    Hāmiora Bailey, Auckland Pride’s Executive Director, explains that Auckland Pride 2025 was shaped to give visibility to the history and healing of our people across the whole community.

    “We wanted it to be grounded in the arts, carry cultural relevance in both te ao Māori and Takatāpuitanga and be truly generational.

    “Building on that intention, our closing event shifts away from the traditional Pride March and Pride Party. It reflects on the strength within our communities and galvanises our shared vision of queer liberation and social justice.

    “I can’t imagine a better place for us to round out our festival than Waimahara. It’s fitting for our festival as this multi-sensory artwork in the underpass is a hinge between the Arts Quarter and Myers Park. Both places are significant for us,” Hāmiora says.

    Headliners for the Auckland Pride closing event Nia and Nganeko with Pride Auckland Executive Director Hāmiora Bailey at Waimahara in Myers Park.

    Read about artist Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hāua, Ngāti Manu), the technology team at IION and the composers behind Waimahara and view video of the artwork at Our Auckland. 

    Councillor Richard Hills says Auckland Council is committed to supporting our rainbow communities in Tāmaki Makaurau. He is thrilled to see Myers Park playing a part.

    “We are pleased Auckland Pride has chosen this venue. We are very proud of Waimahara and this is the first time we’ll see the upgraded part of the park as an outdoor amphitheatre.

    “Auckland Council is delighted to support this celebration of our rainbow and Takatāpui communities, bringing performance, thought leadership, storytelling and reflection all together in one place,” says Councillor Hills.    

    He explains that the artwork is designed to deepen visitors’ connection with this place.

    “Waimahara describes the memory of water, specifically Te Waihorotiu the stream flowing from Myers Park through the underpass and down to the Waitematā Harbour.

    “Like the stream, this artwork is alive. It responds to our presence through changing light patterns and sound as we enter the underpass. Two waiata have been composed especially for people to sing into the sensor and activate the artwork further,” he says.

    The lyrics and the tune, with a ‘how to’ video, can be found via a QR code on-site. Or watch the ‘how to’ video here. 

    Waimahara in Myers Park.

    Sharing the same name as the artwork the closing event for Auckland Pride, WAIMAHARA, begins in Aotea Square. A short hīkoi then makes its way into the underpass experiencing the ambient light and sound effects of Waimahara, and further into Myers Park.

    There will be pockets of performance by talented Māori artists Nganeko and Nia, panel discussions, letter writing and picnics.

    For detailed times and full schedule visit Auckland Pride.

    Auckland Pride 2025 is supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate. Read more about Auckland Council’s commitment to supporting the region’s rainbow communities.

    [embedded content]

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – An end to the mugginess at last – MetService

    Source: MetService

    Covering period of Thursday 20th – Sunday 23rd February –  Muggy conditions finally come to an end as rain and fresh southwesterlies spread from the south. The rain is expected to ease off towards the end of the weekend with dry sunnier skies increasing.

    MetService is forecasting yet another muggy day for North Islanders today (Thursday), little did we know that we would be looking forward to cooler conditions after the ‘not so welcomed’ delayed start to summer earlier on in the year.  Rain will move up the South Island along with a change to cooler, less humid air brought by southwesterly winds.

    A band of showers spreads onto the lower North Island Friday morning, then up the island through the day with those southwesterlies finally bringing some respite after the muggy conditions. Sunnier skies start to increase in the east of the South Island and the south of the North Island, but not before a period of occasionally heavy showers and possible thunderstorms in Canterbury, north of Ashburton, up to Wairarapa during the afternoon and evening.

    On Saturday a high-pressure system sits out to the west, allowing for fresh southwesterlies to persist over the country.

    MetService meteorologist Oscar Shiviti says, “Another front moves up the South Island on Saturday resulting in wet weather in the west, however things are looking drier for those in the east with the exception of areas south of Alexandra”.

    Largely sunny skies are expected for the North Island on Saturday, which should be a good day for outdoor enthusiasts, especially if you do not mind a southwesterly breeze. “It is looking like optimum weather for football’s A-League New Zealand derby on Saturday afternoon between Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix with sunny skies expected” added Shiviti.

    From Sunday into early next week, the high-pressure brings largely settled weather across the country, with only a few areas seeing showers. However, a rain band is set to move onto the South Island late Monday into Tuesday, briefly interrupting the settled weather.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NTFES to deploy third contingent interstate this year

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    NT Fire and Emergency Services will deploy 17 members to Western Australia today to assist with wildfires which have been burning south of Perth for over a week.

    Several wildfires are currently burning in Shannon, Boorara-Gardner and D’Entrecasteaux National Parks near Windy Harbour, Boorara Brook and Meerup, with several watch and act warnings in place across southern WA.

    The Western Australian Government formally requested assistance from all jurisdictions on Tuesday afternoon, prompting a swift response from NTFES who arranged for a large contingent of NT Fire and Rescue Service and Bushfires NT staff to depart Darwin on Thursday.

    Upon arrival in Perth the contingent will be stationed across the southwest and are expected to spend the next week working alongside colleagues from WA and NSW and QLD.

    The team, consisting of volunteers and staff from NT Fire and Rescue Service and Bushfires NT will assist with firefighting operations.

    Acting Commissioner NT Fire and Emergency Services, Collene Bremner said the team were ready to step up to assist our WA colleagues during this critical time.

    “Our highly skilled crews will assist on the fire ground and within the Incident Management Team (IMT) with a range of tasks that they’re well prepared and experienced in delivering,” she said.

    “The remote and rugged landscapes in southern WA are like NT conditions which our members highly skilled and trained in working in. Given the scale of the wildfires currently burning across the southwest region we are more than happy to provide additional capacity to aid in the response efforts – our staff are well-trained and ready to go.”

    “Our thoughts are with all of those on the front line of this sustained response and those residents impacted by the fires.”

    This deployment highlights the dedication and core values of the newly established NTFES agency. Many of these individuals put their personal lives on hold to assist communities, as well as others in need during times of crisis.

    The recent formation of the NT Fire and Emergency Services, which combines the NT Fire and Rescue Service, NT Emergency Service, and Bushfires NT into one agency, enhances our ability to respond to emergencies while prioritising community resilience.

    Media contact:

    Rickie Abraham

    89239803

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Northland News – Where’s wallaby? Free wild food treats back for field days

    Source: Northland Regional Council
    Free ‘Tex-Mex wallaby quesadillas with parmesan mayonnaise’ will be on the menu at the Northland Regional Council (NRC) marquee at the upcoming Northland Field Days.
    About 40 kilogrammes of minced wallaby will be used to create the quesadillas which will be made available to visitors at the upcoming Thursday 27 February to Saturday March 01 Dargaville event.
    A joint creation by the NRC, NorthTec | Tai Tokerau Wānanga Level 4 cookery students and their tutor Hughie Blues, the council expects to give away about 1800 portions of quesadillas over the three days of field days from the council’s usual site – I1 and I2.
    Council Kaipara constituency representative John Blackwell says last year’s giveaway was venison bruschetta with red onion jam and horopito creme fraiche.
    “Over the years the council has transformed a variety of pest animals, plants and even insects into an array of edible field day treats all designed as a fun way to spark added public interest in its broader work.”
    The wallaby for the giveaway has been sourced from Blenheim company Premium Game because there’s no local wild wallaby stock.
    Councillor Blackwell says while there are no known wallaby populations in Northland, they could potentially spread to the region from nearby areas like Kawau Island and Rotorua Lakes.
    “These animals are classified as an ‘exclusion pest’ due to their potential to cause significant environmental and economic harm.” “They threaten native bush by eating seedlings, hindering regeneration, and also impact farming and forestry by consuming pasture and exotic seedlings.”
    Councillor Blackwell says the council has successfully collaborated with the hospitality students for field days over a number of years and he’s pleased the two organisations will be working together again this year.
    Lisette Buckle, NorthTec | Tai Tokerau Wānanga Pathway Manager- Service Industries, says the relationship between Northtec and the council is yet another chance for Level 4 cookery students to work on something “a little bit out of the ordinary”.
    “Students and their chef tutor, Hughie Blues, will be on site over the three days preparing and serving the food.” “It’s always good for our hospitality students to get out and about, catering at events and gaining experience which will help them get into a great career.”
    Councillor Blackwell says for anyone keen to try the wallaby quesadillas, the best time to visit is around 10:30am, 12.30pm or 2pm each day.
    He says council’s site is on a popular road at field days with other community groups and agencies nearby making it easy for the public to access information and have a chat about all things environmental.
    “A key focus for field days this year is biosecurity, including our Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) and this event is the perfect opportunity to engage directly with some of our key stakeholders.”
    He says as biosecurity is a focal point, the council will be highlighting the importance of managing pest animals and plants to ensure biodiversity thrives. (This includes addressing issues related to incursions of deer, wallabies, turtles, clams, and other pest species).
    “Our usual crowd favourites, pest animals, and pest plants (including how to get rid of weeds) will feature alongside biodiversity information, including updates on dune lakes and bitterns.”
    Staff from our land management team will also be on site again, showcasing a catchment model and providing information on the Hill Country Erosion Fund, as well as the use of poplars and willows for erosion control.
    Councillor Blackwell says the council’s climate action team will be seeking active participation in one of their ‘serious games’ such as the NIWA climate game and wave simulation.
    “They will also be sharing information about the Electrify Northland initiative and conducting climate change surveys and we’ll also have information about other council work, including our Environmental Awards, and other general business.”
    A number of regional councillors, including Cr Blackwell, will be on site during the field days and look forward to catching up with those attending the event.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appointments – New CEO for Grasslanz Technology Limited

    Source: Grasslanz Technology

    Grasslanz Technology Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Megan Skiffington as its new Chief Executive Officer, starting on 3 March 2025.

     

    Megan’s appointment follows Dr John Caradus’ decision to step down as CEO after 19 years and move to the new role of Chief Technology Officer, so that he can focus on the science side of the business.

     

    Grasslanz Technology is a commercial subsidiary of AgResearch focussed on the development and commercialisation of cutting-edge plant and microbial solutions for the primary sector.

     

    As CEO, Megan will be responsible for leading the organisation into its next phase of development, with a focus on commercial delivery, solving problems for the sector and collaboration. This includes collaboration opportunities arising from the upcoming science system reforms, in which AgResearch will merge with other Crown Research Institutes to form a Public Research Organisation.

     

    Megan brings with her a proven track record of successful partnerships, understanding of the research commercialisation process and strong relationships within the primary industry.

     

    Grasslanz Board Chair Dr Ian Boddy says: “We are thrilled to welcome Megan to the GTL team and look forward to seeing her working with John and the team to continue delivering value for Grasslanz, our shareholders and NZ”.

     

    Megan says she is excited about the opportunity to lead a company that is always innovating and focused on solutions for farmers and New Zealand.

     

    “I’m excited to get alongside the team at Grasslanz to keep delivering innovative solutions for our farmers with our partners.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Active transport boost for Victoria

    Source: Australian Ministers for Infrastructure and Transport

    Victorians will have more opportunities to walk, cycle and actively move through their communities thanks to support from the Albanese Government. 

    $21 million will be invested in 19 projects across Victoria to build new or upgrade existing bicycle and walking paths.

    Frankston City Council will receive $923,650 to construct a shared path in Frankston South on Towerhill Road. The project will upgrade existing infrastructure to enhance safety by providing dedicated paths to enable cyclists to avoid the busy roadway. 

    Further south, on Phillip Island, $980,000 will be invested in the Bass Coast Shire Council’s new shared path to link the townships of Cowes and Ventnor for visitors and locals alike. 

    $266,000 will go towards the Ararat Rural City Council’s ‘Ararat on the Move’ Strategy to design and deliver almost 10km of bicycle routes that will transform the town, connecting residents and visitors with shops, schools, recreational facilities, the Ararat CBD and train station.  

    In Kilsyth, Yarra Ranges Council will receive $460,000 to create a new 1.7km shared user path along Liverpool Road between Canterbury Road and Mount Dandenong Road in Kilsyth to connect popular destinations such as the Baywater Business Precinct and Pinks Reserve, and feed into nearby trails. 

    Other projects receiving funding include:

    • Over $960,000 for Melbourne City Council to upgrade three traffic signals on Rathdowne Street in Carlton to improve the safety of this shared path.  
    • Over $680,000 for Maroondah City Council to convert the footpath along Greenwood Avenue into a shared user path, connecting the railway station in central Ringwood with the regional Jubilee Sports Precinct, Aquinas College and Great Ryrie Primary School.
    • $900,000 for Horsham Rural City Council to implement safety upgrades to main entry roads into the Horsham Central Activity District to provide safe access for cyclists and pedestrians. 

    The Albanese Government is making our cities and regions even better places to live, building social infrastructure, connecting place and designing healthier, more liveable towns. 

    Our new Active Transport Fund is one part of this, providing safe and accessible transport options that are good for the planet and good for ourselves.  

    This program supports the Government’s commitment to invest in infrastructure planning, design and construction that improves safety outcomes for vulnerable road users under the National Road and Safety Strategy 2021-2030. 

    For more information visit: investment.infrastructure.gov.au/resources-funding-recipients/active-transport-fund-resources

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

    “From Melbourne to the Yarra Ranges, we’re investing in active transport options right across Victoria to shape the way locals and visitors move around our great towns. 

    “Whether you’re on a motor scooter, pushing a pram, walking or cycling, we’re making it easier for people to get to school, work or local services, without having to jump in the car. 

    “This is about so much more than bike lanes and footpaths, it’s about reshaping our cities and regional centres, connecting our everyday places, and making our towns better to live in and easier to visit.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Dunkley Jodie Belyea: 

    “The Albanese Labor Government is investing in our community, building a more connected Frankston.

    “We’re making it easier for families and students to get around Frankston safely.”

    See here for a full list of projects receiving funding in Victoria: 

    Proponent Project Funding amount 
    Moorabool Shire Council Gordon Township Active Transport Loop $678,825 
    Mount Alexander Shire Council Design and construction of McKenzie Hill to Parker Street Shared Pathway, Castlemaine $3,010,600 
    Hume City Council Highland Drive Shared User Path Upgrade $50,000 
    Hume City Council Lygon Drive Shared User Path and Cycling Facilities Upgrades $200,000 
    Yarra Ranges Shire Council Design and construction of the Liverpool Road Trail, Kilsyth $463,938 
    City of Darebin BT Connor Reserve Shared Path $158,000 
    Maroondah City Council Design and construction of Greenwood Avenue Shared Use Path $681,630 
    Frankston City Council Construction of Shared User Path on Towerhill Road, Frankston South $923,650 
    Hobsons Bay City Council Kororoit Creek Shared Trail Stages 4 and 5 $5,000,000 
    Melton City Council Design and construction of a shared use path along Westwood Drive, Burnside/Ravenhall $969,527 
    Melton City Council Design and Construction of Raised Priority Crossings – Caroline Springs Boulevard and Gourlay Road Corridor, Caroline Springs. $1,147,093  
    Moorabool Shire Council Griffith Street, Maddingley Active Transport Corridor $1,814,503  
    City of Port Phillip Beacon Road Active Transport Safety Upgrade, Port Melbourne  $515,000 
    City of Glen Eira Improving Paths, Connecting Communities $2,336,000 
    Horsham Rural City Council Horsham Central Activity District – safe eastern access for cyclists and pedestrians $900,000 
    City of Melbourne Rathdowne Street Traffic Signals Upgrade $963,095 
    Bass Coast Shire Council Design and construction of the Ventnor Road Shared Path, Phillip Island $980,000 
    Ararat Rural City Council Design and Upgrade of the Active Transport Bicycle Network, Ararat $266,000 
    Warrnambool City Council Industrial Precinct Footpath Construction  $266,626 

     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Introduces Bill to Raise Minimum Age to Buy Assault Weapons

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    February 19, 2025
    More than 85 percent of deaths in public mass shootings involving four or more fatalities were caused by assault rifles
    Washington, D.C. –  U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today said that he is joining legislation to raise the minimum age to buy assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21. 
    “If you’re not old enough to purchase alcohol, you shouldn’t be allowed to buy an assault weapon either,” Wyden said. “We need to be doing everything we can to stop America’s gun violence epidemic, including raising the legal age of purchase to 21. I am proud to support this bill that will help keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of teenagers.”
    Gun violence is a national crisis, claiming more than 46,000 lives in 2023 — the third-largest number of gun-related deaths in U.S. history. Assault weapons, originally engineered for military combat to maximize damage, are frequently used in mass shootings because of their ability to inflict catastrophic harm in mere seconds. Individuals under 21 have used assault weapons in some of the most devastating school shootings in U.S. history, including the mass shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
    The same age requirement already applies to purchasing handguns from federally licensed dealers. This bill would expand the ban to assault weapons, large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, and related ammunition. Additionally, the legislation would bar most individuals under 21 from possessing these items, with limited exceptions for specific circumstances such as service in law enforcement or the armed forces. 
    In addition to Wyden, the Age 21 Act was introduced by Senator Alex Padilla, D-Calif., and cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Chris Coons,  D-Del., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Tim Kaine, D-Va., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Chris Murphy, D-Conn., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Brian Schatz, D-Hawai’i, Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.
    The Age 21 Act is endorsed by organizations, including Brady: United Against Gun Violence, March for Our Lives, Giffords, Newtown Action Alliance, and Everytown for Gun Safety.
    A one-pager on the bill is here.
    The bill text is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Static child poverty stats highlight need for urgent action

    Source: Green Party

    This morning’s Stats NZ child poverty statistics should act as a wake-up call for the government: with no movement in child poverty rates since June 2023, it’s time to make the wellbeing of our tamariki a political priority.

    “Poverty is a political choice we do not have to accept. We can choose to end it–our mokopuna deserve nothing less,” says Green Party co-leader and Child Poverty spokesperson, Hon Marama Davidson.

    “Every child in Aotearoa deserves a warm, dry home and a full belly. We have all the tools we need to give them that and more. 

    “What we need is ambition and commitment to end the cycle of thousands of children across generations falling through the cracks and being set up to fail for the rest of their lives. It is high time we started supporting our children to thrive. 

    “It’s well understood that the first few years set the stage for the rest of a child’s life.  Living in a household mired in poverty has lasting consequences for the wellbeing of our pēpi and tamariki.

    “Unfortunately, as we have seen today, 156,000 children are growing up in material hardship. This is a national shame. 

    “Māori, Pacific and disabled children are disproportionately affected by child poverty, with 1 in 4, 1 in 3, and 1 in 5 children growing up in material hardship respectively. These are the very groups hit the hardest by the policies of a Government which has bent over backwards to hand billions of dollars in tax cuts to wealthy landlords, while ignoring the many struggling.

    “The Green Party campaigned to end poverty for all families in Aotearoa by providing everyone with an Income Guarantee that would ensure every household and every child has all they need to thrive. 

    “We can’t keep tinkering around the edge and watering down child poverty reduction targets like we’ve seen the coalition doing this term. Our plan will put children’s wellbeing at the centre of decision-making and policy, where it should have been all along,” says Marama Davidson.

    The Stats NZ report can be found in full here.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ACT MP congratulates Labour MP for pro-freedom bill

    Source: ACT Party

    Responding to the draw of the Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment (Duty to Provide) Amendment Bill:

    “Finally, the House of Representatives will have a chance to debate the wokery in the banking sector that has seen farmers and other unfashionable sectors treated like second-class borrowers,” says ACT Rural Communities spokesperson Mark Cameron, who is also leading an inquiry into rural banking practices.

    “The ACT team will be looking at the detail of this bill. We’ll continue to make the case for tackling woke banking practices at its cause. That includes the Net Zero Banking Alliance, which major banks in the United States, Canada, and Australia are rightly fleeing. We’ve also challenged the stupid climate commitments placed on banks by the Financial Markets Authority.

    “In the meantime, I’m celebrating the fact that these issues, once only discussed with frustration across the farm fence, are now being addressed in New Zealand’s highest chambers of power.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview – ABC Afternoon Briefing with Patricia Karvelas

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    PATRICIA KARVELAS: To discuss this, and there’s a whole lot more, let’s bring in our panel, Early Childhood Education Minister Anne Aly and Shadow Immigration Minister Dan Tehan. Welcome to both of you.

    MINISTER ANNE ALY: Thank you.

    DAN TEHAN: Thanks, Patricia.

    KARVELAS: We’re going to start on that. Dan, was that just a thought bubble? Because it’s unconstitutional, it’s been tested in the High Court.

    TEHAN: No, it wasn’t. I think there is a real frustration with how the system is currently working at the moment and how the courts are clogged up, how appeal after appeal is used. And I think what the Leader of the Opposition was expressing was that frustration that at some stage we are going to have a look at this.

    Now, the High Court obviously made a decision last year. So, you know, there does need to be a discussion around these issues because it would be good if we had clear rules and clear guidelines and clear laws as to how we can make sure that those people who do come to Australia do and know and understand our values and especially our laws.

    KARVELAS: But after you become a citizen shouldn’t you be dealt with by the law, and the law should deal with if you have a particular view, which, you know, is hate speech, isn’t that the law that should be dealing with it rather than just kicking people out?

    TEHAN: Well, I think what – you know, what we do need to look at is that a lot of these people have dual citizenship. And so we need to look and see, okay, if you’ve got dual citizenship and you breach your trust that the Australian people have given in you with regards to your Australian citizenship, well, if you’re a dual citizen, do you have the right to keep your Australian citizenship?

    KARVELAS: The High Court thinks yes.

    TEHAN: Well, the High Court made a decision last year. Now, obviously we can have a look at the way that they made that and the laws around that and see whether we do need to have a conversation around whether we need to change some of the laws around this and see whether if people do come here – and especially if they are dual citizens – whether we can act.

    KARVELAS: Anne Aly?

    ALY: I’m a bit – I’m a bit angry that this conversation about antisemitism has been conveniently turned into a conversation about immigration as if somehow the two are connected. I think that’s a very deliberate political ploy by Peter Dutton, who, I might add, has said that he wants to re-introduce the “golden ticket” visa, which can be bought by people with money and that we know brought in people from organised crime gangs and people of, frankly, unworthy character into Australia.

    So I would like to see us talking about the substantive issue here about hatred and the growth of hatred and the spread of hatred in our society. And when we have those conversations, not have those conversations hijacked by another conversation about immigration as if it’s only immigrants that are responsible for spreading hatred in this country. That’s what really disturbs me here, Patricia.

    KARVELAS: Anne Aly makes a point about the fact antisemitism is a lot wider than anyone who may have come to this country more recently. It is clearly a big problem. Isn’t that what you really want to deal with?

    TEHAN: Well, we have been dealing with that, and we have been appealing to the government now for a very long period of time to deal with that and deal with it right across this nation. So I don’t think you can say that all of a sudden we’ve just made this about immigration. This is an issue which the Leader of the Opposition has led the nation on in trying to rid this country of antisemitism. And it is about ridding it right across our nation, whether it be Australian citizens, whether it be dual citizens, whether it be those who are here as guests of our nation. And I don’t think that we can say all of a sudden that this has just had a narrow focus to it, because his leadership on this issue has been inspiring and outstanding. And so to just try and narrow cast it like that is completely and utterly wrong.

    KARVELAS: But Peter Dutton even questioned why a male nurse – this male nurse got citizenship. I understand that actually happened when the Morrison government was in power.

    TEHAN: Well, what Peter Dutton has said is that we do need to look as to how this has happened. And there will be –

    KARVELAS: But it did happen under –

    TEHAN: Yeah, yeah. There are incidences where this will have happened under Labor, under Liberal. But what we do need to do is look at it and say, okay, where is the system failing? How are we getting people coming into our country with these views when they’re required to take a citizenship pledge, we should be looking, okay, what do we do to try and fix this system. And that’s the point that he’s trying to make, because there is a frustration.

    KARVELAS: Anne Aly?

    ALY: I want – I just want to make this point. When you say, Dan, people coming into this country with these views, what if people are coming into this country as children – and I’m the Minister for Early Childhood, I see a lot of children, and let me tell you, they don’t – they’re not born with hate. They’re not born hating, right? People who are coming to this country may not be necessarily coming with those views. They may form those views because of this country, right?

    So what are we doing more broadly in this country to ensure that we have a society that is cohesive and that is harmonious and that we don’t tolerate hatred? When we talk about that, we talk about the concrete steps that our government has done to ensure that – the doxing laws, the hate speech laws, standing up against racism in all its forms and expressing our contempt for hatred.

    You know, I think it’s a very simplistic view to say that migrants come into Australia with a particular view and therefore that the whole situation that we’re talking about here around the increase of hatred is somehow linked to immigration.

    TEHAN: But that’s not what we’re saying. We’re saying –

    ALY: But it’s exactly what you just said.

    TEHAN: We’re saying that is one component of it. We’ve also called for a proper National Cabinet meeting to address this issue, so it can be –

    KARVELAS: Well, there was. There was one.

    TEHAN: Yes, but it was one which wasn’t done with all the chief ministers, all the leaders there, you know, everyone coming to Canberra – a proper serious discussion as to how we address this.

    KARVELAS: I have to bring our viewers on Afternoon Briefing here on the ABC News channel some breaking news: a Chinese fighter aircraft has released flares in front of an Australian military plane during what Defence describes as an unsafe and unprofessional interaction in the South China Sea this week. Officials have revealed the encounter occurred on Tuesday during daylight hours with the Peoples Liberation Army J-16 coming within 30 metres of the RAAF P-8 Poseidon. Defence says no personnel were injured and there was no damage to the P-8, but it has lodged formal objections with the PLA, both in Canberra and Beijing. So that’s just breaking news.

    I am aware – and I always think, to be fair, you would just be hearing perhaps that news too. But just quick thoughts from you both. Obviously Defence has sent a pretty strong signal here that this is unacceptable.

    TEHAN: And let’s see what sort of signal now the Prime Minister sends, because that’s what I think the Australian people will be waiting for and wanting to hear, what sort of strong signal and strong message now the Prime Minister sends. So, as we’ve seen, this is not the first time that this has occurred. So I think we will all watch with great interest to see how the Prime Minister responds to this, this act by the Chinese military.

    KARVELAS: Anne Aly?

    ALY: My first thought, of course, is relief that nobody was hurt and nobody was injured, Patricia. That’s my first – my first reaction to this news.

    KARVELAS: Do you expect the Prime Minister will have strong words?

    ALY: Absolutely. Absolutely. This is a pretty serious issue, and I absolutely expect that the Prime Minister will stand up for the Australian people, as he always has done.

    KARVELAS: Now, there is another piece of breaking news, which is that your child care bill has just passed.

    ALY: Yes.

    KARVELAS: You know this?

    ALY: Yes.

    KARVELAS: Okay, what can you tell us?

    ALY: So this is a great bill. It is good policy –

    KARVELAS: This is the three day –

    ALY: This is the Three Day Guarantee, 72 hours a fortnight for every child. What it basically does, Patricia, is it replaces the activity test, and parents out there who have tried to access subsidised care will know that they have to pass an activity test in order to be eligible to subsidise that care. It means that every child in Australia can now access those really transformative benefits of early childhood education and care. And it is good policy. It was recommended by the PC Review, a number of reviews, and has strong, strong support from across the sector. It’s a good day today for Australian children.

    KARVELAS: It didn’t have to pass now, though, did it? I mean, it really could have happened after the election. Was it a political – is it a political play –

    ALY: Well, no.

    KARVELAS: – so you can talk about this at the election and say, “We got this through,” because it doesn’t start till next year, right?

    ALY: That’s right. But, you know, it’s something that had strong support from the sector and it was a recommendation by the PC Review. You know, this is us taking action on things that we know are good policy, part of our reform package in early childhood education and care, getting to that place of a universal system that benefits every child.

    KARVELAS: Dan Tehan, you are actually a former Education Minister so you are across these portfolios. I understand at the end the Liberals were not in favour of this change. But actually it is true that there has been a lot of research to say that this change should happen to get children to have the right to have these three days compulsory. Why didn’t you see it that way?

    TEHAN: So just a question before, Patricia, I answer that question. So, are we talking about it just passing the House? Or –

    KARVELAS: I think it just passed the House –

    ALY: It passed the Senate – it’s in the Senate at the moment. So, I know – but it did pass the House earlier.

    KARVELAS: It’s going back to – yeah.

    TEHAN: Yeah, so it’s – just so your viewers are clear of where we’re at, it’s passed the House. It hasn’t passed the Senate, and it’s actually going to a Senate review which, as I understand it, will report in March. So this legislation –

    ALY: I think they’re actually voting on it in the Senate.

    KARVELAS: Yeah, my understanding is it’s passed the Parliament. But either way –

    TEHAN: Right, okay.

    KARVELAS: – I’ll let you continue with the broad political point.

    ALY: Last I saw was they were voting on it.

    TEHAN: So they are going to now go ahead? So this is sort of –

    KARVELAS: So, you can still apparently do the inquiry even if the Bill’s passed.

    TEHAN: Right, okay. All right. Well, there’s obviously been a change in the approach that the government’s taking as we’re speaking.

    KARVELAS: Let me take you to first principles.

    TEHAN: Yes, let’s go back to the Bill itself. We obviously wanted it to go to an inquiry. And the main concerns that we have with this Bill is that the actions that it’s taking, especially with regards to the activity test, without expanding the number of places, and especially the number of places in regional and rural areas, will basically mean for those people who are working or wanting to work, trying to get access to child care will become harder. And so that is one of the concerns that we have.

    The second concern is that what we’ve seen with regards to costs under this government when it comes to child care is we’ve seen the costs go up by over 20 per cent. We’ve seen out-of-pocket expenses go up by over 10 per cent and nothing around this is addressing that issue, which obviously, with cost of living the number one issue, is of deep concern to us. So for those reasons and others is why we think that this Bill should have gone to a committee.

    KARVELAS: Anne Aly?

    ALY: Well, those figures are just wrong, Dan. The cost has come down. Out-of-pocket costs for families across Australia have come down. And in terms of access, yes, we know that access is one of those key areas of reform. That’s why we have a $1 billion Building Early Education Fund targeting those seats, those areas where there is no child – early childhood education or where there is little access to early childhood education and care.

    So, you know, you’re talking to a government that’s able to chew gum and walk at the same time. We’re very well aware of all the key pieces of reform that are necessary in early childhood education and care, and only our government has that vision to ensure that every child has access and every child has access to quality, affordable early learning.

    KARVELAS: I have to ask –

    TEHAN: Anne, I was just going to say, your track record, sadly, doesn’t show that to be the case. So – and the problem here is that what we’re going to see is basically working people having to compete with new entrants now, and that’s going to cause even more trouble for you.

    KARVELAS: Now, Dan Tehan, I just have to ask you, just to you before we say goodbye – we’ve had a great conversation; it might be the last day of the Parliament of this term. We don’t know. But it’s –

    ALY: Don’t know.

    KARVELAS: Well, you don’t know. We don’t know. So, it’s rather – we’re all on the edge of our seats. But I do have to ask you about – you’re a former Trade Minister as well. You’ve had a few hats, so you’re very helpful here. Was Australia so desperate to hang on to our tariff exemption with the US that we agreed to unofficial quotas?

    TEHAN: No. No.

    KARVELAS: Well, hang on a minute. That’s been reported that that’s what we agreed to. That’s what the US Government thinks.

    TEHAN: So the arrangement was very clear. We were given an exemption, and obviously the US said to us that we wouldn’t want to see you exploit that exemption. And we had no intention of trying to exploit that exemption. The majority of our aluminium exports actually go into Asia, and that’s been a longstanding market for us.

    KARVELAS: But did we agree to these, essentially, quotas that we didn’t publicise?

    TEHAN: No, there was no – no, there was no quotas that weren’t publicised. So –

    KARVELAS: But it was agreed to then?

    TEHAN: Well, the idea – well, after the exemption, what the US wanted to make sure was all of a sudden our exports didn’t go from 10 per cent to 90 per cent. And obviously given that we were given an exemption we said that of course we’re going to make sure that that isn’t exploited, and it was never going to be exploited because the majority of our aluminium goes into our markets in the – in Asia.

    KARVELAS: So that agreement, shouldn’t we know – shouldn’t we have known about it? Shouldn’t you have told the public? Because we didn’t know about it till now.

    TEHAN: Well, it’s – there was no official agreement to tell the public about. I mean, the key thing here and the key thing that I would say to the Albanese Labor government is we worked very hard to be able to put an exemption in place which meant that our aluminium smelters here continued to be profitable and continued to be able to export aluminium into Asia, into the US.

    KARVELAS: Okay.

    TEHAN: My hope is that this government will be able to do exactly the same thing.

    KARVELAS: Anne Aly?

    ALY: Well, I think we’ve already proven as a government that we have the capacity, and we do the necessary actions to rebuild our international standing and rebuild our standing in terms of trade as well as diplomatic efforts, and I think the Australian people can be confident that this is a government that can, you know, deal with these issues. And in a transparent way.

    TEHAN: And we hope so, yes.

    KARVELAS: Well, the country hopes so. Thank you to both of you.

    TEHAN: Pleasure.

    KARVELAS: It’s been a good discussion.

    ALY: Thanks, Patricia.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Light rail Stage 2A construction – March update

    Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 20/02/2025

    The ACT Government is partnering with the Australian Government and Canberra Metro to deliver the next stage of light rail in our city centre.

    The next stage of light rail will include three new stops at Edinburgh Avenue, City South and Commonwealth Park.

    In 2028, workers, residents and visitors to the City Centre will be able to catch a light rail service to easily access City West, the ANU, New Acton, Commonwealth Park and Lake Burley Griffin. 

    This project will transform the southern end of our city to a place that is welcoming and accessible to residents, tourists, commuters, and businesses.

    Major works for light rail to Commonwealth Park are now underway with London Circuit west closed to traffic in February, allowing service relocations to begin in the roadway.

    Further closures will occur in March as construction activity ramps up across the wider project area.

    From the evening of Wednesday 12 March 2025, sections of London Circuit east will also close to motorists between Northbourne Avenue and Theatre Lane. Pedestrian access will be maintained.

    The closure of sections of London Circuit east will allow service relocations to be undertaken in the roadway with streetscape improvements to be completed prior to the road reopening to traffic in late 2026.

    Access to London Circuit east will remain open for buses and for delivery drivers accessing Verity Lane. Access to Theatre Lane and the adjacent theatre car park will also be maintained.

    During March Canberrans can expect to see the following changes:

    • the closure of London Circuit east, between Northbourne Avenue and Theatre Lane to motorists and on-road cyclists, with fencing installed and in place until late 2026
    • Northbourne Avenue reduced to two lanes each way between Alinga Street and Vernon Circle
    • the removal of street assets on London Circuit east and Northbourne Avenue median between Alinga Street and London Circuit in readiness for construction, including trees, park benches, light poles and public art
    • some changes to pedestrian pathways around London Circuit east and Northbourne Avenue, although pedestrian access is maintained to all businesses
    • utilities in the ground starting to be removed and relocated.

    As works are completed across the alignment, sections of London Circuit will be re-opened to support and maintain the local access through the area.

    Access will be maintained to businesses along London Circuit and signage will be in place to assist customers, visitors and residents to navigate the area. Variable Message Signage will also be in place around the city to alert approaching drivers about the closures.

    People can access an online construction impacts map to view current information about road changes and other impacts relating to the construction of light rail and the Raising London Circuit project. View map of project impacts from March.

    With major public and private infrastructure investment shaping our city centre for decades to come, the construction map will be updated with what work is occurring where and by which entity.

    We have committed to providing the community with ongoing and regular updates about the status of the light rail project.

    To view the map and stay up to date visit https://www.builtforcbr.act.gov.au/travel-impacts

    Light rail to Commonwealth Park is a joint investment by the Australian and ACT Governments.

    – Statement ends –

    Infrastructure Canberra | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stretch of SH1 southbound from Foxton temporarily closing for sealing work

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    A stretch of State Highway 1 south of Foxton is closing to southbound traffic as the Levin to Foxton safety improvements project progresses.

    The southbound lane of SH1 will be closed from the southern entrance to Foxton through to the intersection with Oturoa Road between 9am and 3pm weekdays for 1 week from Monday 17 to Friday 21 March 2025.

    The road will remain open to northbound traffic.

    A signposted detour will be in place for southbound road users, who will be detoured left onto Union Street and into Foxton Shannon Road, onto State Highway 57, through to Queen Street East, and back to State Highway 1 in Levin. Detour signage will be in place.

    The lane closure is necessary to allow crews to complete a second coat seal on the highway and undertake some remedial tasks.

    While northbound traffic will remain on the highway, a reduced speed limit will be in place. The detour route is expected to add an additional 15 minutes to journey times.

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi wants to thank people for their understanding during this work. A one-way closure allows crews to complete the work as efficiently as possible, minimising ongoing disruption to motorists.

    When we rebuild a section of the road and apply a chipseal finish we need to come back later to carry out a second coat seal. This locks in the seal to make it waterproof, keeps it stronger and safer for longer, and helps reduce the likelihood of flushing occurring.

    About the project

    This work follows the completion of Stage 2 of the SH1 Levin to Foxton safety improvements project. Stage 2 saw flexible median and turnaround facilities constructed at Oturoa and Koputaroa roads. A small section of side barrier was also installed on the southbound lane just south of the Oturoa Road intersection to prevent vehicles driving into a ditch

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Closures this Sunday on SH2 HB Expressway and SH50

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Crews will be carrying out routine maintenance overnight Sunday on a stretch of State Highway 2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway.

    The stretch of road between Omahu Road and Evenden Road will be closed from 8pm and reopening at 5am on Monday, in time for commuter traffic.

    Signposted detours will be available.

    During the closure, crews will be working on a range of maintenance, including focusing on flexible median barrier repair, signage repair and road surface repairs if and where needed within the Omahu to Evenden stretch.

    Sunday’s closure is part of routine monthly maintenance – one Sunday night a month, crews will be focused on a range of maintenance on a different section of the expressway.

    At this stage, the following dates have been confirmed for the remainder of the year:

    23 March         24 August

    27 April            28 September

    25 May            No October closure at this stage

    29 June            2 November

    27 July             7 December

    While these dates are confirmed, the stretch of expressway closed on any date may change at short notice depending on the maintenance priorities at the time.

    The dates are also weather dependent and if postponed, the following Sunday will be used as the contingency date.

    Further north, a section of State Highway 50 through Ahuriri, in Napier, will be closed during the day on Sunday for a triathlon event.

    There will be other local road closures too.

    Road closures(external link)

    SH50 will be closed from Napier Port’s eastern gate through Ahuriri Truck Bypass, Bridge Street and Hyderabad Street to the peanut roundabout intersection with Pandora Road.

    The road will be closed from 6.30am til 3pm.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Introduces Bill To Raise Minimum Age To Buy Assault Weapons; Legislation Would Help Prevent Tragedies Like 2022 Buffalo Supermarket Shooting

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21, the same age requirement that already applies to purchasing handguns from federally licensed dealers. Individuals under 21 have used assault weapons in some of the most devastating shootings in U.S. history, including the 2022 mass shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY, in which 10 people were killed.

    Gun violence is a national crisis, claiming over 46,000 lives in 2023 — the third-largest number of gun-related deaths in American history. Assault weapons, originally engineered for military combat to maximize damage, are frequently used in mass shootings because of their ability to inflict catastrophic harm in mere seconds. More than 85 percent of deaths in public mass shootings involving four or more fatalities were caused by assault rifles. Furthermore, shootings involving assault weapons or large-capacity magazines result in more than 2.5 times as many people being shot compared to incidents involving other firearms.

    “Guns are the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in America today. Year after year, deadly assault weapons inflict devastating and avoidable harm on our families, schools, and communities, causing children, parents, and teachers to live with the fear that the next school shooting may happen in their community,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Age 21 Act offers a critical safeguard to prevent such tragedies, decreasing the threat of gun violence against our kids. I am proud to support this legislation, and I will fight hard for its passage this Congress.”

    The Age 21 Act’s restrictions on the sale of assault weapons, handguns, large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, and related ammunition to individuals under the age of 21 would apply to both federally licensed and private sellers. Additionally, the legislation would bar most individuals under 21 from possessing these items, with limited exceptions for specific circumstances such as service in law enforcement or the armed forces.

    The Age 21 Act was originally introduced by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). In addition to Senator Gillibrand, it is cosponsored by 17 senators: Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    Senator Gillibrand is a longtime champion for commonsense gun safety legislation. She wrote the Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Gun Trafficking and Crime Prevention Act, which formed the centerpiece of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act’s (BSCA) anti-gun trafficking statute. So far, law enforcement has used the statute to take over 3,000 illegal guns off the streets and charge hundreds of suspected traffickers. In 2023, Senator Gillibrand also cosponsored the 3D Printed Gun Safety Act, federal legislation that would ban online distribution of blueprints for the 3D printing of firearms and help prevent the proliferation of “ghost guns,” and the Fair Legal Access Grants (FLAG) Act, which would ensure that any person filing a red flag petition, also known as an extreme risk protection order (ERPO), has access to the legal representation, counsel, and resources needed to be heard and successfully file an ERPO. She has also supported legislation to expand background checks to the sale and transfer of all firearms.

    MIL OSI USA News –