NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Consumer NZ urges New Zealand to learn from Australia’s supermarket enquiry

    Source: Consumer NZ

    Consumer NZ calls for stronger action in New Zealand following the ACCC supermarket report, particularly on pricing and promotional practices.

    The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC’s) inquiry into the Australian supermarket sector has led to 20 key recommendations aimed at improving competition, pricing transparency and fairness in the supermarket sector. Consumer NZ urges the New Zealand government and regulators to take note.

    “We continue to see significant issues in New Zealand’s supermarket sector. With fewer players in the market, our situation is, in many ways, worse than Australia’s, meaning we need a stronger response to address the issues shoppers face,” says Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy.

    “It’s been more than three years since the Commerce Commission’s market study into the grocery sector in New Zealand, and while we’ve seen some action, including the appointment of a Grocery Commissioner and the introduction of a grocery code of conduct, as yet, there’s been no meaningful improvements for shoppers.

    “The Commission told supermarkets they should sort their pricing and promotional practices, but this feels more like a feather than a stick – with New Zealanders losing tens of millions of dollars to pricing errors annually. Recommendations alone haven’t been effective, and, while the Commission is prosecuting some supermarkets and investigating others, given the low level of fines the courts can impose, further regulation might be the only way forward.”

    Consumer’s Sentiment Tracker survey has revealed that the cost of food and groceries remains a top financial concern for New Zealanders.  

    “The ACCC report points to the need for rigorous reforms, many of which would also benefit New Zealand consumers if they were adopted here.”

    Key recommendations from the ACCC report

    Clearer pricing through regulation of promotional practices including publishing the discounted price, the previous price and unit prices of both

    Notification when shrinkflation occurs on shelves and product webpages

    Transparency regarding supply forecasts, weekly tendering processes and wholesale fresh produce prices between supermarkets and suppliers to promote more favourable terms for suppliers

    A review of loyalty programmes’ value in 3 years to ensure consumer benefits

    Australian state governments adopting measures to address planning and zoning issues to target resource management issues over land banking.

    New Zealand’s Commerce Commission recommendations

    Grocery retailers should ensure their pricing and promotional practices are simple and easy to understand.

    Grocery retailers should cooperate with price comparison services.

    Develop a mandatory grocery code of conduct to govern relationships between grocery retailers and suppliers. (The Commission has since said this code isn’t working as intended.)

    Improve the availability of sites for retail grocery stores under planning laws, with parliament introducing the Commerce (Grocery Sector Covenants) Amendment Act, which prohibits anti-competitive land covenants.  

    The Commission has not recommended a review of loyalty programmes. Instead, it recommended that supermarkets ensure disclosure relating to loyalty programmes, data collection and use practices is clear and transparent.

    Consumer’s own research into supermarket loyalty schemes has shown that 84% of New Zealanders use loyalty cards, but ‘specials’ and discounts don’t always reflect the lowest prices available at the check-out.

    The ACCC report states it took the German multinational discount supermarket chain Aldi more than 20 years to gain its current Australian market share of 9%.

    “We are at a crucial point where more must be done to tackle the structural and systemic issues in our supermarket sector. Consumers are facing persistently high prices, and the ACCC report shows that, without additional regulation, a third entrant in the grocery sector is not the silver bullet it is often presented as,” Duffy says.

    Consumer urges stronger regulation and enforcement to address ongoing concerns around supermarket pricing and market power in New Zealand.

    Notes

    Read the full ACCC supermarket report: https://consumernz.cmail19.com/t/i-l-fddtjdy-ijjdkdttjk-j/

    The report highlights significant market concentration in Australia, with major players Aldi, Coles and Woolworths growing profits beyond some global peers.

    The term ‘recommendations’ refers to a range of potential legislative and policy reforms and other actions. The ACCC believes these measures are necessary to collectively address aspects of markets. There would be three desired outcomes: to improve competition, make a difference for shoppers and give suppliers fairer bargaining conditions.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: University Research – Land water loss the leading cause of sea level rise in 21st century – UoM

    Source: University of Melbourne (UoM)

    An international team of scientists led jointly by the University of Melbourne and Seoul National University has found global water storage of land has plummeted since the start of the 21st century, overtaking glacier melt as the leading cause of sea level rise and measurably shifting the Earth’s pole of rotation.

    Published today in Science, the research combined global soil moisture data estimated by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) Reanalysis v5 (ERA5), global mean sea level measurements and observations of Earth’s pole movement to estimate changes in terrestrial (land) water storage (TWS) from 1979 to 2016.

    “The study raises critical questions about the main drivers of declining water storage on land and whether global lands will continue to become drier,” said University of Melbourne author Professor Dongryeol Ryu.

    “Water constantly cycles between land and oceans, but the current rate of water loss from land is outpacing its replenishment. This is potentially irreversible because it’s unlikely this trend will reverse if global temperatures and evaporative demand continue to rise at their current rates. Without substantial changes in climate patterns, the imbalance in the water cycle is likely to persist, leading to a net loss of water from land to oceans over time.”

    Between 2000 and 2002, soil moisture decreased by around 1614 gigatonnes (1 Gt: one cubic kilometre of water), nearly double Greenland’s ice loss of about 900 Gt in 2002–2006. From 2003 to 2016, soil moisture depletion continued, with an additional 1009 Gt lost.

    Soil moisture had not recovered as of 2021, with little likelihood of recovery under present climate conditions. The authors say this decline is corroborated by independent observations of global mean sea level rise (~4.4mm) and Earth’s polar shift (~45cm in 2003-2012).

    Water loss was most pronounced across East and Central Asia, Central Africa and North and South America. In Australia, the growing depletion has impacted parts of Western Australia and south-eastern Australia, including western Victoria, although the Northern Territory and Queensland saw a small replenishment of soil moisture.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Households relying on Buy Now Pay Later and high interest credit to meet back to school and work costs

    Source: BNZ statements

    The cost of returning to school and work put pressure on households this year, with 70% of those who faced these expenses reporting negative impacts, according to a BNZ survey.

    The survey found that of the 48% of respondents who faced start-of-year expenses in 2025, nearly one in three (29%) reported feeling pressure when deciding what to pay, how to pay, and when to pay. To manage, 37% turned to Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services, credit cards, and other high interest lending.

    “The financial pressure at the start of the year is very real for some households, especially after the holiday period when budgets are already stretched,” says Anna Flower, Executive for Personal and Business Banking at BNZ.

    “For some, these pressures led to difficult sacrifices – 14% of affected households reported selling things to help meet these costs,” she says.

    The biggest start-of-year expenses were stationery (53%), followed by transport (42%), school and work uniforms (42%), and technology-related costs (40%).

    Budget service sees impact on families and seniors

    “The findings from the BNZ survey mirror what we’re seeing on the frontlines,” says Claudette Wilson, General Manager of North Harbour Budgeting Services (NHBS).

    “2025 has been challenging for parents, with many turning to Buy Now Pay Later schemes and other high-interest credit options that can create longer-term financial strain.

    “Perhaps most concerning is seeing children excluded from essential school activities because their parents simply can’t afford them,” Wilson adds.

    “We’re witnessing families forced to choose between paying rent, putting food on the table, or covering basic school costs like technology, books and camp fees. With the ongoing cost of living pressures, some families simply can’t stretch their budgets to cover all these necessities.

    “We’ve also identified a concerning trend that’s often overlooked – a significant increase in seniors over 65 seeking our support because they’re raising grandchildren. These older New Zealanders, who should be enjoying retirement, are instead navigating school uniform purchases and technology requirements, creating substantial financial pressure on fixed incomes.”

    Wilson encourages those feeling financial pressure to reach out for support. “NHBS offers free, confidential financial guidance to anyone struggling with these costs. Our team can help with personalised budgeting solutions, negotiate with creditors if needed, and provide ongoing support as circumstances change.”

    Planning ahead can ease financial pressure

    While the costs can be a significant burden, the survey shows many households are finding ways to manage. Of those with start-of-year expenses, 57% took proactive steps, including 48% saving in advance and 17% spreading payments over time.

    Flower says saving even a small sum each month can make a big difference when new year costs roll around.

    “Putting aside a little each month can ease the financial pressure when these costs come around. Even better, using a dedicated high interest savings account can help these funds grow with interest throughout the year, giving families a bit extra when costs arrive.”

    Practical tips for managing start-of-year costs

    • Plan ahead – If possible, set aside a small amount each month and use high-interest savings accounts to help grow your money
    • Use budgeting tools – use digital budgeting tools to track and categorise back-to-school or work costs to avoid overspending
    • Explore your options – Check with schools about payment plans, second-hand uniform programmes or community exchanges
    • Research tech choices – Ask if there are any special deals available through your child’s school, or consider quality refurbished technology to keep costs down

    Source: BNZ Voice customer panel survey, 18th February – 2nd March 2025. Total responses: n=300 respondents. The profile of participating customers was not controlled for this survey. 

    The post Households relying on Buy Now Pay Later and high interest credit to meet back to school and work costs appeared first on BNZ Debrief.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Frito-Lay Issues Limited Recall for Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips for Undeclared Milk

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    March 26, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    March 27, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & Beverages
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Undeclared milk

    Company Name:
    Frito-Lay
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Tostitos

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips

    Company Announcement
    Frito-Lay today issued a recall of a limited number of 13 oz. bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips that could include nacho cheese tortilla chips, and therefore may contain undeclared milk. Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the recalled product.
    The product included in this recall was distributed to a mix of retailers including grocery, convenience and drug stores, as well as e-commerce distributors, in the following 13 states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Consumers would have been able to purchase these chips as early as March 7, 2025.
    No allergic reactions related to this matter have been reported to date. No other Tostitos products, flavors, sizes or variety packs are recalled.
    Less than 1,300 bags are included in the recall. The recalled product is in a flexible bag, and the specific information is listed below:

    Product
    Description

    Size
    UPC

    Code Date & Manufacturing
    Code

    Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips

    13 oz.
    (368.5
    grams)

    28400 52848

    Must have both
    “Guaranteed Fresh” date of
    20 MAY 2025
    AND
    One of the following Manufacturing Codes
    where “XX” is any number from 30 up to 55:
    471106504
    18 13:XX OR 471106505
    85 13:XX OR 471106506
    85 13:XX
    OR
    471106507
    85 13:XX

    If consumers have an allergy or sensitivity to milk, they should not consume the product and discard it immediately. Frito-Lay has informed the FDA of this action.
    Consumers with the product described above can visit the Frito-Lay Contact Us page here or call 1-800-352-4477 (9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST, Monday-Friday).
    Media Statement from Frito-Lay:
    A limited number of 13 oz. bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips are being recalled as they could include nacho cheese tortilla chips, and therefore may contain an undeclared milk allergen. Less than 1,300 bags of impacted products were for sale in stores in 13 states (Ala., Fla., Ga., Ill., Ind., Ky., Miss., N.C., Ohio, S.C., Tenn., Va., W. Va.) and across digital channels since March 7. Consumers can view the full press release on the Frito-Lay ContactUs page to see if their product is impacted by this recall. Unless a consumer has a dairy allergy or sensitivity to milk, this product is safe to consume.
    Media Contact:
    PepsiCoMediaRelations@PepsiCo.com

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    Frito-Lay
    800-352-4477

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    03/27/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Wintrust Names New Leader for Brand, Engagement, and Impact

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ROSEMONT, Ill., March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wintrust Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: WTFC) today announced Amy Yuhn has been named Executive Vice President for Brand, Engagement, and Impact, a new position that will oversee marketing, corporate communications, and community impact for the company.

    “We are pleased to welcome Amy to Wintrust,” said Tim Crane, President and Chief Executive Officer, Wintrust. “Under Amy’s leadership, we will continue to build our brand, enhance internal and external engagement, and support our community outreach to further our mission to serve our clients, strengthen our communities, and grow our businesses.”

    Yuhn joined Wintrust from CIBC, where she spent 15 years as Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Corporate Communications for CIBC U.S. (formerly The PrivateBank) before most recently serving as Head of CIBC’s U.S. Personal and Community Development Banking Group. She began her career as a journalist with The Associated Press and Reuters and then joined the Corporate Communications team at Harris Bank (now BMO) before moving to The PrivateBank to build its corporate communications and marketing programs.

    “Wintrust is a well-respected company whose focus on client relationships and community engagement is a real differentiator,” Yuhn said. “I look forward to working with the team across Wintrust to show that our different approach drives better results for our clients, our employees, our communities, and our shareholders.”

    Yuhn earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University and her master’s degree in organizational communication at Northwestern University. She serves on the board of the Women’s Business Development Center, where she is chair of the Fundraising Committee.

    About Wintrust
    Wintrust is a financial holding company with $64.9 billion in assets whose common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Guided by its “Different Approach, Better Results®” philosophy, Wintrust offers the sophisticated resources of a large bank while providing a community banking experience to each customer. Wintrust operates more than 200 retail banking locations through 16 community bank subsidiaries in the greater Chicago, southern Wisconsin, west Michigan, northwest Indiana, and southwest Florida market areas. In addition, Wintrust operates various non-bank business units, providing residential mortgage origination, wealth management, commercial and life insurance premium financing, short-term accounts receivable financing/outsourced administrative services to the temporary staffing services industry, and qualified intermediary services for tax-deferred exchanges. For more information, please visit wintrust.com.

    FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Timothy S. Crane, President & Chief Executive Officer
    David A. Dykstra, Vice Chairman & Chief Operating Officer
    (847) 939-9000
    Website address: www.wintrust.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Prestige Wealth Inc. to Change Business Address

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Prestige Wealth Inc. (Nasdaq: PWM) (the “Company” or “Prestige Wealth”), a wealth management and asset management services provider based in Hong Kong, today announced that the Company will change its business address and mailing address to Office Unit 6620B, 66/F, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, effective March 27, 2025.

    The Company believes that the new, easily accessible location provides a conducive environment for the Company to maintain highest standards of excellence and customer satisfaction, enhance operations, and better serve the Company’s valued clients and partners.

    About Prestige Wealth Inc. 

    Prestige Wealth Inc. is a wealth management and asset management services provider based in Hong Kong, assisting its clients in identifying and purchasing well-matched wealth management products and global asset management products. With a focus on quality service, the Company has retained a loyal customer base consisting of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients in Asia. Through the Company’s wealth management service, it introduces clients to customized wealth management products and provides them with tailored value-added services. The Company provides asset management services via investment funds that it manages and also provides discretionary account management services and asset management-related advisory services to clients. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://ir.prestigewm.hk.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions in this prospectus. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: US accounted for 90% of global bank fines imposed in 2024 – Finbold

    Source: Finbold

    Finbold’s 2024 Bank Fines Report found that 57 fines larger than $500,000 were issued to banks worldwide in 2024 due to a wide range of violations for a total penalty sum of $4.5 billion. (ref. https://finbold.com/report/bank-fines-2024 )

    According to Finbold research, anti-money laundering (AML) breaches were the most common violation, and Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD Bank) was forced to pay $3.09 billion over related failures.

    Furthermore, TD Bank’s fine accounted for 68.67% of the amount levied in 2024, while the US regulators collected $4.08 billion—slightly more than 90% of the cumulative global amount.

    UK and Sweden lead Europe trail behind the US

    British and Swedish regulators were responsible for the largest fines outside the US. In the UK, HSBC Bank was penalized with $74.12 million for failing to implement depositor protection, while in Sweden, Klarna Bank AB was compelled to pay $46 million over AML issues.

    Finland, whose fines totaled $35 million, found itself in the fourth stop. The country’s enforcement is also notable for involving Nordea Bank’s failures to prevent money laundering and other criminal activities, as revealed by the 2016 Panama Papers.

    China imposed only $31 million in bank fines in 2024

    Elsewhere, China may be the biggest surprise of the report. Despite boasting the world’s second-biggest economy by nominal gross domestic product (GDP), it was only fourth in the total number of cases, at three, and fifth in the total penalty amount, at $31.22 million.

    As Andreja Stojanovic, a co-author of the research, pointed out:

    “In the US, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insures just over 4,000 such corporations, aligning the American case proportion with the dominance of the country’s banking sector. Despite imposing substantially lower and fewer fines, China is also cited as having more than 4,000 banking institutions.”

    Lastly, the figure for China does not change much for those who prioritize the ‘one country’ over the ‘two systems,’ as there was only one case in Hong Kong, which resulted in a relatively small fine of $510,000.

    Read the full story with statistics here: https://finbold.com/us-accounted-for-90-of-global-bank-fines-imposed-in-2024-finbold-report/

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Business Tech – Quincy Data Launches Transatlantic Signal Feeds

    Source: Quincy Data

    CHICAGO – Quincy Data, the global leader in market data technology, announces new Transatlantic Signal Feeds distributing key CME data in London, Frankfurt, and Mumbai. 

    This data service provides insights into large trade events for key CME futures instruments, ensuring market participants receive critical trading indicators with minimal delay. The Signal Feed latency from CME in Aurora, IL to the Slough-LD4 data center in the UK is 23.x milliseconds one-way, enabling the fastest possible price discovery.

    Quincy Data co-founder Stephane Tyc stated: “Our goal is to provide our subscribers with the fastest possible access to essential market data. Quincy leverages a broad range of advanced wireless technologies to ensure global distribution with the lowest latency.”

    Quincy Data offers three categories of market data services:

    • Snapshot Feeds distribute normalized market data across more than twenty points of presence worldwide;
    • Raw Feeds are optimized for distribution using high-capacity wireless;
    • Signal Feeds provide the fastest means of price discovery to geographically distant markets.

    All Quincy Data services are offered on a level playing field, ensuring equal access to the lowest-latency solutions for all subscribers.

    About Quincy Data

    Quincy Data is the global leader in distributing ultra-low latency market data. The company serves the most sophisticated and successful trading firms active in the global financial markets. Quincy Data has points of presence at major financial centers across North America, Europe, and Asia. Most of Quincy’s services deliver the lowest latency available. Importantly, Quincy offers the best latency for any service on a level-playing field basis to all clients. Learn more at www.quincy-data.com

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Reducing red tape to put patients first

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is reviewing New Zealand’s health workforce legislation to ensure the focus is on putting patients first, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.Reviewing health workforce legislation will consider a number of key matters including: 

    Prioritising patient voices in regulatory decisions.
    Reducing red tape to make healthcare more accessible.
    Making it easier to recognise overseas regulations.
    Driving efficiencies by streamlining regulatory decision making 

    “We are committed to ensuring all New Zealanders can access timely, quality healthcare,” Mr Brown says.“Making our health system more efficient and enabling frontline workers to get on with their jobs will allow it to become more responsive to patient needs.“New Zealand’s current health workforce regulations can be overly bureaucratic, and this is slowing down access to care, increasing costs, and making it harder for patients to get the services they need.“Our regulations can also make it harder to attract, train and retain healthcare workers. Whether it’s requiring nursing students to complete hundreds more clinical hours than those in Australia, complicated approval pathways for overseas qualified doctors to practice in NZ, or imposing rules that prioritise cultural requirements over clinical safety in scopes of practices, our healthcare system is being held back by outdated and unnecessary barriers.”“We also need to better recognise overseas qualifications to speed up access to healthcare for patients. As part of the National-ACT Coalition agreement, we are also considering the establishment of an Occupations Tribunal which would consider appeals about decisions relating to overseas qualifications.“Patients expect to receive care from qualified practitioners, with clinical safety as their top priority. Our proposals will also ensure that patients voices are heard in regulatory decision making, to ensure the needs of patients are considered when decisions are being made by regulatory bodies.  “We are also seeking feedback on how regulatory decisions can be made across all 18 health workforce regulatory bodies to ensure greater consistency. A streamlined system means more frontline staff available to provide care across the country, delivering shorter wait times and better health outcomes for all New Zealanders.”Consultation has today opened on changes to the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act and the Government wants to hear from patients and our healthcare workers on how the regulatory system can better meet the needs of patients.New Zealanders can submit their views on the Putting Patients First: Modernising Health Workforce Regulation document at www.health.govt.nz. Consultation closes on 30 April 2025.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Wildlife Act fix will enable economic growth with animal protection

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Prompt improvements to the Wildlife Act will ensure infrastructure developments and important conservation work can continue supporting our growing economy while protecting our precious wildlife, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.
    The High Court recently decided it was unlawful for the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai to authorise the New Zealand Transport Agency – Waka Kotahi under section 53 of the Wildlife Act to harm protected wildlife species while building the Mt Messenger highway.
    “As permission was also granted under another section of the Act, the court’s decision doesn’t affect this highway’s ongoing construction. It will not affect Fast Track projects either,” Mr Potaka says.
    “However, the decision could delay other projects DOC has given permission for or are still coming through the pipeline under section 53 of the Act – such as building new solar and wind farms, plantation forests, and powerline maintenance that are essential for supporting our growing economy. It also affects other important conservation work, like pest control.
    “The Government intends to promptly change the law to enable these important activities to go ahead lawfully, including the building of houses and roads for example, as they have in the past with safeguards for wildlife. These amendments will provide certainty for existing projects,” Mr Potaka says.
    “While developers are absolutely expected to make the best possible effort to protect our precious wildlife when getting on with their mahi, they should have confidence they won’t be prosecuted if their projects incidentally kill protected wildlife despite having previous authorisation and complying with the conditions set. 
    “It’s important Aotearoa New Zealand’s wildlife continues to be protected and that species can thrive as we support a strong and growing economy. The Government still expects responsible developers to seek permission for the activities they undertake – for example, seeking to relocate animals before doing any construction work – to protect populations and support the ongoing viability of species.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DBEDT NEWS RELEASE: Visitor Spending Increased in February 2025

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DBEDT NEWS RELEASE: Visitor Spending Increased in February 2025

    Posted on Mar 27, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM

    KA ʻOIHANA HOʻOMOHALA PĀʻOIHANA, ʻIMI WAIWAI A HOʻOMĀKAʻIKAʻI

     

    RESEARCH AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS DIVISION

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    JAMES KUNANE TOKIOKA

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

     

    1. EUGENE TIAN

    CHIEF STATE ECONOMIST

     

    VISITOR SPENDING INCREASED IN FEBRUARY 2025

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 27, 2025

     

     

    HONOLULU – According to preliminary statistics from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), there were 240,525 total visitors in Hawai‘i on any given day (average daily census) in February 2025, which was an increase from February 2024 (236,008 visitors, +1.9%), but fewer than pre-pandemic February 2019 (246,741 visitors, -2.5%). Total spending by all visitors in February 2025 measured in nominal dollars was $61.7 million per day, up from February 2024 ($57.1 million per day, +8.0%) and much higher than February 2019 ($49.6 million per day, +24.4%).

    2024 was a leap year and included an extra day in February. To directly compare with February 2025 data, the average daily census was used as a measure of visitor volume and visitor spending and air capacity data were stated on a per day basis, where applicable. Total visitor spending and total visitor arrival are presented in the Glance and Island Highlight tables at the end of this news release.

    Among visitors who came by air service in February 2025, the average daily census of 111,573 U.S. West visitors was an increase from February 2024 (108,614 visitors, +2.7%) and February 2019 (96,870 visitors, +15.2%). In February 2025, U.S. West visitors’ total spending was $28.3 million per day, which was more than February 2024 ($25.1 million per day, +13.1) and February 2019 ($17.8 million per day, +58.8%).

    In February 2025, the average daily census of 69,151 U.S. East visitors was greater than February 2024 (64,408 visitors, +7.4%) and February 2019 (63,462 visitors, +9.0%). U.S. East visitors’ total spending in February 2025 was $19.3 million per day, higher than February 2024 ($16.8 million per day, +14.7%) and February 2019 ($13.3 million per day, +45.1%).

    In February 2025, the average daily census of 9,992 visitors from Japan declined compared to February 2024 (11,691 visitors, -14.5%) and February 2019 (24,408 visitors, -59.1%). Total spending by Japanese visitors in February 2025 was $2.4 million per day, down from February 2024 ($2.8 million per day, -14.1%) and February 2019 ($5.9 million per day, -58.8%).

    In February 2025, the average daily census of 20,686 Canadian visitors decreased from February 2024 (20,977 visitors, -1.4%) and February 2019 (29,741 visitors, -30.4%). Total spending by Canadian visitors in February 2025 was $5.0 million per day, higher than February 2024 ($4.7 million per day, +6.2%), but less than February 2019 ($5.5 million per day, -8.7%).

    In February 2025, the average daily census of 25,841 visitors from all other international markets (including visitors from Oceania, Other Asia, Europe, Latin America, Guam, the Philippines and the Pacific Islands) dropped compared to February 2024 (27,166 visitors, -4.9%) and February 2019 (29,939 visitors, -13.7%).

    Among visitors who came to Hawai‘i by out-of-state cruise ships, the average daily census in February 2025 of 3,283 visitors was more than February 2024 (3,152 visitors, +4.1%) and February 2019 (2,322 visitors, +41.4%).

    In February 2025, there were 4,475 transpacific flights with 994,193 seats that serviced the Hawaiian Islands. This averaged out to 160 flights and 35,507 air seats per day, which was a decrease from February 2024 (161 flights with 36,016 seats per day) and from February 2019 (165 flights with 36,106 seats per day). Fewer flights and seats from Japan, Canada, Korea and Australia to Hawai‘i entirely offset growth in air capacity from the U.S. mainland.

    VIEW FULL NEWS RELEASE AND TABLES

     

    Statement by DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka

     

    For February 2025, average daily visitor spending at $256.40 per visitor was the highest level historically in nominal terms. Though the inflation rate is not available for February, it is likely that the visitor spending is an increase (6% in nominal terms) after adjusting for inflation (January 2025 Honolulu consumer inflation was 4.1%).

    As for Canadian visitor arrivals, DBEDT will continue to closely monitor this market. Canada and Hawai‘i have a longstanding relationship and we are cautiously optimistic that although Canadian travel to the continental U.S. may decrease, it may not mean that Hawai‘i visits will decrease in the same manner. At this time, we do not see flight cancelations from Air Canada or WestJet.

    It is encouraging to see that the number of visitors from the continental U.S. increased this February at 1.2 percent higher than last February even though last year was a leap year. Compared with pre-pandemic February 2019, U.S. visitor arrivals increased by 16.6 percent. It is expected that the U.S. East market will perform better this year.

    # # #

     

     

    Media Contacts:

     

    Laci Goshi 

    Communications Officer

    Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

    Cell: 808-518-5480

    Email: [email protected]

     

    Jennifer Chun

    Director of Tourism Research

    Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

    Phone: 808-973-9446

    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DCCA NEWS RELEASE: DCCA ISSUES CONSUMER ALERT ON 23ANDME BANKRUPTCY AND CONSUMER RIGHTS TO PROTECT GENETIC DATA

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DCCA NEWS RELEASE: DCCA ISSUES CONSUMER ALERT ON 23ANDME BANKRUPTCY AND CONSUMER RIGHTS TO PROTECT GENETIC DATA

    Posted on Mar 27, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

    KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

    OFFICE OF CONSUMER PROTECTION

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    NADINE Y. ANDO

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

    MANA MORIARTY

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR    

         DCCA ISSUES CONSUMER ALERT ON 23ANDME BANKRUPTCY AND CONSUMER RIGHTS TO PROTECT GENETIC DATA

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 27, 2025

    HONOLULU — The state of Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is issuing a consumer alert regarding the recent bankruptcy filing of the company 23andMe. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection advises Hawai‘i consumers to manage their sensitive information carefully and offers guidance on how to delete or control access to their genetic information stored with the company.

     

    23andMe, a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company, announced its bankruptcy filing on March 23, 2025. In its press release, the company stated it intends to “commence a process to sell substantially all of its assets,” while continuing to operate “in the ordinary course throughout the sale process.” Currently, the company has stated there are no planned changes to how it stores, manages, or protects customer data. However, the bankruptcy raises the risk that 23andMe may attempt to sell customers’ genetic data and other private information as part of the bankruptcy proceedings.

    Hawai‘i consumers should be aware of the procedures to delete or withdraw consent for the use of their genetic data. Those who wish to delete their genetic data from 23andMe or revoke permission for their DNA samples to be used in research can follow these simple steps:

    How to Delete Genetic Data from 23andMe:

    1. Sign in to your 23andMe account at www.23andme.com.
    2. Navigate to the “Settings” section of your profile.
    3. Scroll down to the “23andMe Data” section at the bottom of the page.
    4. Click “View” next to the “23andMe Data” heading.
    5. If you would like to keep a copy of your genetic data, download your data before continuing.
    6. Locate the option to delete your data.
    7. Select “Permanently Delete Data.”
    8. Check your email for a confirmation link and follow the instructions to complete the deletion process.

     

    How to Destroy Your 23andMe Test Sample:

    If you allowed 23andMe to store your saliva sample and DNA but now wish to opt out, you can update your preferences on your account page under the “Preferences” section.

     

    How to Revoke Permission for Your Genetic Data to be Used in Research:

    If you previously consented to allowing 23andMe and third-party researchers to use your genetic data for research purposes, you can withdraw your consent by visiting the “Research and Product Consents” section of your account settings.

    “Consumers can demand the removal and destruction of their genetic data from 23andMe,” stated OCP Executive Director Mana Moriarty. “The Office of Consumer Protection encourages all 23andMe customers to take action to safeguard their sensitive data against misuse or unauthorized exposure, which can lead to severe consequences such as identity theft and compromised privacy.”

    By taking these actions, Hawai‘i consumers can take control of their genetic information and better protect their privacy. The DCCA is committed to ensuring the safety and privacy of Hawai‘i residents and will continue to monitor this issue.

    For more information on Hawai‘i consumer protection laws and issues, please visit the official DCCA website at https://hdcca.hawaii.gov/s/.

    ###

    Media Contact:

    Communications Office
    Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

    Phone: 808-586-2760
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor — News Release — Governor Green Makes Key Announcements for Water Resource Management and the Judiciary

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor — News Release — Governor Green Makes Key Announcements for Water Resource Management and the Judiciary

    Posted on Mar 27, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI 
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 

    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA 

    GOVERNOR GREEN MAKES KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND THE JUDICIARY

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 27, 2025

    HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., has appointed Hannah Kihalani Springer to the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM), effective immediately.

    Springer will serve through June 30, 2028, pending confirmation by the Hawaiʻi State Senate. She has been appointed to the Loea seat on the commission, which is reserved for a member with substantial experience or expertise in traditional Hawaiian water resource management techniques and in traditional Hawaiian riparian usage.

    A kamaʻāina of Kaʻūpūlehu in North Kona, Springer has served on numerous advisory councils, nonprofit boards and state commissions focused on environmental protection, cultural heritage and community-based resource management. She previously served as a member of both the Hawaiʻi County Planning Commission and the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission, as well as the Board of Trustees for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Her leadership spans organizations such as the Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests, Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo and the Kaʻūpūlehu Marine Life Advisory Committee. Through her work, Springer has championed the integration of traditional knowledge and community voices into decisions affecting Hawaiʻi’s land and water.

    “Hannah Springer’s lifelong commitment to ʻāina stewardship, cultural wisdom and public service makes her an invaluable addition to the Commission on Water Resource Management,” said Governor Green. “Her perspective will help ensure that our approach to managing water resources reflects the values and priorities of Hawaiʻi’s people and places. I am proud to appoint her to this important role.”

    Springer expressed humility and enthusiasm upon learning of the appointment. “If confirmed, I look forward to bringing the sensibility of a kamaʻāina of a water-scarce and fire-prone region, to the work of the commission,” she said.

    In his newest Judicial selection, Governor Green has nominated Kauanoe A. D. Jackson to serve as a Circuit Court Judge in the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit (island of Hawaiʻi) for a term of 10 years, in accordance with Article VI, Section 3 of the Hawaiʻi State Constitution. The nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.

    Jackson currently serves as the Supervising Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the Hawaiʻi County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney – West Hawaiʻi office, where she oversees felony prosecutions, supervises attorneys and staff and contributes to administrative leadership. Since joining the office in 2007, she has served in progressively senior roles, including as Circuit Court Co-Supervising Deputy and as a lead prosecutor in several high-profile felony trials. Her 18-year legal career also includes specialized assignments in narcotics and traffic safety, reflecting both breadth and depth in criminal law.

    “Kauanoe Jackson’s extensive courtroom experience, steady leadership and unwavering commitment to public safety and justice make her exceptionally qualified to serve on the bench,” said Governor Green. “Her deep understanding of Hawaiʻi Island’s communities and legal landscape will be a tremendous asset to the Third Circuit.”

    “I am deeply honored by Governor Green’s nomination and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our community in this new capacity. I look forward to upholding justice with fairness, integrity and a steadfast commitment to the people of Hawai‘i Island.”

    A photo of CWRM Loea appointee Springer can be found here.
    A photo of Judicial nominee Jackson can be found here.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:   
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Office: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected]

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Steve Waugh appointed to Centre for Australia-India Relations Advisory Board

    Source: Australia’s climate in 2024: 2nd warmest and 8th wettest year on record

    I am pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Waugh AO to the Centre for Australia-India Relations Advisory Board.

    The Centre works across government, industry, academia and the community to build greater understanding within the Australia-India relationship and encourage business to seize the opportunities of our economic partnership.

    The Advisory Board helps set the strategic priorities for the Centre’s programs and activities, supporting partnerships in business, the arts, education, health, science, technology and sport.

    Mr Waugh is a former Australian men’s cricket captain and has long been a champion of strengthening ties between Australia and India. He has made significant philanthropic contributions over the past 20 years through the Steve Waugh Foundation. Mr Waugh has also recently published a photography book on India titled, ‘The Spirit of Cricket: India’.

    I would like to thank outgoing board member Adam Gilchrist AM for his valuable contribution to the Centre since its establishment, and to the broader relationship with India. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Additional humanitarian support for Gaza, Myanmar and Afghan women and girls

    Source: Australia’s climate in 2024: 2nd warmest and 8th wettest year on record

    Australia will provide a further $11 million in lifesaving humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza, and an additional $15 million in critical support for people affected by humanitarian crises in Myanmar and Afghanistan.

    The additional funding to Gaza will address urgent needs, including healthcare, food and water.

    The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, and Australia reiterates calls for sustained, unimpeded aid to those who desperately need it.

    Additional assistance will be provided to those impacted by rapidly escalating humanitarian crises. It includes:

    • $7 million in lifesaving food assistance for Rohingya refugees who have fled Myanmar, as well as their host communities in Bangladesh. More than one million Rohingyas in Bangladesh depend on humanitarian support, with no legal status or right to work.
    • $3 million in lifesaving assistance to provide food, health, shelter and protection support for displaced people on the Thai-Myanmar border.
    • An additional $5 million will also be provided to enable United Nations partners to deliver services for Afghan women and girls that address critical sexual and reproductive health needs, gender-based violence and displacement.

    Quote attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

    “Helping others in crisis reflects Australian values, but also supports our interests in a peaceful, stable world. Australia’s contribution will provide lifesaving assistance to people enduring immense suffering.
    “Australia is engaging diplomatically as part of the international call for all parties to return to the ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza. We continue to press for the protection of civilians, the release of hostages and unimpeded and sustained humanitarian aid.

    “Humanitarian needs have increased twenty-fold since the Myanmar coup. We call on the military regime to prioritise civilian safety and immediately cease violence and ensure unhindered and safe humanitarian access across the country.

    “Australia is steadfast in its support for Afghan women and girls, who have shown incredible courage in the face of the Taliban’s systematic human rights violations and abuses.”

    Quote attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific and Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

    “Humanitarian crises contribute to regional instability and global insecurity.

    “Australia is providing lifesaving healthcare and assistance for civilians in need, as part of an international effort to reduce the devastating human toll of the Israel-Gaza conflict.

    “Protection for women and girls in humanitarian emergencies is a central pillar of the Humanitarian Policy we released in 2024. We know the situation under the Taliban is particularly egregious and we are proud to be supporting the provision of critical health services to Afghan women and girls.

    “We will continue to play our part to support people in humanitarian need, both in our region and globally.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: ARB IOT Group Limited Unveils Cutting-Edge Smart AI Robot to Revolutionize Fertilization in Agriculture

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ARB IOT Group Limited (“ARB IOT” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: ARBB) has unveiled its AI-powered fertilizer system that seamlessly integrates the intelligent multi-functional agricultural robot (“Smart AI Robot”). This innovation is set to revolutionize modern farming by optimising fertilisation processes, enhancing crop yield, and promoting sustainable farming. This advanced AI-powered robot represents a significant leap forward in precision agriculture.

    The Smart AI Robot features unmanned field operations, modular design, all-terrain capability, centimetre-level positioning, ultra-long endurance, quick-replaceable battery, and precise operation, among others. It can be widely used in various types of plants such as palm oil, durian, lychee, mango, citrus, and orchards to realize unmanned spraying, mowing, fertilizing and delivery. The Company’s AI-powered fertilizer system will contribute to the materialization of a new mode of environmentally friendly agriculture production, through a series of new energy unmanned robotics and a big data platform that carry out intelligent and standardized management of various types of agricultural plants with fully automated fertilization, pesticide application, diagnostic scanning of plant and fruit conditions, and soil NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) measurement.

    It is estimated that by 2027, approximately 35% of Malaysia’s oil palm land will be overaged. Currently, only approximately 17% of such land has trees in the optimal four to eight-year range where motorised cutters could be effective—though their performance remains inconsistent. In Sabah and Sarawak, which account for approximately 55% of Malaysia’s oil palm areas, the terrain is dominated by steep hills and vast peatlands.

    The Company’s AI-powered fertilizer system utilizes cutting-edge machine learning algorithms and real-time soil data analysis to determine the precise amount of fertilizer needed for each section of farmland. When paired with the Smart AI Robot, the system is able to automate fertilizer application, minimize waste, maximize crop yield, and reduce environmental impact.

    “Traditional farming methods often rely on manual labor and generic fertilizer application, leading to inefficiencies and excessive resource consumption. By integrating AI and automation, our Smart AI Robot empowers farmers with more efficient and sustainable farming practices. This technology is a major step towards addressing global food security and environmental challenges” said Dato’ Sri Liew Kok Leong, CEO of ARB IOT. “With our AI-driven solution, farmers can now achieve precision farming at an unprecedented scale, ensuring optimal nutrient distribution tailored to specific crop and soil conditions.”

    Key benefits of the integrated Smart AI Robot include:

    • Precision Application: AI-driven data analytics ensure targeted fertilizer distribution, reducing overuse and underuse.
    • Automation and Efficiency: The autonomous agricultural robot reduces the need for manual labor, operating seamlessly across vast farmlands.
    • Sustainability: By minimizing fertilizer runoff and optimizing nutrient absorption, the system supports eco-friendly farming practices.
    • Cost Reduction: The conversion of solid fertilizers to liquid form leads to cost savings by reducing waste and improving absorption efficiency.
    • Real-time Monitoring: The AI system continuously collects and analyzes soil health and crop growth data, allowing for timely adjustments.

    The convergence of IoT technology with our smart farming system enables real-time monitoring through strategically placed sensors across plantations. These sensors capture data on soil moisture, temperature, humidity and other key environmental factors, providing farmers with instant insights via a central digital hub. This empowers them to make data-driven decisions, respond proactively to environmental changes and optimize farm productivity.

    With a focus on AI-driven advancements, we aim to drive progress in precision agriculture worldwide.

    About ARB IOT Group Limited

    ARB IOT Group Limited is a provider of complete solutions to clients for the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) systems and devices from designing to project deployment. We offer a wide range of IoT systems as well as provide customers a substantial range of services such as system integration and system support service. We deliver holistic solutions with full turnkey deployment from designing, installation, testing, pre-commissioning, and commissioning of various IoT systems and devices as well as integration of automated systems, including installation of wire and wireless and mechatronic works.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, such as statements regarding our estimated future results of operations and financial position, our strategy and plans, and our objectives or goals, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “should,” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Our actual results may differ materially or perhaps significantly from those discussed herein, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. There are a significant number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from statements made in this press release, including, but not limited to, those that we discussed or referred to in the Company’s disclosure documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as well as in our other reports filed or furnished from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking statements, other than as required by applicable law.

    For further information, please contact:
    ARB IOT Group Limited
    Investor Relations Department
    Email: contact@arbiotgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Members stress importance of boosting LDCs’ participation in agricultural supply chains

    Source: World Trade Organization

    LDCs’ participation in agricultural supply chains

    The Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI) outlined its current work in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Guinea and Senegal aimed at improving LDCs’ agricultural export capacity. Members also heard from the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), which directs close to 60 per cent of its support towards LDCs. STDF activities have helped increase product quality, reduce the use of chemicals and fertilizers and increased awareness of post-harvest practices, it said.

    Speakers noted that the evolving regulatory environment, informal trade and climate change are some of the main challenges to sanitary and phytosanitary capacity building in these countries.

    To address agricultural export inefficiencies, speakers underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, including among government authorities, the private sector and academic representatives. The role of market intelligence, skills transfer, innovation and South-South cooperation were also highlighted as key drivers of agricultural trade competitiveness. Digitalization and regional integration were identified as opportunities for LDCs to enhance market access.

    Small-scale farm producers in LDCs are particularly affected by the costs of certification, laboratory testing and regulatory compliance, speakers noted. Women face gender-related barriers, such as difficulties to access land, financial resources and export opportunities, they said.  Referring to the dried mango value chain in Burkina Faso and the peppercorn value chain in Lao PDR, speakers underscored challenges associated with high tariffs, complex sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, limited awareness of best agricultural practices, financial constraints and infrastructure barriers.

    At the same time, innovative approaches are being developed in Lao PDR, such as certification processes involving several stakeholders to ensure the quality of organic food and knowledge sharing.

    Speakers stressed the need for strengthening partnerships and targeting support to harness LDCs’ potential in the agricultural sector and improve economic diversification.

    Sub-Committee on LDCs

    In the Sub-Committee on LDCs, the International Trade Centre presented its Global Trade Helpdesk. A presentation on the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism provided information on its monitoring, evaluation and learning framework. The chair of the Sub-Committee on LDCs, Ambassador Ib Petersen of Denmark, provided an update of the progress made in the discussions on graduation from LDC status since the beginning of the year.

    Members heard from the WTO Secretariat that the LDCs’ share in world trade of goods and commercial services has nearly doubled in the past 30 years, from 0.59 per cent in 1995 to 1.17 per cent in 2023. At the same time, most LDCs continue to rely on a small range of products. “Further efforts are needed to enhance LDCs’ participation in world trade and take advantage of emerging trade opportunities,” Ambassador Petersen said. A video of the latest trends in LDCs’ trade can be watched here.

    Members also considered a new communication on strengthening the implementation of the Guidelines for the Accession of LDCs and its Addendum, submitted by Djibouti on behalf of the LDC Group and India.

    There are currently 44 LDCs, of which 37 are WTO members. Four are in the process of joining the WTO. These are Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan.

    More information about the experience-sharing session is available here.

    More information on the Sub-Committee on LDCs can be found here.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Pakistan: Systematic attacks and relentless crackdown on Baloch activists must end

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to the unlawful detention and harassment of Baloch activists in Quetta and Karachi over the past week in Pakistan, Babu Ram Pant, Deputy Regional Director for South Asia at Amnesty International, said:

    “The Pakistani authorities’ relentless crackdown on Baloch activists over the last week and continued detention of several protesters and Baloch activists, including Mahrang Baloch, Sammi Deen Baloch, and Bebarg Zehri, speaks of a systematic attack on the rights of Baloch community. Amnesty International is concerned by reports from family members that Mahrang and Bebarg – who is a person with disabilities, are not being given access to medical assistance despite their health severely deteriorating during custody.”

    “The weaponization of the legal system, through multiple bogus First Information Reports (FIRs) and preventative detentions under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, despite activists being granted bail, is a gross violation of their right to due process and fair trial. It shows wanton disregard by the law enforcement agencies for the rights of Baloch people under Pakistan’s Constitution and the country’s obligations under international human rights law.”

    The Pakistani authorities’ relentless crackdown on Baloch activists over the last week and continued detention of several protesters and Baloch activists, including Mahrang Baloch, Sammi Deen Baloch, and Bebarg Zehri, speaks of a systematic attack on the rights of Baloch community.

    Babu Ram Pant, Deputy Regional Director for South Asia at Amnesty International

    “Pakistani authorities must immediately release all Baloch activists being detained simply for exercising their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Amnesty reiterates its call for a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into the use of unlawful force during the 21 March peaceful protests and ensure those responsible are held to account and the violations are effectively remedied.”

    BACKGROUND

    Baloch activists, Bebarg Zehri and his brother Hammal Zehri, were taken by Counter Terrorism Department officials from their home in Quetta on 20 March 2025 following a press conference by the Baloch Yakjethi Committee (BYC) at the Quetta Press Club over their long-standing demand is for justice for families of victims of enforced disappearances. During a protest by BYC on 21 March calling for their release, three protesters were killed through use of unlawful force by law enforcement as per reports from local activists. Mobile network signals were completely shut down in the lead up to and following the protest.

    Central leader of the Baloch Yakjethi Committee, Mahrang Baloch, along with 17 other protesters, was detained the next day. Mahrang and Bebarg remain under preventative detention under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance (MPO), with separate terrorism charges also brought against Mahrang.

    On 24 March, at least six activists, including Sammi Deen Baloch a key leader in BYC, were detained for disregarding a blanket ban on assemblies in the city, following a protest in Karachi in Sindh province.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Helsinki Biennial 2025: A Reflection on Shelter and Empathy in Three Unique Urban, Maritime, and Biodiverse Locations

    Source: Helsinki Biennial 2025

    Helsinki Biennial 2025 brings together 37 artists and collectives across three distinct locations: Vallisaari Island, Esplanade Park, and HAM Helsinki Art Museum. Now in its third edition, the biennial explores the theme Shelter: Below and Beyond, Becoming and Belonging. The event will take place from 8 June to 21 September 2025.

    Welcoming all, the biennial opens to the public on 8 June, transforming Helsinki into a city-wide, summer-long celebration of art. Known for its vibrant cultural scene and innovative spirit, Helsinki provides a unique setting for the event. The biennial unfolds in three locations that highlight the city’s environmental diversity: Vallisaari Island, a protected natural haven; Esplanade Park, a lively green space in the city center; and HAM Helsinki Art Museum, a hub for contemporary art.

    “Helsinki’s ambitious vision is to become an art capital recognised worldwide for its exceptional art and cultural offerings. That vision finds exemplary expression in this year’s Helsinki Biennial,” says Helsinki Mayor Juhana Vartiainen.

    With a strong focus on new commissions and site-specific works, the biennial draws inspiration from Vallisaari Island’s unique ecosystem, untouched by human habitation for decades. The theme of Shelter encourages a shift away from human-centered perspectives, inviting artists to foreground non-human actors—such as plants, animals, fungi, and minerals—as central figures in their works. By embracing alternative viewpoints, the biennial reimagines humanity’s relationship with nature, aiming to inspire climate optimism and positive environmental action.

    37 Artists with a Focus on Site-Specific Commissions

    Each edition of Helsinki Biennial includes major site-specific commissions by leading international artists. This year, it features 37 artists and collectives representing 30 cultures, with a particular focus on the Nordic countries, Latin America, and Asia. As a lasting legacy, select artworks from each edition remain on permanent display throughout the city.

    The participating artists and collectives for Helsinki Biennial 2025 are:
    Maria Thereza Alves (BR/DE), Band of Weeds (FI), Ana Teresa Barboza (PE), Sissel M Bergh (Sápmi/NO), Sara Bjarland (FI/NL), Saskia Calderón (EC), Edgar Calel (GT), Tania Candiani (MX), Regina de Miguel(ES/DE), Olafur Eliasson (DK/IS), Carola Grahn (Saepmie/SE), Tue Greenfort (DK), Kalle Hamm (FI) & Dzamil Kamanger (IR/FI), Tamara Henderson (CA/AU), Gunzi Holmström (FI), Katie Holten (IE/US), Ingela Ihrman(SE), Geraldine Javier (PH), Aluaiy Kaumakan (TW), Kristiina Koskentola (FI/NL), Yayoi Kusama (JP), Jenni Laiti (FI/SE) & Carl-Johan Utsi (SE), LOCUS / Thale Blix Fastvold & Tanja Thorjussen (NO), Nabbteeri (FI), Ernesto Neto (BR), Otobong Nkanga (NG/BE), Giuseppe Penone (IT), Laura Põld (EE/AT), Marjetica Potrč(SI), Kati Roover (EE/FI), Hans Rosenström (FI), Paul Rosero Contreras (EC), Raimo Saarinen (FI), Pia Sirén(FI), Theresa Traore Dahlberg (SE/BF), Nomeda & Gediminas Urbonas (LT/US), and Juan Zamora (ES).

    “Our goal for the Helsinki Biennial 2025 is to shift our thinking away from human-centered views and towards understanding our relationship with nature. We want to inspire new ways of coexisting with all lifeforms and encourage positive environmental action. The biennial invites reflection on shelter as a caring space where all lifeforms can thrive. We want to create new ways of coexisting in a world that needs more understanding and empathy and to inspire positive environmental action,” say curators Kati Kivinen and Blanca de la Torre.

    Key Dates for Helsinki Biennial 2025

    5 June – Media Day
    6–8 June – Helsinki Biennial Preview for professionals
    8 June – Helsinki Biennial 2025 opens to the public
    21 September – Helsinki Biennial 2025 closes.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: It is planned to allocate about 5 billion rubles to the creation of domestic veterinary drugs by 2030

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev spoke at a meeting of the final board of the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance. The event summed up the work for the past year and outlined future plans.

    “Over 20 years of operation, the federal service has managed to create an effective system for protecting Russia from biological threats. At the same time, the President set a goal for the agro-industrial complex to increase production volumes by a quarter and increase exports by one and a half times by 2030. We must also ensure agricultural sovereignty. The entire industry is focused on fulfilling these guidelines – in particular, the Government has approved a new national project “Technological Support for Food Security”. It is important that the growth of production volumes is inextricably linked with control over the production process and quality,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

    The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that, despite the tense situation related to animal diseases around the world, the epizootic situation in Russia is stable. Rosselkhoznadzor specialists are conducting preventive measures at production facilities, examining livestock for diseases, marking, recording and vaccinating animals.

    Dmitry Patrushev emphasized that the Russian Government supports the creation of domestic drugs for veterinary use. It is planned to allocate about 5 billion rubles to the corresponding federal project of the new national project “Technological Support for Food Security” until 2030.

    “Rosselkhoznadzor has a strong scientific base. For example, the Federal Center for Animal Welfare has been developing vaccines for several years. In 2024 alone, 14 new drugs for the prevention of diseases in cattle, poultry and pets appeared on its platform,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

    In 2025, a new function for prescription dispensing of veterinary drugs was introduced into the veterinary information system, which will improve the traceability of antibiotic use and strengthen control over the prescription of appropriate treatment to animals.

    In terms of supervision over the proper use of agricultural land, Dmitry Patrushev reported that in 2024 alone, due to the implementation of relevant measures, more than 330 thousand hectares were additionally returned to circulation. And in five years – already almost 1.5 million hectares of land. In the area of supervision over the proper use of pesticides and agrochemicals, according to the results of monitoring in 2024, the federal service identified about 300 violations of the rules for handling pesticides.

    The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Russia has established one of the world’s best practices of control and supervision activities in the agricultural industry. Modern technologies provide great assistance to Rosselkhoznadzor. The introduction of information systems, among other things, helps reduce the volume of counterfeit goods on the market.

    Dmitry Patrushev noted that in 2024 Russia retained its status as a net food exporter.

    “Last year, the volume of crop products sent for export exceeded 87 million tons, which is 2.6 million tons more than the year before. I would like to separately note the growth in Russian grain supplies to the markets of Africa, Asia and Latin America. Shipments of processed grain products have also increased. In 2024, exports in this segment increased by almost 20% and exceeded 3 million tons. External supplies in the livestock sector also increased. Exports of meat products increased by almost a third, and dairy products by 18%. This was also facilitated by the work to open new markets. Thus, last year, permission was received to enter 16 countries for 58 types of livestock products,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

    Dmitry Patrushev called on the Russian Ministry of Agriculture and Rosselkhoznadzor to continue dialogue with foreign partners to expand the opportunities of domestic exporters.

    In conclusion of his speech, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of developing the analytical component of information systems used in the industry and integrating them with the platforms of the relevant ministry, as well as building more complex mechanisms for detecting violations by Rosselkhoznadzor. Such consolidated work of the agencies will allow our country to continue to develop and achieve high results.

    During the meeting, Dmitry Patrushev also presented state awards to employees of Rosselkhoznadzor for their services in the field of agriculture and many years of conscientious work.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why Muslims often don’t celebrate Eid on the same day – even within one country

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Zuleyha Keskin, Associate Professor of Islamic Studies, Charles Sturt University

    Wikimedia Commons, CC BY

    Eid is a special time for Muslims. There are two major Eid celebrations each year: Eid al-Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, and Eid al-Adha is connected to the dates of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

    Eid, which means “festival” or “feast” in Arabic, is a celebratory occasion for more than one billion Muslims worldwide. However, in some countries, especially multicultural ones like Australia, Muslims don’t always celebrate Eid on the same day. Here’s why.

    Worshippers pray outside the Taj Mahal on Eid al-Fitr. Muslim emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the mausoleum in 1631 to hold his wife’s tomb.
    Wikimedia, CC BY-SA

    Eid comes 10-12 days earlier each year

    Beyond different groups celebrating on different days, the timing of Eid celebrations also shift as a whole each year. That’s because Islam follows the lunar calendar, based on the moon’s cycles – unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows the sun.

    As such, dates on the Islamic calendar come 10–12 days earlier each year. This means the dates of both Eids also move about 11 days forward each year.

    In terms of the Islamic calendar:

    • Eid al-Fitr happens on the 1st of the month of Shawwal (the 10th month), which comes right after the month of Ramadan.
    • Eid al-Adha happens on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah (the 12th month), during Hajj.

    What about local discrepancies?

    Since Islam follows the lunar calendar, determining the start of each Islamic month, and the dates of both Eids, requires sighting the new crescent moon, which comes directly after the new moon (the phase in which the moon is invisible).

    But there are different methods for doing this, and different scholarly interpretations regarding what method is best. These variations are the reason one group in a community might celebrate on a Sunday, while others may celebrate on a Monday.

    The Islamic month of Ramadan lasts 29 to 30 days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next. Moon sighting approaches can vary between countries, communities and even households.
    Shutterstock

    Some Muslims believe each country should rely on its own local moon sighting.

    This means if the new crescent moon is visible in neighbouring countries, but not in Australia (such as if it’s hidden behind clouds), then Australia should celebrate a day after its neighbours. The organisation Moonsighting Australia follows this method, only declaring Eid when the moon is seen locally.

    However, others argue if the moon has been sighted anywhere in the world, it should be accepted by all Muslims as the start of the new Islamic month. Some Muslims in Australia opt for this “global moon sighting” approach, following Saudi Arabia’s Eid announcement even when the moon is not sighted locally.

    As far back as the early centuries AD, people in the Arab world used astrolabes to survey the skies. This instrument belonged to Yemeni sultan, mathematician and astronomer Al-Ashraf Umar II (circa 1242-1296).
    Metropolitan Museum of Art

    Apart from the question of where the crescent moon is sighted, there are also different views over how it should be sighted. Many scholars believe in physically sighting it with the eyes, as was practised during the time of Prophet Muhammad.

    But some Muslim countries, such as in Turkey and parts of Europe, use astronomical calculations to predict the new moon’s birth. This allows them to pre-set the date of Eid months, or even years, in advance.

    Australia versus majority-Muslim countries

    In Muslim-majority countries, deciding the day of Eid happens at a government level.

    For example, in Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court officially declares the date based on moon sighting reports. This decision sets the timing for Eid prayers and public holidays for the entire nation, allowing for unified celebrations across the country.

    But Muslims in Australia come from diverse cultural backgrounds, and hold varying views regarding how the moon should be sighted. Some may follow the Eid announcement from their country of origin. Others may rely on local announcements, or on dates set by peak bodies such as the Australian National Imams Council.

    One 2023 report published by the ISRA Academy surveyed more than 5,500 Muslims in Australia to understand how they determined the date of Eid.

    The findings reveal notable differences across communities. Respondents from the Arab community were almost evenly split between following their local mosque (28.5%) and the Australian National Imams Council (28.0%), with a slightly lower percentage (23.9%) following Moonsighting Australia. Only 0.6% followed their country of origin.

    Among the Turkish community, 16.1% followed their country of origin, while the largest proportion (28.5%) relied on a local mosque or Islamic organisation. But given Turkish mosques tend to follow Turkey’s state religious institution, Diyanet, most Australian Turks (44.6%) ultimately align with Turkey’s decision on Eid.

    Of the others, 18.8% followed Moonsighting Australia and 14.6% following the national imams’ council.

    In the African Muslim community, 48.4% followed Moonsighting Australia, while 32.8% relied on a local mosque, and 11.7% on the imams’ council.

    Eid celebrations will keep evolving

    While celebrating Eid on different days may seem divisive and fragmenting, there are positive aspects to this.

    For one thing, it means Australian Muslims actively seek out information from various religious authorities. This reflects a high level of public engagement in religious decisions – rather than following blindly.

    The strong influence of organisations such as the Australian National Imams Council and Moonsighting Australia also suggests local religious institutions are a trusted source for guidance.

    Moreover, the high percentage of Muslims now following Moonsighting Australia indicates a trend towards a localised determination of Eid. And this trend will likely become stronger with the emergence of third- and fourth- generation Australian Muslims who are less connected with their ancestral homelands.

    Only time will tell whether most Australian Muslims will eventually celebrate Eid on the same day. In the meantime, families and communities continue to navigate these differences with understanding and respect.

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

    – ref. Why Muslims often don’t celebrate Eid on the same day – even within one country – https://theconversation.com/why-muslims-often-dont-celebrate-eid-on-the-same-day-even-within-one-country-248227

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 25 years into a new century and housing is less affordable than ever

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Coates, Program Director, Housing and Economic Security, Grattan Institute

    Of all the problems facing Australia today, few have worsened so rapidly in the past 25 years as housing affordability.

    Housing has become more and more expensive – to rent or buy – and home ownership continues to fall among poorer Australians of all ages.

    Housing makes up most of Australia’s wealth, so more expensive homes concentrated in fewer hands means growing wealth inequality, with a marked generational divide.

    To unwind inequality, we need to make housing cheaper, and that means building much more of it.

    Housing has become more expensive

    The price of the typical Australian home has grown much faster than incomes since the turn of the century: from about four times median incomes in the early 2000s, to more than eight times today, and nearly 10 times in Sydney.

    Housing has also become more expensive to rent, especially since the pandemic.

    Rental vacancy rates are at record lows and asking rents (that is for newly advertised properties) have risen fast – by roughly 20% in Sydney and Melbourne in the past four years, and by much more in Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.

    Home ownership is falling fast among the young

    Rising house prices are pushing home ownership out of reach for many younger Australians.

    In the early 1990s it took about six years to save a 20% deposit for a typical dwelling for an average household. It now takes more than 12 years.

    Unsurprisingly, home ownership rates are falling fastest for younger people. Whereas 57% of 30–34 year-olds owned their home in 2001, just 50% did so by 2021. And just 36% of 25–29 year olds own their home today, down from 43% in 2001.

    And home ownership is falling fastest among the poorest 40% of each age group.

    Fewer homeowners means more inequality

    People on low incomes, who are increasingly renters, are spending more of their incomes on housing.

    The real incomes of the lowest fifth of households increased by about 26% between 2003–04 and 2019–20. But more than half of this was chewed up by skyrocketing housing costs, with real incomes after housing costs increasing by only 12%.

    In contrast, the real incomes for the highest fifth of households increased by 47%, and their after-housing real incomes by almost as much: 43%.

    Wealth inequality in Australia is still around the OECD average but has been climbing for two decades, largely due to rising house prices.

    In 2019–20, one-quarter of homeowning households reported net wealth exceeding $1 million. By contrast, median net wealth for non-homeowning households was $60,000.

    Since 2003–04, the wealth of high-income households has grown by more than 50%, much of that due to increasing property values. By contrast, the wealth of low-income households – mostly non-homeowners – has grown by less than 10%.

    The growing divide between the housing “haves” and “have nots” is largely generational. Older Australians who bought their homes before prices really took off in the early 2000s have seen their share of the country’s wealth steadily climb.

    This inequality will get baked in as wealth is passed onto the next generation.

    Some Australians will be lucky enough to inherit one or more homes. Others – typically those on lower incomes – will receive none.

    To unwind inequality, we need to make housing less expensive

    We haven’t built enough

    Australians’ demand for housing since the turn of the decade is a story of historically low interest rates, increased access to finance, tax and welfare settings that favour investments in housing, and a booming population.

    But one widely-blamed villain – the introduction of the 50% capital gains tax discount in 1999, together with negative gearing – is likely to have played only a small part in rising house prices.

    That’s because the value of these tax advantages – about $10.9 billion a year – is tiny compared to Australia’s $11 trillion housing market.

    Instead, the biggest problem is that housing construction in recent years hasn’t kept up with increasing demand.

    Strong migration over the past two decades has seen Australia’s population rise much faster than most other wealthy countries in recent decades, boosting the number of homes we need. Rising incomes, and demographic trends such as rising rates of divorce and an ageing Australia, have further increased housing demand.

    Yet Australia has one of the lowest levels of housing per person of any OECD country, and is one of only four OECD countries where the amount of housing per person went backwards over the past two decades.

    This is largely a failure of housing policy. Australia’s land-use planning rules – the rules that dictate what can get built where – are highly restrictive and complex. Current rules and community opposition make it very difficult to build new homes, particularly in the places where people most want to live and work.

    More homes would mean less inequality

    Fixing this will allow mores home to get built, moderate house price growth, and reduce barriers to home ownership. In turn, this will reduce the inequalities created by our broken housing system.

    Easing planning restrictions is hard for governments, because many residents don’t want more homes near theirs.

    The good news is that the penny has started to drop and state governments – particularly in Victoria and New South Wales – are making meaningful progress towards allowing more homes in activity centres and on existing transport links.

    But now the real test begins: how will governments respond to the backlash from people who would prefer their communities to stay the same?

    How well governments hold the line against the so-called NIMBYs (Not In My Back Yard) will tell us a lot about what we can expect to happen to inequality in Australia in the future.

    Grattan Institute began with contributions to its endowment of $15 million from each of the federal and Victorian governments, $4 million from BHP Billiton, and $1 million from NAB. In order to safeguard its independence, Grattan Institute’s board controls this endowment. The funds are invested and contribute to funding Grattan Institute’s activities. Grattan Institute also receives funding from corporates, foundations, and individuals to support its general activities, as disclosed on its website.

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

    – ref. 25 years into a new century and housing is less affordable than ever – https://theconversation.com/25-years-into-a-new-century-and-housing-is-less-affordable-than-ever-250067

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How can I tell if my child is too sick to go to school?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Liz Sturgiss, Professor of Community Medicine and Clinical Education, Bond University

    Chay_Tay/Shutterstock

    As a GP and mum to two boys I have many experiences of trying to navigate the school morning when my boys aren’t feeling well. It always seems to happen on the busiest days.

    None of us want to send our child to school when they are not well – I hate the thought of my kids feeling sick in the classroom and also the idea they might make other children sick.

    Lots of families have someone for whom illnesses are more dangerous. They might have a weakened immune system because they are going through cancer treatment or suffer from another illness.

    But it can be hard to tell. A child might be dramatically crying “my tummy HURTS” one minute and racing around with their sibling the next. Or you might wonder if they are angling for some time off in front of the TV.

    How can you tell if your child is too sick to go to school?

    None of us want to send our child to school when they are not well.
    Pixel Shot/ Shutterstock

    Symptoms to look out for

    In school-aged children here are some symptoms to consider.

    Fever: if your child feels hot to touch, or you have a thermometer showing a fever (a temperature above 38 degrees), then they shouldn’t attend school.

    This is even if you are giving them regular paracetamol or ibuprofen to keep their temperature down. Your child won’t feel comfortable at school with a fever and they have a high chance of making others unwell.

    Vomiting and diarrhoea: children should stay home until it is at least 24 hours since their last vomit or runny poo. This is to reduce the spread of viral gastroenteritis (or stomach flu) and to make sure your child can stay hydrated and well. If your child is vomiting or has diarrhoea, it also is important to keep a close eye on them to make sure they are improving and to seek medical care if they are getting worse.

    Runny noses: a runny nose without a fever might be a sign of hayfever, especially if your child has other symptoms like itchy eyes or sneezing. On its own, this is not a reason to stay home.

    But a new runny nose with a fever is a reason to stay home. Many infections, including influenza, COVID and even measles can start with a fever and runny nose, although usually it signals a common cold.

    The common cold needs rest, fluids and encouraging your child to keep their nose clear with gentle blowing or saline sprays. And a reminder, the annual flu vaccine is an excellent way to protect your family from the serious consequences of the “proper flu”.

    Cough: there are many different reasons for a child to cough. This includes infections such as COVID, whooping cough and influenza and non-infectious reasons such as hayfever and reflux. If your child has developed a new cough, and especially if they are also feverish, this is a reason to keep them at home. A cough that doesn’t go away after two weeks should also be checked out by your GP.

    Tiredness: mostly on Fridays, my kids are tired after a busy week – much like me! Tiredness can be an early sign of a lurking infection or some other health issue. But on its own is probably not a reason to keep your child home. However, ongoing tiredness is a good reason to have your child checked out by your GP as there are many causes from poor sleep to iron deficiency.

    Poor appetite: kids’ appetites can vary so wildly, especially when they move into growing phases. Not wanting to eat breakfast in the morning might be an early gastro infection, a sign of constipation or nervous butterflies for the day ahead. If your child is otherwise OK, with no tummy pain, fever or tiredness, then a lack of appetite for breakfast is not a solid reason to stay home.

    It’s common for kids to feel tired, but this on its own is not a reason to skip school.
    Andrew Will/ Shutterstock

    Watch out for school refusal

    I find it helpful to let my child know if they stay home, they will need to stay in bed with no screens to rest and get well. This tends to separate the “truly feeling unwell” days from the “just hoping to have a rest” days.

    But feeling unwell in the morning – particularly in the tummy, tiredness or unexplained headaches – can be an early sign something might not be going smoothly for your child at school or home.

    School refusal is a serious problem where a child is completely overwhelmed and unable to attend school. It can come on gradually or suddenly. Talking with your child’s school is a critical first step if you are concerned about school refusal – it should be a conversation that happens promptly and your school should have procedures for helping you to manage it.



    Read more:
    Is it school reluctance or refusal? How to tell the difference and help your child

    Phone a friend

    If you’re not sure, consider giving a trusted friends or family member a quick call to talk things over.

    You can also contact Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (or 13 Health if you are in Queensland). This is a national phone service open 24 hours for anyone who has symptoms and needs advice on what to do next.

    Liz Sturgiss receives funding from the NHMRC, MRFF, RACGP Foundation, Diabetes Australia and VicHealth that is unrelated to this article. She is affiliated with Australian Journal of Primary Health (CSIRO), Australian Prescriber, RACGP, NAPCRG, Guidelines Development Committee for the review and update of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults, Adolescents and Children in Australia and Australasian Association for Academic Primary Care.

    – ref. How can I tell if my child is too sick to go to school? – https://theconversation.com/how-can-i-tell-if-my-child-is-too-sick-to-go-to-school-252731

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Coalition wants to increase Medicare psychology rebates from 10 to 20 sessions. Here’s what happened last time

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joanne Enticott, Associate Professor, Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University

    Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

    The most disadvantaged Australians have long experienced higher rates of mental illness than the broader population. But they also access fewer mental health services.

    Increasing everyone’s access to mental health care led to the creation of the Better Access initiative, which subsidised psychology sessions under Medicare. Officially called Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule, the Howard government launched the initiative in November 2006.

    During COVID, the former Morrison Coalition government temporarily expanded the yearly cap on the number of psychology sessions, from ten to 20. The Labor Albanese government reverted to ten sessions at the end of 2022.

    Now the Coalition says if elected at this year’s polls, it will take the number of sessions back to 20.

    But did capping sessions at 20 increase access to mental health care, especially for disadvantaged Australians? Or are there more effective ways to achieve this?

    How does it work?

    Australians can access up to ten rebated psychology sessions annually. Patients need to have a mental health treatment or management plan from their GP or psychiatrist.


    The Australian Psychological Society recommends consultation fees of around $311 for a standard 46- to 60-minute consultation.

    The typical Medicare rebate is $141.85 per session with a clinical psychologist and $96.65 with other registered psychologists. (All psychologists are university qualified mental health professionals, but clinical psychologists have more qualifications.)

    Psychologists can choose their own fees. They can bulk bill (no out of pocket cost for patients) or charge consultation fees, leaving some patients hundreds of dollars out of pocket for each session.

    How did access change during COVID?

    To assess the changes during COVID, we need to consider three components: number of people accessing services, service use rates (number of sessions per population) and the average number of sessions per patient.

    1. Number of people accessing services

    In 2020-21, all states saw a 5% jump in the number of people accessing Medicare mental health services, coinciding with the first year of the COVID pandemic.

    In the three years prior to this, there was an average yearly increase of about 3% more people.

    However, a 2022 independent evaluation of the Better Access initiative showed that between 2018 and 2021, new users declined from 56% to 50%, with the steepest drop between 2020 and 2021.

    This reduction in new users coincided with the temporary increased cap to 20 sessions.

    Australians from disadvantaged backgrounds continued to have poorer access to psychologists than those from wealthier population groups, despite an increase in the number of sessions.

    2. Service use rates (number of sessions per population)

    Service use rates tell us how much a particular service is being used each year. To compare service use rates between different years, and because the Australian population is growing yearly, we report service use rates per 1,000 people in the population.

    In 2020-21, service use rates for clinical psychologists and other psychologists increased by 18%. This was a large increase compared to the typical 5% increases in previous years. This persisted in the next two years.

    When the cap on number of sessions was reduced to ten sessions, there was a small drop in service use rates, but it didn’t return to the pre-pandemic levels.

    Most clients use ten or fewer sessions a year.
    Ben Bryant/Shutterstock

    3. Average number of sessions people used

    The increase in services occurring in the first two years of the COVID pandemic (and around the time as the cap temporarily increased from ten to 20 sessions), resulted in a small increase in the average number of sessions per patient.

    In the ten years between 2013-14 and 2022-23, average number of sessions with a clinical psychologist increased from five to six sessions whereas the average number of sessions with other psychologists increased from four to five sessions.

    Importantly, more than 80% of people received fewer than ten sessions.

    What does this tell us?

    Overall, most people used ten or fewer sessions, even when up to 20 sessions were available.

    Some extra services were provided to existing clients during COVID and this may have actually prevented new people from receiving services.

    So the evidence suggests simply increasing the number of rebated psychology sessions from ten to 20 for everybody isn’t the most effective approach.

    What should Labor and the Coalition do instead?

    We don’t limit the number of chemotherapy sessions for cancer patients, so why do we cap evidence-based psychological treatments for mental illness?

    Instead of capping access to Medicare rebates for mental health care, access should be based on a person’s needs and treatment outcomes. The number of sessions should be determined collaboratively between the person and the provider, ensuring people receive the appropriate level of evidence-based care for their condition.

    Measure outcomes

    Currently in Australia for Medicare-funded mental health services, we only measure service activity. Patient outcomes are not collected, which hinders the development of value-based mental health care.

    Without collecting outcomes, current initiatives to address inequities are only partially informed and may not work as intended.

    We urgently need to establish a set of outcomes (patient-reported outcome measures and experience measures) through consensus with the community, providers, professional organisations and governments.

    Address affordability

    We should also address inequities, such as gap fees that act as barriers to accessing services.

    Greater rebates and bulk billing incentives for vulnerable people can assist those with less money.

    Offer other evidence-based support

    Evidence also suggests people with mild to moderate mental health problems can benefit from psychological and social supports provided by people who are non-health-care professionals, such as the Friendship Bench and digital mental health programs.

    We need to develop and invest in a range of services that cater to differing levels of need. This would ensure more specialised services are available for those with higher complexity or severity.

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

    – ref. The Coalition wants to increase Medicare psychology rebates from 10 to 20 sessions. Here’s what happened last time – https://theconversation.com/the-coalition-wants-to-increase-medicare-psychology-rebates-from-10-to-20-sessions-heres-what-happened-last-time-249606

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Reliable science takes time. But the current system rewards speed

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jason Chin, Senior Lecturer, College of Law, Australian National University

    P.Cartwright/Shutterstock

    Lately, there have been many headlines on scientific fraud and journal article retractions. If this trend continues, it represents a serious threat to public trust in science.

    One way to tackle this problem – and ensure public trust in science remains high – may be to slow it down. We sometimes refer to this philosophy as “slow science”. Akin to the slow food movement, slow science prioritises quality over speed and seeks to buck incentive structures that promote mass production.

    Slow science may not represent an obvious way to improve science because we often equate science with progress, and slowing down progress does not sound very appealing. However, progress is not just about speed, but about basing important societal decisions on strong scientific foundations. And this takes time.

    Unfortunately, the pressures and incentives modern scientists face are almost universally against slow science. Secure, permanent university jobs are scarce, and with budget cuts, this appears to be getting worse.

    As a result, the pressure to publish has never been higher. Indeed, in my yearly performance meetings, I am asked how many articles I’ve published and what is the status of the journals I published in. I am not asked how robust my methods are and how discerning my peer reviewers were.

    The problems with fast science

    Our current “fast science” approach has produced a host of problems.

    Much as with fast food, scientists are incentivised to produce as much science as possible in as little time as possible. This can mean cutting corners. We know, for instance, that larger samples lead to more trustworthy results because they are more likely to be representative of the relevant population. However, collecting large samples takes time and resources.

    Fast science is also associated with gaming the system. As a hypothetical example, an educational scientist might collect data to find evidence for their theory that a new teaching style promotes better learning. Then, they look at the data and realise the intervention did not quite improve learning. But if you squint at it, there might be a trend if you drop a couple of pesky outliers that didn’t see a benefit. So, they do just that.

    This an example of what’s known as a “questionable research practice”, because it’s not considered outright fraud by conventional standards. Surveys in many fields suggest these practices are widespread, with about 50% of scientists saying they have engaged in them at least once.

    Fast science is also associated with more obviously unethical practices.

    Reports of fabricated data are likely due, in part, to scientists trying to publish as quickly as possible. An industry has even sprung up around scientific fraud – what are known as “paper mills”. These organisations produce articles around fabricated data and then sell authorship to those papers.

    Surveys have shown about 50% of scientists have engaged in questionable research practices such as slightly tweaking research data.
    National Cancer Institute/Unsplash

    Why trustworthy science takes time

    So, what does slow science look like and how can it help?

    The late English statistician Douglas Altman provided one of the most famous descriptions of the slow science mantra: “We need less research, better research, and research done for the right reasons”.

    In many ways, it is the opposite of fast science: large samples and careful, well-documented, transparent practices.

    Recall the hypothetical example of the scientists testing a new education practice. Rather than immediately jumping into data collection, the slow practice would be to first write a “registered report”. In other words, scientists would write out their theory and how they propose to test that theory, and send that out for peer review prior to collecting data.

    The journal would then follow the normal process of soliciting peer reviews and allowing the scientists to revise their report in response to those reviews. Then, the authors would collect data, with publication in the journal being assured as long as they follow the agreed upon methods.

    There are two major benefits to registered reports: it allows for peer feedback while it is still possible to improve the study and it removes an incentive to engage in questionable or fraudulent practices. Using the registered report format can take longer. But it is associated with more credible findings.

    Two other slow practices worth mentioning are conducting research in a way that is reproducible and correcting errors in the existing body of research.

    In theory, all science should be reproducible. That is, scientists should share their methods and data such that other scientists can both verify that work and build on it (developing new recipes, to continue the analogy to slow food).

    Similarly, cleaning up the scientific record is incredibly important. For the same reasons that chef Gordon Ramsay likes to a clean a kitchen out before improving it, science needs to get a handle on what existing findings are reliable before we can build on them.

    This means carefully going through existing publications to find studies that show indications of being fabricated or otherwise unreliable. This sleuthing is rare among university scientists because it does not typically result in publications. But it is highly important.

    Slow science is the opposite of fast science: large samples and careful, well-documented, transparent practices.
    National Cancer Institute/Unsplash

    Slow science is slowly gaining steam

    Currently, it requires bravery to engage in slow science.

    Universities are keen to move up the university rankings lists. Those rankings are driven by publishing. So, universities hire, promote and retain their scientists based on their publications. This makes it risky to slow down.

    There are, however, some reasons to hope. Movements are afoot to redefine research quality to take into account more aspects of slow science.

    The Declaration on Research Assessment is a worldwide initiative to move away from ranking systems that ignore the principles of slow science.

    Grassroots organisations are also creating platforms for more open and exacting peer review.

    And advocates for more careful research practices have recently been appointed to important positions, such as with research funders and academic journals.

    These developments are worth following and building upon because society does not need heaps of low-quality science. It needs science that deserves trust.

    Jason Chin is affiliated with the Association for Interdisciplinary Metaresearch and Open Science (AIMOS), a charity that promotes the study and improvement of research methods. AIMOS is a co-founder of the open peer-review platform, MetaROR.

    – ref. Reliable science takes time. But the current system rewards speed – https://theconversation.com/reliable-science-takes-time-but-the-current-system-rewards-speed-249497

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Warren Pushes Back on Trump Attacks on Diversity at Military Academies, Warns of National Security Risks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    March 27, 2025

    Warren: “The Trump Administration’s ham-fisted attacks on the service academies undermine our ability to recruit and to train talented, young people who will become a critical part of our lethal fighting force.” 

    Superintendent of West Point: Clubs are part of what makes West Point “a living, breathing leadership laboratory.”

    Video of Remarks (YouTube)

    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, pushed back against the Trump administration’s recent attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at military academies, including the administration’s recent executive orders leading to the dismantling of clubs at military academies. Warren said this move “does not make it easier to recruit the best and the brightest.” 

    Recent criticisms from some Republicans have claimed that military academies have lowered admissions standards due to DEI. However, the superintendents of the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Naval Academy made clear that students are admitted based on their academic and leadership potential, maintaining high admissions standards. 

    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently questioned the need for civilian professors, but the military academy leaders agreed with Senator Warren that academy students learning from both military and civilian instructors helps “students develop the skills they need to become part of a lethal fighting force.” 

    “It is one team to be able to develop these midshipmen and [military and civilian instructors] are all in on doing that, so I’m really impressed,” said Vice Admiral Yvette M. Davids, Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy. 

    All three superintendents also agreed that clubs in military academies are a significant part of students “grow[ing] as leaders by taking initiative and contributing to their communities” and Lieutenant General Gilland, Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, highlighted they are part of what makes West Point being “a living, breathing leadership laboratory.” 

    “The Trump Administration’s ham-fisted attacks on the service academies undermine our ability to recruit and to train talented, young people who will become a critical part of our lethal fighting force,” concluded Senator Warren.

    Transcript: Hearing to Conduct Oversight and Receive Testimony on the Status of the Military Service Academies
    Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel
    March 26, 2025

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m going to pick up on where you were. The military academies are charged with training the next generation of leaders. And together, the three of you train about one out of every five of our military officers. The military spends millions of dollars, many many years to train our helicopter pilots, our combat leaders, and for a few, the Chiefs of Staff that we end up with. 

    But the Trump administration is undermining those investments by tilting at windmills named DEI. In less than three months, the administration has cancelled student engineering clubs and purged curricula based on clumsy keyword searches. The administration sends a strong signal that not everyone is welcome in our military.  

    So today, I want to dig in on how you all think about your mission to develop the leaders who will keep our military strong. 

    Lieutenant General Bauernfeind, do you consider academic and leadership potential in the admissions process so that we can develop the next generation of military officers who will take on the toughest jobs? 

    Lieutenant General Tony D. Bauernfeind, Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy: Senator Warren, yes, we do absolutely, in our admissions process, consider leadership in our admissions process and through their 47-month leadership development program.  

    Senator Warren: Lieutenant General Gilland, same answer? Yes? 

    Lieutenant General Steven Gilland, Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point: Yes, Senator Warren. 

    Senator Warren: And Admiral Davids? 

    Vice Admiral Yvette M. Davids, Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy: Yes, ma’am, considered in the admissions process. 

    Senator Warren: Good, so you all admit cadets and midshipmen based on their academic and their leadership potential. Then it’s your job to turn that potential into reality.

    So let’s talk about where students develop those skills. One place, obviously, is the classroom. That’s one of the reasons, as you have already described, that students learn from both academic experts and practitioners in the field. Military practitioners obviously have valuable experiences to share with students, but the academies also need the best teachers for physics, and cybersecurity, and electrical engineering, and much much more. The Department of Defense has recognized this, including in a 1993 report calling on the service academies to integrate more civilian faculty so that, “the faculties can act in unity but not identically–a blend of excellence.”

    Vice Admiral Davids, does learning from both military and civilian instructors help your students develop the skills they need to become part of a lethal fighting force?

    Vice Admiral Davids: Thank you, Senator. Absolutely, they learn from both our military and our civilian. It is one team to be able to develop these midshipmen and they are all in on doing that, so I’m really impressed. 

    Senator Warren: Good. General Bauernfeind? 

    Lieutenant General Bauernfeind: Yes, Senator Warren. Yes, we value our faculty as it comes forward, it brings forward – for the two aspects mentioned before – bringing forward that expertise and that operationally-relevant experience to both educate and develop future leaders.   

    Senator Warren: And General Gilland, are you in agreement with your colleagues here? 

    Lieutenant General Gilland: Yes, Senator. 

    Senator Warren: Good. Leadership is obviously about what you learn in the classroom, but it’s also what happens outside the classroom. 

    So I want to talk for just a second about engineering clubs. They certainly encourage students to learn hard skills and to support each other in that undertaking, it can be difficult, but an engineering club also gives a student an opportunity to take on leadership roles and responsibilities like being the treasurer or being the president. That’s true of other clubs too. One cadet who helped found the Vietnamese-American Cadet Association at West Point said that it helped to make him a better officer and that, “West Point was probably the first place where I had a supportive environment for my identity and who I am.”  

    So Lieutenant General Gilland, do cadets grow as leaders by taking initiative and contributing to their communities? And are clubs a significant part of that? 

    Lieutenant General Gilland: Yes, Senator. All of our clubs – and I would consider all of West Point as a living, breathing leadership laboratory. 

    Senator Warren: I like that. I like that. Vice Admiral Davids? 

    Vice Admiral Davids: I would agree completely, Senator. 

    Senator Warren: And General Bauernfeind? 

    Lieutenant General Bauernfeind: Senator Warren, I do agree as well that our clubs provide opportunities. 

    Senator Warren: So I’m concerned, because currently, the administration is rolling out executive orders that have led to dismantling clubs that have been around for decades and that have successfully supported students at the service academies. Those leadership opportunities remain available in more than 600 other colleges and universities. Banning those clubs just at our military academies does not make it easier to recruit the best and the brightest. The Trump Administration’s ham-fisted attacks on the service academies undermine our ability to recruit and to train talented, young people who will become a critical part of our lethal fighting force. I think that is bad for our cadets, and it is bad for our national security.

    Thank you for being here and we apologize for moving in and out. We’ve got votes at the same time, so this is not a comment on what anyone has to say. Just have to play a little bit of tag here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Schumer, Senators Demand Independent Watchdog Investigation into Trump Administration’s Unprecedented Attempts to Dismantle Department of Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    March 27, 2025

    The Administration’s Actions Threaten to “Severely Restrict” Department’s Ability to Support Students, Parents, and Teachers Across the Country

    “These actions likely contravene the law and will hurt students and families everywhere.” 

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) led a letter to Acting Department of Education Inspector General (IG) René Rocque requesting that the IG conduct an investigation of the Trump Administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education (ED). Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) also joined the letter. 

    “Decimating the Department of Education’s abilities to administer financial aid, investigate civil rights violations, conduct research on educational outcomes, and oversee the use of federal education grants threatens to have disastrous consequences for American students, teachers, and families,” wrote the lawmakers.

    Last week, the Trump Administration’s efforts to illegally dismantle the ED came to a head when President Trump signed an executive order instructing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take “all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education.” 

    A few weeks prior, ED initiated a reduction in force (RIF) impacting nearly 50 percent of the Department’s staff. McMahon boasted, “When President Trump was inaugurated, the Department’s workforce stood at 4,133 workers. After today’s actions, the Department’s workforce will total roughly 2,183.” 

    “These cuts threaten to hurt the very groups that the Department aims to serve: the roughly 1,300 layoffs disproportionately target employees who served on teams that facilitate financial aid for tens of millions of families, enforce our civil rights laws, and ensure that every student has a place to learn in our K-12 public schools,” continued the lawmakers.

    The day after President Trump signed his executive order attempting to abolish the Department of Education, the President also announced that he was “immediately” moving the handling of federal student loans to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and shifting programs for students with disabilities to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

    Congress created the Department of Education to manage critical federal functions like distributing federal funding to public schools, administering federal financial aid, and defending the federal civil rights of students from marginalized backgrounds, including students with disabilities. Only Congress can choose to abolish the Department of Education—the President cannot shut down the Department by decree. 

    The senators requested that IG Rocque conduct an independent evaluation of the Trump Administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education and examine how the efforts will undermine the federal government’s ability to support students, educators, and families across the country.

    “Given the adverse impact that the Trump Administration’s actions may have on the Education Department’s ability to administer and improve education programs around the country, an evaluation by your office would be consistent with your goal to ‘drive continuous improvement in Federal education programs,’” concluded the lawmakers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, Colleagues Demand Senate Hearings On Trump Administration’s Reckless Mishandling Of Classified Military Operations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    March 27, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, joined 14 of their Senate colleagues in signing a letter calling on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee to hold hearings to investigate why members of President Trump’s national security team were recklessly and illegally discussing classified military operations on unsecured devices. The senators also criticized the incompetence and carelessness of how these Trump officials mishandled the situation and inadvertently added a journalist to the group chat. New reporting details the classified military plans that were discussed in the commercial, unclassified messaging app.

    “We write to you with grave concern regarding the recent revelations reported in The Atlantic about the Trump Administration’s reckless handling of classified information about U.S. military operations,” the senators wrote. “This gross mishandling of highly classified information has weakened our national security and could have put at risk American lives, particularly the men and women involved in the military strikes in Yemen.”

    “For this reason, we are calling on the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence to hold joint or separate hearings to investigate this matter fully and get to the bottom of why members of the National Security Council were using unclassified, internet-connected smartphones and channels to discuss highly sensitive military information, when there are known ways to tamper with unclassified devices and when it is possible that dozens of foreign intelligence agencies are targeting the unclassified smartphones used by these senior U.S. government officials,” they continued. “Our national security demands that we act with urgency to uncover the full details of this severe security breach and implement measures to prevent such recklessness in the future.”

    U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) also signed the letter.

    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below.

    Dear Chairman Wicker, Chairman Cotton, and Chairman Risch:

    We write to you with grave concern regarding the recent revelations reported in The Atlantic about the Trump Administration’s reckless handling of classified information about U.S. military operations. According to the reporting and the screenshots provided in the original story and a second piece published the following day, the Vice President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, the Director of National Intelligence, the National Security Advisor, and other key national security officials discussed classified information about imminent U.S. military operations using internet-connected smartphones that were not approved for discussing classified information, via a commercial, unclassified messaging app called “Signal.” Planning military strikes using consumer-grade, internet-connected smartphones is reckless and illegal because they can be hacked by foreign governments. Additionally, due to their inexcusable carelessness, a reporter was added to this Signal chat and was provided access to incredibly sensitive information about future military operations that included planned air strikes on terrorist targets. This gross mishandling of highly classified information has weakened our national security and could have put at risk American lives, particularly the men and women involved in the military strikes in Yemen.

    It is even more outrageous that members of the Trump Administration – from the President to Cabinet officials who were part of the Signal group – have tried to downplay, mislead, and excuse this reckless and likely illegal behavior. During a recent Senate oversight hearing featuring Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Senators and the American people were left with more questions than answers following the officials’ testimony and repeated evasions.

    Since that initial hearing, and as a direct result of Administration officials’ attempts to downplay the severity of the breach and the importance of the information disclosed, additional reporting from the Atlantic has been published containing further details of what was actually discussed, which included strike planning and explicit operational details like specific timing, types of aircraft used, and sequencing of events related to the pending attack on the Houthi terrorists, any of which could have jeopardized the operation and endangered servicemembers if it had fallen into the hands of our adversaries in advance. This raises pressing questions regarding the possible spillage of classified information to an uncleared reporter and onto unclassified devices which can be hacked by foreign intelligence agencies, the irresponsibility of high-ranking Administration officials, and the increased risk this created for U.S. troops who carried out the strikes.

    For this reason, we are calling on the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence to hold joint or separate hearings to investigate this matter fully and get to the bottom of why members of the National Security Council were using unclassified, internet-connected smartphones and channels to discuss highly sensitive military information, when there are known ways to tamper with unclassified devices and when it is possible that dozens of foreign intelligence agencies are targeting the unclassified smartphones used by these senior U.S. government officials. The American people deserve answers, and we need to know if there are any other such chat conversations using Signal or any other messaging app or other actions being taken by Trump Administration officials that are putting our national security and military personnel at risk. We urge your committees to use the Senate’s full oversight powers to compel the following individuals, who were part of the messaging group, to speak to the Senate in both open and closed hearings: Vice President JD Vance; Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth; Secretary of State Marco Rubio; National Security Advisor Michael Waltz; Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard; CIA Director John Ratcliffe; White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles: Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller; and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.

    Our national security demands that we act with urgency to uncover the full details of this severe security breach and implement measures to prevent such recklessness in the future. We look forward to your prompt attention to this matter and stand ready to support the committees in any capacity necessary. We trust that you will give this matter the serious attention it requires.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Massive boost to innovation in South East Queensland

    Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

    Over $200 million in funding contributed by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments and industry partners will help South East Queensland become a leading innovator in health and biotech, through the South East Queensland Innovation Economy Fund.

    The Fund has awarded eight successful projects $94 million in joint Government funding, with industry leaders across critical sectors co-contributing over $122 million. This partnership between governments and industry will unlock $217 million worth of investments across South East Queensland.

    Successful projects include:

    • A $25 million grant to establish the Health and Advanced Technology Research and Innovation Centre (HATRIC) at the Gold Coast will build on the region’s leadership in biomedicine, biotechnology and additive manufacturing.
    • Bringing together Griffith University, neighbouring hospitals and medical institutes, the project will leverage another $75 million from partners to expand the cutting-edge Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct. It already employs more than 14,000 people, and is home to innovation such as the world’s first artificial rotary heart.
    • An Australian-first biomedical scale-up and manufacturing facility will be established at the Bogo Road Innovation Precinct, thanks to $3 million in funding. The new Hub will support start-ups to develop innovative medical products, manufacture them on site and undertake clinical trials, positioning Brisbane to become leaders in bio-manufacturing. 
    • A $25 million grant awarded to the AATLIS Innovation Precinct Industry Biotechnology Centre (IBC) to bring together start-ups and industry leaders to establish Australia’s first vertically-integrated biotechnological facility to support the rapid design, building and testing of new solutions for the agriculture sector.
    • The University of Sunshine Coast Innovation Centre will be upgraded with five new specialist innovation labs to boost jobs and accelerate the local economy, thanks to a nearly $3 million investment. It includes a new Digital Health Productivity Lab, which will harness technology to advance innovation in the aged care sector and improve patient experience.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Cities Jenny McAllister:

    “The Albanese Government is building Australia’s future by backing Queensland innovation.

    “By bringing together the expertise of universities, research institutes and industry, we can boost innovation, and create local jobs.

    “It’s terrific to see investment in biotech that will not just improve health outcomes but also provide opportunities to build our economic future by leveraging world class research.

    Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell:

    “Queensland Government is dedicated to investing in a thriving innovation ecosystem in South East Queensland.

    “Strategic investment in world-class innovation precincts will drive the creation of high value knowledge-intensive jobs that will propel South East Queensland into a new era of prosperity.

    “These precincts are the incubators for solutions to the region’s most pressing social and economic challenges.”

    Further information:

    SEQ Innovation Economy Fund successful applicants:

    Applicant Location Joint Commonwealth and Queensland Funding Project description
    Therapeutic Innovation Australia Limited Boggo Road Innovation Precinct, Brisbane $3 million Establishing the Bioproduction Hub (PM1) for multi modal therapeutics Phase 1 manufacturing at TRI. This Australian-first facility will enable production of biologics, vaccines, radiopharmaceuticals and mRNA therapeutics to support first-in-human clinical trials. The integration of specialist therapeutic manufacturing capability, quality control and regulatory expertise aims to streamline and fast-track the pathway from discovery science to clinical evaluation.
    Translational 
    Research Institute    		 Boggo Road Innovation Precinct, Dutton Park $6,807,251

    This project will supercharge the Translational Manufacturing (TM@TRI) project and in turn supercharge the Boggo Road Innovation

    Precinct, accelerating the impact of this critical infrastructure.
    Southern RNA LNP-mRNA-Enable Project (LEAP): Driving LNP-mRNA Therapeutics to Clinical Trials $2,777,667

    The LNP-mRNA-Enable project aims to supercharge Queensland’s biomedical sector by building infrastructure and capacity that will unlock Queensland’s ability to locally translate and produce mRNA therapeutics. Led by Southern RNA and supported by research and industry partners in the field, the project will specifically develop capability around the development and manufacturing of Lipid

    Nanoparticle-mRNA, a vital step in the production and delivery of mRNA.
    Witmack Industrial AATLIS Innovation Precinct Industry Biotechnology Centre (IBC), Toowoomba $25,000,000

    The AATLIS Innovation Precinct Industry Biotechnology Centre (IBC) is a groundbreaking $50m initiative to establish Australia’s first vertically integrated biotechnological facility for distribution, sales, logistics, R&D, and toll manufacturing.

    This “One Stop Shop” will integrate AI-driven research and world-class technology with best-practice manufacturing capabilities and global end-users to strengthen supply chain security, advance environmentally conscious practices like reducing synthetic chemical use, and boost economic growth and export opportunities.

     
    University of Queensland

    Queensland Animal Science Precinct, Lockyer Valley

     

    		 $21,807,000 Queensland Animal Science Innovation Hub – a place animal producers, farmers and industry can test and trial, scale and commercialise new farming and biosecurity innovations which enhances food security and the supply of affordable and reliable meat and animal products to Queensland and the world.

    University of the Sunshine Coast

     

    		 Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast $2,724,431 Future Skills Lab – five future skills specialist innovation labs, delivered in partnership with industry, and equipped with the latest tools and resources that accelerate the design, prototyping and testing of cutting-edge digital innovations.
    Urban Utilities Luggage Point Innovation Precinct, Brisbane

    $7,670,811

    		 Luggage Point Innovation Precinct Expansion: Pioneering Sustainable Water Solutions for Green Industries. Creating new spaces for pilot projects, sampling and research; and innovation-enabling infrastructure that will drive development and commercialisation of innovative water-related products and technologies including accelerating recycled water innovation; encouraging the adoption of recycled water; addressing persistent contaminants; and enabling hydrogen production to develop novel products from biogas, biosolids and organic waste.
    Griffith University Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, Gold Coast $25 million Health and Advanced Technology Research and Innovation Centre (HATRIC), a partnership between Griffith University (GU) and Economic Development Queensland is a new building that will significantly boost and synthesise the precinct’s capabilities, creating a seamless interface between university R&D and commercialisation with industry partners. Innovations enabled through HATRIC may include spinal injury repair, new vaccines, rehabilitation equipment, artificial ligaments, customised bionics for limb loss, quantum technologies for sportstech and circular economy technologies in recycling medical waste and lithium-ion batteries.

    More information on the SEQ Innovation Economy Fund can be found at SEQ Innovation Economy Fund | Advance Queensland.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 612, a bill to amend the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act to authorize grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations, and for other purposes

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 612 would authorize the appropriation of $35 million over the 2025-2029 period for a grant program to support Native American tourism. Under the bill, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, and other federal agencies would award grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations.

    The bill does not specify how much would be authorized for any given year. For this estimate, CBO assumes that the bill will be enacted in fiscal year 2025 and that the authorized amount will be provided in 2025. Based on spending patterns for similar programs, CBO estimates that implementing S. 612 would cost $35 million over the 2025-2030 period, assuming appropriation of the authorized amount.

    The costs of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, fall within budget function 450 (community and regional development).

    Table 1.

    Estimated Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation Under S. 612
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		  
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2025-2030

    Authorizationa

    35

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    35

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    15

    9

    6

    3

    2

    35

    a. The bill would authorize the appropriation of $35 million over the 2025-2029 period but does not specify how much would be authorized for any given year. For this estimate, CBO has assumed the entire authorized amount would be provided in 2025.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Julia Aman. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –