Source: Asia Development Bank
Using state-dependent local projection methods, the results of the paper indicate a weaker transmission during boom phases. Stricter regulation on P2P lending since 2017 in the PRC and the substantial scaling back of P2P lending could positively impact the monetary management of the economy.
Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers
The Albanese Labor Government has today announced the appointment of Ms Sam Meers AO as a member and future Chair, the reappointment of Mrs Penny Fowler AM as interim Chair and Ms Elizabeth Dibbs as a member of the Board to the National Portrait Gallery.
Mrs Fowler will serve as Chair for the remainder of her final term until March 2025 and will be succeeded by Ms Meers for a two and half year term. Ms Dibbs will be appointed as a member for a three year term from January 2025.
The National Portrait Gallery holds Australia’s largest collection of portraits of notable Australians, telling our story and increasing the understanding and appreciation of Australian people by examining their identity, history, culture, creativity and diversity.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the experience and skills of the appointees would be invaluable to the Board.
“Sam has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the Australian arts sector and her significant experience will provide continued strong leadership for the gallery.
“I’d also like to thank Penny and Elizabeth for their continued service and dedication to the National Portrait gallery.
“Penny has made a significant contribution in advancing the goals of Revive at the gallery, including elevating First Nations representation in the collection and ensuring the institution can present Australian stories through the diverse and emotive genre of portraiture.”
Ms Sam Meers AO is co-founder and Chair of the Nelson Meers Foundation, a not-for-profit philanthropic foundation. Ms Meers has extensive experience in the arts and philanthropy sectors and was made an Officer for the Order of Australia in 2018. She is currently chairman of the Brett Whiteley Foundation and a director of Environmental Leadership Australia. Her board appointments have included chairman of Belvoir St Theatre; chairman of Documentary Australia; deputy chairman of the Federal Government Creative Partnerships Australia; a trustee of the Arts Gallery of NSW and a director of the State Library of NSW Foundation. Ms Meers holds degrees in Law and Arts and a Master of letters (literature) from the University of Sydney. She is a member of Chief Executive Women, and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Royal Society of NSW.
Ms Elizabeth Dibbs is currently a member of the Board where she has managed the role of chair of the Audit and Risk Committee for three years. She is deputy chancellor of Western Sydney University and chair of its Audit and Risk Committee. She is also deputy chair of the ACT City Renewal Authority and chair of United Way Australia. Elizabeth has previously served as the Western City District Commissioner for the Greater Cities Commission, as a Council Member of Chief Executive Women, chair of its Scholarship Committee and as chair of YWCA NSW.
Mrs Penny Fowler AM has served as chair of the of the Board since January 2022 after first being appointed as a member in March 2016. She is the chair of the Herald and Weekly Times and is News Corp Australia’s Community Ambassador. She is also chair of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, chair of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, a Board member of Tourism Australia, an Advisory Board member of Visy, and a Board member of Tech Mahindra. Ms Fowler is a member of Chief Executive Women and an ambassador for the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation and SecondBite. In 2024, Mrs Fowler was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
We are aware of the DPRK’s multiple ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with the Republic of Korea and Japan, as well as other regional allies and partners. The United States condemns these actions, as well as last week’s intercontinental ballistic missile launch, and calls on the DPRK to refrain from further unlawful and destabilizing acts. While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, or territory, or to our allies, we continue to monitor the situation. The U.S. commitments to the defense of the ROK and Japan remain ironclad.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Frank Deer, Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba
Independent Special Interlocutor Kimberly Murray has released her final report after two years of examining the issue of missing and disappeared Indigenous children and unmarked burials sites at residential schools in Canada.
During the ceremony last week in Gatineau, Que., Murray said governments do not often implement recommendations given on such reports. So she opted to identify 42 “legal, moral and ethical obligations” for governments, churches and other institutions. These are proposals on how to make holistic reparations to Indigenous Peoples.
Murray emphasized that the children were “victims of enforced disappearance.”
Since the 1870s and continuing for more than 150 years, over 150,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit children were taken from their families and forced to attend church-run, government-funded residential schools. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has documented more than 4,100 deaths of children at the schools.
After potential unmarked graves were identified at former residential school sites, the Canadian government appointed Murray to make recommendations on unmarked graves and burial sites.
The report, “Sites of Truth, Sites of Conscience” focuses on aspects of the Indian Residential School experience: unaccounted missing children, unmarked grave sites, the roles of government and churches in the Indian Residential School genocide and failure to maintain records of the deaths and burials of deceased children.
The report centres Indigenous strategies for research and advances a framework of reparations to “support the search for and recovery of the missing and disappeared children and unmarked burials.” It is an extension of the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) whose final report devoted an entire volume toward missing children and unmarked burials. The newest report is even more bold than the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
The TRC report observed that “the most basic of questions about missing children — Who died? Why did they die? Where are they buried? — have never been addressed or comprehensively documented by the Canadian Government.”
Since the TRC report was released in 2015, efforts to investigate this issue of missing children and unmarked graves has increased significantly.
Murray explores the issue of genocide in the Indian Residential School system in ways that indict the Canadian government and other institutions of crimes.
The report says Canada must refer to “the enforced disappearance of children,” as a “crime against humanity” and the issue needs to be taken to the International Criminal Court. It further states that the “federal government and other institutions have worked harder to protect perpetrators than they ever did to protect Indigenous children, families, and communities,” and that Canada has embraced a culture of “settler amnesia and willful forgetting.”
In support of this indictment, Murray shows how the government and church were not only responsible for acts of omission in that somehow failed to protect Indigenous children in their care. Instead, they were acts of commission: deliberately created situations in which Indigenous children in their care were severely harmed.
Murray refers to this as forced disappearances — when the liberty of Indigenous children is taken away and their fate was concealed.
In addition, the Independent Special Interlocutor also focuses on, among other things, our moral and ethical obligations as foundational frames for reparations.
Murray put forth 42 obligations that reflect the morally and ethically centred responsibilities of governments, churches and other institutions.
These moral and ethical responsibilities inform the reparations that Murray articulates in her report.
These responsibilities and obligations include:
Calls for long-term financial support of investigations into missing and disappeared Indigenous children and Indian Residential School burial sites
Support for survivors
The recording of their stories
Underlining the report is a moral principal that efforts to find missing children and unmarked graves must be Indigenous-led.
These moral principles, this foundation for action, articulated by Murray, can provide a compelling rationale that may help change attitudes and action.
The recent report puts forth several moral and ethical principles which we need to consider.
One of the report’s powerful statements is:
“Children must be cared for in life and after death.”
This might seem to some a simple point that is obvious and even unnecessary. However, the distance between such important declarations and the policies of Canadian governments and institutions has been vast.
That this particular principle refers to the importance of care “after death” ought to be familiar to any of us who’ve lost loved ones. However, stating it clearly here strengthens the point that government and other institutions have obligations to children who died in their care.
Another important principle from the report is that “search and recovery work is sacred.”
The need to discover who died, the reasons why they died, and the location of their remains is one so connected to the emotional well-being of living descendants and fellow community members that it is a spiritual journey.
This is why the search and recovery processes must be Indigenous-led.
This report, like the TRC’s and the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, contains demands for action that should be accepted and acted upon by governments and institutions.
The moral and ethical principles that inform those demands can be as important for informing change. It is in these principles that we may find moral guidance and direction toward righteousness.
We may also find, if we’re paying attention, our humanity.
Frank Deer receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
– ref. Canada and churches have moral obligations for the reparations of missing and disappeared Indigenous children: Final Report – https://theconversation.com/canada-and-churches-have-moral-obligations-for-the-reparations-of-missing-and-disappeared-indigenous-children-final-report-242560
Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU
NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff is deeply concerned about the future of investment in science, following the latest announcement of another 60 jobs cuts at Environmental Science and Research (ESR). The Government has now axed more than 500 jobs in the public science sector.
“The Government doesn’t seem to believe in the value of science and isn’t interested in making the investment required. Instead, it is taking us backwards and slashing funding in favour of tax cuts for landlords and tobacco companies,” said Wagstaff.
“We should be increasing investment in science and properly funding Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) and universities. New Zealand is only spending about half the OECD average on science and research and development (R&D) already.
“It’s well known that countries that invest a higher proportion of GDP directly in R&D (both private and public) see greater returns economically, socially and environmentally.
“The decision to make these cuts has been made even though the report of the Science System Advisory Group report is due out shortly, which demonstrates the lack of commitment there is to listen to the evidence on the importance of science investment.
‘The Government talks about the need to tackle our poor productivity performance, and the need for a longer-term plan to arrest our decline, but their actions continue to take us in the opposite direction.
“It’s time we had a serious conversation about science, and we urgently need a government that is prepared to have that conversation and not just bury it’s head in the sand,” said Wagstaff.
Note:
The CTU and several affiliated unions are member organisations of the Save Science Coalition. The Save Science Coalition released a report in July this year about the cuts to science funding and staffing so far, which can be found here. The group is now working on an update to this report, to account for the ongoing cuts we are seeing at GNS, ESR and elsewhere. The report will contain more detailed numbers and information and is expected to be released before the end of the year.
Source: Department of Conservation
Date: 05 November 2024
The re-opened 1.8km track starts at the northern end of the original track on Constable Road, south of Muriwai Beach. The 65-minute walk (one way) takes walkers to the new end of the walkway at Tirikohua Point. At the half-way point is a natural viewpoint with stunning views both north and south of the dramatic coastline.
The original Te Henga Walkway, which traversed the cliffs from Te Henga/Bethells Beach to Muriwai, suffered enormous damage in the extreme weather events in early 2023. Major sections of the cliffs collapsed which destroyed large sections of the track says DOC Tāmaki Makaurau Operations Manager Rebecca Rush.
“The full coastal track had suffered from severe landslides over several years making it no longer a resilient, safe or sustainable place to rebuild the track.
“The new viewpoint gives walkers a destination to reach, and a place to take in the beauty of the rugged west coast of Auckland – the main attraction of the original walkway. We anticipate Aucklanders of a range of ages and fitness levels will enjoy this shorter track.”
Rebecca reminds the public the old walkway, from Tirikohua Point south to Bethells Beach is closed and impassable with many large sections wiped out by significant landslips.
Edward Ashby, CEO of Te Kawerau Iwi Tiaki Trust says giving people the opportunity to experience the west coast’s magnificent landscape helps connect people to nature and is a welcome solution for the damaged track.
“While the total loss of large sections of the track was devastating for the iwi and community, particularly given the wider impacts to locals from the 2023 weather events, the solution of a shorter track provides some positive recreation and access for people.
“The area is of immense spiritual significance to Te Kawerau ā Maki as a traditional pathway between Muriwai and Te Henga that includes some of our most ancient pūrākau (stories), major pā, peace-making sites, iwi lands such as Parihoa and Te Henga blocks, and the nearby location of our planned marae at Te Henga.
“We’re working with DOC to consider a new name for this shortened walk to reflect the history and beauty of the place.”
To plan your walk, visit the DOC track webpage Te Henga Walkway
Te Henga Walkway suffered around 20 landslides during summer 2023. Major sections of cliff collapsed destroying large lengths of track. The storms also took out one bridge at the Bethells Beach end of the original walkway and one on the hillside. An average of 30,000 visitors used to hike the Te Henga Walkway each year.
DOC received $12.6 million to help fix up nature, heritage, and visitor sites in the North Island that were damaged in the North Island weather events.
89 per cent of the visitor sites affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, and that were funded, have been repaired, supported, or reopened in some way.
Most ecosystems are slowly recovering from the cyclone, and efforts are being made to help endangered species in certain areas. Recovery work is still ongoing, and more resources are needed to deal with the loss of plants and animals, as well as damage to cultural, heritage, and visitor sites.
Te Kawerau ā Maki are the West Auckland based iwi with shared interests over the northern half of the Auckland Region. Their heartland is the Waitākere Ranges where their marae is planned to be rebuilt at Te Henga. Further information about the iwi can be found at www.tekawerau.iwi
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: Australian Ministers 1
ROSS SOLLY: The National Capital Authority recently released – or just in the last couple of weeks, released its annual report, and buried inside that report was the news that a couple of key infrastructure projects, including work it was doing on Scrivener Dam and on Commonwealth Bridge, have sort of become stuck in a bit of a quagmire. They’re going nowhere, and nobody can actually explain why. We have put in a request to the National Capital Authority on several occasions. I don’t think we’ve even got a reply to be honest. I don’t think they’ve even acknowledged our request, so it’s a bit difficult to get a response from the National Capital Authority though. Somebody who has managed to sit down and have a chat with them though is Kristy McBain, the Federal Minister for Regional Development and Member for Eden-Monaro. Good morning to you, Kristy McBain.
KRISTY MCBAIN: Good morning Ross. How are you going?
SOLLY: Yeah, not too bad. I understand you had a meeting with the NCA yesterday. Did you raise with them the concerns about what’s happening with these infrastructure projects?
MCBAIN: I meet with the NCA pretty regularly about a range of their work and their program in front of them. Obviously, we spoke about Scrivener Dam and the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal projects. Both of those projects are finalising their tender stage at the moment, and I’m really looking forward to those successful tenderers being announced in the coming weeks.
SOLLY: I understand there have been significant delays? Did they explain why we’re well behind schedule on those projects?
MCBAIN: When we talk about the Scrivener Dam project, it holds back 33 million cubic metres of water. It’s a pretty big project. This will be the most significant strengthening works completed on the dam since it was built in 1963. What is happening is some work on the dissipator there, so that when water spills over the damn it doesn’t erode the banks down the river. There are 700 new anchor points going into the foundation rock, 10 to 20 metres deep. So a pretty complex engineering project. Whilst the procurement has taken longer than we would have liked, it’s in the process of being finalised now. We’re six months behind where we would have wanted to be, but work will commence before Christmas, which is the most important thing.
SOLLY: Yeah, for sure. But can I also say this is taxpayers’ money that’s been spent here and there has been a delay. Why has there been a delay? Are you satisfied with the reasons that have been put forward to you for why everything has been put back, and that we are now running behind schedule?
MCBAIN: As I said, we’re six months behind schedule, but the project will commence before Christmas. The project is still on budget which is the most important thing for taxpayers to understand. It’s a pretty complex engineering job that is required on the Scrivener Dam. We look forward to work starting, that’s what Canberrans want to see. Obviously, the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge is another significant piece of work. It’ll be the first time major works have happened on that bridge apart from maintenance, since it was built as well. It’s really important that we get that right as well.
SOLLY: Is that still on budget or are we now over budget for that?
MCBAIN: No, that’s still on budget. That includes works that will strengthen and widen the bridge, making sure that those passenger and bicycle lanes are also there. It’s probably one of the most utilised assets across Canberra for both passenger vehicles, trucks and pedestrians. It’s really important that project is done well, and there’s been a range of works that have had to take place to get to the tender stage, which is important.
SOLLY: And of course, it is also integral, isn’t it, to the whole light rail plan?
MCBAIN: That’s right. Before this one went to tender, there was obviously some quite detailed design work, statutory, environmental and heritage assessments. A pretty big public and stakeholder consultation. Obviously, it’s one of the most utilised assets across Canberra, but it is vital for light rail. Although, the works that are being done on Commonwealth Bridge themselves are not done for light rail. Lights rail’s project is separate to what we’re doing on the bridge.
SOLLY: That’s true. Are you still confident in the capacity of the NCA to handle these big projects? I notice that there’s some critics suggesting that maybe this is all a bit much, and there needs to be a bigger authority come in and run big projects like this. Are you confident in the abilities of the NCA to do this work, Kristy McBain?
MCBAIN: Absolutely. Again, this nationally significant project remains on budget, which is extraordinary in the current environment, particularly the current construction environment that we see. The NCA have been doing a fantastic job on this, and the work that they’ve been doing in the lead up to this tender process shows how prepared they are, by making sure that all of the design elements are sorted before they go to tender.
SOLLY: All right. 7:27. While I’ve got you here. Kristy McBain, I have to ask you, are you still, are you a member of the Chairman’s Lounge?
MCBAIN: I am, I’m a member of the Chairman’s Lounge.
SOLLY: Are you going to retain your membership?
MCBAIN: I pay for a Rex Lounge membership. Yes. One of the reasons it’s incredibly important is a lot of times when we are travelling you’re required to have some last-minute briefings or meetings that come up, and you need to do that in an environment that you can shut a door and have an office space. I’ve done a range of media interviews in those lounges. I’ve recorded a bunch of things in those lounges. There is a lot of travel required, although most of my travel is usually in the car around the electorate. But in my ministerial role when I am travelling, it’s important to have a space sometimes to be able to get some work done in between flights.
SOLLY: Have you ever asked for an upgrade?
MCBAIN: No.
SOLLY: Why not? Everyone else does, seems to be anyway.
MCBAIN: A lot of my flights are into regional areas, and I’m travelling with Rex or Qantas into regional areas. A lot of those planes don’t have a business class for obvious reasons. You’re on smaller planes and it’s just not something that has ever happened.
SOLLY: Just quickly on the TAFE and the HECS changes in about a minute or so, do you think that’s going to have some significant bearing in the Canberra and surrounding districts?
MCBAIN: It’s going to be incredibly important for communities right across the country. It’s a great announcement. We know that HECS debt has been piling up. It’s a way to make it fairer for people now and into the future. Fee-Free TAFE locks in those fee-free TAFE places in critical shortage areas like our trades. We know we need more houses built across this country and it’s incredibly important that we’ve got the plumbers, the chippies, the sparkies able to do that for us and this helps those people complete apprenticeships.
SOLLY: Good to speak to you this morning, Kristy McBain. Appreciate your time, thank you.
MCBAIN: Thanks, Ross.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Enquiries are continuing into a crash in Invercargill last month, and Police would like to speak to any witnesses.
About 1:40am on Sunday 20 October, Police were called to a two-vehicle crash at the intersections of Ness Street and Janet Street.
One person remains in hospital following the crash, three others have since been discharged.
Police would like to hear from anyone who saw a silver Mazda station wagon around Pomona Street, near John Street, and the surrounding areas between 1:30am and 1:40am.
We would also like to hear from anyone who has footage from dashcam or CCTV from around that area on the night of the crash.
If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 241020/5642.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Please attribute to Detective Inspector Callum McNeill, Waitematā CIB:
A Police investigation is underway following a fire at a mosque in New Lynn this morning.
At about 9am Police were called following a report of a fire at the building on Astley Avenue.
Upon arrival, Police and fire investigators have established the fire has been deliberately lit.
CCTV shows a person allegedly broke in just before 1am and lit the fire, which smoulded until just after 9am when it became visible and emergency services were called.
The investigation remains ongoing, however Police are following positive lines of enquiry to locate the person responsible.
At this early stage, Police are still investigating possible motive and we cannot say at this point that it is a hate-related crime.
We are providing support to the Muslim community and want to reassure the wider community we are working hard to locate the person responsible.
There will be an increased Police presence around mosques throughout Tāmaki Makaurau to ensure the community feels safe.
Anyone who may have seen this incident, or has any information, is urged to contact Police and reference file number 241105/3764.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Attributable to Detective Inspector Haley Ryan:
Hutt Valley Police are investigating a fire at a previously targeted Stokes Valley residential address which left one person fighting for his life.
Around 3:10am this morning emergency services responded to a block of flats in Hanson Grove, an 81 year old man was located in a critical condition and was transported to Wellington Hospital.
The area was cordoned and a forensic scene examination is currently being conducted with the assistance of Fire and Emergency New Zealand and ESR.
The fire is being treated as suspicious and is suspected to be linked to two other fires at the same block of flats on Thursday 10 and Monday 14 October 2024, both of which were also lit during the early hours of the morning.
Police are appealing for information from people who have CCTV footage, witnessed the incident, or were in the area at the time of the fire to please get in contact.
Even the smallest piece of information could prove vital in our investigation.
If you have any CCTV footage from dashcam, residential, or commercial premises in any areas of Stokes Valley, witnessed any three of the fires, or were in the area at the time of the fires, even if you didn’t witness the incidents please contact us.
To report information please update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 241105/2249 and quote Operation SOVE.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan –
38th Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Brigade deployed several units to strategic air defense positions across Honshu, Japan in support of Keen Sword 25 (KS25), demonstrating the capability to help create and support a joint and bilateral Air Defense network between U.S. joint forces and allies.
KS25 was a joint-bilateral field training exercise held Oct. 23-Nov. 1 at multiple bases across Japan, demonstrating and strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance during the largest iteration of the exercise since its inception in 1986; it included participants from the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF), Australian Defence Force (ADF), Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and U.S. service members from each of the joint services.
To support KS25, Delta Battery, 1st Battalion, 1st ADA Regiment (1-1 ADA) 38th ADA Brigade deployed to Misawa Air Base, equipped with a Patriot Minimum Engagement Package (MEP) – everything needed for a MIM-104 Patriot air defense system to successfully engage an air defense threat.
“The expeditionary deployment of a Patriot MEP to Misawa Air Base, and the validation of our ability to integrate into the joint kill chain for air defense,” said Maj. Robert Knaibel, the 1-1 ADA Battalion Operations Officer, “is a key part of (1-1 ADA’s) mission – even if that mission takes us all the way across Japan, we’re still able to support rapid deployment and emplacement through our batteries… Testing those capabilities regularly, in real conditions, is key.”
While Delta Battery was emplacing their Patriot MEP at Misawa Air Base for the start of KS25 on Oct. 23, senior Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officer (ADAFCO) teams had already integrated at key Air Defense Commands, including Yokota and Misawa Air Bases. There, the ADAFCO teams use their knowledge of tactics procedures to integrate Army Air Defense assets in joint and bilateral Air and Missile Defense engagement operations.
“The great thing with these exercises is training with both a joint and combined force,” said Capt. Frederick Breslow, who was serving in the exercise as the U.S. Army’s Regional Air Defense Commander (RADC) on Yokota Air Base. “Coordinating with our allies, despite the challenges… that’s where we learn the most in these exercises.” Breslow added that, thanks to lessons learned during KS25, the RADC are already working to improve their procedures in preparation for future exercises.
Another team of ADAFCO Soldiers worked on-location with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. “On Misawa Air Base, we coordinated with the Misawa Direction Center to plan and carry out joint and bilateral air defense engagements,” said Staff Sgt. Thomas Zmyewski, an ADA Fire Control Assistant (FCA) with 38th ADA Brigade. “That’s when we bring each force’s tactics, techniques, procedures and capabilities to maximize their effectiveness – for example, which force has the best engagement odds for an incoming air threat.”
Zmyewski believes testing this team-based planning and communication is the best way to strengthen partnerships and prepare for real-world application. “Our ADA FCAs always benefit from these exercises, because we learn how to work with our partners under those realistic conditions, learn from each other’s strengths,” Zmyewski stated.
While deployed to Misawa Air Base, the Soldiers of Delta Battery conducted validation training and Table VIII Gunnery evaluations, improving their proficiency with their systems, including rapid Patriot emplacement, rapid reloading of interceptors, operation of missile-defense radar systems and other core competencies; each crew’s proficiency in these tasks are tested during annual Table VIII gunnery certifications. These evaluations proved both the battery’s equipment and crews could operate effectively under field conditions immediately following a rapid deployment, while simultaneously integrating with ongoing joint and bilateral operations between all U.S. services and our allies.
“Delta Battery – in Okinawa – is my first duty station, and this is my third exercise,” said Spc. Alexander Noel, a Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operator/Maintainer with Delta Battery, “and so far it’s been the best – we’ve gotten so much accomplished, a lot of good hands-on training; it’s been a really good experience.”
“Everything is muscle memory,” explained Spc. Malek James, a Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operator/Maintainer with Delta Battery. “This is my first exercise, with my first unit, and it started stressful, having to certify on every single task at once, but… that’s what’s good about doing (these tasks) in the field – you build that muscle memory, you don’t have to think about what to do next, you just do it. Then it’s all just muscle memory.”
Keen Sword 25 is a significant initiative that helps build warfighting readiness, enhances tactics, techniques, and procedures across a wide range of military operations, and strengthens national sovereignty and a free and open Indo-Pacific.
(U.S. Army story by Sgt. Connor Davis)
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
SINGAPORE –
The Singapore Army, led by Brig. Gen. Tan Cheng Kwee, Chief of Staff – General Staff of the Singapore Armed Forces, hosted a delegation from Pacific Marines, led by Maj. Gen. Daniel L. Shipley, deputy commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC), for the 2024 iteration of the MARFORPAC – Singapore Army Staff Talks on October 7-10, 2024.
The Staff Talks provided a vital forum for MARFORPAC and the Singapore Army to strengthen coordination on bilateral exercises, operational strategies, and professional exchanges. A significant highlight of this year’s discussions was the visit to the Multi-Mission Range Complex, where both delegations engaged in collaborative assessments of training environments and capabilities.
The agenda included in-depth discussions on mutual capabilities development, reflecting both forces’ modernization efforts. Delegates reviewed the five-year plan for the Valiant Mark Exercise series, identifying key areas for enhanced interoperability and planning future joint training exercises that align with evolving operational demands.
During the talks, members of both militaries shared insights into their respective modernization initiatives and operational capabilities. Participants broke into smaller working groups to explore innovative approaches to capability development, focusing on ways to integrate advanced technologies and training methodologies into their respective forces.
“The United States and Singapore share a commitment to upholding the principles of good governance, transparency, and the rule of law,” Maj. Gen. Shipley noted. “These shared values have fostered a deep and enduring partnership, allowing us to address complex security challenges and enhance our collective readiness.”
Both the U.S. Marine Corps and the Singapore Armed Forces are dedicating significant resources to advancing key focus areas, including developing innovative and adaptive processes, integrating advanced technology across all operations, and enhancing strategic decision-making within a dynamic, all-domain operational environment.
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, stands as the largest operational command within the Marine Corps and acts as the Nation’s expeditionary force-in-readiness in the Indo-Pacific region. Pacific Marines are committed to working alongside the joint force and like-minded allies to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
DARWIN, Northern Territory, Australia –
U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3 completed a six-month rotation to Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, closing a deployment marked by a series of multinational exercises and partnership engagements across the Indo-Pacific region from April to October.
The rotational deployment is part of a 25-year agreement established in 2011 between the United States and Australia to strengthen shared security goals under the Australian-U.S. Force Posture Initiatives. This year marks the third consecutive year the rotation was led by a California-based Marine infantry regiment, bringing approximately 2,000 U.S. Marines and Sailors to Australia’s Northern Territory for exercises and training events alongside the Australian Defence Force.
During the rotation, U.S. Marines and Sailors with MRF-D 24.3 supported I Marine Expeditionary Force and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s operations, activities, and investments, enhancing the U.S-Australia alliance. As a forward-postured, scalable force capable of responding to crises and contingencies, MRF-D 24.3 participated in 16 large-scale exercises and operations across multiple countries, including but not limited to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
“The time the Marines and Sailors have spent in Darwin has been incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Brian T. Mulvihill, the commanding officer of the MRF-D 24.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force. “The Australian people have welcomed us like family, and our training with the Australian Defence Force has been tough and realistic and has enhanced our unit readiness.”
MRF-D 24.3 deployed as a MAGTF comprised of four elements: 5th Marine Regiment served as the command element; 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment (Reinforced) served as the ground combat element; Combat Logistics Battalion 5 (Reinforced) served as the logistics combat element; and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (Reinforced) served as the aviation combat element.
MAGTF elements rehearsed humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, amphibious integration, and participated in multinational combined-arms training, becoming better prepared to respond to crisis or contingencies alongside our Allies and partners. Advancements in joint logistics allowed MRF-D to expand distribution networks and improve contracted support for faster transport of repair supplies. U.S. Navy medical personnel made notable contributions to health initiatives during the deployment, through leading fresh whole-blood transfusion training, supporting mental health programs with the ADF, and earning certifications to work alongside Australian healthcare professionals in the Royal Darwin Hospital. MRF-D 24.3 highlighted the strong Australian-U.S. Alliance and advanced partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region through a series of combined training events, collaboration and shared commemoration.
“The bond with our Australian Defence Force brothers and sisters is as strong as it has ever been,” said Mulvihill. “Through interoperability with the Australian Defence Force, their professionalism and expertise have made our units more ready, contributing to regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.”
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Police acknowledge the recent sentencing of Oliver Kiesanowski, who was convicted last month in the Christchurch District Court on charges relating to sextortion against 8 identified, and 9 unidentified victims. Police believe there could be more victims who have not come forward and encourage any who have not contacted Police to make a report.
Mr Kiesanowski was found guilty on charges which relate to activity where he posed online as a woman named Rebecca, and connected with several young male victims in the Christchurch area over the period 2017 to 2023.
He obtained explicit images from those victims and used them to blackmail them to force them to send further explicit images.
The offender was sentenced to five years imprisonment and has been placed on the child sex offenders’ register.
Acting Detective Sergeant Michael Hawke of Canterbury CIB says he is pleased to see justice done for these victims.
“This offender subjected his victims to protracted periods of living with stress and fear that their online activity would be revealed to their friends and family, not to mention routinely forcing them to create explicit material they did not want to.
“We hope that if there is anyone who was not identified through our investigation who has been out there living in fear, that they can now feel safe in the knowledge that this offender will be behind bars for years to come.”
Acting Detective Sergeant Hawke says anyone who wants to disclose offending of this nature to Police can be assured they will be heard and treated with respect.
“We know that unfortunately some of these victims don’t want to talk about what has happened to them as they are embarrassed or ashamed about getting drawn in.
“But we want you to know – we know how insidious this type of offending is and how easily victims can become trapped.
“Anyone who wants to make a report to us about this kind of offending will be treated with dignity.”
HOW TO SPOT THIS TYPE OF OFFENDING:
ADVICE FOR VICTIMS:
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
The “Under the Castle” Halloween-themed pop-up store, designed by Jackson Wang and his team, will be open in Shanghai throughout November, following on from the pop star’s successful collaboration with Universal Studios Singapore last month, which brought the first Chinese intellectual property (IP) to the Singapore theme park.
The interior of the “Under the Castle” pop-up store in Shanghai. [Photo courtesy of Team Wang Design]
The store is open from now until Nov. 30 at No. 10 Yongyuan Road in central Shanghai. Hauntingly decorated both inside and outside, a wide range of merchandise specially designed by Wang and his team is on offer, with visitors even having the chance to obtain a free comic book. Preparations are also underway for an “Under the Castle”-themed carnival and exclusive market, although the date has yet to be announced.
The exterior of the “Under the Castle” pop-up store in Shanghai. [Photo courtesy of Team Wang Design]
“Under the Castle” was created by Team Wang Design, a luxury streetwear label founded by its creative director Jackson Wang and his friend and longtime partner Henry Cheung. The “Under the Castle” experience and merchandise originated from the “Sparkles – Knock Knock” series launched in October 2022, and an escape room created by the singer in Shanghai in 2023.
A display featuring the central characters Pumpkie and Spookie inside the “Under the Castle” pop-up store in Shanghai. [Photo courtesy of Team Wang Design]
The franchise introduces the characters Pumpkie and Spookie, around whom Jackson Wang has also crafted a comic book. Pumpkie, a pumpkin brought to life on Halloween, and Spookie, a playful ghost, explore a cursed castle in their village, encountering the building’s former royal residents and uncovering its secrets.
Ahead of the Shanghai store’s opening, Wang had already extended his star power and intriguing concept overseas. In late September, Team Wang Design announced its first partnership with Resorts World Sentosa when it opened the “Under the Castle” haunted house at Universal Studios Singapore’s 12th edition of “Halloween Horror Nights.”
The “Under the Castle” attraction at Universal Studios Singapore. [Photo courtesy of Team Wang Design]
Combining Team Wang Design’s bold aesthetics with a spooky narrative, the attraction featured a terrifying take on the characters Pumpkie and Spookie, integrating elements from Wang’s 2022 album “Magic Man” through props and scare actors. Open from Sept. 27 to Nov. 2, it was the largest haunted house at this year’s event, consistently drawing long lines of visitors and fans. The collaboration also marked the first time a Chinese IP had been featured in the Universal Studios theme park in Singapore.
Henry Cheung, CEO and co-founder of Team Wang Design, revealed that he and Wang have loved Halloween since they were children. For “Under the Castle” to be part of the legendary celebration at Universal Studios Singapore was “truly an honor,” Cheung said in a statement, adding that the theme park’s Halloween event has been setting the gold standard for fear and fun for more than a decade.
Jackson Wang interacts with fans at the launch of his “Under the Castle” comic book at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore, Oct. 13, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Team Wang Design]
Wang, who is working on his next album set for release in 2025, has taken time out this year to refresh and recharge. After years of relentless touring and intense pressure, he aimed to live a more balanced life and spend more time with friends. However, his desire to keep creating led him to undertake high-profile projects, including a collaboration in June with auction platform Joopiter, owned by his friend, the American musician and fashion designer Pharrell Williams.
Fans can look forward to more projects and surprises from the singer next year. At the Weibo Music Awards 2024, held in Beijing this September, Wang announced: “I’ve rested this year and will come back to the music scene next year. Check me out next year; wait and see.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
PHNOM PENH, Nov. 4 — The 2024 China-Cambodia Digital Economy Cooperation Forum was convened here in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, on Monday, exploring ways to boost stronger digital economy cooperation between the two countries.
In an opening speech, Cambodian Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth said the forum was vital to further promoting cooperation between Cambodia and China, especially in the fields of technology, innovation, and digital economy.
“For Cambodia, the development of the digital economy is considered an important driver in the process of economic development,” he told the forum with approximately 250 participants.
Pornmoniroth, who is also a Cambodian deputy prime minister, said the development of digital technology is one of the top priorities in the Cambodian government’s Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1 and that digital technology will help Cambodia achieve its vision of becoming a high-income country by 2050.
“In recent years, digital technology has been rapidly developed, becoming a new stand for supporting and ensuring economic resilience,” he said.
“The digital technology has spurred new innovations that contribute to value added creation, productivity increase, and work efficiency, as well as become a catalyst for global trade and economic connectivity,” he added.
Pornmoniroth said Cambodia and China have been working closely to promote digital economy and that the Southeast Asian country has collaborated with Alibaba to boost e-commerce and with UnionPay International and Ant International’s Alipay+ to bolster cross-border QR code payments.
At the event, the Digital Economy Professional Association of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia was launched.
Pornmoniroth hopes that the association will play a leading role in promoting digital innovations, producing digital talents, and enhancing the use of digital technology.
Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin praised Cambodia for its rapid development of digital economy, and was amazed by the significant rise of mobile payments with smartphones.
He was pleased to see that China-Cambodia digital economy cooperation has progressed well, saying that China will continue to help Cambodia achieve the goal of 100 percent high-speed Internet coverage in urban areas and 70 percent coverage in rural areas by 2025.
“Chinese companies in Cambodia have fully utilized their own technological advantages to promote emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud technology, and mobile payments in Cambodia, helping the kingdom improve its digital level and promote digital transformation,” he said.
Lin Shiqiang, president of the China Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia, said China Unicom, Huawei and other companies have played a crucial role in constructing Cambodia-China submarine cable, providing strong support for the deep integration and connectivity of the digital economy of the two countries.
Joseph Matthews, a senior professor at the BELTEI International University in Phnom Penh, said China has been a great supporter of digitalization of Cambodia, gradually transforming Cambodia’s present system into digitalization.
“China has a policy. They are sharing their wealth and their technology with countries and with their friends like Cambodia,” he told Xinhua.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Motivated by China’s complete removal of market access restrictions for foreign investors in the manufacturing sector, executives from multinational corporations attending the seventh China International Import Expo said they will deploy more resources in the country, with a particular focus on high-end manufacturing.
This year’s CIIE, scheduled in Shanghai from Tuesday to Nov 10, will debut more than 400 new products, technologies and services across advanced sectors, including high-end equipment, advanced materials and marine engineering products, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
The latest edition of China’s national negative list for foreign investment, which took effect on Friday, has removed the last two manufacturing-related restrictions, further opening the sector to global investors, according to the National Development and Reform Commission.
Attracted by China’s innovation capability, business model transformation and bilateral and multilateral free trade deals, many global manufacturers are increasingly inclined to invest in new innovation centers, expand production capacities and advance digital transformation initiatives within the country, said Sun Xiao, secretary-general of the China Chamber of International Commerce.
For China, the manufacturing industry is the earliest sector to open up to foreign investors, and it is also the most competitive, with a high level of integration with the global industrial division of labor, said Sun.
Schneider Electric, a French industrial and technology group and a seven-time participant at the CIIE, will present at this year’s event new concepts, products, services and applications that combine digital, automation and electrification technologies, underscoring its commitment to China through its “China Hub” strategy.
Yin Zheng, executive vice-president of Schneider Electric’s China and East Asia operations, said that China has become Schneider Electric’s second-largest market in the world and one of its four global research and development bases.
“Through the CIIE, a world-class communication platform, we aim to continuously deepen ecosystem cooperation and work with more Chinese industrial partners to jointly build new quality productive forces,” he added.
Arthur Xu, president for China at Danfoss Group, a Danish engineering company, said that Danfoss will bring its products and solutions in the data center, water and wastewater treatment, marine, food and beverage, and heat recovery fields, among others, to the CIIE this year. These proven solutions will offer unique value for China’s green transition, he said.
In addition to plans to begin construction in April in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, on its new manufacturing facility, which will be one of the biggest production sites in Danfoss’ history, the company also announced in September that it has completed construction of a work campus in Nanjing, Jiangsu province.
The new campus is dedicated to the innovation and production of specialized transistor modules as well as electric and hybrid power train systems.
With the structure of foreign investment continuing to be optimized, China saw the high-tech manufacturing sector use 77.12 billion yuan ($10.87 billion) in foreign direct investment in the first three quarters of 2024, accounting for 12 percent of the national total, according to the Ministry of Commerce. That is an increase of 1.5 percentage points from the same period last year.
Tang Wenhong, assistant minister of commerce, said that China’s well-developed industrial system, commitment to continued openness, and efforts to scale up high-tech manufacturing remain key drivers for foreign manufacturers’ investment in the country.
Nipsea Group, a Singapore-based paint and coating manufacturer, will make its debut as a participant at the CIIE this week with a 300-square-meter booth.
“This year, we have officially transitioned from being a witness to a participant at the CIIE, presenting our latest products and technology solutions,” said Eric Chung, CEO of Nippon Paint China, a subsidiary of Nipsea Group.
“This move not only underscores our unwavering commitment to the Chinese market, but also reflects our firm determination to contribute to the high-quality development of China’s economy,” Chung said, adding that the company will showcase its newest automotive coatings and marine paint products at the expo.
Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard
LIST MEMBER ELECTED
SPEAKER: I understand that Benjamin Cody Doyle is present and wishes to make the Affirmation of Allegiance. Would Benjamin Cody Doyle please come forward to the chair on my right.
MEMBERS SWORN
BENJAMIN DOYLE (Green): Ko ahau, ko Benjamin Cody Doyle, e kī ana i runga i te pono, i te tika, i te ngākau tapatahi me te whakaū anō ka noho pirihonga, ka noho pūmau ki a Kīngi Tiāre te Tuatoru me tōna kāhui whakaheke e ai ki te ture.
[Applause]
Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard
TUESDAY, 5 NOVEMBER 2024
The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.
KARAKIA/PRAYERS
SPEAKER: Almighty God, we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests, we acknowledge the King and pray for guidance in our deliberations, that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom, justice, mercy, and humility for the welfare and peace of New Zealand. Amen.
Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard
3. TAMATHA PAUL (Green—Wellington Central) to the Minister for Children: Will private for-profit organisations be able to run military-style academies and use force against young people?
Hon KAREN CHHOUR (Minister for Children): I want to make two points. Firstly, the member is referring to the development of a bill which is still subject to Cabinet consideration. Secondly, as is already publicly available, Cabinet has agreed that a military-style academy provider and their staff—whether Oranga Tamariki or another agency—would have the power to use minimum force as reasonably required. This would be to prevent a young person from being harmed, harming themselves, or harming others, or to stop them from absconding from any location. These are our most serious offenders, who must have committed at least two serious crimes with convictions of at least 10 years or more, which could be a range of things including sexual violence, aggravated robbery, or injury with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. We need to make sure that anyone working with them has the ability to keep themselves safe, keep the community safe, and keep other young people safe.
Tamatha Paul: Will she, in this House, promise that for-profit organisations will never run these military-style academies?
Hon KAREN CHHOUR: I would have thought that the member on the other side would have wanted to create any ability for iwi and hapū to have some involvement in self-determination for what happens to their young people. This will give them the ability to be able to run a programme in the future. [Interruption]
SPEAKER: Let’s wait for the House to calm down.
Tamatha Paul: If it was her intention to allow iwi and other community organisations to run these academies, then why didn’t she or her officials consult with them?
Hon KAREN CHHOUR: There is a process to go through when decisions are being made. No decisions have been made yet, and when those decisions can be spoken about, we will.
Tamatha Paul: How can she make the recommendation to Cabinet that third-party providers should be able to use force on young people, without speaking to the Children’s Commissioner, when there are very obvious children’s rights implications and risks from her proposal?
Hon KAREN CHHOUR: The Children’s Commissioner and I meet regularly face to face, and I always say to her if there’s any concerns that she would like to speak about, I’m open to speaking about them. If she raises this issue with me, I will speak to her about it.
Tamatha Paul: Does she support for-profit organisations being able to run military-style academies and use force against young people?
Hon KAREN CHHOUR: I would just like to reiterate again that it is the power to use minimum force as reasonably required. There are situations where young people may absconder, put themselves in danger, put the community in danger, and put a whole lot of people in circumstances that they shouldn’t be put in. So we need to make sure that staff have the ability to deal with that.
Tamatha Paul: Does she understand how disingenuous it looks to label something as a pilot and then seek Cabinet agreement to cement it in legislation before it’s even finished and before it’s even been evaluated?
Hon KAREN CHHOUR: Look, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved this year. I’m proud of the fact we’ve managed to step up a pilot, have 10 young people have a chance to turn their lives around, and invest in making sure they have every opportunity to be the best that they can be. I’m proud of that and I’m looking forward to seeing many more children have that opportunity.
Source: China State Council Information Office
This photo shows the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), in east China’s Shanghai, Nov. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
On Tuesday morning, the Chinese commercial hub of Shanghai will once again assume its role as the host for the newest edition of the globe’s first national-level exposition dedicated to imports.
Now, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) stands as a telling example of China’s steadfast opening up and an unmissable opportunity for foreign enterprises to tap into the Chinese market.
Despite challenges and uncertainties in the global economic landscape, over the past seven years, CIIE has steadily grown.
The first six editions of CIIE have generated a total intended transaction amount exceeding 420 billion U.S. dollars. Additionally, over 1,130 foreign enterprises and investment promotion organizations have conducted targeted connections across the country.
This year, the business exhibition will be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), covering more than 360,000 square meters — equivalent to 50 standard soccer fields — and hosting 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions.
Both the number of participating countries and exhibitors have surpassed previous records.
Notably, 297 exhibitors from Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders will attend, marking a historic high. Among all participants, 186 enterprises and institutions have achieved full attendance across all seven editions of the expo.
Besides, this year’s event is also commanding the attention of global journalism. More than 400 media outlets are participating in the coverage of this event, including 220 foreign media organizations.
China’s vast market has become one of the most attractive destinations for global players, with the CIIE serving as the “golden gateway” to this opportunity.
For the CIIE frequenter of Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido, the event serves as a second-to-none magnet.
“Over the past years of participating in CIIE, we have seen firsthand just how influential the expo can be for our business,” said Toshinobu Umetsu, president and CEO of Shiseido China.
According to the company, visitors will be able to see over 30 new product debuts from 12 different brands in their portfolio.
Umetsu described the expo as a boon for their growth in China’s thriving market, noting that many new skincare technologies, brands, and products have gained substantial attention and recognition from consumers after being featured at CIIE.
“CIIE successfully transformed our ‘exhibits’ to ‘products,’” Umetsu added.
Seizing the opportunity, new participants are eager to try their luck. Among the trendsetters is Canadian sportswear magnate Lululemon.
“A digital innovation here is leading the world, quite frankly, in terms of adoption and opportunities,” said Calvin McDonald, CEO of Lululemon during an interview with Xinhua.
Impressed by the market’s speed, agility and resilience, McDonald said the opportunity to move fast and accomplish big initiatives in the market is incredibly exciting, seeing CIIE as a precious opportunity to bring awareness to the brand.
“In the dynamic and healthy market, we are learning not just how we drive and see success here,” he said, adding that what Lululemon learned from the Chinese mainland consumers and innovation can help their business in other markets as well.
After years of development, the CIIE has become a symbol of China’s new development pattern, a platform for high-level opening-up, and an international public good shared by the world.
At its third plenum, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China renewed the country’s commitment to the basic state policy of opening to the outside world and continuing to promote reform through opening up.
Serving as another fine example, China removed all market access restrictions for foreign investors in the manufacturing sector on Nov. 1, a landmark move made by the world’s second-largest economy as it opens its doors wider.
“Reflecting on the past six editions of the CIIE, ‘high-level opening up’ has been a consistent theme. The expo has continually showcased an image of an ‘open China’ that shares opportunities and future with the world,” said Wu Zhengping, deputy director general of the CIIE Bureau.
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Fox Glacier Highway is closed between Fox Glacier and Franz Josef following a crash.
The single vehicle crash was reported to Police at about 2:15pm.
Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New South Wales Government 2
Headline: NSW businesses set to shine at world-leading expo in China
The NSW Government is supporting 29 businesses across the food, drink, and health supplement sectors to exhibit their products at this week’s China International Import Expo (CIIE) – China’s premier import-focused six-day trade show.
Attracting dignitaries and exhibitors from more than 150 countries, the CIIE gives NSW businesses direct access to buyers, distributors, and prospective customers from across China.
Our largest two-way trading partner for nearly two decades, China buys and consumes more agricultural produce from NSW than any other country, which was valued at $3.6 billion in 2023/2024. NSW’s wine exports are also continuing to ramp up following the removal of import tariffs earlier this year.
Considerable opportunities remain to grow exports even further, particularly in the food and beverage sector, where NSW is well recognised for its premium produce.
At last year’s CIIE, the NSW Government helped businesses achieve $40 million worth of export deals and the Government will once again facilitate opportunities for businesses to grow and expand.
Mrs Toddy’s Tonics from Sydney’s Northern Beaches is one of the NSW businesses to exhibit at this year’s CIIE, showcasing a range of plant-based drinks that are already available at supermarkets across Australia.
Other NSW businesses showcasing their products include Pablo & Rusty’s Coffee Roasters, Australian Vintage Wines, Balance Water, and Noumi.
The CIIE will be held in Shanghai from 5-10 November 2024.
For more information about the event and the full list of NSW businesses that’ll be exhibiting visit: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/events/china-international-import-expo-2024-shanghai/
Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“The China International Import Expo is a leading event on the global trade calendar and offers unparalleled opportunities for NSW exporters to connect with buyers and distributors in China.
“We are excited to once again showcase the best from across NSW at this prestigious import-focused event, including meat from the Riverina, wine from the Hunter Valley, spirits from Wollongong, and health supplements made in Sydney.
“China has a strong appetite for produce made in NSW, which is globally recognised for its high quality and safety standards, with demand only set to grow.”
Mrs Toddy’s Tonics Co-Founder Sophie Todd said:
“We’re thrilled at the opportunity to introduce a proudly Australian, female-led brand to China, and look forward to showcasing the Mrs Toddy’s Tonic range on the international stage.
“We know that Chinese consumers are becoming more health conscious and are turning to products with natural ingredients, so there’s enormous potential for a business like ours to establish a presence in this lucrative market.”
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
WASHINGTON – Today,U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) released a video honoring USMC Corporal Patrick Jump of Robertsdale as the November “Veteran of the Month.”
Excerpts from Senator Tuberville’s remarks can be found below, and his complete remarks can be found here.
“The son of a Vietnam veteran, Patrick knew what he was getting into when he signed up for the military. He remembers watching the Twin Towers fall while sitting in government class on September 11, 2001. But Patrick’s desire to serve was unmoved.”
“When the COVID pandemic hit, he realized how great the need was to help veterans struggling with mental health. What began as a weekly virtual check-in with fellow soldiers, started a fulltime mission to help fellow veterans and their families. Patrick purchased a RV, traveling across 43 states before deciding to settle down in Baldwin County. Although not originally from Alabama, when Patrick discovered the region’s patriotic spirit, he decided it was the perfect place to call home. He founded the Warrior Legacy Ranch to provide support to veterans struggling with their mental health. He has been a leader in fighting to prevent veteran suicides and expanding the sense of community for veterans—specifically those who served post 9/11. Patrick’s efforts have not only helped veterans in Alabama but all across the nation. Alabama is grateful to have him on the frontlines serving those who have honorably served us.”
Senator Tuberville recognizes a different Alabama veteran each month for their service and contribution to their community. Constituents can nominate an Alabama veteran and submit their information to Senator Tuberville’s office for consideration by emailing press_office@tuberville.senate.gov.
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.
Source: Airservices Australia
Airservices Australia is inviting the community to have their say on proposed flightpath changes at Hobart Airport.
This follows Airservices’ assessment of two community suggested recommendations from the Hobart Airspace Review Post Implementation Review (PIR).
Now, residents can discuss the flightpath change options developed in response to these recommendations at community engagement sessions held from 12-14 November at Dodges Ferry, Primrose Sands, Dunalley and Triabunna, as well as an online option. Visit here for details.
Residents can provide feedback here until 1 December.
If these suggested changes progress, Airservices will conduct further community engagement on the detailed design in 2025.
“Airservices Australia is committed to engaging with the community on the suggested changes to Hobart airspace operations,” said Airservices’ Head of Community Engagement Donna Marshall.
“Our primary goal is to ensure all community members are aware of the proposed changes and have the opportunity to provide feedback on any areas of interest.”
About Airservices
Airservices Australia is responsible for the safety of 11 per cent of the world’s airspace and the provision of aviation rescue fire fighting services at Australia’s busiest airports. We work closely with our customers and industry to support the long-term growth of the aviation industry and are investing in technologies to position Australia at the forefront of innovation in the global aviation industry.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Duckett, Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne
Australians today are more likely than previous generations to live with complex and chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression.
This means they’re more likely to need health care from a variety of different providers, such as nurses, podiatrists, psychologists and physiotherapists, as well as GPs. This is known as “multidisciplinary care”. It works best when the skills of all these professions are available to the patient in a co-ordinated way.
But the roles of health professions, and the way they’re funded, have been frozen in legislation and policy for decades. Any change has been incremental and disjointed. It has mostly involved adding more items to the Medicare schedule, with each professional practising separately.
The result has been greater inequity of access. Because fewer than half of allied health fee-for-service visits are bulk-billed, most patients pay almost A$70 for each consultation – and sometimes much more. Those who can’t afford the out-of-pocket costs and can’t find a bulk-billing practitioner miss out.
To assess how the government can remove barriers to team-based care and get health professions working to their full potential, or their full “scope of practice”, last year the government commissioned an independent review.
The final report, released yesterday, sets a new path for the primary care workforce. This could make multidisciplinary care within reach of all Australians.
The review involved extensive consultation, including on two issues papers. The report itself incorporates feedback from the consultations, including sceptical comments, reflecting a divergence of opinions.
Reflected the report’s title, Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce, its main emphasis is to change the rules and regulations imposed by state and federal governments. These stymie health professionals and limit their ability to use their full skills and knowledge to manage their patients’ care.
Over recent decades, health professionals’ education has improved. So professionals are capable of doing more than previously. Yet the rules and regulations have not advanced and so inhibit professionals from making those skills and knowledge available.
The review argues this contributes to career dissatisfaction, and to people leaving various health professions, exacerbating workforce shortages.
The review proposes a new way of documenting and describing what can be done by a profession through what it calls a National Skills and Capability Framework and Matrix.
As with many other recommendations, the review points to where this is done already internationally and how it can nestle into other policies and frameworks to aid implementation.
To the disappointment of most allied health professions, the review does not recommend more Medicare payments for them to practise independently.
Rather, the review recommends payment to general practices for them to expand multi-disciplinary teams. This would see professionals working together, rather than in competition or isolation.
The review also recommends changing the rules about referrals by health professionals, allowing qualified health professionals to refer directly to non-GP medical specialists in similar areas. This means your psychologist could refer you directly to a psychiatrist if needed, or your physiotherapist could refer you directly to an orthopaedic surgeon rather than needing to go back to your GP.
This will weaken the role of the GP as a “gatekeeper” and also potentially undermine the more holistic care that GPs provide. But from a patient’s point of view, eliminating the intermediate step saves them out-of-pocket costs.
An important recommendation recognises that the health system evolves and rules and regulations need to evolve too. It therefore supplements its recommendations for changes now, with an approach for continuous review through an independent mechanism. This would provide evidence-based advice and recommendations about:
The review sets out a loose timeline for implementation, described as short, medium and long term. And it assigns responsibility for each element of its recommendations to appropriate bodies and governments.
As almost all the recommendations require legislative change, and many require agreement between the Commonwealth and the states, it’s unlikely any of the changes will take effect this financial year.
The review recommends change be implemented in a systematic, evidence-based and safe way. Implementation would start in areas of greatest need such as in rural and remote Australia and also in practices most ready for the change, such as Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisations or Victoria’s Community Health Centres.
In releasing what he referred to as a “landmark” report, Health Minister Mark Butler noted the complexity of implementation, which would require collaborative action with states and territories. He noted the need for further consultation, but nevertheless took a supportive tone.
Overall, the review charts a middle course between letting health professionals roam free and the tight and inappropriate rules and regulations which constrain patient care today. It also sets out the practical steps to achieve its goals.
The one downside of the report is the emphasis on harmonisation of state and territory approaches. This would replace the current approach, where each state and territory decides, for example, on what vaccines can be administered by which professionals and what pharmacists can dispense without a medical practitioner’s prescription.
One of the benefits of a federation is the potential for state- and territory-based innovation and cross-border learning. Harmonisation will limit that experimenting, and may lead to more of the stasis seen in health workforce policy in the past.
Stephen Duckett was consulted by the Independent Reviewer during the course of the Review and commented on the Review’s Issues Papers and Draft Final Report
– ref. Primary care involves more than GPs. A new review shows how patients can better access care – https://theconversation.com/primary-care-involves-more-than-gps-a-new-review-shows-how-patients-can-better-access-care-242698