NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 8, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 8, 2025.

    The latest update on NZ’s state of the environment is sobering – but there are glimmers of progress
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christina McCabe, PhD Candidate in Interdisciplinary Ecology, University of Canterbury Shutterstock/synthetick If left unaddressed, many environmental changes in Aotearoa New Zealand could threaten livelihoods, health, quality of life and infrastructure for generations to come, according to the latest update on the state of the environment. The Ministry for the Environment and StatsNZ produce an environmental assessment every three years, collating data and trends on air quality, freshwater and marine environments, the land and climate. The latest report shows that long-term drivers of change – including international influences, economic demands and climate change

    ‘Never our intention to mock Jesus’ – Naked Samoans respond to backlash over controversial poster
    By Susana Suisuiki, RNZ Pacific journalist Pasifika comedy troupe Naked Samoans is facing a backlash from some members of the Pacific community over its promotional poster. In the image, which has now been taken down, the Naked Samoans depicted themselves as the 12 disciples surrounding Jesus, a parody of The Last Supper. Several Pasifika influencers condemned the image online, with one person labelling it “disrespectful”. However, Naked Samoan group member Oscar Kightley told RNZ Pacific Waves he did not anticipate the uproar. Oscar Kightley talking to RNZ Pacific Waves. The award-winning writer has addressed the backlash as they gear up

    Here’s who topped the rankings in this year’s scorecard for sustainable chocolate – and which confectionery giant refused to participate
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Perkiss, Associate professor in accounting, University of Wollongong Jiri Hera/Shutterstock With the Easter weekend now around the corner, the sixth edition of the Global Chocolate Scorecard has just been released. This is an annual initiative produced by Be Slavery Free, in collaboration with two Australian universities and a wide range of consultants and sustainability interest groups. It ranks companies across the entire chocolate sector – from major multinational producers through to retailers – on a wide range of sustainability policies and practices. This year, there have been some improvements across the

    This Easter, check out which chocolate brands are most ethical
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Perkiss, Associate professor in accounting, University of Wollongong Jiri Hera/Shutterstock With the Easter weekend now around the corner, the sixth edition of the Global Chocolate Scorecard has just been released. This is an annual initiative produced by Be Slavery Free, in collaboration with two Australian universities and a wide range of consultants and sustainability interest groups. It ranks companies across the entire chocolate sector – from major multinational producers through to retailers – on a wide range of sustainability policies and practices. This year, there have been some improvements across the

    Open letter to NZME board – don’t allow alt-right Canadian billionaire to take over NZ’s Fourth Estate
    NZME directors ‘have concerns’ about businessman Jim Grenon taking editorial control NZME’s directors have fired their own shots in the war for control of the media company, saying they have concerns about a takeover bid including the risk of businessman Jim Grenon taking editorial control. In a statement to the NZX, the board said it was delaying its annual shareholders meeting until June and opening up nominations of other directors. NZME . . . RNZ report on NZME’s directors “firing their own shots in the war for control of the media company”. Grenon, a New Zealand resident since 2012, bought

    Why are some cats more allergenic than others? It’s not their coat length
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jazmine Skinner, Lecturer in Animal Science, University of Southern Queensland evrymmnt/Shutterstock Allergies can be debilitating for those who have them – even more so when the cause of the allergic reaction is a beloved pet. Second only to dust mites, the humble domestic house cat is one of the major causes of indoor allergens for people. But what is the actual source of the allergic response? And are certain breeds less allergenic than others? There are many myths and misconceptions related to cat allergens, so let’s debunk a few. Cats produce several

    Australia’s innovative new policies are designed to cut smoking rates – here are 6 ideas NZ could borrow
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Janet Hoek, Professor in Public Health, University of Otago Shutterstock/chayanuphol At the start of this month, when denicotinisation would have been due to come into effect in Aotearoa New Zealand (had the government not repealed smokefree laws), Australia introduced innovative smokefree policies to change the look, ingredients and packaging of tobacco products. New Zealand’s current goal is to reduce smoking prevalence to no more than 5% (and as close to zero as possible) among all population groups. However, realising this goal now seems very unlikely. Latest figures show 6.9% of the general

    Trump has Australia’s generic medicines in his sights. And no-one’s talking about it
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Deborah Gleeson, Associate Professor in Public Health, La Trobe University PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock While Australia was busy defending the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme against threats from the United States in recent weeks, another issue related to the supply and trade of medicines was flying under the radar. Buried on page 19 of the Trump’s administration’s allegations of barriers to trade was a single paragraph related to Australia’s access to generic medicines. These are cheaper alternatives to branded medicines that are no longer under patent. The US is concerned about how much notice

    New research shows digital technology is linked to reduced wellbeing in young kids. So what can parents do?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacquelyn Harverson, PhD Candidate, School of Psychology, Deakin University Alex Segre/ Shutterstock Once upon a time, children fought for control of the remote to the sole family television. Now the choice of screen-based content available to kids seems endless. There are computers, tablets, phones and gaming consoles offering streaming services, online content and apps. Children also use devices at school, with digital literacy part of the Australian curriculum from the start of school. The speed and scale of this change has left parents, researchers and policymakers scrambling to catch up. And it

    3.5 million Australians experienced fraud last year. This could be avoided through 6 simple steps
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gary Mortimer, Professor of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour, Queensland University of Technology Zigres/Shutterstock About 14% of Australians experienced personal fraud last year. Of these, 2.1 million experienced credit card fraud, 675,300 were caught in a scam, 255,000 had their identities stolen and 433,000 were impersonated online. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics latest Personal Fraud Survey, between July 2023 and June 2024, Australians lost A$2.1 billion through credit card fraud. This was up almost 9% from the previous year. Even after reimbursements, the loss was still $477 million. These figures do

    What do medieval puzzles and the New York Times Connections have in common?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Knowles, Lecturer, Western Civilisation Program, Australian Catholic University Getty The New York Times Connections game asks players to categorise 16 words into four groups of four. For example, in one collection of 16, a category included “blow”, “cat”, “gold” and “sword”: these are all words that might come before “fish”. As described by puzzle editor Wyna Liu, completing the puzzle should feel “challenging and satisfying”. Players are encouraged to “think flexibly”. Liu says her job as puzzle designer is “to trick you”. Challenging word-based games are not a modern invention. In

    Selling your old laptop or phone? You might be handing over your data too
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ritesh Chugh, Associate Professor, Information and Communications Technology, CQUniversity Australia berdiyandriy/Shutterstock You’re about to recycle your laptop or your phone, so you delete all your photos and personal files. Maybe you even reset the device to factory settings. You probably think your sensitive data is now safe. But there is more to be done: hackers may still be able to retrieve passwords, documents or bank details, even after a reset. In fact, 90% of second-hand laptops, hard drives and memory cards still contain recoverable data. This indicates that many consumers fail to

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release, fatal train crash Penrose

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are now in a position to release the name of the man who was killed following a collision between a train and vehicle in Penrose on Friday.

    He was Sarveen Singh, 40, of Auckland.

    Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this difficult time.

    The crash remains under investigation.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: At least 21 killed amid major flooding, tornadoes battering US Midwest, South

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Photo taken on April 7, 2025 shows a waterlogged area in Frankfort, Kentucky, the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

    At least 21 people have been killed amid fierce storms battering parts of the U.S. Midwest and South with major flooding and powerful tornadoes since Wednesday, according to local media reports on Monday.

    Overall, the death toll stood at 10 in Tennessee, three in Missouri, two each in Kentucky, Georgia and Indiana, and one each in Arkansas and Mississippi, said an NBC News report.

    The victims included a 9-year-old boy swept away by floodwaters on his way to school in Kentucky, two people killed when a tree fell on them at a golf course in Georgia, a 5-year-old child found in a home in Little Rock, Arkansas, and a 16-year-old volunteer firefighter who died in a car crash when responding to a reported water rescue in Missouri.

    AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said on Monday that it is estimated the economic loss from the severe weather and flooding in recent days is between 80 billion and 90 billion U.S. dollars.

    “Unless property owners have specific flood insurance, losses and repairs will most likely not be covered by standard policies,” he said.

    As of Monday morning, 18 river gauge sites were at major flood stage, and 256 locations across the central United States were at or above flood stage, spanning multiple rivers and tributaries, according to an AccuWeather report.

    Rains have ended over the Tennessee, Ohio and Mississippi river basins, but runoff from 8 to 16 inches of rain over just a few days will continue to surge into larger rivers and lead to moderate to major flooding that could persist for weeks, AccuWeather meteorologists advised.

    The amount of rain that fell over a four-day stretch was rare, only occurring once every 100 to 1,000 years over a broad area, based on the historical average, they noted.

    Forecasters attributed the recent violent weather to warm temperatures, an unstable atmosphere, strong wind shear and abundant moisture streaming from the Gulf, said a report from the weather.com. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Brooke van Velden ramps up her war on working people

    Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

    The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is dismayed that Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden has launched another attack on workers’ rights by removing employment protections for workers when they start in a new role.

    These protections include being provided information about the role and function of unions and that, for the first 30 days, new employees must be employed on the same (or better) terms with any onsite collective agreement while they decide whether to join a union.

    “In yet another announcement from Brooke van Velden, workers’ rights are being eroded and unions undermined,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

    “Currently workers in a new role have protection for 30 days, to weigh their options and settle in without being disadvantaged. The Minister clearly wants to disrupt this period and encourage employers to create division among workers – between those who have a union agreement and those who don’t.

    “Make no mistake, this is a deliberate attempt to undermine the role of unions in workplaces and prevent working people from securing good pay and conditions when they take on a job in a new workplace.

    “When workers start a new job, they are in a vulnerable position and can’t be expected to assert their rights in terms of trade union coverage.

    “The Minister has no experience of unions or collective bargaining, and she refuses to engage with unions to understand the issues. In less than two years in the role, she already has the worst record in the portfolio in decades.

    “Workers are sick and tired of this Government and their continued disdain for ordinary people who work hard every day to keep this country running.

    “Across the country workers are organising to stand together and fight back against this Government, which is actively hostile to their interests,” said Wagstaff. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Southeast Asia Poised to Become a Global Hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel

    Source: ASEAN

    JAKARTA, 8 April 2025 — Southeast Asia’s abundant agricultural feedstocks offer potential for the region to become a global hub for SAF, according to a joint Canadian-ASEAN research project.

    The “Promoting the Production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) from Agricultural Waste in the ASEAN Region” project marks a significant step towards a more sustainable aviation future in Southeast Asia. It was carried out by the ASEAN Secretariat, GHD, Boeing, Canadian Trade and Investment Facility for Development (CTIF), funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and implemented by Cowater International, the Institute of Public Administrators of Canada (IPAC).

    SAF is a renewable or waste-derived aviation fuel that meets sustainability criteria, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and is compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure, as a “drop-in” fuel.  Aviation engines can currently run on a mix of 50% SAF and 50% conventional aviation fuel, but the industry is working towards a 100% SAF mix. SAF lowers carbon emissions over the fuel’s life cycle by up to 80%, depending on the feedstock, with the potential to reduce even more in the future. SAF can be made from a wide variety of sources: cover crops and other nonedible plants, agricultural and forestry waste, non-recyclable municipal waste, industrial plant off-gassing and other feedstocks.

    As part of the project, a techno-economic assessment was conducted in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, focusing on feedstock availability, technology pathways, carbon intensity, logistics, environmental and social aspects, institutional frameworks, and financial assessment.

    With improvements in economic feasibility, SAF production in ASEAN could surpass regional demand, enabling exports both within and beyond ASEAN.

    The expansion of SAF feedstock supply is expected to stem from enhanced farming practices and large-scale biomass utilisation rather than land expansion. The report emphasised that mechanisation, improved irrigation, and R&D in crop optimisation could boost feedstock availability without increasing deforestation or land conversion.

    Beyond environmental benefits, the project highlighted SAF’s role in fostering gender equality and economic development. The SAF sector offers opportunities for job creation, upskilling, and workforce diversification, with a strong emphasis on inclusive participation of women and marginalised communities.

    Deputy Secretary-General for the ASEAN Economic Community, Satvinder Singh, commended the initiative, stating: “This initiative marks a significant step in advancing ASEAN’s commitment to sustainable aviation. By leveraging regional resources and innovation, we are not only addressing environmental challenges but also driving economic growth and enhancing energy security. The successful completion of this project underscores ASEAN’s capacity for effective collaboration in tackling climate challenges while creating new opportunities for our communities.”

    CTIF Project Manager Hendry Predy also commented on the initiative stating “CTIF technical assistance supported Southeast Asia countries with a project to improve the ability of the energy sector to assess the reliability of the upstream feedstock supply and the potential for sustained use and production within the region. The recommendations from the proposed project informed on the future development and operation of the pilot areas in selected member countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam) to convert agricultural waste and residues to SAF. The project and recommendations supported the ASEAN Secretariat in ascertaining the reliability of feedstock supply for renewable fuels.”

    Sharmine Tan, Boeing’s regional sustainability lead for Southeast Asia said “SAF is the biggest opportunity to cut aviation emissions over the next 30 years. This research highlights Southeast Asia’s rich SAF feedstock potential, positioning the region as a key player in meeting global SAF demand. To unlock this potential, governments and industry must act decisively, harmonise sustainability policies, invest in infrastructure, and scale local production to build a robust regional SAF ecosystem. Southeast Asia has a unique opportunity to lead sustainable aviation while driving economic growth and environmental stewardship.”

    Sachin Narang, GHD’s Executive Advisor – Energy and Infrastructure, said, “The successful completion of this project represents a major milestone in ASEAN’s journey toward sustainable aviation. The insights gained will serve as a foundation for future SAF initiatives, investments, and policy development across the region.”

    The ASEAN Secretariat, together with its partners, invites continued collaboration with governments, industry leaders, research institutions, and investors to support the regional transition to SAF. Building on the findings of this project, the next phase will focus on areas such as enabling policy development, strengthening technical capacity, and mobilising investment to support SAF deployment, among other collaborative efforts. Together, ASEAN governments, businesses and communities can help shape a sustainable aviation future that contributes meaningfully to regional and global sustainability goals.

    The full Techno-Economic Assessment Report for the project can be referred to here: https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/12634962-RPT-6-Techno-Economic-Assessment-Final-Report_April-2025.pdf

    Media contacts:

    ASEAN Secretariat

    Mustika L. Hapsoro Media Officer, mustika.hapsoro@asean.org

    Image Credit: ASEAN Secretariat
    The post Southeast Asia Poised to Become a Global Hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Never our intention to mock Jesus’ – Naked Samoans respond to backlash over controversial poster

    By Susana Suisuiki, RNZ Pacific journalist

    Pasifika comedy troupe Naked Samoans is facing a backlash from some members of the Pacific community over its promotional poster.

    In the image, which has now been taken down, the Naked Samoans depicted themselves as the 12 disciples surrounding Jesus, a parody of The Last Supper.

    Several Pasifika influencers condemned the image online, with one person labelling it “disrespectful”.

    However, Naked Samoan group member Oscar Kightley told RNZ Pacific Waves he did not anticipate the uproar.

    Oscar Kightley talking to RNZ Pacific Waves.

    The award-winning writer has addressed the backlash as they gear up to perform at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival in Auckland next month.

    The Samoan-New Zealand actor said it was never their intention to hurt people.

    “This month, 27 years ago, was our first-ever show, and we’ve been offending and upsetting people ever since, really. But we didn’t expect [the backlash].

    Checks, balances ‘let us down’
    “We saw the reaction [to the poster], and we saw how it was being taken, it was never our intention to mock Jesus or God or the Last Supper. But when we saw that that’s how it was being taken by some in our community, we made the decision to take it down.”

    “We took it down as soon as we knew that it was causing upset.”

    Responding to the online criticism that “they should have known better”, Kightley said “we should have known that some people would take it that way”.

    “Our robust system of checks and balances badly let us down in this sense,” he said.

    “We could understand how some people would have looked at this and went, ‘you guys have gone too far’, and even though we didn’t mean it, we all went to Sunday school, understand the reverence that that image and that scripture has.

    “But we weren’t trying to comment on the scripture.”

    He said even though they took the image down, due to the nature of the internet it would remain online “forever now”.

    “I think as long as people spread it, people will be raged and raised by it.

    “But my message [to those who are offended by it] is, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

    “And maybe think about Jesus’s teaching in John 8:7.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The latest update on NZ’s state of the environment is sobering – but there are glimmers of progress

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christina McCabe, PhD Candidate in Interdisciplinary Ecology, University of Canterbury

    Shutterstock/synthetick

    If left unaddressed, many environmental changes in Aotearoa New Zealand could threaten livelihoods, health, quality of life and infrastructure for generations to come, according to the latest update on the state of the environment.

    The Ministry for the Environment and StatsNZ produce an environmental assessment every three years, collating data and trends on air quality, freshwater and marine environments, the land and climate.

    The latest report shows that long-term drivers of change – including international influences, economic demands and climate change – mean many natural systems have become less resilient and are at risk of collapse. But it also highlights improvements in urban air quality and reduced waste flows to landfill.

    Real risks to people, communities and places

    Many environmental trends in New Zealand are sobering.

    Soil erosion is increasing and continues to degrade downstream freshwater and marine ecosystems. Soils misplaced from land, including through landslides or gradual loss of topsoil, can threaten homes and infrastructure and reduce the potential for growing food or storing carbon.

    Climate change is projected to increase erosion rates by up to 233%, depending on future emissions scenarios.

    Native forests are most effective at reducing soil erosion, but exotic forests can also help. The report shows the area planted in exotic forest has increased by 12% (220,922 hectares) between 1996 and 2018, with most of this new area coming from exotic grassland.

    Landfill contaminants, including leachates and microplastics, threaten soil health. New Zealand remains the highest producer of waste to landfill per capita among developed countries, but waste flows to landfill have dropped by 11% in 2023, compared with a 2018 peak.

    The report offers another glimmer of progress. While air pollution still affects health, long-term air quality is gradually improving thanks to a shift away from cars with combustion engines.

    Population growth and urban development are displacing green spaces.
    Getty Images

    Water quality and green spaces

    What happens on land commonly flows into water, often affecting human health and recreation. The report shows that between 2019 and 2024, nearly half of all groundwater monitoring sites failed to meet drinking water standards for E. coli at least once. Nitrate concentrations also rose at around half of all sites.

    Freshwater ecosystems are critically affected by the space we give them. Urban development can displace natural features such as wetlands and floodplains, which store water and provide a buffer against extreme weather events.

    Four in five New Zealanders live in urban areas and the report shows green spaces have not kept up with population growth. Continued development near rivers and on floodplains, without maintaining natural buffers, increases risks to homes and infrastructure as flood extremes worsen with climate change.

    Coastal areas face their own challenges. Rising seas and storm surges threaten not only homes and roads, but also culturally significant places. As many as 420 archaeological sites on public conservation land are at risk of coastal inundation and 191 marae are within one kilometre of the coast.

    Livelihoods and biodiversity at risk

    New Zealand is a globally significant biodiversity hotspot and natural landscapes are central to cultural identity. The land and waters, and species we share them with, are inseparable from Māori identity. The economy, from agriculture to tourism, also depends on thriving ecosystems.

    But many pressures on biodiversity are worsening, according to the report. About 94% of native reptiles and 78% of native birds are threatened or at risk of extinction.

    Extreme weather events (expected to increase with climate change) threaten food and fibre crops. The report estimates the recovery of these sectors from Cyclone Gabrielle will cost up to NZ$1.1 billion.

    Pest species continue to damage ecosystems at a cost of $9.2 billion in 2019–20, including primary-sector losses of $4.3 billion.

    Wilding conifers are a particular concern, having invaded an estimated two million hectares of land, primarily on the conservation estate. Without careful management, the report projects they could cover up to 25% of New Zealand’s land within 30 years.

    The restoration of Te Auaunga, Auckland’s longest urban river, is helping to reduce flooding and improve recreational spaces.
    Shutterstock/aiyoshi597

    Stories behind the numbers

    For the first time, the ministry has released a companion report to share stories of hope.

    It highlights the links between environmental challenges and how nature-based approaches can benefit both people and the environment.

    In Tairāwhiti, for instance, a native forest restoration project is protecting Gisborne’s drinking water supply. A large block of commercial pine is being replaced with native forests to stabilise erodible land, filter water runoff before it reaches dams, and provide habitat for native flora and fauna.

    In Auckland, the Making Space for Water program is restoring Te Auaunga (Oakley Creek), the city’s longest urban river. The work includes widening the river channel, removing restrictive structures and planting native vegetation to regenerate historical wetland habitats. Along with reducing flooding in the area, these changes provide improved recreational spaces for people.

    The report notes the complexity of interactions between people and the natural environment, which means that many impacts cannot be seen straight away. For instance, nitrates move through groundwater very slowly and we may continue to see the effects of past decisions for some time yet. Furthermore, climate change can amplify many environmental stressors.

    The state of our environment mirrors our collective decisions. This update offers an opportunity to guide those decisions towards a more resilient future.

    Christina McCabe is affiliated with Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha / The University of Canterbury, and Te Pūnaha Matatini, a Centre of Research Excellence.

    – ref. The latest update on NZ’s state of the environment is sobering – but there are glimmers of progress – https://theconversation.com/the-latest-update-on-nzs-state-of-the-environment-is-sobering-but-there-are-glimmers-of-progress-254051

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Boundedly Rational Expectations and the Optimality of Flexible Average Inflation Targeting

    Source: Airservices Australia

    Tags

    asset quality, balance sheet, banking, banknotes, bonds, business, business cycle, capital, cash rate, central clearing, China, climate change, commercial property, commodities, consumption, COVID-19, credit, cryptocurrency, currency, digital currency, debt, education, emerging markets, exchange rate, export, fees, finance, financial markets, financial stability, First Nations, fiscal policy, forecasting, funding, global economy, global financial crisis, history, households, housing, income and wealth, inflation, insolvency, insurance, interest rates, international, investment, labour market, lending standards, liquidity, machine learning, macroprudential policy, mining, modelling, monetary policy, money, open economy, payments, productivity, rba survey, regulation, resources sector, retail, risk and uncertainty, saving, securities, services sector, technology, terms of trade, trade, wages

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenhouse gas emissions fall 2.0 percent in the December 2024 quarter – Stats NZ media and information release: Greenhouse gas emissions (industry and household): December 2024 quarter

    Greenhouse gas emissions fall 2.0 percent in the December 2024 quarter – 8 April 2025 – Seasonally adjusted industry and household greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Aotearoa New Zealand decreased 2.0 percent in the December 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    The decrease was primarily the result of a 45 percent reduction in emissions from electricity, gas, water, and waste services in the December 2024 quarter.

    “There were substantial falls in the amount of fossil fuels used for electricity generation in the December 2024 quarter, which drove an overall decrease in carbon dioxide emissions from industry,” environment statistics spokesperson Tehseen Islam said.

    Partly offsetting the decrease was an increase in emissions from manufacturing (up 5.0 percent), and transport, postal, and warehousing (up 3.1 percent). Both industries saw increases in GDP during this quarter.

    Files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: North Island Firefighters compete in high profile firefighter-sports event

    Source: United Fire Brigades’ Association

    Aotearoa New Zealand is protected by around 14,000 paid and volunteer firefighters from urban, rural, industrial, and defence force fire brigades.
    Firefighters have expert, life-saving skills that they regularly train for and perfect so that when the siren calls, they can confidently respond.
    Recently, we have seen the incredible and gruelling work of our community heroes in the summer fires, and this weekend, members of the public can see a simulation of some of the physical endurance they go through.
    On Friday 11 and Saturday 12 April, over 100 firefighters from around the North Island will compete as individuals and in teams against each other in the annual United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA) North Island Firefighter Challenge, working their way towards the UFBA National Firefighter Challenge in May.
    Competitors have trained all year; some are highly experienced and we have some fresh faces ready to take on the personal challenge of conquering the track and their own physical and mental strength.
    With a well-earned reputation, the UFBA Firefighter Challenge is adapted for New Zealand from a similar event held in the United States.
    Competitors race against each other and the clock wearing full PPE and BA. They start by climbing a six-story tower carrying a 19kg flaked hose, then hoist a 20kg hose coil up 6 stories, before using a 4kg shot hammer to drive a beam 1.5 meters. Competitors then burst through saloon doors to hit a target with a charged hose, before finally dragging an 81kg mannequin 30.5m to the finish line.
    The simulation is an exciting test of skill and fitness that demonstrates the physical demands of real-life firefighting to the public.
    Location: The Square, Palmerston North
    Date/Time: Friday 11 April 1200hrs-1700hrs and Saturday 12 April from 0930hrs-1700hrs (approx. finish times)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Politics: CTU Statement – Brooke van Velden ramps up her war on working people

    Source: NZCTU

    The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is dismayed that Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden has launched another attack on workers’ rights by removing employment protections for workers when they start in a new role.

    These protections include being provided information about the role and function of unions and that, for the first 30 days, new employees must be employed on the same (or better) terms with any onsite collective agreement while they decide whether to join a union.

    “In yet another announcement from Brooke van Velden, workers’ rights are being eroded and unions undermined,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

    “Currently workers in a new role have protection for 30 days, to weigh their options and settle in without being disadvantaged. The Minister clearly wants to disrupt this period and encourage employers to create division among workers – between those who have a union agreement and those who don’t.

    “Make no mistake, this is a deliberate attempt to undermine the role of unions in workplaces and prevent working people from securing good pay and conditions when they take on a job in a new workplace.

    “When workers start a new job, they are in a vulnerable position and can’t be expected to assert their rights in terms of trade union coverage.

    “The Minister has no experience of unions or collective bargaining, and she refuses to engage with unions to understand the issues. In less than two years in the role, she already has the worst record in the portfolio in decades.

    “Workers are sick and tired of this Government and their continued disdain for ordinary people who work hard every day to keep this country running.

    “Across the country workers are organising to stand together and fight back against this Government, which is actively hostile to their interests,” said Wagstaff.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Greenhouse gas emissions fall 2.0 percent in the December 2024 quarter – Stats NZ media and information release: Greenhouse gas emissions (industry and household): December 2024 quarter

    Greenhouse gas emissions fall 2.0 percent in the December 2024 quarter – 8 April 2025 – Seasonally adjusted industry and household greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Aotearoa New Zealand decreased 2.0 percent in the December 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    The decrease was primarily the result of a 45 percent reduction in emissions from electricity, gas, water, and waste services in the December 2024 quarter.

    “There were substantial falls in the amount of fossil fuels used for electricity generation in the December 2024 quarter, which drove an overall decrease in carbon dioxide emissions from industry,” environment statistics spokesperson Tehseen Islam said.

    Partly offsetting the decrease was an increase in emissions from manufacturing (up 5.0 percent), and transport, postal, and warehousing (up 3.1 percent). Both industries saw increases in GDP during this quarter.

    Files:

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Selected price indexes ? rental data for February and March 2025

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Selected price indexes − rental data for February and March 2025 – 8 April 2025 – Selected price indexes: March 2025 will include the national-level stock measure for actual rentals for housing for February and March 2025.  

    Actual rentals for housing data were not included in the February 2025 selected price indexes (SPI) as the dataset used to compile this information was incomplete, and Stats NZ was not confident the measure would meet customer expectations.

    Stats NZ has worked closely with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to provide some requirements and update processes for the dataset, and we are now confident that the data and stock measure for February and March meet expectations. We do not expect further disruptions.  

    The other series within the SPI remain unaffected, and the upcoming March 2025 quarter Consumers price index (CPI) will be produced using the full three months of actual rentals for housing data for the period  

    Note: The March 2025 SPI release will not include the flow of rental properties measures (national and regional) as we are still working to integrate this, following an update to MBIE’s tenancy bond-lodgement system. The flow measures, which do not affect the CPI, will be included when we are confident they meet customer expectations.

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – ProCare and Heidi Health partner to ease GP workload and boost patient care

    Source: ProCare

    In a step toward making healthcare more sustainable and whānau centric, ProCare has partnered with Heidi Health to reduce the administrative burden on GPs, helping them spend more time where it counts – with their patients.

    Heidi Health is an AI medical scribe that automates clinical documentation, enabling GPs to generate accurate notes in real-time during patient consultations. It also facilitates the seamless creation of essential documents, such as referral letters and patient summaries, directly from consultation notes.

    Bindi Norwell, CEO of ProCare, says: “We want to help equip doctors and nurses with the best tools to support them in their job. AI can transform the way our healthcare staff support their patients by reducing the administrative burden so they can focus on giving their patients the care and support they need.

    “At the heart of this partnership is a shared commitment to making healthcare more sustainable and accessible, with a clear focus on relieving the pressures on the primary care workforce, leaving more time for our clinicians to focus on shifting the dial for better health outcomes,” concludes Norwell.

    With Heidi’s ambient medical scribe taking detailed notes during the appointment, healthcare staff in the ProCare Network will experience a reduction in administrative tasks, giving them back valuable time to focus on what truly matters – caring for their patients and their communities.

    Dr Karl Cole, GP at Papatoetoe Family Doctors, has been using Heidi Health in his practice for more than 12 months, saying: “As a GP, time is one of my most precious resources. The Heidi AI scribe has helped me reclaim that time, making my job more sustainable and efficient.

    “I’m spending less time on my screen and more time actually engaging with my patients — it’s been a real game-changer,” says Cole.

    Dr. Thomas Kelly, CEO of Heidi Health, adds: “This partnership with ProCare is a pivotal step toward making our technology widely accessible to GPs across Aotearoa, ensuring they are supported in their work while enhancing the quality of care they provide. We are proud to be part of a partnership that values clinician wellbeing and aims to create better, more equitable health outcomes for everyone.”

    This partnership arrives at a time when Aotearoa’s healthcare system is facing significant challenges. Clinicians are stretched thin, and burnout is a growing concern. By streamlining the documentation process with AI-powered technology, ProCare in collaboration with Heidi Health aim to help alleviate these pressures, allowing clinicians to engage more meaningfully with patients and improve their overall work-life balance. In doing so, creating a more sustainable and supportive environment for primary care across New Zealand.

    About ProCare

    ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz

    About Heidi Health

    Heidi Health’s AI-powered medical scribe streamlines time-intensive administrative tasks to reduce the cognitive load on clinicians. Supporting over one million patient consults per week and empowering clinicians to reclaim their time and deliver world-class patient care across 50 countries, Heidi Health’s technology transcribes and processes conversations between clinicians and patients to produce clinical notes and follow-up materials – from referral letters to assessments.

    Heidi Health adheres to international standards, including the NHS, HIPAA, GDPR, and Australian Privacy Principles, and has obtained enterprise-grade security certifications such as SOC2 and ISO27001. Founded in 2019 by a team of active and former medical professionals, Heidi is the most loved AI scribe by clinicians of all disciplines and specialties, from Emergency Departments to Neurology to Primary Care to Allied Health. Learn more at: https://www.heidihealth.com/en-nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Implementation of Phase Two of Mental Health Response Changes to start

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police and Health NZ have completed Phase One of the Mental Health Response Change Programme and are preparing to begin Phase Two.

    Phase One of the joint agency approach commenced on 4 November 2024, and Phase Two was initially set to start on 31 March 2025.

    With Phase One complete, Phase Two will now start from 14 April with both agencies agreeing to a staged implementation across districts.

    Each district has been assessed for their readiness to implement the next phase, and as a result, districts will have varying starting points for the rollout.

    Moving the start of this phase by two weeks was recommended by the Mental Health Response Change Programme Governance Group (including Police, Ministry of Health, Health NZ, and Ambulance agencies), to allow districts to be ready.

    Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson says one of the challenges agencies faced was discrepancies in the way section 109 of the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 was interpreted with regard to handovers of detained person in emergency departments.

    “We now have Crown Law advice which provides the much-needed clarity on section 109 for Phase Two to commence.”

    The Police districts that will commence with Phase Two on 14 April are: Waitematā, Counties Manukau, Waikato, and Tasman (excluding Kaikoura). This corresponds to Health NZ’s Waitematā, Counties Manukau, Waikato (excluding Tokoroa and Taumarunui), Nelson-Marlborough, and West Coast districts.

    Police and Health NZ will be working closely with these teams and districts to support their preparation for the changes, and will continue work with other districts to get them ready to start Phase Two.

    “The safety of police and healthcare staff, and those in our community impacted by these changes, is a priority for us as we move forward,” Assistant Commissioner Johnson says.

    “Police will always respond when there is an offence or an immediate risk to life or safety and this will not change.”

    Health NZ Director of Specialist Mental Health and Addiction Karla Bergquist says Police and Health NZ, along with the Ministry of Health, Hato Hone St John, and Wellington Free Ambulance, have been working closely together on how agencies respond to mental health.

    “At the heart of these changes is ensuring people receive the right mental health care at the right time, and their safety and that of kaimahi delivering that care is paramount,” Ms Bergquist says.

    “This is why agencies have committed to safely phasing in these changes and working together to make adjustments to implementation timeframes when necessary.”

    The Phase Two changes remain the same and include:

    • 60-minute handover detained persons in EDs – Police who have detained a person under the MH Act and transported them for an assessment will remain in the ED for a maximum one hour before departing, unless they consider there is an immediate risk to life or safety.
    • Changes to mental health assessments in custody – If someone is placed under the MH Act while in a Police custody suite, they will need to be taken to a health facility within 30 minutes. Custody rules will ensure people in distress are assessed appropriately, preferably in a health setting.

    “We are committed to working together towards a system that supports everyone’s mental wellbeing, so people are supported to stay well, and have access to help that works for them.”

    Note: NZ Police and Health NZ districts are not the same (Police has 12, Health has 20), so there are some parts of a Police district which are not included in the comparable Health NZ district or vice versa.

    ENDS 

    Police media contact: media@police.govt.nz
    Health NZ media contact: hnzmedia@health.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: BusinessNZ on Regulating employees and employers

    Source: BusinessNZ

    BusinessNZ supports coming changes to employment law to remove unnecessary regulations on employing new staff.
    Currently businesses must sign up new staff to a collective agreement’s terms for their first 30 days in the job, regardless of whether they want to be in a union or not, and only after 30 days can an employee’s choice to join an individual agreement be honoured.
    Currently businesses are also required to notify new staff about numerous union membership options that are bringing confusion among new employees who mistakenly think the notification means they have already joined a union.
    BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich said these two requirements under the Employment Relations Act hinder employees, employers, and productive workplaces.
    “Whatever a new employee chooses to negotiate – collective agreement or individual agreement – should be respected immediately, not after 30 days, and there should be no automatic inclusion of a new employee into the terms of a union’s collective agreement without that person’s agreement.
    “There should also be sensible limits on the requirements for businesses to notify complex union options to new staff members. These requirements also benefit union membership while imposing unnecessary compliance on productive workplaces.”
    Mrs Rich said BusinessNZ had advocated strongly for the Government to reduce over-regulation in this area of employment law, and the move would be welcomed by many employers and employees.
    The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Global Bodies – Joint statement: World must act with urgency to save Palestinians in Gaza

    Source: UNICEF Aotearoa NZ

    Statement by heads of OCHA, UNICEF, UNOPS, UNRWA, WFP and WHO
    NEW YORK, AMMAN, COPENHAGEN, GENEVA, ROME, 7 April 2025 – “For over a month, no commercial or humanitarian supplies have entered Gaza.
    “More than 2.1 million people are trapped, bombed and starved again, while, at crossing points, food, medicine, fuel and shelter supplies are piling up, and vital equipment is stuck.
    “Over 1,000 children have reportedly been killed or injured in just the first week after the breakdown of the ceasefire, the highest one-week death toll among children in Gaza in the past year.
    “Just a few days ago, the 25 bakeries supported by the World Food Programme during the ceasefire had to close due to flour and cooking gas shortages.
    “The partially functional health system is overwhelmed. Essential medical and trauma supplies are rapidly running out, threatening to reverse hard-won progress in keeping the health system operational.
    “The latest ceasefire allowed us to achieve in 60 days what bombs, obstruction and lootings prevented us from doing in 470 days of war: life-saving supplies reaching nearly every part of Gaza.
    “While this offered a short respite, assertions that there is now enough food to feed all Palestinians in Gaza are far from the reality on the ground, and commodities are running extremely low.
    “We are witnessing acts of war in Gaza that show an utter disregard for human life.
    “New Israeli displacement orders have forced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to flee yet again, with no safe place to go.
    “No one is safe. At least 408 humanitarian workers, including over 280 from UNRWA, have been killed since October 2023.
    “With the tightened Israeli blockade on Gaza now in its second month, we appeal to world leaders to act – firmly, urgently and decisively – to ensure the basic principles of international humanitarian law are upheld.
    “Protect civilians. Facilitate aid. Release hostages. Renew a ceasefire.”
    Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator
    Catherine Russell, Executive Director, UNICEF
    Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director, UNOPS
    Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General, UNRWA
    Cindy McCain, Executive Director, WFP
    Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO
    Notes:
    Multimedia materials available here: https://weshare.unicef.org/Package/2AM4080FDL1J
    About UNICEF
    UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged children and in the toughest places to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Global: Recorded executions highest since 2015 – Amnesty International

    Source: Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand

    Global: Recorded executions hit their highest figure since 2015
    – Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia responsible for 91% of executions
    – States weaponizing death penalty against protesters and ethnic groups
    – Rise in drug-related executions in violation of human rights
    Global executions hit their highest figure since 2015, as over 1,500 people were executed across 15 countries in 2024, said Amnesty International today as it released its annual report on the global use of the death penalty.
    According to the report, Death Sentences and Executions 2024 , 1,518 executions were recorded in 2024 – the highest number since 2015 (at least 1,634) – with the majority in the Middle East. However, for the second year in a row, countries carrying out executions remained at the lowest point on record.
    The known totals do not include the thousands of people believed to have been executed in China, which remains the world’s lead executioner, as well as North Korea and Viet Nam which are also believed to resort to the death penalty extensively. Ongoing crises in Palestine (State of) and Syria meant that Amnesty International could not confirm a figure.
    Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia were responsible for the overall rise in known executions. In total, the trio accounted for a staggering 1,380 recorded executions. Iraq almost quadrupled its executions (from at least 16 to at least 63) and Saudi Arabia doubled its yearly total (from 172 to at least 345), while Iran executed 119 more individuals than last year (from at least 853 to at least 972) – accounting for 64% of all known executions.
    “The death penalty is an abhorrent practice with no place in today’s world. While secrecy continued to shroud scrutiny in some countries that we believe are responsible for thousands of executions, it’s evident that states that retain the death penalty are an isolated minority. With just 15 countries carrying out executions in 2024, the lowest number on record for the second consecutive year, this signals a move away from this cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment,” said Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.
    “Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia were responsible for the sharp spike in deaths last year, carrying out over 91% of known executions, violating human rights and callously taking people’s lives for drug-related and terrorism charges.”
    The five countries with the highest number of recorded executions in 2024 were China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Yemen.
    Authorities weaponizing death penalty
    Throughout 2024, Amnesty International witnessed leaders weaponizing the death penalty under the false pretence that it would improve public safety or to instil fear among the population. In the USA, which has experienced a steady upward trend in executions since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, 25 people were executed (against 24 in 2023). Newly elected President Trump repeatedly invoked the death penalty as a tool to protect people “ from violent rapists, murderers, and monsters“. His dehumanizing remarks promoted a false narrative that the death penalty has a unique deterrent effect on crime.
    In some countries in the Middle East region, death sentences were used to silence human rights defenders, dissidents, protesters, political opponents, and ethnic minorities.
    “Those who dare challenge authorities have faced the most cruel of punishments, particularly in Iran and Saudi Arabia, with the death penalty used to silence those brave enough to speak out,” said Agnès Callamard.
    “In 2024, Iran persisted in their use of the death penalty to punish individuals who had challenged the Islamic Republic establishment during the Woman Life Freedom uprising. Last year saw two of those people – including a youth with a mental disability – executed in connection with the uprising following unfair trials and torture-tainted ‘confessions’, proving how far the authorities are willing to go to tighten their grip on power.”
    Saudi authorities continued to weaponize the death penalty to silence political dissent and punish nationals from the country’s Shi’a minority who supported “anti-government” protests between 2011 and 2013. In August, the authorities executed Abdulmajeed al-Nimr for terrorism-related offences related to joining Al-Qaeda, despite initial court documents referring to his participation in protests.
    The Democratic Republic of Congo announced its intention to resume executions while Burkina Faso’s military authorities announced plans to reintroduce the death penalty for ordinary crimes.
    Rise in executions for drug-related offences
    Over 40% of 2024’s executions were carried out unlawfully for drug-related offences. Under international human rights law and standards, the use of the death penalty must be restricted for the ‘most serious crimes’ – sentencing people to death for drug-related offences does not meet this threshold.
    “Drug-related executions were prevalent in China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and, while no confirmation was possible, likely Viet Nam . In many contexts, sentencing people to death for drug-related offences has been found to disproportionately impact those from disadvantaged backgrounds, while it has no proven effect in reducing drug trafficking,” said Agnès Callamard.
    “Leaders who promote the death penalty for drug-related offences are proposing ineffective and unlawful solutions. States considering introducing capital punishment for drug-related offences, such as the Maldives, Nigeria and Tonga, must be called out and encouraged to put human rights at the centre of their drug policies.”
    The power of campaigning
    Despite a rise in executions, just 15 countries were known to have carried them out – the lowest number on record for the second consecutive year. As of today, 113 countries are fully abolitionist and 145 in total have abolished the death penalty in law or practice.
    In 2024, Zimbabwe signed into law a bill that abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes. For the first time, more than two thirds of all UN member states voted in favour of the tenth General Assembly resolution on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty. Death penalty reforms in Malaysia also led to a reduction by more than 1,000 in the number of people at risk of execution.
    Furthermore, the world witnessed the power of campaigning. Hakamada Iwao – who spent nearly five decades on death row in Japan – was acquitted in September 2024. This has continued into 2025. In March, Rocky Myers – a Black man sentenced to death in Alabama despite serious flaws in the proceedings – was granted clemency following calls from his family and legal team, a former juror, local activists and the international community.
    “When people prioritize campaigning for an end to the death penalty, it really does work,” said Agnès Callamard. “Despite the minority of leaders determined to weaponize the death penalty, the tide is turning. It’s only a matter of time until the world is free from the shadows of the gallows.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Budget: What’s in it for Tuggeranong

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The ACT’s horticulture and mowing teams will receive a funding boost.

    2024-25 ACT Budget snapshot – Tuggeranong

    • The duplication of Athllon Drive
    • More housing for Tuggeranong
    • Upgraded community facilities
    • More funding for mowing and horticulture

    With the ACT’s population set to reach 500,000 people by the end of 2027, the 2024-25 ACT Budget is funding the services and infrastructure this growing city needs.

    Through this year’s Budget, the ACT Government is delivering more public health services, providing cost of living relief for those who need it most, and improving housing choice, access and affordability.

    Some of the projects funded in Tuggeranong include:

    The duplication of Athllon Drive

    Work to duplicate part of Athllon Drive in Tuggeranong is set to start in the coming months.

    The ACT Government will invest in the project through the 2024–25 ACT Budget, as part of a 50:50 funding agreement with the Australian Government.

    The project will see the duplication of 2.4 kilometres of Athllon Drive between Sulwood Drive and Drakeford Drive in Tuggeranong.

    This Budget will also fund improvements to Sulwood Drive, including a new four-kilometre long and three-metre-wide off-road asphalt shared path.

    More housing for Tuggeranong

    The ACT Government’s Indicative Land Release Program for 2024–25 to 2028–29 will help cater to the ACT’s growing population.

    As part of the program, 150 new homes are planned for Tuggeranong.

    New and upgraded community facilities

    The 2024-25 ACT Budget will support new and upgraded community facilities and infrastructure across the city.

    This includes funding for:

    • the provision of sportsground lighting at Gordon District Playing Fields
    • the construction of the new southside hydrotherapy pool next to the Tuggeranong Lakeside Leisure Centre
    • improving safety and infrastructure at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and the adjacent Woods Reserve/Gibraltar Falls precinct
    • Tuggeranong foreshore improvements
    • improving local shops at Calwell Group Centre, Lanyon Marketplace and the Monash commercial area
    • the development of a new ice sports facility
    • upgrades to Tuggeranong Arts Centre Theatre and Lanyon Homestead.

    The Government will also respond to community feedback regarding resources at ACT libraries. There will be new portable phone chargers and more power boards and charging stations, in addition to improving building security.

    More funding for mowing and horticulture

    The combination of unpredictable weather and a growing city have increased demands on those taking care of Canberra’s grass, trees, weeds and gardens.

    Funding for 10 full-time positions and eight additional mowers to deliver an expanded baseline capacity in our mowing teams.

    In the low season, mowing crews will assist with horticultural work across the city, including weeding, road edging and maintenance.

    More health services

    The 2024–25 ACT Budget is investing in health programs and infrastructure for Tuggeranong.

    This includes investing in the Canberra Hospital and a new pathology and clinical support building on the campus.

    Support for education

    The region will benefit from a new suite of system-wide literacy and numeracy initiatives, called Strong Foundations, being rolled out across ACT public schools. The program will ensure all students have access to consistent, high-quality literacy and numeracy education.

    There will also be a range of school upgrades across Canberra as part of the ACT Government’s annual Asset Renewal Program.

    This Budget also includes funding for:

    • roof upgrades at Calwell Primary School
    • improvements at the Calwell, Fadden, Gordon, Monash and Theodore Primary Schools
    • the enhancement of collaborative teaching spaces at Lake Tuggeranong College.

    Find out what else has been funded as part of the 2024-25 ACT Budget by clicking here.

    Work to duplicate part of Athllon Drive in Tuggeranong is set to start in the coming months.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Budget: What’s in it for Gungahlin

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Paths will be improved across the Gungahlin region.

    2024–25 ACT Budget snapshot – Gungahlin

    • A new North Gungahlin Health Centre
    • More community facilities for the region
    • Road upgrades across Gungahlin
    • Path improvements
    • More housing for Gungahlin

    With the ACT’s population set to reach 500,000 people by the end of 2027, the 2024–25 ACT Budget is funding the services and infrastructure this growing city needs.

    Through this year’s Budget, the ACT Government is delivering more public health services, providing cost of living relief for those who need it most, and improving housing choice, access and affordability.

    Some of the projects funded in Gungahlin include:

    The new North Gungahlin Health Centre

    The 2024–25 ACT Budget will include funding for the design and construction of a new health centre in North Gungahlin.

    The North Gungahlin Health Centre will be built on Kingsland Parade in Casey, conveniently close to the shopping centre and other facilities.

    The centre will provide more free health services closer to where people need them, with easier access to preventative health services and treatment for chronic disease.

    More community facilities

    The ACT Government is currently working through additional community uses for the remaining blocks on the 2.4-hectare site in Casey.

    This includes:

    • an indoor sports facility to provide local residents, sporting groups and organisations with access to better amenities
    • a new ACTAS Ambulance and Fire Station, which will enhance response times to emergency incidents as the Gungahlin community grows.

    The Government has already committed to a study on traffic and transport improvements surrounding the Casey Group Centre.

    The 2024–25 ACT Budget will also support:

    • design and construction of a Gungahlin Community Centre
    • Yerrabi District Park upgrades
    • upgrades to the Joint Emergency Services Centre
    • planning and design for a new combined emergency services site in Casey
    • a new community tennis facility in Gungahlin in partnership with Tennis Australia and Tennis ACT.

    Road upgrades across Gungahlin

    The Government will undertake planning for priority road works in the Gungahlin District identified from the Gungahlin Transport Plan.

    This includes possible road widening and intersection upgrades to deliver more efficient and sustainable transport modes to manage traffic growth and to improve safety and travel times.

    This initiative will be jointly funded through the National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure with the Commonwealth Government.

    Path improvements throughout the region

    Funding received through the 2024–25 ACT Budget will see improvements made to paths across the Gungahlin.

    Walkers, cyclists and those riding scooters can expect to see better line marking, completed missing links and more lighting as they exercise or head to and from work.

    More housing for Gungahlin

    The ACT Government’s Indicative Land Release Program for 2024–25 to 2028–29 will help cater to the ACT’s growing population.

    As part of the program, 3,045 new homes are planned for the Gungahlin region.

    More funding for mowing and horticulture

    The combination of unpredictable weather and a growing city have increased demands on those taking care of Canberra’s grass, trees, weeds and gardens.

    The Budget includes funding for 10 full-time positions and eight additional mowers to deliver an expanded baseline capacity in our mowing teams.

    In the low season, mowing crews will assist with horticultural work across the city, including weeding, road edging and maintenance.

    Support for education

    The region will benefit from a new suite of system-wide literacy and numeracy initiatives, called Strong Foundations, being rolled out across ACT public schools. The program will ensure all students have access to consistent, high-quality literacy and numeracy education.

    The Budget will also include funding to:

    • deliver a second college for Gungahlin
    • expand Margaret Hendry Primary School
    • the development of Agnes Shea High School in Taylor, which will cater to up to 800 students.

    There will also be a range of school upgrades across Canberra as part of the ACT Government’s annual Asset Renewal Program.

    Find out what else has been funded as part of the 2024-25 ACT Budget by clicking here.

    3,045 new homes are planned for the Gungahlin region.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: The City’s inaugural forum on heritage for future generations

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Innovative technology to document heritage for future generations will be among the topics presented at a public forum on Thursday May 8 as part of the National Trust’s Australian Heritage Festival.

    From Pick to Pixel: Unearthing Bendigo’s Tech Heritage is a City of Greater Bendigo hosted public forum, organised by community members from the Heritage Advisory Committee. This forum merges the topics of technology and tradition to explore how innovation keeps heritage alive.

    The event will be held at Dja Dja Wurrung’s stunning new cultural venue, Larnangurrak – Dja Dja Wurrung Corporate & Community Centre in Golden Square. Arrival and registration is at 5.30pm with the forum starting at 6pm until 8.30pm.

    Manager Strategic Planning Anthony Petherbridge said the forum was free and open to residents, businesses and visitors with a keen interest in heritage and its place in the 21st century in Greater Bendigo.

    “The forum has been designed to be fast paced, featuring short presentations from local experts about the new technology being used to help preserve Greater Bendigo’s heritage, combining heritage and sustainability, and the addition of the Victorian Goldfields to Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List,” Mr Petherbridge said.

    “This forum offers a rare opportunity for discovery, discussion, and connection. Whether you are passionate about heritage and history, fascinated by technology, or simply curious, this event promises to inspire and engage.”

    The forum will include:

    • 3D laser scanning and digital tools helping to document and preserve Bendigo’s heritage
    • How heritage inspires new generations and enriches communities
    • Updates on the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Listing

    To register for the forum, head to:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Here’s who topped the rankings in this year’s scorecard for sustainable chocolate – and which confectionery giant refused to participate

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Perkiss, Associate professor in accounting, University of Wollongong

    Jiri Hera/Shutterstock

    With the Easter weekend now around the corner, the sixth edition of the Global Chocolate Scorecard has just been released.

    This is an annual initiative produced by Be Slavery Free, in collaboration with two Australian universities and a wide range of consultants and sustainability interest groups.

    It ranks companies across the entire chocolate sector – from major multinational producers through to retailers – on a wide range of sustainability policies and practices.

    This year, there have been some improvements across the board.

    Transparency has increased, with 82% of companies now fully disclosing child labour data, up from 45% in 2023. The data reported also shows the discovery of child labour is down in the sector.

    On other measures, the sector is less commendable. Deforestation is still high, with more than a third of cocoa bought by companies coming from deforested or unknown sources.

    Companies reported that 84% of cocoa farmers in their supply chain are not earning a living income – or their income is unknown. And there hasn’t been enough progress on the use of pesticides to address the chronic exposure of communities to harmful chemicals.

    Chocolate’s annual scorecard

    The Global Chocolate Scorecard evaluates and ranks chocolate traders, manufacturers, brands and retailers.

    The Global Chocolate Scorecard is released every year around Easter time.
    New Africa/Shutterstock

    This year, 60 companies from around the world were invited to participate. Collectively, these companies purchase more than 90% of the world’s cocoa.

    Companies are categorised as either large, small (less than 1,000 tons of cocoa) or retailers. They’re evaluated based on a range of policies and practices.

    These include:

    • traceability and transparency levels across supply chains
    • whether they pay farmers a living income
    • efforts to prevent the use of child labour
    • action on climate and deforestation
    • how they support agroforestry
    • efforts to eliminate the use of harmful pesticides.

    Top of the class

    Awards were given out this year to the best and the worst performers – a “Good Egg” award in each category, a gender award, and a “Bad Egg” award overall.

    This year, Tony’s Chocolonely won the Good Egg award in the large company category. It scored the highest against the six markers, representing the most sustainable chocolate company according to the scorecard.

    The Gender award went to Mars Wrigley – which produces Mars, Snickers, Twix and Malteasers – recognising the company for work supporting gender equality.

    The Good Egg award for smaller companies went to US chocolate manufacturer Beyond Good. Beyond Good buys beans directly from farmers in Madagascar and Uganda, ensuring traceability and fair trade practices.

    Unlike indirect sourcing in the cocoa commodity supply chain, Beyond Good’s direct trade model means the company buys cocoa direct from the farmers. Bypassing intermediaries enables better transparency and supply chain relationships.

    Companies reported 84% of cocoa farmers either weren’t earning a living income, or their income was unknown.
    Narong Khueankaew/Shutterstock

    The ‘bad egg’ award

    This year, multinational chocolate manufacturer Mondelēz, producers of Cadbury, Toblerone, Green & Black’s, Oreo and Daim, was given the “Bad Egg” award.

    The award recognises the company’s decision not to participate in this year’s chocolate scorecard process, indicating of a lack of transparency and public accountability.

    Mondelēz did participate in the last (fifth) edition, ranking 25th out of 38 large companies. The company has not provided a reason for not participating this year. However, it is an outlier, as all other large chocolate companies participated.

    Another notable absence from this year’s scorecard was major Australian retailer Coles, which has participated in the past.

    Transparency allows consumers to find out what steps companies are taking to improve sustainability in their supply chains.
    New Africa/Shutterstock

    The understanding that businesses have a responsibility to be accountable to their consumers is not new. It encompasses aspects of corporate social responsibility – compliance, ethical and sustainable practices, and transparency.

    To be transparent, companies need to be open and honest about how their products are made, how their prices are set and what policies they follow.

    A sector in turmoil

    The global chocolate sector is facing some serious challenges. About 75% of the world’s cocoa is produced in West Africa.

    Cocoa prices surged to record highs in 2024. Many major chocolate companies increased their prices as a result.

    Despite the price of chocolate rising, these increases are often not passed on, leaving many cocoa farmers in extreme poverty. This is in addition to struggling with the impacts of climate change.

    New uncertainty for producers are only set to worsen in the wake of the Trump administration’s dismantling of USAID and International Labour Affairs Bureau programs. Such cuts ending projects for health, humans rights and monitoring risk reversing the much celebrated progress on reducing child labour in chocolate supply chains.

    Stephanie Perkiss is part of the Chocolate Scorecard’s Data Integrity & Ethics and Research team.

    – ref. Here’s who topped the rankings in this year’s scorecard for sustainable chocolate – and which confectionery giant refused to participate – https://theconversation.com/heres-who-topped-the-rankings-in-this-years-scorecard-for-sustainable-chocolate-and-which-confectionery-giant-refused-to-participate-253933

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Four-month Kaikōura pāua season starts 1 May

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Kaikōura pāua fishery will open to recreational pāua-gathering for a four-month season from 1 May, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

    “I’m very pleased to be able to open this treasured fishery for a longer season this year, which is possible due to the continuing recovery of the pāua stock.

    “This recovery is thanks to careful management, and the ongoing commitment by Kaikōura locals to their fishery.”

    The season will run until 31 August and, subject to ongoing discussion with the Kaikōura Marine Guardians, iwi, and the community, these dates will also apply for future seasons, giving people certainty about when the fishery will be open. 

    “The Kaikōura pāua population was heavily impacted by the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake, which caused significant damage to pāua habitat along the coastline,” Mr Jones says.

    “We have made major strides in the recovery of the pāua stock, and I’m committed to ensuring this continues, which is why I decided to increase the minimum legal size for recreationally caught pāua. 

    “The new size limit means people can take pāua only if they are 130mm or bigger. This will help improve the population by providing more time for pāua to spawn. This also aligns with a higher size limit implemented by commercial fishers.”

    The daily bag limit is three pāua per species from Marfells Beach to Conway River with a minimum size of 130mm for blackfoot pāua and 80mm for yellowfoot pāua. When gathering over multiple days, there is a maximum accumulation of two daily limits.

    Some areas remain closed including the Hikurangi marine reserve, Waiopuka (Wakatu Quay) rāhui, three mātaitai, and a taiāpure. The Oaro-Haumuri Taiāpure will be open for the season but has lower daily limits and a bigger minimum size.

    Fishery Officers will be checking catch to make sure all fishers are following the rules. More information can be found on MPI’s website.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Farmer banned from owning farm animals for 2 years, placed on 6 months community detention over lack of food and welfare for sheep

    Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

    A Woodville farmer has been banned from owning or being in charge of farm animals and placed on 6 months community detention over a lack of food and welfare that led to 55 sheep being euthanised and others suffering.

    Noel Thomas Cunningham (64) was sentenced (7 April 2025) in the Palmerston North District on 3 charges he pleaded guilty to under the Animal Welfare Act, following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries.

    “When animal welfare inspectors visited the farm, they found infrastructure including fencing and water reticulation, particularly on the 40-hectare sheep block, showed maintenance and management had been lacking for some time. Most of the sheep fences were not stock proof and pasture was tired and indicative of poor grazing management.  An open fronted shed containing multiple sheep carcasses, along with shallow graves in an adjacent paddock indicated a history of poor care and management of the sheep,” says MPI manager animal welfare and NAIT compliance central, Gray Harrison.

    “Many of the existing sheep were underweight and displaying signs of lice infestation, and some had to be euthanised to prevent further stress and suffering.

    “This level of neglect is unacceptable. When we find evidence of it, we will take action.”

    An MPI animal welfare inspector and 2 veterinarians inspected a total of 322 animals. They found 25 recently dead sheep and a number of dead newborn lambs. 55 sheep had to be euthanised because they were so thin and affected by parasites. 90 ewes that were also very thin were not euthanised because it would have compromised the health of their lambs, and the welfare needs of 179 other sheep were not being met.

    “Mr Cunningham was an experienced farmer, yet we found no evidence of sheep management or routine husbandry being carried out. Some of the sheep that died were found near water courses, stuck in mud and at various stages of decomposition. Most farmers do the right thing for their animals. Mr Cunningham failed the basics – providing quality feed and good access to water, along with timely care,” says Gray Harrison.

    Animal welfare is everyone’s responsibility and MPI strongly encourages any member of the public who is aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints freephone 0800 00 83 33.

    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 Economics: Samsung Electronics Announces Earnings Guidance for First Quarter 2025

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics today announced its earnings guidance for the first quarter of 2025.
     
    Consolidated Sales: Approximately 79 trillion Korean won
    Consolidated Operating Profit: Approximately 6.6 trillion Korean won
     
    The above estimates are based on K-IFRS. Please note that Korean disclosure regulations do not allow earnings estimates to be offered as a range. To comply with such regulations, the above figures represent the median of the estimate ranges provided below.
     
    Sales: 78 trillion to 80 trillion Korean won
    Operating Profit: 6.5 trillion to 6.7 trillion Korean won
     
    ※  2024 4Q and 2024 1Q consolidated figures based on K-IFRS are as follows

    (in trillion won)

    2024.4Q

    2024.1Q

    Sales
    75.79
    71.92
    Operating profit
    6.49
    6.61

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Open letter to NZME board – don’t allow alt-right Canadian billionaire to take over NZ’s Fourth Estate

    NZME directors ‘have concerns’ about businessman Jim Grenon taking editorial control

    NZME’s directors have fired their own shots in the war for control of the media company, saying they have concerns about a takeover bid including the risk of businessman Jim Grenon taking editorial control.

    In a statement to the NZX, the board said it was delaying its annual shareholders meeting until June and opening up nominations of other directors.

    NZME . . . RNZ report on NZME’s directors “firing their own shots in the war for control of the media company”.

    Grenon, a New Zealand resident since 2012, bought a 9.3 percent stake in NZME for just over $9 million early in March.

    NZME is publisher of a number of newspapers, including The New Zealand Herald, as well as operating radio stations and property platform OneRoof.

    Within days of taking the stake, Grenon had written to the company’s board proposing that most of its current directors be replaced with new ones, including himself, and said the performance of the company had been disappointing and he was wanted to improve the editorial content.

    NZME has now told the stockmarket it had concerns whether Grenon’s proposals were in the best interests of the company and shareholders. — RNZ News

    Dear NZME Board,

    I was once a columnist for The New Zealand Herald, but I’m too left wing for your stable of acceptable opinions and now just run award-winning political podcasts instead.

    The Daily Blog editor and publisher Martyn “Bomber” Bradbury. Image: TDB screenshot APR

    Normally as board members of a financialised media company in late stage capitalism with collapsing revenue thanks to social media, you don’t generally have to consider the actual well being of our democracy.

    Let me be as clear as I can to you all.

    You hold in your hands the fate of Fourth Estate journalism and ultimately the democracy of New Zealand itself.

    As the largest Fourth Estate platforms in the country, your obligations go well beyond just shareholder profit.

    Alt-right billionaire Jim Grenon has in my view been extremely disingenuous.

    The manner in which NZME has been sold as underperforming so that the promise of a quick buck from OneRoof seems the focus point is made more questionable because I suspect Grenon’s true desire here is editorial control of NZME.

    His relationship with a far-right culture war hate blog that promotes anti-Māori, anti-trans, anti-vaccine, climate denial editorial copy alongside his support for culture war influencers suggest a radicalised view of the world which he intends to implement if he gains control.

    Look.

    NZME is right wing enough, your first editorial in The New Zealand Herald was calling for white people to start war with Māori, Mike Hosking is the epitome of right wing commentary and the less said about Heather Du Plessis Allan, the better, but all of you acknowledge that 2 + 2 = 4.

    Alt-Right billionaires don’t admit that.

    Alt-right billionaires tend to lean into divisive culture war rhetoric and are happy to promote 2 + 2 = whatever I say it is.

    You cannot allow alt-right billionaires with radicalised culture war beliefs take over the largest media platforms in the country.

    This moment demands more than dollars and cents, it requires a strong defence of independent editorial content, even when that editorial content is right wing.

    The NZ Herald, Heather and Mike are without doubt right wingers, but they are right wingers who pitch their argument within the realms of the real and factual.

    Alt-right billionaires do not do that.

    If NZME is taken over and the editorial direction takes a hard right culture war turn, you will be dooming NZ democracy and planing us on a highway to hell.

    You must, you must, you must stand against this attack on editorial independence.

    Republished from The Daily Blog with permission.

    Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: This Easter, check out which chocolate brands are most ethical

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Perkiss, Associate professor in accounting, University of Wollongong

    Jiri Hera/Shutterstock

    With the Easter weekend now around the corner, the sixth edition of the Global Chocolate Scorecard has just been released.

    This is an annual initiative produced by Be Slavery Free, in collaboration with two Australian universities and a wide range of consultants and sustainability interest groups.

    It ranks companies across the entire chocolate sector – from major multinational producers through to retailers – on a wide range of sustainability policies and practices.

    This year, there have been some improvements across the board.

    Transparency has increased, with 82% of companies now fully disclosing child labour data, up from 45% in 2023. The data reported also shows the discovery of child labour is down in the sector.

    On other measures, the sector is less commendable. Deforestation is still high, with more than a third of cocoa bought by companies coming from deforested or unknown sources.

    Companies reported that 84% of cocoa farmers in their supply chain are not earning a living income – or their income is unknown. And there hasn’t been enough progress on the use of pesticides to address the chronic exposure of communities to harmful chemicals.

    Chocolate’s annual scorecard

    The Global Chocolate Scorecard evaluates and ranks chocolate traders, manufacturers, brands and retailers.

    The Global Chocolate Scorecard is released every year around Easter time.
    New Africa/Shutterstock

    This year, 60 companies from around the world were invited to participate. Collectively, these companies purchase more than 90% of the world’s cocoa.

    Companies are categorised as either large, small (less than 1,000 tons of cocoa) or retailers. They’re evaluated based on a range of policies and practices.

    These include:

    • traceability and transparency levels across supply chains
    • whether they pay farmers a living income
    • efforts to prevent the use of child labour
    • action on climate and deforestation
    • how they support agroforestry
    • efforts to eliminate the use of harmful pesticides.

    Top of the class

    Awards were given out this year to the best and the worst performers – a “Good Egg” award in each category, a gender award, and a “Bad Egg” award overall.

    This year, Tony’s Chocolonely won the Good Egg award in the large company category. It scored the highest against the six markers, representing the most sustainable chocolate company according to the scorecard.

    The Gender award went to Mars Wrigley – which produces Mars, Snickers, Twix and Malteasers – recognising the company for work supporting gender equality.

    The Good Egg award for smaller companies went to US chocolate manufacturer Beyond Good. Beyond Good buys beans directly from farmers in Madagascar and Uganda, ensuring traceability and fair trade practices.

    Unlike indirect sourcing in the cocoa commodity supply chain, Beyond Good’s direct trade model means the company buys cocoa direct from the farmers. Bypassing intermediaries enables better transparency and supply chain relationships.

    Companies reported 84% of cocoa farmers either weren’t earning a living income, or their income was unknown.
    Narong Khueankaew/Shutterstock

    The ‘bad egg’ award

    This year, multinational chocolate manufacturer Mondelēz, producers of Cadbury, Toblerone, Green & Black’s, Oreo and Daim, was given the “Bad Egg” award.

    The award recognises the company’s decision not to participate in this year’s chocolate scorecard process, indicating of a lack of transparency and public accountability.

    Mondelēz did participate in the last (fifth) edition, ranking 25th out of 38 large companies. The company has not provided a reason for not participating this year. However, it is an outlier, as all other large chocolate companies participated.

    Another notable absence from this year’s scorecard was major Australian retailer Coles, which has participated in the past.

    Transparency allows consumers to find out what steps companies are taking to improve sustainability in their supply chains.
    New Africa/Shutterstock

    The understanding that businesses have a responsibility to be accountable to their consumers is not new. It encompasses aspects of corporate social responsibility – compliance, ethical and sustainable practices, and transparency.

    To be transparent, companies need to be open and honest about how their products are made, how their prices are set and what policies they follow.

    A sector in turmoil

    The global chocolate sector is facing some serious challenges. About 75% of the world’s cocoa is produced in West Africa.

    Cocoa prices surged to record highs in 2024. Many major chocolate companies increased their prices as a result.

    Despite the price of chocolate rising, these increases are often not passed on, leaving many cocoa farmers in extreme poverty. This is in addition to struggling with the impacts of climate change.

    New uncertainty for producers are only set to worsen in the wake of the Trump administration’s dismantling of USAID and International Labour Affairs Bureau programs. Such cuts ending projects for health, humans rights and monitoring risk reversing the much celebrated progress on reducing child labour in chocolate supply chains.

    Stephanie Perkiss is part of the Chocolate Scorecard’s Data Integrity & Ethics and Research team.

    – ref. This Easter, check out which chocolate brands are most ethical – https://theconversation.com/this-easter-check-out-which-chocolate-brands-are-most-ethical-253933

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Qingming holiday spending mirrors China’s robust economic vitality

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Actors in traditional costumes perform for tourists at Zuidongfeng art village in Tancheng County, east China’s Shandong Province, April 6, 2025. China recorded 126 million domestic trips during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday that ended Sunday, a 6.3 percent increase from the previous year, according to data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Monday. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In Liba Village, about 1.5 hours’ drive from downtown Chengdu in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, dozens of steaming hot pot tables dotted the fields, where tourists dined amid a golden sea of yellow blossoms, soaking in the vibrant colors and fragrant spring air.

    “Eating hot pot in such a picturesque setting instantly lifted my mood and left me completely relaxed. Savoring spring with a hot pot feast surrounded by flowers was truly unforgettable,” posted a blogger with the username Doufugui on “RedNote” or Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media platform.

    The blogger is one of millions of Chinese who took advantage of the recent Qingming Festival holiday to revel in the joys of spring. With warmer weather and flowers in full bloom, the holiday sparked a wave of enthusiasm for domestic travel across the country.

    During the three-day holiday, China recorded 126 million domestic trips, a 6.3 percent increase from the previous year, according to data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Monday. Tourism revenue also rose, reaching 57.55 billion yuan (about 8 billion U.S. dollars), marking a 6.7 percent year-on-year increase.

    Data from online travel platforms showed that searches related to flower viewing during the holiday surged by 2.2 times compared to the same period last year, while searches for camping on the e-commerce platform Meituan skyrocketed by 132 percent.

    Chinese train travel, meanwhile, shattered records as more people opted for outdoor getaways. On April 4 alone, China’s railway operator handled 20.09 million passenger trips, the highest single-day figure so far this year.

    The holiday also saw a rise in outbound travel, with many Chinese extending their time off by combining the break with annual leave or weekends.

    According to Tongcheng Travel, hotel bookings on the platform surged during the holiday period, with Japan seeing a 120 percent year-on-year increase in reservations. European destinations like Spain and Britain experienced an even greater spike, with bookings rising by over 300 percent.

    Experts have noted that this year’s Qingming holiday underscores the immense potential in China’s service consumption sector, a key driver of the country’s economic growth.

    “The Qingming holiday has traditionally not been a peak travel season, but the tourism market was notably more vibrant this year,” said Xiao Peng, a researcher at Qunar’s Big Data Research Institute.

    Xiao noted that silver-haired travelers were among those taking trips this holiday, adding a new dimension to the tourism boom.

    For those staying closer to home, the desire for springtime enjoyment was equally evident, with a growing willingness to spend on leisure and recreation.

    “All tables for the festival were booked a week in advance,” said the manager of a hotpot restaurant in Changzhou, located in east China’s Jiangsu Province. In the Ronghui old commercial area of Jinan, eastern Shandong Province, even the outdoor dining areas of cafés and bars were bustling as people enjoyed leisurely experiences.

    The surge in consumer activity, both in tourism and retail, is partly attributable to China’s focus on boosting domestic consumption. The government has placed significant emphasis on consumption as a primary engine for the country’s economy.

    China will “place a stronger economic policy focus on improving living standards and boosting consumer spending,” according to the 2025 government work report. In mid-March, the country released a special action plan outlining key strategies to support consumption.

    During the Qingming holiday, various regions implemented measures such as distributing consumption vouchers and launching promotional activities to further stimulate spending, reinforcing the government’s commitment to boosting domestic demand.

    “China’s consumer market remains resilient, vast in potential, and full of vitality,” said Li Gang, an official with the Ministry of Commerce. “With sustained efforts to expand consumption policies, the domestic market will maintain stable growth.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Urgent amendment aimed at ensuring future of Brindabella Christian College

    Source: Australian National Party

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 08/04/2025

    The ACT Government is taking urgent legislative action to facilitate continuity of education for students of Brindabella Christian College.

    This morning the ACT Government intends to introduce the Education Amendment Bill 2025 (the Bill), as an urgent Bill, which would amend the Education Act 2004 to address an identified issue relating to when a non-government school seeks a change to their registration.

    While this amendment would be important for all non-government schools, the urgency of this Bill is to ensure Brindabella Christian College can continue to operate.

    “As Minister, it is always my preference to keep schools open and operating for students,” Minister for Education and Early Childhood Yvette Berry said.

    “Brindabella Christian Education Limited, the proprietor of Brindabella Christian College, is currently under voluntary administration. Deloitte, the Administrators, have advised the school community that the only option to keep the school open is to transfer the school to a new proprietor.

    “The financial position of the school is such that an urgent transfer is required and the Administrators are progressing the sale of the school as an urgent priority in order to ensure continuity of education for more than 1,000 students.

    “Under the current legislation, the transferring of a school’s registration from one proprietor to another would trigger a 60-day public consultation period.

    “However, the current situation with Brindabella Christian College is such that observing this full 60 day period would likely mean that the school’s finances are exhausted, resulting in closure of the school and a significant negative impact on the students, staff and families of this school community.

    “I have said many times throughout this process that I don’t want to see this school close – that’s why we are taking this action.

    “If passed this amendment would enable me, as Minister, to reduce the 60 day public consultation period when a non-government school requests a change in their registration, when it is reasonably necessary to do so. In the case of Brindabella, this amendment would enable the prompt transfer of the school to a new proprietor with the least impact on school operations.

    “Importantly, the public consultation period could not be waived entirely, and the 60 days remains as the default period of consultation. In extreme circumstances such as this though, the amendment would enable a shortened period, for example when time is critical to prevent the closure of a school. To be very clear, the reduction in consultation could only be considered in circumstances where the non-government school has requested a change to their registration.

    “Without this urgent legislative intervention the future of Brindabella Christian College would be at significant risk. We must take this action now in order to give the best chance of continuity for students, staff, families and the community.”

    – Statement ends –

    Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Review of the Charter of Rights for Victims of Crime commences

    Source: Australian National Party

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 08/04/2025

    Today the ACT Government has launched the public consultation for the review of the ACT’s Charter of Rights for Victims of Crime.

    The Charter is a legislated set of rights for victims of crime in the ACT and commenced on 1 January 2021. The Charter expressly recognises that victims are central to the justice process, and it was introduced to ensure that, in the administration of justice, engagement with victims is governed by victims’ rights.

    The Charter is intended to set the foundation for how victims of crime should be treated by justice agencies and provide victims with a clear picture of their rights in the criminal justice system. The Charter also includes an accountability framework intended to ensure that justice agencies meet their obligations when engaging with victims, as well as providing a mechanism for making complaints where a victim’s rights have not been upheld.

    The legislation that established the Charter includes a requirement for its operation to be reviewed, recognising the importance of ensuring the Charter is effective in achieving its objectives and remains in step with community expectations, while also providing an opportunity to identify and address implementation issues.

    Minister for Human Rights Tara Cheyne said, “At its introduction, the Charter was recognised as the most comprehensive set of legislated rights for victims of crime in Australia. It is timely to review its operation to ensure it is meeting community expectations, and to hear directly from those it is intended to support.”

    A discussion paper has been prepared to facilitate input about the effectiveness of the Charter’s current operation both for victims and the justice agencies that have obligations to uphold victims’ rights under the Charter.

    “Justice agencies, community organisations, and victim-survivors are all encouraged to provide feedback as part of the statutory review.

    “Hearing from justice agencies that regularly interact with and have obligations under the Charter will provide the Government with valuable operational insights and help identify where and how the Charter can be strengthened.

    “Community organisations that work directly with victim-survivors, or that act on their behalf as ‘victim representatives’, are invited to share insights into systemic trends and emerging issues.

    “Victim-survivors who have engaged with the Charter are encouraged to share their experiences and perspectives—either individually or as part of a submission from a justice agency or community organisation.

    “Victim-survivors who may not have engaged with justice agencies or support organisations are also encouraged to provide feedback and strengthen the victim-survivor voice in this review,” said Minister Cheyne.

    The ACT Government welcomes all feedback, which can be submitted through the YourSay Conversations website and will remain open until 20 June 2025.

    Feedback can also be provided via voice message on 02 6207 5044, or by email to justicereformbranch@act.gov.au. Email submissions will close on 20 June 2025.

    A report will be tabled by the ACT Government within 12 months of commencing the review.

    – Statement ends –

    Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –