NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU and Kim Il Sung University to cooperate in scientific and educational spheres

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    A delegation from Kim Il Sung University, the leading university in the DPRK, visited Novosibirsk State University. During the visit, representatives of the two universities agreed to intensify inter-university cooperation, the priority areas of which are student and faculty mobility, joint scientific conferences and scientific research in the following priority areas – chemistry, mathematics, information technology and new materials. To more effectively organize joint work, the parties will prepare a roadmap (work plan) for the coming year.

    Kim Il Sung University was represented by Rector Kim Seung Chan, deans of the faculties of Materials Science and Chemistry, Director of the Institute for Advanced Technology Development, Director of the Department of International Relations, Head of the Department of Juche Philosophy of the Faculty of Philosophy, and Head of the Department of Russian Language and Literature of the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature. NSU was represented by Rector, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Fedoruk, deans Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics And Faculty of Natural Sciences Igor Marchuk and Vladimir Reznikov, Head of the Education Export Department Evgeny Sagaydak. Also present at the meeting was Svetlana Malina, Head of the Department of Professional Education and Higher Education of the Ministry of Education of the Novosibirsk Region.

    Mikhail Fedoruk, Rector of NSU, mentioned the long-standing historical ties not only between Russia, but also between Novosibirsk and North Korea, stressed that it is a great honor for NSU to be friends with Kim Il Sung University, and expressed readiness to implement joint projects in the educational and scientific spheres in the very near future.

    “In the current historical period, the traditional Korean-Russian friendly relations have turned into a comprehensive strategic partnership. We hope that in the future, cooperation between our two universities will expand to a new, higher level in accordance with the common interests and aspirations of the peoples,” said the rector of the North Korean university, Kim Seung-chan, in his welcoming speech.

    The universities agreed to cooperate in the following areas:

    – organization of student internships from one to three months, conducting research work at NSU and research institutes of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences;

    – joint research in the field of cutting-edge technologies;

    – inviting teachers to teach courses;

    – preparation of joint scientific publications.

    — Novosibirsk State University is one of the leaders in the field of education export and international cooperation. We, as a ministry, support the expansion of cooperation between the two universities and are ready to provide all possible assistance in organizing joint events, conferences and internships, — emphasized Svetlana Malina.

    Among the upcoming events that North Korean university students can take part in are: International scientific student conference of NSU, which has been held practically since the university’s founding, traditionally in April, and will be held for the 63rd time this year; and Big Mathematical Workshop, which is organized by Mathematical center in Akademgorodok and the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of NSU. The workshop has been held for 5 years, usually in the summer, and in 2024 it became international for the first time – students from one of the Chinese universities took part in it. NSU also invited a student delegation from a North Korean university to take part in the events of Interweek, which will be held at the end of April.

    In 2026, Kim Il Sung University celebrates its 80th anniversary, and a delegation from NSU plans to take part in an international scientific conference organized by the North Korean university as part of the anniversary events.

    The two universities are also considering the possibility of jointly preparing schoolchildren for admission to Russian universities on the basis of SUNC NSU.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Major negotiations with iwi of Taranaki conclude

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Nine years of negotiations between the Crown and iwi of Taranaki have concluded following Te Pire Whakatupua mō Te Kāhui Tupua/the Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill passing its third reading in Parliament today, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says. 

    “This Bill addresses the historical grievances endured by the eight iwi of Taranaki, and the longstanding association Ngā Iwi o Taranaki have with their ancestral mountains.

    “Arrangements include the National Park being renamed Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, and the highest peak having its name changed to Taranaki Maunga.

    “They also include the recognition of a legal person, repealing the Mount Egmont Vesting Act 1978, the vesting of the National Park land in Te Kāhui Tupua, recognition of a set of values to guide decision-making within the national park, and the establishment of a statutory body to act as the human face and voice of the legal personality. 

    “A firm condition for the Crown, is that all New Zealanders will be able to continue to visit and enjoy this most magnificent place for generations to come. It has been agreed that access to the mountain will not change.   

    “The Crown formally and publicly recognises the hardship and heartache it has caused whānau and hapū, and recognises the resilience of Ngā Iwi o Taranaki in the face of such adversity.

    “We must acknowledge the hurt that has been caused by past wrongs, so we can look to the future to support iwi to realise their own aspirations and opportunities.

    “I want to acknowledge the hard work of the iwi and Crown negotiators to reach this momentous day. It has been a long journey, since Ngā Iwi o Taranaki signed the Terms of Negotiation in 2016.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Chipsealing works on SH1 Te Kamo Bypass Sunday, Monday

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) spokesperson advises chipsealing work will take place on State Highway 1 Kamo Bypass overnight on Sunday 2 February, with temporary traffic management remaining in place until contractors return to sweep and line mark overnight on Monday 3 February.

    This work had been scheduled to happen earlier this month, following resurfacing works, but was delayed due to poor weather.

    Between 8pm Sunday night and 5am Monday morning, the road will operate under stop/go with a 30km/h temporary speed limit in place. Between 5am and 8pm on Monday, the road will operate with a lane shift and 50km/h temporary speed limit in place to help bed in the new seal.

    It’s important to slow down through newly sealed sections of road because small chips can be flicked up from the road surface and damage vehicles – especially windscreens. That’s why we often keep temporary speed limits in place even after it looks like the work has been completed. As well as safety, the temporary speed limit also helps ensure the quality of the reseal. Travelling at the posted temporary speed limit allows for the chips to be embedded into the road surface and for them to remain in place as the seal cures.

    Contractors will then return to undertake sweeping and line marking between 8pm Monday night and 5am Tuesday morning under stop/go and a 30km/h temporary speed limit.

    Chipsealing helps ensure a smooth, skid-resistant surface, free of potholes and slippery sections to reduce the risk of crashes and help keep everyone traveling on our roads safe.

    Travel delays during these works are expected to be between 5-10 minutes.

    We appreciate there may be more traffic on the roads on Monday morning as people travel to work and some schools returning for the year, and ask that people plan ahead and expect delays.

    Please be patient and treat our crews with kindness and respect. Reduce your speed, adhere to the temporary speed limits and follow the traffic management directions at our work sites. 

    Work is weather dependent and there may be changes to the planned works in the case of unsuitable weather. Please visit the NZTA Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz) for up-to-date information on these works, including any changes due to weather.

    This work is part of Northland’s significant summer maintenance programme, which will see approximately 203 lane kilometres of state highway renewed across the region by the end of May.

    For more information about the overall maintenance programme and planned works, visit the Northland State Highway Maintenance Programme website: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/regions/northland/roadworks(external link)    

    NZTA thanks everyone for their patience while we undertake this important work to improve the safety and efficiency of our roads.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Firearms, cash and drugs seized in Hawke’s Bay search warrant

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attribute to Acting Detective Sergeant Steve Leonard

    Police have arrested one person and seized firearms, drugs and cash from the central Hawke’s Bay property of an Outlaws gang member.

    Three firearms, methamphetamine and cash were seized after Police executed a warrant at the address, this included a fully loaded Beretta pistol that was found in a bag alongside a quantity of methamphetamine.

    A 46-year-old man appeared in the Hastings District Court today and has been remanded in custody until his next appearance.

    Police will continue to work to disrupt organised crime and ensure the profits of such activity does not land in the hands of those at the forefront of the offending.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Six arrested for attempted murder

    Source: South Australia Police

    South Australia Police have arrested six people for attempt murder in relation to an incident at Andrews Farm on December 16, 2024.

    The incident involved an 18 year old who was shot through a closed bedroom roller shutter window. The victim has made a full recovery.

    Acting Assistant Commissioner John DeCandia said investigations found the address was mistaken the victim was not the intended target.

    “Operation Meld investigators believe the attack was extensively planned and today searched seven addresses to gather further evidence,” Acting Assistant Commissioner DeCandia said.

    “As a result of the searches several mobile phones have been seized and police located a firearm which is suspected to have been used in previous shootings. A large quantity of tablets suspected of containing MDMA were also located.”

    This morning police charged three 17 year olds, two 19 year olds and a 21 year old for the incident, all have been refused bail and will appear in court this afternoon.

    One 17 year old from Munno Para was further charged with possession of the prescribed firearm and related ammunition offences. While a 21 year old from Munno Para West was further charged with traffic a commercial quantity of a controlled drug.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Frontline providers deserve certainty, not name-calling

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Labour is relieved to see Children’s Minister Karen Chhour has woken up to reality and reversed her government’s terrible decisions to cut funding from frontline service providers – temporarily.

    “In August last year, Karen Chhour was calling frontline service providers “disgruntled” and accusing them of using Oranga Tamariki as a “cash cow,” Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime said.

    “I hope that she has taken the summer break to reflect on those comments. Frontline service providers have some of the hardest jobs, and they deserve certainty, not name-calling.

    “Many vulnerable children and whānau have relationships with these providers and they do the kind of work that can be incredibly difficult, but can change lives.

    “It is a relief to see some contracts have been extended out to the end of the year. While this provides immediate relief, it does not fix the uncertainty that many children and whānau face if providers’ funding is not continued.

    “It appears Karen Chhour has woken up to the absolutely vital services that are provided on the frontline. Now she must ensure that support continues beyond the end of the year,” Willow-Jean Prime said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Four-year term: New poll bodes well for better law making

    Source: ACT Party

    ACT Leader David Seymour is welcoming a new Horizon Research poll showing strong support for a four-year Parliamentary term. ACT’s coalition commitment includes introducing Seymour’s four-year term Bill in the first half of this term.

    “Better law making is the number one thing that New Zealand can change about itself to get more economic growth, better social services, better regulation, and ultimately give the next generation more reason to stay here,” says Seymour.

    “The poll shows more Kiwis support the four-year term than oppose it, by 40-30 per cent. Another 30 per cent remain unsure, and the debate has not been opened yet.

    “A four-year term gives Kiwis more time to see whether political promises translate into results, so they can vote accordingly. This will lead to more accountability and better law making.

    “Crucially, ACT’s proposal to extend the term comes with a balancing step to turn control of Select Committees over to the Opposition. This gives the Opposition more power to scrutinise legislation and grill Ministers and officials.

    “ACT’s proposal is a constitutional change, so we won’t do it without the consent of the voters. The legislation we’ve proposed culminates in a public referendum at the end of a full Parliamentary process.

    “ACT will continue to make the case for a four-year term. If New Zealanders agree at a referendum, it will vindicate the risk we took in starting a tough conversation. More importantly, we’ll have better laws and a more mature democracy.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Time to pull plug on banking wokery

    Source: ACT Party

    “So far, the inquiry into rural banking has not changed my suspicion that a cabal of woke banks is neglecting rural communities in the name of climate action,” says ACT Rural Communities spokesman Mark Cameron.

    “Banks are starving rural New Zealand of capital. Farmers have long complained they’re getting a raw deal on loans compared to their urban cousins. BNZ won’t even lend for people to set up or expand rural petrol stations.

    “Banks should be supporting Kiwi farmers. If they are concerned about emissions globally, they should be falling over themselves to lend to the most efficient dairy producers in the world, lest production shift offshore where farming activity creates more emissions.

    “The problem is that here we have banks acting in concert to virtue signal with anti-rural lending practices. This is in part thanks to their association with overseas umbrella organisations and the way banks are regulated.

    “Through the banks’ parent companies they are part of the UN’s Net Zero Banking Alliance, which was set up to change lending practices for the sake of climate goals. The six largest banks in the United States have all left the Net Zero alliance in the last few months. It’s time for banks in New Zealand to do the same. There’s been a political sea-change and there’s no longer an appetite for corporate virtue-signalling.

    “Meanwhile, the Financial Markets Authority imposes emissions reduction reporting on banks. In 2021, ACT was the only party to vote against the legislation that introduced these reporting requirements, warning that they could affect loans to farmers. We continue to support the repeal of these requirements.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Tiwai Peninsula vegetation fire update

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews have been working hard to contain a large vegetation fire in mixed scrub and wetland on Tiwai Peninsula in Invercargill today.
    The fire has grown to 1,200 hectares across the centre of the peninsula, with an 18 kilometre perimeter, due to higher temperatures and wind speed this afternoon.
    There are currently eight trucks in attendance, with ten helicopters in support.
    Firefighters will work until 6pm tonight, then two crews will monitor the fire overnight. All crews will return at 7am tomorrow to continue battling the fire.
    Incident Controller Hamish Angus says the fire is not an immediate threat to people, homes, the smelter, or the Tiwai Bridge.
    “The Tiwai Bridge is closed to all traffic except our crews and the smelter staff, and we’re asking people to keep away from Tiwai Road so we can continue to work safely,” he says.
    “We are working closely with mana whenua and the Department of Conservation, to ensure culturally and ecologically sensitive areas still threatened by the fire are prioritised for protection.”
    Awarua Rūnaka Manager Gail Thompson says she is deeply saddened at the damage caused in such a short time.
    “This peninsula is a precious taonga, with a history going back a long way, which is important to Ngai Tahu,” she says.
    She’s happy to see the newly-established Mana Whenua Emergency Facilitator for Murihiku, Angie Hopkinson, at the site to support Fire and Emergency and the Department of Conservation with the response.
    Department of Conservation’s Operation Manager for Murihiku, John McCarroll, says Awarua Peninsula has considerable environmental value, and today’s fire is a huge blow.
    “Awarua has a significant number of biodiversity values and is used by a lot of wading birds for flocking and feeding, including the endangered Southern New Zealand Dotterel/Pukunui,” he says.
    “As well as the loss of wildlife, we’ve also lost assets such as predator-trapping infrastructure.
    “We will assess the losses once the fire is under control and we can return there safely. We may never know the full impact on biodiversity, but it is likely significant.”
    The nearby Awarua wetland is also a Department of Conservation area of environmental significance, which was devastated in April 2022 when wildfire burnt through 1,330 hectares.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Even as the tide turned for fur, crocodile leather kept selling in high-end fashion. But for how much longer?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Lamarche-Beauchesne, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Enterprise, Torrens University Australia

    apple2499/Shutterstock

    Dotted across northern Australia are 21 saltwater crocodile farms, home to around 130,000 crocodiles. Their skins are turned into crocodile leather, long sought for use in luxury handbags, belts and other items.

    While fur lost favour due to welfare concerns about animals such as mink, chinchillas and arctic foxes raised for their skins, crocodile leather has kept selling. Australia dominates the global market of saltwater crocodile skins, producing almost 60% of all such skins traded internationally.

    But the industry now faces real headwinds. Major retailers and fashion events in Australia and internationally are phasing out or banning crocodile and other exotic skins due to growing concerns over animal welfare.

    The Northern Territory government’s crocodile farming plan acknowledges shifting consumer demand and increasing scrutiny as the industry’s largest threat.

    Most of the world’s crocodile leather comes from Australian farms.
    Venus Angel/Shutterstock

    Feathers, fur and now skins

    Early animal rights activists in the 19th century focused on feathers due to concern about the enormous environmental damage done by plume hunters killing ostriches and egrets. Only later did activists turn their focus to fur.

    In the early 20th century, countries such as the United States and Britain enacted bans or restrictions on feathers. In this century, sentiment has largely turned against wearing real fur, though faux fur and vintage fur are still popular.

    But even as feathers went out of fashion, new animal products were arriving. By 1928, exotic skins such as crocodile, alligator and snake began commercialisation in Europe and the US. By the 1970s, they were widely used in fashion.

    That looks to be changing.

    By 2026, department store David Jones will phase out all exotic skins, including ostrich, crocodile, alligator, lizard and snake. The move builds on the company’s existing animal welfare policies, which already prohibit the sale of fur, angora rabbit wool and foie gras (duck or goose liver).

    The 2025 Melbourne Fashion Festival will also ban exotic leathers, while London Fashion Week will be the first of the “Big Four” fashion weeks to follow suit.

    In recent years, the kangaroo leather industry has also come under pressure due to concerns over animal welfare. California banned it altogether, and a full US ban is under consideration.

    Feathers are also under increasing scrutiny, with fashion weeks in Copenhagen, Helsinki and Melbourne announcing feather bans starting this year.

    These decisions reflect a growing shift toward ethical fashion, driven by consumer demand and rising awareness of animal welfare.

    Fur has lost its appeal for many consumers.
    ChiccoDodiFC/Shutterstock

    Exotic leather, native species

    Crocodile leather is described as an “exotic” skin, even though saltwater crocodiles are native to Australia.

    Two-thirds of Australia’s skins come from the Northern Territory, while Queensland and Western Australia have smaller industries.

    Crocodile farms operate by harvesting eggs from the wild and raising the animals in captivity. In the wild, they are protected from hunting. But in farms, they are legally considered stock or production animals, which means they lose these protections.

    When we farm animals, it’s common to think of them as resources waiting to be used for our purposes.

    But the fashion backlash suggests another way of thinking is emerging. My research points to a more animal-centric perspective on how animal-derived materials are produced for fashion.

    Crocodile farms emerged as a way to protect these reptiles from being hunted to extinction. But the industry is now under increasing scrutiny.
    RWK007/Shutterstock

    From unregulated hunting to farmed crocodiles

    Skin hunters nearly drove the saltwater crocodile to extinction in Australia. An estimated 300,000 animals were killed for their skins between 1945 and 1970. Saltie populations fell as low as 3,000 animals before authorities acted.

    Freshwater crocodiles, too, were hunted for their skins from 1959. After both species were protected in the 1970s, their populations rebounded.

    Crocodile farming started in Queensland in 1972, and in the Northern Territory in 1979.

    In 1975, the international Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora on trading endangered animals came into effect, in part to regulate the trade of exotic animals in luxury products.

    But this agreement doesn’t rule out uses for fashion. As crocodile experts at the International Union for Conservation of Nature write:

    […] crocodile farming was seen not only as a way to reduce pressure on the wild populations, but also as a means through which commercial incentives for the conservation of crocodilians could be generated.

    As the website of one Australian crocodile farm states, crocodiles are a “natural renewable resource with considerable potential for sustainable commercial use”.

    By 2018, the crocodile farming industry was worth A$26.7 million to the Northern Territory’s economy. Around 100,000 juvenile crocodiles are raised annually on farms. The NT industry plans to expand in coming years, with a target of 50,000 skins annually.

    Trends in fashion heavily influence how crocodiles are farmed. While saltwater crocodiles can live up to 70 years in the wild, it takes three to four years for a crocodile to reach 1.5 metres, at which point their skins can make larger fashion items.

    But in recent years, crocodiles have been slaughtered at around two years. Their smaller skins are used for smaller accessories.

    Welfare concerns

    The crocodile farming industry promotes its sustainability and positive economic impacts on First Nations communities. But this has come under question in recent years, with the release of documentaries featuring ex-crocodile farm workers, while activists from the Farm Transparency Project flew drones over crocodile farms and released footage of slaughtering practices in an effort to increase scrutiny and draw media coverage.

    This image of a crocodile in a Northern Territory farm was taken by activists using a drone.
    Farm Transparency Project, CC BY

    Animal welfare organisations such as the RSPCA have long opposed the practice.

    In 2023, the federal government announced an update of the code of humane treatment of wild and farmed crocodiles to incorporate new science and techniques, according to Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. The updated code was expected late last year but has not been released.

    In response, NT Crocodile Farmers Association chief Jodi Truman said the industry “supports independent audits to ensure humane treatment”. She added:

    […] animal rights activists have made clear that they are against all farms and the farming of all animals.

    This drone image taken by animal activists shows the slaughter of crocodiles at a NT farm.
    Farm Transparency Project, CC BY

    What’s likely to happen?

    While commercial operators and governments plan to expand, there are now real barriers to the industry’s growth.

    For decades, animal derived products such as fur, feathers and leather have been prized in fashion. But consumers are increasingly less comfortable with how these products are made. That’s the thing about fashion – it changes.

    The author has previously been a member and lower-house candidate for the Animal Justice Party in Victoria.

    – ref. Even as the tide turned for fur, crocodile leather kept selling in high-end fashion. But for how much longer? – https://theconversation.com/even-as-the-tide-turned-for-fur-crocodile-leather-kept-selling-in-high-end-fashion-but-for-how-much-longer-245471

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall to HHS Nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in Senate Finance Hearing: What Does Making America Healthy Again Look Like?

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. voted in support of President Trump’s Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) nominee, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing today. 
    Senator Marshall highlighted America’s chronic disease epidemic and the impact ultra-processed foods have had on our national health. Additionally, Senator Marshall questioned RFK Jr. about the impact of his proposed initiatives on American agriculture.  
    As the founder of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus, Senator Marshall has been vocal in his support of RFK Jr. and the MAHA movement. In his hearing, RFK Jr. emphasized his holistic approach to leading HHS and what making America healthy again means: increasing access to fresh foods, ensuring medical transparency, and supporting America’s farmers and ranchers by working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) every step of the way.
    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full remarks.
    Highlights from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Responses to Senator Marshall Include: 
    On RFK Jr.’s Vision to Make America Healthy Again: 
    “We’re having epidemics of all these chronic illnesses, autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases, allergic diseases, obesity. When my uncle was president, 3% of Americans were obese. Today, 74% of Americans are obese or overweight. No other country has anything like this. In Japan, the obesity rate is still 3%.”
    “Epidemics are not caused by genes. Genes may provide the vulnerability, but you need an environmental toxin. Something is poisoning the American people, and we know that the primary culprits are our changing food supply – the switch to highly chemical-intensive processed foods.”
    “We don’t have good science on all these things, and that is deliberate. That’s a deliberate choice not to study the things that are truly making us sick, that are not only contributing to chronic disease, to mortalities, from infectious disease. We need to get a handle on this because if we don’t, it’s an existential threat.”
    “Our country is not going to be destroyed because we get the marginal tax rate wrong, or because we get one of these culture war issues that we’ve been talking about today wrong, it’s going to be destroyed if we continue down this trajectory of chronic disease. We need to fix our food supply, and that’s the number one.” 
    On RFK Jr. supporting America’s farmers and ranchers: 
    “What we need to do is we need to support the farmers. We need the farmers as partners if we’re going to make the MAHA work – and I don’t want a single farmer to go out of business under our watch.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Living on orchard and enjoying outdoors fostered love for environment in EIT student | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

    37 seconds ago

    Growing up on a Twyford orchard and living an outdoor life fostered a love for the environment which led Jordyn Campbell to study Environmental Management at EIT.

    This has proved to be a good move with Jordyn, who finished the NZ Diploma in Environmental Management (Level 6) last year, currently doing conservation surveying and monitoring work. She is working for SPS Biota| Biosecurity & Environmental Services, collecting data about the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug and Spongy Moth – both serious pests and risks to NZ fruit and vegetable industries. This project started in October and runs until April 2025.

    Jordyn, 20, attended Iona College in Havelock North and won a Year 13 scholarship in 2022 to study at EIT. A Year 13 Scholarship, which is offered annually by EIT, covers one year of tuition fees. The Scholarship supports school leavers across the Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti regions to study any one of EIT’s degrees or selected level 5 diploma programmes that lead into a degree by providing one year FREE study.

    Jordyn Campbell completed the NZ Diploma in Environmental Management (Level 6) at EIT last year and is looking forward to completing her Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management).

    Jordyn entered the Environmental Management programme in 2023, completing her level 5 NZ Diploma in Environmental Management, and has loved every moment.

    “I live on an orchard, too, so I decided to study more about the environment around me, because I’ve been growing up in a rural area.”
    She says choosing EIT to study at was an easy decision, especially when she won the Year 13 scholarship.

    “It was close to home and easier to study there, especially since I liked the sound of the programme. The scholarship also helped me make the decision.”

    Jordyn says that her new job is working on behalf of the Ministry for Primary Industries and involves searching for evasive species of Spongy Moths and Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs in Napier, Hastings and Havelock North.

    “We have an app called Field Maps and it has all the locations on it, which are indicated by dots on the map. You complete forms depending on if you get a sample or you’re just doing a trap clearance, and then it will change the colour of the dots on the map. There are 63 traps for the Spongy Moth and six traps for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs across Hawke’s Bay.”

    This year Jordyn will be completing her final year of study to achieve the Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management). As for the future, Jordyn is leaning towards working in biosecurity, but she does not rule out studying further.

    She says that wherever she winds up, she will not forget what she has learned from EIT. She has no hesitation in recommending the institute to others.

    “I like EIT because you get to know everyone on a very personal level, including the lecturers. You are not just a number to them, you’re an actual person and you get one-on-one help from them.”

    Environmental Management Lecturer Dr Glen Robertshaw says: “I think this is a fantastic opportunity for Jordyn, who I know really enjoyed our level 6 Biosecurity course”.

    “It is also a real validation of the value of our programme and demonstrates that what we are teaching can lead to employment locally. It’s great to think that one of our students is helping to protect the local horticulture industry from invasive species that could potentially devastate it.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Vegetation fire along Bay of Plenty train track now contained

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand received multiple calls to a large vegetation fire burning along the railway line by Wainui South Road, Whakamarama in Western Bay of Plenty at 12.40 today.
    Incident Commander Bill Pike says the fire is now contained and six fire trucks from Greerton, Omokoroa, KatiKati and Tauranga are dampening down hotspots. No evacuations were required.
    “The fire is in bush and scrub and is approximately 700 metres on either side of the train track,” Bill Pike says.
    “There are road closures in the immediate area, but State Highway 2 remains open.
    “We ask people to stay away from the area so emergency services can carry out their job safely.”
    Bill Pike says Fire and Emergency is working with Kiwirail to establish a cause for the fire.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Minister must reverse all Oranga Tamariki cuts after Barnardos u-turn

    Source: PSA

    The PSA urges Children’s Minister Karen Chhour to reverse all the damaging cuts to community service contracts, and to Oranga Tamariki, in the wake of her u-turn today on funding Barnardos.
    The backflip follows revelations that Barnardos’ youth telehealth counselling service was at risk of closing in July along with other services supporting vulnerable families. This followed funding cuts by Oranga Tamariki under the Government’s austerity drive.
    “This backflip shows how rushed and reckless her original decision was to order Oranga Tamariki to cut contracts for dozens of community service providers across Aotearoa,” said Duane Leo, National Secretary for the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “The PSA calls on the Minister to urgently reverse all the cuts – reinstate the contracts that have been axed and restore the funding to existing contacts that were cut – before lasting damage is done to families.
    “She must also reverse the cuts to Oranga Tamariki which has seen 419 jobs axed, nearly 10% of the workforce.
    “Last year the Minister accused charities of abusing their contracts with Oranga Tamariki, claiming they had become ‘cash cows’ through the contracts – this was offensive, disrespecting the vital work they do.
    “The Minister has tried to wash her hands of these cuts, calling them ‘operational matters’ for Oranga Tamariki, but now that the reality is hitting home, the Minister needs to do the right thing.
    “She knows New Zealanders are increasingly alarmed by the cuts.
    “The Government promised its cuts would not impact frontline services. The Minister’s u-turn over the Barnardos’ contract shows the Government slowly realising it can no longer get away with this spin.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Farmers welcome Kāinga Ora back-track on wool carpets – Federated Farmers

    Source: Federated Farmers

    Federated Farmers is welcoming today’s decision by Kāinga Ora to give wool carpet providers the chance to tender for supply of carpet and underlay in its homes.
    A previous request for proposals (RFP) confined bids to synthetic carpets, not even allowing wool to compete.
    “This decision is cause for celebration for all strong-wool farmers,” Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams says.
    “The change of stance by Kāinga Ora has come about because of relentless pressure from the sheep and wool sector, with Federated Farmers and Campaign for Wool leading the charge.
    “Kāinga Ora’s previous tender process pulled the rug out from under the nation’s farmers and didn’t even give the sector a chance to put its best foot forward.
    “Now it’s up to wool carpet providers to make sure their proposals are competitive, and highlight all the factors that make the natural product superior to synthetics.”
    Wool provides better insulation and warmth, it’s moisture wicking, and it’s a natural fire retardant, Williams says.
    “It’s also hypoallergenic, and better for those with asthma.”
    Kāinga Ora says the new RFP is for supplying floor coverings for 2,650 new homes and 3000 renovations between now and June 2026.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on January 29, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 5,28,986.59 6.50 3.95-6.90
         I. Call Money 13,598.84 6.58 5.10-6.65
         II. Triparty Repo 3,58,446.55 6.46 6.14-6.59
         III. Market Repo 1,55,029.90 6.59 3.95-6.85
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,911.30 6.85 6.80-6.90
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 87.70 6.46 5.90-6.60
         II. Term Money@@ 460.00 – 6.65-7.50
         III. Triparty Repo 250.00 6.54 6.40-6.70
         IV. Market Repo 1,545.16 5.75 3.95-6.70
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Wed, 29/01/2025 1 Thu, 30/01/2025 1,66,833.00 6.51
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Wed, 29/01/2025 1 Thu, 30/01/2025 522.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Wed, 29/01/2025 1 Thu, 30/01/2025 83,366.00 6.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       83,989.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo Fri, 24/01/2025 14 Fri, 07/02/2025 1,62,096.00 6.51
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       9,556.71  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     1,71,652.71  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     2,55,641.71  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on January 29, 2025 9,15,444.30  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending February 07, 2025 9,12,544.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ January 29, 2025 1,66,833.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on January 10, 2025 -40,102.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/2035

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Ross Brown appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM)

    Source: Brown Family Wine Group

    Ross Brown appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM) Brown Family Wine Group is thrilled to announce that Ross Brown, third generation of the family business has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the Winemaking Industry and to Tourism at the 2025 Australia Day honours.

    The Order of Australia recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement.
     Individuals are appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service in a particular locality or field of activity or to a particular group.
    Ross is extremely humbled by the honour and said, “I feel very thankful that my passions have made a significant contribution to our industry.”
    Ross has dedicated his life to the wine industry, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the success of Brown Family Wine Group. 
    His passion extends beyond his family business and has contributed his energy and enthusiasm to numerous boards and committees within both the wine and tourism sectors.
    Over the years Ross has held board positions for Wine Australia, Wine Victoria, Australia’s First Families of Wine (AFFW), Regional Wine and Food Tourism, and Brown Family Wine Group.
    He has also been a committee member for Australian Grape and Wine (AGW), Chairman of the North East Valleys Food and Wine Group, and the Rural City of Wangaratta Tourism Development Committee.
    When asked about what his greatest impact has been, Ross shared, “One of my greatest passions is the concept of ‘co-opetition,’ which I believe is essential to both the wine and tourism industries. The idea that we can be competitors while also collaborating for the greater good of the industry is crucial for future success.”
    One of Ross’ greatest achievements has been creating and sharing a compelling vision for Prosecco in the King Valley. Always attuned to customer trends, Ross observed the rising popularity of Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand and saw an opportunity to harness this momentum locally. The Prosecco potential emerged, and alongside fellow King Valley producers, Ross played a key role in establishing a distinct home for Prosecco in the region.
    Ross was a driving force in advocating for the growth of Prosecco, lobbying local, state and federal governments on behalf of Prosecco producers and the broader Australian wine industry. His efforts were pivotal in securing long-term protection for the Prosecco name, ensuring the future of this iconic wine variety in Australia.
    Ross was a founding member of the Milawa Gourmet Region, with a vision to make the Milawa Gourmet Region one of Australia’s leading wine and food short break destinations, which it remains to this day.
    Ross is a Churchill Fellow and in 1997 he travelled the world investigate the development of international benchmarking for world best practice in family owned and operated wine companies.
    Ross has been a mentor for the Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program and the North East Regional Executive Forum.
    In recent years, Ross has contributed to Tourism Tasmania, Wine Tasmania and the Tasmanian Department of State Growth.
    In 2014 Ross was inducted into the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival ‘Legend Hall of Fame’ which pays tribute to the leaders, ground breakers and visionaries of Victoria’s food, drink and hospitality industry.
    In 2015 Ross was awarded ‘Legend of the Vine’ for WCA initiated the Legend of the Vine Awards to recognise an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the Australian industry and who ‘engage, connect, learn and inspire’ within the wine industry.
    Together with his wife Judy and three daughters, Ross developed the Madge Brown Charitable Trust which supports local charities, particularly those that support under privileged youth and the homeless.
    Ross’ late father John Charles Brown AM received the same honour in 1989 for recognition of service to the wine industry, along with the Centenary Medal in 2001.
    His brother, John Graham Brown AO has been awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia (2005), the National Medal (1998) and Centenary Medal (2001) for service to promoting rural and regional economic development initiatives in Victoria, to the community through sporting and emergency services activities, and to the wine industry.
    June Brown OAM (wife to John Graham Brown) was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2023 for her services to the creative arts.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is a ‘vaginal birth after caesarean’ or VBAC?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hannah Dahlen, Professor of Midwifery, Associate Dean Research and HDR, Midwifery Discipline Leader, Western Sydney University

    MVelishchuk/Shutterstock

    A vaginal birth after caesarean (known as a VBAC) is when a woman who has had a caesarean has a vaginal birth down the track.

    In Australia, about 12% of women have a vaginal birth for a subsequent baby after a caesarean. A VBAC is much more common in some other countries, including in several Scandinavian ones, where 45-55% of women have one.

    So what’s involved? What are the risks? And who’s most likely to give birth vaginally the next time round?

    What happens? What are the risks?

    When a woman chooses a VBAC she is cared for much like she would during a planned vaginal birth.

    However, an induction of labour is avoided as much as possible, due to the slightly increased risk of the caesarean scar opening up (known as uterine rupture). This is because the medication used in inductions can stimulate strong contractions that put a greater strain on the scar.

    In fact, one of the main reasons women may be recommended to have a repeat caesarean over a vaginal birth is due to an increased chance of her caesarean scar rupturing.

    This is when layers of the uterus (womb) separate and an emergency caesarean is needed to deliver the baby and repair the uterus.

    Uterine rupture is rare. It occurs in about 0.2-0.7% of women with a history of a previous caesarean. A uterine rupture can also happen without a previous caesarean, but this is even rarer.

    However, uterine rupture is a medical emergency. A large European study found 13% of babies died after a uterine rupture and 10% of women needed to have their uterus removed.

    The risk of uterine rupture increases if women have what’s known as
    complicated or classical caesarean scars, and for women who have had more than two previous caesareans.

    Most care providers recommend you avoid getting pregnant again for around 12 months after a caesarean, to allow full healing of the scar and to reduce the risk of the scar rupturing.

    National guidelines recommend women attempt a VBAC in hospital in case emergency care is needed after uterine rupture.

    During a VBAC, recommendations are for closer monitoring of the baby’s heart rate and vigilance for abnormal pain that could indicate a rupture is happening.

    If labour is not progressing, a caesarean would then usually be advised.

    Giving birth in hospital is recommended for a vaginal birth after a caesarean.
    christinarosepix/Shutterstock

    Why avoid multiple caesareans?

    There are also risks with repeat caesareans. These include slower recovery, increased risks of the placenta growing abnormally in subsequent pregnancies (placenta accreta), or low in front of the cervix (placenta praevia), and being readmitted to hospital for infection.

    Women reported birth trauma and post-traumatic stress more commonly after a caesarean than a vaginal birth, especially if the caesarean was not planned.

    Women who had a traumatic caesarean or disrespectful care in their previous birth may choose a VBAC to prevent re-traumatisation and to try to regain control over their birth.

    We looked at what happened to women

    The most common reason for a caesarean section in Australia is a repeat caesarean. Our new research looked at what this means for VBAC.

    We analysed data about 172,000 low-risk women who gave birth for the first time in New South Wales between 2001 and 2016.

    We found women who had an initial spontaneous vaginal birth had a 91.3% chance of having subsequent vaginal births. However, if they had a caesarean, their probability of having a VBAC was 4.6% after an elective caesarean and 9% after an emergency one.

    We also confirmed what national data and previous studies have shown – there are lower VBAC rates (meaning higher rates of repeat caesareans) in private hospitals compared to public hospitals.

    We found the probability of subsequent elective caesarean births was higher in private hospitals (84.9%) compared to public hospitals (76.9%).

    Our study did not specifically address why this might be the case. However, we know that in private hospitals women access private obstetric care and experience higher caesarean rates overall.

    What increases the chance of success?

    When women plan a VBAC there is a 60-80% chance of having a vaginal birth in the next birth.

    The success rates are higher for women who are younger, have a lower body mass index, have had a previous vaginal birth, give birth in a home-like environment or with midwife-led care.

    For instance, an Australian study found women who accessed continuity of care with a midwife were more likely to have a successful VBAC compared to having no continuity of care and seeing different care providers each time.

    An Australian national survey we conducted found having continuity of care with a midwife when planning a VBAC can increase women’s sense of control and confidence, increase their chance to be upright and active in labour and result in a better relationship with their health-care provider.

    Seeing the same midwife throughout your maternity care can help.
    Tyler Olson/Shutterstock

    Why is this important?

    With the rise of caesareans globally, including in Australia, it is more important than ever to value vaginal birth and support women to have a VBAC if this is what they choose.

    Our research is also a reminder that how a woman gives birth the first time greatly influences how she gives birth after that. For too many women, this can lead to multiple caesareans, not all of them needed.

    Hannah Dahlen receives funding from NHMRC, ARC and MRFF.

    Hazel Keedle and Lilian Peters do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. What is a ‘vaginal birth after caesarean’ or VBAC? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-vaginal-birth-after-caesarean-or-vbac-247572

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Albanese Government launches review to strengthen mental health system

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    The Albanese Government has tasked the Productivity Commission with a review into the mental health and suicide prevention system to deliver better mental health care and support for Australians.

    The National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement is due to expire in 2026 and it’s critical there is a review so all Australian governments are delivering mental health and suicide prevention services and support informed by this work.

    Since coming to office, the Albanese Government has invested over $2.4 billion in mental health and suicide prevention.

    We’ve made a lot of progress working closely with state and territory governments through the National Agreement, including:

    • Expanding and opening 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres – providing free walk‑in access to mental health services and support
    • Strengthening headspace – free mental health support for children and young people from 12 to 25 years with reduced wait times
    • Setting up the Head to Health Kids Hub network – mental health and wellbeing centres for children up to 12 years
    • Expanding aftercare services – immediate support for people who have recently attempted suicide
    • Investing in Distress Brief Intervention Services – compassionate care and short‑term support for people in distress
    • Bolstering Postvention support – helping people bereaved following the death by suicide of a family member or friend.

    This review is about continuing to build a mental health system that’s effective, affordable, and there for Australians when they need it.

    The Productivity Commission will consult with government agencies, commissioning bodies, service providers, peak bodies, people with lived and living experience of mental ill‑health and suicide, First Nations communities and other priority groups.

    Public hearings will be held as part of the consultation process.

    An interim report will be delivered ahead of the final review due October 2025.

    Further information is available on the Productivity Commission’s site.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler MP

    “Mental health and suicide prevention have been at the forefront of Australian Government action and investment.

    “We have worked closely with state and territory governments to ensure people of all ages have access to appropriate and affordable services no matter where they live.

    “This review will ensure any future arrangements are underpinned by a solid analysis of the current mental health and suicide prevention arrangements.”

    Quotes attributable to Treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers MP

    “Mental health touches every family and every community in Australia and is at the core of our national well‑being.

    “We have invested billions in Medicare and mental health has been a big part of that so that services are more accessible and more available across the country.

    “While the impacts on people are our primary concern, mental ill‑health also costs the economy tens of billions a year and these steps to strengthen the system help more broadly.”

    Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride MP

    “The Albanese Government continues to have a strong focus on improving the mental health of all Australians.

    “As part of our plan to strengthen Medicare we have expanded access to mental health support, including through our national network of Medicare Mental Health Centres.

    “Through this review, we can make sure that our national mental health and suicide prevention agreements meet the growing need for affordable, accessible and timely care.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Seymour’s school lunch cuts already failing kids

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    It is the first week of David Seymour’s school lunch programme and already social media reports are circulating of revolting meals, late deliveries, and mislabelled packaging.

    “This Government slashed school lunch funding and handed the job to a global corporation instead of supporting local suppliers—now kids are stuck with worse meals,” Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said.

    “Their choice to prioritise cuts over proper nutrition for our kids is a disgrace.”

    Parents and teachers have been sharing stories of inferior meals that kids could not eat, meals arriving hours after they were needed, and mislabelled packaging.

    A Cabinet Paper in March 2024 informed the Government that changes to the school lunch programme would risk achievement, attendance, nutrition, and wellbeing of children, as well as having wider impacts on reducing child poverty. They made these changes anyway.

    “Sadly, this was entirely predictable. Instead of investing in children’s nutrition and supporting local food suppliers, this government chose cost-cutting ahead of quality,” Jan Tinetti said.

    “Proper nutrition is essential for kids to focus and learn. Rather than showing leadership and prioritising our kids’ wellbeing, Christopher Luxon followed David Seymour’s reckless advice and chose cuts over quality. As an educator, I have heard similar horror stories from my former colleagues, and I am deeply concerned that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

    “Children should not have to suffer because of the Government’s poor choices,” Jan Tinetti said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Peter Fegan, 4BC, Brisbane

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    Peter Fegan:

    Well, there was a bit of good news yesterday and don’t we all need it? Inflation is down. In fact, some economists are declaring the worst of inflation is behind us. The figures released yesterday have Australia’s underlying inflation rate at around 3.2 per cent. That’s a three‑year low, which is fantastic. And there’s further good news because, with the inflation down, it’s now more than likely that the RBA will offer a rate cut in February. Economists are suggesting that’s what will happen. And joining me on the line now to discuss it is the federal Treasurer, Jim Chalmers. Treasurer, a very good morning to you.

    Jim Chalmers:

    Good morning to you, Pete. How are you doing?

    Fegan:

    I’m very well, my friend. Before we get into the facts and figures of inflation and the economy, can I just briefly get your comments on yet another antisemitic attack in Sydney? This is abhorrent behaviour. Look, fingers crossed and touch wood, Treasurer, we haven’t seen a lot of it here in Queensland, but it is absolutely and utterly unacceptable in our society.

    Chalmers:

    Completely disgraceful, despicable, unacceptable, as you say, and unfortunately not the first time that we’ve seen this. This is why we work so closely with state governments, with the police, with the authorities, because there’s no place in a country like ours for antisemitism or for violence or for these kinds of incidents which have unfortunately become more frequent.

    Fegan:

    The underlying inflation rate is at 3.2 per cent. It was a great result. So, are you now confident, Treasurer, that economists are saying the RBA will offer some more mortgage relief? Are you confident, as Treasurer of Australia, that we will see that relief in February?

    Chalmers:

    I try not to make predictions about interest rates because the Reserve Bank will come to their view independently in the middle of February and they’ll announce their decision then. What I try and do is to focus on my part of this. We’ve got the same objective as the Reserve Bank to get this inflation down. We’ve made really quite substantial progress in the fight against inflation now and those numbers showed that. And my part of the job is to get inflation down, get wages up, and keep unemployment low, and on all 3 of those fronts Australians should be really proud of what we’ve been able to achieve together in meeting those objectives.

    I know that when your listeners are listening to this, that many, if not most of them are still under a lot of pressure and that’s why we don’t get carried away when we get these great numbers. We know that these cost‑of‑living pressures haven’t disappeared, but they are easing and that’s the encouraging thing about yesterday’s numbers.

    Fegan:

    If the RBA doesn’t, will you demand that Michele Bullock provide a ‘please explain’ to Australians? I think we all deserve it because it has been so long now since we’ve had a rate cut. And as you mentioned, the cost‑of‑living crisis is hurting all of us, and mortgage holders are really feeling the crunch.

    Chalmers:

    I acknowledge that one of the big pressures on household budgets has been these higher interest rates. Interest rates haven’t gone up since November of 2023, but they’re still –

    Fegan:

    They haven’t gone down either.

    Chalmers:

    – so, they’re putting pressure on people. One of the things that I’m really pleased about, Pete, is one of the changes I made to the Reserve Bank with the support of Governor Michele Bullock – she actually explains every decision. She comes out publicly and makes herself available to explain a decision whether interest rates go up or stay steady or go down. And so, people can expect whatever the decision that they take independently in February, Governor Bullock will make herself available after that to talk people through it.

    Fegan:

    Treasurer, we’re not far off from an election. I’ve suggested it may be mid‑April. I’m sure you have some idea, but look, everyone’s keeping their cards close to their chest. I understand that. I’ve got a fair bit of –

    Chalmers:

    I’m not sure if you can hear me, Pete, but I can’t hear you, my friend. My phone is playing up today.

    Fegan:

    Have you got me there, Treasurer? You still got me. I can hear you. Treasurer, can you hear me?

    Chalmers:

    I’ve got you now.

    Fegan:

    Sorry, Treasurer.

    Chalmers:

    That’s on my end, I apologise.

    Fegan:

    No, that’s okay. No dramas. Just talking about the election. It’s upcoming. I think we suggest it might be in April sometime. You’re keeping your cards close to your chest. We understand that as Australians. So, that’s what politics is. I’ve got a little bit of feedback here, questions from our listeners to ask you, Treasurer, but I want to ask you this, and I think this is a very, very fair question. Is Australia in a better position than we were 3 years ago under a Labor government? And just hear me out here for a moment because we’re currently experiencing a cost‑of‑living crisis. National debt is at a record high, energy prices are through the roof, as most people have mentioned on the text line this morning. Household living standards for working Australians are down by about 18 per cent. A typical mortgage holder of that $600- and $700-thousand range is paying around $50,000 more in interest. That’s just to name a few so, Treasurer, is Australia in a better position than we were 3 years ago?

    Chalmers:

    Well, let’s run through each of those, Pete, because I think in running through each of those, you get a good answer. Think about inflation, that when we came to office it was higher than 6 per cent and rising. Now it’s got a 2 in front of it and it’s falling. Similarly with living standards – they were falling fast when we came to office. We’re seeing a recovery in living standards, acknowledging that people have still got a lot of ground to make up in their household budgets. You mentioned energy prices numbers that we got yesterday. Energy’s gone down a little over 25 per cent in the year.

    Fegan:

    But have our prices gone down, though, Treasurer? I mean, we were offered, we were promised at the election, promised that our energy prices would go down. And I know there has been some relief. I know the state’s offered some relief, but federally, I have to say that you’ve let us down.

    Chalmers:

    No, we’re offering relief as well, Pete. I think we need to acknowledge that. There’s energy bill relief at the federal level, not just the work of the –

    Fegan:

    Is that the $275 that’s gone missing, though?

    Chalmers:

    Three hundred dollars, $300 electricity bill rebate – and because of that, but not just because of that. If you look at yesterday’s numbers, one of the most heartening things is electricity went down I think 25.1 per cent. A lot of that is the rebates that we’re providing federally, but not all of that would have gone down without it. Happy to front up to your listeners and to you this morning, Pete, and say that I know that the cost‑of‑living pressures aren’t over, but what we’ve been able to do together as Australians is get that inflation down and get wages up and keep unemployment low. And that does give me a bit of confidence about the year ahead because a lot of these indicators which you ran through and then I ran through, were much worse in May of 2022 when we came to office. We’ve worked around the clock to try and turn things around, but we know that it’s not yet mission accomplished because so many of your listeners are still under the pump.

    Fegan:

    Just on some of those listeners, we’ve got some – this is just a fraction of what we’ve got here this morning, Treasurer, but it’s good to have this feedback because a lot of people do want to talk to you. And this is Mark at Park Ridge. He says ‘Hi, Peter. Can you please ask the Treasurer did they lose their plan to lower our electricity bills?’ John at Thornland says, ‘Morning, Peter. A question for the Treasurer. The drop in electricity prices was one of the stated reasons for the drop in rate of inflation, as this was artificially achieved by government’. Another one from Steve. This is just another one. It says, ‘Can you ask the Treasurer and ask him to be honest, no spin. Can he look Australians in the eye and say that we are financially better off under an ALP government?’ I mean, think they’re all very fair questions, Treasurer?

    Chalmers:

    Yep, yep. And one of the reasons I like coming on is because I like feedback questions. It’s one of the reasons why I perch myself outside the supermarket on a Saturday in my local community so that people can give me feedback in a characteristically blunt and Aussie way. I like that. Yeah, I welcome that. Welcome those questions. And so, if you run through the ones that I can recall from your list on energy –

    Fegan:

    It’s energy essentially.

    Fegan:

    Yes, energy bills. We did provide that $300 rebate. That’s the second time we’ve done that. But that’s not the whole reason that electricity prices have come down in that year to December. They would have gone down a bit even without our efforts, but I don’t see that as artificial, Pete. I think helping people with the bills which are putting pressure on family budgets, there’s nothing artificial about that. That’s what we’re doing proudly as a Labor government – helping people take some of the edge off these cost‑of‑living pressures, doing that at the same time as we get inflation down and get the budget in better nick. And so, for all of these reasons, whether it’s the progress we’re making together on inflation or employment or wages, 2 surpluses in the budget, less Liberal debt in the budget, rolling out this cost‑of‑living relief, we found a good combination of ways to deal with these cost‑of‑living pressures.

    And I think we saw yesterday the progress that we’re making together, very welcome, very encouraging, but we don’t get carried away because we know, whether it’s people calling into your show or texting into your show or right around Australia that people are still under pressure. That’s why our cost‑of‑living help is so important. And that’s why it would be, I think, important that we remind your listeners that at the election, it’s a choice, really. We have been providing people with cost‑of‑living help and we want to build the future of this country. Our opponents didn’t want to see this cost‑of‑living help. And because of that, if Peter Dutton had his way, people would be thousands of dollars worse off and they’ll be worse off still if he wins and that’s because his nuclear insanity will push electricity prices up, not down.

    Fegan:

    Treasurer, thank you for your time this morning, and let’s chat before the election.

    Chalmers:

    Really enjoyed the chat, Pete.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: A triumph over anti-car ideology

    Source: ACT Party

    Welcoming the delivery from tonight of increased speed limits – an ACT coalition commitment – ACT Leader David Seymour says:

    “Sensible speed limits are a triumph for common sense and democracy. Instead of being dictated to by a faceless bureaucratic minority, the people are in charge again.

    “People often asked me where blanket speed limit reductions came from. Who asked for this, whose idea was it, why don’t my views count? The previous Government’s traffic engineering was thinly disguised social engineering that just made people mad.

    “The government’s job is to make life easier, if a road is safe to drive 100, 110, or 120 km/h, people should be allowed to drive that fast. It sounds simple, and it is, but the last Government’s ideological anti-car project made life harder than it needed to be.

    “The last government had an anti-car, anti-speed ideology. They didn’t care if they made life less convenient for the vast majority who drive to get around, in fact they seemed to relish slowing people down.

    “Driving is important for New Zealanders. It liberates us from our homes and opens up the country for ordinary people to explore and do business. If we want productivity, we should be able to use roads we’ve paid for to their maximum safe capacity.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Rafael Epstein, ABC Melbourne

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    Raf Epstein:

    Just keep in mind, interest rates went up and up and up. We expect them to come down in February, and everyone’s also expecting the Prime Minister to call an election for April. Well, not everybody, but a lot of people.

    The federal Treasurer is Jim Chalmers. Treasurer, good morning.

    Jim Chalmers:

    Good morning, Raf, how are you?

    Epstein:

    I’m okay. What are you doing on April the 12th?

    Chalmers:

    On April the 12th? I’ll have to check the diary. But –

    Epstein:

    Is it clear?

    Chalmers:

    Usually if that’s Saturday, I’ll be perched outside a supermarket in my electorate talking to the people I represent.

    Epstein:

    That’s the speculated election date. Three weeks until the bank meets, the Reserve Bank. Is that the longest wait of your life?

    Chalmers:

    I don’t know about that, and I’m very careful not to engage in commentary or make predictions about the conversation around the board table at the Reserve Bank in the middle of February. I am focused on my part of this, my job. And I see my job as really 3 things: getting inflation down, getting wages up, keeping unemployment low. Australians collectively can be proud of the fact that we have been able to do all 3 of those things. Not every other country has been able to make the kind of progress that we’re making on inflation which we saw in yesterday’s numbers without seeing a big spike in unemployment. We’ve been able to manage that. That’s really important. We should all be proud of that. But we should also not get too carried away when we get these good inflation numbers because, as you said rightly in your introduction, people are still under pressure. The cost‑of‑living pressures haven’t disappeared but they have eased. They are easing, and we saw that in the numbers yesterday.

    Epstein:

    So the pressures are there. We all notice it, no matter how much – how good our income is. Twelve interest rate rises – it’s really tough. It is a very blunt instrument. Has that been worth the pain?

    Chalmers:

    First of all, Raf, there were 13 –

    Epstein:

    Oh, sorry.

    Chalmers:

    – and the reason I point that out to you is because the first one happened before the change of government. Our political opponents always neglect to mention the first one, which was during the Morrison government. But overall your point, I think, is broadly right, that those interest rate rises have put a lot of pressure on people and they have slowed our economy considerably, a point that I’ve made in different ways over the course of the last year or 2. I think it’s self‑evident that those rate rises the put pressure on people and slowed the economy.

    It’s part of the Reserve Bank’s efforts to get on top of this inflation challenge, and we’ve got different responsibilities here, me and the Reserve Bank Governor, but we’ve got the same objective. And together we’ve got inflation from where it was at the election, which was higher than 6 per cent and rising fast; now it’s got a 2 in front of it. It’s had a 2 in front of it for a couple of consecutive quarters now –

    Epstein:

    So are you saying that you do think it’s worthwhile? I mean, I don’t want to ask you about the alternative ways like GST yet, but do you think – like, it’s the only instrument we’ve got. It was worth the pain? Yes or no.

    Chalmers:

    Well, I don’t really do those kind of yes or no questions, Raf – and the reason for that is, whether it’s after decisions taken by the bank independently or before they take decisions, I don’t see myself as a commentator on that. My job is different. My job is to be a helpful part of getting on top of inflation, and the government has been helpful – 2 surpluses, the way we’ve designed our cost‑of‑living help to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. I’m focused on getting on top of inflation without sacrificing jobs and getting wages growing again, getting the budget in better nick, rolling out the cost‑of‑living help. These are the things that I focus on because they are my job. What we saw in those inflation numbers – and all Australians should take the credit for the progress that we’ve made together – what we saw was a really quite remarkable moderation in inflation. The improvements are now quite sustained. And that is a factual point, and the Reserve Bank will weigh all of that up. They’ll come to a decision independently, and I’m not going to colour that in for them in advance.

    Epstein:

    Okay.

    Chalmers:

    And I’m not going to second guess the decisions that they’ve already taken.

    Epstein:

    The federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers is with you on 774. It’s 18 minutes to 9. The Treasurer is on the National Security Committee of Cabinet. I might get to those issues in Sydney in a moment. But, Treasurer, just another really important but general point: the ABS says inflation is coming down. Maybe we’ll get a rate cut. We probably will. When is it going to feel better at the supermarket?

    Chalmers:

    I think we’ve seen a lot of those prices, goods prices, in the inflation numbers, they’ve come off pretty substantially. One of the reasons why we’ve been so tough on the supermarkets, why we are cracking down on anything which looks like anti‑competitive behaviour, why we’ve put so much effort into the changes we’ve made to get a fair go for families and farmers is because when the prices come down, we want to see that passed on at the checkout. And in those numbers yesterday we saw that goods inflation had come down a lot.

    Again, I come back to the point I made a moment ago, and that is that we recognise that even with this very substantial, very sustained progress on inflation, it doesn’t always translate immediately into how people are feeling or faring. The cost‑of‑living pressures haven’t disappeared, but they have eased considerably, and we want to see that passed on at the checkout.

    Epstein:

    We lost little bits of that Treasurer, but we did get the gist of the answer, so I’m going to pursue the interview with that phone line. I do want to get to a few issues in Melbourne, including the Suburban Rail Loop, and I know a lot of people texting about a fire around Bentleigh and Moorabbin. If you can see that, if you know what’s going on, we’ll come to that as well.

    Treasurer, the really disturbing story, we’ve only learnt in the last few days that there was a caravan found with explosives in New South Wales. It was actually found almost 2 weeks ago. So it had explosives in it and a list of Jewish organisations. That was found on January the 19th, a Sunday. We didn’t know that. We only heard this in the last few days.

    I’m just asking sort of a timing question, because the day after the caravan was found you had the opposition demanding a National Security Cabinet Meeting on antisemitism. The Prime Minister resisted that and then sort of relented a day later. Did – was the government told? Was the federal government told about the discovery of that caravan on January the 19th, the Sunday or on the Monday?

    Chalmers:

    A couple of things about that, Raf. First of all, these revelations and these reports are chilling. they are incredibly disturbing. We know that some of the fears that Jewish Australians have right now are not unfounded when we get these kinds of reports, and we know from the authorities that this was a potential mass casualty event. This is why it’s so important that we work so closely with the police and other authorities, the states and territories and others because obviously there is no place for violence or antisemitism in country like ours.

    You asked me about the timing, and the reason I’m going to be reluctant to get into that, Raf, is because there are important operational and other reasons why we don’t speak publicly about some of these briefings that we receive from time to time. I know that people would like to know more about that. I do genuinely understand that. I don’t begrudge you asking me that, but there are very important operational reasons not to go into that, and that’s why I won’t go into it today.

    Epstein:

    But there’s nothing to divulge in simply – we now know the caravan was found by police. Surely it’s just a matter of transparency to ask when did the federal government get told about the discovery of the caravan. Did – I mean, I’m really asking in some ways a very political question – did you guys know about the caravan when the Opposition’s demanding a big meeting on antisemitism, a National Cabinet Meeting?

    Chalmers:

    I understand the question. I’m not dark at you for asking it. But the advice that we get in the briefings that we receive is that it is unhelpful to go into the nature or the timing of those briefings. I understand the answer that you’re after, but unfortunately that’s the best answer that I can give.

    Epstein:

    I’m sure it’s a question the Opposition will pursue. Okay, I’m grateful for your time. Something that’s really significant – and I could actually ask you – I could spend the whole interview on it – is the Suburban Rail Loop Project. The federal – the plan from the state government is that the federal government funds one‑third of that project. I realise a lot of that is in years where you may well not be Treasurer, even if Labor wins the next few elections. Do you prefer the Suburban Rail Loop over Airport Rail, or are you very keen for Airport Rail to proceed ahead of the Suburban Rail Loop?

    Chalmers:

    I think the best way to describe our position on that is I know in some of the commentary about those 2 projects that it is often presented as if they are very closely linked. And we haven’t really proceeded with our thinking about those projects as if they are 2 sides of the one coin. We’ve thought about them in separate and distinct ways. We’ve made commitments and provisions to both, subject to the responsible work that goes into stacking up these business cases. We’ve made a couple‑of‑billion‑dollar commitment to the Suburban Rail Loop. We’ll work closely with the Victorian government – I know my wonderful colleague, a fine Victorian, in Catherine King, speaks to her counterparts down your way frequently about these projects – to see if we can get at this time built. But we’ve made big provisions. We’re enthusiastic about building more Victorian infrastructure, and we work with the Victorian colleagues to make that a reality.

    It’s not talking out of school to say that I caught up with the new Victorian Treasurer yesterday afternoon in Melbourne, had a cup of coffee and talked about some of these sorts of issues, and that’s because we work closely with the governments around the country.

    Epstein:

    Okay, so can I – let me ask you the blatant question, if I can. It’s very much the feeling amongst some in both your government and the state government that it’s a game of chicken – you won’t really commit to the Suburban Rail Loop until the state government tips in more on airport rail. Is that what’s going on? You’re sort of – you won’t let the dollars flow further on the SRL until the state commits further to airport rail?

    Chalmers:

    I can genuinely say to you, Raf, that I’ve never been in a conversation of that nature. I haven’t seen it that way. I haven’t considered it that way. Nobody’s put it to me that way. We’re big and enthusiastic investors in Victorian infrastructure. We do as much as we responsibly can to work with the states to fund these projects. We’ve made a big provision for Suburban Rail Loop subject to the usual kinds of processes and pressures. And I haven’t thought of it the way that you’ve just described it.

    Epstein:

    I appreciate your time this morning. Thanks for joining us.

    Chalmers:

    Appreciate yours, Raf. All the best.

    Epstein:

    Jim Chalmers, the federal Treasurer.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Sex Discrimination Commissioner raises concerns on Queensland’s pause on hormone therapies

    Source: Australian Human Rights Commission

    Content type: Media Release
    Published:
    Topic(s): Sex Discrimination

    Sex Discrimination Commissioner Dr Anna Cody has raised concerns on the pause in Stage One and Two hormone therapies for people under 18 years through the Queensland’s public health system while an independent review is undertaken.

    “A fundamental human right is access to healthcare, and gender affirming healthcare is part of this right,” she said. “Trans and gender diverse children and young people should feel supported to affirm their gender by the adults in their lives and health care providers.

    “This pause has the potential to harm the physical and mental wellbeing of children in Queensland who are currently awaiting care. We note that these treatments are supported by evidence and the Australian Standards of Care and Treatment Guidelines for Trans and Gender Diverse Children and Adolescents that are endorsed by medical experts*. Above all, we must ensure we are putting the wellbeing of trans and gender children and young people first. 

    “The Australian Human Rights Commission will be contacting the Queensland Government with our concerns and to seek further information. Our concern is that restricting access will create trauma to young people who will be unable to access treatments in a timely manner.”

    -Ends- 

    * Australian Professional Association for Trans Health, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian Endocrine Society.

    Media contact: media@humanrights.gov.au or 0457 281 897

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH15 expected to reopen shortly

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises State Highway 15 is expected to reopen between Maungatapere and Otaika around 2pm this afternoon.

    The road has been closed since yesterday morning (Wednesday 29 January) to allow NZ Police to investigate following the unexplained death of a motorcyclist.

    NZTA thanks everyone for their patience during the closure.

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Art making out west

    Source: Auckland Council

    We seek applications now, from experienced and adventurous artists for our 2025 park based artist’s residency. The selected artist will live by the sea, in Barr Cottage, Little Huia – an ideal base for exploring the surrounding Waitākere parkland.

    The artist in residence will create site-specific art about a habitat, creature, character or feature of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. The artist’s residency work will be shared with our park visitors in some way – usually through a performance, event, workshop, exhibition, recording, publication or on-park storyboard.

    Artists living within parks 24/7, witness things our visitors often miss. For eight weeks they delve into the nature of a place and get a sense of sites or species of significance. Embedded within a park, they serve as our ears and eyes and draw on what they see and hear to create art which reflects these immersive experiences.

    This regional park residency offers a two month stay on the shores of the Manukau Harbour from November-December 2005 and is open to innovative, experienced and professional artists. We welcome proposals from writers, filmmakers, composers, choreographers, sculptors, painters, printmakers and other creatives.

    View towards Manakau heads.

    Applications close 21 February 2025. More information and documents to guide your application are available here. 

    Moon and sun prints

    Kate van der Drift our 2024 artist enabled us to see ‘her park’, Waitawa, in a new light – with her suite of photos taken by the light of the moon. Some of Kate’s ethereal moonlit photos now grace the gritty façade of Magazine 4 (an old industrial explosives warehouse) at Waitawa Regional Park.

    Kate van der Drift our 2024 artist in Residence.

    Another tranche of Kate’s residency work, camera-less prints of plants, which harnessed the sun and water as ‘developers’ will be exhibited as part of the Festival of Photography in May 2025. One of Kate’s plant-based prints and interpretation of her experimental process to make it, will stay permanently where it was created – at the bach at Waitawa, for future users of the bach to enjoy.

    Over three nights, Kate explored the park in this ethereal moonlight, and some of these photographs are presented here.

    To see the range of projects artists have produced and the benefits to both artist and park visitor please visit here.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Open season on renters begins with no-cause evictions

    Source: Green Party

    The Green Party says that with no-cause evictions returning from today, the move to allow landlords to end tenancies without reason plunges renters, and particularly families who rent, into insecurity and stress.

    “Open season on renters has begun, as this Government for landlords creates more insecurity and pain for renters,” says the Green Party’s Housing spokesperson Tamatha Paul. 

    “No-cause evictions mean that renters can be removed from their homes without reason, undermining housing stability and perpetuating insecurity. It’s another cruel step which favours landlords and erodes renters’ rights in Aotearoa. There will be many families who will suffer acutely as a result of the uncertainty this creates.

    “No-cause evictions have flow-on impacts for children of families who are plunged into housing instability – it undermines their health and education, and compounds mental health problems linked to inadequate housing and unhealthy homes. 

    “Landlords will be able to kick out renters on a whim – it may be because of the renter’s disability or even the way they dress – but the landlord doesn’t have to provide a reason, it’s open season.

    “Housing is a human right, but this Government is treating it like a business. Housing forms the foundation for our communities to thrive, it is something we can afford to provide to everyone.

    “The Government has ignored the overwhelming public opposition to this Bill. A massive 97 per cent of submitters on the no clause termination provision opposed it, including 53 per cent of landlords themselves.

    “Everyone deserves a safe and secure place to call home. The Green Party will continue to fight for stronger renters rights, and that includes removing no-cause evictions,” says Tamatha Paul.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Questions Howard Lutnick at Confirmation Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
    Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, questioned Howard Lutnick at the confirmation hearing on his nomination to be Secretary of Commerce. 
    During the hearing, Senator Fischer’s exchange with Lutnick focused on federal spectrum management and its critical role in national security, the impact of retaliatory tariffs on agriculture and manufacturing, the need to expand export markets, preserving critical broadband funding, and strategies to counter threats from China in technology markets.

    Click the image above to watch a video of Senator Fischer’s questioning
    Click here to download audio
    Click here to download video
    On the Role Spectrum Plays in Protecting National Security:
    Senator Fischer: If confirmed, you will lead a massive federal agency across 13 bureaus. And to start with, I want to highlight one that you’ve already heard of—the NTIA. It has critical influence over the U.S. economy and over our security, as well. Among its roles . . . NTIA coordinates spectrum management, ensuring that federal airwaves are being used most effectively. But, as spectrum becomes more scarce, critical federal operations, especially those essential for our national security, have been seen as obstacles. At the onset, I want to make it clear to you that DOD airwaves are not lying dormant and that proposals to clear them would jeopardize our national security.
    We have constellations of DOD satellites that rely on spectrum. Our nuclear command and control relies on spectrum. Advanced fighter aircraft like F-35s rely on spectrum. And we are investing tens of billions of dollars in developing sixth-generation aircraft that will rely on spectrum. We have radar systems on our Navy ships tracking incoming missiles around the world. These allowed us to help defend Israel from over 300 missile and drone attacks last year. They rely on spectrum. I can go on and on, as my colleagues know, but this is all to say that I hope we can work together so that we can come up with a really strong strategy for federal spectrum management in the future.
    On Protecting Nebraska’s Industries From Retaliatory Tariffs:
    Senator Fischer: I’m from Nebraska, and Nebraska’s agricultural and manufacturing industries rely on our strong export markets for our products. You and I talked about trade and about the need under this administration for trade to be front and center. We know that we didn’t see much of that happen in the previous administration. We also know, though sir, that other countries may try to retaliate against our agricultural and our manufacturing industries. So, if confirmed, will you work with your colleagues at other agencies to understand the impact of retaliatory tariffs on agriculture and manufacturing?
    Howard Lutnick: I will.
    On Opportunities To Expand Export Markets:Senator Fischer: Thank you. Can you also talk a little bit about what opportunities you view that are out there so that we can expand certain export markets over the next four years under this administration?
    Howard Lutnick: I think our farmers, ranchers, and fishermen are treated with disrespect.Senator Fischer: Always, the fish.Howard Lutnick: Always, you have to include them. You know, how often do we eat seafood? Come on. So they are treated with disrespect around the world. They are our farmers, our ranchers, and our fishermen are treated with disrespect. The countries take advantage of American kindness, American gratitude, that we used to rebuild the world after the World Wars, and after the Korean War, and after the Vietnam War.
    We need that disrespect to end. And I think tariffs are a way to create reciprocity, to be treated fairly, to be treated appropriately. And I think it will help our farmers, our ranchers, and our fishermen to flourish. And that’s what I expect this administration is going to drive. And that’s why I am honored to serve President Trump in his pursuit of that reciprocity and that fairness, and the end of the disrespect.
    These countries have reliance on the American economy, and they need to start respecting us and respect us now.
    On Understanding the Importance of the BEAD Broadband Program:Senator Fischer: Thank you. You heard about the BEAD funding from Senator Thune and other members of this committee as well. And I hope you will take that to heart and help our states get through some of those regulations that are out there. It has been an impediment to us.
    On Bolstering American Competitiveness Against China:  Senator Fischer: I’d like to talk a little bit here in the last few seconds about technology and competitiveness. I think I have Senator Wicker’s time.
    In previous hearings, this committee has discussed the United States’ AI capabilities and that we are in a dead heat with China. This week, we heard about DeepSeek, and I think it’s having us to examine kind of where we are right now with that.
    If confirmed, given the Commerce Department’s breadth of influence on that issue, how will you address different threats that we see coming from the CCP within these information and technology markets?Howard Lutnick: I take a very jaundiced view of China. I think they only care about themselves and seek to harm us. We need to protect ourselves, we need to drive our innovation forward, and we need to stop helping them.
    Open platforms—Meta’s open platform, let DeepSeek rely on it. Nvidia’s chips, which they bought tons of and they found their ways around it, drive their DeepSeek model. It’s got to end.
    If they are going to compete with us, let them compete, but stop using our tools to compete with us. So I’m going to be very strong on that. I am thrilled to oversee BIS and I’m thrilled to coordinate and empower BIS with tariffs that will improve the strength. When we say no, that answer’s got to be no.Senator Fischer: I look forward to working with you, sir. Thank you.Howard Lutnick: Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defend the base: 51st SFS and Army integrate during BH 25-2

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea  –  

    Airmen from the 51st Security Forces Squadron trained alongside soldiers from the U.S. Army Correctional Facility-Korea, 94th Military Police Battalion during Beverly Herd 25-2 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea Jan. 27, 2029. 

    Beverly Herd exercises are held throughout the year and designed to test the wing’s ability to survive and operate in a contested environment on the Korean Peninsula. 

    Integrating with joint partners during wing exercises helps foster relations and allows the two services to share tactics, techniques and procedures. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Digital doppelgangers’ are helping scientists tackle everyday problems – and showing what makes us human

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alicia (Lucy) Cameron, Principal Research Consultant & Team Leader, Data61, CSIRO

    cybermagician/Shutterstock

    As rising seas lap at its shore, Tuvalu faces an existential threat. In an effort to preserve the tiny island nation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, its government has been building a “digital twin” of the entire country.

    Digital twins are exactly what they sound like – a virtual double or replica of a physical, real-world entity. Scientists have been creating digital twins of everything from molecules, to infrastructure, and even entire planets.

    It’s also now possible to construct a digital twin of an individual person. In other words, a “digital doppelganger”.

    A doppelganger is someone who looks spookily like you but isn’t. The word originated in German, and literally means a “double walker”. A number of industries are now using digital doppelgangers for a range of reasons. These include enhancing athletic performance, offering more personalised healthcare and improving workplace safety.

    But although there are benefits to this technology, there are significant risks associated with its development. Having digital doppelgangers also forces us to reflect on which of our human attributes can’t be digitally replicated.

    Modelling complex systems

    The development of digital twins has been enabled by advances in environmental sensors, camera vision, augmented reality and virtual reality, as well as machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI).

    A digital twin allows us to build and test things in cyberspace – cheaply and without risk – before deploying in the real world.

    For example, we can build and stress-test infrastructure such as bridges or water supply pipes under a variety of conditions. Once built, we can use digital models to maintain the infrastructure proactively and prevent disastrous and costly structural breakdowns. This technology is a game-changer for planning and engineering, not only saving billions of dollars, but also supporting sustainability efforts.

    Of course, replicating individual humans requires much more complex modelling than when building digital twins of bridges or buildings.

    For a start, humans don’t live in a structured world, but rather inhabit complex social and physical environments. We are variable, moody and motivated by any number of factors, from hunger to tiredness, love to anger. We can change our past patterns with conscious thought, as well as act spontaneously and with creativity, challenging the status quo if needed.

    Because of this, creating perfect digital twins of humans is incredibly challenging – if not impossible. Nevertheless, digital doppelgangers are still useful for a number of purposes.

    The digital patient

    Clinicians increasingly use scans to create virtual models of the human body, with which to plan operations or create artificial body parts.

    By adding extra biometric information (for example, blood chemistry, biomechanics and physiological responses), digital models can also mirror real-world bodies, live and in real time.

    Creating digital patients can optimise treatment responses in a move away from one-size-treats-all healthcare. This means drugs, dosages and rehabilitation plans can be personalised, as well as being thoroughly tested before being applied to real people.

    Digital patients can also increase the accessibility of medical expertise to people living in remote locations. And what’s more, using multiple digital humans means some clinical trials can now be performed virtually.

    Scaled up further, this technology allows for societal-level simulations with which to better manage public health events, such as air pollution, pandemics or tsunamis.

    The digital athlete

    Imagine being able to train against a digital replica of an upcoming opponent.

    Sports scientists are increasingly working with digital athletes to trial and optimise strength and conditioning regimes, as well as test competitive play. This helps to increase the chances of winning as well as prevent injuries.

    Researchers at Griffith University have been pioneers in this space, creating models of real athletes. They have also trialled wearable sensors in patches or smart clothing that can measure a range of biomarkers: blood pressure and chemistry, temperature, and sweat composition.

    CSIRO and the Australian Sports Commission have also used digital humans to improve the performance of divers, swimmers and rowers.

    The digital worker

    As well as building virtual replicas of sports people, scientists at CSIRO have also being building virtual simulations of employees in various workplaces, including offices and construction sites.

    This is helping them analyse movements, workflows and productivity – with the broader aim of preventing workplace injuries. For example, scientists can use a model of a digital worker to assess how heavy items are lifted in order to better understand how this puts strain on different parts of the body.

    With 6.1 million Australians impacted by musculoskeletal conditions, preventing workplace injuries can not only improve lives, but save the economy billions of dollars.

    Digital dopplegangers can help prevent workplace injuries.
    Rose Marinelli/Shutterstock

    Responsible development of digital doppelgangers

    Building a digital doppelgangers requires a lot of very personal data. This can include scans, voice and video recordings, or performance and health data.

    Personal data can also be harvested from an array of other sources. These include as cars, mobile phones, and internet-connected smart devices.

    The creation of data-hungry digital replicas is forcing us to redefine legal rights. Think copyright, deepfakes and identity theft or online scams.

    The power of this technology is inspiring. But ensuring a future in which we live happily alongside our digital doppelgangers will require governments, technology developers and end-users to think hard about issues of consent, ethical data management and the potential for misuse of this technology.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. ‘Digital doppelgangers’ are helping scientists tackle everyday problems – and showing what makes us human – https://theconversation.com/digital-doppelgangers-are-helping-scientists-tackle-everyday-problems-and-showing-what-makes-us-human-247574

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –