NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Commissioner Liza Carver to depart ACCC

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    Commissioner Liza Carver will leave the ACCC in mid-May after making a significant contribution to our agency, including as Chair of the ACCC’s Enforcement Committee.

    “Liza is one of Australia’s leading minds in the field of competition and consumer law. Her contribution to the ACCC has been outstanding and she will leave an important and lasting legacy,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said. 

    “Liza’s legal skill and rigour, strategic insights and guidance have shaped our enforcement program in recent years, and her input has been central to many of our most important outcomes.”

    “Liza has made important contributions in many areas of our work, including in merger review and digital platforms regulation.”

    In reflecting on her time with the ACCC Ms Carver said “‘It has been an absolute privilege to serve as a Commissioner with the ACCC under the leadership of Gina Cass-Gottlieb. The importance of the agency to the welfare of consumers and the competitiveness of the Australian economy cannot be overstated, nor can the diligence and commitment of its staff and Commissioners. I look forward to watching its successes in the future.”

    This period has rounded out a large body of public service by Ms Carver. Commissioner Carver’s most recent appointment to the ACCC commenced in March 2022. She had been an Associate Commissioner with the Trade Practices Commission and the ACCC between 1993 and 1999, as well as a Commissioner with the Australian Energy Markets Commission between 2005 and 2008. She was also a member of IPART from 1997 to 2000 before moving into private practice.

    “I am most grateful to have had Liza’s expertise and experience on our team. We at the ACCC wish Liza all the best for her future endeavours,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACCC consults on Australia Post’s proposed stamp price increase

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The ACCC is seeking stakeholder feedback on its preliminary view to not object to Australia Post’s proposed stamp price increase of 13.3 per cent from mid–2025.

    Under the draft proposal submitted in November 2024, Australia Post intends to increase the prices for reserved ordinary letters delivered to the regular timetable from:

    Proposed prices for reserved ordinary letters delivered to the regular timetable.
    Letter type Current price Proposed price
    Ordinary small letter (BPR) $1.50 $1.70
    Ordinary large letter up to 125g $3.00 $3.40
    Ordinary large letter over 125g and under 250g $4.50 $5.10

    Australia Post is not proposing to increase the price of concession stamps ($3 for five) or stamps for seasonal greeting cards (65 cents).

    After assessing the draft price notification in line with its role, the ACCC has found that Australia Post is unlikely to recover revenue in excess of its costs for its reserved postal services.

    “Our preliminary assessment found that Australia Post’s proposed price increase is unlikely to produce surplus revenue for the reserved letter service over the coming years,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.

    Australia Post’s letter services – including its reserved services – have incurred significant losses in recent years, which Australia Post attributes primarily to the ongoing reduction in letter volumes combined with an increase in delivery points.

    Currently, Australia Post only delivers around two letters to each household per week and expects reserved letter volumes to continue to decrease by around 10.6 per cent annually until 2027–28. At the same time, the number of delivery addresses serviced by Australia Post continues to grow, which adds to the financial pressure on the letter service.

    “The ubiquity of digital communication options has impacted the commercial viability of letter delivery globally,” Dr Williams said.

    “At the same time, Australia Post remains an essential national service – especially for vulnerable members of the community and those in regional and remote parts of the country.”

    For the average Australian household, which sends around six letters per year, the proposed basic postage increase to $1.70 would result in an additional annual cost of approximately $1.20. However, the ACCC recognises that the proposed price rise would be the third such increase within four financial years, from a basic postage rate of $1.10 at the start of 2022–23.

    In forming its preliminary view, the ACCC carefully considered the feedback presented by stakeholders during a consultation process in late–2024. While the ACCC acknowledges public opposition to the proposed increase, it has applied a cost-based approach in its analysis within the confines of its regulatory role.

    “Our assessment seeks to balance the needs of consumers who rely on mail with the financial sustainability of the letter service, and we’re very conscious that further stamp price increases may present affordability challenges for some consumers and small businesses,” Mr Williams said.

    Following feedback from mail users, the ACCC recommends Australia Post increase the annual cap on the number of concessional stamps available to eligible concession card holders as a way to lessen the impacts of the proposed price rise for these customers.

    The ACCC also acknowledges that the proposed price increases may have a disproportionate impact on businesses and organisations sending large volumes of mail as part of their operations – particularly those which are subject to legal obligations to send correspondence by post.

    “For those businesses which are heavily reliant on the postal service or are unable to change to electronic alternatives, we consider Australia Post should explore ways to make letter sending more affordable in addition to the existing bulk rates on offer,” Dr Williams said.

    In March 2024, the ACCC made several recommendations to Australia Post regarding changes to its financial modelling and forecasting as well as improvements to its cost allocation model ahead of future price notification processes. Australia Post has addressed a number of the ACCC’s recommendations, including the commissioning of an expenditure review by Frontier Economics into the efficiency of Australia Post’s costs.

    “While Australia Post has made progress on the recommendations, further work is needed to support any future ACCC pricing assessments,” Dr Williams said.

    “We also consider that Australia Post needs to be more transparent with the public about its implementation of such recommendations.”

    The ACCC invites submissions in response to its preliminary view paper by 5pm Monday 12 May 2025. Submissions received will be considered by the ACCC in making its final decision.

    The ACCC will issue a final decision after receiving a formal price notification from Australia Post.

    Australia Post must also notify the Minister for Communications of the proposed price increase and must not increase prices if the Minister rejects the proposal within 30 days.

    Background

    Australia Post’s proposed price change was outlined in a draft price notification provided to the ACCC in November 2024.

    Under the Competition and Consumer Act, the ACCC is responsible for assessing proposed price increases by Australia Post for its reserved ordinary letter services delivered to the regular timetable. The ACCC must consider Australia Post’s proposed price increases of these services and may decide to:

    • not object to the price increase
    • not object to a price that is less than that proposed, or
    • object to the price increase.

    The ACCC does not have the role of approving any proposed price increase under the Australia Post price notification framework. Only the Minister for Communications has the power to reject a price increase proposed by Australia Post.

    Australia Post’s reserved ordinary letter services are services that Australia Post has a statutory monopoly over and are declared as ‘notified services’ for the purposes of Part VIIA of the Competition and Consumer Act. The current declaration for Australia Post’s notified services is due to expire on 30 September 2025 unless extended.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Beyer Eviscerates Trump Tariff Policy In Hearing With U.S. Trade Representative

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today ripped the “logic” of President Trump’s insane tariff regime to shreds today during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing on Trump’s trade policy with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

    During the course of his testimony, Greer repeatedly advocated for increased tariffs on top U.S. trading partners – tariffs Trump abruptly paused during the hearing. Greer, who ostensibly serves as Trump’s top adviser on trade policy, obliviously continued to defend the paused tariffs to members of the Committee for some time until he was informed of the sudden change.

    Video of Beyer’s exchange can be viewed here. Some of his comments to Ambassador Greer: 

    “Ambassador Greer, you have a most awful job: to try to convince us and the people we represent that the President’s trade policies are wise and measured when the truth is they are stupid and bad.”
    …
    “I want to quickly run through a few of the ways the logic behind the Trump tariffs makes no sense. You got the math wrong, according to the people whose research you cited. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a New York Times article by former Treasury official Brent Neiman titled, ‘The Trump White House Cited My Research to Justify Tariffs. It Got It All Wrong.’ This math error had the effect of quadrupling the tariffs Trump applied to some of our biggest trading partners.

    “Trump exempted some goods – notably oil – but not others, including things we simply cannot produce in the United States. Why tariff bananas? Why tariff cocoa? Why tariff coffee? We don’t have the capacity to produce these things at a scale that meets domestic demand.

    “Trump logic equates any trade deficit with ‘cheating,’ in fact he called it ‘rape.’ But even this stupid logic didn’t help Australia or Brazil or Singapore, all countries with whom we have a trade surplus. How does Australia negotiate an end to a trade deficit that doesn’t exist?

    “Some countries have a deficit because we import things we want but they are too poor to afford our exports. A perfect example is Madagascar. We buy something like 60 percent of our vanilla from Madagascar, but they have one of the lowest GDP-per-capita rates in the world, and they just can’t afford many of our products. We just hit them with a 47% tariff.

    Trump is hinting that maybe if countries lower tariffs on us he might drop tariffs on them, a little bit or some or possibly. But Vietnam, knowing that Trump was coming, massively cut their tariffs on the U.S. to appease him ahead of his announcement last week. Instead you slapped a 46% tariff on them anyway. So what are the Vietnamese supposed to do?

    “Trump declared a phony national emergency and imposed tariffs on Canada to punish our closest ally for ‘fentanyl smuggling,’ despite the fact that our own government says the amount of smuggling at the northern border is vanishingly small, less than one percent. How does Canada get out of tariffs imposed for something we admit they’re not doing?

    “Trump is risking our economy to bring back factory jobs that pay far less than the 8 million jobs listed in the JOLTS report right now, 8 million jobs available in America, that pay far more in fast-growing like health care, clean energy, or data science.

    “The Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, is on television raving about shifting millions of Americans to work on, and I quote, “screwing in little screws to make iPhones.”

    “You guys are blasting nearly every product from nearly every country with these tariffs, Senator Tillis yesterday called it ‘a trade war on all fronts.’ It hurts our alliances, it is hurting our economy, it hurts our ability to make and keep free trade agreements – which is supposedly your job.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ACT MP welcomes step towards greater freedom over Easter

    Source: ACT Party

    ACT MP Cameron Luxton is congratulating Kieran McAnulty after his Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Sales on Anzac Day Morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day) Amendment Bill passed its first reading in Parliament last night.

    
“It would give us a little more freedom over the Easter weekend, allowing pubs and supermarkets to sell beer and wine without the current nanny state restrictions. Adults will be treated like adults, capable of making their own choices.

    “This scraps the absurd rule that compels customers to order a ‘substantial meal’ just to enjoy a pint at the pub on Easter and the arbitrary prohibition on ordering a drink more than an hour before or after eating a meal.


    “This change is one part of a similar bill I spent months campaigning and lobbying for. I’m pleased to see a second attempt at this change has given the idea new life.

    “I will be encouraging all those who supported my bill, particularly those businesses, workers, and industry groups I heard from, to throw their support behind Kieran’s bill at the Select Committee, and also to make the case for why MPs should support future efforts to relax trading rules over the Easter period.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Making a difference for young New Zealanders

    Source: New Zealand Government

    New reporting out today shows that while most young Kiwis are doing well, further progress is needed so all children and young people thrive.

    Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says the Annual Report on the Child and Youth Strategy / the Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy and the Child Poverty Related Indicators tabled in Parliament provides important insights, including: 

    • regular school attendance is improving for all learners
    • more children are attending early childhood education
    • rates of child and youth offending have improved since 2019/20
    • more young people are making positive choices around alcohol and cigarette usage, compared to 2019/20. 

    However more needs to be done as: 

    • around 13 per cent of children experienced material hardship in 2023/24
    • rates of immunisation are decreasing
    • children in benefit-receiving households are more likely to be in material hardship than children in working households
    • the number of children in households receiving a main benefit has increased by nearly 25,000 since 2019/20
    • rates of food insecurity have increased

    “Many of the findings reported today continue to reflect the challenges of a prolonged cost of living crisis,” Louise Upston says.

    “We know there are Kiwi families and their kids still doing it tough. We are working hard to fix that through initiatives like FamilyBoost, which as at April 2 had supported close to 52,000 households with the cost of early childhood education.

    “Going forward, our Coalition Government’s work will continue to be informed by our social investment approach. 

    “Today’s findings confirm we’re focusing on the right priorities in education and health, where the most impact can be made, and children’s lives can be improved,” Louise Upston says.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire Safety – Changes to fire and fireworks restrictions in Otago

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand has changed restrictions on outdoor fires and fireworks in parts of Otago from 8am on Thursday 10 April, until further notice.
    The Lakes and Glendhu Bluffs zones move from a prohibited to a restricted fire season, which means people can light open air fires if they have a permit authorised by Fire and Emergency. People can apply for a permit at checkitsalright.nz.
    The fireworks ban in the Lakes zone has also been revoked.
    “Lower temperatures and increased dew over the last fortnight have reduced the fire risk in these areas,” Acting Otago District Manager Craig Geddes says.
    “This means there is less dry vegetation readily available to burn.”
    “However, fires can start and spread year-round in our District, so restrictions on fires are still necessary,” he says.
    “To apply for a fire permit and check the fire risk conditions in your area, go to checkitsalright.nz.
    “You can also find advice on how to conduct your controlled burns safely on this website,” Craig Geddes says.
    Special risk zones will remain in a prohibited fire season. These areas are Queenstown, Lake Wānaka islands, Lake Wakatipu islands, Mt Iron and Albert Town reserve.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Mayor Campbell Barry announces that he won’t be seeking re-election – Hutt City

    Source: Hutt City Council

    Campbell Barry has announced today that he will not seek a third term as Lower Hutt’s Mayor.
    During his mayoralty, Barry has delivered on major commitments including the re-building of Te Ngaengae Pool and Fitness after its sudden closure in 2019, record investment and delivery in water infrastructure and rolling out a new rubbish and recycling system.
    The most significant project – Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (RiverLink), has now got the green light after $1.5 billion in total funding was secured and final agreements signed last week.
    “This is a once-in-a-generation deal for Lower Hutt. RiverLink has been dreamt about for decades, and we’re now getting on with it. It’s going to be transformational but it will take six to eight years to deliver. Our city needs a leader who will see it through to its completion,” Barry says.
    Barry served one term on the Wainuiomata Community Board and two terms as a Hutt City Councillor before making history in 2019 when he was elected New Zealand’s youngest Mayor of a city at age 28.
    “After 15 years in local government, I want to leave on a high and on my terms. I’ve seen the impact of leaders and elected members who stay too long. It’s important to allow fresh energy and perspectives to take the city through this next exciting phase.”
    Central Government has invested record and unprecedented amounts in Lower Hutt during Barry’s tenure.
    “This has only been possible through working relentlessly to always get the best deal for the Hutt, and building credible and respectful relationships across the spectrum”
    Barry plans to make the most of every single day in the lead-up to local body elections.
    “A key priority between now and the election is to reach agreement on a new water entity for the region. I personally see it as vital that all of Wellington’s metropolitan councils are part of it.
    “So, I’ll be doing everything I can to set our region up for success so that a new water entity is ready to be implemented by incoming councils.
    “Nation-wide, there is still a lot of work to be done to turn around how we plan and deliver infrastructure, particularly water, and this is something that will continue to be a passion of mine.”
    Barry says he is incredibly grateful for the support he’s received as Mayor.
    “It has been the privilege of my life to serve our city. People have put their trust in me as Mayor, and I’ve never taken that trust for granted.
    “I want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way.”
    As for what’s next, Barry says he hasn’t got anything locked in post October but is looking forward to a change.
    “What I know, and am grateful for, is that being Mayor has given me a lot of unique skills and experience. What drives me is a desire to tackle longstanding and challenging issues through courageous leadership. That is not something that will stop post October.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Children speak out: What tamariki and rangatahi really want from a safer internet – Save the Children

    Source: Save the Children

    Almost 1,000 children and young people across Aotearoa New Zealand have had their say on online safety in a new survey conducted by Save the Children and Netsafe – and the results send a clear message: children want to be heard and informed, as well as protected.
    The survey, launched in the lead-up to New Zealand Children’s Day in March, asked tamariki and rangatahi aged 6 to 18 about their experiences in the online world, what makes them feel safe, and what they want adults – including parents, teachers, decision-makers, and tech companies – to know.
    The survey findings were launched at Parliament this morning at an event in association with Netsafe, TikTok and Save the Children, with youth and online safety experts, industry representatives, and Members of Parliament in attendance.
    Key findings show that:
    – 64% of children feel safe online, but many say that safety depends on guidance from parents and knowing how to avoid harm.
    – Advertising and harmful content are top concerns, with more than 750 children calling for greater control over ads and stronger protection from harmful material.
    – Children want tech companies to step up – from limiting live chat in games, improving reporting systems, and taking faster action to remove harmful content.
    – Age-appropriate design matters – children across all age groups called for better age restrictions to keep younger users safe, and to prevent adult users from accessing children’s games.
    – Education, not just restriction is key – many young people said they want to be taught how to recognise and respond to online risks, rather than just having content blocked or being excluded as users.
    Save the Children New Zealand’s Director of Advocacy and Research, Jacqui Southey, says the findings show the value of listening directly to children’s experiences.
    “Children are not just passive users of the internet – they are legitimate digital citizens with real insights. Their voices highlight both the joys and risks of the online world, and their advice must be taken seriously,” she says.
    “This survey clearly shows that while many children feel safe online, they’re also navigating a world full of challenges – from harmful content to adult strangers in online games and unwanted advertising. They’re asking for more support, more tools, and more respect for their ability to understand and shape their digital experiences.”
    Netsafe CEO Brent Carey says the insights will help guide online safety strategies going forward.
    “We often talk about making the internet safer for kids, but we don’t ask them what that actually means. These findings shift the conversation. Tamariki and rangatahi are telling us exactly what they need – and it’s time we listened.”
    The survey responses came from a wide range of age groups and locations, with strong participation from girls (67% of respondents) and young people living in urban areas (81%). Social media use increased with age, while younger children were more engaged with online games and streaming platforms.
    One young person (aged 15-17) put it simply: “Please filter out content that is likely to harm the well-being of children and teenagers. A lot of stuff online – once you see it, you can’t unsee it.”
    Save the Children and Netsafe are encouraging decision-makers to use the findings to inform safer online environments that uphold children’s rights to participation, protection, and provision.
    About Save the Children NZ:
    Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
    Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Nominations now open for 2025 Porirua Civic Awards

    Source: Porirua City Council

    Porirua City Council is calling for nominations for the city’s highest honour. The Porirua Civic Awards recognise locals who have made a significant contribution to the Porirua community by their personal leadership, inspiration, sacrifice or commitment to a cause.
    Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says volunteers are at the heart of our community with many working tirelessly behind the scenes on a wide range of activities. “Porirua Civic Awards give us a chance to recognise and thank individual volunteers for their efforts and encourage them to keep up the good work achieving positive outcomes for Porirua city,” she says. “Porirua is a city with a fantastic network of volunteers. If you know someone who’s made a difference in your community, nominate them today!” This year’s Civic Awards have an additional category, service to sport. The full list of categories, and some of the criteria, is outlined below:
    • Community service: Consistently demonstrates qualities of compassion and service to a community organisation or a variety of volunteer activities
    • Cultural & art affairs: Improvement and enhancement of participation in cultural affairs, including heritage, music and the arts
    • Educational service: Improvement and enhancement of the educational and social development of others including children and/or youth
    • Environmental: Taking a leadership role in improving and/or revitalising the environment
    • Health & wellbeing: Enhancing the health and wellbeing of our community
    • Service to sport: An individual honoured for exceptional commitment and dedication, who has significantly contributed to a club, association or sport and has gone the extra mile for an extended period of time
    • Youth service: For young people aged 15-25 who have carried out outstanding voluntary service. The emphasis should be on how actively involved the young person has been in their community.
    Nominations close on 19 May, with Council considering nominations on 12 June. Recipients will be notified later in June, before a Civic Awards event on 22 July. “Nominations are also open for the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards, which celebrate volunteer groups that make a valuable contribution to our city, and to our region,” says Mayor Baker.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Mixed results in Medibank class action on privilege claims over investigation reports

    Source: Allens Insights (legal sector)

    Multi-purpose reports remain most challenging for privilege 9 min read

    A recent Federal Court decision has further highlighted the challenges of maintaining privilege claims over third-party investigation reports. This is particularly relevant where those reports are—or become—relied on for non-legal purposes, including operational, regulatory and public or investor relations.

    Medibank has had mixed results in defending challenges to privilege claims over a series of third-party reports relating to its 2022 major data breach. It successfully defended claims over narrower and more targeted reports and communications with CyberCX, Coveware, CrowdStrike and Threat Intelligence, including, eg, those concerning negotiations with the threat actor.

    However, Medibank failed to sustain its claim over three wider-ranging reports prepared by consultant Deloitte, which the court found had multiple purposes, with the legal purpose not being predominant.

    While the court’s reasoning is consistent with the Full Federal Court’s decision in Singtel Optus Pty Ltd v Robertson [2024] FCAFC 58 (see our previous Insight), it demonstrates that the challenges of maintaining privilege claims can remain even when detailed witness evidence is carefully prepared to support those claims.

    Medibank has sought leave to appeal the court’s decision in relation to the reports by Deloitte.

    This Insight considers the implications of the decision and outlines practical steps to take when an investigation report is commissioned for a legal purpose.

    Key takeaways

    • The Federal Court has rejected Medibank’s privilege claims over three factual investigation reports prepared by Deloitte following a major data breach, but has accepted communications and reports from cybersecurity firms CrowdStrike and Threat Intelligence as privileged.
    • The decision is largely consistent with the Full Federal Court’s recent decision on similar privilege claims in the Optus data breach class action, further highlighting the difficulties associated with claiming privilege over investigation reports prepared for multiple purposes, including legal, governance, regulatory compliance and/or operational purposes.
    • The legal purpose for preparing a report must predominate other purposes—this is generally assessed at the time the report was commissioned, but later evidence can inform this assessment, particularly where the purpose evolves.
    • It is not sufficient merely to assert that a document is privileged or, for that matter, to adduce evidence only from inhouse counsel. Courts will rigorously examine the nature of the document and the surrounding circumstances to determine the document’s dominant purpose. In this case, that process involved focused cross-examination of Medibank’s CEO and chair.
    • The decision also further highlights the risks associated with making public statements about investigation reports, particularly the potential for those statements to highlight a material non-legal purpose of the document or otherwise to waive any legal privilege that attaches to it.

    Background

    From August to October 2022, Medibank experienced a cyber incident where cyber criminals accessed its IT systems and exfiltrated customer data. In a subsequent class action against Medibank, the applicants sought production of several reports prepared by Deloitte, CrowdStrike and Threat Intelligence, as well as communications involving CyberCX and Coveware. Medibank claimed legal privilege over these documents, contending that were created for the dominant purpose of obtaining legal advice or for use in any litigation relating to the cyber incident.

    CyberCX, Coveware, CrowdStrike and Threat Intelligence reports privileged

    Justice Rofe held that Medibank’s communications with, and reports prepared by, cybersecurity experts CyberCX, Coveware, CrowdStrike and Threat Intelligence were privileged because the evidence established that those firms were engaged by Medibank’s lawyers for the dominant purpose of providing technical assistance and advice to enable Medibank’s lawyers to provide legal advice, including in relation to legal proceedings. For example, the reports were used for the purposes of briefing counsel, responding to regulatory notices, and preparing Medibank’s defence in the proceeding.1

    Importantly, even though the scope of services provided by those firms to Medibank’s lawyers was not, in many cases, materially different from the scope of services already being provided to Medibank under previous direct engagements, Justice Rofe held that the relevant consideration is the purpose for which the relevant documents came into existence, and that the scope of services was only one factor to consider. In these cases, the documents being created possessed a dominant legal purpose.2

    Deloitte reports not privileged

    Justice Rofe decided that the three reports prepared by Deloitte were not privileged because the provision of legal advice was not the dominant purpose for which they were commissioned. Rather, the following purposes were found to be ‘at least equally dominant, if not more dominant’:3

    • Assuaging market and consumer concerns: Medibank made numerous public references to the commissioning of the external review and the appointment of Deloitte, including in ASX announcements and communications with employees, customers and health partners. These statements stated that Medibank, not its lawyers, were responsible for commissioning the report, and that the purpose of the report was to ‘protect and safeguard customers’.4 These statements were considered strong evidence that one of the dominant purposes of the report was assuaging market and consumer concerns.
    • Avoiding independent APRA review: evidence was given that a key concern for Medibank was to avoid the need for the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) to conduct its own review of the data breach, which it was highly unlikely to avoid unless Medibank conducted a review in accordance with APRA’s requirements. The close communication between APRA and Medibank regarding the scope of the review (which notably did not copy in any of Medibank’s lawyers in most instances) and the ‘tri-partite’ meetings between Medibank, APRA and Deloitte were considered strong evidence that one of the dominant purposes of the report was avoiding an APRA investigation.5

    The applicants also submitted that the board’s oversight role in the production of the reports demonstrated a further governance purpose. While Justice Rofe did not decide that this governance purpose was equally dominant as the legal purpose, her Honour did find that certain factors weighed against the dominant purpose being the legal purpose, including the board’s desire for an overview of what had occurred, rather than for unvarnished legal advice, and the direct reporting by Deloitte to the board, rather than via Medibank’s lawyers.6

    Although Justice Rofe found that the Deloitte reports were not privileged from the outset, her Honour decided that Medibank’s public statement, which referred to the implementation of one of the Deloitte reports’ recommendations, would have waived privilege in the document because Medibank was seeking to take advantage of its implementation of the recommendations resulting from the external incident review to deflect criticism, and enhance or maintain its good standing in the eyes of its shareholders and customers, and its share price. In the circumstances, her Honour observed that Medibank ‘cannot at the same time maintain privilege in that part of the report setting out the recommendations to enhance Medibank’s IT processes and systems‘.7

    Consistency with Optus’s privilege claims

    Justice Rofe’s reasoning is largely consistent with the Full Federal Court’s recent decision in the Optus data breach class action. In that case, Optus’s privilege claim over the Deloitte report failed because it was not created for the dominant purpose of legal advice or litigation, but rather for multiple purposes, including operational, governance, regulatory and public relations purposes.8

    The failure of the privilege claim in that case was, in large part, because testimonial evidence of Optus’s general counsel to the effect that the legal purpose of the investigation report was the dominant purpose was contradicted by Optus’s public statements and board materials.

    In contrast, in this case, Medibank adduced very detailed and focused testimonial  evidence of the Deloitte reports’ legal purpose, including from their CEO and chair. Even adopting that approach, Justice Rofe decided that the testimonial evidence was insufficient to outweigh contemporaneous documentary evidence, including Medibank’s repeated public references to the review’s purpose being to learn from the incident so as to protect customer data, as well as the close ongoing communication between Deloitte and APRA without Medibank’s lawyers. This contextual evidence tended to indicate that, despite the testimony given by various executives, parts of the business were not aligned on the legal purpose being the dominant one, with the board using the reports for a variety of functions. This further highlights that courts will not hesitate to disregard witness testimony where there is contradictory contextual evidence, and underscores the importance of ensuring whole-of-business alignment in treating documents in a practical sense as being for a legal purpose, rather than simply agreeing that they are.

    Implications

    This decision highlights the challenges in seeking to claim privilege over investigation reports and root cause analyses that follow material events, such as cyber incidents, and demonstrates that oral testimony, including statements of individuals’ subjective intentions, will not necessarily be determinative of the question of whether a legal purpose is dominant.

    It demonstrates the importance of carefully considering the purpose(s) that the report is intended to serve before it is commissioned. Where it is likely to be used for multiple purposes, separate, dedicated reports may be more appropriate. Where it is intended that the dominant purpose of any report is a legal one, it is critical that the entire business is aligned on that purpose and that no steps are taken, such as making public statements or statements to regulators, that could compromise that alignment by exposing the existence of another non-legal purpose.

    As noted above, Medibank has sought leave to appeal the court’s decision in relation to the reports by Deloitte.

    Practical steps to take

    When an investigation report is commissioned for a legal purpose, it is important to:

    • Go beyond declarations of privilege: ensure that there is alignment across the business on the dominance of the legal purpose and that the business acts consistently with that alignment, including by:
      • ensuring that the terms of reference and engagement are formulated to confine the scope of the report to legal advice;
      • avoiding or otherwise limiting public statements or statements to regulators that could compromise that alignment, eg by suggesting the existence of material non-legal purposes or by waiving any privilege that subsists in the report; and
      • communicating through appropriate legal channels, including ensuring that internal or external lawyers, rather than the board, have responsibility for oversight of the investigation.
    • Consider commissioning separate investigation reports: where a factual investigation is intended to be taken for legal and non-legal purposes, consider commissioning separate legal and non-legal reports. The utility and effect of this approach will depend, at least in part, on the extent to which the content of each report will differ. The courts will be sceptical of so-called privileged reports that cover matters of operational significance that are not also covered in the non-privileged report.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Families and households in the 2023 Census – further insights into how we live – Stats NZ media and information release: Families, households, and housing: 2023 Census

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Families and households in the 2023 Census – further insights into how we live – 10 April 2025 – Today’s release of 2023 Census data includes more detailed information about families and households, and the people within them.

    This information is widely used for many different purposes and helps inform planning and decision-making in many areas including health and education.

    Increase in families with adult children living at home

    In 2023, just over one-third (34.5 percent) of all families with children had adult children living with them. This figure was particularly high for families with at least one person belonging to the Pacific peoples ethnic group (38.7 percent).

    “The 2023 Census shows a substantial increase in the number of adult children living at home,” principal analyst Dr Rosemary Goodyear said.

    Files:

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Cut Taxes for Working Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

     ***VIDEO AVAILABLE***

    Video of the Senator’s remarks at a press conference introducing this critical legislation is available here.

    Video download is available here.

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) led 43 of their Senate colleagues in introducing the Tax Cut for Workers Act to give millions of working Americans a much-needed tax break. Cortez Masto’s bill is part of Senate Democrats’ comprehensive plan to bring relief to the American people, and it is being introduced with the Senators’ American Families Act to permanently expand the Child Tax Credit. The Tax Cuts for Workers Act will be introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Dwight Evans (D-Pa.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.).

    “With costs skyrocketing right now thanks to the Trump administration, millions of hardworking Americans need expanded tax relief to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table for their families,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This bill is focused on those who really need a tax cut – middle-class Americans who contribute to our economy – not Donald Trump’s billionaire friends.

    “Working people need relief more than ever. The Trump Administration’s reckless tariff policy will cost the average American family upwards of $3,800 annually,” said Senator Bennet. “These tariffs, coupled with an extension of Trump’s tax cuts for his billionaire friends, are an insult to hard working Americans. Senator Cortez Masto and I are committed to passing real tax relief for middle-class families through the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit.”

    The existing Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – the Worker Tax Cut – has been delivering tax relief for millions of workers for decades. But it’s just not enough, and Cortez Masto is determined to give more working Americans a break. Her legislation would cut taxes for working class Americans without children, who currently receive a much smaller EITC than workers with children. This expansion would include over 160,000 Nevadans by nearly tripling the average tax break many of these Americans receive from the existing EITC. It also extends eligibility for the tax cut to workers under the age of 25 and over the age of 64.

    Read the full bill here.

    Additional cosponsors include Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    Senator Cortez Masto has consistently supported efforts to cut taxes and lower costs for hardworking Nevadans. She helped pass critical expansions to the Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue plan, and has been fighting to permanently increase this vital relief for working families. Cortez Masto also helped introduce the No Tax on Tips Act to exempt tipped wages from federal income tax. Additionally, Senator Cortez Masto supports raising the federal minimum wage and eliminating the minimum wage gap for tipped workers nationally. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Joins Press Conference Highlighting Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Invest in Local Law Enforcement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    FTPs for TV stations is available here.

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) spoke at a press conference to highlight the urgent need to pass her bipartisan Invest to Protect Act. She was joined by Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.-05) and John Rutherford (R-Fla.-05) who introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives, as well as by local law enforcement officers.

    “Local police departments are the backbone of public safety for communities across the Silver State, but in conversations with law enforcement officers, I have heard over and over again that they need more resources,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation gives small departments across the country a boost in funding for training, recruitment, and mental health support. It’s commonsense, and it’s time to get it done.”

    “The bipartisan Invest to Protect Act will make critical investments in our departments and ensure that our police officers in smaller towns across New Jersey, and our nation, have the resources and training they need to keep themselves and communities safe,” said Congressman Gottheimer. “If you want to make something better, you don’t get there by cutting or defunding. You need to make smart, targeted investments. You must invest, not defund. You can have both justice and public safety. You don’t have to pick between one or the other. This bipartisan legislation will help ensure we have both and protect our communities and officers.”

    “Small police forces are often the most resource constrained agencies and suffer the most from a lack of operational equipment and services,” said Congressman Rutherford. “As a former sheriff and career law enforcement officer, I am proud to join Congressman Gottheimer to reintroduce the Invest to Protect Act in the House to make trainings, retention tools, and mental health care resources more readily available for departments with fewer than 175 officers. It’s important we streamline the grant process for smaller law enforcement agencies to provide them with the resources they need to protect our communities nationwide.”

    The majority of law enforcement agencies in the U.S. are smaller than 175 full-time sworn officers, including all of Nevada’s rural sheriff’s departments and key suburban departments such as the Sparks Police Department. In Nevada and nationwide, these small departments often struggle to access critical resources. Cortez Masto’s bipartisan Invest to Protect Act would establish a grant program through the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to provide $250 million specifically to help these small law enforcement agencies make meaningful investments in their officers and communities. This bill is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and the National Association of Police Organizations.

    As the former top law enforcement official in Nevada, Senator Cortez Masto has been a leading advocate in the Senate for our police officers and is part of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus. She has secured historic funding for the Byrne JAG grant program, the leading source of criminal justice funding in the country. Her bipartisan bills to combat the crisis of law enforcement suicide and provide mental health resources to police officers have been signed into law by presidents of both parties. Her BADGES for Native Communities Act, to support the Bureau of Indian Affairs with law enforcement recruitment and retention, passed the Senate last Congress.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Delivering a world-leading education system

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is taking further steps to deliver a world-leading education system by introducing the Education and Training Amendment Bill (No 2) to Parliament.
    “We have an unrelenting focus on lifting student achievement and attendance so parents can have confidence their child has the foundations to succeed. This Bill will help achieve that by ensuring schools prioritise achievement, giving parents more time to respond to planned union strike action, and ensuring initial teacher education, teacher discipline and competence processes are fit for purpose,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
    Proposed changes to the Act include: 

    amending school board objectives, including making educational achievement the paramount objective for school boards;
    removing the Minister’s power to issue a statement of national education and learning priorities (NELP);
    requiring unions to give seven days’ notice of strike action (up from three days);
    strengthening Government’s role in Initial Teacher Education;
    strengthening the Teaching Council’s disciplinary and competence processes in the Act;
    requiring boards to have Attendance Management Plans;
    requiring each university council to have a statement on their approach to freedom of expression.

    “These changes are critical to progressing our student achievement and attendance objectives, developing the workforce of the future, and establishing a knowledge rich curriculum grounded in the science of learning,” Ms Stanford says.
    The Bill makes several other amendments that help maintain the health of the education system, including changes to provisions on issuing principal eligibility criteria, the requirement to charge schools an International Student Fee, and the allocation of National Student Numbers to researchers.
    “Today marks another significant step towards achieving the Government’s attendance goal. By 2030 we want 80 per cent of students are present more than 90 per cent of the term,” Associate Minister David Seymour says. 
    “The basic premise of our flagship Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) is that no child is left behind. The Bill will support the STAR by making it mandatory for schools to have their own attendance management plan in place by Term 1 of 2026. This means every day at school is important, and interventions will follow if absences build up. This could mean consequences for the most uncooperative parents. I would like to acknowledge the work of the 67% of schools who have already in engaged in some form of STAR.
    “Almost every aspect of someone’s adult life will be defined by the education they receive as a child. If we want better social outcomes, we can’t keep ignoring the truancy crisis. This Government has set itself bold targets to address attendance, and it’s a bold approach that is needed for the future,” Mr Seymour says.
    “Freedom of expression and academic freedom are fundamental to the role of universities as critic and conscience of society. While some universities have taken a strong approach to these issues, others are not doing enough to protect the freedom of expression rights of staff and students. This proposal strengthens the protection of freedom of expression within universities,” Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Visits Southern Colorado to Discuss Colorado’s Leadership in Aerospace, Public Safety, Workforce Development & Saving Coloradans Money

    Source: US State of Colorado

    SOUTHERN COLORADO – Today, Governor Polis was in Colorado Springs and Pueblo focusing on Colorado’s nation-leading aerospace industry, and Colorado’s efforts to save people money, improve public safety, and strengthen the state’s workforce.

    Governor Polis attended the 2025 Space Symposium conference highlighting Colorado’s leadership in the aerospace sector and speaking with industry and business leaders from around the world. At the symposium, the Governor joined with Swisspod to announce their expanded presence in Colorado, including X new jobs. He also signed a Memorandum of Collaboration with New Zealand’s Space Minister Juidth Collins to strengthen the partnership between Colorado and New Zealand around aerospace, quantum and geothermal technology.

    “In Colorado, we are focused on our nation-leading work in the Aerospace industry, creating new pathways for Aerospace businesses to thrive and grow in our state, and maintaining mission readiness to ensure national security. Despite Trump’s reckless tariffs, which are threatening Colorado’s aerospace industry, workforce and military readiness, we continue working to ensure that Colorado remains the best in the nation for aerospace. I am glad  to be joined by leaders from around the world to discuss innovative ways to utilize and strengthen the aerospace economy and protect our robust space ecosystem in Colorado,” said Governor Polis.

    Earlier in the week, Lt. Governor Dianne Primvavera and co-chair of Colorado Space Coalition also toured the symposium and spoke with business and industry leaders.

    “Colorado is proud to be a national leader across national security, civil, and commercial space. From advancing space exploration to ensuring our national security in the space domain, space touches every aspect of American life,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “We are thrilled to once again welcome the global space community to Colorado Springs for the Space Symposium—an event that showcases the groundbreaking work being done right here in our state. As this ecosystem continues to grow, the Polis-Primavera administration remains committed to fostering innovation and collaboration.”

    Colorado is first in the nation for the concentration of aerospace jobs, and second nationally for total aerospace employment with more than 55,000 employees at over 2,000 Colorado aerospace companies. Colorado is also proud to be home to key national security space missions, including U.S. Space Command, U.S. Space Force Space Operations Command, and the majority of operational U.S. Space Force deltas as well asNORAD, where members of the Canadian Armed Forces are stationed and work closely alongside American counterparts to protect North American aerospace and maritime security. All of which is threatened by Trump’s tariffs. Colorado in 2024 exported $500 million in aerospace, spacecraft and related parts, accounting for roughly 4.8% of all Colorado exports. The European Union, Brazil, France, Canada and Mexico were the top five export destinations, accounting for 63% of Colorado’s aerospace exports. In 2024, Colorado imported $1 Billion of aerospace, spacecraft and related parts, accounting for roughly 6.2% of all Colorado imports. Switzerland, the EU, Germany, Canada, and France were the top five import sources, accounting for over 90% of Colorado’s aerospace imports.

    The Governor also visited Safe Passage, an accredited Children Advocacy Center in Colorado Springs. Safe Passage gives abused children and adults a voice and enables the healing process by acting as the single source of contact for medical, investigative, and legal services. Colorado is committed to increasing public safety for everyone, and creating more pathways for children to get the necessary resources needed to heal.

    “No child deserves to endure abuse or mistreatment, which is why in Colorado we are working to increase public safety and invest in more resources for victims and survivors. The caretakers at Safe Passage are doing incredible work to support victims and guide them through the healing process to a brighter future,” said Governor Polis.

    Governor Polis made two visits in Pueblo, the first focused on Colorado’s work to strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce through Opportunity Now.

    The Office of Economic Development and International Trade’s (OEDIT) Opportunity Now program has invested $1.4 million to help Coloradans train as nurses at CSU-Pueblo through the Southern Colorado Partners Leading Advancement in Nursing Track (PLANT). This effort serves 15 counties in Southern Colorado and is focused on reducing the infant mortality rate and improving quality of care for Coloradans over the age of 65.

    “In Colorado, we are committed to investing in our healthcare workforce to help save Coloradans more money on healthcare. Creating avenues where Colordans can earn the skills necessary to fill gaps in our rural healthcare system is crucial to expanding coverage for families, and older adults in Southern Colorado to receive the necessary care they deserve,” said Governor Polis.

    Next, Governor Polis visited with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) members in Pueblo who are working to help Coloradans file taxes for free and take advantage of tax credits that save people money. This effort is supported by United Way of Pueblo county, and partially funded by the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment’s Economic Mobility program. The AmeriCorps team began their work in January and will serve through April 11.The AmeriCorps NCCC team also spends one day a week supporting food security in Pueblo with Rocky Mountain Service, Employment and Redevelopment.

    “We want every Coloradan to take advantage of the tax credits available in our state, and this team of Americorps members, as well as others around the state, are helping to make that possible and they’re doing it for free. Their service is breaking through the hassle that doing taxes can be, and we appreciate their service,” said Governor Jared Polis.

    ###
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Improved mental health support for diverse communities – AMES

    Source: AMES

    Diverse communities will have better access to mental health support thanks to a new partnership between settlement agency AMES Australia and mental health agency Beyond Blue.

    The partnership is delivering a new set of resources to help migrant and refugee communities address mental health issues, recently launched at the Melbourne Multicultural Hub.

    The AMES-Beyond Blue partnership is aimed at making it easier and more efficient for people to find the support that best suits them, when they need it.

    AMES Australia CEO Cath Scarth said the partnership would help improve access to mental health support for migrant and refugee communities.

    “We know that refugees and migrants are among the most vulnerable in our society to the effects of poor mental health. We also know that they often find it difficult to access services of all kinds, including mental health support,” Cath said.

    Domestic violence survivor Uyen Truong says the resources would have made a difference in her life when she became the victim of an abusive controlling relationship.

    “I had no money of my own, I wasn’t allowed to learn English and I had no freedom to meet people. And I couldn’t even wear the clothes I wanted to,” Ms Truong said.

    “My husband was not violent, but he made my life miserable. I tried to end my life a few times.”

    “Having access to mental health care at the time would have made a world of difference,” she said.

    Uyen left her husband in 2015 with her three children and found support through women’s refuges, a kindly social worker and through government programs. But with virtually no English, she faced a long journey in rebuilding her life.

    “When I left, I couldn’t speak English, I didn’t know how to use public transport and I had no family or friends to help me,” she said.

    “Having some mental health support when going through what I went though is so important,’” Ms Truong said.

    Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said the partnership will address the unique mental health needs of individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD), particularly those for whom English is a second language, or who have poor literacy levels.

    “By working together, we aim to promote the importance of good mental health and destigmatisation and deepen understandings of mental health support services across the community.

    “We hope that by coming together, we can ensure that mental health support is accessible, and comprehensive to those who need it most,” she said.

    AMES community development officer Reshma Manandhar told the initiative’s recent launch event of her own struggles with post-natal depression and the need for diverse communities to talk about mental health.

    “We all need to understand that it is OK to talk about these issues and it is OK to ask for help. So having resources out in the community informing people how they can get that help is important,” Ms Mananadhar said.

    The partnership will improve access to mental health resources and information on supports/services for many marginalised communities; including refugees and migrants, and those who face additional barriers to accessing help.

    With one third of people in Australia born overseas, an increase in people finding refuge and safety in Australia, the continued impact of racism and discrimination, and current global conflicts, the need for more inclusive approaches to mental health is greater than ever.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities – Poor oral health linked with body pain and migraines in women – UoS

    Source: University of Sydney

    New research from the University of Sydney has revealed poor oral health is significantly associated with higher instances of migraines, abdominal and body pain in women.

    Published in Frontiers in Pain Research, the world-first study identified specific oral microbes correlated with certain pain conditions, suggesting a potential relationship between the oral microbiome and the nervous system.  

    The findings highlight the importance of good oral health to potentially mitigate pain and improve overall wellbeing, prompting further exploration into the role of oral microbiota in chronic unexplained pain conditions. This includes fibromyalgia, a condition experienced by 67 percent of the study participants.

    “This is the first study to investigate oral health, oral microbiota and pain commonly experienced in women with fibromyalgia, with our study showing a clear and significant association between poor oral health and pain,” said lead investigator Associate Professor Joanna Harnett from the Faculty of Medicine and Health.

    “Our findings are particularly important to fibromyalgia which, despite being a common rheumatological condition, is often under recognised,” said first author and PhD candidate in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sharon Erdrich.  

    “Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, and headaches including headaches, as well as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive problems.”

    How the research worked  

    The research examined associations between self-reported oral health, the oral microbiome, and various pain presentations in a group of New Zealand women with and without fibromyalgia.  

    Oral health was assessed using the WHO oral health questionnaire and evaluated against body pain, headaches, migraines, and abdominal pain using validated instruments, including the Short-form 36 (which measures quality of life), the International Headache Society headache survey and the functional bowel disorder severity index. Strong associations were evident between oral health scores and pain and each of these were associated with specific microbes found in the mouth, which were assessed using advanced genomic technology.  

    Participants with the poorest oral health were more likely to suffer from higher pain scores: 60 percent were more likely to experience moderate to severe body pain, and 49 percent were more likely to experience migraine headaches. Lower oral health was a statistically significant predictor of frequent and chronic migraine.

    Four oral microbial species from the Dialister, Fusobacterium, Parvimonas and Solobacterium genera were significantly associated with pain after age, BMI and added dietary sugars were considered.  

    A weak but significant inverse correlation with diet quality and oral health was also found, though the researchers note this has yet to be investigated in detail.

    The Australian Dental Association recommends regular oral hygiene appointments and dental health checks, in addition to twice daily teeth brushing and flossing.

    Declaration  

    Ethical review and approval of the study protocol and procedures was granted by the New Zealand Health and Disability Committee. The study was registered with the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). Written consent was obtained from all participants prior to undertaking the requirements of the study.

    Research:
    Erdrich, S. et al, xx, 2025 (Frontiers in Pain Research). DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2025.1577193

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Off ‘ya bike: Driver gets ride impounded

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A man on a moped who failed to stop for Police will have to find another way of getting around town after his scooter was impounded.

    Just after 1am, Police on patrol in Wesley noticed a suspicious moped driving around the area and signalled for it to stop.

    Auckland City West Area Commander, Inspector Alisse Robertson, says the driver didn’t stop, and instead fled on the moped around the Sandringham and Mount Roskill areas using the walkways.

    “The rider used alleyways and parks to avoid detection, however the Police Eagle helicopter was able to provide commentary as the moped driver eventually abandoned the bike in Stoddard Road and ran off on foot.

    “Cordons were put in place and the Police dog unit has tracked the alleged offender to where he was hiding behind a property on Glenarm Avenue.”

    Inspector Robertson says the driver was quickly taken into custody without incident.

    “His moped has been impounded for six months and enquiries are ongoing.

    “Police are committed to ensuring the community is safe, especially on our roads.

    “We ask anybody who witnesses antisocial road behaviour to contact Police, on 111 if it is happening currently, or 105 if it is after the fact.”

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Video] Smarter Living at a Touch: Five Ways Samsung’s Screen-Based Appliances Make Daily Life Easier

    Source: Samsung

    At the heart of Samsung Electronics’ user-friendly and safe AI Home lies one game-changing feature — the screen.
     
    In a 2024 survey1 conducted by Samsung with 1,443 participants across five countries, the most preferred AI appliance experience was “easier and more natural voice control” (32%) followed by “integrated touchscreens on appliances” (30%).
     

     
    Samsung first introduced a 21.5-inch screen on its Family Hub refrigerator in 2016. Since then, the company has incorporated a variety of screen sizes — including 4.3-inch, 7-inch and 32-inch displays — across its home appliance lineup. Samsung further broadened the scope this year to include both combined and standalone washers and dryers, as well as induction cooktops. Notably, a 9-inch screen has been added to the refrigerator lineup for the first time — offering consumers even more choice.
     
    How have screen-equipped appliances changed users’ daily lives? Samsung Newsroom highlights five ways Samsung’s Bespoke AI screen-equipped appliances help users get more out of their homes.
     
     
    1. Personalized Information at a Glance With Daily Board

     
    The dashboard-style Daily Board2 allows users to easily view personalized information right from the kitchen. Introduced for the first time this year, the feature is available on various screen-equipped refrigerators including Samsung’s new refrigerator with 9-inch AI Home screen.
     
    As users head to the kitchen for a glass of water in the morning, they can check the weather, view their schedule and even get recipe suggestions using ingredients stored inside the fridge — all from the screen. For a personal touch, they can also leave notes for family members.
     
    The upgraded AI voice assistant Bixby3 recognizes individual voices and offers tailored support from displaying schedules to helping users find their smartphones.4

     
     
    2. From Recipe to Oven: Orchestrating Meals With Ease

     
    Samsung’s screens go beyond controlling individual home appliances — they enhance the entire home experience through seamless device connectivity.
     
    AI Vision Inside5 now recognizes up to 37 types of fresh ingredients stored in the refrigerator and automatically creates a food list on the screen. The newly introduced AI Food Manager can also recommend up to 50 frequently used processed or packaged items based on usage patterns.6 From the screen, users can receive personalized recipe suggestions tailored to available ingredients. These recipes can then be sent to connected cooking appliances — such as ovens and induction cooktops — via SmartThings, making meal preparation smooth and convenient.

     
     
    3. Control the Entire Smart Home From One Screen

     
    With the Map View feature, users can monitor and control all their connected home appliances from a single screen.7 Everything can be managed remotely, from adjusting modes and changing temperatures to managing other key settings. Whether in the kitchen or living room, users can answer phone calls, monitor visitors or unlock doors — all through the screen.
     
    Notably, this year’s new models8 feature upgraded screens that go beyond basic control — now, they serve as smart home hubs capable of connecting to and managing a wide range of devices. In addition to Wi-Fi, the appliances support Zigbee, Matter and Thread for more compatibility with various smart home and Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems.9

     

    4. Just a Simple Tap To Enjoy Home Entertainment

     
    Samsung’s AI appliances make it easy to enjoy entertainment — either by mirroring content from a smartphone or directly accessing the internet or apps like YouTube and Spotify from the screen. For example, users can cook while watching a mirrored video on the refrigerator screen or use the washing machine’s screen to search YouTube for laundry tips and set the appropriate wash mode.
     
     
    5. Energy Use Monitoring and Smart Maintenance Tips

     
    One of the biggest advantages of Samsung’s large screens is their ability to intuitively visualize and manage energy consumption and maintenance tasks.
     
    With SmartThings Energy, users can track energy use and reduce consumption through AI Energy Mode. They can also access the Optimal Scheduling feature10 that suggests ideal times to run appliances based on periods of high carbon emissions. After each wash or dry cycle, the screen displays a graph that breaks down the time spent and energy used.
     
    To extend the appliance’s lifespan and ensure safety, the screen regularly checks device status and notifies users when filters need changing or cleaning. Bixby can even visually and audibly provide maintenance instructions on the screen when users ask.11
     
    Under its “Screens Everywhere” vision, Samsung continues to expand its lineup of screen-equipped appliances — designed to understand and support users’ daily lives. To explore how the 2025 Bespoke AI lineup delivers a differentiated, AI-enhanced experience through screen innovation, watch the video below.
     

    * Product images shown in the video may vary by region and differ from actual usage.
     
     
    1 Online survey allowing multiple responses, conducted from August 30 to September 9, 2024. Participants included men and women aged 20 to 59 from South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Vietnam — all within the top 50% household income bracket and identified as key decision-makers or users in home appliance purchases. Of the 2,283 respondents, 1,443 expressed purchase intent for the accessibility concept — AI appliances that can be easily and conveniently controlled from anywhere in the home.2 The 2025 Bespoke AI refrigerator with 9-inch AI Home screen, the 32-inch Family Hub and select 2024 refrigerator models are scheduled to receive this update via Smart Forward in phases. Smart Forward updates are available for software only, and for models released after 2017 that are equipped with standardized OCF protocol. Adequate hardware specifications may be required for certain updates. Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.3 Bixby availability may vary depending on the country. Bixby only recognizes certain accents and dialects of English (U.K.), English (U.S.), English (India), French (France), German (Germany), Italian (Italy), Korean (South Korea), Mandarin Chinese (China), Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain) and Portuguese (Brazil). Voice ID will be available starting May of 2025 through Smart Forward update. Launch date may differ according to region and country. To activate Bixby, a Samsung Account is required. Up to six accounts can be registered per device. To increase the accuracy of identifying each voice, it is recommended for you to register your voice in quiet surroundings. Voice ID is done based on the tone of voice used during registration process. Any change or modification to your voice may lead to misidentification.4 This update is planned for release in the first half of 2025 via Smart Forward. Once Bixby recognizes a user’s voice, it switches to the Samsung account linked with the Family Hub and provides personalized information such as schedules (compatible with Google and Microsoft Calendar apps), phone location, photos and more. This Bixby voice recognition feature is supported on screen-equipped appliances running Tizen OS but not on washer and dryer models with 4.3-inch screen running Tizen Lite OS.5 Available on select T-Type and French Door refrigerator models. As of April 2025, AI Vision Inside can recognize 37 food items like fresh fruits and veggies. If the food is not recognizable, it may be listed as an unknown item. AI Vision Inside cannot identify or list any food items in the fridge door bins or freezer. It recognizes food items based on deep learning models, which may be updated periodically to improve accuracy.6 AI Vision Inside will recognize and recommend that users save processed food items that have been placed inside multiple times, allowing up to 50 items to be saved with the designated name. Processed foods are limited to those that keep a certain packaged form. AI Home recommends saving the item after it has been input more than 4 times during 30 days.7 A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. Third-party devices must be SmartThings compatible.8 Availability of the hub function in Samsung’s screen-equipped appliances may vary by model and region. It is applied to products such as the 32-inch and 9-inch screen refrigerators, as well as the 7-inch screen washers and dryers (excluding standalone models). A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. All products must be connected to SmartThings. Only 3rd party devices that are compatible with SmartThings can be registered.9 Update times vary by product and each protocol.10 Features and availability of services may vary by region.11 Bixby can answer troubleshooting- and usage-related questions based on the appliance’s user manual.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Good boy or bad dog? Our 1 billion pet dogs do real environmental damage

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bill Bateman, Associate Professor, Behavioural Ecology, Curtin University

    William Edge/Shutterstock

    There are an estimated 1 billion domesticated dogs in the world. Most are owned animals – pets, companions or working animals who share their lives with humans. They are the most common large predator in the world. Pet cats trail far behind, at about 220 million.

    We are all too aware of the negative effects of cats, both owned and feral, on wildlife. Feral dogs too are frequently seen as threats to biodiversity, although dingoes can have a positive role. By contrast, our pet dogs often seem to get a free pass.

    This is, unfortunately, based more on feelings than data. Our beloved pet dogs have a far greater, more insidious and more concerning effect on wildlife and the environment than we would like to be the case.

    In our new research, we lay out the damage pet dogs do and what can be done about it.

    Dogs are predators. They catch many types of wildlife and can injure or kill them. Their scent and droppings scare smaller animals. Then there’s the huge environmental cost of feeding these carnivores and the sheer quantity of their poo.

    We love our pet dogs, but they come with a very real cost. We have to recognise this and take steps to protect wildlife by leashing or restraining our animals.

    The predator in your home

    Dogs are domesticated wolves, bred to be smaller, more docile and extremely responsive to humans. But they are still predators.

    Pet dogs are responsible for more reported attacks on wildlife than are cats, according to data from wildlife care centres, and catch larger animals.

    Pet dogs off the leash are the main reason colonies of little penguins are nearing collapse in Tasmania.

    In New Zealand, a single escaped pet dog is estimated to have killed up to 500 brown kiwis out of a total population of 900 over a five-week period.

    Once off the leash, dogs love to chase animals and birds. This may seem harmless.
    But being chased can exhaust tired migratory birds, forcing them to use more energy. Dogs can kill fledglings of beach-nesting birds, including endangered birds such as the hooded plover.

    The mere presence of these predators terrifies many animals and birds. Even when they’re on the leash, local wildlife are on high alert. This has measurable negative effects on bird abundance and diversity across woodland sites in eastern Australia.

    In the United States, deer are more alert and run sooner and farther if they see a human with a leashed dog than a human alone.

    Several mammal species in the United States perceived dogs with a human as a bigger threat than coyotes.

    Dogs don’t even have to be present to be bad for wildlife. They scent-mark trees and posts with their urine and leave their faeces in many places. These act as warnings to many other species. Researchers in the US found animals such as deer, foxes and even bobcats avoided areas dogs had been regularly walked compared to dog exclusion zones, due to the traces they left.

    Beach-nesting birds such as hooded plovers are vulnerable to off-leash dogs, who can easily trample eggs, kill hatchlings or scare off the parents.
    Martin Pelanek/Shutterstock

    Keeping dogs healthy and fed has a cost

    The medications we use to rid our pet dogs of fleas or ticks can last weeks on fur, and wash off when they plunge into a creek or river. But some of these medications have ingredients highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates, meaning a quick dip can be devastating.

    Researchers have found when birds such as blue tits and great tits collect brushed-out dog fur to line their nests, it can lead to fewer eggs hatching and more dead hatchlings.

    Then there’s the poo. In the US, there are about 90 million pet dogs, while the UK has 12 million and Australia has 6 million.

    The average dog deposits 200 grams of faeces and 400 millilitres of urine a day. This translates to a tonne of faeces and 2,000 litres of urine over a 13 year lifespan. Scaled up, that’s a mountain of waste.

    This waste stream can add to nitrogen pollution in waterways, alter soil chemistry and even spread diseases to humans and other wildlife. More than 80% of the pathogens infecting domesticated animals also infect wildlife.

    Dogs largely eat meat, meaning millions of cows and chickens are raised just to feed our pets. Feeding the world’s dogs leads to about the same emissions as the Philippines and a land use “pawprint” twice the size of the UK.

    No one likes thinking about this

    People love their dogs. They’re always happy to see us. Their companionship makes us healthier, body and mind. Many farms couldn’t run without working dogs. We don’t want to acknowledge they can also cause harm.

    Dogs, of course, are not bad. They’re animals, with natural instincts as well as the domesticated instinct to please us. But their sheer numbers mean they do real damage.

    Many of us have a large dog-shaped blind spot. Little Brutus wouldn’t have done something like that, we think. But Brutus can and does.

    Choosing to own a dog comes with responsibilities. Being a good dog owner means caring not just for the animal we love, but the rest of the natural world.

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

    – ref. Good boy or bad dog? Our 1 billion pet dogs do real environmental damage – https://theconversation.com/good-boy-or-bad-dog-our-1-billion-pet-dogs-do-real-environmental-damage-252726

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Successful end to fruit fly response on Auckland’s North Shore

    Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

    Controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the Auckland North Shore suburb of Birkdale have been lifted after no further evidence of the Oriental fruit fly was found in the area, says Mike Inglis, Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner North.

    The decision to end the operation follows 7 weeks of intensive fruit fly trapping and inspections of hundreds of kilograms of fruit.

    Mr Inglis thanked residents and businesses in the affected area for their support of the movement controls, keeping an eye out for fruit flies, and safely disposing of fruit in provided bins.

    “Getting to this point wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the North Shore community. I can’t stress enough how vital this work has been to protect our horticulture sector.

    “We are satisfied that with no further detections, the Controlled Area Notice restrictions can be lifted, and response operations closed.”

    The biosecurity wheelie bins that have dotted the neighbourhood will now be removed and road signs will be dismantled.

    “Our nationwide routine surveillance will continue with our system of nearly 8,000 fruit fly traps spread across the country and more than 4,600 of these in the Auckland area. These traps are set for 3 exotic fruit fly species of concern: the Queensland fruit fly, Mediterranean fruit fly, and Oriental fruit flies.”

    Mr Inglis says Biosecurity New Zealand staff will be out in the community today, handing out flyers about the response closure and personally thanking residents and business owners for their contribution to the effort.

    “I’d also like to acknowledge the good work of our people and our partners across the horticulture sector. By working together, and responding quickly, we have managed this situation well.”

    Key figures

    • More than 2,000 individual visits were made to check the 116 fruit fly traps in the Birkdale area throughout the response.
    • Over 470 biosecurity bins were distributed in the community to collect produce waste for safe disposal.
    • More than 954kg of fruit were collected and examined for any signs of fruit fly eggs or larvae.
    • More than 70 Biosecurity New Zealand staff were involved throughout the response.

    For further information and general enquiries, email info@mpi.govt.nz

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

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Running on empty: Poor nutrition increases injury risk for female athletes

    Source:

    10 April 2025

    Proper nutrition is crucial for enhancing athletic performance, supporting recovery and overall health. Now, a new study from the University of South Australia reveals that proper nutrition is also key to reducing risk of injury, especially for females.

    In a systematic review of nearly 6000 runners, researchers examined the link between diet and exercise-related injury among adult distance runners. The study found that lower energy and fat intakes were strongly associated with a higher risk of injury in female runners.

    The study also found that a low-fibre diet increased the likelihood of bone stress injuries in both female and male runners.

    Specifically, injured female runners consumed 450 fewer calories (~1900kJ) and 20 grams less fat per day than uninjured counterparts. Both injured female and male runners had three grams less fibre in their diet per day, compared to those who remained injury free.

    Interestingly, runners’ intakes of protein, carbohydrates, alcohol, and calcium, did not influence injury risk.

    Sports dietitian and UniSA researcher, Erin Colebatch, says nutrition plays a crucial role in reducing injury risk.

    “Distance running is a popular activity for many people, helping them stay healthy and keep fit. Yet about 50% of adult runners sustain running-related injuries,” Colebatch says.

    “Nutrition is key to optimising athletic performance, providing the energy, recovery support, and injury prevention needed to maintain both endurance and overall health.

    “Many long-distance runners underestimate their energy needs. When they don’t fuel their bodies properly, they increase their injury risk.

    “Recognising the impact of diet on injury risk helps minimise it.”

    Senior researcher, UniSA’s Dr Alison Hill, says clinicians need to support female runners to achieve sufficient energy and fat intakes while guiding all runners to optimise their fibre consumption.

    “When runners don’t consume enough energy, their body’s needs go unmet, which over time can lead to issues like skeletal demineralisation, loss of lean body mass, fatigue, and stress fractures,” Dr Hill says.

    “While this research offers valuable insights for runners of all levels, additional studies are necessary to explore how these findings apply to a broader range of athletic abilities.”

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Contacts for interview: Erin Colebatch E: erin.colebatch@mymail.unisa.edu.au
    Dr Alison Hill E: Alison.Hill@unisa.edu.au
    Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Qube’s proposed acquisition of MIRRAT not opposed, subject to undertaking

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The ACCC will not oppose Qube Holdings Limited’s (ASX:QUB) proposed acquisition of Melbourne International RoRo & Auto Terminal Pty Ltd (MIRRAT), after accepting a court-enforceable undertaking to remedy competition concerns.

    The court-enforceable undertaking accepted by the ACCC prevents Qube, its subsidiary Australian Amalgamated Terminals Pty Ltd (AAT) and MIRRAT from discriminating against downstream rivals at Webb Dock West at the Port of Melbourne.

    The undertaking also imposes additional obligations on AAT in relation to its operations at Port Kembla in NSW, Fisherman Islands in Queensland and Appleton Dock in Melbourne. The undertaking will replace both the existing AAT undertaking, and MIRRAT’s existing undertaking in relation to its operations at the automotive terminal at Webb Dock West.

    MIRRAT operates the automotive/roll-on roll-off terminal at Webb Dock West in Melbourne. The proposed acquisition would permit Qube to control the operation of automotive roll-on roll-off trade through the Port of Melbourne.

    Qube, through its wholly owned subsidiary, AAT, operates automotive cargo terminals at the Port of Brisbane and Port Kembla, as well as a general cargo terminal at Appleton Dock at the Port of Melbourne.

    Qube is Australia’s largest provider of import and export logistics services including port-related activities of terminal management, stevedoring, processing, pre-delivery inspection (PDI) and delivery.

    The ACCC’s investigations focused on the acquisition’s impact on competition in downstream services, such as automotive stevedoring and PDI services at the Port of Melbourne.

    The ACCC also examined potential competition concerns arising from Qube’s operation of the three major automotive terminals on the east coast of Australia.

    “The ACCC concluded that, in the absence of adequate safeguards, Qube, through its ownership of MIRRAT, would likely have the ability and incentive to discriminate against rival stevedores and PDI providers at Webb Dock West,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

    “MIRRAT could do this, for example, by restricting its downstream rivals’ access to the terminal or related services, raising prices or lowering the quality of terminal services provided to them.”

    “The ACCC also closely considered whether, by operating all three of the major east coast automotive terminals, Qube, through AAT and MIRRAT, could have an increased ability and incentive to discriminate against rivals at each of the terminals in a way that would harm downstream competition,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    Concerns were also raised with the ACCC that Qube would have access to rival stevedore or PDI operators’ commercially sensitive information through AAT and MIRRAT as the terminal operators.

    “With these significant concerns in mind, the ACCC only decided not to oppose the acquisition with a strong court-enforceable undertaking from Qube, AAT and MIRRAT,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    The undertaking requires AAT and MIRRAT to meet the following obligations to:

    • not discriminate between terminal users in favour of its own interests in the automotive supply chain,
    • provide for certain price and non-price dispute resolution processes,
    • comply with access and berthing allocation rules, as well as ring fencing of certain confidential information,
    • report periodically on its compliance with the undertaking and facilitate independent oversight (including by an independent auditor),
    • comply with restrictions on AAT’s and MIRRAT’s ability to introduce or change certain tariffs.

    “Long-term behavioural remedies come with particular risks and uncertainty. The ACCC is not generally supportive of such undertakings. This is why we have carefully assessed these risks when deciding whether to accept the undertaking in this matter. In the unique circumstances of this transaction, where there is already a similar undertaking in other ports, and where MIRRAT itself is already subject to an undertaking due to its existing vertical integration with shipping, after careful consideration we decided to accept the undertaking,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    “Most users of the terminal and participants in the vehicle import supply chain were supportive of Qube acquiring MIRRAT.”

    The new undertaking will cover all of AAT and MIRRAT’s east coast automotive terminals and is expected to be in place perpetually.

    More information, including the undertaking can be found on the ACCC’s public register here: Qube Holdings Limited (Qube) – Melbourne International RoRo & Auto Terminal Pty Ltd (MIRRAT)

    Note to editors

    In considering the proposed merger, the ACCC applies the legal test set out in section 50 of the Competition and Consumer Act.

    In general terms, section 50 prohibits acquisitions that would have the effect, or be likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition in any market.

    Background

    Qube, through AAT, proposed to enter into a share sale agreement to acquire all shares in MIRRAT.

    Webb Dock West is the key facility for the processing of automotive and roll-on roll-off cargo through the Port of Melbourne.

    “Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo)” refers to ships designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, buses, trailers, and railroad cars, that are driven on and off the ship on their own wheels or using a platform vehicle.

    MIRRAT

    MIRRAT’s ultimate parent company is Wallenius Wilhelmsen ASA (WW). WW is a Norway-based global provider of roll-on roll-off shipping and vehicle logistics and operates automotive terminals in Europe, the UK, the US and the Asia-Pacific. MIRRAT’s only operation in Australia is the automotive/roll-on roll-off terminal at Webb Dock West.

    MIRRAT operates Webb Dock West subject to a section 87B undertaking accepted by the ACCC on 27 March 2014 (MIRRAT Undertaking). The MIRRAT Undertaking was accepted by the ACCC in relation to MIRRAT’s acquisition of a long-term lease to operate the Webb Dock West roll-on roll-off terminal at Port Melbourne. The MIRRAT Undertaking commenced on 1 January 2018. It expires when MIRRAT ceases to operate the Terminal, which may occur on or before 30 June 2040, and when the ACCC confirms this in writing.

    The full text of the existing MIRRAT Undertaking can be found on the ACCC’s s87B undertakings register. Once in effect, the new undertaking offered by Qube, AAT and MIRRAT will replace the MIRRAT Undertaking.

    Qube

    Qube is Australia’s largest integrated provider of import and export logistics services. Its port-related activities include facilities management, stevedoring, processing, PDI and delivery. It manages and develops strategic properties such as inland rail terminals and related logistics facilities. It provides road and rail transport of freight to and from ports, operation of container parks, customs and quarantine services, warehousing, intermodal terminals, and international freight forwarding.

    In addition to being a terminal operator, Qube provides general stevedoring, automotive stevedoring and PDI services at each of its eastern seaboard ports. It provides general and automotive stevedoring through its affiliated entity ‘Qube Ports’. Qube provides PDI services through its 50% interest in K Line Auto Logistics which owns and operates PrixCar.

    AAT (Qube) operates automotive cargo terminals in Port of Brisbane and Port Kembla, as well as a general cargo terminal at Appleton Dock in Port of Melbourne. The facilities are operated under a s87B undertaking accepted by the ACCC in 2016 (AAT Undertaking). Once in effect, the new undertaking offered by Qube, AAT and MIRRAT will replace the AAT Undertaking.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Banks Continue Push to Protect American Institutions from Foreign Control

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) in cosponsoring the Safeguarding American Education From Foreign Control Act. This bill requires universities to disclose gifts they receive from foreign adversaries, regardless of the amount of the gift or contract. This bill aligns with President Trump’s America First agenda by preventing foreign money and influence from infiltrating our higher education institutions.

    Sen. Tuberville cosponsored this legislation in the 118th Congress.

    “The Chinese Communist Party wants to brainwash our kids and destroy our country — not on my watch,” said Sen. Tuberville. “The CCP has made it clear their plan of action is to infiltrate our education system and indoctrinate our kids. It is astounding that we have allowed universities to get away with taking money from a country that hates us. I was glad to see Troy University in Alabama close its CCP-backed Confucius Institute, and hope other universities will follow their lead. Transparency about how China is funding our schools is not only vital to our national security — our kids’ futures depend on it.”

    “Americans deserve to know if universities are accepting money from our enemies like China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea. This bill delivers that transparency and stops hostile nations from hiding their influence on our campuses,” said Sen. Banks.

    Sens. Tuberville and Banks were joined by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) in cosponsoring the legislation.

    Representative Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) is leading the effort in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    Read full text of the legislation here. 

    BACKGROUND:

    Key Provisions of the Safeguarding American Education from Foreign Control Act are:

    • Requiring Disclosures – Universities Must Report:
      • All gift disclosures from foreign sources associated with a covered nation (Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea)
      • Reports from Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965
      • Investigations enacted by the Department of Education
    • Guaranteeing transparency by ensuring the Department of Education transmits disclosure reports to the FBI, ODNI, and Department of State
    • Enforcing accountability by allowing the FBI and the ODNI to request the DOJ bring forward action for inability to comply with disclosure requirements

    According to the Americans for Public Trust, China donated more than $175 million to American universities last year. 

    In August 2023, Sen. Tuberville joined 19 of his Senate colleagues in sending a letter to the Biden Administration’s Department of Education (ED) expressing outrage for allowing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to infiltrate U.S. classrooms through Confucius programming. Confucius programming establishes a partnership between schools, universities, or nonprofits and a Chinese government entity. Expansion of Confucius Classrooms in the United States is a top priority for the Chinese government. A report released in July 2023 shows over 143 United States schools across 34 states and the District of Columbia have received CCP-related funding. Additionally, the report shows the CCP has ties to 20 school districts near United States military bases. Read the letter here. 

    In February 2023, Sen. Tuberville let Troy University know that future funding opportunities would be in jeopardy if they did not end their Confucius Institute program. He was pleased when Troy announced they were closing the program.

    Since assuming office in the U.S. Senate in 2021, Sen. Tuberville has led and supported numerous efforts to protect American resources, farmland, investments, intellectual property, and national security from the growing threat of Communist China.


    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Leads Senators Demanding Answers from Trump Admin on Cuts to Partnership that Boosts American Manufacturing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) are demanding answers from the Trump Administration on its decision to take away funding that has long helped boost domestic manufacturing and created thousands of jobs. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program is a public-private partnership that helps small and medium-sized manufacturers grow, make operational improvements, and create jobs. The administration announced that it would be cutting off future funding for 10 MEP Centers across the country, with others, including Wisconsin, waiting in the lurch. In Wisconsin, the MEP has helped create more than $2.5 billion in economic impact and created or retained nearly 4,000 jobs in just the past two years.

    “Small manufacturers rely on MEP Centers for essential support in adopting the latest advanced technologies, updating their cybersecurity, navigating supply chain challenges, and accessing workforce training—resources that are often out of reach for small businesses without this dedicated assistance,” wrote Baldwin and the Senators in a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. “These centers drive innovation, boost productivity, and create high-quality jobs, strengthening both local economies and America’s global competitiveness.”

    The Senators continued, “Eliminating federal support for MEP Centers would hamper American small and medium-sized manufacturers. We urge you to take immediate action to protect the MEP program and the manufacturers that rely on it.”

    A report by Summit Consulting and the Upjohn Institute found that the MEP program generated a substantial economic and financial return ratio of more than 17:1 for the $175 million funding invested by the federal government in FY2023. The study also determined that MEP Center projects contributed to an overall increase of nearly 309,000 jobs nationwide.

    Centers in Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Wyoming will be immediately affected. The national network of 51 MEPs, including the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership, has helped boost the productivity and competitiveness of thousands of small American manufacturers across the country for decades.

    Since 1988, the MEP has worked to strengthen and empower U.S. manufacturing through a nationwide network of MEP Centers. The MEP National Network is comprised of 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico and over 1,450 trusted advisors and experts at more than 430 MEP service locations that provide any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed.

    Senator Baldwin has long championed investing in the manufacturing sector. In addition to helping pass the CHIPS and Science Act, Senator Baldwin worked to secure significant investments to support the Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Baldwin is Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee charged with oversight of MEP at the Department of Commerce.

    This letter was co-signed by 13 other Senate colleagues.

    A full version of this letter is available here and below.

    Dear Secretary Lutnick,

    We write to express our deep concern regarding the Department of Commerce’s recent decision to cancel future funding for ten National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers in Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Wyoming. This decision has raised widespread concern across the entire national network of MEP Centers, prompting fears about whether these initial cancellations are the first step in a broader effort to dismantle the program and eliminate federal funding for all 51 centers, with centers in Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin expected to be notified about their status shortly. Given the MEP program’s long-standing, bipartisan support in strengthening small and medium-sized American manufacturers, we share these concerns and urge you to provide clarity and certainty on your plans for the future of the MEP program.

    According to the National Association of Manufacturers, 93% of manufacturers have fewer than 100 employees, while 75% have fewer than 20 employees. Small manufacturers rely on MEP Centers for essential support in adopting the latest advanced technologies, updating their cybersecurity, navigating supply chain challenges, and accessing workforce training—resources that are often out of reach for small businesses without this dedicated assistance. These centers drive innovation, boost productivity, and create high-quality jobs, strengthening both local economies and America’s global competitiveness. Without this critical federal support, MEP Centers—especially those with the fewest resources, and those serving rural and underserved communities—will be at the greatest risk of closure.

    Dismantling this program would not only disrupt benefits for small businesses but also undermine decades of federal investment in domestic manufacturing resilience, which Congress prioritized in the MEP program in the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988. Congress also reauthorized the MEP program in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. NIST was provided $175 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to fund the MEP Centers. In FY2024 alone, the MEP National Network resulted in $2.6 billion in cost savings, $15 billion in new and retained sales, $5 billion in new client investments, and over 108,000 jobs created or retained. Additionally, a report by Summit Consulting and the Upjohn Institute found that the MEP program generated a substantial economic and financial return ratio of more than 17:1 for the $175 million funding invested by the federal government in FY2023. The study also determined that MEP Center projects contributed to an overall increase of nearly 309,000 jobs across the United States.

    Given these benefits and the funding in the FY 2025 Continuing Resolution, we request a full explanation of the rationale behind this funding decision and ask that you promptly reconsider. Additionally, we urge the Department of Commerce to provide Congress with an impact assessment detailing how this decision will affect manufacturers in the affected states and regions. This action has caused tremendous uncertainty for all MEP Centers and the thousands of American manufacturing companies and their workers.  Therefore, to better understand your plans for renewals across other states in the future, we request a briefing on the way ahead for the overall MEP program prior to making any final non-renewal decisions by April 30, 2025. 

    Eliminating federal support for MEP Centers would hamper American small and medium-sized manufacturers. We urge you to take immediate action to protect the MEP program and the manufacturers that rely on it. We look forward to your response no later than April 30, 2025, and are ready to work with you to find solutions that maintain and enhance the MEP program’s ability to serve America’s manufacturing sector.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pasadena Woman Pleads Guilty to Stalking Campaign Against Victims and Threatening to Bomb U.S. Consulate in Vietnam

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A San Gabriel Valley woman pleaded guilty today to federal criminal charges for stalking a victim then impersonating him and his wife to further stalk government employees at a United States consulate in Vietnam, which she threatened to bomb.

    Natalie Nguyen, 39, of Pasadena, pleaded guilty to one count of stalking and one count of threat by interstate commerce to kill another person and to damage and destroy buildings by fire and explosives.

    Nguyen has been in federal custody since February 2024.

    According to her plea agreement, Nguyen stalked a victim – identified in court documents as “T.H.” – from April 2023 to February 2024, sending emails threatening to kill him and his wife. One of the emails contained screenshots of a text conversation about paying a hitman $15,000 to kill the victim’s wife.

    Nguyen also began stalking five employees at the U.S. consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. At times, she impersonated T.H.’s wife, including in an August 2023 email in which she threatened to “bomb the [expletive] consular in Ho Chi Minh City.”

    In October 2023, Nguyen – impersonating T.H. and using T.H.’s email account without permission – sent an email to three government employees at the U.S. consulate stating, “i wil [sic] kill every [expletive] one of you who has been delaying issuing my wife visa.”

    In January 2024, Nguyen – impersonating T.H.’s wife – sent a message to U.S. officials through an online portal stating, “Device will be detonated at America consular in Saigon and in San Francisco. All of you will be exploded for causing my separation with my husband for this last year. Everything will be exploded around new year or after.”

    The following month, Nguyen impersonated T.H. and sent an inquiry to a U.S. Embassy online portal threatening to explode grenades around the time of the lunar new year at the consulate. Several minutes later, Nguyen, impersonating T.H., sent an email to the Vietnamese consulate stating, “i have a grenade set to be exploded this lunar new year at the consulate. my wife is ready.”

    United States District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett scheduled a June 18 sentencing hearing, at which time Nguyen will face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for the stalking count and up to 10 years in federal prison for the threats count.

    The FBI investigated this matter with assistance from the Diplomatic Security Service.

    Assistant United States Attorney Diane Roldán of the Violent and Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Join Colleagues in Demanding HHS Restore Title X Family Planning Funding Immediately to Protect Health Care Services for Millions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    April 09, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and other Senate Democratic colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to immediately reinstate Title X family planning funding in 23 states after the agency began withholding grants that support basic health care for approximately one million people.
    “We are alarmed at the Trump administration’s attacks against providers that enable access to health care for low-income and uninsured people,” the Senators wrote in a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We urge you to swiftly reinstate funding to avoid extended gaps in service for vulnerable communities who rely on Title X funded health centers and programs.”
    Title X is the nation’s only dedicated source of federal funding for family planning. In 2023, the program supported health care services for 2.8 million people at nearly 4,000 clinics across all 50 states and U.S. territories. These clinics provide cancer screenings, sexually transmitted infections testing and treatment, contraception and pregnancy-related care—regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. On April 1, the Trump Administration began withholding all, most, or a substantial portion of Title X funds across 23 states, including Illinois. The move threatens 23 percent of the entire Title X network.
    “These interruptions will be widely felt in our communities and exacerbate the country’s maternal health crisis,” the Senators wrote. “By withholding critical appropriated funds, you are impeding access to essential health care services in rural and underserved areas, risking providers closing their doors, and jeopardizing working families’ lives and livelihoods.”
    The Senators demanded the administration reverse course before more irreparable harm is done.
    California, Hawai‘i, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana and Utah are currently receiving no family planning dollars. Meanwhile, Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia are experiencing reduced access to Title X-funded services.
    Along with Duckworth, Durbin, Schatz, Smith, Schiff and Hirono, the letter was also co-signed by U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jack Reed (D-RI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).
    Full text of the letter is available on Senator Duckworth’s website and below:
    Dear Secretary Kennedy:
    We write with great concern regarding the withholding of Title X family planning funding, impacting approximately one million patients in 23 states. We are alarmed at the Trump administration’s attacks against providers that enable access to health care for low-income and uninsured people. We urge you to swiftly reinstate funding to avoid extended gaps in service for vulnerable communities who rely on Title X funded health centers and programs.
    For the past 55 years, Title X has served as the nation’s only dedicated, federally-funded family planning program. It provides lifelines to essential health care, including cancer screenings, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, contraceptive services and supplies, pregnancy testing, and more. Importantly, Title X providers offer care to all people, regardless of their ability to pay. In fact, 60 percent of patients seeking care at Title X funded health centers have incomes below 101 percent of the federal poverty level and receive care at no cost. Altogether, in 2023, Title X supported health care services for 2.8 million patients at 3,853 health centers across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Freezing Title X funds puts millions at risk of losing basic health services and screenings.  A 2024 report from the HHS Office of Population Affairs determined that there “remains a significant need for publicly funded programs to provide free or subsidized sexual and reproductive health [SRH] services.”
    Despite its vast impact, on April 1, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services began withholding all, most, or a substantial portion of Title X funding in 23 states, and all other grantees received partial awards. These states span from coast to coast and the non-contiguous states, covering nearly a quarter of the nation’s Title X network. You have entirely cut access to Title X family planning services for California, Hawaii, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, and Utah; and your agency is making significant cuts to Title-X funded services in Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. All other grantees have received partial funding which significantly constrains planned staffing and service delivery this performance year.
    The notifications were premised on specious arguments and contain unreasonable deadlines given the hundreds of health centers that must be surveyed in order to respond to this politically motivated inquiry. Though the administration has explicitly targeted specific providers like Planned Parenthood affiliates, it also included a varied group of nonprofit state and regional grantees.
    These interruptions will be widely felt in our communities and exacerbate the country’s maternal health crisis, particularly in the context of health center closures and restrictive state policies that impact access to reproductive care. By withholding critical appropriated funds, you are impeding access to essential health care services in rural and underserved areas, risking providers closing their doors, and jeopardizing working families’ lives and livelihoods. We request that you expeditiously release funding to Title X grantees in the 23 impacted states before you cause irreparable harm.
    Sincerely,
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Van Hollen, Shaheen, SFRC Democrats to Rubio: Plan for USAID Illegal, Unconstitutional; Broader Restructuring Threatens National Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    April 09, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—joined her fellow Democratic SFRC colleagues, including U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the State Department’s recently announced plans to restructure the Department and fold USAID into the Department of State. In their letter, the SFRC Democrats emphasize that the State Department’s proposal for USAID is an unconstitutional violation of the separation of powers, and that broader efforts to restructure, including the closure of U.S. embassies and consulates, are illegal without Congressional action and would be an unjustified seismic shift in the U.S foreign policy enterprise. 
    “The proposal, if implemented, and action taken to date to gut USAID, are clearly an unconstitutional violation of the separation of powers,” the Senators wrote. “The executive branch may not eliminate a congressionally created and funded agency without congressional authorization. Such action would be incompatible with the express will of Congress. The administration’s plan to permanently dismantle USAID and fire all of its employees will not only render it impossible for any retained USAID programs to be implemented, but will also cause significant disruption to the State Department’s core mission. The actions outlined in this proposal are unconstitutional, illegal, unjustified, damaging, and inefficient.”
    “In addition, we have seen reports on additional restructuring that would include dozens of U.S. embassies and consulates being closed, a fifth of the State Department’s workforce slashed, career positions being reclassified into political ‘Schedule P/C’ positions, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) being absorbed into separate divisions under the DFC,” the Senators continued. “This reorganization would have dramatic U.S. national security implications, constitutes an unjustified seismic shift in the U.S. foreign policy enterprise, and includes many proposed measures that would be illegal without congressional action.  We demand that you follow the law and engage with the relevant committees before the State Department begins to execute any such plans, including you testifying before the relevant committees to explain and defend these plans to restructure the country’s premier diplomatic agencies.”
    “Given the gravity of these potential consequences, we expect that the administration will immediately engage with Congress before taking any further steps toward implementing these plans, as required by law,” the Senators close.
    Along with Duckworth, Van Hollen and Shaheen, the letter was also co-signed by every Democratic member of SFRC: U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).
    Full text of the letter is available on Senator Duckworth’s website and below:
    Secretary Rubio,
    On March 28, 2025, the State Department sent a Congressional Notification indicating its intent to fold USAID into the Department of State. The proposal, if implemented, and action taken to date to gut USAID, are clearly an unconstitutional violation of the separation of powers. The executive branch may not eliminate a congressionally created and funded agency without congressional authorization. Such action would be incompatible with the express will of Congress. The administration’s plan to permanently dismantle USAID and fire all of its employees will not only render it impossible for any retained USAID programs to be implemented, but will also cause significant disruption to the State Department’s core mission. The actions outlined in this proposal are unconstitutional, illegal, unjustified, damaging, and inefficient.
    In addition, we have seen reports on additional restructuring that would include dozens of U.S. embassies and consulates being closed, a fifth of the State Department’s workforce slashed, career positions being reclassified into political “Schedule P/C” positions, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) being absorbed into separate divisions under the DFC. This reorganization would have dramatic U.S. national security implications, constitutes an unjustified seismic shift in the U.S. foreign policy enterprise, and includes many proposed measures that would be illegal without congressional action. We demand that you follow the law and engage with the relevant committees before the State Department begins to execute any such plans, including you testifying before the relevant committees to explain and defend these plans to restructure the country’s premier diplomatic agencies.
    According to the congressional notification we received, the administration would eliminate USAID’s status as an independent establishment in the executive branch, abolish multiple USAID bureaus and offices, as well as “realigning certain USAID functions to the Department.” As you know, Congress mandated that USAID be established in statute. Some reporting about the State Department’s plans also suggest an attempt to dissolve certain State Department bureaus that focus on functional and bilateral assistance, which could potentially result in the dissolution of multiple bureaus already authorized in law. Any attempt to dissolve those bureaus requires congressional action to modify or repeal the relevant authorizing statutes.
    It is also our understanding that the State Department is considering substantially shrinking its workforce and diplomatic footprint around the world. This includes a potential major cut in staffing and the closure of multiple embassies and consulates abroad. If carried out, these plans would undermine our ability to conduct diplomacy abroad at a time when China is increasing its presence globally and outpacing the U.S. presence in multiple regions.
    Beyond the immediate structural and personnel changes, these proposed reforms could have a severe deleterious impact for U.S. global leadership and influence. The State Department, USAID, and its diplomatic corps are the backbone of American foreign policy, advancing U.S. interests, strengthening alliances, and responding to global crises. Slashing their workforces, closing embassies, consulates, and missions, and dismantling key bureaus would severely weaken America’s ability to conduct diplomacy, support democracy, and counter the growing influence of strategic competitors like China and Russia. At a time when global challenges are increasing, from conflicts and humanitarian crises, such as the recent earthquakes in Myanmar, to economic instability, the United States cannot afford to undermine its own diplomatic capacity.
    Given the gravity of these potential consequences, we expect that the administration will immediately engage with Congress before taking any further steps toward implementing these plans, as required by law.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons, colleagues send letter demanding answers, return of Maryland father wrongfully deported to El Salvador

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and 23 other senators wrote to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons urging them to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States. Abrego Garcia, a father who was living under protected status in Maryland with his family, was wrongfully deported without due process by the Trump Administration last month to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. The administration has admitted that Abrego Garcia’s deportation was the result of an “administrative error.”
    In their letter, the senators call on the Trump administration to comply with the court order requiring that they facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return. They also ask for responses to a series of questions regarding ICE’s enforcement policies that may have led to this grave error and what measures they will take to ensure such an incident does not occur again.
    In addition to Senators Coons and Van Hollen, this letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
    The senators wrote, “We write to express our concerns regarding the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, an action which the administration admitted in a recent court filing was an “administrative error.” It is unacceptable that anyone would be deported without proper due process, especially where an immigration judge has granted the individual protected status that explicitly prohibits his return to El Salvador. We demand that the Administration bring Mr. Abrego Garcia home immediately.”
    “Per court filings, Mr. Abrego Garcia came to the United States in 2011 as a teenager fleeing gang threats in his home country of El Salvador. In 2019, ICE arrested Mr. Abrego Garcia over an unfounded and anonymous allegation that he was involved with MS-13, which placed him in deportation proceedings. The U.S. immigration judge in the case ultimately found that it was in fact Mr. Abrego Garcia who was at risk of being the victim of gang violence,” the senators wrote. “This ruling was made under the Trump Administration in 2019 and was in fact required by law under section 241(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act once the immigration judge made the factual determination that Mr. Abrego Garcia faced a likelihood of torture in El Salvador. At the time, the Trump Administration made no effort to appeal the judge’s ruling or pursue Mr. Abrego Garcia’s deportation further. Court filings attest that Mr. Abrego Garcia has complied with regular ICE check-ins, has no criminal charges, and has had no contact with any other law-enforcement agency since his release in 2019.”
    “Mr. Abrego Garcia is currently being held at CECOT, a maximum-security prison in El Salvador notorious for human rights abuses, after being deported in violation of the law to the very country where his return was impermissible,” they continued. “And when the administration makes a mistake as severe as sending an individual with protected status to a foreign prison, it cannot simply shrug off responsibility and allege that there is nothing it can do to reunite him with his wife and child, who are American citizens.”
    “On Friday, a U.S. District Court judge in the District of Maryland ordered the government to return Mr. Abrego Garcia to the United States, and on Monday the Fourth Circuit denied the government’s motion to stay the order. The administration should promptly comply with the district court’s order,” the senators urged.
    The senators closed the letter with a series of questions to Secretary Noem and Acting Director Lyons, requesting a response by April 22:
    The standard and legal course for the government to take to deport someone with protected status would be to reopen the case, introduce evidence that grounds for terminating the protected status exist, and then allow an immigration judge to make a determination as to their status. Why was that course of action not taken in this case? 
    In the past, DHS and ICE worked to quickly return people to the U.S. who were erroneously deported. Why is DHS and ICE no longer following these well-established procedures and practices?   
    Vice President J.D. Vance and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt have both claimed that Mr. Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 gang member, but the government was unable or unwilling to provide any evidence to substantiate that claim to the court. Please provide any evidence of Mr. Abrego Garcia’s membership in MS-13.
    Given that the Administration is reportedly paying $6 million to El Salvador to detain deported immigrants at CECOT, why does it believe that there is nothing it can do to return Mr. Abrego Garcia to his family in the United States? Please provide a copy of the agreement between the U.S. and El Salvador on the detention of people deported from the U.S. in CECOT.
    Are there any other cases that the administration is aware of in which an immigrant with protected status was illegally deported without due process? If so, identify those cases and explain what, if anything the government is doing to rectify those errors.
    Will the administration commit to reviewing all of the cases of its deportees to ensure that it has appropriately identified all of the errors?
    What actions will the administration take in the future to ensure that immigrants with protected status are afforded their appropriate due process?
    You can read the full letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Blunt Rochester join in introducing bill to fully fund special education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester (both D-Del.) joined in introducing the IDEA Full Funding Act, legislation to ensure Congress finally fulfills its commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Fifty years ago, Congress passed IDEA to ensure that every child with a disability has access to educational opportunity. This law was an historic step forward, but since its passage Congress has failed to provide the funding it promised. The legislation is cosponsored by over 30 members in the Senate and more than 60 members in the House of Representatives and is endorsed by 60 organizations.
    Under IDEA, the federal government committed to pay 40 percent of the average per student expenditure for special education; however, that pledge has never been met. According to the Congressional Research Service, current funding is at less than 12 percent, and the IDEA shortfall in the 2024-2025 school year nationwide was $38.66 billion. Under full funding, Maryland alone would have received $671.6 million. The IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular, mandatory increases in IDEA spending to finally meet our obligation to America’s children and schools.
    “The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act made a promise to children with disabilities and their families that they would be provided a free, public, and individualized education––but our government has never fulfilled this promise,” said Senator Coons. “While Trump and DOGE are taking illegal steps to dismantle the Department of Education and slashing billions of dollars in education-related research and programs, we must not retreat and forget our promise to Delaware’s kids.”
    “Every student deserves to have access to a high-quality education, regardless of their disability status,” said Senator Blunt Rochester, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. “At a time when the Trump administration is doing all they can to make it harder for people to get the resources and services they need, I am proud to support this legislation on behalf of students with disabilities and their families in Delaware and across the nation. I look forward to working with Senator Van Hollen and our colleagues to finally honor our commitment and fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.”
    “Fifty years ago, Congress passed the IDEA Act, and with it, made a promise to children with disabilities and their families – but we have fallen short of that promise every year since. While Donald Trump and Elon Musk are illegally gutting public education in America, we are fighting to strengthen it. Our bill will ensure that Congress finally meets its commitment to fully fund IDEA, putting us closer to delivering equal access to high-quality education for every student in this country,” said Senator Van Hollen.
    “Our government works best when it serves its people – especially our most vulnerable communities. 50 years ago, Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to support our children with disabilities and ensure they had access to an appropriate education – we built up our children, gave them protections and supports. Yet for years, IDEA has been underfunded, creating burdens for districts and threatening access to services for students and families. This President and his callous Administration is intent on tearing things down instead of building them up. Now, more than ever, we need to fully fund IDEA,” said Senator Alsobrooks.
    “Our legislation makes necessary investments in programs that students with disabilities across the country depend on to access high-quality education that meets their individual needs. President Trump’s destruction of the Department of Education has made it all the more clear: we must fully and permanently fund special education services so that every student—no matter where they live—has the opportunity to succeed,” said Senator Blumenthal.
    “Decades after the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act became law, the federal government has still not fully funded the law to help ensure children with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the classroom,” said Senator Duckworth. “Our legislation would help make long overdue investments in special education that would help support children with disabilities, their families and the educators who serve them.”
    “Our nation’s children are our future, and we must ensure that every child has access to high-quality education that meets their individual needs. It is critical that we honor our commitment to properly fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,” said Senator Durbin. “That is why I am joining my colleagues in introducing the IDEA Full Funding Act to ensure students with disabilities are receiving access to high-quality services and education, which they are entitled to under law.”
    “I am proud to cosponsor the IDEA Full Funding Act, which will ensure that our government upholds its responsibility to give every child with disabilities access to educational opportunities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “All students deserve a high-quality education and school systems with the resources to support them. This bill will help Congress fulfill its promise to fund special education programs, making sure that we meet our obligation to give every child the best chance at success.”
    “We promised families we’d have their backs, and for decades, we’ve fallen short on that promise. Because IDEA hasn’t been fully funded, parents and teachers have been working overtime to make up for the missing resources their students desperately need,” said Senator Fetterman. “Making IDEA whole is how we guarantee students with disabilities get the support they need to thrive in school. I’m proud to join my colleagues in championing this legislation amid continued threats to public school students and educators.”
    “As Donald Trump continues working to illegally dismantle the Department of Education, securing funding for crucial resources like IDEA is more important than ever,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation so Congress can finally fulfill its commitment to fully fund the IDEA for the first time since its passage in 1975. This investment in IDEA will help ensure that every student with disabilities in this country can receive the quality education they deserve.”
    “Students with disabilities, like any student, deserve access to a high-quality public education,” said Senator Kaine. “The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a crucial component of making that ideal a reality, but the IDEA is underfunded, leaving Congress’ promise of equal opportunity to students with disabilities unfulfilled—and as a former Mayor and Governor, I’m acutely aware of how federal underfunding of the IDEA puts tremendous pressure on local and state budgets. It’s imperative that we fully fund the IDEA to help schools offer the education, services, and supports that help students thrive.”
    “As Trump and Musk continue their assault on public education, Congress must act to ensure every student has equal access to learning across our country,” said Senator Kim. “Educators and parents across my state of New Jersey are terrified about what comes next for essential programs like IDEA while Trump dismantles the Department of Education. This legislation is critical to help secure schools the resources they need to support students with disabilities’ education and futures.”
    “A half a century ago, Congress enshrined into law the right of students with disabilities to access free and quality public education. Yet, every year, Congress fails to appropriate the funding necessary to fulfill that promise and guarantee that all students are not only integrated into our education system, but thrive in it. And now, President Trump and Secretary McMahon are attacking federal education funding and our entire public school system,” said Senator Markey. “Congress must fully fund the IDEA so that disabled students can thrive, families can be assured their children will receive world class education, educators have the resources they need to provide that education, and communities aren’t left scrambling to fill federal funding gaps.”
    “Across Nevada, I have heard from the parents of children with disabilities, and all they want is for their children to have the same opportunities as any other child,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The government has already committed to fund the IDEA program, yet it has consistently failed to do so. This legislation fulfills the government’s promise and provides essential funding for schools across the Silver State.”
    “All students, regardless of ability, deserve access to a quality education. Yet, President Trump’s cruel dismantling of the Department of Education is putting millions of students with disabilities at risk of losing essential IDEA funding. The IDEA Full Funding Act upholds our commitment to offer every student a chance at the American dream by working to close longstanding opportunity gaps in our education system. This investment serves our students, supports our educators, and strengthens our economic future,” said Senator Padilla.
    “Every student in Nevada deserves equal access to high quality public education, but the Trump Administration’s dismantling of the Department of Education is taking away resources and protections for children with disabilities,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m helping to introduce this bill to make sure Congress fully funds the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and provides equal opportunity for every child to have a shot at accessing quality education. I’ll keep fighting back against all attempts to cut funding from our children’s education.”
    “Every child across America deserves access to quality education and a chance to succeed,” said Senator Shaheen. “For too long, Congress has fallen short of its promise to students with disabilities by failing to provide adequate funding through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Our legislation will right that wrong and help ensure schools have adequate resources to give students in New Hampshire and across the nation the education they deserve.”
    “A good education has the power to transform lives, and Congress needs to fully fund the educational resources that support children with disabilities and their families. Every child deserves a quality education and the chance to meet their full potential in life. At a time when support for special education is threatened, I join my colleagues in insisting that Congress deliver on its promise to fund these vital services so that every student has access to a quality education,” said Senator Schiff.
    “It’s time for Congress to finally fulfill our promise to deliver quality public education to every student across the country. As Donald Trump and Elon Musk continue their senseless attacks on public education, it’s more important than ever to stand up for all students no matter their disability or zip code,” said Senator Warner.
    “As a former special education teacher, I’ve seen first-hand how this funding is transformational for students with disabilities. It means our schools have elevators to help with mobility, provides aides that help students communicate, and tailored programs to best meet their learning needs,” said Senator Warren. “With public education under attack, I am deeply grateful for Senator Van Hollen’s leadership in the fight to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).”
    “While we’ve made substantial progress to fund special education services in recent years, we still have important work left to do to live up to the original commitment Congress made,” said Rep. Jared Huffman. “All children – no matter their zip code, race, disability, or any other factor – should be able to access a full, exceptional education, and this legislation will help school districts provide the necessary resources to make this vision a reality. The current chronic underfunding leaves an unfair burden on students, teachers, schools, and families. Our bill holds up the federal government’s end of the bargain to fully fund special education services on a permanent basis and set all students up for long-term success.”
    The legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The legislation is co-led in the House by Representatives G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.-15), Joe Neguse (D-Colo.-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01), Angie Craig (D-Minn.-02), Pete Stauber (R-Minn.-08), Janelle Bynum (D-Ore.-05), Don Bacon (R-Neb.-02), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.-14), and Mike Bost (R-Ill.-12), and cosponsored by over 60 additional members of the House.
    This legislation is supported by a broad and diverse group of over 50 national organizations, including The School Superintendent Association (AASA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT),American Occupational Therapy Association, Assistive Technology Industry Association, Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Autism Society of America, Center for Learner Equity, Council for Exceptional Children, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Education Association, and The Arc of the United States.
    The bill is also supported by: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Psychological Association, Association of Educational Service Agencies, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators, Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), Autism Speaks, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, CAST, Coalition for Adequate Funding for Special Education, Coalition for Community Schools, Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA), Council for Learning Disabilities, Council of Administrators of Special Education, EDGE Consulting Partners, EdTrust, Education Reform Now, First Focus Campaign for Children, Higher Education Consortium for Special Education, Institute for Educational Leadership, Learning Disabilities Association of America, NAESPA (National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators), National Association for Music Education, National Association for Pupil Transportation, National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS), National Association of Private Special Education Centers, National Association of School Psychologists, National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID), National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), National Down Syndrome Society, National PTA, National Rural Education Association, National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children, Teach For America, The Advocacy Institute, and The New Teacher Project (TNTP).
    You can read the full text of the bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –