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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin, Capito, Hassan Lead Bipartisan Bill to Deliver First Responders with Training and Tools to Prevent Overdose Deaths

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced the Safe Response Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize a grant program that allows states, local government entities, and Tribes to train and provide resources to first responders to respond to drug overdoses.

    “The opioid crisis has left thousands of families across Wisconsin with an empty seat at the dinner table. As we start to turn the tide on this epidemic, we need to double down on what is working and ensure communities have the tools they need to reverse overdoses and poisonings,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to back this bipartisan bill to ensure first responders have the training they need to use lifesaving tools like Narcan and protect Wisconsin families from the heartbreak of losing a loved one too soon.”

    “West Virginians know all too well the devastation and heartbreak drug overdoses cause in our communities. That’s why it is essential Congress provides the resources and training our first responders need to administer life-saving overdose reversal drugs and keep themselves safe in the process. I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this legislation that will equip our first responders with the necessary tools to save more lives,” said Senator Capito.

    “Fire fighters, paramedics, police officers, and other first responders are on the frontlines fighting the opioid epidemic and we must keep working to ensure that they have the resources and support that they need,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation will help to ensure that more first responders in New Hampshire and across the country have access to training on how to use overdose reversal drugs like naloxone to save more lives.”

    According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there were 80,391 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2024. Of those, over 50,000 overdose deaths were due to opioids, including fentanyl. This marked a sharp decline from the previous year — a decrease of 26.9% from the 110,037 deaths estimated in 2023 – in part due to the availability of opioid reversal drugs like naloxone.

    The 2018 SUPPORT Act included a grant program to provide funding for states, local government entities, Indian Tribes, and tribal organizations to train and provide resources to first responders to respond to an overdose. The Safe Response Act would reauthorize this grant program, included as part of the bipartisan SUPPORT Act, providing $57 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for grants to first responders and those in key community sectors to respond to overdoses. Grants may be used to:

    • Ensure that first responders and other members of key community sectors have the knowledge and training to utilize overdose reversal devices or administer overdose reversal medications, such as naloxone;
    • Provide technical assistance and training about how first responders and other members of key community sectors, such as first SUD treatment providers and emergency medical service agencies, can better protect themselves in the event of exposure to such drugs;
    • Establish processes, protocols, and mechanisms for referral to appropriate treatment, which may include an outreach coordinator or team to connect individuals receiving opioid overdose reversal drugs to follow-up services; and
    • Educate first responders and members of key community sectors about the need to follow standard safe operating procedures in instances of exposure to fentanyl, carfentanil, and other dangerous and illicit drugs.

    Senator Baldwin’s Safe Response Act has garnered strong support from local, state, and national public safety leaders and organizations, including the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association, Racine Police Chief Alexander Ramirez, Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski, Kenosha Fire Chief Daniel Tilton, Green Bay Metro Fire Chief Matthew Knott, Rock County Sheriff Curt Fell, Kenosha City Administrator and former Kenosha Chief of Police John Morrissey, Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly, Waukesha Fire Chief Robert Goplin, Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse (MAPDA), Big Cities Health Coalition, National Association of Police Organizations, National Council of Urban Indian Health, and Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO).

    “As Chief of the Milwaukee Fire Department, I know firsthand the importance of supporting our first responders with critical training and resources to prevent overdose deaths. We recognize the importance of the Safe Response Act as substance misuse and overdose continue to significantly impact our local communities,” said Aaron Lipski, Chief of the Milwaukee Fire Department and Chair of RISE – Drug-Free MKE. “Thank you, Senator Baldwin, for your dedication to the ongoing efforts of helping those in the community with substance use issues to receive the best possible immediate and follow-up care through training and valuable resources to present a positive outcome for all involved.”

    “The reauthorization of the Safe Response Act is a smart and necessary allocation of funds. As someone who spent decades in law enforcement and now serves in city leadership, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is for our first responders to have the right tools, training, and resources,” said John W. Morrissey, Kenosha City Administrator and former Kenosha Police Chief. “The increased funding—from $36 to $57 million annually—will make a real difference for communities like Kenosha. I fully support this legislation and urge Congress to move it forward.”

    “The opioid epidemic is not an abstract concept for local communities in Wisconsin. We are on the frontlines and need the resources to respond to this public health crisis. Senator Baldwin’s leadership on the Safe Response Act is deeply appreciated. This is an important tool to support first responders and our residents,” said Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway.

    “As Fire Chief of the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, I’m proud to support Senator Baldwin’s Safe Response Act. Every day, our firefighters and paramedics witness the impact that the opioid and fentanyl crisis has on our community. This legislation will give first responders the training and resources they need to save lives and stay safe while doing it,” said Matthew Knott, Chief of the Green Bay Metro Fire Department.

    A one-pager on this legislation is available here. Full text of this legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Applications open for 2026 On Farm Support Science Scholarships | NZ Government

    Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

    A scholarship programme run by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has started producing the next generation of on-farm advisers to support farmers and growers.

    Ffion White was one of the inaugural recipients of the On Farm Support science scholarship and is now an intern with Ballance Agri-Nutrients in the Manawatū-Whanganui region.

    “I’m getting to work on-farm alongside Ballance’s nutrient specialists. My role is about helping farmers improve their soil, grow better quality pasture and crops, and become more productive and profitable,” Ms White says.

    “The scholarship was hugely beneficial. I had a mentor from MPI’s On Farm Support team who invited me to industry field days and events. It helped me meet people in the sector which came in handy when I started looking for a job.”

    Ms White, who completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Massey University, is one of 4 scholarship recipients who have secured primary industry advisory roles. Another is Nerissa Edwards, who now works as a farm consultant with Feilding-based KS Agri.

    “Every day is different. I find it hugely rewarding working with farmers to create individual plans to drive improvements in on-farm efficiency, profitability, and sustainability,” Ms Edwards says.

    “The scholarship enabled me to build connections within the advisory sector. That led to a 6-month internship with KS Agri and eventually a role as a consultant.”

    MPI launched the On Farm Support science scholarships in 2023. MPI’s director of On Farm Support, Vanessa Winning, says applications are now open for next year’s scholarships.

    “Six scholarships, worth a total of $30,000, are on offer for the 2026 academic year to tertiary students enrolled in relevant agriculture, horticulture, science, or viticulture degrees,” Ms Winning says.

    “We’re seeking applications from students who have a genuine interest in pursuing a career in either the agriculture, horticulture, or viticulture advisory sector. Applicants must have completed their first year of study.”

    Ms Winning says there’s strong demand for on-farm advice backed by science and analysis that can support producers to adapt and improve business performance.

    “MPI is backing initiatives that support farmers and growers to sustainably boost productivity and profitability, helping to achieve the Government’s goal of doubling the value of exports by 2034,” Ms Winning says.

    Applications for the scholarships close on 15 September 2025.

    Find out more about the scholarships and eligibility criteria

    For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

    For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Just as NZ began collecting meaningful data on rainbow communities, census changes threaten their visibility

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lori Leigh, Research Fellow in Public Health, University of Otago

    Getty Images

    New Zealand’s 2023 census was the first to collect data on gender identity and sexual orientation, showing one in 20 adults identify as LGBTQIA+.

    But just as reports from this more inclusive census are being released, Minister of Statistics Shane Reti announced a change to existing administrative data collected by government departments as part of their normal business, scrapping a 150-year history of the census.

    Currently, there are no sources of administrative data that include adequate rainbow demographic markers such as sexual orientation, gender, transgender experience or variations of sex characteristics.

    Without high-quality data, the policy reforms needed to address underserved and historically marginalised populations become harder to make. How can we create evidence-based policy with no evidence?

    A snapshot of homelessness in rainbow communities

    The slogan of the 2023 census was “tatau tātou – all of us count”.

    Rainbow communities had been invisible in the census since its inception in 1851. The 2023 Census was a watershed moment, born out of decades of determined activism and advocacy from the community.

    For us, as housing and homelessness researchers, it was particularly important to finally have whole-of-population data about rates of homelessness among LGBTQIA+ communities. Data on housing showed rainbow communities pay higher rents, live in mouldier housing and move more frequently than non-rainbow communities.

    Adding LGBTQIA+ data to the census meant we were the first country in the world to have such data on the housing experiences of these communities. We were applauded internationally by colleagues who have long been wanting similar homelessness and rainbow data from their own national censuses.

    This data will be a great advocacy tool, but it is bittersweet that we will never have such information again.

    History of advocacy

    There is a nearly 50-year history of various community movements, from boycotts to activism, chronicling the queer struggle to be appropriately counted in the census.

    In 1981, a group of Wellington lesbians held a “dykecott” of the New Zealand census to protest their exclusion. This included sending blank census forms to the Human Rights Commission with various explanations essentially saying “no rights, no responsibilities.”

    Then, in the 1990s, the Wellington City Council’s lesbian and gay advisory group came together to lobby Stats NZ about the need for inclusive census data. In 1996, census forms were changed to be able to count same-sex partners.

    In 2002, the former editor of the New Zealand LGBTQIA+ magazine Express Victor van Wetering went so far as to lodge a formal complaint against Stats NZ, stating the agency was in clear breach of the Human Rights Act. He alleged it was failing to meet its statutory requirements.

    Stats NZ’s present and historical stance towards sexual orientation data amounts to a consistent denial that any imperative exists for it to develop a statistical picture of our queer communities. This statistical invisibility deprives queer communities of knowledge and power.

    Advocacy continued throughout the 2000s and 2010s, and in 2018, Stats NZ released their statistical standards for measuring sexual orientation. The possibility of inclusive census data started to become more of a reality.

    The decision to halt the census as we know it means there will be no longitudinal comparative data for rainbow communities. Just as the community has been allowed out of the statistical closet, people will be put back in.

    It had long been argued that accuracy of rainbow data would improve over subsequent censuses. Now we will never know what developments might have emerged.

    A short-lived win

    Community advocates and the Human Rights Commission continued to raise the lack of rainbow data collection at the population level.

    In 2020, the Human Rights Commission released a report which found New Zealand’s data collection processes fail to accurately count the country’s rainbow community members.

    Stats NZ had already started significant work to evaluate and update their sex and gender identity standards. Weeks after the report, the agency committed to what would become the 2023 census. Rainbow community groups applauded, felt finally listened to and called the shift a major win.

    After decades of advocacy, rainbow populations were finally counted in the 2023 Census.
    Instagram/Insideoutkoaro, CC BY-SA

    This sense of pride continues as reports and data are released from the census.

    Research and survey data consistently show rainbow communities in Aotearoa New Zealand experience multiple forms of discrimination. This includes violence, family rejection, bullying and social exclusion.

    These experiences contribute to disproportionately high rates of serious negative outcomes such as suicidality, health inequities, homelessness and substance use. Despite this, we continue to lack data comparing the experiences of rainbow communities with those of the general population.

    As a result, health and social disparities affecting LGBTQIA+ people are systematically under-recognised in government strategies and across health and social service systems. Efforts to address these inequities are also frequently under-resourced and inadequately prioritised.

    Former government statistician Len Cook said:

    There is no time over the past 50 years when the scope and quality of population statistics has been of such importance in public life in Aotearoa New Zealand as now.

    Scrapping the census is a cost-cutting exercise. But what is the real cost of losing data and which communities will disproportionately bear this cost? The decision renders LGBTQIA+ people, once again, invisible.

    Lori Leigh is affiliated with the Trans Health Research Network, Kawe Mahara Queer Archives Aotearoa and receives funding from MBIE’s Endeavour Fund programme as part of their work for the University of Otago, Wellington.

    Brodie Fraser is affiliated with the Trans Health Research Network and currently funded by two MBIE Endeavour Fund programmes, and has previously been funded by the Health Research Council and the University of Otago.

    – ref. Just as NZ began collecting meaningful data on rainbow communities, census changes threaten their visibility – https://theconversation.com/just-as-nz-began-collecting-meaningful-data-on-rainbow-communities-census-changes-threaten-their-visibility-261753

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – RBNZ launches new indicators to track financial inclusion

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

    31 July 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua (RBNZ) has created a series of financial inclusion indicators, designed to improve understanding of how well the financial system is serving the diverse needs of our communities and how it evolves over time.

    Director of Financial System Assessment, Kerry Watt, says financial inclusion is an important feature of an effective modern financial system.

    “When people are excluded from financial services, it can limit their ability to participate in the economy and ultimately their wellbeing. Our indicators are part of our efforts to understand and track how the financial system is serving New Zealanders,” Mr Watt says.

    The indicators focus on the ability of individuals and businesses to obtain and access to financial services such as cash services, deposit accounts, and credit.

    Key findings from the report include:

    97% of adults in Aotearoa New Zealand reported having at least one deposit account. However, access varies by age, income, and ethnicity.
     
    70% of adults have at least one regulated credit product, though this drops to 64% among Māori. Regional disparities are also evident, with Gisborne showing notably lower access relative to its population size than other parts of the country.
     
    Rural residents, particularly those over 60, are less likely to find it easy to deposit cash than urban residents.
     
    Māori-owned businesses received $3.5 billion in lending from the four largest banks, just 2% of total business lending (of $185 billion).

    The indicators have been developed based on international approaches and reflect the growing recognition, both globally and domestically, of financial inclusion as a core component of financial system performance.

    “Understanding and promoting financial participation is a priority for the Reserve Bank. These indicators build a fuller picture of access, use, and outcomes to support New Zealanders in having reasonable access to financial products and services that meet their needs,” Mr Watt says.

    More information

    Financial inclusion indicators – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=68a46cf85b&e=f3c68946f8

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Remarks at McCain Institute Russia Task Force Event

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, delivered opening remarks at a McCain Institute event “Highlighting Policy Recommendations for Post-War Russia.” Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

    It’s hard to think of a more appropriate home for the Task Force’s important work than the McCain Institute, or a more fitting ringleader than a proud McCain alumnus like Dan Twining.  

    My good friend, John McCain, was so unapologetic and clear-eyed about the scope of America’s interests. And he relished being the speck in Vladimir Putin’s eye through his solidarity with the free peoples of eastern Europe…

    He supported the expansion of the greatest military alliance in the history of the world… And stood for the right of sovereign nations to choose their destiny.

    When Putin called the fall of the Soviet Union the “greatest political catastrophe of the 20th century,” John understood that he meant it, and urged our colleagues to take Russia’s neo-Soviet ambitions seriously.

    In the not-so-distant past, that sort of clarity – acknowledging that Russia still threatened America’s interests – could invite public scorn…

    …Like the sort of sanctimonious condemnation a certain former colleague of mine received from President Obama during a prime-time debate.

    We heard that Putin would moderate… That his ambitions were limited… And that anyone who suggested otherwise was a dusty Cold Warrior past his prime.

    Well, to that I say: It is so good to be among friends!

    ***

    Needless to say, the importance of grappling with Russia’s behavior and motivations can no longer be laughed away.

    Wake-up call is perhaps the most tired phrase of the past three years.

    And yet that’s exactly what Putin’s escalation in 2022 was: an urgent, overdue, uncomfortable, and undeniable alarm.

    It was a reminder that the realities of geopolitics don’t care which region we’d rather prioritize or what we’d rather spend our treasure on. The bravery of Ukraine’s defenders and the suffering of its civilians press us to remember that our enemies get a vote.

    There are, of course, promising signs that the West has managed to free itself from the delusion that hegemonic aggressors can be appeased.

    Reports of our European allies’ rebuilding their military strength are not exaggerated.

    Nearly all NATO members today are striving toward the Baltics’ example of investment and readiness… And those who are not should hear from all of us.

    In the process, allies are making overdue sacrifices to stamp out dependency on Russian energy…

    They’re placing enormous investments in cutting-edge American-made weapons…

    And they’re proving willing to break domestic political china – even changing a Constitution or two – to unlock deeper and more sustained commitments to collective defense.

    This transformation is real. It’s well underway. And it’ll be essential to securing America’s interests in the coming decades.

    What about here at home? As friends of Ukraine, we may be tempted to dwell on the ways we drag behind this progress… and overlook the ways we underpin it.

    We may rightly be frustrated by years of murky commitments, slow-walked assistance, fear of escalation, and confusion about who the aggressor is.

    But I would suggest that, on this, America has much to be proud of.

    Just consider the cascading benefits of U.S. assistance to Ukraine: a small fraction of our defense budget has helped Ukraine resist and degrade a more powerful military aggressor.

    After years of talk and little action to address the shortcomings of our own arsenal and defense industrial base, we’ve spurred massive investments in replenishing stocks and producing deterrent capabilities faster.

    By partnering with the world’s most experienced practitioners of drone warfare, we’ve tapped into a wealth of knowledge about the changing nature of the modern battlefield. Ukraine’s expertise is teaching America today what our forces will need to prevail tomorrow.

    And as NATO’s biggest spender, America has encouraged much of our allies’ transformation.

    ***

    Of course, I don’t mean to suggest that we’ve escaped the gravitational pull of complacency and short-sightedness for good. Our allies’ progress is not assured forever. European security – and trans-Atlantic security – is not some clock to be wound once and left alone.

    Perhaps the biggest lesson of 2022 – even bigger than the need to invest urgently today – is the importance of long-term commitments, and steady, annual investments in defense.

    And on this front, America must continue to lead by our example. We simply cannot expect allies to reach and sustain five percent if we’re only willing to spend three-and-a-half, ourselves.

    A strategy to lead from behind is no strategy at all. And as the Task Force makes perfectly clear, this goes beyond spending targets – it’s about presence, too.

    Even as our allies and partners build more lethal forces, there’s still no more credible deterrent than American commitment.

    No wonder European allies generously support rotational deployments of U.S. troops and invest in state-of-the-art training ranges for joint exercises. These commitments improve our collective readiness and interoperability, and they’re worth sustaining.

    The task of illustrating the strategic importance of Europe to America’s security interests is not ours, alone. In fact, for years now, there’s been no more effective communicator of what’s at stake in Ukraine – strategically and morally – than Putin, himself.

    As he continues to throw a generation into the meat-grinder of combat and target Ukrainian mothers and children at will, Putin is sending a clear message.

    And in the face of his brutal aggression and public revisionism, overwhelming majorities of Americans recognize Russia as our adversary… and see that the outcome of Putin’s war of conquest matters immensely to us.

    Much to the dismay of restrainers and isolationists who thought they’d get to freelance American foreign policy, the President of the United States increasingly sees Putin’s signals for what they are.

    The President has been right to recognize Putin’s play for time. He’s been right to entertain proposals for new, secondary sanctions. Most importantly, he’s been right to green-light further lethal assistance to Ukraine.

    I’ve said this before: Stopping the killing is a noble goal, but the price of peace matters. And there will be no enduring peace unless Ukraine is equipped to credibly deter further aggression from Russia.

    ***

    The appetite of neo-Soviet imperialism does not end with Ukraine. How do we know?

    Because Putin’s predecessors subjugated far wider swaths of Europe…

    Because he invaded Georgia…

    And because, as we speak, his troops are in Moldova, too!

    Nations that have spent centuries in Russia’s shadow do not stumble westward by accident.

    Finland and Sweden did not join NATO out of symbolic solidarity with Ukraine.

    They did it because they know that Putin wants more.

    So the Task Force is right to take the long view and grapple seriously with what comes next.

    What comes next for the trans-Atlantic alliance?

    What comes next for the increasingly aligned authoritarians working to undermine U.S. interests and influence?

    What comes next for America and our ability to defend these interests and preserve this influence?

    As you put it, our deterrence is not divisible. And I would add: this is because our credibility is not divisible.

    No U.S. ally in the Indo-Pacific has time to waste on the notion that the implications of deterrence in Europe are confined to a separate sphere of influence.

    No ally in Europe can afford to miss the crystal-clear connection between Russian aggression and support from China, North Korea, and Iran.

    The consequences of America’s strategic decisions still ripple across oceans and continents with equal speed.

    And a headline that reads “Russia Wins, America Loses” will read as clearly in Beijing, Tehran, and Pyongyang as it does here in Washington.

    Avoiding that outcome will take more work from all of us. Thank you for all you’re doing.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Retirement Commission – New data reveals financial discomfort among women at an all-time high

    Source: e Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission

    New research from Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission has revealed that record numbers of women are feeling more uncomfortable financially compared to their male counterparts.
     
    Data from the Retirement Commission’s financial sentiment tracker has found that 62% of women are financially uncomfortable in comparison to 51% of men in the year to 30 June 2025. The proportion of women who were worried about their finances pay-to-pay and their levels of debt is now the highest since research began in July 2021.
     
    The Retirement Commission surveys thousands of New Zealanders each year to track how people are feeling about their finances. The insights are used to help identify where particular challenges are and opportunities to provide better support.
     
    Over the last few years, the financial sentiment tracker has shown the power that having an emergency savings fund can have on people’s financial wellbeing when they have some protections in place to cope with the unexpected. This latest report reveals that 44% of the population currently do not have an emergency fund in place, ultimately threatening their financial resilience.
     
    Women were less likely than men to have an emergency fund (48% either don’t think they’ll have one or are just considering setting one up, compared to 41% of men).
     
    Data found that 64% of people who had set up an emergency savings fund in the last three months felt confident about their future (almost identical to those with established funds at 65%) in comparison to only 22% of those without a fund.
     
    This August, the Retirement Commission’s annual Sorted Money Month campaign is putting the spotlight on emergency savings.
     
    Sorted Personal Finance Lead Tom Hartmann is encouraging New Zealanders to set up an emergency savings fund if they don’t already have one.
     
    “Starting an emergency savings fund, even if it is only $5 a week, can help people avoid debt and cope better in a crisis,” he says.
     
    “The research shows that putting money into emergency savings to deal with financial challenges when they arise, will also help you feel more optimistic about the future, and encourage a savings habit that ultimately builds financial resilience.”
     
    The National Strategy for Financial Capability partners are also supporting Money Month with events and programmes across the country.  These events can be found the on the Sorted event calendar allowing people to find out what is happening locally and get involved. 

    Ngā Tāngata Microfinance Trust’s General Manager, Vijay Farley-Naiker was keen to support the drive to build emergency savings with their community. Ngā Tāngata Microfinance offers affordable loans to help those on low incomes get ahead with money.
    Farley-Naiker’s advice is, “start your emergency savings today, it’s a small step that can make a big difference and break the cycle of financial stress.”
    Ngā Tāngata Microfinance is running a free family event in Henderson, Auckland Build your buffer, on Saturday 30 August, with a free sausage sizzle, games as well as budgeting services, financial mentors and financial institutions ready to help people start building their emergency fund.
    Sorted will host two free webinars during Money Month, providing independent financial information to help people start an emergency savings fund. Stressed to sorted – Emergency savings 101 will be held on 12 August followed by How and emergency fund can save your life on 26 August, featuring a panel of experts from community and financial organisations as they share their tips for building and keeping emergency savings.
     
    By the numbers:

    • 44% of the general population do not currently have an emergency savings fund.
    • 64% of those who’ve set up an emergency fund in the last three months agree with the statement ‘I/we feel optimistic and confident about my/our future right now’ compared to only 22% of those who don’t believe they will set one up in the near future.
    • Only 35% of those with an emergency fund are concerned about finances from pay to pay, compared to 64% of those without a fund.
    • 56% of participants feel financially uncomfortable, while 44% feel financially comfortable.
    • The gap between women and men feeling financially comfortable has widened over the past four years, with only 38% of women feeling financially comfortable compared to 49% of men in 2025.
    • The proportion 18 to 34-year-olds feeling financially comfortable has declined from 53% in 2022 to 43% in 2025
    • The proportion of Māori participants feeling financially comfortable has dropped from 42% two years ago to 34% this year.
    • On a year-on-year basis, more people are concerned about finances from pay to pay this year (42%) compared to last year (40%), while optimism about the future has increased to 46% from 44%.

    About Sorted
    Sorted is a free service run by Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission, the government-funded, independent agency dedicated to helping New Zealanders get ahead financially.
    As New Zealand’s trusted personal finance site, Sorted has the information needed to tackle debt, plan and budget, save and invest, dial up your KiwiSaver, plan for retirement, protect what’s important, and manage a mortgage. Providing tools, guides and blogs, Sorted can help no matter where you are at when it comes to money.
    About Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission
    Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission aims to help New Zealanders to retire with confidence. Retiring with confidence means New Zealanders feel secure they’ll have resources to live and the know-how to make

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health experts urge inquiry into tobacco industry influence after heated tobacco tax cut extended – Health Coalition

    Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa

    Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA) is calling for a public inquiry and urging the Government to rethink its support for heated tobacco products (HTPs), following fresh revelations the Government extended a 50% tax cut on the products for two more years.
    Following on the heels of last week’s revelations about tobacco industry lobbying of politicians, Health Coalition Aotearoa is calling for a public inquiry into tobacco industry influence. HCA is also calling for the Prime Minister to reassign the tobacco and vaping portfolio away from NZ First.
    The heated tobacco products tax break was introduced last year-against the advice of government officials. They pointed out tobacco giant Philip Morris (who have a monopoly on heated tobacco products in Aotearoa New Zealand) would be the main beneficiary.
    “There’s no evidence heated tobacco products help people stop smoking, or that they’re significantly less harmful than cigarettes,” says Dr Jude Ball, Health Coalition Aotearoa spokesperson and University of Otago researcher.
    “Yet the Government, despite committing to a one-year trial, have extended the tax cut by two more years. This decision is favourable to the tobacco industry but not beneficial to public health.
    “This latest decision adds to a worrying trend of Government policy decisions that align with tobacco company interests.
    The Government’s approach to evaluating if heated tobacco products help people quit smoking is unclear. It is highly unusual for a Government to run a trial like this which, by cutting a tax on HTPs, helps the sole seller of heated tobacco products (Philip Morris) to increase their product sales. Especially if there is no evidence that product helps people to quit cigarettes.
    “Tobacco giant Phillip Morris are the sole beneficiaries of this tax cut. It’s a poor use of taxpayer dollars at a time when our health system is already stretched,” says Dr Ball.
    Health Coalition Aotearoa calls on the Government to act with urgency and leadership and:
    • Launch a public inquiry into tobacco industry influence on Government policy.
    • Strip NZ First of the tobacco and vaping portfolio.
    We also support the petition launched by Vape-Free Kids NZ calling on the Prime Minister to strip the tobacco and vaping portfolio from New Zealand First.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Mayor Campbell Barry calls for a water services powerhouse in Lower Hutt – Hutt City

    Source: Hutt City Council

    Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry has set out a bold vision for the city to become a powerhouse for water services, with professional services being anchored within Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (formerly RiverLink).
    Speaking at a business event last night, Mayor Barry said the timing is right with major investment into both Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi and the newly confirmed water services entity.
    “These are once-in-a-generation changes. With both projects locked in, there’s a real opportunity to bring them together in a way that transforms our city and supports the country’s future water needs,” he said.
    The Mayor is proposing that the new water entity establish its headquarters in Lower Hutt’s CBD, acting as a catalyst for a wider precinct of businesses and research focused on water infrastructure and services.
    “By bringing together the right people, skills and technology, we can build a centre of excellence right here. One that’s ready to meet the enormous demand coming over the next 30 years.”
    Barry, who will not seek re-election in October, said he had hoped to pitch this idea three years ago, but had needed certainty on both projects which has only come in April and July respectively.
    “I’m not going to be around to lead this, but the opportunity is real. We’ve got the projects, the investment and the momentum. What we need now are people willing to step up.”
    Barry described both projects as a once in a generation opportunity to leverage off – and is encouraging anyone who wants to see what the art of the possible looks like, to get in contact with Hutt City Council.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tech and Security – Gen Threat Report Reveals Rise in Crypto, Sextortion and Tech Support Scams in an AI-Powered World

    Source: Gen

    Gen in New Zealand tracks 77,721% rise in crypto scams, 170% spike in sextortion scams, and 278% increase in malicious push notifications

    Auckland, 31 July 2025 – Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), a global leader powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted brands including Norton, Avast, LifeLock, MoneyLion and more, today released its Q2/2025 Gen Threat Report. This quarter was marked by the takedown of the first known ransomware developed using AI, and globally, a 21% growth in data breaches and a 340% increase in financial scams. The team of Gen researchers also found a 100% increase in sextortion scams and a surge in Tech Support Scams spreading through Facebook.

    New Zealand’s top threats in Q2/2025 were:

    ·        Malvertising

    ·        Scams (phishing, generic scams, E-shop scams, dating scams)

    “This quarter’s global tr

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government subsidies for dirty dairy dams will lead to polluted drinking water – Greenpeace

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace is calling on the Government to scrap subsidies for irrigation dams following news that the Tukituki water storage scheme – formerly known as the Ruataniwha Dam – is seeking funding from the Regional Investment Fund managed by Shane Jones.
    Greenpeace spokesperson Will Appelbe says “There is no excuse for this Government to be funding intensive dairy infrastructure, including dirty irrigation dams. The Ruataniwha Dam will flood precious native forest – home to endangered wildlife – and destroy unique freshwater ecosystems in the Central Hawkes Bay.
    “This dam is heavily opposed by the local community, and was ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court in 2017. Since then, this zombie dam has been resurrected under the Fast-Track Approvals Act.
    “The Tukituki Water Storage Scheme will undoubtedly be used to expand the presence of intensive dairying in the Central Hawke’s Bay – which we know will lead to increased contamination of freshwater and drinking water with nitrate and E. coli. Not only this, but it will reduce the flow of the river and damage freshwater ecosystems,” says Appelbe.
    “This Government is supporting dirty dairy dams across the country – and this must stop. We’re calling on Shane Jones to refuse funding to the Ruataniwha Dam and to end subsidies for irrigation dams across the country.”
    New Zealanders from across the country have campaigned against the construction of irrigation dams for decades, and in 2017, the Labour-led Government ended government subsidies for irrigation dams as a result of this pressure.
    “Shane Jones and the Luxon Government are underestimating how much New Zealanders hate dirty dairy dams. If they refuse to withdraw their funding for these river-destroying projects, they should expect resistance.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: HRC struggles to rustle up ‘Conversion Therapy’ complaints

    Source: Family First

    MEDIA RELEASE – 30 July 2025

    The $2.25m taxpayer-funded complaints centre set up by the Human Rights Commission for receiving complaints about ‘conversion therapy’ has struggled to obtain any formal complaints about the use of ‘conversion therapy’ in the three years since the new law was passed, and haven’t referred a single complaint to the Police since the law took effect.

    According to an Official Information Act response, in the past 12 months, just two formal complaints were made and those related to “possible conversion practices happening to other people”, despite significant advertising about its services

    “The taxpayer via the Human Rights Commission has wasted $2.2m looking for a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. But what the politicians and activist groups have done is make it difficult for parents, counsellors and therapists to support troubled adolescents who identify as ‘trans’ and ‘gender diverse’, and difficult for individuals who are dealing with unwanted sexuality and gender issues to get support,” says Bob McCoskrie, CEO of Family First NZ.

    As an Australian family law and child protection expert warned during the debate three years ago, some mental health professionals will refuse to see young patients with sexual orientation or gender identity issues who have other serious mental health concerns. This could lead to an increase in the mental health burden on already very troubled young people and may lead to increased suicide attempts.

    Parents who want to protect their children who are struggling with gender identity issues risk prosecution and jail sentences under the law. This is leading to huge distress for parents who are already experiencing very difficult circumstances. The recent NHS report by Dr Hillary Cass suggests that concerned parents have been right all along.

    “This flawed law was all about shutting down any opposition to radical gender and sexuality ideology, and more specifically, Biblical teachings around sexuality and biology (male and female). But you can never ban Christian conversion or truth, no matter how hard the activists might like to.”

    And despite claiming that they wanted to ensure that they “regularly hear from diverse lived experience voices”, the Human Rights Commission admitted, “The Commission has not knowingly had any engagement with individuals who made submissions against the new law and who had positive experiences of receiving counselling to deal with unwanted sexuality and gender confusion issues.”

    Their rights aren’t important according to the ‘Human Rights’ Commission.

    All New Zealanders should be protected from coercive, abusive or involuntary psychological or spiritual practices. However, participation in psychological assessments, counselling sessions, prayer meetings and other therapeutic practices is almost always an expression of voluntary behaviour and personal freedom. Under this new law, people are prevented from getting help to live the lifestyle they choose. And parents could be criminalised for encouraging their children to embrace their biological sex.

    Ironically, while gender and sexuality is supposedly ‘fluid’, activists want the law to stipulate that it can only go in the direction they approve. ‘Conversion therapy’ is still legal. It’s practiced in schools by groups such as InsideOut and Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (formerly Family Planning).

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: HRC struggles to rustle up ‘Conversion Therapy’ complaints

    Source: Family First

    MEDIA RELEASE – 30 July 2025

    The $2.25m taxpayer-funded complaints centre set up by the Human Rights Commission for receiving complaints about ‘conversion therapy’ has struggled to obtain any formal complaints about the use of ‘conversion therapy’ in the three years since the new law was passed, and haven’t referred a single complaint to the Police since the law took effect.

    According to an Official Information Act response, in the past 12 months, just two formal complaints were made and those related to “possible conversion practices happening to other people”, despite significant advertising about its services

    “The taxpayer via the Human Rights Commission has wasted $2.2m looking for a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. But what the politicians and activist groups have done is make it difficult for parents, counsellors and therapists to support troubled adolescents who identify as ‘trans’ and ‘gender diverse’, and difficult for individuals who are dealing with unwanted sexuality and gender issues to get support,” says Bob McCoskrie, CEO of Family First NZ.

    As an Australian family law and child protection expert warned during the debate three years ago, some mental health professionals will refuse to see young patients with sexual orientation or gender identity issues who have other serious mental health concerns. This could lead to an increase in the mental health burden on already very troubled young people and may lead to increased suicide attempts.

    Parents who want to protect their children who are struggling with gender identity issues risk prosecution and jail sentences under the law. This is leading to huge distress for parents who are already experiencing very difficult circumstances. The recent NHS report by Dr Hillary Cass suggests that concerned parents have been right all along.

    “This flawed law was all about shutting down any opposition to radical gender and sexuality ideology, and more specifically, Biblical teachings around sexuality and biology (male and female). But you can never ban Christian conversion or truth, no matter how hard the activists might like to.”

    And despite claiming that they wanted to ensure that they “regularly hear from diverse lived experience voices”, the Human Rights Commission admitted, “The Commission has not knowingly had any engagement with individuals who made submissions against the new law and who had positive experiences of receiving counselling to deal with unwanted sexuality and gender confusion issues.”

    Their rights aren’t important according to the ‘Human Rights’ Commission.

    All New Zealanders should be protected from coercive, abusive or involuntary psychological or spiritual practices. However, participation in psychological assessments, counselling sessions, prayer meetings and other therapeutic practices is almost always an expression of voluntary behaviour and personal freedom. Under this new law, people are prevented from getting help to live the lifestyle they choose. And parents could be criminalised for encouraging their children to embrace their biological sex.

    Ironically, while gender and sexuality is supposedly ‘fluid’, activists want the law to stipulate that it can only go in the direction they approve. ‘Conversion therapy’ is still legal. It’s practiced in schools by groups such as InsideOut and Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (formerly Family Planning).

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 19 funded medicines to change brands following community consultation

    Source: PHARMAC

    Pharmac has awarded contracts to a range of suppliers following its annual tender process, which will mean 19 medicines will be changing brands in the coming months.

    The annual tender is one of the ways that Pharmac manages the fixed budget it receives from the Government to fund medicines for New Zealanders. This budget must cover the medicines Pharmac already funds, and remaining funds can be used to fund new medicines.

    “We use the annual tender process to free up budget to fund new medicines and reduce the cost for those we already fund. When a medicine is no longer under patent suppliers can sell a generic, often more affordable, version,” says Geraldine MacGibbon, Director of Pharmaceuticals.

    Each year, Pharmac invites suppliers to bid to be the main supplier of medicines that are no longer under patent. Depending on which supplier’s bid is successful, the brand of medicine that New Zealanders use could change.

    Last year Pharmac used the annual tender process to make several brand changes.

    “We heard from the community they hadn’t been consulted – and that their voices weren’t heard. So, this year, we introduced a new step to understand how brand changes might affect people and what support they may need,” says MacGibbon.

    In May this year, Pharmac consulted on 38 medicines that could change brands. These included medicines that frequently change brands and those that don’t. The suitability of each medicine was assessed by the Tender Clinical Advisory Committee, made up of expert pharmacists, doctors, and nurses.

    “We know that a changing the brand of medicine you take can have an impact,” says MacGibbon. “That’s why we added this step – to hear directly from those affected and make sure we’re planning the right kind of support.”

    The feedback highlighted the need for clear communication, tailored support, and consideration of individual circumstances – especially for children, older adults, neurodiverse individuals, and people with serious health conditions.

    “We heard that changes in packaging, formulation, or excipients (binding ingredients and fillers) can affect how well a medicine works for some people,” says MacGibbon. “Health professionals told us that, if these brand changes were to happen, they need timely updates and practical tools to help manage them safely.”

    Pharmac will provide resources to help people understand and adjust to any brand changes. It will also work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure they have the tools and information they need to support their patients.

    “I want to thank everyone that took the time to give us your feedback. Your input has guided our approach, and has an impact on the decisions we make,” MacGibbon says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 19 funded medicines to change brands following community consultation

    Source: PHARMAC

    Pharmac has awarded contracts to a range of suppliers following its annual tender process, which will mean 19 medicines will be changing brands in the coming months.

    The annual tender is one of the ways that Pharmac manages the fixed budget it receives from the Government to fund medicines for New Zealanders. This budget must cover the medicines Pharmac already funds, and remaining funds can be used to fund new medicines.

    “We use the annual tender process to free up budget to fund new medicines and reduce the cost for those we already fund. When a medicine is no longer under patent suppliers can sell a generic, often more affordable, version,” says Geraldine MacGibbon, Director of Pharmaceuticals.

    Each year, Pharmac invites suppliers to bid to be the main supplier of medicines that are no longer under patent. Depending on which supplier’s bid is successful, the brand of medicine that New Zealanders use could change.

    Last year Pharmac used the annual tender process to make several brand changes.

    “We heard from the community they hadn’t been consulted – and that their voices weren’t heard. So, this year, we introduced a new step to understand how brand changes might affect people and what support they may need,” says MacGibbon.

    In May this year, Pharmac consulted on 38 medicines that could change brands. These included medicines that frequently change brands and those that don’t. The suitability of each medicine was assessed by the Tender Clinical Advisory Committee, made up of expert pharmacists, doctors, and nurses.

    “We know that a changing the brand of medicine you take can have an impact,” says MacGibbon. “That’s why we added this step – to hear directly from those affected and make sure we’re planning the right kind of support.”

    The feedback highlighted the need for clear communication, tailored support, and consideration of individual circumstances – especially for children, older adults, neurodiverse individuals, and people with serious health conditions.

    “We heard that changes in packaging, formulation, or excipients (binding ingredients and fillers) can affect how well a medicine works for some people,” says MacGibbon. “Health professionals told us that, if these brand changes were to happen, they need timely updates and practical tools to help manage them safely.”

    Pharmac will provide resources to help people understand and adjust to any brand changes. It will also work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure they have the tools and information they need to support their patients.

    “I want to thank everyone that took the time to give us your feedback. Your input has guided our approach, and has an impact on the decisions we make,” MacGibbon says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ECE reform gives the sector rights and the regulator purpose

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour has introduced new legislation to set out the purpose of regulating early childhood education (ECE) and put the Education Review Office (ERO) in charge, instead of the Ministry of Education. 

    “The Bill will increase clarity and certainty. It will ensure the sector and parents know their rights when being regulated, and that the regulator knows its purpose when making regulations,” Mr Seymour says.

    “The new law’s first priority is child safety. It will also ensure that regulators should only put costs on parents if they’re necessary to achieve the goal. Critically, the purpose of regulating will be set out in law, as recommended by the Ministry for Regulation’s ECE Sector Review. 

    “Too many ECE providers are bogged down by confusing, overlapping rules and having to deal with too many government agencies. We’re changing that, so providers can spend less time on paperwork and more time looking after children.

    “The Ministry for Regulation went straight to the source and asked the sector what’s increasing costs and limiting competition. These changes are based on feedback from providers around the country who say they’ve been frustrated by unclear rules, conflicting advice from different agencies, and unnecessary red tape.   

    “Some centres told us they were being told one thing by one agency, and the opposite by another. That kind of confusion costs time and money and drives up costs for parents.   

    The Early Childhood Education Reform Bill will overhaul the current rules and regulations by: 

    • Making regulations clearer and more consistent, so providers know exactly what’s expected of them.
    • Creating a Director of Regulation to make sure the rules are applied fairly and consistently across the country. 

    “The Government will also shift licensing and certification and enforcement responsibilities from the Ministry of Education to the Education Review Office (ERO). From next year ECE providers will only have to deal with one regulator. The Ministry and ERO are working together to ensure a smooth transfer. 

    “The Director will be responsible for licensing, monitoring, and enforcing compliance in ECE, including investigating and prosecuting where necessary. They will handle complaints and incidents, while also providing support, information, and guidance to service providers, parents, and caregivers to help raise awareness of what quality early childhood education looks like. 

    The bill also establishes the following principles, which the Director must have regard to when carrying out their role:

    • the health, safety, and well-being of children receiving early childhood education is paramount:
    • the learning and development of those children is essential and supports their readiness to transition to school:   
    • the role of parents and caregivers in the early childhood education of their children is recognised and supported:   
    • principles of good regulatory practice, including decision-making that—
    • is risk-based, proportionate, fair, and transparent; and
    • avoids imposing unnecessary costs on parents, caregivers, and service providers. 

    “These reforms will make it easier to open and run high-quality centres, which means more choice and better access for parents. This is part of the Government’s wider commitment to smarter, more effective regulation that encourages growth,” says Mr Seymour. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ECE reform gives the sector rights and the regulator purpose

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour has introduced new legislation to set out the purpose of regulating early childhood education (ECE) and put the Education Review Office (ERO) in charge, instead of the Ministry of Education. 

    “The Bill will increase clarity and certainty. It will ensure the sector and parents know their rights when being regulated, and that the regulator knows its purpose when making regulations,” Mr Seymour says.

    “The new law’s first priority is child safety. It will also ensure that regulators should only put costs on parents if they’re necessary to achieve the goal. Critically, the purpose of regulating will be set out in law, as recommended by the Ministry for Regulation’s ECE Sector Review. 

    “Too many ECE providers are bogged down by confusing, overlapping rules and having to deal with too many government agencies. We’re changing that, so providers can spend less time on paperwork and more time looking after children.

    “The Ministry for Regulation went straight to the source and asked the sector what’s increasing costs and limiting competition. These changes are based on feedback from providers around the country who say they’ve been frustrated by unclear rules, conflicting advice from different agencies, and unnecessary red tape.   

    “Some centres told us they were being told one thing by one agency, and the opposite by another. That kind of confusion costs time and money and drives up costs for parents.   

    The Early Childhood Education Reform Bill will overhaul the current rules and regulations by: 

    • Making regulations clearer and more consistent, so providers know exactly what’s expected of them.
    • Creating a Director of Regulation to make sure the rules are applied fairly and consistently across the country. 

    “The Government will also shift licensing and certification and enforcement responsibilities from the Ministry of Education to the Education Review Office (ERO). From next year ECE providers will only have to deal with one regulator. The Ministry and ERO are working together to ensure a smooth transfer. 

    “The Director will be responsible for licensing, monitoring, and enforcing compliance in ECE, including investigating and prosecuting where necessary. They will handle complaints and incidents, while also providing support, information, and guidance to service providers, parents, and caregivers to help raise awareness of what quality early childhood education looks like. 

    The bill also establishes the following principles, which the Director must have regard to when carrying out their role:

    • the health, safety, and well-being of children receiving early childhood education is paramount:
    • the learning and development of those children is essential and supports their readiness to transition to school:   
    • the role of parents and caregivers in the early childhood education of their children is recognised and supported:   
    • principles of good regulatory practice, including decision-making that—
    • is risk-based, proportionate, fair, and transparent; and
    • avoids imposing unnecessary costs on parents, caregivers, and service providers. 

    “These reforms will make it easier to open and run high-quality centres, which means more choice and better access for parents. This is part of the Government’s wider commitment to smarter, more effective regulation that encourages growth,” says Mr Seymour. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Quick Custom Intelligence Secures Eight-Figure Investment from Curve Partners to Accelerate Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), a leading provider of Generative AI-driven analytics and operational software for casinos and resorts, today announced that it has secured a significant minority growth investment from Curve Partners. This strategic funding backs QCI’s current management team – led by co-founders Dr. Ralph Thomas and Andrew Cardno – to continue their remarkable growth trajectory and will fuel further acceleration of product expansion and global reach markets.financialcontent.com. The investment underscores confidence in QCI’s vision and provides significant capital to extend the company’s market leadership in the gaming resort technology sector.

    QCI’s co-founders weighed multiple investment offers over the past year before selecting Curve Partners as their growth partner. “For us, finding the right investment partner was critical,” said Dr. Ralph Thomas, Co-Founder and CEO of QCI. “We engaged with several potential investors, but Curve Partners stood out with their understanding of our industry and their commitment to helping companies like ours scale responsibly. This investment is not just capital – it’s a partnership that validates our vision and gives us additional firepower to accelerate product development and customer success.” QCI’s leadership was impressed by Curve’s focus on high-growth, founder-led companies and their enthusiasm for the resort systems space – the sophisticated software and analytics powering modern casino resorts. Curve’s team recognized QCI as the clear market leader in this domain, given QCI’s extensive deployment and innovation track record markets.financialcontent.com. The growth capital infusion not only validates QCI’s success to date but also positions the company for even faster expansion in the coming years.

    Landon Jaussi, Founder and Managing Partner at Curve Partners www.curvepartners.co, expressed his excitement about the new partnership. “QCI is everything we look for at Curve,” said Jaussi. “It is a bootstrapped, founder-led, and product-first company that is deeply respected by customers. As investors, we have been looking closely at the resort systems and gaming technology sector, and QCI stands out as a clear leader. Ralph and Andrew have built a powerful vertical SaaS platform with real technical depth and multi-product scale, all while remaining high growth and profitable. Their reputations in the industry are unmatched, and Curve is proud to support them as the first institutional investor and board member.”

    QCI’s recent growth and product diversification have been nothing short of remarkable. Key milestones over the past year include:

    • Global Expansion: QCI’s platform is now deployed in over 300 casino resorts worldwide, collectively managing more than $40 billion in annual gross gaming revenue markets.financialcontent.com. The company’s operational footprint spans 17 countries and 30 U.S. states, a reach that “cements the company’s position as a global leader in casino and resort intelligence” markets.financialcontent.com.
    • Product Suite Growth: In July 2025, QCI acquired VizExplorer, a renowned casino analytics and dispatch management software provider. This acquisition expanded QCI’s product suite and capabilities markets.financialcontent.com, establishing QCI as a “powerhouse in the casino and resort data activation world” with deeper solutions for the fast-diversifying gaming industry markets.financialcontent.com.

    “Having Curve Partners on board is a huge validation of what our team has built,” added Andrew Cardno, Co-Founder and CTO of QCI. “Curve’s support will help us double down on our product roadmap and global expansion plans. We believe this partnership will translate into even greater value for our customers as we continue to lead the market with cutting-edge solutions for the casino and resort industry.” According to Cardno, the funding will enable QCI to accelerate R&D in new features and AI capabilities while maintaining the company’s focus on customer success and innovation. Both co-founders emphasized that Curve’s investment aligns with QCI’s long-term strategy of sustainable, tech-driven growth in the hospitality gaming sector.

    About Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI)

    Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence-driven solution that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful real-time tools for the gaming and hospitality industries. QCI’s advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 300 casino resorts across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America and beyond, managing more than $40 billion in annual gross gaming revenue. The QCI platform is recognized as a best-in-class solution that enables fully coordinated activities across all aspects of casino and resort operations, helping operators make swift, data-informed decisions that optimize resources, increase profits, and enhance the guest experience. Co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno, QCI is headquartered in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Denver, and Phoenix. For more information, visit the QCI website at quickcustomintelligence.com.

    About Curve Partners

    Founded by Landon Jaussi, former TCV investor, Curve Partners (www.curvepartners.co) invests in leading, bootstrapped technology companies at early-growth inflection points. The firm partners with exceptional, founder-led teams building capital-efficient businesses in B2B and B2B2C software and data platforms. Curve Partners’ investment approach centers on providing strategic support and capital to help companies scale sustainably and achieve market leadership.

    Legal counsel for Curve Partners was provided by Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC

    ABOUT Andrew Cardno

    Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master’s level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew’s innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today’s mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industries—be it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSD—Andrew’s impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew’s work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors.

    ABOUT Dr. Ralph Thomas

    Dr. Ralph Thomas is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Quick Custom Intelligence. Ralph is a product visionary in applied analytics and the founder of two companies that deliver solutions in casino gaming, education, and adult learning. As a gaming industry veteran, Dr. Thomas has substantial experience implementing analytics into single and multi-property gaming companies to drive tangible and measurable gains to the bottom line and has built business intelligence tools for multibillion-dollar casinos. Dr. Thomas is co-author of seven books and over 80 articles on applied analytics and data science in gaming, an inventor on dozens of patents, and understands gaming from raw data up through casino operations, giving him a unique, 360-degree view of the industry.

    Contact:

    Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence

    Phone: 858-349-8354

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Quick Custom Intelligence Secures Eight-Figure Investment from Curve Partners to Accelerate Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), a leading provider of Generative AI-driven analytics and operational software for casinos and resorts, today announced that it has secured a significant minority growth investment from Curve Partners. This strategic funding backs QCI’s current management team – led by co-founders Dr. Ralph Thomas and Andrew Cardno – to continue their remarkable growth trajectory and will fuel further acceleration of product expansion and global reach markets.financialcontent.com. The investment underscores confidence in QCI’s vision and provides significant capital to extend the company’s market leadership in the gaming resort technology sector.

    QCI’s co-founders weighed multiple investment offers over the past year before selecting Curve Partners as their growth partner. “For us, finding the right investment partner was critical,” said Dr. Ralph Thomas, Co-Founder and CEO of QCI. “We engaged with several potential investors, but Curve Partners stood out with their understanding of our industry and their commitment to helping companies like ours scale responsibly. This investment is not just capital – it’s a partnership that validates our vision and gives us additional firepower to accelerate product development and customer success.” QCI’s leadership was impressed by Curve’s focus on high-growth, founder-led companies and their enthusiasm for the resort systems space – the sophisticated software and analytics powering modern casino resorts. Curve’s team recognized QCI as the clear market leader in this domain, given QCI’s extensive deployment and innovation track record markets.financialcontent.com. The growth capital infusion not only validates QCI’s success to date but also positions the company for even faster expansion in the coming years.

    Landon Jaussi, Founder and Managing Partner at Curve Partners www.curvepartners.co, expressed his excitement about the new partnership. “QCI is everything we look for at Curve,” said Jaussi. “It is a bootstrapped, founder-led, and product-first company that is deeply respected by customers. As investors, we have been looking closely at the resort systems and gaming technology sector, and QCI stands out as a clear leader. Ralph and Andrew have built a powerful vertical SaaS platform with real technical depth and multi-product scale, all while remaining high growth and profitable. Their reputations in the industry are unmatched, and Curve is proud to support them as the first institutional investor and board member.”

    QCI’s recent growth and product diversification have been nothing short of remarkable. Key milestones over the past year include:

    • Global Expansion: QCI’s platform is now deployed in over 300 casino resorts worldwide, collectively managing more than $40 billion in annual gross gaming revenue markets.financialcontent.com. The company’s operational footprint spans 17 countries and 30 U.S. states, a reach that “cements the company’s position as a global leader in casino and resort intelligence” markets.financialcontent.com.
    • Product Suite Growth: In July 2025, QCI acquired VizExplorer, a renowned casino analytics and dispatch management software provider. This acquisition expanded QCI’s product suite and capabilities markets.financialcontent.com, establishing QCI as a “powerhouse in the casino and resort data activation world” with deeper solutions for the fast-diversifying gaming industry markets.financialcontent.com.

    “Having Curve Partners on board is a huge validation of what our team has built,” added Andrew Cardno, Co-Founder and CTO of QCI. “Curve’s support will help us double down on our product roadmap and global expansion plans. We believe this partnership will translate into even greater value for our customers as we continue to lead the market with cutting-edge solutions for the casino and resort industry.” According to Cardno, the funding will enable QCI to accelerate R&D in new features and AI capabilities while maintaining the company’s focus on customer success and innovation. Both co-founders emphasized that Curve’s investment aligns with QCI’s long-term strategy of sustainable, tech-driven growth in the hospitality gaming sector.

    About Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI)

    Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence-driven solution that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful real-time tools for the gaming and hospitality industries. QCI’s advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 300 casino resorts across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America and beyond, managing more than $40 billion in annual gross gaming revenue. The QCI platform is recognized as a best-in-class solution that enables fully coordinated activities across all aspects of casino and resort operations, helping operators make swift, data-informed decisions that optimize resources, increase profits, and enhance the guest experience. Co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno, QCI is headquartered in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Denver, and Phoenix. For more information, visit the QCI website at quickcustomintelligence.com.

    About Curve Partners

    Founded by Landon Jaussi, former TCV investor, Curve Partners (www.curvepartners.co) invests in leading, bootstrapped technology companies at early-growth inflection points. The firm partners with exceptional, founder-led teams building capital-efficient businesses in B2B and B2B2C software and data platforms. Curve Partners’ investment approach centers on providing strategic support and capital to help companies scale sustainably and achieve market leadership.

    Legal counsel for Curve Partners was provided by Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC

    ABOUT Andrew Cardno

    Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master’s level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew’s innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today’s mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industries—be it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSD—Andrew’s impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew’s work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors.

    ABOUT Dr. Ralph Thomas

    Dr. Ralph Thomas is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Quick Custom Intelligence. Ralph is a product visionary in applied analytics and the founder of two companies that deliver solutions in casino gaming, education, and adult learning. As a gaming industry veteran, Dr. Thomas has substantial experience implementing analytics into single and multi-property gaming companies to drive tangible and measurable gains to the bottom line and has built business intelligence tools for multibillion-dollar casinos. Dr. Thomas is co-author of seven books and over 80 articles on applied analytics and data science in gaming, an inventor on dozens of patents, and understands gaming from raw data up through casino operations, giving him a unique, 360-degree view of the industry.

    Contact:

    Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence

    Phone: 858-349-8354

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mrvan Holds Workforce Roundtable

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (IN)

    Gary, IN – Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01) and Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) held a Workforce Roundtable through their roles with the New Democrat Coalition with Northwest Indiana representatives of organized labor, higher education institutions, and local nonprofit organizations to discuss the federal government’s role in strengthening the workforce through education and training initiatives.  

    The roundtable included representatives from the Center of Workforce Innovations, the Construction Advancement Foundation, Goodwill Industries of Michiana, IBEW Union 6th District, the Indiana Plan, Ironworkers Local Union 395, Ivy Tech Community College, the Northwest Indiana Building Constructions Trade Council, Operating Engineers Local Union 150, United Steelworkers Local Unions 1010 and 1014, and United Way Northwest Indiana.

    Congressman Mrvan stated, “Thank you to Rep. Budzinski, all of our colleagues in the New Democrat Coalition, and all of the participants today for this discussion on how we can continue to collaborate together to create more work and wealth in Northwest Indiana and communities across our country.  Northwest Indiana is a community of people who work hard to get ahead, and I am grateful that this conversation can focus on the invaluable contributions from labor unions and their apprenticeship programs, nonprofits with dedicated job training resources, and technical education programs offered at high schools and institutions of higher education.  This region’s commitment to education and training sends a clear message that Northwest Indiana is not only open for business, but we have the skilled workforce to get the job done.”

    Congresswoman Budzinski stated, “I was excited to join Congressman Mrvan for our seventh New Dems on the Road stop to talk about a workforce development agenda that meets the demands of the 21st century economy.  As a trade unionist, I know that a traditional four-year degree is far from the only path to a successful career – in fact, programs like registered apprenticeships offer incredible opportunities for folks to learn in-demand skills and get connected with good-paying jobs. It was great to hear from union leaders, community colleges, and local nonprofits about the work they’re doing in Indiana to expand access to these job training programs, and I look forward to bringing the insights from this conversation back to Washington, DC.”

    For additional information on the New Democrat Coalition workforce initiatives, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: We’re Not Tired of Winning

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Senator Marshall Joins the Brian Kilmeade Show to Discuss Trump Trade Deals, the MAHA Movement, and Democrats Obstructing Confirmations
    Washington – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Brian Kilmeade on The Brian Kilmeade Show on Fox News Radio to discuss President Trump’s historic trade deals and what they mean specifically for Kansas agriculture, MAHA movement momentum, China deterrence, and Senate Democrats’ attempts to obstruct the confirmation process.

    Click HERE or on the image above to listen to Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    On President Trump’s trade deals:
    “Brian, I mean, we’re ecstatic, absolutely ecstatic. Every time I see the President, I’ll tell him we’re not tired of winning. But you know, who’s excited about these trade deals are my Kansas farmers and the aerospace industry. What Kansas exports are agriculture products and airplanes, and jets. So just ecstatic about these deals. The President removing these non-trade barriers all these countries, in addition to giving us basically zero types of penalties going into their country’s tariffs, but they’re also opening their markets, and they’re moving investment into America. Just this past week, I had several of the large pharma companies who make their drugs overseas, very popular, very successful [say that] they’re moving that manufacturing here, so we’re all excited about them.”
    On Fed Chair Powell and interest rates:
    “I sure hope so. Jerome “too late” Powell, he is too late, kind of like “too tall” Jones. This is Jerome “too late” Powell. He should have cut it a quarter point, some time ago, a quarter point now, half point in the future. He’s a lame duck, and I don’t know what he’s going to do. If he doesn’t drop something today, I just have to think it’s politically or emotionally motivated.”
    On the progress of the MAHA movement:
    “Yeah, we’re making great progress. Making incredible progress. We have a group of bills that will help support that movement as well. A group of bills that’s going to make our soil healthier, help our farmers grow more with less pesticides, and with less fertilizers. The thing I’m worried about right now, which is coming to my attention, Brian is China continues to make a lot of knockoffs. So, for instance, China is making a knockoff of a GLP-1, that they’re sending to the US, that’s compounded into a pharmacy. 14 people have died from that. So, one of my big emphases here is moving all that supply chain back to the United States. It’s easier said than done.”
    On U.S.-China trade deals:
    “The big picture is that with China, we have a $270 billion trade deficit to address. I think that people missed the calculated way that the Trump administration is doing this. Basically, they boxed in China. Think about it. They’ve done the EU. They’ve done Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, and Australia, so that by having bilateral trade agreements with them, it’s putting a lot of pressure on China. One other thing China does to cheat is they’ll send a bunch of T-shirts that they made or tennis shoes, and they’ll send them to Vietnam, and then Vietnam is getting them in at their lower tariff rate. So, the President is doubling up on that type of transaction to make sure that those are tarred appropriately. So, we absolutely are getting there. To your point, I’m much more concerned about fentanyl poisoning, their intellectual property theft, the counterfeits they make, all those things. But I have faith in Scott Bessent. This guy is one of the sharpest people I’ve ever met.”
    On Democrats stalling nominations and spending bills:
    “I think this is the big political picture here, and you get this, but what’s driving the Democrat Party right now is the far left. Chuck Schumer is scared to death of AOC on the far left, so they’re demanding he’s got to do something. He’s got to do something. So, he’s doing everything in his power to gum up the process, whether it’s nominations or appropriations bills as well. He’s in a panicked mode right now, and he’s lashing out, slowing up what is traditionally done. People that would pass with unanimous consent and take zero floor time, we’re having to vote on them three times and spend two hours or more on each one of them. So, if they’re going to keep doing that, then we just need to stay here in August till we get more of these people confirmed.
    On the Senate delaying recess until nominations are confirmed:
    “The Democrats secretly want to all go home, right? That is their number one priority. These people are professional politicians; they’re used to having all summer off. And by the way, when I go back, I’m going to work harder back in Kansas than I do here. Then, at the same time, their leader is scared to death. I can’t believe he’s still there. Their leader hasn’t been fired yet, but he’s scared to death to be in a primary. So it’s all about his political legacy right now, keeping that together. But I just have to emphasize, Brian, yes, I want to go home, but I’ve done four telephone town halls up here with people back in Kansas in the last two weeks, with over 5,000 people on each one of those calls. You can go home on weekends. We’ve had significant, strong events as well. We could stay for easily two weeks, and still go back and accomplish that mission of targeting the great things about the Big Beautiful Bill, whether it’s the biggest tax cut in American history or no tax on tips, all those types of things. So, I think we can walk and chew gum. But, what we could do most to help the people of America is get President Trump’s nominations confirmed so they can execute his agenda.”
    On Democrats battling each other on bipartisan bills:
    “First of all, the one thing I learned politically up here is when your opponent is forming a circular firing squad, don’t hop in the middle of them. So, I think we need to give them all the rope we can on this. This kind of takes us back to what I was talking about earlier. The far left of the Democrat Party is the tail wagging the dog. Here’s Cory Booker running for president, right? He’s trying to reach that primary base, saying he’s the most radical, progressive person up here. That’s what he’s doing right there. And again, this is a party that won’t stop digging. They’re in this hole. They have no respect for law and order. They he just keep digging and digging. These bills that she’s proposing are bipartisan, stronger law and order support the police. He’s out there still shouting like this mayor candidate from New York that wants to defund the police. So, I think this is all political. They’re more interested in running for president, Cory Booker is. Then here, you have Amy Klobuchar, who’s one of the most moderate Democrats, level-headed people up here. And to be honest, it’s just been a joy to get to know and work with her. We’re in bipartisan prayer breakfast together. It’s something you’ll never see, but she gave just an incredible lesson to us today about life in our bipartisan prayer breakfast.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: HERE and EROAD Deepen Collaboration to Transform Trucking in Australia and New Zealand

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • EROAD to launch first-ever vehicle-aware navigation application in Oceania, powered by HERE’s advanced platform and vehicle-specific data.
    • Partnership addresses critical challenges in the freight sector, including safety, productivity and compliance.

    Australia – HERE Technologies, a global leader in digital mapping and location data, is expanding its collaboration with EROAD, a leading provider of fleet management and telematics solutions, to power EROAD’s first vehicle-aware navigation application for Oceania. The solution will be available in Australia and New Zealand and is designed to enhance driver safety, fleet efficiency and regulatory compliance. The new solution will be built on the HERE platform, leveraging advanced routing services and truck-specific data. 

    This deepened partnership reflects both companies’ shared commitment to delivering innovative transport solutions tailored to the needs of commercial vehicle and fleet operators globally. By combining HERE’s location intelligence with EROAD’s operational expertise, the partnership aims to improve delivery accuracy, simplify route planning, and elevate the day-to-day experience for both drivers and fleet managers.

    Built for Fleets, Designed for Drivers

    EROAD’s new vehicle-aware navigation application draws on key capabilities from HERE WeGo Pro, a mobile-first, professional-grade application that transforms centrally planned routes into real-time, turn-by-turn guidance. Designed specifically for commercial fleets, the new solution offers:

    • Truck-specific routing that considers vehicle dimensions, cargo type and road restrictions.
    • Real-time traffic updates are refreshed every five minutes across the entire road network.
    • Multi-stop tour planning and predictive ETAs for SLA-compliant deliveries.
    • Offline functionality for uninterrupted service in remote areas.
    • Driver-centric design that reduces stress and supports retention.

    “Our partnership with EROAD is critical in shaping the future of truck-specific navigation in the region,” said Deon Newman, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Asia Pacific at HERE Technologies. “With the HERE platform at its core, the vehicle-aware navigation application enables fleets to gain real-time insights, optimised truck routes, and critical alerts to prevent incidents like bridge strikes. It also helps operators remain compliant with road regulations, avoid costly fines and reduce operational risks. This level of intelligent navigation empowers fleets to operate more efficiently while enhancing safety and elevating the driver experience.”

    Growing Demand in Oceania for Smarter, Connected Vehicle Technologies

    The launch comes at a critical time for Australia and New Zealand’s transport and logistics sector. According to a recent report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the installed base of fleet management systems in ANZ is projected to reach 2.7 million units by 20281, reflecting the growing demand for smarter, more connected vehicle technologies.

    Meanwhile, the industry faces mounting pressure from a looming driver shortage. A report by The International Road Transport Union highlights that 47% of Australia’s truck drivers are over the age of 55, with more than 21% expected to retire by 20292. The country is already short nearly 28,000 heavy vehicle drivers, underscoring the urgent need for tools that can support both new and experienced drivers on the road.

    “Oceania’s transport and logistics sector is under immense pressure – from driver shortages to rising delivery demands and increasingly complex compliance requirements,” said Mark Davidson, Chief Product Officer at EROAD. “With our expanded partnership with HERE, we’re equipping our customers with a solution that not only helps them navigate these challenges, but also positions them to operate more safely, efficiently, and competitively in a rapidly evolving market.”

    To learn more about HERE’s truck-optimised navigation capabilities, visit https://www.here.com/products/wego-pro

    Media Contacts 

    EROAD
    Rich Llewellyn
    027 523 2362
    richard@shanahan.nz

    HERE Technologies
    Vanessa Lee
    +65 9188 6199
    Vanessa.lee@here.com

    About EROAD

    EROAD (NZX/ASX: ERD) is a hardware-enabled SaaS company delivering safety, compliance, sustainability and efficiency solutions for complex fleets.
    Its connected platform is used by commercial and government operators across New Zealand, Australia and North America to manage vehicles, assets and drivers with greater visibility and control. EROAD supports demanding, highly regulated fleet operations, including those moving food, concrete and aggregates, enabling them to operate smarter, safer and more sustainably. EROAD’s platform is built on a foundation of regulatory expertise, having delivered the world’s first GPS-based road user charging system in New Zealand, where it remains the market leader today.

    About HERE Technologies
    HERE has been a pioneer in mapping and location technology for 40 years. Today, HERE’s location platform is recognized as the most complete in the industry, powering location-based products, services and custom maps for organizations and enterprises across the globe. From autonomous driving and seamless logistics to new mobility experiences, HERE allows its partners and customers to innovate while retaining control over their data and safeguarding privacy. Find out how HERE is moving the world forward at here.com.

    1Fleet Management in Australia and New Zealand – 9th Edition
    2Global Truck Driver Shortage Report 2024

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Optus partners with Nokia to strengthen reliability of Voice with cloud-native solution supporting the deployment of new 5G enhanced voice services

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Optus partners with Nokia to strengthen reliability of Voice with cloud-native solution supporting the deployment of new 5G enhanced voice services

    • Optus to utilize Nokia’s cloud-native Cloud Native Communication Suite (CNCS) to drive the deployment of new highly resilient 5G voice services and streamline network activities, enhanced automation and reduced manual interventions.
    • CNCS will be deployed on the Red Hat OpenShift.
    • Deal swaps out competitor and is the latest Nokia Core win in the Oceania region.

    31 July 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Optus, the second largest operator in Australia, is extending its existing partnership with Nokia and has contracted the company to refresh its Voice Platform (IP Multimedia Subsystem – IMS) and deliver highly resilient cloud-native voice services. Voice is an important service for Australia, and with this new platform Optus will deliver highly reliable and efficient 5G voice services to over 10 million customers.

    Nokia’s IMS platform (Cloud Native Communication Suite – CNCS) is cloud native, operationally efficient and has lower energy consumption, making it the right platform for addressing the needs of Australian consumers.

    “Reliability is the cornerstone of Optus’ Network strategy, and Voice is one of the most critical services provided by Optus. Nokia CNCS provides us with a new and highly flexible pathway that will allow us to improve network resiliency, security and enhance the subscriber experience with better and faster time-to-market services, through both on-premise and cloud deployment that assists in better quality and customer experience through a matrix of intelligent automation tools,” said Tony Baird, Chief Technology Officer at Optus.

    The containerized CNCS will be run on Red Hat OpenShift, the leading hybrid cloud application platform powered by Kubernetes, which is also Optus’ preferred CaaS provider.

    “We are pleased to further expand our Optus collaboration with Nokia’s cloud-native CNCS architecture and accelerate the delivery of new 5G services in multi-cloud environments with intelligent automation and intent-based operations. By simplifying network complexity, CNCS allows operators to respond faster to customer needs and deliver a superior, frictionless experience,” said Raghav Sahgal, President of Cloud and Network Services at Nokia. 

    The Nokia Core Network portfolio is fully cloud native which makes it much easier for operators to run their full 4G/5G Core in cloud-native network functions.

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pharmac makes annual tender decisions

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to reduce the cost of some funded medicines to free up money for new medicines.

    “For many New Zealanders, funding for pharmaceuticals is life or death, or the difference between a life of pain and suffering or living freely,” Mr Seymour says.  

    “The annual tender helps us manage how much New Zealand spends on medicines by reducing the cost of those we already fund. This frees up money to fund new medicines.

    Annual tender changes allow Pharmac to free up between $30 million and $50 million annually. 

    “Each year, Pharmac invites suppliers to bid to be the main supplier of medicines that are no longer under patent,” Mr Seymour says.

    “Medicine patents typically last for 20 years from the date of filing. Once a patent expires the doors are opened to generic competition. Other manufacturers can apply to produce and sell products containing the previously patented active ingredient. Generic market competition drives the price of medicines down significantly. 

    “Where practicable, and once relevant groups are consulted on, Pharmac might change from some original brand-name product to generic alternatives. 

    “My expectation is that Pharmac should have good processes to ensure that people with an illness, their carers and family, can provide input to decision-making processes. This is part of the ACT-National Coalition Agreement. 

    “People should have the opportunity to share what the impact of brand changes would be for them, and what support would be required if there was a change to their current medicine. I expect all key groups to be involved in changes to funded medicine brands through the annual tender. 

    “Pharmac received significant feedback at the end of last year about a decision to move to Estradiol TDP Mylan as the only funded brand of oestradiol patch. The community let Pharmac know that they weren’t consulted enough on the original decision. 

    “Pharmac has learnt from this. They added an additional consultation step to the annual tender process to seek feedback when considering a medicine brand change. This patient-centric approach was taken in today’s decisions. 

    “Pharmac asked for feedback from people who use the medicines in the list below, as well as from healthcare professionals and advocacy groups. The feedback has helped Pharmac shape its decisions.

    “The decisions to add an additional consultation step on the annual tender process follows the appointment of Natalie McMurtry as the incoming Chief Executive, appointing a Consumer Working Group, publishing the Pharmac Consumer Engagement Workshop Report, and my letters of expectations, as positive steps towards a system which works for the people who rely on it.”

    Information onthe annual tender process can be found here: https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations-and-decisions/31-july-tender-notification

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Reform of import health systems begins

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is taking decisive steps to modernise New Zealand’s import health system, with a new programme aimed at significantly reducing the time it takes to develop Import Health Standards (IHSs) while maintaining the country’s world-class biosecurity protections.

    Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says the current regulatory framework is over 30 years old and is struggling to adapt to today’s fast-moving global trade environment.

    “The way we develop import health standards hasn’t kept pace with the demands of modern trade and innovation. We need a system that is faster, smarter, and more responsive, without compromising our biosecurity.”

    A regulatory efficiency programme is now underway to transform the IHS development process.

    “The programme will make IHSs easier to use and understand for industry, but also much faster to develop.”  

    Mr Hoggard says one of the most promising innovations is the use of generative artificial intelligence to support pest risk analysis, standards drafting, and consultation materials.

    “We’ve already seen successful proof-of-concept trials that show AI can significantly reduce the time it takes to complete key parts of the IHS process. This is about using smart tools to do the heavy lifting, so our experts can focus on the decisions that matter most.”

    A key pilot project is the reform of the Plant Nursery Stock import system, and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has started work reforming the plant import system in collaboration with importers and growers.

    “Our plant-based industries need safe and efficient access to new plant material to stay competitive, improve productivity, adapt to climate change, and meet evolving consumer preferences. We’re working closely with industry to co-design a system that works for users, supports access to new plant genetics, and protects our environment.
    These protections underpin the work of our farmers and growers, and the $59.9 billion primary sector.

    Once fully delivered, this reform programme will mean faster approvals for imported goods that New Zealand businesses need and the removal of unnecessary restrictions to growth and productivity, while still maintaining strong biosecurity protections.”

    We’re committed to building a system that supports growth, innovation, and resilience for the years ahead,” Mr Hoggard says.
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Updated GA workplan released alongside regulatory roadmaps

    Source: Australian Human Rights Commission

    We’re pleased to announce the release of our updated General Aviation (GA) Workplan 2025, alongside the Forward Regulatory Program and the refreshed RPAS and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Strategic Regulatory Roadmap – 3 key initiatives shaping the future of aviation in Australia.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Grills Trump Admin on How So-Called ‘Reorganization Plan’ of USDA Hurts Vermont 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, grilled U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden on the Trump Administration’s reorganization plan for USDA, which will rob rural communities of vital local control and leadership. Senator Welch also questioned Dep. Sec. Vaden about how USDA plans to better balance and allocate resources to specialty crop, organic, and dairy farms in comparison to large commodity farms.  
    “Let me be candid: I have some inclination to be supportive of folks being back home, closer to where they’re serving,” said Senator Welch. “The concern I have is whether the reorganization plan is on the level—whether it’s about empowering local communities or it’s about decimating the already severely cut back work force.” 
    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ plan to restructure USDA follows the Department’s firing of 15,000 employees as part of the Trump Administration’s mass-layoff campaign of federal employees. While USDA claims the reorganization will bring USDA closer to farmers, the proposal would force more than 2,000 local USDA federal employees to relocate across five regional hubs in North Carolina, Missouri, Indiana, Colorado, and Utah. The location of these hubs makes it clear that USDA values large-scale commodity and row cropping farms over the small-scale farms in Vermont and the Northeast.  
    Farmers and agricultural organizations have expressed concerns over how the sudden large-scale restructuring of USDA could disrupt essential services the agency provides and erode support for farmers and rural communities. 
    Watch the exchange between Senator Welch and USDA Deputy Secretary Vaden: 

    Read key excerpts of Senator Welch’s questioning below: 

    Senator Welch: “In Vermont, we’ve lost 78 staff members already. And our local USDA is terrific—they’re responsive, we call them, they give us an answer—they help us…So, how am I going to get excited about this so-called ‘reorganization plan’ where folks are going back, but we’ve already lost 78? Tell me why I should be confident about this.” 
    Mr. Vaden: “Well Senator, to use your phrase, this plan is ‘on the level.’ The Secretary and I are both serious. Employees who accept their new locations—they’ve got a job, and we’ve got an office for them, and we’re planning a new home for them in a location where their federal salary will go farther.” 
    Senator Welch: “But here’s what doesn’t make sense to me: If you believe in the local control, why do you fire local people?” 
    Mr. Vaden: “Senator, if you’re referring to the deferred resignation plan, those were voluntary decisions made by individual employees who chose—with the information that the agency provided to them—to seek a new career elsewhere.” 
    Senator Welch: “You know, you’re talking about a lot of federal workers—they felt the axe was coming down, and they had to make a choice between two really terrible things: get fired…or take the buyout. So, that doesn’t satisfy me. And again, we’ve got 78 people who wanted to stay on their jobs, buy and large, and were doing a good job and would answer the phone when I called—and they’re gone. 
    “You know what my concern is, and I’d like to be able to follow up, because I want this in the real world to be beneficial for folks in Vermont, for our farmers who are incredibly valuable citizens.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Average small business tax refund tops $5k: Tax tips and traps for business owners filing their tax return – CBA

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

    With CommBank data showing most small business tax refunds are processed in the first quarter of a financial year, here are some tax tips for business owners on staying financially fit and scam aware.

    Key facts:

    • New CommBank data shows on average, small business owners received a tax return of around $5,000 for financial year 2024.
    • The number of refunds processed between July and September in 2024 are 75 per cent higher than the average number processed in the prior three quarters.
    • Mining contractors, electricians, plumbers, manufacturers, small agribusinesses, and wholesale traders can expect to get the highest tax returns this year. 

    According to the data, based on funds deposited into small business customer accounts by the Australian Tax Office (ATO), states with the highest average tax refunds are ACT and Queensland ($5,700), followed by Victoria ($5,300), NSW ($4,900) and WA ($4,800).

    Interestingly, electricians and plumbing businesses top the list for average tax returns in NSW and TAS, mining contractors unsurprisingly for WA, and education and communication services for VIC, while small agriculture businesses top the average tax return in Queensland.

    Mixed emotions as tax time rolls around

    Drew Campbell, co-founder of boutique travel company Reveling – Nestled on the Gold Coast, Reveling is redefining luxury travel with a focus on immersive, small-group and private experiences across Australia and Africa. Co-founded by a team of passionate adventurers, the company is powered by a growing collective of guides, hosts, artisans, and creatives who share a love for meaningful connection through travel.

    “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing people connect deeply with nature and community,” said Drew Campbell, co-founder of Reveling.

    Since its inception, Reveling has carved out a niche in the high-end travel space, offering curated experiences that blend authenticity with elegance. But behind the scenes of dreamy destinations and bespoke itineraries lies the reality of running a small business – especially during tax time.

    “Honestly, it’s a bit of both stress and excitement,” Mr Campbell admits.

    “It’s a good checkpoint to assess how we’re tracking and tidy up any loose

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Legislation – New low from Govt in Public Service Act changes aimed at ending long term planning, diversity and inclusion and pay equity – PSA

    Source: PSA

    The Government’s proposed changes to the Public Service Act, to be debated in Parliament today, aim to strip away key provisions that ensure fairness, equality and long-term planning in the public sector.
    Under the proposed amendments, detailed in the Public Service Amendment Bill, diversity and inclusion, pay equity and long-term planning would be downgraded.
    “This is a new low from the Government. It now wants to tell chief executives of Government departments that they are not to focus on the long-term public interest, this is reckless given that the complex problems New Zealand’s facing need long term policy solutions,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “This approach will limit New Zealand’s ability to solve complicated problems like climate change adaptation, family violence and our infrastructure deficit.”
    The Public Service Amendment Bill also scraps requirements on pay equity. It would remove responsibilities for chief executives and the Public Service Commissioner to work towards pay equity between women and men, and to work towards eliminating bias and discrimination in decisions about pay.
    “Pay equity is about fairness and justice for workers and includes ensuring flexible and part time work is available. The Government has already ripped up pay equity claims, denying pay increases for more than 150,000 women in the public and community sectors. Taking away its priority in this legislation again shows how little the Government values supporting the career of women and closing the gender pay gap.”
    The Bill would also remove requirements on chief executives and the Public Service Commissioner to foster a public service that’s inclusive and representative of the communities it serves.
    “Diversity and inclusion in our workforce are not nice to haves – they are essential to delivering fair and effective public services that are sensitive to the needs of all New Zealanders. The public service does its job well and is legitimate because it represents our diverse country. Reducing the importance of these principles risks turning back decades of progress.”
    The PSA is also alarmed by amendments to the purpose of the Public Service Act which would reduce emphasis on pursuing the long-term public interest, and remove the requirement of the public service to enable both the current Government and successive governments to develop and implement their policies.
    “This is a worrying attack on the political neutrality of the public service and makes it less accountable to the people of New Zealand. Public services must look beyond the next political cycle. Downgrading the public service’s role in pursuing the long-term public interest means less focus on how our public service can meet future challenges – whether that’s dealing with an ageing population, infrastructure challenges, adapting to new technology, or responding to climate change.
    “The Government has stripped the public service of thousands of jobs despite our population growing, and our challenges becoming more complex and urgent.
    “The Bill was tabled on the same day the Government extended a tax break for big tobacco, showing how misplaced its priorities are.
    “This is a time to invest in a fairer, more future-focused public service – not tear down the progress we’ve made. It’s 2025, not 1955.”
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Legislation – New low from Govt in Public Service Act changes aimed at ending long term planning, diversity and inclusion and pay equity – PSA

    Source: PSA

    The Government’s proposed changes to the Public Service Act, to be debated in Parliament today, aim to strip away key provisions that ensure fairness, equality and long-term planning in the public sector.
    Under the proposed amendments, detailed in the Public Service Amendment Bill, diversity and inclusion, pay equity and long-term planning would be downgraded.
    “This is a new low from the Government. It now wants to tell chief executives of Government departments that they are not to focus on the long-term public interest, this is reckless given that the complex problems New Zealand’s facing need long term policy solutions,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “This approach will limit New Zealand’s ability to solve complicated problems like climate change adaptation, family violence and our infrastructure deficit.”
    The Public Service Amendment Bill also scraps requirements on pay equity. It would remove responsibilities for chief executives and the Public Service Commissioner to work towards pay equity between women and men, and to work towards eliminating bias and discrimination in decisions about pay.
    “Pay equity is about fairness and justice for workers and includes ensuring flexible and part time work is available. The Government has already ripped up pay equity claims, denying pay increases for more than 150,000 women in the public and community sectors. Taking away its priority in this legislation again shows how little the Government values supporting the career of women and closing the gender pay gap.”
    The Bill would also remove requirements on chief executives and the Public Service Commissioner to foster a public service that’s inclusive and representative of the communities it serves.
    “Diversity and inclusion in our workforce are not nice to haves – they are essential to delivering fair and effective public services that are sensitive to the needs of all New Zealanders. The public service does its job well and is legitimate because it represents our diverse country. Reducing the importance of these principles risks turning back decades of progress.”
    The PSA is also alarmed by amendments to the purpose of the Public Service Act which would reduce emphasis on pursuing the long-term public interest, and remove the requirement of the public service to enable both the current Government and successive governments to develop and implement their policies.
    “This is a worrying attack on the political neutrality of the public service and makes it less accountable to the people of New Zealand. Public services must look beyond the next political cycle. Downgrading the public service’s role in pursuing the long-term public interest means less focus on how our public service can meet future challenges – whether that’s dealing with an ageing population, infrastructure challenges, adapting to new technology, or responding to climate change.
    “The Government has stripped the public service of thousands of jobs despite our population growing, and our challenges becoming more complex and urgent.
    “The Bill was tabled on the same day the Government extended a tax break for big tobacco, showing how misplaced its priorities are.
    “This is a time to invest in a fairer, more future-focused public service – not tear down the progress we’ve made. It’s 2025, not 1955.”
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Life sentence for man who followed through on rap video murder threat

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been sentenced to jail for murdering a father in front of his young child in a barbershop in Leyton.

    Josh McKay, 33, was stabbed in the neck by Renai Belle in a targeted attack and died from his injuries at the scene. During the Metropolitan Police investigation, officers discovered a rap video showing Belle threaten Josh before the attack.

    Belle, 30 (20.02.95), of Swaythling Close, Edmonton was sentenced to 28 years in prison on Wednesday, 30 July at the Old Bailey. He was previously convicted for Josh’s murder and possession of a knife on Wednesday, 4 June.

    A man and woman were also convicted and sentenced for separate offences.

    Josh’s mother, Bash Kehinde said: “Today’s sentencing changes nothing for me and my family. I will never see my beautiful son. And his two children will now face life without their hero.

    “To all of the mothers of murdered children, I understand your pain, the sadness and sense of loss that is unbearable. It is made worse because it was all so senseless.

    “Josh was a beautiful happy kind man and an active and loving father. The world is less kind, less bright and less funny without him here.”

    Detective Inspector Chris Griffith, from Specialist Crime North, who led the investigation, said: “This was a savage and pre-planned attack, committed in broad daylight and with scant regard for passers-by. What took place left the local community reeling, and two young children without their father.

    “My heart goes out to Josh’s family and friends. He was a loving parent, whose life was ended in the most horrendous way.

    “I hope that today’s result provides Josh’s family with some closure, and allows the community to feel safer knowing that Belle is no longer free to commit such heinous crimes.”

    The court heard that Josh was at a barbershop on Lea Bridge Road with his son on Saturday, 6 July. Around 15:00hrs, as shown on CCTV seized by the investigation team, Belle entered the shop wearing a balaclava where he stabbed Josh in the neck in a pre-meditated attack following a long-standing dispute. Belle was then chased away by Josh.

    Members of the public rushed to Josh’s aid and attempted to provide medical treatment until the arrival of officers and paramedics. Despite their best efforts, Josh died from his injuries.

    A determined investigation began immediately in which officers painstakingly combed through more than 100 hours of CCTV footage to track Belle’s movements and understand what took place.

    Officers discovered that Belle was the passenger in a car being driven by his partner, Tenika Parker. Having seen Josh enter the barbershop, the pair drove to the address of man called Daniel Cooper. In doorbell footage later seized, Cooper was seen providing Belle with the balaclava and knife that would be used minutes later to murder Josh. Belle was then driven back to the barbers nearby before stabbing Josh. He was helped to escape by Parker in the waiting car.

    A manhunt led to the arrest of Belle at an address in Pincott Road, SW19 on Monday 8 July, 2024.

    As part of officers’ determination to further establish a watertight case against Belle, further enquiries led them to discover a rap video on YouTube showing Belle threaten Josh in advance of the attack, more proof that it was pre-planned.

    Parker was initially arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender on Sunday, 7 July in India Dock Road, Poplar. She was stopped by police while driving the car that had been identified as involved in the murder. During a search of Parker’s vehicle, officers found distinct black sliders Belle was seen wearing in CCTV footage, as well as traces of blood that officers sent for forensic testing. This provided a DNA match to Josh. Parker was rearrested on Wednesday, 2 October, and charged with perverting the course of justice after CCTV footage showed her attempting to clean her car after the attack to remove any evidence.

    Cooper was arrested after handing himself in to police on Thursday, 11 July. During a search at Cooper’s property, officers discovered two knives matching the branding of the weapon that was left at the scene of Josh’s murder. Forensic testing on the balaclava and knife discarded by Belle at the scene of Josh’s murder found DNA that matched with Cooper.

    On Wednesday, 4 June, Tenika Parker, 39 (21.02.86), of Canterbury Road, Leytonstone and Daniel Cooper, 22 (20.02.03) of Gosport Road, Leytonstone stood trial alongside Belle.

    Parker was convicted of possession of a knife and perverting the course of justice. On Wednesday, 30 July, she was sentenced at the Old Bailey to 2 years and 3 months years in prison.

    Cooper had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a knife but was acquitted of other offences. He was sentenced on Friday, 6 June for 7.5 months.

    MIL Security OSI –