NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Australia: TV interview with Andrew Clennell, Sky News Sunday Agenda

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Andrew Clennell, Host: Foreign Minister Penny Wong has been at the UN General Assembly this week calling for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and a deadline for the UN to declare Palestinian statehood.

    Yesterday I spoke to the Foreign Minister after her big address to the UN in New York.

    Penny Wong, thank you for your time. You’ve given a speech there in New York where you say Lebanon cannot become the next Gaza, but Benjamin Netanyahu’s arrived in New York and said there’s no ceasefire coming. He says we won’t rest until our citizens return safely to our homes in northern Israel. He says we’ll continue degrading Hizballah until all our objectives are attained. Are you shouting into the void here?

    Penny Wong, Foreign Minister: We’ve joined with the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and many other countries to call for a ceasefire in Lebanon, and I would say to Israel, you know, we want you to listen to the international community.

    It is true that Hizballah is a terrorist organisation, it is true that they have not been complying with UN Security Council Resolutions, but we see the horrific loss of life in Gaza, we see 11,000 children killed, you know, the world does not want to see more civilian deaths; we have to find a different way to deal with the legitimate issues of concern in relation to the border.

    Clennell: He’s not listening though, is he, no matter how many times you and even the US says it?

    Foreign Minister: I can’t speak for the government of Israel. What I can say to you is when you have a coalition of countries, which includes many historic friends and allies of Israel, making the same point, then that is a very clear demonstration of the will of the international community.

    Clennell: Did you expect Israel to attack Hizballah in the manner it has? What is the end game to this conflict, including in Gaza, to the Israeli Government, do you think?

    Foreign Minister: Well, this is a – that’s a very good question, and what is the end game, and one of the points that we have made, and many others have made, that ultimately the end game should be peace and security in the region, peace and security for Israelis, peace and security for the people of Israel, and that will require a two‑state solution, that is the only pathway to long‑term peace and security for both Israelis and for Palestinians.

    Clennell: Many, many leaders before you have attempted this, as you well know. It just doesn’t look possible; I hate to say and ask you. So is there a way out of this without a two‑state solution because perhaps there has to be?

    Foreign Minister: If there is, I don’t think the international community is seeing it. We have 11,000 children who’ve been killed in Gaza, we have hostages who were taken by Hamas in the terrorist attack on Israel who are still being held, so you know, we have to work together as an international community, and that is what, you know, we have been trying to do this week saying that, you know, we have to come together, because ultimately the international community has to find a way to get on that pathway to peace, and it really comes down to the very simple proposition, Andrew, where is the long‑term security and peace for Israelis without a two‑state solution?

    Clennell: What did you make of the coordinated pager attack that took place? Do you support Israel doing that to target the Hizballah leadership, or do you condemn it?

    Foreign Minister: Well, I was asked about this, and obviously Hizballah is a terrorist organisation, and we understand the security position Israel is in.

    Having said that, we’ve seen so much violence in the Middle East, and I talked tonight about that cycle of violence, the continued escalation, the continued retribution, that continued cycle of violence, and ultimately that will not bring peace and it will not bring security, which is why Australia and others, including the United States and the United Kingdom have called for a ceasefire in Lebanon and diplomacy to try and resolve this, because we have seen so many people, so many people die.

    Clennell: You say retribution, Israel would say they’re acting in self-defence. Would you accept that they’re acting in self-defence at all?

    Foreign Minister: One of the points I made in the speech tonight is that the international community has agreed rules, even in war there are rules, even when attacking terrorists there are rules, even when defending your borders there are rules, and we agreed them as an international community 75 years ago in the Geneva Conventions because we understood what it means when humanity goes into conflict with no rules. So Australia –

    Clennell: So what rules do you think are implicit in that?

    Foreign Minister: Well –

    Clennell: Is it that you think Israel are breaking rules, isn’t it; isn’t that implicit in that statement? So what rules are being broken?

    Foreign Minister: Ultimately the decision about whether international law is breached or not is a decision for international courts. But what I am saying and what the international community is saying is that civilians must be protected, aid workers must be protected, and you know, we are months, eleven months into this conflict. We’ve seen so many people killed, we’ve seen so many civilians have been lost, we’ve seen so many children who have been killed, and this is really a cycle of violence that we have to find a way out of.

    Clennell: The government’s spoken a lot about fears of a broader regional conflict, you’ve spoken of that. Is the big fear of a war between Iran and Israel?

    Foreign Minister: I think there’s a lot of points of regional escalation people have been worried about, obviously Lebanon is one, as you said, you know, Hizballah, which is a terrorist organisation and is an Iranian proxy, you know, there is always the risk of even further escalation.

    We’ve been concerned about that for a long time, as have others in the international community, and we’ve been engaging with all the parties we can to urge de-escalation and restraint, and I know that sometimes it isn’t popular in Australia, certainly with some of the Coalition to talk about restraint, but sometimes that is the only pathway to ensure you don’t see more lives lost.

    Clennell: Have you had an opportunity there to speak to Israeli and Lebanese, or indeed Iranian representatives, and if so what have been the nature of those conversations?

    Foreign Minister: Yes, well, I haven’t seen – I’ve engaged with the Foreign Minister of Israel, but he, I don’t think he’s been here. I have had a conversation with the Foreign Minister of Lebanon today. Obviously with the attacks on Beirut, they’re very concerned, very worried, hoping that there can be – that conflict can be averted, very concerned about the situation, and you know, I expressed to him, you know, our desire to – for all parties to de-escalate, you know, we obviously know that it’s important that the Lebanese Government urge Hizballah to de-escalate, to not engage in further violence and aggression.

    I also expressed to him that, you know, we understood the humanitarian situation, and I have just authorised another couple of – $2 million in humanitarian relief to Lebanon.

    Clennell: Do you think there’s any aspect of the approach of Benjamin Netanyahu which is affected by the fact the US are about to go to an election and he thinks he may have a different administration to deal with?

    Foreign Minister: You’ll have to ask Prime Minister Netanyahu that.

    Clennell: What’s your belief?

    Foreign Minister: Well, that’s not a – that’s an opinion that I think I’ll leave to you and other commentators. I’m the Foreign Minister of Australia, and my job is to articulate our foreign policy and our position. That’s what I’ve done tonight, and that’s what I’ve done to Israel. I’ve said very clearly, no, we understand the circumstances of October 7, it was horrific, but from day one, we have said international humanitarian law matters, civilian lives matter, all lives have value.

    Clennell: You’ve made comments once again supporting a Palestinian state just now. What’s the government’s position on the requirements for that? Would you have a requirement after the October 7 attacks that there would have to be a ban of Hamas membership of any government before that could occur, or do you think some remnants of that leadership could remain?

    Foreign Minister: I’ve said that – well, I’ve said there is no place for terrorists in the future Palestinian government, and Hamas is a terrorist organisation. I’ve said that there has to be reform of the Palestinian Authority, but fundamentally, you’d have to ensure that any Palestinian state did not threaten the security and viability of Israel. The whole logic of two states, of a Palestinian state and an Israeli state is that there are sufficient security guarantees that both states can live, can exist side by side securely. That is the whole logic of two states.

    Clennell: What’s the status of a potential evacuation of Australians from Lebanon?

    Foreign Minister: I’m very worried about Lebanon, as you know, Andrew. As you probably know I’ve been calling, advising Australians to leave I think since October. I have said very clearly this is – sorry, for some months, I should say. I’ve said very clearly, you know, we are worried about regional escalation, we have had do not travel for some time, for months now we have been saying please come home, we’ve done that over and over again, and the reason is we have so many Australians in Lebanon, and we are concerned about regional escalation, so I would again say to any Australian in Lebanon, please leave, please leave by whatever means are available whilst Beirut airport is still open.

    Clennell: Peter Dutton has essentially said there’s only one good side on this war and that’s Israel, and we should be giving Israel all our support as a country. When he went to Israel he was left with the impression the administration was bemused Australia had not provided more support to it. What do you make of that view of Mr Dutton, because it creates a clear partisan difference on Foreign Affairs, doesn’t it?

    Foreign Minister: Well, I think our support for the existence of the state of Israel, which is bipartisan, does not mean we walk away from supporting international humanitarian law. It does not mean we don’t say each civilian should be protected. I mean Mr Dutton should remember Australia is, you know, we’re a country that prides ourself on our respect for the rule of law, and that has to apply internationally as well, and that is why it is appropriate for Australia to talk about the need to protect civilians.

    Clennell: The US this week said they were banning certain Chinese electric vehicles from their country because they could be remotely operated in a war situation. Chris Bowen said at the moment we’re not going to do the same. Have you had any advice in relation to this, what’s behind our stance on this?

    Foreign Minister: Well, look, we will continue to discuss this with the United States, we will continue to take advice from our security agencies about this and about all other matters.

    Clennell: You called Vladimir Putin a coward in your speech for using the veto of the Security Council to protect his illegal actions in Ukraine. You want reform of the UN Security Council, is that maybe too ambitious?

    Foreign Minister: Well, I do think it’s an act of a coward to use a veto to avoid, you know, your responsibility, and you know, the extraordinary thing, the really immoral thing about what Russia is doing, apart from their illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine, is the use of a veto that the international community gave them in order to protect the UN Charter, in order to protect international law and the sovereignty of all nations is being used by this man to protect himself as he breaches that law, right, and I think that is cowardly.

    You know, we continue to stand with Ukraine in the defence of their sovereignty.

    Clennell: So Donald Trump just met President Zelenskyy and said that if he’s elected there will be a peace deal soon, and he has good relations with both Putin and Zelenskyy. What do you make of that?

    Foreign Minister: Well, you know, we all would hope for peace on terms that are satisfactory to Ukraine.

    Clennell: Just finally, you’re on the Expenditure Review Committee of Cabinet, one of the key leaders of the government. Has there been in recent months any discussions that the government could take a policy to alter negative gearing to an election; is this something the Treasurer and or Housing Minister are interested in?

    Foreign Minister: That’s a good try, Andrew, but you know, you know, we don’t discuss what happens in Cabinet, and what I would say is what I’ve said publicly, we don’t have any plans in relation to negative gearing. What we do want to do though is increase the supply of housing, and that’s what we’re trying to do.

    Clennell: Foreign Minister Penny Wong in New York. Thanks so much for your time.

    Foreign Minister: Good to speak with you, Andrew.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Benjamin Netanyahu is triumphant after Hassan Nasrallah’s assassination. But will it change anything?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Parmeter, Research Scholar, Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies, Australian National University

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed a major victory following the assassination of longtime Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, saying it would change “the balance of power in the region for years to come”.

    This may be going further than the circumstances warrant, however. Certainly, the killing of Nasrallah is a remarkable personal victory for Netanyahu, who ordered the strike so he could claim direct responsibility for the action. And it goes a long way towards restoring the Israeli public’s faith in Netanyahu as a security guarantor for Israel.

    But there are many questions that now follow this action. Will Israel, for example, launch a ground invasion against Hezbollah in Lebanon?

    If it does, it would certainly find Hezbollah at its weakest point because of the destruction of its communications network in the Israeli attack on its pagers and walkie-talkies earlier this month.

    Israel has also killed eight of Hezbollah’s nine most senior military commanders and about half of its leadership council.

    To ensure this is a lasting victory, Israel really needs to follow up somehow. It needs to take the opportunity of Hezbollah’s disarray to destroy as much of the organisation and its arsenal of 150,000 missiles, rockets and drones as it can.

    By the same token, Hezbollah would certainly be able to inflict serious losses on Israeli ground forces if they go into southern Lebanon, not least because Hezbollah is reported to have an extensive tunnel network in the border area.

    And Hezbollah is a large organisation that claims to have as many as 100,000 fighters, though US intelligence believes it’s probably somewhere closer to 40,000–50,000. Even so, that is a formidable number of militants.

    Hezbollah, however, does not want to get involved in further fighting with Israel at this stage, if it can avoid it. It’s significant that, even after Israel’s most recent attacks, Hezbollah has not been firing thousands of missiles, rockets and drones daily into Israel, which it is believed to be capable of doing.

    Can Hezbollah regroup?

    There is no doubt this is an unprecedented blow to Hezbollah’s leadership and to the organisation itself.

    The first thing the group needs to do is re-establish its leadership. There are two names that have already been suggested: Hashem Safieddine, Nasrallah’s cousin, and Naim Qassem, Hezbollah’s deputy secretary-general.

    Then, the new leadership needs to investigate how deeply Hezbollah has been penetrated by Israeli intelligence. The killing of Nasrallah and the explosion of the pagers and walkie-talkies illustrate that Israel has extraordinarily good intelligence on the internal workings of Hezbollah.

    Lastly, Hezbollah has lost a lot of face in the eyes of the Lebanese public. Those in Lebanon who are against Hezbollah’s standing as a state within a state will oppose it even more now because they’ll say it’s simply not doing what it claims to do, which is protecting Lebanon from Israel.

    Hezbollah has never faced a critical situation like this before. That’s why whoever takes over is going to have a massive job to re-establish its credibility as a fighting force.

    But that said, it does have the capacity to re-establish itself because Hezbollah is a major organisation and very much a part of the Lebanese political scene. The Hezbollah-led coalition has a bloc of more than 60 seats in the Lebanese parliament – not a majority but significant nonetheless. It also provides social services for poor Shi’a residents in southern Beirut and southern Lebanon.

    The other major question is whether Iran, Hezbollah’s military backer, will react to the killing of Nasrallah.

    When Israel assassinated Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in July, Iran promised retaliation, but has not taken it yet.

    After the US assassination of Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, in Baghdad in 2020, Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at two bases in Iraq housing US troops, and that was it.

    In April, its reaction to the Israeli killing of some Islamic Revolutionary Guard personnel in the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, was more intense. Tehran launched about 300 missiles, drones and rockets at Israel. But it also telegraphed its retaliation well in advance, and Israel’s Iron Dome, with the help of US defensive support, was able to prevent any significant damage.

    These recent reactions show it is clearly not in Iran’s interest to have a wider war take place at this time.



    Read more:
    Is Iran’s anti-Israel and American rhetoric all bark and no bite?

    Where does the region go from here?

    Hezbollah doesn’t have many friends in the Middle East, mainly because it is a militant group from the minority Shi’a sect of Islam, which has been seen as opposed to the interests of more moderate Sunni Arab states, including Egypt, Jordan and the Gulf states.

    Essentially, there will be some quiet satisfaction among Sunni Arab leaders that Nasrallah has gone because he was seen as someone who could cause a great deal of trouble for the region.

    Briefly, following the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel, Nasrallah was the most popular leader in the Arab world, according to opinion polls. That didn’t last very long, but he remained influential across the region.

    The other aspect that would make Sunni Arab states and leaders quietly comfortable with the removal of Nasrallah and the disarray (if only temporary) of Hezbollah is that all the fighting in the Middle East – the war in Gaza and now the conflict in Lebanon – is causing anger at street level in countries such as Egypt, Jordan and others in the region. This makes the region more unstable – and Sunni leaders nervous.

    At this stage, the elements that would be prepared to support Hezbollah are limited to the Houthi rebels in Yemen and Shi’a militia groups based in Iraq. But they’re both some distance away and aren’t able to materially affect the conflict in the region.

    With Iran not wanting an all-out war in the region, it’s not likely its leaders will be encouraging these proxy groups to get involved in a situation that could get further out of hand.

    So there are a lot of players who want to restore some sort of normality to the region. That includes the Biden administration, which fears the ongoing conflicts will divide the Democratic vote in the November US presidential election.

    This plays into Netanyahyu’s hands, as he is able to act independently of US attempts to rein him in. Whatever he does, he will continue to receive US military support.



    Read more:
    Does Hezbollah represent Lebanon? And what impact will the death of longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah have?

    Ian Parmeter 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. Benjamin Netanyahu is triumphant after Hassan Nasrallah’s assassination. But will it change anything? – https://theconversation.com/benjamin-netanyahu-is-triumphant-after-hassan-nasrallahs-assassination-but-will-it-change-anything-240090

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Murder charge laid following Dargaville homicide

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police have today charged a man with murder following the discovery of a body in a vehicle on Ripiro Beach, Dargaville earlier this month.

    Jasmaine Corin Reihana, 35, was found dead inside a burnt out vehicle on 9 September.

    Since then, Police have been working to piece together the events leading up to her death and who was responsible.

    Detective Inspector Al Symonds, of Northland CIB, says today, Police have charged a 34-year-old man with murder.

    “Police have conducted an extensive investigation to ensure the person responsible for her murder can be held to account.

    “I would like to acknowledge the investigation team, who have worked tirelessly to get this result, and also those members of our community who have assisted our enquiries.

    “Thank you to everyone who has come forward with information during the course of this investigation.”

    Detective Inspector Symonds says Police are not looking for anyone else.

    “It has been our team’s focus to hold to account the person we will allege is responsible for Jasmine’s murder, and we hope this brings some relief to her whānau.”

    The murder accused will appear in Whangārei District Court on Monday 30 September.

    As this matter is before the Court, Police are unable to make any further comment.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New Australian opera Gilgamesh captures the power of one of the world’s most ancient masterpieces

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Louise Pryke, Honorary Research Associate, University of Sydney

    Daniel Boud/Opera Australia, Sydney Chamber Opera, Carriageworks

    Gilgamesh, a new opera from Opera Australia, Sydney Chamber Orchestra and Carriageworks, gives a visceral retelling of a story from a forgotten age, exploring ideas of love, tyranny and what it means to be human.

    This new production reimagines the legend for 21st century audiences, while engaging cleverly with the epic’s timeless themes.

    The young king, Gilgamesh (Jeremy Kleeman), starts out as a tyrant and goes on a journey to find the wisdom needed to become a just ruler.

    Along the way, he meets his companion, Enkidu (a remarkable Mitchell Riley), a man born in the wilderness and civilised through two weeks of sex with the wise priestess Shamhat (Jessica O’Donoghue).

    Together, Gilgamesh and Enkidu fight the monstrous forest guardian Humbaba (Daniel Szeisong Todd) and the mighty Bull of Heaven. They also unwisely provoke the beauteous goddess of love and war Ishtar (Jane Sheldon).

    The heroes’ rash actions anger the gods, leading to Enkidu’s untimely death. Gilgamesh seeks eternal life and renewed youth, before finally returning home.



    Read more:
    Guide to the classics: the Epic of Gilgamesh

    A rediscovered story

    This production is the first English language opera of the Epic of Gilgamesh, a literary masterpiece from ancient Mesopotamia.

    The story was first written down on clay tablets in the cuneiform script more than 4,000 years ago. Although Gilgamesh was famous in the ancient world, his story disappeared from cultural awareness along with the ability to read cuneiform around the 1st century CE.

    The story was first written down in cuneiform script over 4,000 years ago.
    Daniel Boud/Opera Australia, Sydney Chamber Opera, Carriageworks

    In a feat of scholarly virtuosity, 19th century scholars deciphered the rediscovered cuneiform script, using a kind of Persian Rosetta Stone known as the Behistun monument.

    In 1857, the Royal Asiatic Society held a kind of “cuneiform competition”, where scholars completed secret translations of a previously unseen inscription.

    When their translations were found to be very similar, it was clear the secrets of the complex script had finally been unlocked.

    Music and myth

    In the 150 years since the Epic of Gilgamesh was rediscovered, the legend has inspired music spanning numerous genres, from hip hop, to Australian indie pop, to metal.

    As with this new opera, many of these modern adaptations have focused on the loving relationship between the story’s two heroes, Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Their connection has been viewed as the world’s first bromance, or one of the oldest known love stories.

    The opera leans into the transformative nature of heroes’ epic love: Enkidu’s wildman innocence is corrupted by Gilgamesh; Gilgamesh is emboldened by the presence of his lover.

    There is much to admire in the approach to the text taken by composer Jack Symonds and librettist Louis Garrick.

    At times, excerpts of text from an English translation of the epic are incorporated into the score. This use of ancient prose is particularly effective in the scene where Gilgamesh rudely rejects Ishtar’s marriage proposal; it would be difficult to create a more brutal polemic than that employed by Gilgamesh against the goddess in the ancient narrative.

    At other times, new scenes and dialogue are crafted to draw deeper from the rich well of narrative ideas. This can be seen where Ishtar and Shamhat plan to civilise Enkidu (engineered by Gilgamesh in the original story), and a scene where Gilgamesh and Enkidu become lovers in the Cedar Forest.

    The production

    Kleeman gives a heroic turn as a man struggling to comprehend his mortality and his growing love for Enkidu.

    Sheldon is divine as Ishtar the vengeful goddess of love, seamlessly blending the deity’s power and unpredictability.

    As Utanapishti, the legendary flood survivor often compared with biblical Noah, Jessica O’Donoghue gives a haunting performance suited to one who has witnessed the destruction of most of humanity.

    The set design mirrors the combination of scale and simplicity seen in the narrative.
    Daniel Boud/Opera Australia, Sydney Chamber Opera, Carriageworks

    The set (design by Elizabeth Gadsby) uses as its centrepiece a Chinese elm tree with 1,000 gold fabric leaves, mirroring the combination of scale and simplicity seen in the narrative.

    This reflects the creative team’s engagement with the epic’s ecological themes. The Cedar Forest is recognised in the original epic for its aesthetic and commercial value. Its destruction by the heroes is an act of sacrilege.

    Directed by Kip Williams, Gilgamesh emphasises the violence of environmental destruction through the bloody death of the forest guardian Humbaba in a stomach-turning scene slippery with gore.

    At times, the production is stomach-turning and slippery with gore.
    Daniel Boud/Opera Australia, Sydney Chamber Opera, Carriageworks

    The love story between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is at the opera’s heart. Building on the intimate connection between the heroes in the ancient story, the two heroes sing songs of love together. Their vocal performances are matched with a dynamic physicality as they wrestle, embrace and cradle one another.

    Those familiar with Gilgamesh will enjoy discovering where new creative directions have been taken in the opera. For those new to the story, the opera gives a vibrant introduction into the power and drama of one of the world’s most ancient masterpieces.

    In the Babylonian legend, Gilgamesh finally abandons his quest for immortality. With this exciting new production of the epic, his ancient song of love and loss will continue to live on long into the future.

    Gilgamesh,by Opera Australia, Sydney Chamber Orchestra and Carriageworks, is at Carriageworks, Sydney, until October 5.

    Louise Pryke was a guest of the Gilgamesh production.

    – ref. New Australian opera Gilgamesh captures the power of one of the world’s most ancient masterpieces – https://theconversation.com/new-australian-opera-gilgamesh-captures-the-power-of-one-of-the-worlds-most-ancient-masterpieces-237765

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Doing What Matters: Future-proofing the Cunningham Highway

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    Work is progressing to future-proof the Cunningham Highway, with critical planning funding being directed to long-term improvements in two priority areas.

    The Albanese and Miles Labor Governments jointly committed $20 million for detailed planning on the Cunningham Highway, which will be used to undertake businesses cases on the Ipswich-Rosewood Road (Amberley) intersection and Ripley Road and Swanbank Road interchanges.

    The Australian Government is providing $16 million towards the project, with the Queensland Government providing the remaining $4 million.

    The Ipswich-Rosewood Road (Amberley) intersection planning will investigate options for a long-term solution at the intersection, including grade separation, a bypass or duplication of the highway.

    It will also take into consideration feedback received from the community during the consultation process and focus on improving safety for all users of this important transport connection.

    The Ipswich-Rosewood Road (Amberley) intersection is a key connection for freight and the local community. It also acts as the main access point to Australia’s largest operational military air base – Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley.  

    This project is part of the Australian Government’s broader $170 million investment in the Cunningham Highway.  

    As planning progresses, the Queensland Government will continue to keep the community and stakeholders updated.

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

    “Our aim is to identify and implement a way to improve safety and efficiency for both local residents and freight vehicles.

    “The business case will consider how best to improve connections to the Royal Australian Air Force Amberley base.

    “So much work goes into detailed planning for an upgrade of this calibre, and we want to ensure the design options reflect the needs of the community.”

    Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish:

    “Only a Miles Labor Government will work with the Albanese Government to prioritise Cunningham Highway funding to enable upgrades to priority locations.

    “The Cunningham Highway and Ipswich Rosewood Road (Amberley) intersection is our highest priority on the Cunningham Highway.

    “Following community feedback, we recognise the need to focus on the long-term solution given growing demands in the area.

    “The Ipswich-Rosewood Road (Amberley) intersection is a key connection for freight and the local community as well as servicing the main access point to Australia’s largest operational military air base—the Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley.

    “Additionally we know the Ripley Road and Swanbank Road exits are important interchanges for the community and an upgrade of these is a priority for the Miles and Albanese governments.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann:

    “I have advocated strongly for a long-term solution to the Cunningham Highway and Amberley intersection to support our fast-growing Ipswich region.

    “This commitment is the first step in fixing the Amberley intersection and addressing growing traffic congestion challenges at the Ripley and Swanbank interchanges.

    “A long-term solution to the Cunningham Highway would improve safety at the Amberley intersection, boost freight connectivity through the region, and reduce congestion for residents in Ipswich’s growth corridor and defence personnel at RAAF Base Amberley.

     “The Australian and Queensland Governments will continue to work together to ensure Queensland receives the quality infrastructure it deserves.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New appointment to the ABC Board

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The Albanese Government has appointed Ms Katrina Sedgwick OAM as a non-executive Director to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Board for a five-year term.

    Ms Sedgwick has extensive experience in the arts sector including performance, screen, festivals, museums, commissioning, and administration. In 2020 she received an Order of Australia Medal for Services to Film, Theatre, and Visual Arts Administration.

    Ms Sedgwick is currently the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation, and has previously held these positions at the Adelaide Film Festival and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

     In addition, Ms Sedgwick has held board positions at Back to Back Theatre, the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, Chunky Move, Art Gallery of South Australia, and the Australian Film Television and Radio School, and was the Head of Arts at the ABC between 2012 and 2015.

    Ms Sedgwick’s skills and experience will support the ABC to continue to deliver on its Charter to provide programs that contribute to a sense of national identity and inform and entertain, and reflect the cultural diversity of the Australian community, as well as to encourage and promote the musical, dramatic and other performing arts in Australia.

    This non-executive Director was nominated for appointment by the Nomination Panel as part of the merit-based appointment process for the ABC and SBS Boards.

    Ms Sedgwick will commence in the role on 2 October 2024 and will replace the outgoing member, Mr Peter Lewis, whose term expires on 1 October 2024.

    The Government acknowledges and thanks Mr Lewis for his significant contribution to the ABC Board over two terms.

    For more information on the ABC Board visit www.abc.net.au/about/abc-board

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

     “I thank Peter Lewis for his service on the ABC Board, during which time he made a valuable contribution to supporting the ABC’s continuing success in keeping Australians informed and entertained, and I congratulate Katrina Sedgwick on her appointment. 

    “Ms Sedgwick brings a strong creative boost to the Board alongside relevant executive and board-level experience, and increases the geographic diversity of the board with resident Victorian representation. 

    “I look forward to working with the Board and Ms Sedgwick into the future.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS begins UK visit

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan began his visit to London yesterday where he attended the annual “Hong Kong Dinner” engagement to share the latest developments in Hong Kong with participants.
     
    The dinner event, with about 350 leaders from the British political and business sectors and professionals invited to attend, was organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
     
    In his keynote speech delivered at the event, Mr Chan highlighted Hong Kong’s commitment to the rule of law and its competitive status in the global economy.
     
    “This is exemplified by the ranking, last year, of Hong Kong’s rule of law under the World Justice (Project) Rule of Law Index. Coming in 23rd out of 142 countries and jurisdictions, we may trail the UK, but we are still ahead of the US. And we were in the top 10 in the absence of corruption.
     
    “And, just two days ago, the Global Financial Centres Index announced that Hong Kong had climbed back to third overall – and gunning for London. We need to be ambitious.”
     
    Apart from pointing out that Hong Kong has a bright development outlook, Mr Chan welcomed British businesses and talent to explore opportunities in the city.
     
    In the morning, the Financial Secretary attended the plenary of the Hong Kong-Europe Business Council and a roundtable meeting hosted by the UK-based think tank Asia House. During the session, he introduced Hong Kong’s development strategies to European financial and business leaders, focusing on consolidating and enhancing the city’s development as international financial, trade, and shipping centre.
     
    In the afternoon, Mr Chan met UK Economic Secretary to the Treasury Tulip Siddiq and Governor of the Bank of England Andrew Bailey to discuss matters of mutual concern.
     
    He also called on Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang, and introduced the latest situation and development directions of Hong Kong.
     
    Mr Chan will continue his visit in London today.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Far too extreme for this arrested rider

    Source: South Australia Police

    A motorcycle rider has been caught travelling more than 100km/h over the speed limit in Murray Mallee this afternoon.

    Just before 12.30pm on Friday 27 September, a speed detection camera on Kulde Road at Tailem Bend captured a motorcycle travelling at 151km/h in a 50km/h zone.

    The same motorbike returned a few minutes later travelling in the opposite direction and was captured going 146km/h.

    The rider was photographed on camera with wearing what appeared to be a pirate hat and goggles.

    Local patrols attended a Tailem Bend address where they located the motorbike and the rider.

    The rider, a 54-year-old man from Coonalpyn, submitted to a drug test where he returned a positive result for methamphetamine.

    The man was arrested and charged with two counts of driving at an extreme speed, driving whilst being disqualified, driving with incorrect number plates, failing to wear a helmet and contravening mandatory alcohol interlock scheme conditions.

    He was refused police bail and will appear in Murray Bridge Magistrates Court on Monday 30 September.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Space Museum launches free special exhibition “China’s Lunar and Mars Exploration” (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Space Museum launches free special exhibition “China’s Lunar and Mars Exploration” (with photos)
    Hong Kong Space Museum launches free special exhibition “China’s Lunar and Mars Exploration” (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Hong Kong Space Museum is staging a free special exhibition, “China’s Lunar and Mars Exploration”, from today (September 27) until March 24 next year in the foyer of the museum, showcasing the key achievements and future outlook of China’s lunar and Mars exploration missions.     China has been achieving its space exploration dreams step by step through the country’s own successful research and development of artificial satellites, rockets, manned spacecraft and a space station to carry out missions and scientific research in space, deepening human understanding of the Earth and the universe. In China’s Lunar Exploration Program, the Yutu lunar rover landed on the Moon while in China’s Mars Mission, the Zhurong Mars rover left its mark on the Martian surface.     Full-scale models of the Yutu lunar rover and the Zhurong Mars rover will be on display at the exhibition. Visitors will be able to study the structures and functions of the models and gain insights into the remarkable achievements in China’s aerospace development. Visitors can also review the missions of both rovers through interactive panels.     During the exhibition period, the Hong Kong Space Museum will organise a series of complementary programmes, including the “The Aerospace Science and Technology in China” Lecture Series, and astronomy film show. The museum will launch educational materials, including activity sheets for kindergarten, primary and secondary schools, and e-versions of the “Lunar and Mars Exploration Parent-Child Booklet”, with photos and simple descriptions, enabling the public to gain a deeper understanding of China’s achievements and developments in lunar and Mars exploration.     The exhibition is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and organised by the Hong Kong Space Museum. For details of the exhibition, programmes and educational materials, please visit hk.space.museum/en/web/spm/exhibitions/special-exhibitions/clme.html or call 2721 0226 for enquiries.     The exhibition is one of the activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. The LCSD has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For more information, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html.     

     
    Ends/Friday, September 27, 2024Issued at HKT 14:38

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Asia+ Festival’s “The Woven Sounds” fuses Persian music with carpet-making to feature Iran’s cultural traditions (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Asia+ Festival’s “The Woven Sounds” fuses Persian music with carpet-making to feature Iran’s cultural traditions (with photos)
    Asia+ Festival’s “The Woven Sounds” fuses Persian music with carpet-making to feature Iran’s cultural traditions (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Asia+ Festival, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, is introducing the “Middle Eastern Series” this year with “The Woven Sounds” concert on October 19 as its first offering. Persian carpet-making is a world-famous craft. Iranian ethnomusicologist and musician Mehdi Aminian will lead his ensemble to perform traditional Persian instruments rarely seen in Hong Kong and revive a folk custom of carpet weavers. Fusing Persian music with carpet-making, the programme features the folklore and cultural traditions of Iran.      In the long history of Persian culture, carpets are a unique symbol and their making has been recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage item. The weavers would turn the patterns of the rugs into lyrics, sing them aloud to let other weavers know the patterns while slipping in casual conversations. This long tradition of pattern singing, called “naqshe-khani”, has been passed down through generations.         Aminian, after years of research, has recreated this fading custom on stage. His ensemble will perform traditional Persian instruments rarely featured in Hong Kong, including the ney (flute), setar (stringed instrument) and kamancheh (bowed string instrument). Along with ensemble performances, each instrument will be showcased separately in an improvisation session. The concert’s repertoire also has a distinct flavour. For instance, the piece “Silence” is depicted with audible music which exudes an ethereal quality. As a female weaver sings soulfully while working on stage, video footage of other carpet weavers filmed in Iran will also be shown, offering audiences a glimpse into the social landscape of the country.      “The Woven Sounds” concert will be held at 8pm on October 19 at the Sheung Wan Civic Centre Theatre. Tickets priced at $240, $300 and $380 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288, or use the mobile ticketing app “URBTIX”.      The programme is performed in Persian and Qashqai. A free meet-the-artist session will be held after the performance on October 19. In addition, a weaving workshop and a documentary screening and sharing session will be held on October 17 and 18 respectively at The Mills, formerly known as Nan Fung Cotton Mills. For details, please refer to asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en/the-woven-sounds.      The second Asia+ Festival is running from September to November, highlighting the arts and culture of nearly 30 countries from Asia, the Middle East and Belt and Road regions. Apart from stage programmes, there are also thematic exhibitions, an outdoor carnival, film screenings, outreach activities and more, numbering over 100 in total. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en/.

     
    Ends/Friday, September 27, 2024Issued at HKT 15:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Singapore Holds Chief Pinning Ceremony, Sept. 27, 2024 [Image 4 of 13]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    240927-N-ED646-1198-SINGAPORE (Sept. 27, 2024) Chief Logistics Specialist Alyssa Mangubat receives her chief anchors from Senior Chief Logistics Specialist David Long, left, and her father during a Chief Pinning Ceremony held at Sembawang Naval Installation (SNI) in Singapore. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 09.26.2024
    Date Posted: 09.27.2024 02:58
    Photo ID: 8664582
    VIRIN: 240927-N-ED646-1198
    Resolution: 8256×5504
    Size: 6.16 MB
    Location: SG
    Web Views: 2
    Downloads: 0

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    This work, Singapore Holds Chief Pinning Ceremony, Sept. 27, 2024 [Image 13 of 13], by PO2 Moises Sandoval, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Press conference, Beijing

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    JIM CHALMERS:

    Yesterday afternoon and into last evening I co‑chaired with Chairman Zheng Shanjie, the Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the first Strategic Economic Dialogue in 7 years.

    These were frank and fruitful discussions between myself and the Chairman of the NDRC. The discussions ran for more than 3 hours. They ran over time. We are very grateful for the time that the Chairman was able to give us at a time when there’s a lot going on here in China, and I wanted to talk about that a bit as well.

    These were the first meetings by an Australian Treasurer here in 7 years. It’s another really important part of our efforts as a government to stabilise this really key economic relationship in the interests of our people.

    This economic relationship is full of complexity and full of opportunity, and we believe we give ourselves the best chance to manage and maximise those complexities and those opportunities when we engage in a meaningful way, as we have been doing over the course of the last couple of days.

    Obviously Australia and China – we have our differences. But we have agreed to work together where we can when it comes to really important areas like trade and investment, decarbonisation of our industries and business engagement as well.

    I’m really pleased that we agreed yesterday that we would conduct these Strategic Economic Dialogues annually, and the next one will be in Australia next year.

    We were able to have advanced discussions, frank and fruitful, productive and practical discussions, about the key issues confronting both of our economies and the global economy more broadly as well.

    There couldn’t have been a more important time to be engaging with Chinese counterparts than right now. We saw the announcements made earlier in the week and more signalled yesterday by senior policymakers here in China.

    I want to make it really clear – we welcome efforts to boost growth in the Chinese economy. We are very pleased to see these additional steps being signalled by the Chinese government in order to boost economic activity and boost growth here in China.

    China is Australia’s biggest partner. We have a lot at stake and a lot to gain when it comes to this key economic relationship. If you look at the Treasury forecasts for growth in the Chinese economy, if they eventuate, those 3 years of forecasts, that would be the weakest period of growth here in China since the opening up in the late 1970s. What happens here and what is decided here has big consequences for our own economy, our own workers, businesses, investors and for our country more broadly.

    We do have a lot at stake, and we do have a lot to gain when it comes to the engagement and the stabilisation of the relationship with China as well. We know that a more stable relationship is good for Australia, and that’s why I’m here. It’s as simple as that. That’s also why I consulted with the Chairs and CEOs and senior executives of around 15 different very major China‑facing Australian businesses, because we do know just how important it is that we get this right.

    Growth in the Chinese economy has been a key contributor to weakness in the global economy. When the Chinese economy is soft, we’re not immune from that. We understand that. That’s an important reason for the timing of this visit being so crucial.

    Shortly I’ll be meeting with the Chairman of the Chinese Securities Commission as well, Wu Qing, and I will get from him some further insights about the performance of the Chinese economy, particularly the financial conditions here. That will also be another opportunity to talk about the measures announced and signalled through the course of this week.

    I was very grateful to Chairman Zheng last night for the opportunity formally in the dialogue and then informally at the dinner to canvass some of the contexts for the decisions that have been taken, announced or signalled in the course of this week. The NDRC is really going to be one of the most important institutions when it comes to rolling out this support for the Chinese economy at a really important time.

    It was crucial that we restart these discussions, the Strategic Economic Dialogue. It’s a very good outcome for Australia that we will be hosting counterparts next year to continue to advance these discussions on areas like trade and investment, decarbonisation of our industries and business engagement. I’m looking forward to hosting colleagues and counterparts next year in Australia.

    So very valuable and well‑timed discussions. Very practical, very productive. I’m grateful for the generosity of our Chinese host as we canvass some of these really important issues.

    I’m happy to take some of your questions.

    JOURNALIST:

    Treasurer, as you say, you couldn’t have got luckier with the timing. How convinced are you by the extent of the stimulus measures announced by the Chinese this week?

    CHALMERS:

    Clearly some of the detail of these measures is still to come and subject to those details we think this is a really welcome development, a very welcome development here in China but also for the global economy, and especially for our own economy.

    We are very pleased to see the Chinese authorities announce or signal the sorts of steps that we have been hearing about this week publicly and also in our private discussions with our counterparts.

    This can only be a good thing for Australia, subject to those details, because we know that weakness in the Chinese economy does flow through to our own economic conditions. Some of the key reasons why our own economy is slowing considerably are global economic uncertainty, of which China is a part, combined with inflationary pressures at home and the impact of higher interest rates – those 3 things are combining to slow our own economy considerably.

    When steps are taken here to boost economic activity and to boost growth for the Chinese economy, subject to the details that will be released in good time, we see that as a very, very good development for Australia.

    JOURNALIST:

    But do you think they’ll work?

    CHALMERS:

    It remains to be seen. But we’ve seen on earlier occasions when the authorities here, the administration here, steps in to support activity in the economy that is typically a good thing for Australia – good for our businesses and workers, our industries, our investors, and good for the global economy as well.

    Like a lot of people around the world, we have been concerned about the softer conditions here in the Chinese economy. Subject to the details that will be made public in good time, any efforts to boost growth and support activity here is a welcome one around the world and especially at home in Australia.

    JOURNALIST:

    Can you talk us through some of the specific impacts that happens in Australia, the flow‑on effects, when you have an annual growth figure here in China that is below that 5 per cent target?

    CHALMERS:

    We see that across a range of different indicators, but the easiest to understand is the demand for and the price that we’re getting for some of our bulk commodities. One of the reasons why I consulted with BHP and Rio and Fortescue and Woodside and others before I came here to China is to understand the implications for our exports of a softer Chinese economy.

    We’ve seen the iron ore price, for example, is really quite low by recent historical standards. I think it’s down about 40 per cent since the start of the year. Similarly, when it comes to thermal coal. That has implications for us. It has implications for the Budget but, more importantly, it has implications for the economy. Even if in the course of this week we’ve seen a minor correction, a minor improvement, in the prices we get for some of our bulk commodities. That’s obviously a good thing when it comes to our major exporters.

    But more broadly, softness here has implications for growth in the global economy. We’ve even seen in the last 24 hours or so our own Reserve Bank putting out its financial stability analysis and has talked about the consequences of weaker Chinese growth for the global economy. We’re not immune from that, really, right across the board. But the easiest way to understand it is when it comes to the impact on our exporters.

    JOURNALIST:

    Treasurer, there’s been a lot happening in Beijing on the economic front. There’s also been lot going on on the military front. There was the first intercontinental ballistic missile shot in more than 4 decades a few days ago, and on Wednesday before you arrived Australia, Japan and New Zealand sailed their navy vessels through the Taiwan Strait. We’ve also had all 3 of China’s aircraft carriers for the first time operating on [inaudible].

    Can I get a direct comment on the ballistic missile [inaudible] and a comment on Australia’s freedom of navigation operation? And then maybe just talk to us about how you reconcile, obviously, the economic relationship is so important, but there’s other things going on as well, just talk to us about you reconcile that, thanks very much for that.

    CHALMERS:

    Thanks very much for that, Will.

    Australia, like other countries in our region and around the world, has a lot at stake when it comes to a stable, secure, peaceful and prosperous region. It’s not unusual for navies to conduct the kind of exercises that you’re describing in the Taiwan Strait. These are routine activities, and they’re conducted in accordance with international law. That wasn’t part of our discussions yesterday.

    In terms of the other parts of your question, I was able to reiterate in the meetings yesterday afternoon our expectations of safe and professional conduct of all militaries operating in our region. Obviously I’m aware of the reports about the testing and other reports that you refer to in your question, and I was able to raise that in the conversation yesterday afternoon. But as you would expect, the overwhelming focus of our discussions here has been the economy.

    JOURNALIST:

    So in your discussions yesterday about the stimulus measures, was there any discussion about whether these plans are aimed at very short term now or whether this was medium term? [Inaudible] And also, how do you see [inaudible]? Is this actually going to supercharge Chinese national output and Chinese exports? [Inaudible]

    CHALMERS:

    In reverse order, I was able to talk about the importance of safeguarding the global rules‑based system of open trade in the context of some of the issues you raise in your question and the free and fair and open markets that have served the global economy and our economy so well for so long.

    When it comes to the urgency or otherwise of steps that have been flagged to boost growth here, I don’t want to go too deep into the informal conversations that we had about some elements of that, but it was a feature of our discussions.

    This balance that we’re all trying to strike between doing what is necessary in the near term – whether it’s here supporting growth, in Australia, a primary focus on inflation on the cost of living without ignoring the risks to growth – balancing those near‑term considerations with what we need to do to set ourselves up for another generation of growth and prosperity.

    The discussions were about those steps flagged and announced throughout the course of the week. Some elements of that will have some urgency associated with it. But the government here wants to make sure that anything that they’re doing in the near term also serves a useful longer term purpose. In that, we have a lot in common. In Australia fighting inflation without ignoring the risks to growth, budget repair but also investing in skills and housing and energy and in a Future Made in Australia – all that is about trying to recognise our near‑term pressures and our longer‑term opportunities, and that’s how my Chinese counterparts see it as well.

    JOURNALIST:

    [Inaudible] the US is [inaudible] some kind of [inaudible]. What will Australia be doing about that? And did your Chinese counterpart raise that in his [inaudible]?

    CHALMERS:

    My colleague the Energy Minister has made it clear that we don’t intend to ban imports of EVs from any particular country.

    We will continue to discuss with American counterparts the steps that they’ve announced and the steps that they’re taking when it comes to EVs. But we will take our own advice when it comes to the best way to manage and maximise that really important market for EVs.

    These sorts of issues came up in the broad in the discussions yesterday afternoon. We know that this is an issue of concern to our Chinese counterparts. But from our point of view, when it came to technology and innovation and the net zero transformation, our highest priority and our focus in the discussions was on other areas, including the decarbonisation of steel, for example, trying to maximise the chances that we have working together when it comes to our iron ore and their steel production. We both have an interest in greener steel production, and so that was a bigger part of the conversation than some of these other issues around EVs and other technology.

    JOURNALIST:

    Treasurer, I’m sure Australian lobster farmers would be very interested to know whether you raised their concerns yesterday. Are you any closer to knowing when the ban will be lifted? Will it be this year?

    CHALMERS:

    I did raise it last night and yesterday afternoon. We’re seeking a speedy resolution of the restrictions on lobster.

    We’ve made really quite encouraging progress, engaging with Chinese counterparts, to see something like 20 of the $21 billion in trade restrictions lifted. That’s good for our workers and our businesses, our exporters and our investors. I wanted to pay tribute there to the efforts of our people here in China led so capably by our Ambassador, but also Ministers Wong and Farrell and the Prime Minister.

    This is a very tangible way that we have seen progress made as a consequence of our effort to stabilise the relationship. There is more trade of more goods than when we came to office because of those efforts.

    Obviously we’re aware we have a little ways to go yet, particularly when it comes to lobster. I did raise that. We are seeking the speedy resolution of those issues. We know that teams on both sides are discussing the issue of lobster in particular, trying to get to a resolution on that. We’d like to see that before long.

    JOURNALIST:

    What’s the hiccup?

    CHALMERS:

    As I understand it, there are still a couple of technical issues being worked on between our agriculture and trade departments and administrations. We knew that coming here.

    I intended to raise it here and I have. We do want to see a speedy resolution, but we know that there’s a little bit more work to do. But ideally, hopefully, we will see our wonderful Australian lobster gracing the tables of Chinese homes and restaurants as soon as possible.

    JOURNALIST:

    The Chinese delegation was seeking reassurances around Chinese investment in Australia. Did they raise anything specific [inaudible]?

    CHALMERS:

    I really welcomed the opportunity to convey to Chairman Zheng and to his colleagues the same thing which I have said publicly, and I mean it.

    Our foreign investment regime does not target any one country. Ours is a non‑discriminatory regime, which is about managing risks in foreign investment. It’s about strengthening the foreign investment regime and streamlining it where we can to manage the economic and security risks which are sometimes part of foreign investment proposals. That doesn’t single any one country out. It is just a sensible, considered, commonsense way to manage foreign investment in Australia.

    Foreign investment in Australia is welcome. We support overwhelmingly most of the applications that are made to us. Where a proposal is rejected it hasn’t all been from one country. It hasn’t all been from here.

    I really did genuinely welcome the opportunity to step the Chairman through that. We agreed to have more discussions about some of those issues. Wherever we can provide more clarity on these sorts of issues we welcome the chance to do that.

    JOURNALIST:

    What did they say about critical minerals? Because obviously some of those investors have been in that industry. It’s something the Chinese dominate in, and we have seen the announcement earlier this week of the co‑financing agreement between Australia and the US and other countries. So were they concerned about these efforts to diversify supply chains in critical minerals?

    CHALMERS:

    There’s a recognition that every country manages its economic and national security interests in a way that’s appropriate for them.

    Every country has some system or set of arrangements to screen investment, and countries make agreements with each other about key supply chains like this one.

    We think that critical minerals are the opportunity of the century for Australia. I am a huge supporter of the Australian critical minerals industry. But our efforts there aren’t about protecting. They’re about engaging with the world, providing wonderful critical – Australian critical minerals – to markets around the world. Obviously not just with our Chinese counterparts but right around the world there’s a lot of interest in Australian critical minerals, and that’s for good reason.

    JOURNALIST:

    Do you see the Chinese overcapacity in thins like rare earths as being a threat to Australia’s industries? Australia’s paying billions of dollar to companies like Arafura to develop the industry and yet Chinese exports are growing and prices are falling. Are those – firstly, are those investments by the Australian Government and those companies at risk, and, secondly, did you raise those issues with the Chinese?

    CHALMERS:

    We’ve been one of the world’s major beneficiaries of properly functioning global markets for resources and for other goods and services as well. The global economy has been a major beneficiary of that, and we’ve been a major beneficiary of that. We want to see it continue.

    Clearly, when it comes to some markets for some resources, we’ve seen some extraordinary volatility in some of those markets. I was able to reiterate with Chairman Zheng just how much we value the proper functioning of global rules‑based markets. I believe that it’s in everyone’s interests that see those markets function properly.

    JOURNALIST:

    Just following on on investment, [inaudible] Australia‑China Business Council Summit. There’s been a lot of confusion among Australian China facing businesses and Chinese businesses who want to operate in Australia, they heard the comments you repeated today about Australia not having – not targeting any one country. But then they say, well, look at the reality of it. They said they’re very confused about where they’re allowed or not. You have approved or allowed the investment of Rio and [inaudible] for that new iron ore project 2 years ago. Clearly Investment can be approved from China. Can you speak to the model? Is it that? Is it a 50–50 JV with an Australian partner? Is that what Chinese businesses should be coming to Australia with if they want success? Just speak to that a bit.

    CHALMERS:

    We approach each proposal on a case‑by‑case basis, and we’ve done our best to provide as much information and clarity and certainty about the sorts of things that we consider when we judge those applications on a case‑by‑case basis.

    We’ve made it very clear, for example, that we take a harder look where it applies to critical infrastructure, critical data, critical minerals. I think that’s understood. It’s certainly been clearly communicated by our government. But if there’s more information and more clarity that we can provide, I was able to convey to Chairman Zheng yesterday afternoon that we’re happy to try and provide that.

    We approve overwhelmingly the vast majority of proposals which come to us when it comes to foreign investment. Rejecting proposals is a very rare thing, and it isn’t just from one country. We run a genuinely non‑discriminatory Foreign Investment Review Board process. It is rightly robust. We want it to be robust, but we also want it to be clear and transparent, and if we can do more on that front, we will.

    JOURNALIST:

    Treasurer, you’re flying back into a really big storm over negative gearing. Did you ask Treasury to model reforms, and when will we get a definitive answer from the government about whether you will take a new policy to the election on negative gearing?

    CHALMERS:

    First of all, I hope I’m flying back into another Brisbane Lions premiership, but I’ll also be flying back into the opportunity to do a couple of things when I’m back.

    I’ll be releasing the Final Budget Outcome on Monday with Katy Gallagher, which will show a bigger second surplus than forecast in the Budget in May. There’ll be a number of opportunities to talk about this and these engagements here as well.

    When it comes to negative gearing changes, it is not unusual at all for governments or for treasurers to get advice on contentious issues which are in the public domain, including in the parliament. It is not unusual for treasurers to do that, but we have made it very clear through the course of this week that we have a broad and ambitious housing policy already and those changes aren’t part of it.

    JOURNALIST:

    So you’ll rule out any changes to negative gearing before the next election and during the next term?

    CHALMERS:

    We’ve made it really clear through the course of the week that our priority and our focus is on rolling out $32 billion worth of investment, because our highest priority and our biggest focus is supply. Whether it’s in Brisbane on Wednesday where I took a number of questions about this or throughout the course of the week when the Prime Minister was able to take a whole bunch of questions on this as well, we’ve made it clear. Our policy is to boost supply. Our policy is to invest $32 billion in that effort and these changes which we get advice on from time to time because they’re in the public domain or they’re in the Parliament, they’re not part of our policy.

    JOURNALIST:

    Is the Australian economy at risk of shrinking if Trump is elected in the US, given he’s flagged up to 60 per cent tariffs on all imports and overruling the Federal Reserve on interest rates [inaudible]?

    CHALMERS:

    As you’d appreciate, we don’t comment on the domestic political debate, especially from another country and especially in the most intense part of an American election campaign.

    We have shown a willingness and an ability across Australian Governments of both political persuasions to work with whoever the Americans choose as their President and the people that they elect to their representative bodies. We play the cards that we’re dealt when it comes to decisions taken appropriately by the American people.

    I share President Biden’s view that nobody has anything to gain from a trade war between the US and China. The policies being proposed by either side of politics in the US are a matter for them. Broadly and in principle I hold President Biden’s view – nobody has anything to gain from a trade war between this country and the US, least of all Australia.

    JOURNALIST:

    How much did the US election come up in your discussions yesterday?

    CHALMERS:

    I don’t think it came up at all. It may have come up informally, but I don’t believe so.

    Thanks very much.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Singapore Holds Chief Pinning Ceremony, Sept. 27, 2024 [Image 11 of 13]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

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    240927-N-ED646-1075-SINGAPORE (Sept. 27, 2024) The Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific (COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF 73) color guard detail parade the colors during a Chief Pinning Ceremony held at Sembawang Naval Installation (SNI) in Singapore. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 09.26.2024
    Date Posted: 09.27.2024 02:58
    Photo ID: 8664627
    VIRIN: 240927-N-ED646-1075
    Resolution: 6947×4631
    Size: 6.72 MB
    Location: SG
    Web Views: 2
    Downloads: 0

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    This work, Singapore Holds Chief Pinning Ceremony, Sept. 27, 2024 [Image 13 of 13], by PO2 Moises Sandoval, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Singapore Holds Chief Pinning Ceremony, Sept. 27, 2024 [Image 6 of 13]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    240927-N-ED646-1316-SINGAPORE (Sept. 27, 2024) The Singapore Chief Petty Officer Mess poses for a photo after a Chief Pinning Ceremony held at Sembawang Naval Installation (SNI) in Singapore. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 09.26.2024
    Date Posted: 09.27.2024 02:58
    Photo ID: 8664586
    VIRIN: 240927-N-ED646-1316
    Resolution: 7910×5273
    Size: 7.58 MB
    Location: SG
    Web Views: 1
    Downloads: 0

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    This work, Singapore Holds Chief Pinning Ceremony, Sept. 27, 2024 [Image 13 of 13], by PO2 Moises Sandoval, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 213-2024: Immediate changes to accepted Turkish testing providers for imported seed for sowing

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    27 September 2024

    Who does this notice affect?

    This notice affects importers of seed for sowing, all permit holders of seed for sowing, custom brokers and departmental staff.

    What has changed?

    Effective immediately, the department has suspended the acceptance of seed testing results issued by any laboratory in the Republic of Türkiye for any seed for sowing imports into Australia.

    Following a review, there have been concerns raised regarding the accuracy of…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special traffic arrangements for National Day Flag Raising Ceremony

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

        Police will implement special traffic arrangements to facilitate the holding of the National Day Flag Raising Ceremony on October 1 (Tuesday) in Wan Chai North, Central and Tin Hau.A. Road closure     The following roads will be closed, except for authorised vehicles:(I) From 00.01am on September 30 to 1pm on October 1:- Expo Drive;- Expo Drive Central;- Expo Drive East;- The slip road leading from Central – Wan Chai Bypass to Expo Drive; and- Eastbound Lung Wo Road between the Wan Chai portal of Central – Wan Chai Bypass and Fleming Road.(II) From 5.30am to 1pm on October 1:- Westbound Lung Wo Road between the Wan Chai portal of Central – Wan Chai Bypass and Fleming Road;- Lung Tat Path; and- Westbound Lung Wo Road between Lung Hop Street and Fleming Road.(III) From 6am to 8am on October 1:     Lung Wo Road between Edinburgh Place and Tim Wa Avenue.(IV) From 6.45am to 7.15 am on October 1:- Tung Lo Wan Road between Causeway Road and Lin Fa Kung Street West; and- Lai Yin Lane.B. Traffic diversions     In connection with the road closure as mentioned above, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:(I) From 00.01am on September 30 to 1pm on October 1:- Traffic along eastbound Lung Wo Road heading for Fleming Road and Hung Hing Road must turn right to southbound Lung Hop Street or enter eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass via eastbound Lung Wo Road for Island Eastern Corridor;- Traffic turning right from northbound Lung Hop Street can only enter eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass via eastbound Lung Wo Road; and- Traffic from Central heading for Wan Chai will be diverted via Man Po Street, eastbound Yiu Sing Street and eastbound Lung Wo Road.(II) From 5.30am to 1pm on October 1:     Traffic along westbound Hung Hing Road heading for westbound Lung Wo Road must turn left to southbound Fleming Road, via northbound Fleming Road, westbound Harbour Road, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street and northbound Lung Hop Street.(III) From 6am to 8am on October 1:- Traffic along eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted to southbound Edinburgh Place;- Traffic along westbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted to southbound Tim Wa Avenue;- Traffic along eastbound Harcourt Road cannot enter Tim Wa Avenue; and- Traffic along eastbound Tim Wa Avenue cannot make a U-turn to northbound Tim Wa Avenue.(IV) From 6.45am to 7.15 am on October 1:     Traffic along westbound King’s road will be diverted to westbound Causeway Road.C. Suspension of parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas     The metered parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas at Expo Drive, and the on-street parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas at Expo Drive East will be suspended from 00.01am on September 30 to 1pm on October 1.     All metered, motorcycle and disabled parking spaces on Tung Lo Wan Road between Causeway Road and Lin Fa Kung Street West will be suspended from 10pm on September 30 to 7.30am on October 1.     All vehicles parked illegally during the implementation of the above special traffic arrangements will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing.       Actual implementation of traffic arrangements will be made depending on traffic and crowd conditions in the areas. Motorists are advised to exercise tolerance and patience and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China opposes US missile deployment in Philippines

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday reiterated China’s firm opposition to the United States’ deployment of mid-range capability missiles in the Philippines under the pretext of military exercises.

    Responding to a media query, Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, urged the U.S. side to address its erroneous actions and deliver on its earlier commitment to withdraw the mid-range capability missile system it has deployed in the Philippines as soon as possible.

    The Philippine side should not miscalculate the situation or involve itself in the U.S. agenda, as doing so will only hurt its own interests, Zhang said.

    China has abundant tools at its disposal and will take effective countermeasures according to the evolving situation, Zhang added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Ara Institute of Canterbury front and centre of Master Joiners conference

    Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

    Master Joiners Conference attendees have been welcomed onto Ara Institute of Canterbury’s trades campus in Woolston to see first-hand where the experts of the future get their start.
    More than 300 delegates have signed up for the three-day conference in Christchurch which started on Thursday and will end with the presentation of industry awards at a Saturday gala.
    The Ara campus tour, led by coordinator and tutor for Ara’s joinery managed apprenticeships, Darren Evans, provided a chance for conference-goers to see Ara’s facilities, speak to tutors and hear updates on Ara programmes.
    “Our offerings are unique. We like to individualise our training, and the apprentice-managed programme concentrates on giving the apprentice a wider range of skills to use in their career,” Evans said.
    Ara currently offers a Level 3 Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry and Joinery) and the New Zealand Certificate in Joinery (Apprenticeship) at Level 4. The apprenticeship programme is offered in four specialisations including cabinetry, timber doors and windows, timber stairs, and laminate fabrication.
    Joinery will also be part of a newcomer to Ara’s trades offerings for 2025. The Trades Primer is a free course providing students with a taste of a variety of specialties over a half-year of study.
    Designed to help prospective trades students to make informed decisions about their next step, it will cover machining, fabrication, welding, automotive, autobody, carpentry, joinery, painting and decorating, electrical, plumbing, gas fitting and drain laying.
    As well as the tour, Ara will have a strong presence throughout the Master Joiners Conference with Darren Evans speaking about training options with a focus on training for female apprentices. Alongside him, current Ara apprentice Arna Ward will be speaking at a Women in Trades sponsored event.
    Evans describes Ward as “one of the best to have come through the programme”, with three awards under her belt including winning apprentice of year twice.
    Ara managed apprentices have also seen success at the recent Canterbury Master Joiners Regional awards. John Williams of Sydenham Joinery won first place and Michael Chambers of Alsop Joinery took second place. Both are in their fourth year of apprentice training.
    More awards are up for grabs as part of this weekend’s conference. Ara has sponsored three national categories with five awards to be handed out at the Saturday night gala event including Highest Judged for Workmanship and Skill, Best Timber Project and Best Fitment.
    Darren Evans said it was great for Ara to be so keenly involved in the conference.
    “Today was a chance to show off our workshops at Ara to the rest of the joinery community. This is the first national conference held in Canterbury since before the earthquakes. It was a great opportunity for us to also hear from employers who were giving plenty of encouraging feedback,” he said.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Devastating cuts to Whaakata Māori and Māori Teacher Training funding – PSA

    Source: PSA

    The Government’s decision to cut funding to Māori Television – Whakaata Māori – and Māori Teacher Training is another devastating attack on Māori, says PSA Te Kaihautū Māori Janice Panoho.
    “This is yet another breach of Article 2 of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which protects our taonga tuku iho, including the language and cultural heritage of Māori,” Panoho says.
    “This attack on indigenous broadcasting is an affront to our people, and part of an ongoing attack on Māori. We must oppose this government’s agenda to exploit race as a political tool to undermine Te Reo Māori and eliminate Māori news and programmes.
    “It is a fact that Māori tamariki and rangatahi thrive in Kaupapa Māori education environments fare better than in mainstream schooling. We need more Māori teachers to inspire our young ones and to reinforce the importance and future of learning Te Reo Māori.
    “The recent remarks made by Education Minister Erica Stanford, where she claimed that maths achievement take priority over the revitalization of Te Reo Māori, are typical of this government’s disregard for our culture. These comments ignore the reality that both academic and cultural success go hand in hand for Māori students.
    “The loss of $30 million to fund Māori Teachers training and $10.3 million in time-locked funding, provided by the previous government, will have serious consequences for the future of Māori broadcasting and education.
    “Despite the pleas in Parliament yesterday by former Māori Development Minister Willie Jackson, who urged the government to invest in Whakaata Māori, there has been no indication that this coalition government intends to step in and provide the necessary support.
    “This is a direct attack on the future of Te Reo Māori and the Māori voice in media. Māori will not stand by while our language and our identity are diminished. The Government must be held accountable for their actions and their disregard for the commitments of Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” Panoho says.
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 96,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Lo Chung-mau concludes Beijing visit

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau and a delegation called on the State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) and the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in Beijing today.
     
    At the delegation’s meeting with State Council HKMAO Executive Deputy Director Zhou Ji this morning, Prof Lo introduced to Mr Zhou the latest developments of various healthcare reform initiatives in Hong Kong, including the initial achievements in the area of health and medical innovation.
     
    Prof Lo pointed out that the 20th CPC Central Committee’s Third Plenary Session adopted the Resolution of the CPC Central Committee on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization, adding that deepening the medical and health system reform was identified as one of the key tasks.
     
    He stressed that it is essential for Hong Kong to press ahead with reform and innovation in the healthcare system to cater for the mounting service demand of society posed by an ageing population.
     
    “The Health Bureau will stay committed to implementing the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and reform the healthcare system in a progressive manner.”
     
    At the same time, Prof Lo made it clear that the bureau will give full play to Hong Kong’s medical strengths and complement the advantages of other cities in the Greater Bay Area to vigorously develop new quality productive forces in biomedicine according to local conditions.
     
    The ultimate aim, he noted, is to develop Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub.
     
    Additionally, he emphasised that the bureau will also make breakthroughs and changes through an innovative mindset, so as to build a “Healthy Hong Kong” for integration into the nation’s “Healthy China” strategy.
     
    Prof Lo and the delegation then met NMPA Deputy Commissioner Zhao Junning to exchange views on fostering closer collaboration between the Mainland and Hong Kong in key areas such as the regulatory and approval of drugs and medical devices, cross-boundary clinical trials, and real-world data research.
     
    The health secretary highlighted the efforts to develop Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub, and establish an authority that registers drugs and medical devices under the primary evaluation approach in the long run.
     
    The delegation will return to Hong Kong tonight.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Minister of Health urged to follow Disability Minister’s lead

    Source: Aged Care Association

    The Minister for Disability Issues, Hon. Louise Upston, has confirmed that there will be no funding increase for disabled adults in aged care, but has asked the Aged Care Association to be involved in a solution for the sector.
    Over 1,000 people with disabilities live in aged residential care facilities. The funding freeze announced recently by the Minister poses challenges for those people and the providers who care for them.
    We expect our members will be seriously considering whether they can continue providing care for adults with disabilities. Aged residential care facilities are already on a knife edge, and this funding freeze makes a difficult environment even worse.
    The more positive news is that Minister Upston has moved swiftly to address our concerns by establishing an internal taskforce to review disability support service funding models and the commitment to developing an engagement program where we will have the opportunity to participate. The ACA is ready to collaborate with the Taskforce to ensure that the voices of our members are heard in this important process.
    We strongly urge the Minister of Health to take similar steps, by establishing a Ministerial Taskforce to work alongside us in addressing broader challenges in the aged care sector. Collaborative solutions are essential for creating a sustainable aged care system that can effectively meet the needs of our communities.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Shigeru Ishiba will be Japan’s next prime minister. What should we expect?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sebastian Maslow, Associate professor, University of Tokyo

    In a vote to replace Fumio Kishia as head of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), party members have elected Shigeru Ishiba as their new leader. Given the LDP’s majority in parliament, the party leader will become prime minister by default.

    Ishiba, aged 67, joined the parliament in 1986 and held key cabinet posts throughout his career, including director of then Defence Agency (now Ministry of Defence).

    Amid growing public opposition to the LDP, in 1993 he left the party, only to return four years later. The move cost him the trust of many of his LDP colleagues, many of whom still consider him a traitor.

    Ishiba has run five times for the LDP’s top position and frequently opposed former prime minister Shinzo Abe’s policies. Though unpopular among the LDP’s top members, Ishiba has nourished broad support among the LDP’s base. In today’s race, he won over Sanae Takaichi, a close ally of Abe and the face of the LDP’s revisionist brand of conservatism.

    Ishiba, who has his constituency in rural Tottori, has pledged to revitalise economic growth through supporting local regions. A defence expert, he is an outspoken advocate of stronger security relations with the United States and a more robust military.

    What does this tell us about Japanese politics?

    The election was one of the most contentious in recent political history and came after Kishida announced he would not seek re-election as LDP leader when his three-year term ends this month.

    Kishida’s tenure as prime minister has been marred by political scandals, leading to a sharp decline in public support for the cabinet.

    In particular, the revelation of the LDP’s links to the Unification Church following the assassination of Abe in 2022 and recent reports of LDP slush funds have undermined voter confidence in the party.

    In an effort to restore public confidence, Kishida promoted the dissolution of the LDP’s factions, which had served as the party’s main internal mechanisms for mobilising support and financial resources and allocating government portfolios since its founding in 1955.

    At the same time, the factions were seen as the main source of the LDP’s scandals.

    In a logic of “numbers are power”, the factions mobilised internal support for either their own leader or the faction’s ally to become prime minister.

    By challenging the LDP’s old power structures, Kishida’s re-election prospects diminished. However, with the disappearance of most of the LDP’s factions, internal power politics has become competitive.

    As a result, an unprecedented nine candidates vied for the party’s leadership.

    Will politics change much?

    The LDP’s constitution stipulates that in the first round of voting, the votes of each of the 368 members of parliament are added to the 368 votes allocated proportionally to rank-and-file members.

    The top two candidates then go through to a second round, where the 368 National Diet members cast their votes, while each of the 47 prefectural branches gets one vote.

    This means candidates who are popular with the LDP’s base have a good chance of surviving the first round, while only those who are popular with the party’s Diet members will ultimately win the race.

    The exception to this pattern is when the party’s national elite is so unpopular that its Diet members make a strategic move to support a locally popular candidate in an appeal to the public to reform the LDP and thus avoid punishment at the polls.

    This was the case when Junichiro Koizumi was elected LDP leader in 2001 after campaigning against his own party, which was embroiled in a series of scandals, while securing the support of the grassroots.

    With a runoff between the top two contenders seen as the most likely scenario early on, the candidates have been courting the support of the LDP’s old guard and faction leaders, hoping for their influence in mobilising the votes of LDP Diet members.

    Ishiba has remained highly unpopular among LDP Diet members. LDP Vice-President Taro Aso and others have pledged to support his rival Sanae Takaichi.

    Takakichi herself has promised not to further investigate the party’s slush funds or to punish members linked to them. While Ishiba has been critical of the LDP’s initial response, he has remained silent on the issue during his campaign in order to avoid further alienating the party’s Diet members.

    The LDP’s internal politics have come under intense public scrutiny. With the LDP’s internal power structures destabilised, fears of a return to revolving-door governments have resurfaced. The party operates in crisis mode.

    Selecting Ishiba has increased its chances to compete in the next general election and thus keep the LDP in power. How Ishiba can secure enough support from within the LDP to implement his policies while responding to the public’s expectations to hold the party accountable for its past scandals, however, remains to been.

    If he fails to deliver on the latter, his tenure may be short-lived too.

    What happens now?

    The Diet will convene on Tuesday and LDP members will elect Ishiba as the new prime minister, who will then announce her new cabinet and LDP leadership.

    If the past serves as lesson, Ishiba will dissolve the lower house soon after the supplementary budget is passed. This would set Japan on track for general elections later this year.

    Faced with a fragmented opposition, it remains to be seen whether his policies alone will be enough to secure public support. A critique of “Abenomics” (Shinzo Abe’s economic approach), Ishiba is considered being in favour of fiscal discipline.

    Meanwhile, he has also called for more public works spending to reduce Japan’s growing inequality while revitalising the depopulated regions.

    Ishiba has also been critical about Kishida’s return to nuclear power, calling for more investment in regenerative energy.

    In addition, he has expressed support for legalising same-sex marriage and separate surnames – though broadly supported by the public, both issues are controversial among the LDP’s conservative base.

    Promoting a more active and equal role of Japan in its alliance with the US, Ishiba most recently advocated for expanding security cooperation to an Asian version of NATO. Moreover, he has called for more diplomatic efforts to engage China and Russia instead of relying on military pressure.

    At the same time he has repeatedly called for a robust military posture to counter China’s rise and North Korea’s military actions.

    What Ishiba means for relations with South Korea – a key legacy of Kishida – or for handling a potential Donald Trump White House, however, remains to be seen. His pledge for a more active Japan certainly resonates well with Trump.

    What is clear is that the LDP, operating in crisis mode, has voted for a leader who is willing to change the party and to restore the public’s trust in government.

    Sebastian Maslow 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. Shigeru Ishiba will be Japan’s next prime minister. What should we expect? – https://theconversation.com/shigeru-ishiba-will-be-japans-next-prime-minister-what-should-we-expect-239314

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Treasury Markets Summit 2024 (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

         The Treasury Markets Summit 2024, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Treasury Markets Association (TMA), was held today (September 27) in Hong Kong. 
          
         In his keynote address, the Chief Executive of the HKMA and Honorary President of the TMA Council, Mr Eddie Yue, discussed the policy initiatives in further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as the offshore renminbi business hub of the world; while Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA and Chair of the TMA Executive Board, Mr Darryl Chan, highlighted the TMA’s key achievements in his opening remarks.
          
         The Summit’s panels covered three important topics, namely China economic outlook, Decentralised Finance (DeFi) and Metaverse, and Central Bank Digital Currency. The panels were moderated respectively by Deputy Head of RMB Business and General Manager of Global Markets of Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, Ms Annie Zhu; Professor of Practice (ESG, FinTech and Sustainable Finance) of School of Accounting and Finance at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Mr Lapman Lee, and the Chief Fintech Officer of the HKMA, Mr George Chou. They were joined by distinguished guest speakers from the financial industry and relevant sectors.
          
         The Summit was attended by over 300 local and overseas participants, including treasury market practitioners, asset managers, and senior executives and professionals from banks, financial institutions and corporates.      

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Federated Farmers – Land use change to blame for meat works closure

    Source: Federated Farmers
    Alliance Group’s proposal to close its Timaru meatworks is a symptom of broader issues that will continue undermining the primary sector until fixed, Federated Farmers says.
    Alliance chief executive Willie Wiese has stated the proposed closure is due to a decline in sheep processing numbers as a result of land-use change, which has resulted in surplus capacity in the company’s plant network.
     “Firstly, we want to extend our sympathies to the 600 workers and their families affected by this sad news,” Federated Farmers meat and wool chairperson Toby Williams says.
    “The prospect of the 139-year-old Smithfield plant going, and the loss of such a major employer in Timaru, is a huge blow to South Canterbury and we’re really feeling for them.”
    Williams says while there are multiple macro-economic factors at play behind Alliance’s decision, wrong-headed and skewed policy settings are a key reason the sheep and beef sector is under such strain.
    “We’ve had a decade of policy that has favoured forestry over farming, incentivising planting radiata, particularly for carbon revenue.
    “On top of that, excessive red tape and layers of impractical and poorly consulted-on regulation have strangled farming confidence and investment.
    “This year’s stock count showed sheep numbers slumped by another million or so in the last year, to 23 million.
    “Federated Farmers has always highlighted that when poor regulations stifle farming, the impacts are felt throughout our rural communities and broader national economy.
    “This is sadly coming to play today, and it is the people of South Canterbury who will feel this the hardest.”
    The coalition Government is making progress winding back some of the previous administration’s freshwater and resource management regulations and planning directives.
    “The aim is to continue looking after the environment, but balancing that with ensuring the economic and social wellbeing of communities gets the same prominence.
    “For farmers, and for processors and the wider economy, that re-balancing can’t happen soon enough,” Williams says. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire Safety – Make sure your home is fire safe this daylight saving weekend

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    This daylight saving weekend, Fire and Emergency New Zealand is reminding everyone to clean and check their smoke alarms and ensure they have a three-step escape plan in place.
    Tom Ronaldson, Community Education and Behaviour Change Manager, says, “just push the button on each of your smoke alarms. If you hear the beep, you know they are ready to protect you and your household.
    “A fire can be fatal within three minutes and when you are sleeping you can’t smell smoke. Working smoke alarms are the most important way to prepare for the possibility of a fire,” he says.
    “Having working smoke alarms in every bedroom, living area and hallway to alert all members of the household as early as possible, is the critical first step in escaping a house on fire.
    “Fire and Emergency recommends long-life interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms where possible. If a fire is detected in one room of the house, interconnected alarms will trigger all the alarms in your home, so everyone will be alerted to a fire sooner.
    “Lastly, now is the perfect time to give your smoke alarms a spring clean. You can do this by giving them a quick vacuum or dust.”
    Fire and Emergency is also encouraging everyone to take a few minutes this weekend to make sure they have a three-step escape plan in place.
    “Your escape plan should include at least two clear paths out of each area and a safe meeting place away from the house for your household to meet,” says Tom Ronaldson.
    Tips for keeping your smoke alarms maintained
    • Once a month press the test button to sound the alarm
    • If your smoke alarm is beeping periodically, it typically means you need to change the battery or replace your alarm. Fire and Emergency New Zealand recommends long-life photoelectric smoke alarms.
    • Clean your smoke alarms with a vacuum cleaner every six months, as dust build up can cause false alarms.
    • Check the expiry date, usually located on the bottom or side of the alarm. If there’s no expiry date, it’s best to replace the alarm.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Emerging Global Church Chairman continues to deliver lectures on “Testimony of the Fulfilment of Revelation” – NewzEngine.com

    Source: NewzEngine.com

    On October 25th Lee Man-Hee, the Chairman of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, conducted internationally broadcasted seminar in regards to the “Testimony of the Fulfilment of Revelation” in Masan, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea.

    With over 16,000 participants including 100 pastors and numerous journalists in attendance, this publicized event hosted at Masan Church was held in response to the surprisingly growing public interest towards the doctrines and teachings of the once enigmatic church.

    These seminars were previously held in the regions of Ulsan and Busan in early January this year to similar fanfare.

    Since last month, Shincheonji has reported to have received support in the form of signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) from 727 domestic churches in South Korea while internationally it has gained MOU’s from as much as 13,053 churches across 84 countries.

    The church also announced that up to 1671 churches across 43 countries have modified their church signboards to Shincheonji.

    With its continuous support, Shincheonji announced that it will continue to hold and promote said seminars throughout the year in effort to expand it’s influence to the world.

    – Published by MIL OSI in partnership with NewzEngine.com

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Investeringsforeningen Sparinvest suspenderer handel af udvalgte afdelinger

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Under henvisning til Nasdaq Copenhagens regler for udstedere af investeringsbeviser skal ID-Sparinvest, Filial af Sparinvest S.A., Luxembourg hermed på vegne af de berørte afdelinger i Investeringsforeningen Sparinvest offentliggøre, at indberetning af indre værdier til Nasdaq Copenhagen er udeblevet grundet tekniske udfordringer. Handel med de berørte afdelinger ønskes derfor midlertidigt suspenderet.

    Der er tale om følgende afdelinger:

    Fund Name ISIN Order Book Code
    Mix Aktier KL A DK0010014778 SPIMAKLA
    Value Aktier KL A DK0010079631 SPIVAKLA
    Value Emerging Markets KL A DK0010304856 SPIVEMKLA
    INDEX Dow Jones Sustainability World KL DK0010297464 SPIDJWKL
    INDEX Emerging Markets KL DK0060300762 SPIEMIKL
    INDEX Globale Aktier Min. Risiko KL DK0060031847 SPIGLAMRIKL
    INDEX Bæredygtige Japan KL DK0010297977 SPIBJAKL
    Mix Maksimum Risiko KL A DK0061551892 SPIMMRIA
    Bæredygtige Value Aktier KL A DK0061551546 SPIBDVAA
    Mix Lav Risiko KL A DK0060623189 SPIMLRKLA
    Mix Mellem Risiko KL A DK0060623262 SPIMMRKLA
    Mix Høj Risiko KL A DK0060623346 SPIMHRKLA
    Mix Minimum Risiko KL A DK0060914901 SPIMIXMINRISKKLA

    Vi beklager forsinkelsen.

    Eventuelle spørgsmål vedrørende denne meddelelse kan rettes til npa.pm@nykredit.dk eller Head of Portfolio Management & Operations, Christian Rye Holm CRH@nykredit.dk.

    Med venlig hilsen
    Dirk Schulze

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Woman sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment for illegally importing and cruelty to endangered turtles (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         A 45-year-old Chinese woman who smuggled 64 endangered turtles into Hong Kong was convicted and sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment today (September 27) for violating the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169).

         On January 27, Customs officers intercepted a Chinese female passenger who arrived in Hong Kong from Tokyo at Hong Kong International Airport. Upon inspection, 64 turtles were found in her suitcase. Thirty-seven turtles were wrapped in socks and the remaining 27 were packed into two small plastic boxes. An officer of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) attended the scene and confirmed that all turtles (including 61 box turtles (Terrapene spp.) and three spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata)) were Appendix II species listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and are regulated locally under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance. The woman was arrested at the scene.

         Charges were laid against the woman for breaching the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance for illegally importing species listed under Appendix II of the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance and animal cruelty. She pleaded guilty and was convicted today at the District Court, which meted out a sentence of a total of 18 months behind bars.

         According to the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.

         Also, according to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, any person who, by wantonly or unreasonably doing or omitting to do any act, causes any unnecessary suffering to any animal commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years upon conviction.

         A spokesman for the AFCD stressed, “The Government is committed to protecting endangered species and safeguarding animal welfare. The AFCD will remain vigilant and continue to monitor and combat illegal activities involving endangered species and animal cruelty.”

         Members of the public may call 1823 to report any suspected irregularities to the AFCD and visit the AFCD website: www.cites.hk regarding the control of endangered species in Hong Kong.      

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKMA Quarterly Bulletin and Half-Yearly Monetary and Financial Stability Report (September 2024 Issue)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKMA Quarterly Bulletin and Half-Yearly Monetary and Financial Stability Report (September 2024 Issue)
    HKMA Quarterly Bulletin and Half-Yearly Monetary and Financial Stability Report (September 2024 Issue)
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    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (September 27) published the September 2024 issue of its Quarterly Bulletin and Half-Yearly Monetary and Financial Stability Report.           The Quarterly Bulletin carries a feature article entitled “Regulatory Regime for Stablecoin Issuers in Hong Kong”. The Half-Yearly Report provides detailed analyses of the global and local economy, as well as the monetary and financial conditions in Hong Kong. It also examines the recent performance and risks of the local banking sector.            The Quarterly Bulletin and the Half-Yearly Report can be viewed on and downloaded from the HKMA website. 

     
    Ends/Friday, September 27, 2024Issued at HKT 16:50

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tax Reform – Petition Calls for Capital Gains Tax

    Source: Tax Justice Aotearoa

    27 September 2024 – A petition has been launched today calling on the leaders of all our political parties to consider a capital gains tax in Aotearoa.

    Tax Justice Aotearoa’s petition seeks to level the playing field of the current tax system and highlights the urgent need for more revenue to fund essential services and infrastructure.

    “Our tax system is way out of balance and a capital gains tax (CGT) is a good first step that would help level the playing field between wage earners and those who mainly earn their money through investments,” says Tax Justice Aotearoa chair Glenn Barclay.

    “There has been growing support for a capital gains tax from a range of individuals and organisations in the media in recent weeks and it is timely to give the public of New Zealand the opportunity to express their support too.

    “The additional revenue raised could be used to fund vital services such as education, healthcare and infrastructure and to help address climate change, leading to a better quality of life for all New Zealanders.”

    ActionStation is hosting the petition and Director Kassie Hartendorp agrees it’s time to make capitalgains tax a reality.

    “Just over 72% of the members we talked to support a capital gains tax – including 18% of those people who would benefit from that tax and yet still thought it would have a positive impact.

    “Our country is ready to join many others around the world, and just make it happen.”

    It’s a kaupapa shared across a range of advocacy groups including Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG).

    “We welcome a discussion on capital gains tax, especially this week when the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction rejected a $3 billion proposal from officials that would have kept us on track to achieving the goal of halving child poverty by 2028,” says CPAG Executive Officer Sarita Divis.

    “This is at the same time the government is giving tax cuts of $2.9 billion for landlords, allowing them to deduct interest as an expense and receive tax free capital gains on sales of their houses.  

    “Taxes allow us to do the things we want to do as a nation, like ending child poverty,” Sarita Divis says.

    New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) also backed the petition.

    “Fairer taxes would support appropriate levels of health funding and better patient outcomes by enabling safe levels of health care professional to patient ratios,” says Anne Daniels, President of the NZ Nurses Organisation.

    Another organisation supporting the petition was the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.

    “The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi strongly believes that our current tax system isn’t fit for purpose and isn’t delivering the outcomes New Zealanders deserve,” says Craig Renney, NZCTU Economist and Director of Policy.

    “Workers pay tax on every dollar earned, while those who make huge capital gains pay nothing at all.

    “Levelling the playing field through a well-designed CGT would benefit workers, the economy, and the housing market while delivering revenue to invest in underfunded public services.

    “There is a reason why so many other countries have a CGT and continue to do better than Aotearoa,” Craig Renney says.

    It was a message shared by the Public Service Association (PSA).

    “The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi believes we need a fairer tax system that helps properly fund public and community services, so that they are there when we need them,” says Kerry Davies, PSA’s national secretary.

    “A capital gains tax should be part of a fair tax system that generates the revenue the Government needs to do its job of looking after all New Zealanders.”  

    Tax Justice Aotearoa calls on all New Zealanders to sign and share the petition to show their support for a fairer and more equitable tax system:

    https://our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/it-s-time-for-a-capital-gains-tax

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –