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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Global: From fish to clean water, the ocean matters and here’s how to quantify the benefits

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefanie Broszeit, Senior Scientist, Marine Ecosystem Services, Plymouth Marine Laboratory

    Drake’s Island in Plymouth Sound, Devon, is part of the UK’s first national marine park. Artur Niedzwiedz/Shutterstock

    Nature protection, conservation and restoration is “not a trivial matter but key to human survival,” according to scientists quoted in a 2005 UN report. To demonstrate this, they developed the concept of “ecosystem services” – the benefits that people derive from nature. Over the next 20 years, this concept has been in constant development to reflect our growing understanding of how ecosystems work and how we benefit from them.

    For many people, it feels wrong to take a human-centred view on nature. But for governments and conservation organisations, this concept is a useful tool. It helps us quantify the value of nature and make sure certain aspects are conserved and protected.

    My team and I provide other scientists with information about how coastal areas help to regulate the climate and reduce water pollution. In part, we work with marine conservation experts who restore ecosystems that have been depleted, such as seagrass or oyster beds. This can help choose the best approaches to restoring coastal areas to healthy habitats while providing other benefits, such as shelter for young fish or food for seabirds. Another group of scientists use our data to assess the value of these habitats, now and in the future once they have been restored to good health.

    In my work as a marine ecologist, I split ecosystem services into three different groups. First, provisioning services include the provision of food or timber along many other material gains we get from nature. For marine ecosystem services ,this includes fish and chemicals used for research and medicines. Second, regulating services support our planet and human wellbeing. Mussels clean water by filtering it and seagrass takes up and stores carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby helping to regulate the climate. Third, cultural services include leisure and recreation such as sea swimming or fishing.

    Diving deeper

    A baby crab on seagrass growing at Kingsand, Plymouth Sound.
    Stefanie Broszeit, CC BY-NC-ND

    To better understand these marine ecosystem services and how to use them sustainably, my research delves into some of the more complicated processes that regulate ecosystem services. In terms of the ocean’s role in regulating climate, it’s not just about seagrass.

    Seaweeds such as kelp take up carbon too, but cannot bury it in the soil beneath them due to holding onto rocks rather than having roots. They store carbon by getting buried in the deep sea when they are whipped off the rocks during winter storms and transported by currents into deeper waters. There, worms and crabs can feed on this important food source, drawing the carbon deeper into the sediment.

    Another step is to measure the benefits of particular ecosystem services. Food provision can be relatively easily measured by data collected by harbours to quantify how much fish is being landed and sold. So we can estimate the volume of harvested fish and calculate their market value. Some cultural services, such as measuring the wellbeing benefits people receive from interacting with coastal environments, can be more difficult to measure.

    Plymouth Sound is a great place to assess both benefits to human wellbeing and marine ecology, because not only is this city a hotspot for marine biology research with three internationally recognised marine institutes, it’s also the UK’s first national marine park. Here, I can engage not only with the ecological sciences and datasets but also with environmental psychologists who study how nature affects us and how we affect nature. My team and I have created the marine, social and natural capital laboratory to explore this more.

    Plymouth Sound provides a multitude of ecosystem services.
    Robert Harding Video/Shutterstock

    Because of so many complex variables, it’s important that scientists like me choose the appropriate indicators to estimate the value of contributions from different ecosystem services. Then, we can assess whether interventions such as restoring seagrass or building a port might help or hinder the marine environment.

    Often, different ecosystem services might interact or conflict with each other. Fishing in the northeast Atlantic might, for example, negatively affect marine mammals such as seal if the fish they rely on as food are also being eaten by humans. So we need to look at the bigger picture to assess all of the ecosystem services provided by a particular area of ocean. And as our understanding of ecosystem services develops, we can refine efforts to give nature a helping hand.

    Swimming, sailing, even just building a sandcastle – the ocean benefits our physical and mental wellbeing. Curious about how a strong coastal connection helps drive marine conservation, scientists are diving in to investigate the power of blue health.

    This article is part of a series, Vitamin Sea, exploring how the ocean can be enhanced by our interaction with it.

    Stefanie Broszeit receives funding from the United Kingdom Research and Innovation and from Horizon Europe, funding European research through the European Commission.

    – ref. From fish to clean water, the ocean matters and here’s how to quantify the benefits – https://theconversation.com/from-fish-to-clean-water-the-ocean-matters-and-heres-how-to-quantify-the-benefits-241625

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Historic Deployment: First time in 70 years, the Wyoming Army Guard 2-300th Field Artillery Regiment deploys together

    Source: US State of Wyoming

    The Wyoming National Guard held send-off ceremonies for different batteries of the 2nd Battalion, 300th Field Artillery Regiment in Torrington, Gillette, Lander and Casper on July 30, 2024, supporting the Soldiers and their families as they embark on their eighth deployment in the past 20 years.

    The send-off ceremony formally recognizes the Soldiers and their families who are about to deploy. It also demonstrates that they have the full support of their community, leadership and loved ones, according to Lt. Col. Michael Kingman, 2-300th commander. This is the first full battalion deployment in over 70 years to conduct a field artillery mission.

    “This deployment marks the eighth time since September 11, 2001, that this formation has answered the nation’s call,” Kingman said. “Most of those deployments involved only portions of the battalion. This mission marks the first time the battalion has deployed as an integrated whole on a field artillery mission since the Korean War.”

    More than 360 Soldiers will deploy to several Middle Eastern countries to support Operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve.

    The ceremony started with the arrival of the official party.

    Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon presided over the ceremonies, joined by Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming adjutant general, Chief Master Sgt. Josh Moore, command senior enlisted leader for the Wyoming Guard, Lt. Col. Michael Kingman, 2-300th commander, Command Sgt. Maj. Spencer Jolly, 2-300th command sergeant major, along with other battery and company leadership.

    In the next part of the ceremony, Governor Gordon, General Porter, and Lieutenant Colonel Kingman shared their commitment to support and gratitude.

    Since taking office in 2019, the governor has made it a point to personally send off each service member and their families during deployments. He shared his thoughts with the Soldiers.

    “You are Wyoming proud, Wyoming strong, Wyoming proficient and Wyoming professional,” the governor said. “Thank you. All of us at home, your families, and all of us will know you are protecting us. We thank you from the depths of our hearts, from the bottom of our souls.”

    Governor Gordon also expressed his commitment to the families.

    “We feel that as much service as our men and women on the front lines give, it is also their families that stand watch,” he said. “We will stand 100 percent with the families as well. Thank you to every family member for your service.”

    General Porter spoke about the 2-300th’s rich history of serving the nation.

    “For over 136 years, Wyoming citizen Soldiers have raised their right hands and said, ‘I will do the nation’s bidding. I will wear the cloth of my country and go forth to do what needs to be done,’” the general said. “That is an incredible sacrifice, and I deeply appreciate all of you here in the community who are here to congratulate and recognize that sacrifice.”

    General Porter also highlighted the role of Soldiers as community members.

    “They are also mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, friends, family members, coaches, ministers and teachers. Our guardsmen and women are an indelible part of the community, and when they leave, they leave a gap,” Porter said. “We will fill this gap for you. We will ensure your community is safe while you deploy, and more importantly, we will ensure your families are taken care of.”

    Lieutenant Colonel Kingman also thanked the families for their sacrifices and encouraged families to reach out if they need assistance.

    “It’s been said, and I believe it to be true, that they have the tougher task, staying behind,” he said. “For the Soldier who goes forward, time often flies. We will be mission-focused here very soon, and these 60 days will go by quickly because we will be busy. But for all the friends and family at home facing the daily grind, they will be going through that without the needed support from their loved ones at their side. I encourage you all to not suffer in silence. If you need someone to talk to, need encouragement, need a hot water heater fixed, or if a door won’t close properly—whatever it is—reach out. We have someone who is not only willing but eager to assist in solving whatever problem comes up.”

    The following segments are long-standing traditions of presenting an “Entering Wyoming” highway sign, the Wyoming flag and casing the 2-300th colors.

    An “Entering Wyoming” highway sign was presented to each battery. The sign will be displayed at each headquarters. Similar signs have been given to every Wyoming Army National Guard unit that has deployed since the Korean War.

    “For the Wyoming National Guard, this sign serves as a visual reminder to all who enter the area that they are in Cowboy Guard territory,” said 1st Lt. Chad Onthank, 920th Forward Support Command executive officer.

    Next, the governor presented the Wyoming flag to the 2-300th to remind each Soldier that those Wyomingites at home are with you every step of the way.

    Finally, Kingman and Jolly cased the battalion colors to show the unit has a mission forward and will deploy.

    For the deployment, Kingman issued a challenge to his Soldiers.

    “I am committed to ensuring that you have the best possible leadership and training every step of the way,” he said. “I am confident that if you work hard, are a good teammate, and keep a positive attitude, we can all come out of this experience as better friends, spouses, parents, Soldiers and human beings.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Announces Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results, Declares Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  

    Third Quarter 2024 Highlights

    • Net income of $204 million
    • Voluntary community and housing contributions of $40 million
    • Affordable Housing Program (AHP) assessments of $23 million
    • Advances totaled $98.9 billion
    • Mortgage loans held for portfolio, net totaled $11.4 billion
    • Letters of credit totaled $18.2 billion
    • Retained earnings totaled $3.4 billion

    Dividend

    The Board of Directors approved a third quarter 2024 dividend to be paid at an annualized rate of 9.50 percent on average activity-based stock, and 6.00 percent on average membership stock, unchanged from the prior quarter. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (the Bank) expects to make dividend payments totaling $137 million on November 13, 2024.

    Affordable Housing and Community Impact

    The Bank’s housing and community development programs are central to its mission by providing reliable liquidity and funding to help its members build strong communities and support their affordable housing needs. The Bank contributes 10 percent of its net income each year to its AHP, an annual grant program that supports the creation, preservation, or purchase of affordable housing. This program includes a competitive AHP and two down payment products called Home$tart and the Native American Homeownership Initiative. During the third quarter of 2024, the Bank accrued AHP assessments of $23 million and disbursed $13 million of AHP funds through this program. The Bank recorded an additional $4 million voluntary AHP contribution during the third quarter of 2024.

    In addition to its AHP, the Bank offers its members other voluntary programs to further its housing mission and provide more support for affordable housing initiatives. During the third quarter of 2024, the Bank authorized an additional $4 million through Mortgage Rate Relief (MRR), which will provide a total of approximately $29 million in subsidy to those seeking affordable homeownership. MRR is designed to make homeownership attainable for borrowers at or below 80 percent of the area median income, by providing them an interest rate that is approximately two percentage points lower than the current market rate. During the third quarter of 2024, the Bank funded $210 million of loans under this program and recorded $20 million in subsidy expense. During the third quarter of 2024, the Bank launched a new program, the Habitat for Humanity® Advance Rate Discount. This program provides up to $100 million in zero percent advances to members that originate or purchase mortgage loans from a Habitat for Humanity® affiliate. During the third quarter of 2024, the Bank originated $70 million of zero percent advances and recorded $16 million in subsidy expense.

    Financial Results Discussion

    Net Income – For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Bank recorded net income of $204 million and $708 million compared to $265 million and $706 million for the same periods in 2023.

    Net Interest Income – For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Bank recorded net interest income of $327 million and $995 million, a decrease of $13 million and an increase of $36 million when compared to the same periods in 2023. The decline during the three months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily due to lower average advance balances, which also reduced earnings on invested capital. The decline was offset in part by improved asset-liability spreads on our investments, driven by higher-yielding mortgage-backed security (MBS) purchases.

    Net interest income during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased primarily due to higher asset-liability spread resulting largely from higher-yielding MBS purchases and increased longer-term advances, as well as higher short-term interest rates, which improved earnings on invested capital. The increase was partially offset by lower average advance balances.

    Other Income (Loss) – For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Bank recorded other losses of $14 million and $19 million, a decline of $17 million and an improvement of $10 million when compared to the same periods in 2023. The decline in other (income) loss during the three months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily due to the net changes in fair value on the Bank’s trading securities, fair value option instruments, and economic derivatives. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the improvement in other (income) loss was driven by net gains recorded on litigation settlements and increased fees on standby letters of credit. The increase was offset in part by the net changes in fair value on the Bank’s trading securities, fair value option instruments, and economic derivatives.

    Other Expense – For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Bank recorded other expense of $86 million and $191 million, an increase of $38 million and $47 million when compared to the same periods in 2023. The increase during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily driven by an increase in voluntary community and housing contributions of $35 million and $32 million when compared to the same periods in 2023. Additionally, the increase during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was driven by higher contract labor and consultant costs.

    Assets – The Bank’s total assets decreased to $162.0 billion at September 30, 2024, from $184.4 billion at December 31, 2023, driven primarily by a decline in advances. Advances decreased $23.6 billion due mainly to a decline in borrowings by large depository institution members, offset in part by an increase in borrowings by insurance companies.

    Capital – Total capital decreased to $9.3 billion at September 30, 2024 from $9.8 billion at December 31, 2023, primarily due to a decrease in activity-based capital stock resulting from a decline in advance balances.

    Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines
    Financial Highlights
    (preliminary and unaudited)
    Dollars in millions
    Selected Balance Sheet Items September 30,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
    Advances $ 98,923     $ 122,530  
    Investments   49,649       49,828  
    Mortgage loans held for portfolio, net   11,398       9,967  
    Total assets   161,979       184,406  
    Consolidated obligations   150,532       171,498  
    Capital stock – Class B putable   5,892       6,873  
    Retained earnings   3,422       3,138  
    Total capital   9,284       9,831  
    Total regulatory capital1   9,323       10,023  
    Regulatory capital ratio   5.76 %     5.44 %
    1 Total regulatory capital includes capital stock, mandatorily redeemable capital stock, and retained earnings. The regulatory capital ratio is calculated as regulatory capital as a percentage of period end assets.

            

      For the Three Months Ended   For the Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,
    Operating Results   2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net interest income $ 327     $ 340     $     995     $    959  
    Provision (reversal) for credit losses on mortgage loans   —       —       (2 )     1  
    Other income (loss)   (14 )     3       (19 )     (29 )
    Other expense   86       48       191       144  
    Affordable Housing Program assessments   23       30       79       79  
    Net income $ 204     $ 265     $ 708     $ 706  
    Performance Ratios              
    Net interest spread   0.48 %     0.42 %     0.45 %     0.42 %
    Net interest margin   0.77       0.74       0.75       0.71  
    Return on average equity (annualized)   8.40       11.31       9.77       10.28  
    Return on average assets (annualized)   0.47       0.56       0.52               0.51  

    The financial results reported in this earnings release for the third quarter of 2024 are preliminary until the Bank announces unaudited financial results in its Third Quarter 2024 Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, expected to be available next month at www.fhlbdm.com and www.sec.gov.

    The Bank is a member-owned cooperative whose mission is to be a reliable provider of funding, liquidity, and services for its members so that they can meet the housing, business, and economic development needs of the communities they serve. The Bank is wholly owned by over 1,250 members, including commercial banks, savings institutions, credit unions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions. The Bank serves Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the U.S. Pacific territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Bank is one of 11 regional banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System.

    Statements contained in this announcement, including statements describing the objectives, projections, estimates, or future predictions in the Bank’s operations, may be forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as believes, projects, expects, anticipates, estimates, intends, strategy, plan, could, should, may, and will or their negatives or other variations on these terms. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk or uncertainty, and actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied or could affect the extent to which a particular objective, projection, estimate, or prediction is realized. As a result, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. A detailed discussion of the more important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ from such forward-looking statements can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of the Bank’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC. These forward-looking statements apply only as of the date they are made, and the Bank undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    Contact: Julie DeVader          
    515.412.2172
    jdevader@fhlbdm.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: U.S. Naval Forces Participate in Republic of Korea Multi-National Mine Warfare Exercise

    Source: United States Navy

    Part of an annual series of exercises hosted by the ROK Navy, MNMIWEX 24 increased proficiency in mine countermeasures (MCM) operations within a multi-national naval force.

    This year’s iteration had 19 nations and approximately 100 personnel participating, making MNMIWEX 24 the largest of the series to be held.

    “I was grateful for the opportunity to work with our hosts, the ROK Navy, and our partner nations and allies,” said Capt. Antonio Hyde, commodore of Mine Counter Measures Squadron (MCMRON) Seven, which belongs to Task Force 76, U.S. 7th Fleet’s expeditionary warfare force. “This multi-national training refines how we operate in a complex maritime environment to maintain open sea-lanes and freedom of navigation for all countries in the region.”

    MCM forces from the U.S., Australia, Canada and New Zealand embarked the tank landing ship ROKS Cheon Wang Bong (LST 686), which teamed with the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) to conduct mine hunting operations during the eight-day at-sea phase.

    A multinational watch floor directed MNMIWEX operations ashore. This facilitated a command structure that promoted interchangeability and helped build the capacity of multinational MCM forces to operate effectively as a team.

    “Through this exercise, we improve our abilities to carry out multinational mine operations to protect major ports and sea lines of communication from the complex threats of enemy in case of emergency,” said Capt. Lee Taek-sun, commander of ROK Navy Mine Squadron 52. “We will continue to develop the combat capabilities necessary for mine warfare and further improve mine operation abilities and procedures with multinational forces.”

    MNIMIWEX 24 featured participants from the United States, Republic of Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of the Philippines, Italy, Greece, Türkiye, Thailand, Belgium, Malaysia, Oman, Colombia, United Arab Emirates, Chile and the Netherlands.

    The exercise took place in U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, which routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.M. Delegation Announces Over $3 Million for Tribal Communities to Address Opioid Use Disorder

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are announcing $3,068,909 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to Tribal communities to serve individuals with opioid use disorder and co-occurring substance use disorders by funding culturally specific and evidence-based treatment, including medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder (MOUD). These HHS Tribal Opioid Response Grants are being awarded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).  

    “Tackling the opioid crisis with the urgency it demands means expanding our approach. That includes everything from providing improved access to the lifesaving medication used to treat opioid use disorder to empowering local communities to develop treatment programs that are grounded in their distinct experiences and cultures. I’m proud to welcome over $3 million for Tribal communities to do exactly that,” said Heinrich. “I won’t stop fighting to eliminate barriers to lifesaving medication and help New Mexicans get the care they need.” 

    “Far too many across our Tribal lands have seen firsthand how the opioid epidemic has devastated our communities,” said Luján, a member of the Indian Affairs and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committees. “This $3+ million in federal funding will deliver critical treatments and medications to address opioid use disorder in our Tribal communities. Throughout my time in Congress, I have secured millions to expand opioid use disorder treatments, introduced bipartisan legislation to increase investments in substance misuse prevention, and called for an increase in funding in our nation’s response to the opioid use disorder epidemic. I am proud to welcome this funding alongside our Congressional delegation and will keep fighting to expand addiction treatment services and protect the health of our Tribal brothers and sisters.” 

    “For far too long, opioid addiction has ravaged our Tribal communities, and the need for culturally specific treatments is critical,” said Leger Fernández. “This funding will help provide life-saving treatment, tailored to the needs of Native communities, so that we can address the opioid crisis head-on. By combining evidence-based practices with the cultural knowledge of our Tribes, we can offer real hope and healing. I will continue to fight for more resources and support to make sure every New Mexican has access to the care they need to recover and thrive.” 

    “Culturally informed care is vital to addressing the opioid crisis in every community that is suffering,” said Stansbury. “This $3 million investment will help Tribal communities take care as they see fit, as they know what is best for their communities. I will continue to fight for more funding and tools to solve this crisis so New Mexicans can not only recover from addiction but thrive in life.” 

    “New Mexico’s Tribes and Pueblos have long faced significant challenges in combating the opioid crisis. I’m proud to welcome these funds to provide critical resources to help address opioid addiction head-on,” said Vasquez. “Supporting culturally specific and evidence-based treatments ensures that we’re not only tackling the crisis but also providing Indian Country with the tools they need to better support recovery. I’m committed to securing more funding and resources to combat this crisis and save lives.” 

    Recipient  Award Amount 
    Albuquerque Area Indian Health  $1,478,168 
    Pueblo of Pojoaque  $250,000 
    Five Sandoval Indian Pueblos, Inc.  $250,000   
    Santo Domingo Tribe  $295,107 
    Ohkay Owingeh  $250,000 
    Nambe Pueblo Governor’s Office  $295,634 
    Taos Pueblo  $250,000 

    The N.M. Delegation has continuously worked to make opioid use disorder treatments more readily available. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NPC Standing Committee member inspects passing-out parade at HK Police College (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    NPC Standing Committee member inspects passing-out parade at HK Police College (with photos)
    NPC Standing Committee member inspects passing-out parade at HK Police College (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         Member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), Dr Starry Lee, inspected the passing-out parade for 37 probationary inspectors and 195 recruit police constables at the Hong Kong Police College today (January 25) and witnessed the moment they became the new blood of the Force.           Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Dr Lee said that the duty of the police officers bears the trust of the community, adding that the graduates would officially become the guardians of Hong Kong’s rule of law and shoulder the mission of maintaining law and order in the community. She believed that being a police officer is not only a profession, but also a commitment and a dedication to the society.           She continued that the graduates had experienced multiple physical and mental challenges during the training, ranging from physical exercise to tactical training; as well as from legal knowledge to adaptability. Each of the course not only brings the improvement of skills, but also the development of tenacity, and such perseverance being developed would be attribute for their career development.           Noting that Hong Kong is an international metropolis with a complex and rapidly changing security landscape, Dr Lee believed that law enforcement officers should possess a high degree of professionalism and sound psychological quality. She added that the graduates would face different challenges, from dealing with emergencies to handling social conflicts; and from combating crimes to serving citizens, each of their duty is related to the safety of Hong Kong citizens and social stability. Meanwhile, the modus operandi of crimes has become more complicated, coupled with new challenges emerging from technology crime, online fraud and transnational crime. As such, she encouraged the graduates to keep pace with the times, and keep learning to be more professional and resilient in coping with various challenges ahead in their career.           She also pointed out that as part of the country, Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability hinges on the national development. She hoped that the graduates can uphold the spirit of patriotism and love the city, make every effort to safeguard national security and maintain the successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.           She emphasised that police are not only the law enforcers, but also the guardians of the citizens; and the Police’s professionalism, fairness and responsibility in serving the public are essential for gaining public support. Therefore, she hoped the police to uphold their integrity and honesty, and carry out every task cautiously at all time, so as to let the public feel the professionalism and care of the Force.           Finally, she encouraged the graduates to remain true to their original aspiration and take upholding social justice as their responsibility, thereby becoming the trusted guardians of the citizens and a driving force of the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.

     
    Ends/Saturday, January 25, 2025Issued at HKT 13:37

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why do kids cheat? Is it normal, or should I be worried?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Penny Van Bergen, Head of School of Education and Professor of Educational Psychology, University of Wollongong

    Basilco Stock Studio/ Shutterstock

    Everyone knows a kid who cheats at Monopoly or backyard cricket. Perhaps they have even cheated on a test at school.

    If your notice your own child is doing this, you may worry they are headed for a life of crime.

    But in developmental terms, cheating is not usually a cause for concern for kids.

    What is cheating?

    Cheating occurs when a child behaves dishonestly to gain an unfair advantage. They might pretend to roll a six, peek at others’ cards, score a sports game incorrectly, or use video game modifications to skip levels.

    Despite parents’ and teachers’ best efforts, cheating is remarkably common. In one experiment, five-year-olds were asked not to peek inside a box while the experimenter left the room. Almost all peeked and most then denied having done so.

    A sign of development

    The capacity to deceive can signal the emergence of new skills, including an understanding of others peoples’ minds.

    To cheat effectively, we have to think about what someone else is thinking. We then need to trick them into believing a different reality. These cognitive skills only emerge in preschool, and it is not until the primary years that children can successfully maintain a false story over time.

    Research shows it is very common for children to cheat.
    spass/Shutterstock

    Cheating at school

    As children get older, they can get more cautious about cheating in general, but also start cheating at school.

    In a US study, more than three in four high school students reported cheating at school at least once over the past year.

    Common techniques included sharing their work with others, getting test answers ahead of time, plagiarising from the internet, and collaborating when they weren’t supposed to.

    Students were more likely to see cheating as acceptable when helping a peer, or when they could rationalise the behaviour in a pro-social way (for example, they ran out of time and needed to cheat because they were caring for a family member).

    Temptation matters

    Like adults, children are more likely to cheat when the temptation is greater. In one study, children aged seven to ten were more likely to cheat at a die-rolling game if they could win a bigger prize.

    Children and adolescents also report being more likely to cheat to avoid negative consequences. As far back as 1932, US school principal M.A. Steiner wrote how too much work encourages students to cheat. In a 2008 study, students themselves reported cheating at school because they were uninterested in the material or under pressure to perform.

    While temptation encourages cheating, the risk of being caught can encourage honesty. Children must weigh up the benefits of cheating against the risks of being caught.

    As they get older, children may also consider how cheating impacts their sense of self. For example, “being a good person is important to me – so I won’t cheat”.

    Do boys cheat more than girls?

    Some children are more likely to cheat than others. For example, in a 2019 study in which children’s rolls of six dice could win them prizes, boys cheated more than girls. Boys and girls also approached cheating differently: girls were more likely to cheat to avoid losses, while boys were equally motivated by losses and gains.

    Social skills also make a difference. A 2003 US study showed second grade children who have been rejected by their peers are more likely to cheat at board games – even when playing with new children they have never met before. It is possible such children are not as good at regulating their emotions and behaviours.

    Adolescents with lower self-restraint and greater tolerance for breaking rules are more likely to accept academic cheating, as are those who misbehave in class.

    On study suggested boys are more likely to cheat than girls.
    Jacob Lund/Shutterstock

    How can adults discourage cheating?

    Although cheating is common, it can pose increasing problems for children and teens as the stakes become higher. Research with Chinese students in the eighth grade showed those who cheated when scoring their own test were less likely to have learned the correct answer later on.

    Here are four things parents and teachers can do to help discourage cheating.

    1. Have open conversations: talk openly and compassionately about why cheating is not a good idea (for example, “it ruins the fun for your friends”). Research shows children and adolescents who made a promise to experimenters not to cheat at a game were less likely to do so. But children who fear getting in trouble are less likely to tell the truth.

    2. Don’t put too much pressure on results: when talking about school, use language related to learning rather than performance (“just try your best, that’s all you can do”). Studies show highly competitive academic environments make cheating more likely, because the benefits of success and risks of failure are heightened.

    3. Be positive about your child’s character: in one study, preschoolers were allocated to one of two groups. In the “good reputation” group, children were told “I know kids in your class and they told me you were a good kid”. In another group, children were not told anything. All children were then asked not to peek at a tempting toy while the experimenter left the room. Those in the good reputation group were less likely to cheat (60%) than those in other group (90%).

    4. Show kids how it’s done: if adults are being honest and open, children are more likely to do the same. In one study, children were told there was a big bowl of candy in the next room. When this turned out to be a lie, children themselves were more likely to cheat in a game and to lie about it.

    Penny Van Bergen receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the NSW Department of Education.

    – ref. Why do kids cheat? Is it normal, or should I be worried? – https://theconversation.com/why-do-kids-cheat-is-it-normal-or-should-i-be-worried-242022

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Want genuine progress towards restoring nature? Follow these 4 steps

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yi Fei Chung, PhD candidate in Environmental Policy, The University of Queensland

    Black Dingo/Shutterstock

    “Nature positive” is seemingly everywhere. Two weeks ago, Australia hosted the first Global Nature Positive Summit. This week, nations are meeting in Colombia for a global biodiversity summit to discuss progress on nature positive commitments.

    Nature positive has a simple meaning: ensuring more nature in future than there is now. Making it a reality is the hard part.

    It’s necessary because nature is in trouble. Once common species are becoming threatened and threatened species are going extinct. Humans, too, will be severely impacted. When ecosystems are healthy, they provide vital benefits. Insects pollinate crops, trees slow floodwaters, earthworms, fungi and soil critters make healthy soil and natural vistas improve our mental wellbeing.

    While Australia’s government is working to embed nature positive ideas in environmental reform efforts, we may see lip service rather than real change. The government’s Nature Positive Plan faces opposition from businesses and politicians ahead of a looming election. And the plan itself doesn’t fully align with true nature positive outcomes.

    In our article published today in Science, we lay out four vital steps to ensure nature positive policies are actually positive for nature.

    Step 1: Ensure biodiversity increases are absolute

    At present, Australia’s planned nature positive reforms would only require developers removing habitat to achieve a relative net gain for nature compared to business as usual.

    We have argued this approach won’t work – it should be an absolute net gain.

    It might sound abstract – but it makes all the difference. For instance, consider a population of endangered koalas living on the site of a new mine. Any negative impact to koalas would have to be offset with a benefit to the species elsewhere, usually on a separate site.

    If Australia had absolute net gain in effect, the company would have to ensure there are more koalas overall. If the mine site and an offset site had a combined population of 100 koalas before the development, this combined population would need to be more than 100 koalas after the development – even though some will be lost.

    But let’s say these 100 koalas over two sites were expected to fall to 80, even if the mine didn’t happen. In this case, a relative net gain could be achieved if the mine and offset site had 90 koalas. The population fell, but less than it would have otherwise.

    Most state and national conservation laws use relative net gain in their biodiversity offsets. It slows the biodiversity decline – but it’s still a decline.

    By contrast, England brought in a net gain approach in February of this year, with developers now required to provide a 10% net gain in biodiversity.

    Importantly, the vast majority of developments affecting threatened species habitat never require any offset at all. Plugging this major gap is also key.



    Read more:
    Developers in England will be forced to create habitats for wildlife – here’s how it works

    For nature positive to work properly, any damage done to a species by a development has to be offset by net gain. Pictured: Peak Hill gold mine in NSW.
    Phillip Wittke/Shutterstock

    Step 2: Avoid conservation payments in risky situations

    The Australian government plans to introduce conservation payments, where developers can pay into a government-managed fund rather than providing direct offsets.

    If developers were to cut down trees used by the critically endangered Leadbeater’s possum, for example, they could choose either to improve habitat elsewhere to offset the damage – or they could pay into the fund instead.

    This is a risky plan. For one, it’s often almost impossible or extremely expensive to find suitable habitat for critically endangered species because they have very little habitat remaining.

    It’s far better to avoid all further habitat removal. For developers, this would mean avoiding damage to rare habitat in the first place.

    Even where offsetting is possible, payments are often inadequate to cover the cost of purchasing and managing an offset site.



    Read more:
    Developers aren’t paying enough to offset impacts on koalas and other endangered species

    Then there’s the time lag. The fund might take years to buy or restore habitat sites, adding to already-long delays between damage and any benefit. And worse, under the government’s proposal, the money could be used for different, potentially less threatened species.

    Under Queensland’s scheme, most developers choose to pay into a fund rather than create their own offset sites. Very little of these offset funds have been spent.

    Meanwhile, the latest independent assessment of the New South Wales biodiversity offset payment scheme recommended the fund be completely phased out.

    Step 3: Go beyond compensation

    Compensating for new damage is important. But it’s not nearly enough. Over the last century, we have done huge damage to the natural world. Australia’s southern seas were once ringed with oyster reefs, for instance, but these were nearly all fished out.

    We need to begin to recover what was lost by restoring ecosystems, managing weeds and reducing risk of diseases.

    Nature-positive laws should include funding and actions designed to produce absolute gains in biodiversity over and above any required compensation.

    The world has long seriously underfunded conservation, including threatened species recovery, ecosystem restoration and protected area management. Australia alone needs a roughly 20-fold increase in funding to actually bring back threatened species.

    While this sounds large, it’s off an extraordinarily low base – just A$122 million in 2019. By contrast, we spend over $100 billion on human health each year.

    Two years ago, the government passed the first of its nature-positive reforms to create a nature repair market aimed at drawing more funds into nature restoration. But as the market will rely on voluntary private sector investment, we don’t know how much funding will flow or whether it will focus on threatened species recovery.

    Step 4: Effectively implement nature positive laws

    Ensuring compliance with new nature-positive laws requires transparent and effective enforcement, such as through the independent national environment protection authority with extra powers proposed in Australia.

    Its independence and powers may be less than required, due to proposed call-in powers allowing the minister to overrule decisions. True independence and adequate resources are crucial.

    If governments do pass environmental reforms, we need to collect adequate and robust data on species to know if they are actually working to boost nature recovery. At present, many Australian threatened species remain unmonitored.

    Is nature positive within reach?

    It’s not easy to create a future with more nature than we have now. Australia’s current government took office vowing to embrace nature positive. To date, their reforms are not yet likely to make that a reality.



    Read more:
    Australia desperately needs a strong federal environmental protection agency. Our chances aren’t looking good

    But the task will only get more urgent. Meaningful nature-positive policy means ensuring targets of absolute net gain for threatened species, ensuring strict compensation for any nature loss, independently resourcing and financing other recovery efforts and implementing these laws effectively.

    With a course correction, Australia can still act as a leading example for other nations as they reform their own policies to meet nature-positive ambitions. Now is the time for real and decisive action.

    We acknowledge our research coauthors, Brooke Williams (Queensland University of Technology), Martine Maron (University of Queensland), Jonathan Rhodes (Queensland University of Technology), Jeremy Simmonds (2rog), and Michelle Ward (Griffith University).

    Yi Fei Chung has received funding from UQ Research Training Scholarship. He is also involving in a Australian Research Council Linkage Project with financial and in-kind support from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, the Biodiversity Conservation Trust, Tweed Shire Council, and the NSW Koala Strategy.

    Hannah Thomas has received funding from WWF-Australia and an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship. She is an early-career leader with the Biodiversity Council.

    – ref. Want genuine progress towards restoring nature? Follow these 4 steps – https://theconversation.com/want-genuine-progress-towards-restoring-nature-follow-these-4-steps-240569

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: For type 2 diabetes, focusing on when you eat – not what – can help control blood sugar

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Evelyn Parr, Research Fellow in Exercise Metabolism and Nutrition, Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University

    Lizardflms/Shutterstock

    Type 2 diabetes affects 1.2 million Australians and accounts for 85-90% of all diabetes cases. This chronic condition is characterised by high blood glucose (sugar) levels, which carry serious health risks. Complications include heart disease, kidney failure and vision problems.

    Diet is an important way people living with type 2 diabetes manage blood glucose, alongside exercise and medication. But while we know individualised, professional dietary advice improves blood glucose, it can be complex and is not always accessible.

    Our new study looked at the impact of time-restricted eating – focusing on when you eat, rather than what or how much – on blood glucose levels.

    We found it had similar results to individualised advice from an accredited practising dietitian. But there were added benefits, because it was simple, achievable, easy to stick to – and motivated people to make other positive changes.

    What is time-restricted eating?

    Time-restricted eating, also known as the 16:8 diet, became popular for weight loss around 2015. Studies have since shown it is also an effective way for people with type 2 diabetes to manage blood glucose.

    Time-restricted eating involves limiting when you eat each day, rather than focusing on what you eat. You restrict eating to a window during daylight hours, for example between 11am and 7pm, and then fast for the remaining hours. This can sometimes naturally lead to also eating less.

    Participants in our study could still share meals with family, as long as it was within a nine-hour window finishing at 7pm.
    Kitreel/Shutterstock

    Giving your body a break from constantly digesting food in this way helps align eating with natural circadian rhythms. This can help regulate metabolism and improve overall health.

    For people with type 2 diabetes, there may be specific benefits. They often have their highest blood glucose reading in the morning. Delaying breakfast to mid-morning means there is time for physical activity to occur to help reduce glucose levels and prepare the body for the first meal.

    How we got here

    We ran an initial study in 2018 to see whether following time-restricted eating was achievable for people with type 2 diabetes. We found participants could easily stick to this eating pattern over four weeks, for an average of five days a week.

    Importantly, they also had improvements in blood glucose, spending less time with high levels. Our previous research suggests the reduced time between meals may play a role in how the hormone insulin is able to reduce glucose concentrations.

    Other studies have confirmed these findings, which have also shown notable improvements in HbA1c. This is a marker in the blood that represents concentrations of blood glucose over an average of three months. It is the primary clinical tool used for diabetes.

    However, these studies provided intensive support to participants through weekly or fortnightly meetings with researchers.

    While we know this level of support increases how likely people are to stick to the plan and improves outcomes, it is not readily available to everyday Australians living with type 2 diabetes.

    What we did

    In our new study, we compared time-restricted eating directly with advice from an accredited practising dietitian, to test whether results were similar across six months.

    We recruited 52 people with type 2 diabetes who were currently managing their diabetes with up to two oral medications. There were 22 women and 30 men, aged between 35 and 65.

    Participants were randomly divided into two groups: diet and time-restricted eating. In both groups, participants received four consultations across the first four months. During the next two months they managed diet alone, without consultation, and we continued to measure the impact on blood glucose.

    In the diet group, consultations focused on changing their diet to control blood glucose, including improving diet quality (for example, eating more vegetables and limiting alcohol).

    In the time-restricted eating group, advice focused on how to limit eating to a nine-hour window between 10am and 7pm.

    Over six months, we measured each participant’s blood glucose levels every two months using the HbA1c test. Each fortnight, we also asked participants about their experience of making dietary changes (to what or when they ate).

    Continuous glucose monitoring measures the levels of glucose in the blood.
    Halfpoint/Shutterstock

    What we found

    We found time-restricted eating was as effective as the diet intervention.

    Both groups had reduced blood glucose levels, with the greatest improvements occurring after the first two months. Although it wasn’t an objective of the study, some participants in each group also lost weight (5-10kg).

    When surveyed, participants in the time-restricted eating group said they had adjusted well and were able to follow the restricted eating window. Many told us they had family support and enjoyed earlier mealtimes together. Some also found they slept better.

    After two months, people in the time-restricted group were looking for more dietary advice to further improve their health.

    Those in the diet group were less likely to stick to their plan. Despite similar health outcomes, time-restricted eating seems to be a simpler initial approach than making complex dietary changes.

    Is time-restricted eating achievable?

    The main barriers to following time-restricted eating are social occasions, caring for others and work schedules. These factors may prevent people eating within the window.

    However, there are many benefits. The message is simple, focusing on when to eat as the main diet change. This may make time-restricted eating more translatable to people from a wider variety of socio-cultural backgrounds, as the types of foods they eat don’t need to change, just the timing.

    Many people don’t have access to more individualised support from a dietitian, and receive nutrition advice from their GP. This makes time-restricted eating an alternative – and equally effective – strategy for people with type 2 diabetes.

    People should still try to stick to dietary guidelines and prioritise vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, lean meat and healthy fats.

    But our study showed time-restricted eating may also serve as stepping stone for people with type 2 diabetes to take control of their health, as people became more interested in making diet and other positive changes.

    Time-restricted eating might not be appropriate for everyone, especially people on medications which don’t recommend fasting. Before trying this dietary change, it’s best speak to the healthcare professional who helps you manage diabetes.

    Evelyn Parr receives funding from Diabetes Australia and Australian Catholic University.

    Brooke Devlin received funding from Diabetes Australia.

    – ref. For type 2 diabetes, focusing on when you eat – not what – can help control blood sugar – https://theconversation.com/for-type-2-diabetes-focusing-on-when-you-eat-not-what-can-help-control-blood-sugar-241472

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is stereotactic radiation therapy for prostate cancer? How does it compare to other treatments?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sathana Dushyanthen, Academic Specialist & Senior Lecturer in Cancer Sciences & Digital Health| Superstar of STEM| Science Communicator, The University of Melbourne

    Nenad Cavoski/Shutterstock

    Prostate cancer is Australia’s most commonly diagnosed cancer. One in six men will be diagnosed by the time they turn 85.

    Cancers are abnormal groups of cells that grow uncontrollably and start invading neighbouring sites. They can also spread to other organs in the body. This is known as metastases.

    Treatment of early disease, when cancer is confined to the original site, is focused on that single area, most often with surgery or radiation therapy. Treatment of advanced disease, when it has spread, often relies on treatments that can travel all around the body such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

    A more advanced form of radiation therapy, called stereotactic ablative radiotherapy, may be able to treat both early and advanced cancers. So how does it work? And how does it compare to existing therapies?

    It delivers a higher dose to a smaller target

    Stereotactic radiotherapy uses high doses of radiation to target and kill cancer cells. It uses newer machines that can deliver very focused radiation beams. Combined with advances in imaging and radiation planning software this allows clinicians to “track” and target cancers.

    This results in such high precision – with a targeting accuracy less than 1mm – that cancers can be safely treated with minimal risk of damaging surrounding healthy organs.

    Having a higher dose means radiotherapy can be delivered in fewer treatments (one to five sessions over one to two weeks) where it previously would have been divided into many small doses (20 to 40), delivered over weeks or even months.

    Stereotactic radiotherapy has increasingly been used to treat cancer in the brain and lungs. But new data has shown it can also effectively treat prostate cancer.

    What did the new study find?

    A study published this month in the New England Journal of Medicine compared two groups of patients with early prostate cancer with a median age of 69.8 years. Half (433 participants) received five sessions of stereotactic radiation therapy, the other half (431 participants) received standard radiation therapy consisting of at least 20 sessions.

    The researchers found no long-term difference in outcomes between the groups, with 95% of patients showing no evidence of disease five years after treatment. These cure rates are equivalent to patients who had their prostates surgically removed.

    Early evidence suggests that stereotactic radiation therapy appears to be as effective, less onerous and less invasive than currently available treatment options.

    The new therapy appears as effective as standard therapy but with fewer side effects.
    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    Prostate cancer that has spread beyond its original site is, unfortunately, incurable in most circumstances. Treatments for this stage of disease are aimed at suppressing or controlling the cancer for as long as possible.

    However, studies have shown stereotactic radiation therapy can be used to target disease that has spread to distant sites in patients who have advanced prostate cancer.
    Researchers found stereotactic radiation therapy could render patients free of clinically evident disease for eight to 13 months, delaying the need for hormone therapy or chemotherapy.

    How do the side effects compare to other cancer treatments?

    Stereotactic radiation therapy is delivered daily, with painless radiation beams. In the weeks following delivery it is common to notice soreness and/or inflammation at the treated site. This reaches a level requiring medication in one-third of cases.

    Erectile function is frequently impacted during prostate cancer treatment, as the nerves and blood vessels responsible for erections are often damaged.

    Another recent study comparing stereotactic radiation therapy to surgery found 48% of patients treated with stereotactic radiation therapy had difficulties with their sexual function two years after treatment compared to 75% of patients who had surgery.

    Comparison of differences between traditional radiotherapy and stereotactic radiotherapy.
    Precision Radiation Oncology

    What are the costs? And who can access it?

    Newer and more advanced radiation treatment machines can deliver more precise treatments, but these are much more expensive than standard machines. They also have more complex maintenance and operational requirements.

    However, traditional radiotherapy machines can also be upgraded to provide stereotactic precision.

    While the initial investment costs can be high, cost-benefit analyses show stereotactic radiation therapy for lung cancer costs the health system less than other cancer treatments and conventional radiotherapy. This is in part because treatment is completed far more quickly. Formal cost-benefit analyses have not been completed for prostate cancer but are likely to be similar.

    Stereotactic radiation therapy is now widely available at most major Australian public hospitals for many cancer types, including selected lung cancers, kidney cancers, advanced brain cancers and bone cancers. This has no out-of-pocket costs for patients. It is also provided in many private centres.

    However, even when a centre can deliver stereotactic radiation therapy, there is still significant variation in the devices used to deliver the therapy.

    In addition, the actual planning and delivery of radiation therapy is a complex skill. Studies have shown that patients treated by clinicians with higher caseloads have better outcomes, due to their greater familiarity with these specialised techniques.

    Radiotherapy departments throughout the world have rapidly upgraded their capability over the past few years to provide stereotactic radiotherapy. After the recent clinical trial findings, it’s likely prostate cancer will be added to the list of cancers treated this way.

    David Kok has a clinical appointment at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre which provides prostate cancer treatments including stereotactic radiotherapy, conventional radiotherapy and surgery.

    Sathana Dushyanthen does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. What is stereotactic radiation therapy for prostate cancer? How does it compare to other treatments? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-stereotactic-radiation-therapy-for-prostate-cancer-how-does-it-compare-to-other-treatments-241467

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Astronomers just found complex carbon molecules in space – a step closer to deciphering the origins of life

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Maria Cunningham, Honorary Senior Lecturer, School of Physics, UNSW Sydney

    Part of the Taurus molecular cloud. ESA, CC BY-SA

    A team led by researchers at MIT in the United States has discovered large molecules containing carbon in a distant interstellar cloud of gas and dust.

    This is exciting for those of us who keep lists of known interstellar molecules in the hope that we might work out how life arose in the universe.

    But it’s more than just another molecule for the collection. The result, reported today in the journal Science, shows that complex organic molecules (with carbon and hydrogen) likely existed in the cold, dark gas cloud that gave rise to our Solar System.

    Furthermore, the molecules held together until after the formation of Earth. This is important for our understanding of the early origins of life on our planet.

    Difficult to destroy, hard to detect

    The molecule in question is called pyrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon or PAH for short. The complicated-sounding name tells us these molecules are made of rings of carbon atoms.

    Carbon chemistry is the backbone of life on Earth. PAHs have long been known to be abundant in the interstellar medium, so they feature prominently in theories of how carbon-based life on Earth came to be.

    A pyrene molecule, consisting of carbon atoms (black) and hydrogen atoms (white).
    Jynto/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY

    We know there are many large PAHs in space because astrophysicists have detected signs of them in visible and infrared light. But we didn’t know which PAHs they might be in particular.

    Pyrene is now the largest PAH detected in space, although it’s what is known as a “small” or simple PAH, with 26 atoms. It was long thought such molecules could not survive the harsh environment of star formation when everything is bathed in radiation from the newborn suns, destroying complex molecules.

    In fact, it was once thought molecules of more than two atoms could not exist in space for this reason, until they were actually found.
    Also, chemical models show pyrene is very difficult to destroy once formed.

    Last year, scientists reported they found large amounts of pyrene in samples from the asteroid Ryugu in our own Solar System. They argued at least some of it must have come from the cold interstellar cloud that predated our Solar System.

    So why not look at another cold interstellar cloud to find some? The problem for astrophysicists is that we don’t have the tools to detect pyrene directly – it’s invisible to radio telescopes.

    Using a tracer

    The molecule the team has detected is called 1-cyanopyrene, what we call a “tracer” for pyrene. It is formed from pyrene interacting with cyanide, which is common in interstellar space.

    The researchers used the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia to look at the Taurus molecular cloud or TMC-1, in the Taurus constellation. Unlike pyrene itself, 1-cyanopyrene can be detected by radio telescopes. This is because 1-cyanopyrene molecules act as small radio-wave emitters – tiny versions of earthly radio stations.

    As scientists know the proportions of 1-cyanopyrene compared to pyrene, they can then estimate the amount of pyrene in the interstellar cloud.

    The amount of pyrene they found was significant. Importantly, this discovery in the Taurus molecular cloud suggests a lot of pyrene exists in the cold, dark molecular clouds that go on to form stars and solar systems.

    A wide-field view of part of the Taurus molecular cloud ~450 light-years from Earth. Its relative closeness makes it an ideal place to study the formation of stars. Many dark clouds of obscuring dust are clearly visible against the background stars.
    ESO/Digitized Sky Survey 2. Acknowledgement: Davide De Martin.

    The complex birth of life

    We are gradually building a picture of how life on Earth evolved. This picture tells us that life came from space – well, at least the complex organic, pre-biological molecules needed to form life did.

    That pyrene survives the harsh conditions associated with the birth of stars, as shown by the findings from Ryugu, is an important part of this story.

    Simple life – consisting of a single cell – appeared in Earth’s fossil record almost immediately (in geological and astronomical terms) after the planet’s surface had cooled enough to not vaporise complex molecules. This happened more than 3.7 billion years ago in Earth’s approximately 4.5 billion history.

    For simple organisms to then appear so quickly in the fossil record, there’s just not enough time for chemistry to start with mere simple molecules of two or three atoms.

    The new discovery of 1-cyanopyrene in the Taurus molecular cloud shows complex molecules could indeed survive the harsh conditions of our Solar System’s formation. As a result, pyrene was available to form the backbone of carbon-based life when it emerged on the early Earth some 3.7 billion years ago.

    This discovery also links to another important finding of the last decade – the first chiral molecule in the interstellar medium, propylene oxide. We need chiral molecules to make the evolution of simple lifeforms work on the surface of the early Earth.

    So far, our theories that molecules for early life on Earth came from space are looking good.

    Maria Cunningham has received funding from The Australian Research Council. In the past she has collaborated with Anthony Remijan, one of the co-authors on the Science paper discussed in this publication. Their last co-authored paper was in 2015.

    – ref. Astronomers just found complex carbon molecules in space – a step closer to deciphering the origins of life – https://theconversation.com/astronomers-just-found-complex-carbon-molecules-in-space-a-step-closer-to-deciphering-the-origins-of-life-241889

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Defense Official Statement on AUKUS Pillar 2 and Exercise Maritime Big Play

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    The following statement can be attributed to Ms. Madeline Mortelmans who is currently performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans and Capabilities. Her office is lead for both pillars of AUKUS within the department and is in close partnership with all of the DOD stakeholders.

    “Secretary Austin has said several times in the past that our alliances and partnerships are our greatest global strategic advantage. Specifically, AUKUS presents a unique opportunity for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States to foster a more capable, more combined force of the future. And in so doing, we will strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

    Through AUKUS, we are working across the full spectrum of capability development, generating requirements, co-developing new systems, deepening industrial based collaboration and ultimately delivering advanced capabilities to our forces. AUKUS Pillar 1 focuses these co-development efforts on delivering an advanced nuclear power submarine capability through the optimal pathway.

    Pillar 2 focuses on the development and delivery of emerging technology. AUKUS Pillar 2 is designed to harness the combined industrial and innovation bases of the tri-lateral partners to ensure that our forces are equipped with cutting edge interoperable military capabilities and prepared to face down aggression in whatever form it may take.

    In Pillar 2, we’re building a more capable combined joint force for the future, working across the full spectrum of capability development and we’re already delivering. This year, we’re advancing our undersea warfare capabilities by expanding our ability to launch and recover uncrewed underwater systems from torpedo tubes on current classes of British and US submarines, that will increase the range and capability of our undersea forces.

    We’re integrating the Stingray lightweight torpedo into the P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, which will support our forces in being more interchangeable while providing resilience to munitions stockpiles across AUKUS nations. At the same time, we’re also implementing a fundamental shift to more closely integrate our systems and break down barriers to collaboration at every stage and in every part of our systems.

    We’ve welcomed collaboration with the International Joint Requirements Oversight Council or I-JROC, a critical collaborative forum to identify and validate joint and combined requirements. The I-JROC will ensure that we have prioritized combined and joint solutions from the very start and that the capabilities we develop under Pillar 2 address some of the most pressing challenges our forces face.

    A cornerstone of AUKUS Pillar 2 remains the opportunity to leverage the best of our defense industrial bases in combined innovation communities. This year we executed the first office innovation challenge focused on electronic warfare. We announced the winners last month and our teams are working to develop a robust two-year plan to increase the collaboration between and among our innovation centers of excellence.

    By the end of the year, we’ll have convened meetings with the Advanced Capabilities Industry Forum in each country. Engagements provide an opportunity for representatives across government and industry to exchange ideas and deepen industrial based collaboration.

    This week we’re here in Jervis Bay to observe the Maritime Big Play, which is an important demonstration of AUKUS in action. The Maritime Big Play is a series of integrated trilateral experiments and exercises aimed at enhancing capability development, improving interoperability and increasing the sophistication and scale of autonomous systems in the maritime domain. These experiments address the need to expand the reach, capability and capacity of our forces in the maritime environment through the use of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.

    Over the past several weeks, we’ve been testing and refining the ability to jointly operate uncrewed maritime systems, to share and process maritime data from all three nations, and to provide real time maritime domain awareness to support decision making. The Maritime Big Play allows AUKUS partners to practice fielding and maintaining thousands of uncrewed systems, gaining valuable experience operating in coalitions to solve realistic operational problems such as improving undersea situational awareness.

    Our work will inform AUKUS partners’ understanding of how crewed and uncrewed capabilities can be integrated to get an operational advantage, and where we can achieve cost savings and improved efficiencies in acquisition, maintenance and sustainment activities.

    Maritime Big Play isn’t just a demonstration for demonstration’s sake. It’s our goal to transition cutting edge technologies into capabilities that give our forces decisive advantage as quickly as we can. This year, Japan joined the Maritime Big Play as an observer. We look forward to deepening their participation in the coming years. All of this together underpins a more strategic approach to ensure that AUKUS and like-minded partners can operate new autonomous uncrewed systems more effectively as a coalition force from the start.

    This is only the first in our series of experiments and demonstrations. Over time, Maritime Big Play will grow and evolve to reflect the emerging technologies, new systems and new operational requirements. I want to emphasize that AUKUS is dynamic. It will grow, it will evolve as the world changes around us, and as we break down the old barriers to cooperation and inevitably discover new ones.

    AUKUS is building a foundation for deep defense industrial cooperation and delivering advanced capabilities that can and will ensure our defense forces succeed in enhancing peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific alongside UK and Australia partners both now and in the years ahead. Thank you.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Burgum highlights impact of Destination Development program with ribbon cutting for Good Bear Bay Lodge

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Gov. Doug Burgum along with North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman and others celebrated the opening today of the Good Bear Bay Lodge at Indian Hills Resort, a unique new lodging option on the shores of Lake Sakakawea. 

    The Good Bear Bay Lodge fills a gap in the area’s lodging options, offering a spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath lodge ideal for families or larger groups. It boasts a full kitchen, a comfortable living area and, as a highlight, an extended covered outdoor patio that provides an additional gathering space.

    “North Dakota’s tourism industry continues to thrive, and the Good Bear Bay Lodge is a shining example of how expanding services at one of our state’s key destinations, Lake Sakakawea, can help us attract more visitors from across the country and address our workforce challenges,” Burgum said. “This new lodge provides a unique accommodation option for families and groups seeking a memorable escape on Lake Sakakawea.”

    The lodge was made possible with the help of the Commerce’s Destination Development Grant program, which was approved by the state Legislature in 2023 and signed into law by Burgum. The program awarded $25 million in matching grants to 14 projects last November. 

    “There was tremendous interest in the program, with 81 projects requesting more than $151.5 million in funding,” Otte Coleman said. “The Good Bear Bay Lodge stood out for its ability to fill a gap in family lodging and extend the time visitors spend in our state’s most scenic areas.”  

    The Good Bear Bay Lodge is built on a slab foundation, ensuring easy accessibility for guests of all abilities. The lodge is open year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy everything Lake Sakakawea has to offer, from ice fishing in the winter to summer water sports and fall hunting.

    “We are thrilled to open the Good Bear Bay Lodge and provide families and groups with a comfortable and convenient place to stay,” said Kelly Sorge, co-owner of Indian Hills Resort. “We’ve received a lot of interest already, and we’re excited to welcome guests and share the beauty of Lake Sakakawea.”

    Indian Hills Resort offers a variety of experiences for guests, including kayak and paddleboard rentals, a pontoon for rent, and guide services. The resort is also pet-friendly and caters to the needs of hunters, fishermen and families with children. 

    Today’s ribbon cutting marks the second opening of a project completed with Destination Development grant support in as many months. On Sept. 11, Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller attended the unveiling of Citizens Alley, a public space in downtown Minot for recreation and community engagement. Miller also attended the groundbreaking in August for a new events center at Woodland Resort on the shores of Devils Lake, another Destination Development project. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Athene Announces Fixed Income Investor Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Athene Holding Ltd. (“Athene”), a leading retirement services company and subsidiary of Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:APO), announced it will host a Fixed Income Investor conference call on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 10:00AM ET.

    The call will feature members of Athene’s senior management team, who will provide an update on current business trends, new business origination, the investment portfolio, and capital.

    An accompanying presentation, live webcast, and webcast replay will be available on the Investor Relations section of Athene’s website at ir.athene.com.

    Conference Call Details:
    Dial-in: Toll-free at 877-404-1236 (domestic) or + 1 215-268-9888 (international)

    About Athene
    Athene is a leading retirement services company with $330 billion of total assets as of June 30, 2024, and operations in the United States, Bermuda, Canada, and Japan. Athene is focused on providing financial security to individuals by offering an attractive suite of retirement income and savings products and also serves as a solutions provider to corporations. For more information, please visit www.athene.com.

    Contact:

    Jeanne Hess
    Vice President, External Relations
    +1 646 768 7319
    jeanne.hess@athene.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rebuild work on SH3 in South Taranaki getting underway

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Work is getting underway next week to rebuild the first of 5 planned sites on State Highway 3 in South Taranaki.

    The 5 sites, between Patea and Nukumaru, will be rebuilt over the coming months, with crews starting work on the first 2 sites next week.

    These sites are included in the 32 lane kilometres of roads around Taranaki that we anticipate will be rebuilt over the 2024/25 maintenance season. Rebuilding the road is important to maintain its reliability and longevity.

    2024/25 maintenance season(external link)

    The 5 sites are:

    • SH3 Waitōtara No. 1 (south of Jackson Road)
    • SH3 Whenuakura (south of Oreilly Road)
    • SH3 Moumahaki (between Waiau and Okotuku roads)
    • SH3 Nukumaru (north of Pakaraka Road)
    • SH3 Waitōtara No. 2 (south of Waitōtara River bridge)

    Work on the first two sites (SH3 Waitōtara No. 1 and SH3 Whenuakura) is expected to start next Tuesday 29 October.

    Both rebuilds are expected to be complete by early December.

    At both sites, work will be completed under stop/go traffic management with a temporary speed limit in place. Delays of up to 10 minutes are possible at each site.

    The sites will be open to two lanes of traffic during the night and on weekends.

    The remaining 3 sites will begin at a later date. We will provide information about these as soon as possible.

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi System Manager for Taranaki, Liesl Dawson acknowledges there’s a lot happening on Taranaki state highways this maintenance season.

    “A busy few months are ahead as we continue to make the roads more resilient, efficient and ultimately safer for all road users.

    “We appreciate the support from all road users and we’re reminding people how important it is to follow the temporary traffic management in place, adhere to all speed restrictions in place and respect our crews while travelling through the roadworks site,” says Ms Dawson.

    For more information about the 2024/2025 road maintenance seasons in Taranaki, visit:

    Taranaki region maintenance programme

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Awards – New Zealand Muslim Women hit the world stage as finalists in global awards

    Source: Islamic Women’s Council New Zealand (ICWNZ) 

    25 October 2024 – A small New Zealand charity dedicated to uplifting the lives of Muslim women across the nation has been named as a finalist in an international Shorty Awards alongside major global brands and their marketing teams.   The Shorty Impact Awards honour the best and most impactful digital and social media campaigns, projects, and initiatives that address pressing global issues.

    In June this year, the Islamic Women’s Council New Zealand (ICWNZ) launched the CHILL campaign to empower New Zealand Muslim women, challenge hate and gendered stereotypes, and pass the mic to local women to tell their own stories.

    CHILL stands for Challenge Islamophobic Language and Loathing, and the campaign featured eight Muslim women’s personal stories told through their voices as they go about their lives – working, teaching, creating and sharing moments of joy in their communities. All videos end with the participant saying, “Just CHILL, New Zealand, we’ve got this!”– indicating the country, as a whole, can get in front of the challenges facing Muslim women.

    The campaign has been selected as a finalist in the Shorty Impact Awards, an international competition celebrating social impact campaigns. Other finalists include major brands like Amazon, Doritos, L’Oreal and Searchlight Pictures, international marketing agencies  and large international NGOs.

    “The entire campaign was conceived in-house,” says IWCNZ National Coordinator Aliya Danzeisen adding, “We wanted to create awareness about our community and to encourage New Zealanders to challenge Islamophobic language and stereotypes about Muslim women by empowering women themselves to share their joys, triumphs and challenges in their own words. The response was far more positive than we could have ever expected.”

    The campaign was produced by local production company Eyes and Ears and had a shoestring advertising budget exclusively targeting a New Zealand audience. CHILL content reached over 300,000 New Zealanders, with videos going viral locally for a small country, as well as reaching global audiences.

    All awards finalists are eligible for an Audience Honor award, so IWCNZ is asking their community and all New Zealanders to get behind the CHILL campaign and vote for it as their people’s choice in both categories. Voting is open to anyone internationally. 

    “Watching the CHILL campaign grow from an idea into something that has touched people’s hearts has been amazing. It started as a dream, and now it’s creating real change, both in our community and internationally. Seeing this impact has been a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together. For me, we’re winners already.” says ICWNZ Project Manager Shabina Shamsudeen.

    Further information and campaign background:

    In recent years, social media has been an increasingly hostile space for Muslims. This is no different in New Zealand, where in 2019, a terror attack killed 51 Muslims in their places of worship, forcing New Zealanders to grapple with the impacts of Islamophobia and anti-immigrant hate. 

    Muslim women in New Zealand face a challenging combination of Islamaphobia and gendered abuse, including increasing online hatred, physical assault and harassment, particularly for women who wear hijab.

    Through CHILL, the Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand (IWCNZ) sought to challenge that by leveraging the positive power of social media to connect and amplify their stories. 

    CHILL also sought to empower non-Muslim New Zealanders with material to challenge stereotypes when they encounter gendered Islamophobia in their wider communities. The team decided that through showcasing the diverse lives of Muslim women throughout New Zealand, CHILL would focus on the joy, strength, community belonging and leadership of New Zealand Muslim women, inspiring more people to counter hate. 

    Alongside a small local production company Eyes and Ears, director Calvin Sang, and photographer Ankita Singh, the creative team behind CHILL also reflects and celebrates New Zealand’s diversity. 

    The campaign was not without its challenges, including securing funding. After a highly competitive grant process, IWCNZ was awarded a small amount of funding from the New Zealand Government to make CHILL a reality. However, the campaign budget remained tight, and the IWCNZ team relied on their creativity, connections, and skills to ensure this campaign’s impact and production value punched above its weight.

    The team also worked to ensure a high duty of care to their participants. As Aliya outlines:

    “Our campaign delivery involved dedicated monitoring of social media, with clear processes in place to support our participants if they encountered any abuse through their involvement with the campaign,”

    CHILL launched in June 2024 with a community celebration featuring participants and their families. Over the next ten weeks, content rolled out across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter. 

    The campaign highlights the unique journeys, challenges and successes of Muslim women in New Zealand through eight personal stories:

    • Anjuman – an assistant principal who works at a special needs school.
    • Heba – a yoga and wellness instructor who provides free classes to her community.
    • Samadiana – a gymnast, coach and a nursing student.
    • Naeema – an artist who runs creative workshops and works in cancer prevention.
    • Hend – A public servant with a PhD in Politics and International Relations, working to make organisations more inclusive. 
    • Nesra – a primary school teacher and former refugee who is now a teacher at the school she once attended, and proudly encourages all to embrace their multiple identities.
    • Rizwangul – a former asylum seeker, a Fulbright scholar with two Master’s Degrees. and now a community worker who helps refugees and migrants settle and thrive in New Zealand.
    • Ugeshni – an operations engineer, outdoor enthusiast and YouTuber working on living more holistically.

    Given that CHILL confronts and provides a counterbalance to online hostility, the IWCNZ team was prepared to encounter some bad-faith engagements. Instead, they were thrilled to receive an outpouring of enthusiastic support from New Zealand and around the world. 

    The campaign had a shoestring advertising budget, exclusively targeting a New Zealand audience. CHILL content reached over 300,000 New Zealanders, with videos going viral locally for a small country, as well as reaching global audiences.

    Some examples of the reach of the campaign include: on Instagram, the campaign teaser was viewed over 57,000 times. Nesra’s story was especially popular, reaching 55,000 views. On Facebook, Hend’s story gained nearly 14,000 impressions.

    Within New Zealand, the campaign has been highlighted by a range of group, the Human Rights Commission, Race Relations Day, nationwide media like Radio New Zealand, government ministries like the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and high-profile organisations like Sport New Zealand.

    Globally, CHILL has also been picked up and share.  

    Most importantly, the campaign has been energising and powerful for the participants themselves.

    “By taking part in this campaign, I’ve felt a profound sense of purpose—helping inspire others while building awareness of the strength, diversity, and beauty within our community.” – Naeema

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Consumer News – Consumer NZ questions Foodstuffs’ removal of online price-sorting tool

    Source: Consumer NZ

    If you shop online for groceries, beware: New World and Pak’nSave have quietly removed the ability to sort items by price, sparking concerns among consumers.

    Consumer NZ has found that the ability to rank products by price – an essential tool for online shoppers – has vanished from the websites of two major supermarkets owned by Foodstuffs.

    “Shoppers are accustomed to having the option to filter by price on most retail websites, so this change is surprising and disappointing,” said Chris Schulz, investigative journalist at Consumer NZ.

    Numerous retailers –  including Woolworths and The Warehouse, amongst others – still offer this crucial feature. Yet, New World and Pak’nSave have removed it entirely from their websites, opting instead to default to sorting products by their popularity.

    A Consumer member alerted the watchdog to the removal of the price-sorting tool, expressing their frustration at the development. “In a time when grocery prices are rising, making it harder to find the cheapest options is simply unacceptable,” the member stated.

    Consumer verified the claim and confirmed that while the option to sort by price is no longer available on the websites, it remains accessible through the supermarkets’ shopping apps.

    Impact on consumer purses and choices

    To understand the implications of the move, Consumer conducted a survey of common grocery items on both supermarkets’ online shopping sites.

    The results showed that Pams products, the home brand for both supermarkets, dominated search results.

    This raised questions about how the removal of the price sorting feature would affect consumer choice and transparency.

    “Such a move may limit options for shoppers and ultimately bolster supermarket profit margins at the expense of local suppliers,” Schulz noted.

    Foodstuffs’ response

    Consumer reached out to Foodstuffs for clarification on why the sort-by-price tool had been removed.

    A spokesperson stated, “We’re upgrading our digital platform to improve our e-commerce offerings, including more transparent unit pricing. A new sorting feature will be added soon to allow price and unit price comparisons.”

    However, the spokesperson did not specify when the price-ranking tool would return, leaving consumers in the dark.

    In contrast, Woolworths, a key competitor, confirmed that it has no plans to remove its price-sorting feature, emphasising its importance in providing customers with the best value.

    Consumer’s stance

    Schulz described the removal of the sorting option as “bizarre”, especially amid ongoing concerns over food prices due to the ongoing the cost-of-living crisis. “This change could hinder consumers from making informed decisions about their purchases.”

    He also reiterated previous concerns about supermarkets prioritising their own brands in search results, emphasising the need for greater transparency and choice in the grocery market.

    Consumer urges shoppers to remain vigilant and advocate for better online shopping tools that empower them to make informed purchasing decisions.

    For further updates on this issue, and to add your voice to the conversation, please visit Consumer’s website: https://consumernz.cmail19.com/t/i-l-fjjhuky-iyhupdhli-j/

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appointments – Tapuwae Roa appoints new chair

    Source: Tapuwae Roa

    Tapuwae Roa is pleased to announce the appointment of Maria Ngawati as Chair of its Board of Directors, succeeding Kate Cherrington, who has held the role since 2019.
    Previously serving the trust as an Alternate Director in 2019 and full Director since 2021, Ngawati has worked across the education and health sectors over the last two decades and brings a track record of social entrepreneurship as the Founder of kaupapa Māori Charitable Trust IndigiShare and previous Edtech platform, AkoMaiWay.
    “I grew up around the conversations of the people that started and supported Te Pūtea Whakatupu, and as an urban-grown Māori who is connected to my whakapapa, I am privileged to be a part of a trust that values the sustenance of this identity. Haramai te ataahua o te kaupapa nei,” says Ngawati.
    Retiring as Chair, Kate Cherrington (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Te Kapotai) was appointed to the board of Tapuwae Roa (then Te Pūtea Whakatupu Trust) in 2018 under the leadership of Norm Dewes and has overseen the transformation of the Trust, embracing its impact-led focus.
    Cherrington was part of the leadership team of Trustees along with Tapuwae Roa’s Kaihautū, Te Pūoho Kātene, to develop and implement the Trust’s intergenerational Theory of Change and overall strategy, which continues to act as its foundational framework in driving social impact into Māori communities. 
    “The evolution of Tapuwae Roa requires a leadership style that reflects the innovation, tenacity and mātauranga Māori expertise that Maria brings, and I am so happy to be alongside this wahine toa as she navigates Tapuwae Roa through its next phase of mahi and investment into the communities that we serve,” says Cherrington.
    Cherrington will remain on the Board as Director alongside Awerangi Tamihere (Director), Tatiana Greening (Alternate Director), Bernie O’Donnell (Alternate Director), and Naomi Manu (Alternate Director).

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Changes to improve building fire safety

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is progressing changes to better protect Kiwis and their property from fires, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.

    “Following the tragic Loafer’s Lodge fire in 2023, 37 boardings houses across the country were assessed and I am pleased to say that all fire safety recommendations from the review have now been completed. This is an important milestone which will reduce the chances of a tragedy like that happening again.

    “The Government is now prioritising a full review of the fire safety provisions in the Building Code to improve the fire safety of all buildings. This is the first full review in more than a decade.

    “We have now released a discussion document which outlines issues that need addressing to ensure the fire safety provisions in the Building Code keep pace with changes in urban design and modern methods of construction.

    “The way we build has changed significantly in the last decade. Newly evolving products and technologies are adding complexities to buildings, which have implications for fire safety and firefighting.

    “One of the challenges for the review is to ensure requirements are cost-effective, meet social expectations for safety standards and are well supported by industry.

    “In addition to the review, there is a Bill currently before select committee which contains a number of provisions that will improve building fire safety.

    “The Building (Earthquake-prone Building Deadlines and Other Matters) Amendment Bill includes:

    • a new offence and penalty for independently qualified persons who negligently certify that the building owner or their agent has met all of the inspection, maintenance and reporting requirements in the compliance schedule
    • a clarification that an independent qualified person should only certify a specified system if it meets the requirements in the building’s compliance schedule
    • amended regulations to increase the fines for building owners who fail to supply or display a Building Warrant of Fitness.

    “With several initiatives underway, we are moving quickly to ensure Kiwis and their property are better protected from fires. We are committed to improving our built environment so that Kiwis can live, work and play in safe, high-quality buildings.”

    Notes to editor:

    The Building Code fire safety review discussion document is now open for public comment: www.mbie.govt.nz/fire-safety-review.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Wellington – Poll shows 3 in 4 Wellington residents oppose council spending on cycleways

    Source: Business Central

    As Wellington City Council reviews its Long-Term Plan, a new Wellington Chamber of Commerce-Curia poll shows a significant majority of Wellington City residents believe the council is spending too much on cycleways.
    The poll shows three quarters of residents believe Wellington City Council is spending “too much” on its cycleway program.
    Voters of the five largest political parties believe the council is overspending on cycleways, including 51% of Green Party voters.
    Overall, 76% of Wellington residents believe the council is spending too much on the bicycle network.
    17% believe the spending is “about right”; 3% say it’s “too little”; 4% say they’re “unsure”.
    The poll of 1099 Wellington city residents was conducted between September 15 and September 25, with a representative sample of the population in terms of gender, age and ward.
    Respondents were asked the following question:
    Wellington City Council has spent $52 million dollars on cycleways in the past three years, an average of $642 per household. It is planning to spend another $56 million on cycleways over the next three years. Do you believe this level of spending is – too much, too little or about right?
    Wellington City Council’s Long-Term Plan (LTP) includes $115m of capital expenditure on the cycle network in the next 10 years, as set out on Page 100 of the 2024-34 Long-term Plan Volume 2.
    It comes as Wellington City Council revisits the spending in its LTP. The city’s 10-year budget will now have to be amended after the council reversed its decision to sell its shares in Wellington Airport.
    Wellington Chamber of Commerce CEO Simon Arcus says it’s time to review all of council’s spending, including the bike network plan.
    “This is the first definitive survey of Wellington residents on cycleways. It is fairer and far more compelling than the conclusions from public consultation for the Long-Term Plan and the cycle network surveys, which never consulted the public on cost,” says Mr Arcus.
    “Put simply, the council needs to stop talking how much it will be spending and start thinking about how much it has to spend, with revenue as the starting point. Council must be working on a plan to reduce rates for Wellington resident and businesses,” he said.
    “There can be no non-negotiables in the process of re-drafting the LTP. All options need to be on the table, and that includes the transport network.
    “Let us be clear that we do support cycleways, as part of an integrated transport network – one where investment is equitable and based on the needs of every resident. Right now that isn’t the case,” said Mr Arcus.
    “This poll shows three quarters of Wellington residents believe the council is over-spending on the cycle network.
    “The collapse of the LTP process is a profound signal the current ideas have failed and new principles for expenditure need to be considered.
    “Let’s think more strategically about alternatives to the cycle spend and look closely at the success of Te Kāinga Te Pu, part of Wellington City Council’s Te Kāinga Affordable Rental Programme. This has been an excellent initiative, converting vacant office space to affordable residential living. People can live in the heart of the city with improved quality of life and sustainable outcomes without the need to build extensive cycleways.
    “There is a lot more work to do to make sure the LTP sets Wellington up for a prosperous future. We think the council has to look at this through the right framework and will contribute more on that soon,” said Mr Arcus.
    It also follows the decision of Local Government Minister Simeon Brown to appoint a Crown Observer to oversee the council’s management of the LTP.
    “We welcome this decision by Minister Brown to bring order and accountability to the council table.
    “Wellington faces many tough decisions that are crucial to its future. Rewriting the city’s Long-Term Plan months after its passing is a significant and unusual step. It’s important that everything is on the table when projects have to be cut.
    “Wellington’s rate rises are among the highest in the country, and that isn’t sustainable in the short or long term.
    “This is a vital opportunity to revisit the council’s budget and ensure it’s focused on the things that matter, not pet projects and nice-to-haves.
    “A Crown Observer will assist in that process. We encourage the council to heed the Observer’s advice, listen to ratepayers and the business community for the many decisions that are still to come.”
    Note:
    Business Central is the home of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and part of the BusinessNZ network, alongside EMA, Business Canterbury and Business South. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Waikato wetland fire update #12

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency drone crews identified 16 hotspots overnight, with crews now focused on dampening them down today.
    Incident Controller Mark Tinworth says three helicopters and 22 personnel on the ground will be in operation.
    “The fire remains contained, and has not grown in size overnight.
    “A big thank you to our crews and helicopter pilots who will be working hard again today as we continue efforts to extinguish this fire.”
    Cordons are back in place with access to residents only on Island Block Road and Falls Road between 8am and 6pm to allow air operations to continue and restrict access to the public on the fire ground.
    For residents in the area, we understand there may be concerns regarding water tanks and ash-debris fall. People can visit Health New Zealand’s Waikato website for more information about this here: Meremere Wildfire, North Waikato – WaikatoDHB Newsroom
    Fire and Emergency’s Waikato Local Advisory Committee will be visiting the Incident Management Team this morning.
    The next update will be late afternoon.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Reaches Settlement for Over $100M in Civil Lawsuit Against Owner and Operator of the Vessel That Destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge

    Source: US State of California

    Settlement Will Cover Federal Costs Incurred to Restore Access to the Port of Baltimore

    The Justice Department announced today that Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited, the Singaporean corporations that owned and operated the Motor Vessel DALI, have agreed to pay $101,980,000 to resolve a civil claim brought by the United States for costs borne in responding to the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.  

    The settlement resolves the United States’ claims for civil damages for $103,078,056 under the Rivers and Harbors Act, Oil Pollution Act, and general maritime law. The settlement monies will go to the U.S. Treasury and to the budgets of several federal agencies directly affected by the allision or involved in the response.

    “Nearly seven months after one of the worst transportation disasters in recent memory, which claimed six lives and caused untold damage, we have reached an important milestone with today’s settlement,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “Thanks to the hard work of the Justice Department attorneys since day one of this disaster, we were able to secure this early settlement of our claim, just over one month into litigation. This resolution ensures that the costs of the federal government’s cleanup efforts in the Fort McHenry Channel are borne by Grace Ocean and Synergy and not the American taxpayer.”

    “This is a tremendous outcome that fully compensates the United States for the costs it incurred in responding to this disaster and holds the owner and operator of the DALI accountable,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The prompt resolution of this matter also avoids the expense associated with litigating this complex case for potentially years.”

    In the early morning hours of March 26, the Motor Vessel DALI left the Port of Baltimore bound for Sri Lanka. While navigating through the Fort McHenry Channel, the vessel lost power, regained power, and then lost power again before striking the bridge. The bridge collapsed and plunged into the water below, tragically killing six people. In addition to this heartbreaking loss of life, the wreck of the DALI and the remains of the bridge were left to obstruct the navigable channel, bringing all shipping into and out of the Port of Baltimore to a standstill. The loss of the bridge also severed a critical highway in the transportation infrastructure and blocked a key artery for local commuters.

    The United States led the response efforts of dozens of federal, state, and local agencies to remove about 50,000 tons of steel, concrete, and asphalt from the channel and from the DALI itself. While removal operations were underway, the United States set up temporary channels to start relieving the bottleneck at the port and mitigate some of the economic devastation caused by the DALI. The Fort McHenry Channel was cleared by June 10, and the Port of Baltimore was once again open for commercial navigation.

    On Sept. 18, the Justice Department filed a civil lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, seeking over $100 million in damages from Grace Ocean and Synergy. The Department’s claim was part of a legal action that the vessel companies filed shortly after the tragedy, in which they seek exoneration or limitation of their liability to approximately $43.7 million. Today’s settlement is in addition to $97,294 recently paid by Grace Ocean  to the Coast Guard National Pollution Fund Center for costs incurred to abate the threat of oil pollution arising from the incident.  

    The settlement does not include any damages for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The State of Maryland built, owned, maintained, and operated the bridge, and attorneys on the state’s behalf filed their own claim for those damages. Pursuant to the governing regulation, funds recovered by the State of Maryland for reconstruction of the bridge will be used to reduce the project costs paid for in the first instance by federal tax dollars.

    The resolution of the civil matter was handled by attorneys from the Civil Division’s Aviation, Space & Admiralty Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Reaches Settlement for Over $100M in Civil Lawsuit Against Owner and Operator of the Vessel That Destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Settlement Will Cover Federal Costs Incurred to Restore Access to the Port of Baltimore

    The Justice Department announced today that Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited, the Singaporean corporations that owned and operated the Motor Vessel DALI, have agreed to pay $101,980,000 to resolve a civil claim brought by the United States for costs borne in responding to the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.  

    The settlement resolves the United States’ claims for civil damages for $103,078,056 under the Rivers and Harbors Act, Oil Pollution Act, and general maritime law. The settlement monies will go to the U.S. Treasury and to the budgets of several federal agencies directly affected by the allision or involved in the response.

    “Nearly seven months after one of the worst transportation disasters in recent memory, which claimed six lives and caused untold damage, we have reached an important milestone with today’s settlement,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “Thanks to the hard work of the Justice Department attorneys since day one of this disaster, we were able to secure this early settlement of our claim, just over one month into litigation. This resolution ensures that the costs of the federal government’s cleanup efforts in the Fort McHenry Channel are borne by Grace Ocean and Synergy and not the American taxpayer.”

    “This is a tremendous outcome that fully compensates the United States for the costs it incurred in responding to this disaster and holds the owner and operator of the DALI accountable,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The prompt resolution of this matter also avoids the expense associated with litigating this complex case for potentially years.”

    In the early morning hours of March 26, the Motor Vessel DALI left the Port of Baltimore bound for Sri Lanka. While navigating through the Fort McHenry Channel, the vessel lost power, regained power, and then lost power again before striking the bridge. The bridge collapsed and plunged into the water below, tragically killing six people. In addition to this heartbreaking loss of life, the wreck of the DALI and the remains of the bridge were left to obstruct the navigable channel, bringing all shipping into and out of the Port of Baltimore to a standstill. The loss of the bridge also severed a critical highway in the transportation infrastructure and blocked a key artery for local commuters.

    The United States led the response efforts of dozens of federal, state, and local agencies to remove about 50,000 tons of steel, concrete, and asphalt from the channel and from the DALI itself. While removal operations were underway, the United States set up temporary channels to start relieving the bottleneck at the port and mitigate some of the economic devastation caused by the DALI. The Fort McHenry Channel was cleared by June 10, and the Port of Baltimore was once again open for commercial navigation.

    On Sept. 18, the Justice Department filed a civil lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, seeking over $100 million in damages from Grace Ocean and Synergy. The Department’s claim was part of a legal action that the vessel companies filed shortly after the tragedy, in which they seek exoneration or limitation of their liability to approximately $43.7 million. Today’s settlement is in addition to $97,294 recently paid by Grace Ocean  to the Coast Guard National Pollution Fund Center for costs incurred to abate the threat of oil pollution arising from the incident.  

    The settlement does not include any damages for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The State of Maryland built, owned, maintained, and operated the bridge, and attorneys on the state’s behalf filed their own claim for those damages. Pursuant to the governing regulation, funds recovered by the State of Maryland for reconstruction of the bridge will be used to reduce the project costs paid for in the first instance by federal tax dollars.

    The resolution of the civil matter was handled by attorneys from the Civil Division’s Aviation, Space & Admiralty Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department and Department of Transportation Launch Broad Public Inquiry into the State of Competition in Air Travel

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Agencies Seek Information on Consolidation, Anticompetitive Conduct and a Wide Range of Issues Impacting the Availability and Affordability of Air Travel Options

    The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and Department of Transportation (DOT) today jointly announced a broad public inquiry into the state of competition in air travel. The agencies are seeking public information on consolidation, anticompetitive conduct and a wide range of issues affecting the availability and affordability of air travel options. The topics covered in the agencies’ joint Request for Information (RFI) include previous airline mergers, exclusionary conduct, airport access, aircraft manufacturing, airline ticket sales, pricing and rewards practices and the experiences of aviation workers.

    “Competition in air travel is a vehicle for better quality, better fares and better choices for Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “With this inquiry, we hope to learn more from the businesses and travelers at the center of this essential industry. Their feedback will ensure the Justice Department can continue to build on its historic efforts to protect competition in air travel.”

    “Americans count on air travel to visit loved ones, explore their country and get business done,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Good service and fair prices depend on ensuring that there is real competition, which is especially challenging for the many American communities that have lost service amid airline consolidation. Our goal with this inquiry is to identify and remove barriers to competition so that more Americans can access the opportunities that come with good, affordable air service.”

    The agencies jointly issued the RFI requesting public comments explaining how the air travel industry has been impacted by consolidation and anticompetitive practices and identifying ways to address any harms to competition. Key topics in the RFI include:

    • General state of competition in the aviation sector and its effects on passengers, workers and jobs, regions and local communities and economic growth.
    • Airline consolidation and the effects of previous mergers, common ownership, joint ventures, international alliances, structural advantages, exclusionary conduct and other anticompetitive practices.
    • Airport access and its impact on airlines and their ability to enter and fairly compete in different areas of the country and the world.
    • Aircraft manufacturing and the impact of consolidation and anticompetitive practices on new aircraft manufacture and sale, aircraft leases or secondary markets for used aircraft.
    • Air transportation sales channels, pricing and airline rewards programs and the impact on the availability, access and affordability of air travel.
    • Labor market issues and the effects of consolidation and anticompetitive practices in other parts of the aviation industry on pilots, in-flight crews, ground crews, airport services, union contracts and/or travel agents or other vendors of travel services.

    The public will have 60 days to submit comments at Regulations.gov, no later than Dec. 23. Once submitted, comments will be posted to Regulations.gov. All market participants are invited to provide comments in response to this RFI, including passengers, consumer advocates, pilots, in-flight and ground crews, airport authorities, employers, airlines, private and charter aircraft operators, travel agents, trade groups, industry analysts, purchasers of corporate travel services and other entities that provide or rely upon air travel services.

    The Antitrust Division has previously taken action to protect competition in the passenger air travel industry, including its successful lawsuits to block the proposed merger of JetBlue and Spirit Airlines and to unwind the anticompetitive Northeast Alliance between JetBlue and American Airlines.

    DOT has taken historic action to improve airline passenger rights and oversight of the airline industry. Most recently, prior to the close of the Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines merger, DOT secured binding, enforceable public-interest protections aimed at preventing harms to the traveling public, rural communities and smaller airline competitors. DOT has issued new rules requiring airlines to provide automatic cash refunds when owed and protecting against costly surprise airline junk fees. DOT has also secured enforceable guarantees from airlines to provide food, lodging and other support when they strand passengers. Finally, since 2021, DOT has gotten nearly $4 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to passengers and issued nearly $225 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection and civil rights violations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Stoneflies change colour in response to deforestation, suggesting humans can alter evolution – new research

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonathan Waters, Professor of Zoology, University of Otago

    Author provided, CC BY-SA

    As we continue to change the planet, scientists are worried we might also be altering the evolutionary trajectories of the species that live alongside us, perhaps even including some irreversible shifts.

    Certainly, the evidence for change is everywhere. As the planet warms, species’ ranges are shifting and their life cycles are changing. As we harvest the largest fish in the ocean, the species affected are now maturing at smaller sizes.

    But are these shifts we observe in wild populations underpinned by genetic changes (mutations in the DNA) or are they simply flexible responses to environmental change? If the changes are genetic, how are they happening?

    So far, researchers have observed fewer clear-cut examples of human-induced evolution in the wild than one might imagine. But our new study may provide a new “textbook” case of human-driven evolution in wild insects.

    Our findings are centred on an intriguing case of “mimicry” from New Zealand, in which a harmless insect has evolved to mimic the warning colours of a highly toxic species.

    Forest removal drives colour shift

    Convincingly demonstrating “evolution in action” involves finding the agents of natural selection (environmental factors driving the change) and discovering the genetic mechanism.

    Until now, the peppered moth was the “classic” example of human-driven evolution. Dark-coloured specimens of the moth suddenly appeared during the 19th century. It was a likely response to industrial pollution which meant light-coloured individuals were no longer blending in to the increasingly sooty British environment. Despite its broad appeal, some aspects of even this famous case have been criticised as unclear and anecdotal.

    We worked on stoneflies and the impact of deforestation.

    The black stonefly Austroperla lives in forests. It produces cyanide to deter potential predators, and to advertise its toxicity this species has high-contrast black, white and yellow markings, reminiscent of wasp colouration.

    The non-toxic Zelandoperla stonefly has evolved astonishingly similar warning colouration, apparently to trick predators (forest birds) into assuming that it, too, is toxic. The intricate and unique ecological interactions between these insects and their predators have apparently evolved together over millions of years.

    Dark coloured Zelandoperla stoneflies (middle) mimic the poisonous Austroperla (top), which are abundant in forests. Recent forest clearance has eliminated Austroperla from many regions of New Zealand. In response, Zelandoperla populations have quickly evolved lighter colouration (bottom).
    Graham McCulloch, Jon Waters, CC BY-SA

    Where do humans come into this story? Aotearoa New Zealand was the last major landmass to be colonised by people. In many places the human impacts on its ecosystems have been devastating.

    In addition to species extinctions, New Zealand has lost much of its original native forest cover in just a few centuries. This deforestation has wiped out countless populations of forest birds, along with the poisonous, forest-dependent Austroperla.

    Our study reveals this widespread deforestation has also proven a game changer for the stonefly “mimic”. As its predators and the poisonous species it mimics have vanished from many regions, there is no longer much point in displaying warning colouration.

    In an astonishing about-turn, Zelandoperla populations from deforested habitats have quickly lost their spectacular “mimic” colouration. It turns out that the production of this intricate colouration was costly, and when no longer essential, evolution rapidly removed it – in a case of “use it or lose it”.

    Human-driven deforestation in New Zealand has altered species interactions in a mimicry system, leading to rapid evolution of insect colour.
    Graham McCulloch, Jon Waters, CC BY-SA

    Genetic change

    In our study, we compared insect populations across several parts of the South Island. We found a remarkably consistent picture. The removal of forest has driven similar colour shifts across different deforested regions.

    The finding that evolutionary change can be “predictable” offers hope that scientists can use evolutionary theory to predict future biodiversity shifts.

    Stonefly models helped to reveal the role of birds.
    Author provided, CC BY-SA

    How do we know birds have played a key role in this rapid colour change? By placing stonefly models of different colours in a variety of habitats, we were able to demonstrate that birds only avoid attacking stoneflies with the “warning” colouration when they are in forests.

    Another challenge was to show that this colour change represents evolution at the DNA level rather than a flexible response to environmental change. We looked at genetic variation across the Zelandoperla genome and found that just a single gene – ebony – is almost completely responsible for this colour evolution.

    Our study also reveals the pace of evolutionary change. By comparing regions deforested soon after human arrival (for example Central Otago, which was deforested around 600 to 700 years ago) with those cleared much more recently (Otago Peninsula, 150 years ago), we show that evolution has proceeded steadily yet inexorably over this human timeframe.

    On the positive side, the finding that at least some of our native species can adapt in the face of rapid environmental change suggests ongoing resilience of our native biodiversity. However, our results also highlight how quickly the intricate interactions that have evolved among native species over millennia can be lost from disturbed ecosystems.

    These new findings raise tantalising questions about the potential to reverse the negative impacts of deforestation on our native biodiversity. In particular, our increasing focus on reforestation and ecological restoration provides hope for restoring the complex ecosystems we have inherited.

    Jonathan Waters receives funding from the RSNZ Marsden Fund.

    Graham McCulloch receives funding from the RSNZ Marsden Fund

    – ref. Stoneflies change colour in response to deforestation, suggesting humans can alter evolution – new research – https://theconversation.com/stoneflies-change-colour-in-response-to-deforestation-suggesting-humans-can-alter-evolution-new-research-242008

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 1206 2CC Breakfast with Stephen Cenatiempo

    Source: Australia Government Ministerial Statements

    STEPHEN CENATIEMPO: All right. I want to talk federal politics a little bit further. We’re joined by Kristy McBain, the Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government and the Member for Eden-Monaro. Kristy, good morning. 

    KRISTY MCBAIN: Good morning Stephen. 

    CENATIEMPO: Now I’m going to leave you out of the energy debate for the moment because it’s not your portfolio, but something in the time that you and I have been talking, you’ve been very critical of the previous government and what the current government likes to call rorts, whether it’s sports rorts, car park rorts, all of this. Well, it now turns out you guys are just as bad because the Housing Support Program is pouring money into Labor electorates and marginal electorates that you’re trying to pick up. Pot calling the kettle black, much? 

    MCBAIN: Our Housing Support Program Stream One has been announced, which is for a range of assistance to councils to help them with planning. Stream Two is not yet announced, which is the enabling infrastructure that will help build the water and sewer connections, the roads, kerbs and guttering to get more housing underway. It’s really important that enabling infrastructure is taken off councils that may have to do it themselves if they own the land. Developers are saying, if we did all of that, the blocks become too expensive and nothing will get built. We’re contributing in a number of ways to make sure that housing is more affordable for Australians out there, whether it’s through enabling infrastructure, whether it’s through the Housing Australia Future Fund.

    CENATIEMPO: Kristy, that’s not the argument here. The argument is that it’s going into like key Labor electorates, and Coalition seats that you’re targeting, exactly like car park and sports rorts. 

    MCBAIN: I haven’t seen any of those reports. The decisions have been made by the department, not by Ministers. It is important that we deal with what’s in front of us, and that’s transparency. If it’s been made by the department, it’s been made by the department. We’ve gone through round one of the Growing Regions Fund, which was audited in real time. Those projects were found to stack up to the guidelines. They were across a range of electorates. We’ve been walking the talk and saying, this is what we’re going to be, as transparent as possible as the decisions are made by the department. That’s what they are.

    CENATIEMPO: Except for the Housing Support Fund. All right, let’s talk housing while we’re at it. You’ve hit out a Bridget McKenzie for saying the Commonwealth shouldn’t fund housing. Well, the reality is, the Commonwealth’s not going to fund housing. You’re funding around the edges, which is exactly what the Opposition is saying we should do with their $5 billion package. 

    MCBAIN: What I found quite extraordinary about Bridget McKenzie’s comments was that she said we shouldn’t fund housing in regional areas. That we need to get out of the way and let developers get on with the job. If Bridget paid any attention to the debate that was happening in the Senate, she would know that’s exactly what we’re doing. The Commonwealth Government doesn’t have a construction arm. What we’re doing is making sure we make it easier for people to get on with developments. They say imitation is the best form of flattery. It’s nice to see the Coalition get on now and say we’re actually going to contribute to the housing debate and copy our Housing Support Program.

    CENATIEMPO: Well, it’s not copying. Let’s be fair dinkum about it, it’s not copying.

    MCBAIN: It is. It’s funding enabling infrastructure, which is exactly what we’re doing. I think that’s fantastic. It’s really important that we’ve got major parties interested in housing, and that’s a big change from the ten years that they were in government. What we would like them to do is not only talk with us about enabling infrastructure, but also talk with us about the Help to Buy program, or the Build to Rent program. We know we need to start helping in all different facets of home ownership, whether that’s renting, whether that’s buying, whether that’s trying to enable more blocks to get out on the market. It’s really important that we’re making a difference. The three levels of government need to be working together on this. That’s been the change over the last couple of years. There is a real focus now on housing from three levels of government. 

    CENATIEMPO: Now, I don’t think we’ve seen any results of that yet. Let’s talk about things closer to home in Bungendore. A flood mitigation program. Tell us about this?

    MCBAIN: Right across the country we saw some catastrophic flooding in 2022. We provided $40 million towards the New South Wales Flood Recovery and Resilience Grant program. Under round two of this, more than $4.6 million is being invested across New South Wales, to deal with flood mitigation projects. $2.2 million is going to Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council to construct an overflow channel over Turallo Creek in Bungendore. It will allow the flood waters to bypass Tarago Road bridge instead of crossing that and flooding it, during times of heavy rain. I’m really proud to be able to deliver this, because the community has long called for this. We know we need to do more in making our communities more resilient come those heavy weather events. This is just another way that we’re helping New South Wales deliver those resilient programs. It builds on last year’s allocation of over $20 million, which went to 19 projects across New South Wales. Really proud that the community is finally getting a long called for a piece of infrastructure, that will allow them to still cross the road during heavy weather. 

    CENATIEMPO: Now local communities are going to be asked to help identify potential locations for the next round of the Mobile Black Spots Program. Why do we need to do this? Why aren’t local Members already aware of where their black spots are? 

    MCBAIN: We do this all the time with communities. Councils call for community input for black spots all the time, and are constantly updating the telcos with these. I ran a survey last time, which identified a range of different black spots, and we contribute to it as well as community members. It’s really important, particularly as we see the development of more housing blocks, that we make sure that connectivity is still front of mind, particularly when we’re developing more rural areas. It is really important that we continue to update that as we head towards round eight of the Mobile Black Spot Program, which will close later this year. It’s just another way you integrate with your community and understand what’s happening. 

    CENATIEMPO: All right. Again, I think if a local Member is doing their job well enough, they should know where the black spots are in their electorates. But Kristy, always good to talk to you. We’ll catch up in a couple of weeks’ time. 

    MCBAIN: Sounds great. Thanks.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Transocean Ltd. Provides Quarterly Fleet Status Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STEINHAUSEN, Switzerland, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) today issued a quarterly Fleet Status Report that provides the current status of, and contract information for, the company’s fleet of offshore drilling rigs.

    This quarter’s report includes the following updates:

    • Deepwater Atlas – Awarded a 365-day contract in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico at a dayrate of $635,000.
    • Deepwater Conqueror – Awarded a 365-day contract in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico at a dayrate of $530,000.
    • Deepwater Invictus – Awarded a 1095-day contract in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico at a dayrate of $485,000.
    • Deepwater Invictus – Awarded two one-well contract extensions in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
    • Dhirubhai Deepwater KG1 – Awarded a six-well contract in India at a dayrate of $410,000.
    • Transocean Spitsbergen – Customer exercised a three-well option in Norway at a dayrate of $483,000.
    • Transocean Endurance – Customer exercised a one-well option in Australia at a dayrate of $390,000.
    • Transocean Endurance – Customer exercised a five-well option in Australia at a dayrate of $390,000.

    The aggregate incremental backlog associated with these fixtures is approximately $1.3 billion. As of October 24, 2024, the company’s total backlog is approximately $9.3 billion.  

    The report can be accessed on the company’s website: www.deepwater.com.

    About Transocean

    Transocean is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. Transocean specializes in technically demanding sectors of the global offshore drilling business with a particular focus on deepwater and harsh environment drilling services and operates the highest specification floating offshore drilling fleet in the world.

    Transocean owns or has partial ownership interests in and operates a fleet of 34 mobile offshore drilling units, consisting of 26 ultra-deepwater floaters and eight harsh environment floaters.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The statements described herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements could contain words such as “possible,” “intend,” “will,” “if,” “expect,” or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions, and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are beyond our control, and many cases, cannot be predicted. As a result, actual results could differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, estimated duration of customer contracts, contract dayrate amounts, future contract commencement dates and locations, planned shipyard projects and other out-of-service time, sales of drilling units, the cost and timing of mobilizations and reactivations, operating hazards and delays, risks associated with international operations, actions by customers and other third parties, the fluctuation of current and future prices of oil and gas, the global and regional supply and demand for oil and gas, the intention to scrap certain drilling rigs, the effects of the spread of and mitigation efforts by governments, businesses and individuals related to contagious illnesses, and other factors, including those and other risks discussed in the company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in the company’s other filings with the SEC, which are available free of charge on the SEC’s website at: www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. We expressly disclaim any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations or beliefs with regard to the statement or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. All non-GAAP financial measure reconciliations to the most comparative GAAP measure are displayed in quantitative schedules on the company’s website at: www.deepwater.com.

    This press release, or referenced documents, do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and do not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”) or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of Transocean and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of Transocean.

    Analyst Contact:
    Alison Johnson
    +1 713-232-7214

    Media Contact:
    Pam Easton
    +1 713-232-7647

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Stats NZ information release: Subnational population estimates: At 30 June 2024 (2018-base)

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Subnational population estimates: At 30 June 2024 (2018-base) – Information release – 25 October 2024.

    Subnational population estimates give the best available measure of the population, by age and sex, usually living in New Zealand’s 16 regions, 67 territorial authority areas, 21 Auckland local board areas, and other areas.

    Key facts
    In the year ended June 2024, provisional estimates of the population usually living in each area indicate:

    • many areas had slower population growth than in the year ended June 2023, with national population growth at 1.8 percent in 2024, down from 2.5 percent in 2023
    • nationally, net migration (73,300) contributed to population growth more than natural increase (20,300).

    Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this information release:

     

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stats NZ information release: Subnational population estimates: At 30 June 2024 (2018-base)

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Subnational population estimates: At 30 June 2024 (2018-base) – Information release – 25 October 2024.

    Subnational population estimates give the best available measure of the population, by age and sex, usually living in New Zealand’s 16 regions, 67 territorial authority areas, 21 Auckland local board areas, and other areas.

    Key facts
    In the year ended June 2024, provisional estimates of the population usually living in each area indicate:

    • many areas had slower population growth than in the year ended June 2023, with national population growth at 1.8 percent in 2024, down from 2.5 percent in 2023
    • nationally, net migration (73,300) contributed to population growth more than natural increase (20,300).

    Visit our website to read this information release:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Aged Care – ACA urges government action as future of West Coast palliative care in question

    Source: Aged Care Association

    The Aged Care Association (ACA) is expressing serious concerns about the future of palliative care on the West Coast following comments from palliative care doctor Wendy Pattemore regarding the region’s new Korowai programme. Dr. Pattemore highlighted that while the programme currently focuses on palliative care patients, it may be expanded to include chronic disease patients due to the lack of residential care beds on the Coast.
    The ACA is urging Te Whatu Ora to engage more meaningfully with residential care providers to address these critical gaps and ensure comprehensive palliative care options are available for families in need.
    “Is this a sign that Te Whatu Ora has given up on working with residential care providers on the West Coast to enhance and expand the much-needed provision?” asks ACA Chief Executive Tracey Martin. “While we strongly advocate for more support for palliative care education and services, we are deeply concerned that the system is abdicating its responsibilities to ensure West Coast families have access to the best supports for them and their loved ones at end of life.”
    Martin emphasised the importance of giving families realistic options that consider their physical, mental, and emotional abilities, rather than relying solely on home-based care solutions.
    “The ACA has articulated on a number of occasions the issue of palliative care being absent from key discussions on the Funding and Delivery Review of Aged Care currently being undertaken by Te Whatu Ora. One thing we all know for certain is that 100% of us will eventually die. However, our members are reporting instances around the country where families try to care for their loved ones at home, only to find the physical and emotional pressure too great. These families often turn to our members in desperation, requesting urgent admissions for their loved ones in their final days or even hours. Many of these families then have to add guilt to their grief.”
    Martin stresses that residential care providers must be part of the future design of aged care services, with palliative care integrated as a standard offering, whether in the home, community, or aged residential care settings.
    “We continue to ask to be part of the design of future aged care provision, with palliative care to be a natural inclusion alongside home and community support, and aged residential care,” Martin said.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –