NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New planning laws to end the culture of ‘no’

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government’s new planning legislation to replace the Resource Management Act will make it easier to get things done while protecting the environment, say Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop and Under-Secretary Simon Court.

    “The RMA is broken and everyone knows it. It makes it too hard to build the infrastructure and houses New Zealand desperately needs, too hard to use our abundant natural resources, and hasn’t resulted in better management of our natural environment,” Mr Bishop says.

    “Replacing the RMA with new legislation premised on property rights is critical to the government’s mission of growing the economy and lifting living standards for New Zealanders.

    “In our first year in office we repealed Labour’s botched RMA reforms and made a series of quick and targeted amendments to provide relief to our primary sector, such as repealing the permitted and restricted discretionary intensive winter grazing regulations. We also passed the Fast-track Approvals Act to make it much easier to deliver projects with regional or nationally significant benefits. 

    “Cabinet has now agreed on the shape of the Government’s replacement legislation, signalling a radical transition to a far more liberal planning system with less red tape, premised on the enjoyment of property rights.

    “Turning our economy around requires changing the culture of ‘no’ that permeates decision making in New Zealand. Whether it’s aquaculture off the coast of the South Island or a new green building replacing a heritage gravel pit next to a train station in the centre of our biggest city, the RMA has obstructed growth instead of enabling it. 

    “That’s all about to change. Enough is enough. 

    “Last year, the Government set ten principles for the new RMA system and tasked an Expert Advisory Group to work at pace to test and further refine these principles and develop a blueprint for reform. The EAG delivered their blueprint earlier this year.

    “Cabinet has agreed that the EAG Blueprint delivers a workable basis for a new planning system and has made in-principle decisions on a range of new features for the system, drawing upon the EAG Blueprint.

    “Economic analysis undertaken on the Blueprint’s proposals show that they are estimated to deliver a 45% improvement in administrative and compliance costs when compared to the current system. Similar analysis done on the last Government’s RMA replacement estimated that it would deliver only a 7% reduction in process costs.”

    Key features of the new system include:

    • Two Acts: A Planning Act focused on regulating the use, development and enjoyment of land, along with a Natural Environment Act focused on the use, protection and enhancement of the natural environment. 
    • A narrowed approach to effects management: The new system will be based on the economic concept of “externalities”. Effects that are borne solely by the party undertaking the activity will not be controlled by the new system (for example, interior building layouts or exterior aspects of buildings that have no impact on neighbouring properties such as the size and configuration of apartments, the provision of balconies, and the configuration of outdoor open spaces for a private dwelling). Matters such as effects on trade competition will be excluded.
    • Property Rights: Both Acts will include starting presumptions that a land use is enabled, unless there is a significant enough impact on either the ability of others to use their own land or on the natural environment. This will reduce the scope of effects being regulated and enable more activities to take place as of right. There will be clear protection for lawfully established existing use rights, including the potential for the reasonable expansion of existing activities over time where the site is ‘zoned or owned’. There will be a requirement for regulatory justification reports if departing from approaches to regulation standardised at the national level. Compensation may happen for regulatory takings in some circumstances. There will be an expansion in the range of permitted activities.
    • Simplified National Direction: One set of national policy direction under each Act will simplify, streamline, and direct local government plans and decision-making in the system. Direction under the Natural Environment Act will cover freshwater, indigenous biodiversity and coastal policy. Direction under the new Planning Act will cover urban development, infrastructure (including renewable energy) and natural hazards. 
    • Environmental limits: A clearer legislative basis for setting environmental limits for our natural environment will provide more certainty around where development can and should be enabled, whilst protecting the environment.
    • Greater use of standardisation: Nationally set standards, including standardised land use zones, will provide significant system benefits and efficiencies. The new legislation will provide for greater standardisation, while still maintaining local decision making over the things that matter.
    • Spatial Plans: Each region will be required to have a spatial plan, focused on identifying sufficient future urban development areas, development areas that are being prioritised for public investment and existing and planned infrastructure corridors and strategic sites.
    • Streamlining of council plans: A combined plan will include a spatial planning chapter, an environment chapter and planning chapters (one per territorial authority district).
    • Strengthening environmental compliance monitoring and enforcement: To safeguard the environment, a national compliance regulator with a regional presence will be established – taking over a function currently done poorly by regional councils. 

    “Common sense ideas like standardised zoning will be a key feature of the new system. Right now, every individual council determines the technical rules of each of their zones. Across the country there are 1,175 different kinds of zones. In Japan, which utilises standardised zoning, they have only 13”, Mr Bishop says.

    “Standardising these zoning rules will take pressure off ratepayers and make it easier to build more homes for Kiwis. It will also enhance local decision making, allowing elected local representatives to focus more time on deciding where development should and should not occur in their community, and less time on the enormous amount of technical detail that goes into regulating that development.”

    The Phase Three RMA replacement is a key commitment in the National Party’s election manifesto, and its coalition agreement with the ACT Party.

    “The RMA is akin to a gale force headwind battering against any attempts to develop anything anywhere,” Mr Court says.

    “Our population has grown while our infrastructure has crumbled. If we want to retain our status as a first-world nation, we need to build.

    “We need to develop homes, schools, hospitals, and roads. We need to develop ports, windfarms, gas fields and farms. Without good infrastructure and easier access to resources, how can we achieve the quality of life New Zealanders expect of a developed nation in the 21st century?

    “The RMA’s scope is far too broad and allows far too many people to rely on far too many reasons to object and tangle progress in webs of absurd conditions.

    “We must rationalise the system to ensure a tight scope where only those affected get a say, and at the right time. We cannot have Tom, Dick, and Harry weaponise the planning system to block progress from the opposite end of the country.

    “We believe that the best way to stop unnecessary red tape is attach a price to it. The new system will protect landowners against regulatory takings, enabling them to seek recourse if found that unjustified restrictions have been placed on their land.”

    “There’s a lot of work still to do, but this Government is committed to delivering these reforms to unlock the economic growth we need to improve the lives of all New Zealanders.” Mr Bishop says. 

    “We intend to begin work immediately on working through the policy detail, introducing two new Acts into the House before the end of this year.”

    Editor’s note:

    Please find attached:

    Fact Sheet – Resource management reform

    Report from the Expert Advisory Group on RM Reform. Blueprint for resource management reform: A better planning and environmental management system.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road Closed, SH1, Taihape

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    State Highway One is closed following a serious crash this evening.

    Emergency services were alerted to the single vehicle crash near Spooners Hill Road at around 4.40pm.

    Two people are reported to have injuries.

    The road is closed while emergency services are at the scene and diversions are in place.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Security of payment: preventing enforcement of adjudicated amounts to contractors in precarious financial positions

    Source: Allens Insights (legal sector)

    Stays granted even if contractors are not insolvent 6 min read

    The Queensland Supreme Court has granted a stay preventing enforcement of a judgment debt obtained by a contractor in reliance upon an adjudication decision pursuant to the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (Qld) (BIF Act).

    In this Insight, we consider Taringa Property Group Pty Ltd v Kenik Pty Ltd [2024] QSC 327 and similar cases in NSW and Victoria, with a focus on two key questions:

    • can contractors in liquidation benefit from security of payment legislation?
    • how do courts approach stay applications made by the principal where the contractor is solvent, but in a precarious financial position?

    Key takeaways 

    • Taringa Property Group is a welcome development for principals in Queensland as it lays the foundation for seeking a stay, even when a contractor is not in liquidation.
    • Insolvency remains a major challenge for contractors, who may now experience more difficulties in enforcing payment of adjudicated amounts which can, in turn, exacerbate cash flow problems.
    • Courts maintain a wide discretion and will consider each stay application on its own facts and circumstances—however, a major consideration is how long the stay will likely be.
    • We expect to see an increase in security of payment adjudication and related court litigation as a result of the likely reforms in Victoria.

    Taringa Property Group Pty Ltd v Kenik Pty Ltd [2024] QSC 327

    TPG (Principal) engaged Kenik (Contractor) to design and construct a retail complex at Taringa.

    The contract ended in August 2023 and the Contractor made a final payment claim in September 2023 for $9.7 million. Following the Principal issuing a payment schedule (with a scheduled amount of nil), the Contractor made an adjudication application under the BIF Act, where the adjudicator awarded the Contractor $4.2 million. The Contractor obtained judgment in respect of the adjudicated amount.

    The Principal commenced two applications in the Queensland Supreme Court:

    • First, seeking to have the adjudication decision declared void for jurisdictional error or, in the alternative, a stay of the judgment debt.
    • Second, seeking final relief relating to the contract (specifically, that the Contractor is not entitled to retain the adjudicated amount).

    The court warned that considerable caution should be given to the granting of the stay as it detracts from the primary purpose of the BIF Act in enabling a contractor to be paid.1 Any risk of non‑recovery of payments made under the BIF Act as a consequence of the financial failure of the contractor after the receipt of the BIF payment is generally to lie with the principal.2

    The court gave three examples of circumstances of when a stay might be granted:3

    • where the contractor has taken steps to make the task of recovering any BIF payment more difficult for the principal by way of restructuring its financial affairs;
    • where the contractor engages in tactics to delay the resolution of the substantive proceeding;4 or
    • where the contractor is in liquidation or in some form of external administration due to liquidity issues at the time the BIF payment would otherwise be made.

    Essentially, there needs to be a real risk that the Principal will suffer prejudice or damage if a stay is not granted. However, Justice Hindman rejected the proposition that the risk must reach the level of certainty before a stay might be granted—in other words, the threshold is not so high that the contractor must actually be in external administration or must be positively proved to be hopelessly or otherwise insolvent.5

    Justice Hindman found ‘undisputed’ evidence of serious financial instability and that, if a stay is granted, the Contractor is most likely to financially fail.6 It was further observed that, even if it received the adjudicated amount, the Contractor was still likely to go into external administration as it would be insufficient to satisfy its debts.

    The court concluded that if the stay was refused, there would be a very high risk that the Contractor would not be able to repay the adjudicated amount should the Principal succeed in its claim for final relief. The practical effect of refusing the stay would be to transform the Contractor’s interim entitlement under the BIF Act into a final payment, unable to be recovered by the Principal, and at odds with the intended operation of the BIF Act.

    In a separate proceeding following this decision, a creditor of the Contractor successfully obtained an order that the Contractor be wound up.7

    The decision is currently under appeal.

    Discussion 

    Insolvency has been a major challenge for contractors, who are experiencing obstacles at every turn—high inflation, regulatory reforms, supply-chain issues, delayed effects of the pandemic, labour shortages etc. The main purpose of the BIF Act (and equivalent acts) is to help contractors be paid for the work they do, so stays to delay payment to contractors may have significant consequences and could potentially increase insolvency rates in the industry.

    New South Wales

    Since 2019, NSW has had a prohibition on companies in liquidation using the security of payment process8—the only jurisdiction in Australia to have such an express carveout. Companies in liquidation may not serve or enforce payment claims, or make applications for adjudication of a payment claim.

    Where contractors are not in liquidation, courts have been cautious in light of the policy of the statute and have undertaken a close analysis of the extent or certainty of the risk of prejudice or damage if a stay is not granted. Nevertheless, courts have been ready and willing to grant stays if the failure to do so would have the practical effect of making permanent that which, clearly enough, the legislature intended to be only interim.9

    Recently, the NSW Supreme Court noted that, although it does make it harder to obtain a stay when the contractor is not in liquidation, it by no means follows that a stay cannot be obtained unless it is.10

    The court further observed that:

    ‘up to a point, the more financial difficulty the contractor is in, the less reason there is for granting a stay, as the more likely it will be that the grant of such a stay will result in the contractor being deprived of the cashflow which is needed to sustain its operations. It is only when insolvency becomes inevitable, or at least highly probable, that the dynamics reverse because of the possibility that an interim payment will effectively become final.’11

    Indeed, in another recent decision, the court considered that even a ‘significant risk’ was not sufficiently certain of financial difficulty such that a stay should be granted.12 We note, however, in that case the contractor continued to trade, unlike the contractor in Taringa Property Group.

    The decision in Taringa Property Group, although the first of its kind in Queensland, is consistent with the approach taken in NSW.

    Victoria

    Victorian principals can still run the argument that contractors in liquidation may not use the payment regime, though this is unlikely to be without serious consideration by the courts due to conflicting decisions on this issue.13

    There is also a question of whether, in seeking a stay against a contractor who is not in liquidation, a principal is required to show that there is more than a real risk the contractor would not be able to repay the adjudicated amount in order to succeed.14

    At least one decision has granted such a stay, without requiring that higher standard.15 In that case, the stay was justified—save the fact of the parlous financial circumstances of the contractor—on the basis that it would be limited in time, and therefore minimal in the prejudice it caused the contractor.16 The likely takeaway is that, where the court is able to grant the stay on conditions or for a limited time period, application of a higher standard in the form of more than a real risk may be less relevant.

    On a wider note, principals in Victoria should be prepared to engage in more and broader adjudications in the near future as a result of the likely reforms to the current Victorian act. Consequently, it is expected that there will be an increase in proceedings seeking final determination of rights under contract and corresponding stay applications.

    To read more about Victoria’s proposed reforms, including the removal of Victoria’s unique ‘excluded amounts’ regime, removal of the concept of ‘reference dates’, an introduction of a blackout period and the introduction of a new provision allowing notice-based time bars to be declared unfair, see Government support for security of payment reform in Victoria.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: This might be the most important thing the Government does

    Source: ACT Party

    Welcoming Cabinet’s agreement on the shape of laws to replace the Resource Management Act, ACT Leader David Seymour says:

    “Ditching the RMA and passing new laws centred on property rights might be the most important thing the Government does.

    “Why can’t young New Zealanders afford homes? Why are power bills so high? Why can’t I buy McDonald’s in Wanaka? Each question has a common answer.

    “The Resource Management Act is a 913-page monstrosity that has strangled New Zealand’s development potential. The RMA empowers objectors from any part of the country to block us from building homes, wastewater treatment plants, power plants, and roads.

    “ACT has been beating this drum for more than a decade. I remember campaigning on it before I first entered Parliament in 2014. There’s been plenty of tinkering round the edges since the Act was passed in 1991, but only now are we seeing wholesale reform, delivered by ACT’s Simon Court alongside Chris Bishop.

    “The reforms announced today are based on ACT’s 2022 paper, Building New Zealand and Conserving Nature. By refocusing resource management on the protection of individual property rights, we dramatically reduce the range of people who can interfere with the use of someone else’s land.

    “One law will govern urban development and planning, while the other will protect the environment. It’s never made sense that the same laws that protect Fiordland National Park also determine whether a horse paddock in Helensville can have two homes built on it.

    “The legacy of these reforms will be more productive activity, more high-paying jobs, and affordable housing. That’s how we give young Kiwis confidence to build families and futures here in New Zealand, and I’m very proud of the role ACT and Simon Court have played.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Mark Riley, Weekend Sunrise, Channel 7

    Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

    Mark Riley:

    Treasurer, thank you for speaking to Weekend Sunrise.

    Jim Chalmers:

    Thanks very much, Mark.

    Riley:

    About your fourth budget, quite a feat in itself. The energy rebate extension, $150, half the amount of the first rebate. Why?

    Chalmers:

    This is hip pocket help for households, and that’s because we know that the cost of living is front of mind for most Australians and it’s front and centre in the Budget. This is another 2 quarters of energy bill relief, which recognises that even with all the progress we’ve made together on inflation, people are still under pressure and the Budget is designed to respond to that.

    Riley:

    Does that mean that after these 2 quarters, say the end of the year, people won’t need further assistance on their energy bills, they’ll start coming down?

    Chalmers:

    It means that there’s another 6 months worth of assistance and relief. We’ve provided 2 rounds of energy bill relief already. That’s played a really important role, taking some of the edge off these cost‑of‑living pressures.

    What we’ve tried to do here, in the most responsible way that we can, is to continue that for another 6 months. $150 off people’s power bills, more hip pocket help for households, because we know people still need it.

    Riley:

    Will you review it after that 6 months and see if it’s needed for another 6 months?

    Chalmers:

    Yeah, we keep these cost‑of‑living measures under more or less constant review. One of the defining features of the first 3 budgets, and will be again in the fourth, is doing what we responsibly can to help people with the cost of living. We know, as I said, that cost of living is front of mind for a lot of people and that’s why it’s front and centre in the Budget.

    Riley:

    So, this isn’t all the cost‑of‑living relief in the Budget? There will be more?

    Chalmers:

    We’ve already made it clear last Thursday, the Prime Minister announced that we’ll make medicines cheaper as well. What people will see on Tuesday night is really that the primary focus of the government’s fourth Budget, just like the first 3, is easing cost‑of‑living pressures, but also at the same time as we strengthen our economy and make it more resilient in the face of all of this global economic uncertainty.

    Riley:

    So, a couple of things have been suggested. Household battery subsidies for people to install them in their homes. Is that on the cards?

    Chalmers:

    First of all, I’m not going to foreshadow all of the elements of the Budget. We’re obviously aware that people have put that proposal to us.

    Riley:

    Of course. Is it a good one?

    Chalmers:

    The focus of the energy elements of the Budget is this energy bill assistance. $1.8 billion, a very substantial investment, but a responsible one as well, which recognises the pressure people are under.

    Riley:

    Some months ago the PM said he was looking at a fixed fee model for childcare. So, parents didn’t pay more than about $10 or $20 a day. What’s happened to that idea? Is that something that’s being accepted by the government?

    Chalmers:

    What we’ve announced already at the end of last year and what will be funded in the Budget is what’s called our 3‑day guarantee. That’s an important step towards that universal early childhood education system that we want. We can’t get there from A to B in one step when it comes to universal childcare. And that’s why we’re investing more money in building more childcare centres, especially for not‑for‑profit providers and especially where areas where there’s a real need, the so‑called childcare deserts. So the Budget will have that money for new childcare centres, it will have money for the 3‑day guarantee. These are important steps towards that universal system that you’re asking about.

    Riley:

    And just checking, that’ll be it for childcare in this Budget?

    Chalmers:

    There won’t be the fixed fee model that you’re talking about. That’s because we need to get there in interim steps. We know that the Prime Minister, the Minister, myself and others, we are real enthusiasts for early childhood education. We think it’s a game changer for families and especially for children. It also helps people to work more and earn more if they want to. That’s why we’re big believers, that’s why it’ll be an important feature of the Budget.

    Riley:

    Ok. A pre‑election Budget, which is interesting in itself. So, you’re going to empty the bank? Are you throwing the kitchen sink at it?

    Chalmers:

    No, it won’t be some kind of free for all of public money as I’ve made clear on a number of occasions. Cost of living will be the primary focus, but we’ll provide that cost‑of‑living relief in the most responsible way that we can. And we’ll also do it in a way with it where we’re not neglecting our responsibilities to the future.

    We know that there’s a lot of global economic uncertainty. What’s happening in the US and China, Europe and the Middle East casts a shadow over this Budget. There’s a lot of unpredictability and volatility in the global economy. So, in addition to that cost‑of‑living help, we’ll also be investing in making our economy more resilient because that’s the best way to build Australia’s future.

    Riley:

    And will there be measures in this Budget that we won’t hear about on Tuesday night that will be released during the election campaign?

    Chalmers:

    As I made clear, I think last week from memory, a lot of what’s in the Budget has been announced already. I mean, the big game‑changing investment in strengthening Medicare because more bulk billing means less pressure on families. That will be an important feature of the Budget – one of the most important features of the Budget already announced. There’ll be a small number of announcements to be made during the course of the election campaign, as you would expect. You’ve seen a few of these, Mark, over the years.

    Riley:

    Just a couple.

    Chalmers:

    But there’ll be some important initiatives announced on Tuesday.

    Riley:

    In the cost of living space as well?

    Chalmers:

    We’ve made it clear already cheaper medicines and some extra help with electricity bills. We’ve also got in the Budget the cuts to student debt, which is about cost of living as well. People will see a real focus on Tuesday night on the cost of living, but also making our economy more resilient in the face of this global uncertainty.

    Riley:

    Are you confident this is going to be enough to get you re‑elected?

    Chalmers:

    It remains to be seen. You know me, Mark. You know that I don’t take outcomes for granted when it comes to elections. What I am confident about is that we’ve made the right decisions for the right reasons. And I genuinely believe that if you have the right values and the right priorities, and if you take those right decisions for the right reasons, the politics will take care of themselves.

    Riley:

    Treasurer, thank you very much for speaking with Weekend Sunrise.

    Chalmers:

    Thanks.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: OPC urges caution in facial recognition trial

    Source: Privacy Commissioner

    Foodstuffs North Island have engaged constructively with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner on their trial of in-store facial recognition technology, including sharing with us their privacy impact assessment for comment. We prompted Foodstuffs North Island to carefully consider whether the use of facial recognition technology was a necessary, proportionate, and effective response to harmful behaviour in Foodstuffs stores. We also provided a range of other comments, including the importance of being transparent with shoppers about the use of facial recognition technology, and to proactively engage with stakeholders, including Mori. We recognise Foodstuffs has a responsibility to take steps to keep customers and staff safe. However, it is not clear to our office how facial recognition technology is going to achieve this. As a result, we have been counselling caution given the privacy intrusive nature of facial recognition technology and the inaccuracy and profiling risks involved.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release: South Wairarapa homicide

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can now release the name of the man who died after being shot in Featherston on Saturday 22 March.

    He was 23-year-old Doreion Peri Ropata Hard, from Masterton.

    Two men, aged 23 and 25, appeared in the Wellington District Court today, charged with murder.

    They will next appear in the High Court at Wellington, on 11 April.

    Further charges are being considered against the pair.

    Police are still appealing for anyone with information to please speak to us.

    If you have any information that may assist, please contact us via 105 either over the phone or online.

    Please reference Operation Ascot – reference number 250322/8281.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Jason uncovers Kunming’s floral magic

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    One of Yunnan’s famous “18 Oddities” says, “Flowers here are sold by the kilo.” Jason had a visit at the Dounan Flower Market in Chenggong district in Kunming, down in southwestern China. The Asia’s largest fresh-cut flower market supplies seven out of every 10 flowers sold in China. Every day, more than 1,600 types of flowers are traded here, with annual sales topping 10 billion stems. Dounan’s success isn’t just luck. Beyond high-quality flowers and hardworking farmers, digital technology has transformed the industry.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: AI-powered rubber-tapping robots designed to alleviate labor shortage

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    In a bid to tackle the chronic labor shortages plaguing its natural rubber industry, China has unveiled a mobile rubber-tapping robot, marking a leap forward in agricultural automation.

    Developed jointly by the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) and Beijing-based tech firm Automotive Walking Technology, the self-navigating robot is set to undergo trials in rubber plantations in south China’s Hainan Province during the upcoming tapping season in April.

    In a demonstration video, the robot can be seen approaching a rubber tree, before halting with pinpoint accuracy and then extending its robotic arm to execute a precise cutting motion on the trunk. Within seconds after this cutting motion, the video reveals milky-white latex flowing steadily from the incision made by the robot.

    China’s natural rubber sector, vital for tire manufacturing and as a source of industrial supplies, is currently facing a significant workforce deficit due to its grueling working conditions, nocturnal shifts and high incidence of occupational diseases.

    “The rubber-tapping robots have been developed to address the exodus of rubber tappers, which is the industry’s critical pain point,” said Cao Jianhua, deputy director of the CATAS rubber research institute.

    The robot, equipped with a multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm and caterpillar-track mobility, leverages AI-driven technologies to adapt to complex terrain and perform precision cuts.

    Its navigation system combines laser radar and multi-sensor fusion algorithms, enabling high-precision positioning in dense plantations. Also, visual tech determines tree bark depth and cutting angles, achieving 80 percent manual harvesting efficiency with matching latex quality.

    The rubber-tapping robot can harvest 100 to 120 trees per hour, powered by lithium batteries that provide over 8 hours of continuous operation. Notably, its 20-second rapid battery swap capability ensures uninterrupted workflow in large plantations.

    Once in the mass-production phase, the cost of the rubber-tapping robot will drop below 100,000 yuan (13,820 U.S. dollars), and for a 50-mu (3.33 hectares) rubber garden, robot-based tapping will recoup the purchase cost within about 18 months, Sun Yao, co-founder of Automotive Walking Technology, told Xinhua.

    “We’ve been in discussions with several multinational tire companies and rubber growers throughout Southeast Asia, including in Indonesia and Thailand, and they’re showing strong interest in our product,” said Cao.

    Cao’s team is continuing to refine its technology. Soon, users will be able to monitor the robots directly from their smartphones, get a clear picture of the rubber garden’s status, and use more big data and AI technologies for fully automated management.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Business and Politics – RMA reform – opening the door for investment – BusinessNZ

    Source: BusinessNZ

    BusinessNZ welcomes the Government’s commitment to reforming resource management laws, based on the principle of the enjoyment of property rights.
    “The latest announcement on phase 3 reforms is another step in the right direction,” BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich said.
    “Current consenting processes are slow and costly, and projects can be rejected or have costly conditions placed on them due to the RMA. In many cases consent processes do not sufficiently recognise the economic and social benefits of development relative to other considerations.
    “There is a compelling case for making the consent process more affordable. A 2021 report for the Infrastructure Commission estimated that RMA consenting processes for infrastructure projects cost $1.29 billion per year.
    “There is also a need for compensation to be made available in cases where property is taken or reduced in value as a result of government regulatory action. It is pleasing that the Government is taking property rights seriously, as it should if we want to attract long-term investment into New Zealand.
    “In BusinessNZ’s view, the RMA will continue to inhibit New Zealand’s growth potential until it is properly amended to recognise property rights and allow responsible growth to happen.
    “We are hopeful that NZ may be turning a page, and moving towards a future where businesses and all New Zealanders can feel more confident about developing their property in ways that maximise the contribution our vast natural resource base can contribute to New Zealanders’ future economic well-being,” Mrs Rich said.
    The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Miramar unexplained death: Runner, pedestrian may hold critical details

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attribute to Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard:

    Police investigating the unexplained death of a man in Miramar want to hear from two members of the public who may have critical information.

    Abdul Nabizadah, 63, was located with serious head injuries at the intersection of Camperdown Road and Totara Road, about 2.20am on 17 March. Mr Nabizadah was found by Police carrying out area enquiries following a serious burglary that happened a short distance away about 20 minutes earlier.

    Sadly, Mr Nabizadah died in hospital the following day.

    Police would like to hear from two individuals, who may have details that are critical to the investigation.

    At 12.28am, a man was seen walking down Camperdown Road from Totara Street and turned right in to Darlington Road from Totara Street.  The man was wearing a light-coloured top and dark pants.

    We know Mr Nabizadah arrived in Totara Street in his silver-coloured Toyota Aqua, registration NQE681, at 12.25am, so this man may well have seen Mr Nabizadah and or his vehicle.

    At 1.30am, a man in fitness clothing or activewear was seen running south on Darlington Road. The man crossed the Camperdown Road intersection around that time. The man was wearing a blue shirt, and we need to hear from him.

    Police have been making a number of enquiries into the victim’s unexplained death, and the parallel investigation into a burglary in Darlington Road at 2am, during which an intruder was disturbed by the property’s occupants.

    We are still seeking dashcam footage from anyone in the Miramar area from midnight to 3am. It’s likely there were people out and about at that time, or people commuting to or from work.

    If you can help

    If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 250317/6324, or reference Operation Celtic.

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

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stage One, almost done – The Strand Optimisation Project

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Stage One of The Strand Optimisation Project is nearing completion, with an upcoming four-night closure planned between Quay Street/ Tamaki Drive and Beach Road.

    The closure will take place between 9pm and 5am from Sunday 30 March to Thursday 3 April, and will allow crews to complete road resurfacing and line marking, before returning in early May to paint the transit lanes green.

    During the closure, road users will be detoured via Beach Road, Tangihua Street and Quay Street/ Tamaki Drive. The detour is expected to add 5 to 10 minutes to people’s journeys.

    There will be no access between Gladstone Road and The Strand.  Parnell residents are advised to use St Stephens Ave, Parnell Road and Parnell Rise to travel to Stanley Street and Beach Road.  For residents on The Strand, access will be managed by traffic control.

    People travelling through the area should plan ahead and be prepared for delays.

    These works are weather dependent and there may be changes in the case of unsuitable weather. Please visit the NZTA Journey Planner website for up-to-date information on the works:

    journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)

    The Strand Optimisation Project is a joint project between NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and Auckland Transport (AT). The project runs along The Strand between Alten Road and Tāmaki Drive in Auckland and aims to improve efficiency, travel choice and safety along this busy corridor. implementing a special vehicle lane, relocating or removing bus stops, installing new pedestrian crossings, and upgrading intersections.

    More information about special vehicle lanes

    To find out more about the project, please visit:

    The Strand Optimisation

    NZTA thanks everyone for their patience and understanding while we complete these important works.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on March 21, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 5,71,400.25 6.33 5.15-6.65
         I. Call Money 16,518.82 6.33 5.15-6.50
         II. Triparty Repo 3,90,123.95 6.30 6.00-6.65
         III. Market Repo 1,62,325.58 6.39 5.50-6.50
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 2,431.90 6.63 6.60-6.65
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 548.90 6.43 5.90-6.45
         II. Term Money@@ 565.00 – 7.25-7.60
         III. Triparty Repo 190.00 6.23 6.00-6.50
         IV. Market Repo 0.00 – –
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Fri, 21/03/2025 3 Mon, 24/03/2025 96,581.00 6.26
      Fri, 21/03/2025 5 Wed, 26/03/2025 46,204.00 6.26
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (III) Long Term Operations^          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Fri, 21/03/2025 1 Sat, 22/03/2025 9,778.00 6.50
      Fri, 21/03/2025 2 Sun, 23/03/2025 0.00 6.50
      Fri, 21/03/2025 3 Mon, 24/03/2025 183.00 6.50
    4. SDFΔ# Fri, 21/03/2025 1 Sat, 22/03/2025 1,32,199.00 6.00
      Fri, 21/03/2025 2 Sun, 23/03/2025 1.00 6.00
      Fri, 21/03/2025 3 Mon, 24/03/2025 6,756.00 6.00
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       13,790.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (III) Long Term Operations^          
         (a) Repo Fri, 21/02/2025 45 Mon, 07/04/2025 57,951.00 6.26
      Fri, 14/02/2025 49 Fri, 04/04/2025 75,003.00 6.28
      Fri, 07/02/2025 56 Fri, 04/04/2025 50,010.00 6.31
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       9,517.37  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     1,92,481.37  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     2,06,271.37  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on March 21, 2025 8,89,240.46  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending March 21, 2025 9,19,133.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ March 21, 2025 1,42,785.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on March 07, 2025 54,323.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    ^ As per the Press Release No. 2024-2025/2082 dated February 05, 2025, Press Release No. 2024-2025/2138 dated February 12, 2025, and Press Release No. 2024-2025/2209 dated February 20, 2025.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/2442

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for information following crash, Taupō

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Fane Troy

    Taupo Police investigating a serious crash in Rangitaiki, Taupō are seeking information from members of the public about events leading up to the crash.

    At around 10:30am on Sunday 23 March, Police were called to a two-vehicle crash involving a van and a car on State Highway 5 near Rangitaiki School Road.

    Eleven people were transported to hospital as a result of the crash. None of these injuries are thought to be life threatening.

    The driver of the van appeared in the Tauranga District Court today and is set to reappear on Wednesday 26 March.

    Police would like to speak to the driver of a vehicle that was overtaken by a White Toyota Hiace van moments before the crash.

    Anybody else who witnessed the crash, or has any dashcam footage of the van, is encouraged to contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online.

    Please reference the file number 250323/1172.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – Mixed-bag of weather for New Zealand this week – MetService

    Source: Metservice

    Covering period of Monday 24th – Thursday 27th March – New Zealand is set to experience a week of varied weather patterns through till the end of the week. While the North Island anticipates generally pleasant conditions with intermittent showers, the South Island may see cooler temperatures accompanied by occasional rainfall.

    The slow-moving rain band that tracked up the South Island over the weekend, finally made it onto the lower North Island this morning (Monday). These gloomy wet conditions are expected to continue north throughout the day as a cooler airmass holds firm over the South Island, however rain is expected to clear from the south. Unfortunately, this weakening band of rain isn’t going to bring much respite to the drought affected areas and the chance for meaningful rain this week remains low.

    Don’t lock away those umbrellas just yet if you’re in the east of the South Island, as showers persist today and tomorrow. For the rest of the week, the South Island is set to see sunnier skies before the next cold front arrives on Wednesday morning, spreading rain and showers up the Island into Thursday.

    MetService Meteorologist Kgolofelo Dube warns of chillier nights ahead “Behind the rainband on Thursday, a cooler airmass maintains colder overnight temperatures in many places, as well as cooler midday maximums in Southland”.

    Not a lot of change is expected in the next few days for the North Island, as the weather is expected to keep things cloudier with intermittent showers projected to occur for some. Dube says “Although the North Island should see areas of cloud and rain through the week, sports lovers will be happy to hear that dry and sunny weather are on the cards for football’s Men’s Oceania qualifier final between the All Whites and New Caledonia tonight (Monday) in Auckland; as well as during  cricket’s double header on Wednesday when the White Ferns take on Australia in the women’s clash, then later in the men’s clash, the Blackcaps take on Pakistan.”  

    For the latest weather forecasts, visit the www.metservice.com website.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and Employment – Primary Health Care wage agreement reached but pay parity still needed to retain nurses – NZNO

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) primary health care members have agreed to an 8% wage increase over 12 months but pay parity with their hospital counterparts is still needed to retain nurses in the sector.
    NZNO’s College of Primary Health Care Nurses chair Tracey Morgan says there was overwhelming support for the Multi Employment Collective Agreement offer for an immediate increase of 5% followed by a further 3% in July.
    “This is good news for primary and community care nurses. However, their base hourly rate remains on average about 10% below Te Whatu Ora nurses despite having the same skills and qualifications.
    “Until primary and community care nurses are paid the same, they will continue to leave GPs and iwi and community clinics for better paid hospital jobs here and overseas.”
    A recent Victoria University of Wellington study found 36% of New Zealand’s general practices didn’t take new enrolments last year, with workforce shortages cited as the major reason people were being turned away.
    “If people can’t get the health care they need in their communities, they end up at hospital even sicker. This puts more pressure on our already stretched hospitals,” Tracey Morgan says.
    “NZNO urges the Government to fulfil its pre-election commitment to pay primary care nurses the same as their hospital counterparts and introduce a sustainable funding model for the primary care sector.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport – Transporting New Zealand backs freight-focussed Greater Manawatu City and Regional Deal Proposal

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    National road freight association Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is backing the Greater Manawatū City and Regional Deal Proposal, saying the Deal’s five priority projects would support the region’s role as a vital centre for freight and distribution, and support strong economic growth.
    The Manawatū region is the lower North Island’s key transportation hub, providing key links to Wellington, Taranaki, Whanganui and the Hawke’s Bay.
    City and Regional Deals is a Coalition Government initiative to establishing long-term agreements between central and local government. The programme is intended to unlock funding and resource opportunities to support councils to make improvements in their region.
    Transporting New Zealand participated in the development of the Deal proposal by sharing its transport expertise, and by representing its road freight sector members who will be affected by the Deal and its outcomes.
    Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says the Te Utanganui Central NZ Distribution Hub, Manawatū Regional Freight Ring Road and a tolled Manawatū Expressway priority projects would super-charge the region’s economic potential and support improved productivity, safety and emissions outcomes.
    “The opening of the Manawatū-Tararua Highway this year is going to be great news for road freight in the lower North Island and will be a real productivity boost. Getting this City and Regional Deal progressed will maintain this strong momentum.
    “The planned Manawatū Regional Freight Ring Road will reduce congestion in Palmerston North City Centre and link freight operators to the Te Utanganui Road, Rail and Air Freight Hub, Kalasih says.
    “The Deal aligns with our members’ priorities of reducing travel time, cutting freight costs for customers, and enhancing supply chain resilience.”
    Transporting New Zealand highlights several key benefits of the regional transport plan for the road freight sector:
    • Reduced Congestion – Significant reduction in traffic volumes around
    central Palmerston North, allowing freight operators to move goods with
    fewer delays.
    • Improved Safety – Enhancements to key transport corridors will reduce
    accident risks, ensuring safer journeys for all road users.
    • More Efficient Freight Access – About 20 per cent of New
    Zealand’s consumer goods move through the Manawatū and this will only
    increase with the development of improved transport links.
    • Long-Term Economic Growth – A well-functioning transport
    network will drive economic benefits for the logistics sector and local
    businesses, on top of the projected $4 billion investment in
    infrastructure over the next five years.
    The Greater Manawatū City and Regional Deal Proposal is a joint bid from Horizons Regional Council, Horowhenua District Council, Manawatu District Council, Palmerston North City Council and Tararua District Council.
    All City and Regional Deal proposals submitted are being assessed by the Department of Internal Affairs before being considered by Government Ministers. The Government intends to have the first Deal done by the end of 2025, with three deals in place by October 2026.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities – New hi-tech buoys improve south coast scientific monitoring – Flinders

    Source: Flinders University

    The introduction of new Spotter buoys to measure wave height and direction, and temperature in the sea off Victor Harbor in South Australia, provides a timely new resource to monitor fluctuating sea conditions and their effect on coastal environments.

    As unusually warm ocean temperatures for this time of year have triggered peculiar and destructive brown foam (believed to be triggered by microalgal blooms) to be washed up along the southern coastline, the new buoys will provide crucial data to inform stakeholders and the public on changing ocean conditions.

    The buoys, released into Encounter Bay and the Southern Ocean in early March by Flinders University’s Associate Professor Graziela Miot da Silva and new PhD student Maya Lambert, working in conjunction with the South Australian Research and Development (SARDI) Oceanography team and Victor Harbor Council Coastal Surveillance Officer Bronson Symmonds, gather critical information on wave and ocean temperature changes driven by climate change.

    The deployed buoys are Sofar Spotter metocean buoys, that collect and transmit accurate ocean data such as wave height, period and direction, estimates in wind speed and direction, plus sea surface temperature and barometric pressure in real-time via cellular data transfer.

    “This will provide good baseline data about coastal waters that has been lacking, and there has never been a better time to have more information about this stretch of ocean,” says Associate Professor Miot da Silva, part of Flinders University’s Beach and Dune Systems (BEADS) Lab.

    “There has been a significant gap in wave information available to researchers, managers, developers and policy makers. These buoys will make a huge difference.”

    The real-time wave data collected by this project will allow for the development of validated data-assimilating wave- and morphodynamic models to predict future changes in South Australia’s coastline, including climate change and sea level rise.

    “The intent of the research is to find better ways to manage this coast and to mitigate the risk to private and public assets on the coastline,” says Professor Patrick Hesp, head of Flinders University’s Beach and Dune Systems (BEADS) Lab.

    “The provision of accurate wave data is critical to improve understanding of variations in the hydrodynamic processes that shape coastlines, to inform best coastal management practices, drive the development of marine industries, and to promote and support tourism.”

    Data from the Spotter buoys – which will be maintained and processed thanks to a three-and-a-half-year Enterprise Industry scholarship funded by Victor Harbor Council and Flinders University to Flinders student Maya Lambert – will help local governments to forge better solutions for coastal protection.

    Access to real-time wave data aids research and provides valuable information necessary for informing daily marine operations, such as dredging, navigation and sea conditions for commercial and recreational fishermen, plus search and rescue operations, and water-based research and monitoring programs.

    This work in Encounter Bay is a collaboration between Flinders University, SARDI (the research arm of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions), and several district councils will provide long-term monitoring with real-time wave and sea surface temperature data to better understand coastal processes in the region, and help predict the future of the state’s coastlines.

    The project builds on existing coastal research being done by Flinders University, SARDI, the Department of Environment and Water, and the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) national Coastal Wave BuoysFacility with data being gathered from an extended network of wave buoys extending across the state from Robe to Ceduna.

    Access to this data is also freely available to the public through the www.sawaves.org website – a site that has quickly become popular with commercial and recreational marine users to check accurate wave conditions across the state.

    • The Coast Protection Board co-funds the Flinders PhD scholarship and contributed cash to the Council of Victor Harbor to purchase the wave buoy and maintain it via a Coast Protection Grant.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Scams – Less than 10% of Aussies would discuss their scam experience with family

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

    The research also reveals people’s confidence in spotting a scam decreases with age.

    New research commissioned by CommBank shows more than 90 per cent of Aussies believe that talking about scams with their loved ones will help to build awareness, however only 8 per cent say they would be comfortable discussing with family about being scammed.

    The research also found that around 60 per cent of Australians are more concerned about scams than they were a year ago.

    When it comes to recognising and avoiding scams, 33 per cent of people under 60 say they are very confident in spotting a scam, this drops to just over 20 per cent for those over 60.

    Recent data from the National Anti-Scams Centre (NASC) also shows that older Australians are overrepresented when it comes to scam losses. The government organisation’s latest Targeting Scams Report shows that people over the age of 65 accounted for around 31 per cent of losses reported to Scamwatch, despite only making up just over 17 per cent of the population.1

    As part of the Bank’s commitment to providing Australians with greater education about scams, CBA is collaborating with Australian journalist Jess Rowe and her mother Penelope to launch a new campaign – Talk to a Loved One.

    The education campaign aims to encourage conversations about the dangers of scams between generations. By addressing intergenerational knowledge gaps, it seeks to equip all Australians, particularly older generations, with the information and tools necessary to protect themselves and their families.

    CBA Head of Group Fraud James Roberts said: “At CBA we have seen customer scam losses decrease by 70 per cent over two years, and we know education is one of the most important parts of fraud and scams prevention. The research shows older Australians feel particularly exposed to scams, so we hope this education campaign helps change that, and all Australians learn how to spot a scam and stay safe.

    “Our campaign ambassadors, Jess Rowe and her mum Pen, embody the importance of open family conversations and reflect exactly what we are encouraging all Australians to do—talk to their loved ones about scams, share knowledge, and protect each other,” Mr Roberts said.

    CBA is collaborating with journalist Jess Rowe and her mother Penelope to launch Talk to a Loved One.

    To support Australians in having these crucial discussions, CommBank has launched a new scam safety tips webpage filled with comprehensive resources and educational material, including a conversation guide.

    When speaking about taking part in the campaign, Australian journalist Jess Rowe said: “It’s so important to talk openly about fraud and scams with our loved ones. By sharing our experiences and supporting each other, we can create a safer environment for everyone. I’m thrilled to be part of a campaign that encourages these crucial conversations and empowers Aussies to protect themselves and their families.”

    “In the first half of this financial year CBA invested more than $450 million to prevent fraud, scams, financial and cyber crime and while this is important, so too is raising awareness in the community on how we can protect ourselves,” Mr Roberts said.

    CBA is urging all Australians to take part in the Talk to a Loved One initiative by:

    Having regular conversations about scams with family and friends.
    Staying informed about the latest scam tactics.  
    Remembering to implement and educate others on these three simple steps to help prevent scams:  

    Stop: Does a call, email or text seem off? The best thing to do is stop and take a breath. Real organisations won’t put you under pressure to act instantly.
    Check: Ask someone you trust or contact the organisation the message claims to be from.
    Reject: If you’re unsure, hang up on the caller, delete the email, block the phone number. Change your password if you think someone else may have it, and make sure you pick something long and unique.

    Seeking help immediately if you suspect a scam.

    For more information about the campaign and how to stay safe from scams, visit commbank.com.au/scam-tips

    Note: The research, commissioned by CBA and conducted by YouGov, was carried out online between 6th – 12th January 2025 with a nationally representative sample of 1,500 Australians aged 18 years and older.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI China: E-commerce firm gets OK to resume operations after rectification

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A Hefei joint investigation team declared on Sunday that the e-commerce company Three Sheep Group, which had come under investigation last year for misleading consumers during live-streamed sales, has met the necessary requirements for rectification and fit to resume operations. 

    In October 2024, the company paid a fine of 68.95 million yuan ($9.5 million) in full, according to the investigation team. They have also compensated a total of 27.78 million yuan for products implicated in the case, including “Hong Kong Meicheng Mooncakes” and “Australian Grain-Fed Beef Rolls”. 

    According to earlier reports, the company had deceived customers during live-streamed sales of a mooncake brand, which caused a stir as despite its Hong Kong-suggestive name, no physical stores were located in Hong Kong, with packaging revealing production in Guangzhou and Foshan, Guangdong province.

    The company will continue to uphold the principle of full compensation, implementing a policy of refunding three times the purchase price to ensure proper handling of refunds and compensations, the investigation team said.

    Addressing concerns regarding product selection and quality control, promotional activities, after-sales services, and internal management, the investigation team provided guidance to the company in making 89 specific rectification measures and emphasized the importance of effectively implementing these changes.

    It also urged the company to reflect on inappropriate behaviors during previous live-streamed sales, adhere to requirements for online civility, enhance the management of hosts and live events, strengthen social responsibility and cultivate a positive image.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: S. Korea’s constitutional court rejects PM Han’s impeachment

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    South Korea’s constitutional court on Monday rejected a motion by the parliament to impeach Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, according to the court.

    With the rejection, Han was immediately reinstated as prime minister and acting president as the ruling took effect right after delivering the decision.

    Of eight justices of the nine-member bench, five rejected the motion while one upheld it. The remaining two were in favor of dismissal.

    The impeachment motion against Han was passed by the opposition-controlled National Assembly on Dec. 27 last year following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol on Dec. 14 over his botched martial law imposition.

    Choi Sang-mok, the economy and finance minister who doubles as deputy prime minister for economic affairs, became an acting president in December last year after the impeachments of both president and prime minister. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New appointments to arts institutions

    Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

    The Albanese Labor Government has made a range of appointments to arts bodies and cultural institutions to ensure they remain under strong leadership.

    • Mr Tony Ayers has been appointed as a member of the Council of the National Museum of Australia for a three-year term.
    • Ms Sue Hampel OAM has been reappointed to the National Archives of Australia Advisory Council for a three-year term.
    • Mr John Barrington AM has been reappointed as Deputy Chair to the National Portrait Gallery Board for a three-year term. 

    Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the appointees would lend a deep well of expertise to guide the administration of these important organisations.

    “Each appointee brings years of dedication and experience across the arts and public sectors that positions them well for these roles.

    “Protecting our beloved cultural institutions for future generations means having the best leadership in place to safeguard them.”

    Mr Tony Ayres is an award-winning Australian director, producer, showrunner, screenwriter, and editor with more than 33 years’ experience in film and television. Mr Ayres’ feature films and television shows have been nominated for over 100 Australian and international awards, and have won more than 60 of these awards – including an International Emmy, a BAFTA, a Golden Horse, six AACTA awards, and six Logies. Mr Ayres is Executive Producer at Tony Ayres Productions, a Member of the Advisory Board of Australians in Film, and a Company Director at Big and Little Films.

    —-

    Ms Sue Hampel OAM has been a member of the National Archives Advisory Council since 2019. Ms Hampel is working as a teaching associate and research assistant at the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation at Monash University and is a well-known public speaker and lecturer. She holds a Masters degree in Holocaust and Genocide Studies and is the co-President of the Melbourne Holocaust Museum. Ms Hampel has been recognised for her teaching and community service by receiving numerous awards including a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2014, for Service to the community through the promotion of understanding and tolerance. 

    Ms Hampel is a representative of the Australian delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). She is an expert in Holocaust education and served as the International Chair of the Education Working Group in 2021.

    —-

    Mr John Barrington AM has served as Deputy Chair on the National Portrait Gallery of Australia Board since May 2022. He is co-founder and previously Managing Director of Artificial Intelligence (AI) company Artrya Ltd, developing AI solutions to improve the diagnosis of heart disease and is Managing Director of Barrington Consulting Group. He is Chair of John Curtin Gallery and Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and a Director of Health Translation Group Ltd. He was previously Chair of Perth International Arts Festival, Deputy Chair of Creative Partnerships Australia, Deputy Chair on the Federal Government’s Creative Economy Taskforce and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Commerce from Curtain University in 2022. In 2019 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community of Western Australia

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic’s Video Mixer Plug-in Version 2 Enhances Real-time Video Production with AI-powered Face Filter and Automatic Face Picture-in-picture

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic’s Video Mixer Plug-in Version 2 Enhances Real-time Video Production with AI-powered Face Filter and Automatic Face Picture-in-picture

    Osaka, Japan, March 24th, 2025 – Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd. announced today that Version 2 of its AW-SF400 Video Mixer Plug-in, a paid plug-in for the company’s software-based Media Production Suite platform, will be released in the second quarter of CY2025. The new update will introduce advanced AI-driven features to achieve even greater efficiency for simplifying high-quality video production.
    Note: For the latest information on plug-in availability, please refer to the website shown below.
    Video Mixer Plug-in Version 2 is planned to be showcased at the National Association of Broadcasters’ 2025 NAB Show (Booth #N1311), in Las Vegas, USA from April 6–9.The current version, AW-SF400, offers powerful tools, such as AI Keying, which extracts subjects from backgrounds without requiring a green screen, and Smart Switching, which enables quick application of various compositing patterns with a single click. Version 2 enhances these capabilities even further with AI-driven improvements.
    One of the key additions is the AI Effect Filter, which uses AI-based face detection and recognition for real-time mosaic processing. When installed on a PC, the plug-in automatically detects faces during shooting and applies preset filter effects, such as mosaics, in real time.
    In addition, Version 2 introduces AI Face Crop, an automatic face PinP (picture-in-picture) processing feature designed to streamline live video production. Using AI face detection technology, the system can identify and track specific individuals and automatically insert their faces as PinP overlays. By allowing a single camera to display multiple face PinP overlays simultaneously, the new feature eliminates the need for multiple cameras. Even non-professionals can efficiently manage multi-person video production for streaming corporate events, lectures, etc., as well as broadcasting.
    Version 2 also adds audio input/output support and external API integration to optimize live video production workflows and reduce the burden of on-site operations.
    With growing privacy concerns in online streaming, broadcasting and event-video production, there is an increasing need to ensure that unrelated people do not appear on camera. However, this can be difficult to achieve during shooting, and applying mosaic effects manually in post-production is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Version 2 addresses these concerns with AI-driven functionality, allowing video creators to work more efficiently. Panasonic remains committed to enhancing its Media Production Suite to meet the evolving needs of video professionals.

    Key Features:

    1. AI Effect Filter (Face Filtering Processing)

    Leveraging AI technology, this feature detects faces in video feeds and applies real-time filtering effects, such as mosaics or blurring.
    Face filtering for up to 25 people at a time.
    Filtering only specific faces while leaving others unaltered.
    Selected faces can be excluded from filtering.
    Three filter effects: Blur, Mosaic, and Image Overlay.
    Blur and Mosaic effects can be adjusted for intensity.
    Image overlay allows assigning different images to individual faces (up to 8 people).
    AI Effect Filter Examples:

    2. AI Face Crop (AI-powered Auto Face PinP)

    This feature uses AI to detect and track faces in real time and automatically insert them as PinP overlays.
    Cropping and PinP insertion for up to 8 people.
    Tracking continues if subject moves and resumes if subject reappears after exiting frame.
    Customizable layout positioning for cropped images.
    Frames can be added around cropped images (adjustable width, single-color only).
    Provides alpha-channel output for seamless keying and external switcher integration.
    Specific registered faces can be assigned to each PinP overlay.
    AI Face Crop Example:

    3. Enhanced Audio I/O and External API Integration

    Audio Input/Output Capabilities
    Embedded audio input/output via SDI, NDI® and SRT.
    Customizable audio channel assignment for each output, with input audio details viewable in Settings menu.
    Audio output monitoring via PC’s Line Out.
    Seamless audio source switching even while video output is active.
    Audio Follow Video for automatic audio adjustment when switching PGM (IN and Scene only).
    Configuration options for audio sources when PGM is selected in Scene settings.
    Output volume adjustment directly from multi-view screen.
    External API Integration
    HTTP/TCP-based external control.
    Four key control commands: PGM Switching, DSK ON/OFF, PGM/KEY Capture and AI Keying Background Image Capture
    For more details on the Video Mixer Plug-in Version 2:https://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/software/mps/vm/
    Note: Product specifications are under development and subject to change prior to release.

    Media Contact:

    For more information about this topic,please contactpro-av.ad@gg.jp.panasonic.com 

    About Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd.
    Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd. established in April 2022 as part of the Panasonic Group’s switch to an operating company system, is strengthening the bonds among people and enriching our customers’ lives by providing consumer electronics, including AVC products such as OLED TVs, Lumix digital cameras, headphones, phones, intercoms, and more, as well as business products and solutions including for broadcast, professional AV, and sound systems globally. Our mission is to offer people new emotion and relaxation through our entertainment and communication solutions. To fulfill this mission, we strive to act with professionalism to continuously recreate the future by connecting people. For more details, please visit https://www.panasonic.com/global/peac.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Harnessing the Benefits of Regional Cooperation and Integration

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Transcript

    The rapid growth of the Asia and Pacific region into a global economic powerhouse can be fully understood through the crucial role of deepening regional cooperation and integration.
     
    In recent decades, the region has made remarkable strides in integration through the accelerated growth in trade, investment, movement of people, and―importantly―knowledge.
     
    Asia’s trade integration is drawing closer to that of the European Union, with intraregional trade shares increasing by 10 percentage points from 1990 to 2023. 
     
    Foreign direct investment within Asia has grown, with 52% of FDI from 2013 to 2023 coming from within the region, boosted by investments in services, digital industries, and green sectors. 
     
    Financial integration has lagged behind trade and investment. 
     
    Yet it remains a critical conduit for translating the region’s existing and future savings into regional investments.
     
    Expanding markets and income has made Asia a crucial source of remittances and tourism, beyond pre-pandemic levels. 
     
    For several economies in the region, they have become financial lifelines.
     
    While the region is backed by strong regional cooperation and partnership, growing risks of geopolitical tensions and global fragmentation calls for renewed attention to the benefits of regional cooperation and integration in better cushioning external shocks.
     
    The region needs to broaden, deepen, and modernize its free trade agreements and investment treaties.
     
    Also, existing regional financial arrangements must upgrade their effectiveness to safeguard the region’s financial stability.
     
    Digitalization must ensure it helps facilitate the secure movement of people, money, and ideas; and lower transfer costs.
    Tourism can thrive only if improved connectivity―along with liberal air transport and visa policies―can expand regional travel opportunities.
     
    With these efforts, regional cooperation and integration will increasingly contribute to economic prosperity, help tackle the climate crisis, narrow the digital divide, and navigate geopolitical challenges in the coming decades
     
    To learn more, please read the Asian Economic Integration Report 2025. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: France’s Southern Cross regional military exercise moves to Wallis

    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk

    Southern Cross, a French-hosted regional military exercise, is moving to Wallis and Futuna Islands this year.

    The exercise, which includes participating regional armed and law enforcement forces from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga every two years, is scheduled to take place April 22-May 3.

    Since its inception in 2002, the war games have traditionally been hosted in New Caledonia.

    However, New Caledonia was the scene last year of serious riots, causing 14 deaths, hundreds injured, and an estimated cost of 2.2 billion euros (NZ$4.2 billion)

    Southern Cross focuses on the notion of “interoperability” between regional forces, with a joint multinational command following a predefined but realistic scenario, usually in a fictitious island state affected by a natural disaster and/or political unrest.

    This is the first time the regional French exercise will be hosted on Wallis Island, in the French Pacific territory of Wallis and Futuna, near Fiji and Samoa.

    Earlier this month (March 3-5), the Nouméa-based French Armed Forces in New Caledonia (FANC) hosted a “Final Coordination Conference” (FCC) with its regional counterparts after a series of on-site reconnaissance visits to Wallis and Futuna Islands ahead of the Southern Cross 2025 manoeuvres.

    Humanitarian, disaster relief
    FANC also confirmed this year, again in Wallis-and-Futuna, the exercise scenario would mainly focus on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and that it would involve, apart from the French forces, the deployment of some 19 other participating countries, with an estimated 2000 personnel, including 600 regional.

    A French Carrier Strike Group exercise Clémenceau25 deployment map of operations. Image: ALPACI-Forces armées en Asie-Pacifique et en Polynésie française

    Last week, still in preparation mode, a group of FANC officers travelled again to Wallis for three days to finalise preparations ahead of the exercise.

    In an interview with public broadcaster Wallis and Futuna la 1ère, FANC inter-army chief-of-staff Colonel Frédéric Puchois said the group of officers met local chiefly and royal authorities, as well as the Speaker of the local territorial assembly.

    In 2023, the previous Southern Cross exercise held in New Caledonia involved the participation of about 18 regional countries.

    “It’s all about activating and practising quick and efficient scenarios to respond mainly to a large-scale natural disaster,” Colonel Puchois said.

    “Southern Cross until now took place in New Caledonia, but it was decided for 2025 to choose Wallis and Futuna to work specifically on long-distance projection.

    “So, the Americans will position some of their forces in Pago-Pago in American Samoa to test their capacity to project forces from a rear base located 2000 kms away [from Wallis].

    “And for the French part, the rear base will be New Caledonia,” he added.

    Port Vila earthquake
    He said one of the latest real-life illustrations of this kind of deployment was the recent relief operation from Nouméa following Port Vila’s devastating earthquake in mid-December 2024.

    “We brought essential relief supplies, in coordination with NGOs like the Red Cross. And during Southern Cross 2025, we will again work with them and other NGOs”.

    However, Colonel Puchois said not all personnel would be deployed at the same time.

    “We will project small groups at a time. There will be several phases,” he said.

    “First to secure the airport to ensure it is fit for landing of large aircraft. This could involve parachute personnel and supplies.

    “Then assistance to the population, involving other components such as civil security, fire brigades, gendarmes. It would conclude with evacuating people in need of further assistance.

    “So we won’t project all of the 2000 participants at the same time, but groups of 250 to 300 personnel”.

    Cooperation with Vanuatu Mobile Force
     FANC Commander General Yann Latil was in Vanuatu two weeks ago, where he held meetings with Vanuatu Mobile Forces (VMF) Commander Colonel Ben Nicholson and Vanuatu Internal Affairs minister Andrew Napuat to discuss cooperation, as well as handling and maintenance of the French-supplied FAMAS rifles.

    For two weeks, two FANC instructors were in Port Vila to train a group of about 15 VMF on handling and maintenance of the FAMAS used by the island state’s paramilitary force.

    The VMF were also handed over more ammunition for the standard issue FAMAS (the French equivalent of the US-issued M-16).

    French Armed Forces Commander in New Caledonia (FANC) General Yann Latil visits Vanuatu Mobile Forces (VMF) training in French FAMAS rifles maintenance. Image: FANC Forces Armées en Nouvelle-Calédonie

    During his visit, General Latil also held talks with Vanuatu Internal Affairs Minister Andrew Napuat, who is in charge of the VMF and police.

    FANC and Vanuatu security forces are “working on a regular basis”, Vanuatu-based French Ambassador Jean-Baptiste Jeangène Vilmer said.

    The three-star general (equivalent of a lieutenant-general) flew back to Nouméa about 500 km away on March 8.

    French vessel on fishing policing mission
     At the same time, still in Vanuatu, Nouméa-based overseas support and assistance vessel (BSAOM) the D’Entrecasteaux and its crew were on a courtesy call in Luganville (Espiritu Santo island, North Vanuatu) for three days.

    After hosting local officials and school students for visits, the patrol boat embarked on a surveillance policing mission in high seas off the archipelago.

    One ni-Vanuatu officer also joined the French crew inspecting foreign fishing vessels and checking if they comply with current regulations under the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).

    On a regular basis, similar monitoring operations are also carried out by navies from other regional countries such as Australia and New Zealand in order to assist neighbouring Pacific States in protecting their respective Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) from what is usually termed Illegal Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing from foreign vessels.

    Last month, the D’Entrecasteaux was engaged in a series of naval exercises off Papua New Guinea.

    Further north in the Pacific, French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its strike group wrapped up an unprecedented two-month deployment in a series of multinational exercises with Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam), where “one third of the world’s maritime trade transits every day”.

    This included its own Exercises Clémenceau25 and La Pérouse (with eight neighbouring forces), but also interoperability-focused manoeuvres with the US and Japan (Pacific Steller).

    “The deployment of this military capacity underlines France’s attachment to maritime and aerial freedom of action and movement on all seas and oceans of the world”, the Tahiti-based Pacific Maritime Command (ALPACI) said this week in a release.

    US Navy in Western Pacific activity
     Also in western Pacific waters, the US Navy’s activity has been intense over the past few weeks, and continues.

    The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Vermont (SSN 792) returned on 18 March to Joint Base Pearl Harbour-Hickam, following a seven-month deployment, the submarine’s first deployment to the Western Pacific, the US Third Fleet command stated.

    On Friday, the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) left Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Washington, for a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific.

    The US Third Fleet command said the strike group’s deployment will focus on “demonstrating the US Navy’s unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific in which all nations are secure in their sovereignty and free from coercion”.

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Press Conference – Parliament House, Canberra

    Source: Historic Cooma Gaol listed on the NSW State Heritage Register

    ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Thank you very much for joining us. And I begin by giving a shout out to all those mums and dads and carers who are dropping their young ones off at school this morning for the school drop off right around the country and indeed for them, but most importantly for the young Australians to come, this is a historic day. Today we reach the point for the first time in Australian history where every student, public and private, will be delivered the school funding that they deserve. The School Resourcing Standard that was identified by David Gonski more than a decade ago. By Queensland agreeing to sign up with the agreement put in today, will change lives because public education changes lives. Public education is what is accessible and available to all Australians. And from today we can announce that every little Queenslander will have a better chance to reach their potential. Nothing is more important in the role of the Commonwealth and state and territory governments than delivering opportunity for young Australians. And it is education that opens the doors of opportunity and today we are widening them. This historic agreement means that every Australian child who goes to a public school will now receive a fully funded education. The private school students had reached the SRS standard previously. But what the agreements between the Commonwealth and our eight state and territory governments have delivered is that every student, regardless of which school they go to, will receive this funding. This agreement with Queensland will deliver an estimated $2.8 billion in additional funding for Queensland public schools over the next decade. This represents the biggest ever investment in Queensland public schools by an Australian government ever. In Queensland, we expect this to support some 560,000 public school students. It isn’t a blank cheque. This money is tied to real reforms like evidence based teaching practises, phonics and numeracy checks, catch up tutoring and more mental health support. Today’s announcement contributes to an estimated $16.5 billion in additional Commonwealth funding to public schools across the nation from 2025-2026, for the decade ahead to 2034. It represents the biggest new investment in public schools by an Australian government ever. And I do want to thank Premier Crisafulli for the constructive engagement that we have had to deliver this agreement. Constructive engagement that’s now reflected with agreements between every government right across this country, every state, every territory, combining with the Commonwealth. On election night in 2022, I spoke about education as being the key to widening those doors of opportunity. What my Government is doing in early childhood education, now in school education, with our higher ed agreements and with Free TAFE, is delivering across the board so that every child will have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. That’s what aspiration is about. That’s what people want for their young sons and daughters. And indeed, the beneficiaries of this agreement today include obviously people who haven’t been born yet. This is intergenerational reform that will make an incredible difference. And I do want to thank the Premier, we’ve engaged constructively in this over a period of months and today we’ve reached what is a historic agreement.
     
    DAVID CRISAFULLI, PREMIER OF QUEENSLAND: Thanks, PM. It is a historic agreement and today I can confirm that Queensland has secured the biggest investment in schools in our nation’s history. And we are delighted to be standing here with you Prime Minister, thank you very much for the way that you’ve negotiated with us. This means a lot to Queensland and it means a lot because we’ve got some challenges in our schooling systems that other states don’t have. We are the most decentralised state. We’ve got a large portion of rural and regional and Indigenous schools. We have challenges because of that, not just geographically, but challenges that are historically been baked in. As a result, our NAPLAN results aren’t what we have wanted to see in recent years. What this does is give us a decade long commitment to be able to turn the funding shortfall around and with that will come the ability to turn those results around. And what excites me about this deal is it’s not just about a financial injection. It’s also about making sure that we meet standards. It’s also about making sure that we give every child the opportunity to be their best. And we want that and we want them to be their best, whether they’re in the capital or in the smallest of rural or remote schools. It’s important that that money does flow. This is a 10 year deal that will see an immediate investment, but also will deliver long term generational reform that’s important for Queensland, for what we want to achieve. We want to make sure that we have well educated children who become great performing members of our state. And we’ve got a lot ahead as a state. And making sure that we could sign this education deal means a lot to us. And we are delighted with the agreement that’s been struck and we are determined to make sure that the education standards for Queensland kids continue on an upward trajectory. And with that comes the best for our state. Thanks very much.
     
    PRIME MINISTER: We’ll hear from Jason and JP and then we’re happy to take questions.
     
    JASON CLARE, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION: First, I want to thank the Prime Minister. This is real leadership in action. This is a Prime Minister who gets it and who knows how to get things done. Who knows how to work with the states and work with different political parties. A Prime Minister who gets how important this is for our kids and for our future. I also want to thank you, Premier, for all of the work that we’ve done together to get this deal across the line. Bringing forward funding, just extraordinary, sir. And I take my hat off to you and to JP. Absolute legend, mate. It’s been wonderful working with you and looking forward to working with you in the future. This is the last piece in the puzzle. With the agreement that we’ve just signed, it means that every public school in the country will now be fully funded. And that has never ever happened before. It should have, but it hasn’t. Now it will be and it will change kids’ lives. This is the biggest investment by the Commonwealth Government in public schools ever. As the Prime Minister said, it’s worth about $16.5 billion over the next decade. But it’s not a blank cheque. This money is tied to real and practical reforms to help children who fall behind to catch up and keep up. Ultimately help more young people finish high school. It’s bigger than that. It’s about helping to make sure that every child gets a great start in life. It’s what every mum and dad wants for their child and it’s what every Australian child deserves. You know, we know that a good education can change a life and a good education system can change a country. If you think back to the 1980s, to the 1990s, when some of us were at school, the number of kids finishing high school skyrocketed. It went from about 40% of kids to almost 80%. That changed us as a country. Now, in the last 10 years, that percentage has gone backwards. It’s dropped from about 83% to 73%. And that’s happening in public schools. We’ve got to turn that around. Fundamentally, that’s what this is all about, making sure that more young people finish school. It’s more important today than it was when we were at school. This is building Australia’s future in action. This is real microeconomic reform. If we’re going to build the country of our imagination, then we need people to build it. We’ve got to build the skills of the workforce today and tomorrow. We’ve got to make sure that more young people finish school and then go on to TAFE or to university and can build the career of their dreams. And that’s what this is about. And Albo, as a kid from public school I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is going to change the lives of kids at school today, kids that go to school tomorrow, children that aren’t even born yet. It’s going to make our education system better and it’s going to make us an even better and fairer country.
     
    JOHN-PAUL LANGBROEK, QUEENSLAND MINISTER FOR EDUCATION: Thanks, Jason. Well, can I also say as a returning education minister, hopefully this marks the end of the education wars because over a decade ago when I was Minister for Education, Training and Employment in a former government, was when we had the Gonski report and we had this constant debate about special needs in terms of what the states had. And as the Premier has mentioned, Queensland does have more of those areas of needs, whether it’s disability, Indigenous, socioeconomic status, small, regional, remote. Queensland has more than any other. And if we’re going to have league tables about schools, then no wonder Queensland’s had trouble competing. But this agreement today really does mean a big change for Queensland. It’s something I’m personally very appreciative of. I want to thank Jason as well for, he and I have had numerous conversations over the last four to five months. First of all we had to do a one year deal and after 10 years of declining investment or the former government in Queensland not putting enough funding in it means that now as a result of this agreement we’re reaching 75% in Queensland, four years ahead of the previous agreement or what the intended time was going to be. So, I want to thank the Premier and the Prime Minister as well. It’s been protracted negotiations but importantly for Queensland schools and I’m also state school educated, something I’m very proud of for in my family that’s made a big difference to my life and I know it will continue for other Queensland students. This is going to have a real impact in Queensland in education and across the country.
     
    PRIME MINISTER: Thanks JP. Happy to take questions.
     
    JOURNALIST: Has there been deals, arrangements locked in for how fast the states, all the states are going to lift their funding amounts and this announcement today that you said $2.8 billion just for Queensland, your Finance Minister’s announced $2.1 billion of savings in the budget. Is this baking in more spending?
     
    PRIME MINISTER: No, because we accounted for most of this investment is already in MYEFO. There will be some additional investment given to Queensland that will be accounted for in the pre-election fiscal outlook. This is an investment in our young Australians. I can’t think of anything that is more worthwhile than investing in the opportunity of a young Australian and this will make an enormous difference. It has been spoken about for a long period of time, as JP said, people spoke about, the Gonski review occurred under the former Labor government. We then had in 2014 budget $30 billion ripped out of education. Since then we’ve seen school completions decline from 83% to 73%. We need to, in public schools overwhelmingly, we need to make sure that we compete not on the basis of driving down wages but we compete on the basis of how smart we are. And what this is is seizing opportunities. And Queensland does have particular challenges because it is the most regional of states and we’ve worked through all of these issues constructively but we have fully funded all of these agreements will be there. We’ve gone through our ERC processes, the Premier has been through his. But I’ll ask the Premier to comment.
     
    PREMIER CRISAFULLI: That’s a very good question. As part of this deal we have had to bring forward some funding at a Queensland level as well to secure the deal. But so we should. We’ve under invested in public education as a state for too long and this was an opportunity too good to miss. It was an opportunity to bring two levels of government together. But ultimately it’s about kids, ultimately it’s about can we get an outcome for children. And at the moment, when I look at Queensland’s education standards over many years it hasn’t been what it should be. And that’s not because of the kids, it’s not because of the teachers, it’s because of the broken system. And today we start putting together that broken system and outlining a funding pathway but also driving results. And that’s good news for everyone.
     
    JOURNALIST: Just on the schools funding now that all the states and territories have kind of signed on, what will this mean for the educational divide going forward? Because for every public school that still has demountables with air conditioning that doesn’t work, there’s private schools that are spending millions of dollars for performing arts venues with orchestra pits or multi-million dollar swimming pool centres like how will this lessen that educational divide that will be going on?
     
    PRIME MINISTER: What we want to make sure is that every parent, when they make a decision which is up to them of where their child goes to school, that they can have confidence that that child will receive the level of support that they deserve. It also is about making sure that children don’t get left behind. What we know from the testing that occurs is that if you wait until a child reaches the middle of primary school, it’s too late. Part of this agreement and the tying of this funding is for Year One testing, is making sure that if a young person needs that one on one help or small group help to make sure they’re not left behind, they get that really early on, they get to catch up, they don’t get to fall behind and then have issues later on. And so this is an investment that will pay off because we know that when people do fall behind, students, they can take forever or sometimes just don’t catch up. That’s what those figures of the decline in Year 12 completion shows. You know, the Hawke Government made the decision to lift very consciously the level of Year 12 completions from three out of ten to eight out of ten. What we’re doing as a Commonwealth, in partnership with Queensland and other states and territories, is making a conscious decision that children will not be left behind.
     
    JOURNALIST: A couple of years before you got the job, the Prime Minister and the premiers did a deal on the NDIS to try and bring it back under control. They offered the states, they extended the GST deal for another two years and guaranteed hospital funding, etc. Are you, is your state any closer to holding up your end of the deal and taking responsibility for foundational support?
     
    PREMIER CRISAFULLI: Well, of course we’ll continue to negotiate in good faith and I hope what today proves is that we will always negotiate in good faith, but we’ll always look for the best deal for Queensland. I don’t think that’s any surprise to the Prime Minister with, we negotiated hard, but in the end I think we’ve got a good outcome. Good outcome for Queensland and a good outcome for Australia.
     
    PRIME MINISTER: Just here and then, Paul.
     
    JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, you’ve committed to legislate to protect salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour.
     
    PRIME MINISTER: Have we got anything else on the biggest schools announcement? Can we stick to if there are schools questions, if not happy to move on?
     
    JOURNALIST: A school of fish.
     
    PRIME MINISTER: Paul is always focused on the micro.
     
    JOURNALIST: So, salmon fishing, you’ve committed to legislate to protect it in Macquarie Harbour. How will that work and will that legislation have implications for environmental considerations in other industries?
     
    PRIME MINISTER: Well, what we know is that the environmental science tells us that the skate is at the same levels that it was back a decade ago. We responded to the science to provide certainty. My Government makes no apologies for supporting jobs. That’s what the Labor Party does. We support jobs, but we also support sustainability, which is why we’ve invested $37 million for sustainability, for oxygenation. That’s why we’re engaged as well in what has been a very successful breeding program as well.
     
    JOURNALIST: Some of your colleagues believe that you’ve got a sense of momentum, that you might call the election as soon as you can after this sitting period’s over, they want to head back to their electorates very quickly. Do you want to seize the moment you’re in and call the election as soon as you can after Thursday? And Premier, you’ve had some time to speak to Peter Dutton now that you’re in the job. Do you have any more confidence in his nuclear plan now that you’ve had a chance to look at it?
     
    PRIME MINISTER: Well, on the first, I’m told by my office that when we called this press conference, some thought we were about to call the election the day before the Budget. So, I say consistently, as I have said privately and publicly, three years is too short. I can now confirm the election will be in May. I’ve been saying that for a year. I was advised this time last year, in order to stop tax cuts going forward, that we should call an election. And I ignored that call by Mr Dutton and I continued to govern. We’ve got a Budget to hand down tomorrow night. It’s an important Budget that will set Australia up on the path to a better future. And I look forward to that. I look forward to some policy besides the three that have been announced. The nuclear plans, the $20,000 lunches and the cuts that we don’t know about, coming out sometime between now and May. But we’re very clear about what our agenda is. And it’s an agenda of governing. And what I’m doing today is governing, putting in place these important reforms.
     
    PREMIER CRISAFULLI: You won’t get running commentary from me about policies in Canberra, that’s for this guy and Peter to do. I don’t think Australians or Queenslanders or any of you will be too surprised with who I’m backing in the Federal Election. Of course I’m backing Peter – 

    JOURNALIST: It’s not contrary though, Premier (inaudible) reverse the ban on nuclear –
     
    PREMIER CRISAFULLI: But it is, it is because I’m – no, it is because I’m here signing the biggest education deal in my state’s history and that’s pretty bloody important to me. And, you know, I’ll let others run political commentary. I’m here to talk about something that matters to parents in my state.
     
    JOURNALIST: On the Olympics stadiums there have been some major changes announced – thanks, Prime Minister – today, or major changes are due. Do you have a Plan B if you can’t renegotiate with the Prime Minister on moving funding away from Brisbane Live Arena to other venues?
     
    PREMIER CRISAFULLI: Well, firstly, it’s been 1430 days since Queensland was awarded the Olympic and Paralympic Games. I reckon if I told you and didn’t wait until tomorrow, I’d probably be in strife from my gallery. But look, we’ve got a plan and it’s a plan to make sure that we do deliver generational infrastructure. And it’s a plan to make sure that we do host great Games when the eyes of the world are on us. And I want people to understand that we – yes, there’s been a long time since we were awarded the Games, but I do believe we’ve got a plan that can get the show back on the road.
     
    JOURNALIST: Premier, have you raised the Olympics in discussions with the Prime Minister?
     
    PREMIER CRISAFULLI: I reckon we’ve spoken a lot about it, but we’ve negotiated well together. I think that’s fair. We’ve worked together well and that’s always my style. I’m on Team Queensland. Of course, there’s been some strong negotiations. Two people of Italian descent, you’d expect that. But there’s nothing that can’t be solved over a bit of common sense and a cannoli. Two cannolis, and I bought both of them.
     
    PRIME MINISTER: And I can confirm that the Premier has, on two occasions, given me cannolis and I haven’t declared them. So, I declare them now just in case I get into some trouble.
     
    PREMIER CRISAFULLI: They were good cannolis.
     
    PRIME MINISTER: We regard that as a cultural thing rather than anything else. And they’re fine cannolis, I’ve got to say. We’re going to go: 1, 2, 3, 4, and then we’re done. Oh, 5 – just got in.
     
    JOURNALIST: Prime Minister a question for you and one for the Premier. Peter Dutton yesterday described your energy rebate extension as a Ponzi scheme. His Shadow Treasurer said it was putting a band aid on a bullet wound, yet they’re supporting it. I’m just wondering what your view is of that. And, Premier, can you tell us, are you going to break your election promise tomorrow about no new venues?
     
    PRIME MINISTER: On the first, it says something about the Coalition – I’m trying not to be too partisan here, standing next to the Premier –
     
    PREMIER CRISAFULLI: I’m out of the shot.
     
    PRIME MINISTER: But whether it’s our Medicare tripling of the bulk billing incentive for all 21 million Australians, the 50 new Urgent Care Clinics, the $25 for medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the freezing of the beer excise for two years, or a range of other measures – including the extension of Energy Bill Relief – the Opposition, having opposed all of these things for almost three years, have just said yes. I guess they’ve got to have something to say about policy and they don’t have any of their own. So, that has been their fallback position. But I think that Australians will have a look at their rhetoric and show that their heart isn’t in it. And in the rhetoric that they use, attacking this means that it can’t be secure. The last time round there was an election where the Coalition formed government was in 2013. They said there’d be no cuts to education, no cuts to health. The 2014 Budget had $50 billion cut from hospitals and $30 billion cut from education. And we’ve been playing catch up ever since. And in part, that’s what today’s announcement is about.
     
    PREMIER CRISAFULLI: Well, one day to go, Mark, one day to go. One thing’s for certain, though, is we set about a process to make sure that we could get that show back on the road. And I think even the most, even the most objective person – even the most partisan person – looking at where we are at the moment, would acknowledge that it’s been three years of chaos and crisis since we were awarded the Games. And I’m a big believer when you make decisions, you put the information out. I’ve done that throughout my career and I’ve certainly done it in recent times dealing with the disasters. I have this view that if you provide the information and the reasons behind your decision, whatever those decisions are, I think overwhelmingly people will respect where we’re going. And tomorrow we will outline a plan to make sure that we can deliver generational infrastructure for every square inch of the state. And I think it’s an exciting time and I want Queenslanders to believe that we can deliver something when the eyes of the world are on us that makes us feel proud to be Queenslanders.
     
    JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, yesterday your Treasurer said it remains to be seen when the next surplus will be delivered. Do you hope another surplus will be delivered during your Prime Ministership? And Premier, when the GST cover was recently announced by the Commonwealth Grants Commission, your Treasurer, David Janetzki, was quite critical of the funding that had been announced for Queensland under that deal. Was the GST arrangements subject to discussions today?
     
    PRIME MINISTER: You’ll see the Budget and all the figures tomorrow night. Not long to wait now. One more sleep.
     
    PREMIER CRISAFULLI: We don’t believe it was a good decision. We acknowledge how it was made, we acknowledge the framework behind it. But we, you know, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t tell you all today that we’re going to continue to work pretty hard to make sure that some of that infrastructure funding is excised from the GST. I think that’s fair and proper, particularly with the Bruce Highway. We were very, very pleased with the announcement on the Bruce, but it is a national road and it is, in my mind is something that should be excise from that GST agreement. We’ll continue to negotiate in good faith. And then there’s that little matter of the flood mitigation on the Bruce Highway as well, which I might go and try and get his signature before I fly back to Brissie.
     
    JOURNALIST: PM, Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs are due to start from April 2. Is the Budget in such a position that it can withstand any economic turmoil that will come out of that? And where is Australia’s negotiations up to with the Administration about changes or excisions of Australia’s trade markets into the US under those reciprocal tariffs?
     
    PRIME MINISTER: Look, we continue to engage constructively with the Trump Administration. We were engaged over the weekend again in some of those discussions that have taken place. My Ministers are engaged, our people in the United States are engaged as well. We’re advancing Australia’s national interest, as you would expect.
     
    JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, David Littleproud says we need more gas in the market, he seems to be suggesting they’re going to water down the safeguard mechanism. Do you agree with the proposition we need more gas in the market and what would you be doing to resolve that? And for the Premier, is there enough being done to get the gas out of Queensland’s south?
     
    PRIME MINISTER: On the former, we’ve announced and delivered publicly released our future gas strategy. That’s a strategy that understands that gas has an important role to play, along with batteries, in providing certainty. I was in Gladstone in the great State of Queensland just last week with Rio Tinto there, at the refinery producing fantastic alumina, aluminium there. And they employ many people, and one of the things that they’ve done is to shift to renewables but they have firming capacity there as well. That’s part of the transition that’s important. The former government had this big announcement when they were there about gas, a gas led recovery. Not much happened. Not much happened. You don’t need rhetoric. What you need is actually investment. What the safeguard mechanism does, like the Capacity Investment Scheme, is to provide certainty for the investment environment for business, which is why business backed the safeguard mechanism.
     
    PREMIER CRISAFULLI: I haven’t seen what David Littleproud said, but if he’s talking about the need for more gas in the market, he’s 100 per cent correct. And have a look at across the states. Queensland, over a long period of time, we’ve done the heavy lifting, we’ve done our end of the bargain, and some of the safeguards that were put in place a little over the decade ago has ensured that communities that were once trod on have now embraced it. And overwhelmingly, it’s been great not just for our economy, but it’s also been great for regional communities to have a sense of identity. It’s been great for meeting the market that’s there. I would argue that other states probably haven’t come on the same journey that we have. And I think if you point to Queensland as an example, that it can be done, it can be done. You can protect the environment, you can treat local communities with respect, you can create some jobs, you can earn a living. It is absolutely possible.
     
    PRIME MINISTER: Last one.
     
    JOURNALIST: Australian doctor Mohammed Mustafa is in Gaza right now. He says he told SBS the situation is catastrophic. He’s asking for urgent assistance. What is your Government actively doing now that Israel has broken the ceasefire?
     
    PRIME MINISTER: Well, we have maintained our same position, which is we want to see the ceasefire be continued. We want an end to hostilities, we want to see hostages released. We want to see peace and security in the Middle East. Something that my Government is very focused on. We will remain focused on. But we’re not major players in the Middle East. That’s just the truth of the matter. And so, we remain incredibly concerned about the innocent loss of life that we’ve seen since October 7, whether that be in Israel or whether it be in Gaza. Surely people have a look at that innocent loss of life, including children and people who have done nothing wrong but be in the wrong place at the wrong time. They deserve protection. And I want to see that occur, as I’m sure most people who have a look at what is occurring, including whether it be people in Gaza or indeed people in Israel who are saying that as well. Thanks very much, thank you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Citrus remedy squeezes out dry mouth for cancer patients

    Source:

    24 March 2025

    A natural citrus oil from oranges, lemons, and limes is proving highly effective in relieving dry mouth, and when combined with a new lipid formulation, new research suggests it may be effective without significant side effects.

    Developed by the University of South Australia in collaboration with the Medical School at Stanford University, this world first formulation uniquely combines limonene (a citrus essential oil) with a lipid-based drug delivery system to treat dry mouth (xerostomia), a common side effect of radiotherapy.

    The new formula demonstrated 180-fold better solubility than pure limonene in lab experiments and boosted relative bioavailability by over 4000% compared to pure limonene in pre-clinical trials.

    Dry mouth is the most reported side effect following radiotherapy for the treatment of head and neck cancer, affecting up to 70% of patients due to salivary gland damage. It can lead to difficulty speaking and swallowing, significantly reducing quality of life.

    Limonene has protective effects on saliva production during radiotherapy, but its poor solubility means high doses are needed to take effect, and these cause indigestion, abdominal discomfort and unpleasant ‘citrus burps’.

    Lead researcher, Professor Clive Prestidge says UniSA’s new limonene-lipid combination creates a ‘super-solubilising’ treatment that reduces dry mouth at lower dose and without uncomfortable side effects.

    “The therapeutic benefits of limonene are well known. It’s used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mood-enhancing agent, and can also improve digestion and gut function. But despite its widespread use, its volatility and poor solubility have limited its development as an oral therapy,” Prof Prestidge says.

    “As limonene is an oil, it forms a film on the top of the stomach contents, causing significant stomach pain and discomfort.

    “Our novel formulation combines limonene with healthy fats and oils – called lipids – to create a super-solubilising compound that the body can easily absorb with reduced uncomfortable side effects.

    “This increases the dispersion of limonene in the stomach, boosts absorption, and controls biodistribution – all while increasing a patient’s saliva production and reducing dry mouth.”

    Co-researcher Dr Leah Wright says the formulation has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for cancer patients and others suffering dry mouth conditions.

    “Cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and other medical treatments regularly experience dry mouth, which not only prevents them from comfortably swallowing, but can also have other negative and potentially life-threatening outcomes,” Dr Wright says. 

    “While limonene can be ingested directly, it’s not well tolerated, especially by those with dry mouth. Plus, its poor absorption prevents it from effectively reaching the salivary glands – the target site.

    “This inventive and highly impactful limonene-lipid formulation could provide a simple, effective oral solution for dry mouth, offering cancer patients long-lasting relief and comfort, improved oral health, and a higher quality of life during a difficult time.”

    Clinical trials for the new formula are ongoing, with next steps to be announced soon.

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

    Contacts for interview:  Professor Clive Prestidge E: Clive.Prestidge@unisa.edu.au
    Dr Leah Wright E: leah.wright@adelaide.edu.au
    Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: All Australian public schools now on a path to full and fair funding

    Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

    The Albanese Labor Government has now reached agreements with every state and territory to put all public schools in the country on a path to full and fair funding.
     
    The Government promised to work with states and territories to put all schools on a path to full and fair funding as set out in David Gonski’s review. We have now delivered that promise.
     
    As part of these Agreements, the Commonwealth will provide an additional 5 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) to all states and territories, with the exception of the Northern Territory.
     
    This will lift the Commonwealth’s contribution from 20 per cent to 25 per cent of the SRS by 2034.
     
    For the Northern Territory, the Commonwealth’s contribution will lift from 20 per cent to 40 per cent of the SRS by 2029.
     
    This will see an estimated $16.5 billion in additional Commonwealth funding to public schools across the nation over the next 10 years.

    This represents the biggest new investment in public schools by the Australian Government – ever.
     
    As part of the Agreements, the provision allowing jurisdictions to claim 4 per cent of SRS funding for indirect school costs such as capital depreciation will be replaced with funding on eligible expenses.
     
    Unlike the previous school funding agreement reached by the former government, this is not a blank cheque.
     
    This funding will be tied to the reforms needed to lift education standards across the country, including more individualised support for students, mandating evidenced-based teaching practices, and more mental health support in schools.
     
    Reforms include: 

    • Year 1 phonics and early years of schooling numeracy checks to identify students in the early years of school who need additional help.
    • Evidence-based teaching and targeted and intensive supports such as small-group or catch-up tutoring to help students who fall behind.
    • Initiatives that support wellbeing for learning – including greater access to mental health professionals.
    • Access to high-quality and evidence-based professional learning, and
    • Initiatives that improve the attraction and retention of teachers.

    In addition to these reforms, the Agreements have targets, including that by 2030 the proportion of students receiving a Year 12 Certificate will be the highest it has ever been. Other targets include:

    • Reducing the proportion of students in the NAPLAN ‘Needs Additional Support’ proficiency level for reading and numeracy by 10 per cent by 2030.
    • Increasing the proportion of students in the ‘Strong’ and ‘Exceeding’ proficiency levels for reading and numeracy by 10 per cent by 2030 and trend upwards for priority equity cohorts in the ‘Strong’ and ‘Exceeding’ proficiency levels.
    • Increasing the Student Attendance Rate, nationally, to 91.4 per cent (2019 level) by 2030.
    • Increasing the engagement rate (completed or still enrolled) of initial teacher education students by 10 percentage points to 69.7 per cent by 2035.

    This means more help for students and more support for teachers. It has taken too long, but all public schools in the country are now on a path to the full and fair funding level set by David Gonski more than a decade ago.
     
    Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
     
    “Building Australia’s Future means investing in the next generation.
     
    “That’s why every dollar of this funding will go into helping children learn.
     
    “We know that education opens the doors of opportunity, and we want to widen them for every child in Australia.
     
    “This is about investing in real reform with real funding – so Australian children get the best possible education.”
     
    Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:
     
    “This is an historic day for Australia’s education system.
     
    “We have now reached agreements with every state and territory to put all schools on a path to full and fair funding.
     
    “This is a game‑changer for public education and it’s a life‑changer for our kids at school today, kids that will be at school in the next few years, and children that aren’t even born yet.
     
    “This will see on average a 70 per cent increase in Commonwealth funding per student when this is fully implemented.
     
    “This is real funding tied to real reform to get real results.
     
    “But this is all at risk if Peter Dutton wins the next election. In 2013, the Liberals said there’d be no cuts to our schools. That was a lie. As soon as they got in, they ripped $30 billion out and they will do the same thing again if they win this year.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Silicosis is ruining the lungs of construction workers. An AI-powered breath test can detect it in minutes

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By William Alexander Donald, Professor of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney

    Irene Miller/Shutterstock

    Silicosis is an incurable but entirely preventable lung disease. It has only one cause: breathing in too much silica dust. This is a risk in several industries, including tunnelling, stone masonry and construction.

    Just last week, ABC reported that 13 workers from tunnelling projects in Sydney have been diagnosed with silicosis. It’s yet another reminder that current diagnostic methods are limited. They often detect the disease only after the lungs already have significant damage.

    Our new study, published in the Journal of Breath Research, provides the latest results on a breath test for detecting silicosis powered by artificial intelligence (AI). It’s non-invasive and measures dozens of molecules to identify silicosis in just minutes.

    The test we’ve developed achieved over 90% accuracy in differentiating silicosis patients from healthy individuals. This is better than traditional lung function tests.

    While our test is yet to be trialled in real-world clinics, our results so far suggest breath testing could become a crucial tool in workplace health screening. Early detection would prevent suffering and disease progression, and reduce healthcare costs.

    Silicosis is a growing problem – but hard to detect

    Currently, more workers in New South Wales, elsewhere in Australia and internationally are being diagnosed with silicosis at younger ages. The Australian government has responded by banning engineered stone, but that doesn’t address ongoing risks in other industries.

    Patients with silicosis often describe a feeling like they are slowly being strangled, with every breath becoming more difficult over time. In advanced stages, silicosis can be fatal unless patients can access a lung transplant.

    The only way to stop the progression of silicosis is removing affected workers from further silica exposure. This is why diagnosing patients in the early stages – before irreversible lung damage occurs – is critical.

    However, this isn’t easy to achieve. Lung function testing and chest X-rays only identify the problem once irreversible lung damage has occurred. In some cases, patients also need CT scans and invasive biopsy to confirm diagnosis. But CT scans, although much higher resolution, also rely on visible signs of silicosis.

    And these methods are costly and take time, making it harder to easily screen the thousands of workers who could be at risk.

    This is where breath testing comes in.

    Research team members Merryn Baker (left) and Dr Laura Capasso supervise a study participant providing a breath test sample for analysis.
    Richard Freeman/UNSW

    How breath tests can detect disease

    Human breath contains hundreds of volatile organic compounds – small gas molecules that come from metabolic processes in the body, as well as the environment.

    The composition of these molecules changes in response to physiological conditions like disease. However, volatile organic compounds are often present in extremely low concentrations – we need highly sensitive technology to detect them reliably.

    Our team has developed tools that can detect volatile organic compounds at concentrations as low as parts per trillion. This is equivalent to detecting a single drop of liquid diluted in multiple Olympic-sized swimming pools.

    This level of sensitivity allows us to identify very small biochemical changes in breath. AI is key to this approach. Our machine learning model analyses breath samples to tell apart healthy individuals and those with silicosis.

    This builds on our previous work using AI to analyse blood plasma for early Parkinson’s disease detection with high accuracy and interpretability, which allows us to determine the chemical features that contribute the most to model accuracy. Interpretability refers to the ability to understand and explain how the AI model arrives at its predictions, providing insights into which data inputs are most important.

    Now, we have applied similar methods to breath analysis. Thanks to the sensitivity of our test, we could potentially detect silicosis at very early stages.

    Breath samples could be collected at scale at workplaces to monitor the health of at-risk workers.
    Richard Freeman/UNSW

    How well does it work?

    In our new study, the breath test was trialled on 31 silicosis patients and 60 healthy controls. The AI-powered model successfully distinguished silicosis cases with over 90% accuracy.

    The test takes less than five minutes per sample, making it feasible for large-scale health screening. Additionally, the test doesn’t require subjects to fast or undergo any special preparation beforehand.

    An important question in breath analysis is whether external factors, such as diet or smoking, influence test results. Our study included smokers and non-smokers in both silicosis and healthy control groups, and the test maintained high accuracy.

    Our results show great promise, but there are challenges to overcome. The test relies on highly sensitive instrumentation that, while compact (less than a cubic metre), still requires technical expertise to operate.

    The AI-powered breath test involves specialised tools to perform the analysis.
    Richard Freeman/UNSW

    Currently, breath samples are collected in clinics and transported to a lab for analysis. We hope future iterations could allow for testing in workplace settings, creating routine screening programs. Further validation in larger, diverse worker populations is also necessary before full implementation.

    The next phase of research will involve refining the AI model and expanding real-world testing to thousands of silica-exposed workers who might be at risk.

    While routine medical evaluations will still be necessary for at-risk workers, the addition of breath analysis could enable more continuous monitoring than what is currently practical. It could help detect silicosis earlier, before the symptoms become irreversible, reducing long-term health risks.

    Acknowledgements: Aruvi Thiruvarudchelvan and Jeff Gordon also contributed to this research.

    William Alexander Donald receives funding from the Australian Research Council, iCare Dust Diseases Board, Coal Services NSW Health & Safety Trust, US National Institutes of Health and several industry research contracts. He is an advisor to Preview Health and Mass Affinity. He is president of the Australian & New Zealand Society for Mass Spectrometry.

    Deborah Yates is an occupational respiratory physician and a director of Thomas-Yates Pty Ltd, a medical services company, and an expert advisor to the Asbestos & Dust Diseases Research Institute, Concord, NSW. She is an independent director of the board of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, a global advisor to the Royal College of Physicians of London, independent member of the NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council and Councillor to the Australian Society of Salaried Medical Officers (ASMOF) of NSW, the doctors’ union. She acts also as an advisor to Tuberous Sclerosis Australia and LAM Australasia. She receives no funding for any of these roles. She has recently received funding for investigator-initiated grants from Boehringer Ingelheim and iCare NSW as well as the Coal Services Trust, and has previously participated in several industry initiated research studies into asthma and chronic cough. She is a member of the iCare Medical Advisory Panel. She has in the past acted in an advisory capacity and given paid lectures for Glaxo Smith Klein, Astra Zeneca and Boehringer Ingelheim. She has no shares in mining companies or pharmaceutical companies and is not a member of any political parties.

    Merryn Baker’s PhD research was funded by UNSW through the Scientia Scheme.

    – ref. Silicosis is ruining the lungs of construction workers. An AI-powered breath test can detect it in minutes – https://theconversation.com/silicosis-is-ruining-the-lungs-of-construction-workers-an-ai-powered-breath-test-can-detect-it-in-minutes-252640

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is hyaluronic acid – and is it OK for kids and teens to use this common skincare ingredient?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Zoe Porter, Lecturer, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University

    Sabinayro/Shutterstock

    Earlier this month, Kmart pulled a “hyaluronic acid cleansing balm” from its shelves, after a teen who used the skincare product was hospitalised, reporting eye pain and blurred vision. It’s unclear what ingredient caused this reaction.

    In a statement, Kmart said it was removing the product while conducting an investigation. The retailer also said:

    We want to assure our customers that our cosmetics are designed to ensure that they comply with both Australian and European requirements on ingredients.

    Hyaluronic acid – despite the name – is a gentle ingredient commonly used in skincare products.

    But what does hyaluronic acid do to your skin as a skincare ingredient? And is it safe for tweens and teens?

    What is hyaluronic acid?

    Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan – a sugar-based molecule found naturally in the skin, eyes, joint fluid and connective tissue.

    It plays a key role in hydrating the skin and tissues, lubricating our joints and supporting tissue repair.

    Beyond cosmetics, hyaluronic acid is used in drug delivery, regenerative medicine, wound repair, and to treat conditions such as atherosclerosis (where the arterial walls harden and narrow) and osteoarthritis (a degenerative joint disease).

    It is also a key ingredient in many eye drops and contact lens care solutions.

    How is it used in skincare?

    While the word “acid” might suggest it is harsh and potentially damaging to the skin, hyaluronic acid is not used in its acidic form in skincare products. It is usually used in its salt form, sodium hyaluronate.

    In skincare, active acids such as salicylic acid usually lower the skin’s pH and exfoliate it by breaking the bonds between dead skin cells.

    Hyaluronic acid, in contrast, is used to hydrate the skin. It is a humectant, an ingredient that attracts and retains water molecules.

    Hyaluronic acid has three qualities that make it suitable for skincare: it’s soluble (can be dissolved in water), biocompatible (meaning it’s not harmful to the body), and biodegradable (naturally breaks down into non-toxic, simpler substances).

    It is usually safe and well-tolerated, meaning it has very few side effects.

    In skincare products, hyaluronic is used in different forms. Smaller hyaluronic molecules can penetrate deeper into the skin and hydrate the lower levels. In products this is often advertised as “anti-ageing”, because it stimulates the production of collagen (a structural protein in the skin), and helps to improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

    Larger hyaluronic acid molecules remain on the skin’s surface and have an immediate hydrating effect, preventing water evaporation from the skin.

    Hyaluronic acid helps the skin attract and retain water molecules for hydration.
    Art_Photo/Shutterstock

    Any risks?

    Hyaluronic acid is generally a safe ingredient, even for sensitive skin. But products advertised as “hyaluronic acid skincare” may contain other ingredients which can cause irritation.

    In particular, fragrances, preservatives and surfactants (ingredients that produce foam and help wash away oil and dirt) may be safe for skin but burn or otherwise irritate the eyes.

    This is because the cornea and conjuctiva (the thin membrane covering the eye) are much more sensitive than the skin.

    How are skincare ingredients regulated?

    Unlike medicines and products used for therapeutic reasons, which are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), general cosmetic products do not require pre-market safety testing or approval.

    Instead, companies need to register their business with the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme and verify that their ingredients are not banned or restricted in Australia.

    This creates a potential gap where defective products remain on the market, only to be recalled after adverse reactions occur.

    Are these products appropriate for children?

    Most scientific research on active ingredients – including hyaluronic acid – has been evaluated in older populations. This leaves a gap in understanding how they affect teen and preteen skin.

    Many products are designed for ageing and/or specific skin types, and are largely unnecessary for children and younger people.

    In some cases, they can potentially be harmful to their skin. For example, unless prescribed by a dermatologist, it’s advisable for young people to avoid retinoid products (containing retinol or retinal) as they can cause redness, peeling and drying.

    Similarly, products with alpha hydroxy acids can cause irritation, itching, redness and may worsen acne in young skin.

    So, what should younger people look for?

    Preteens and teens should avoid products containing active ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, alpha- and beta- hydroxy acids, and peptides, as well as those labelled with terms such as anti-ageing, wrinkle-reducing, brightening, or firming.

    To keep skin clean and protected, teenagers can use a good cleanser, a simple moisturiser and a broad spectrum SPF 30 or 50 sunscreen.

    It’s best to opt for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturisers suitable for all skin types. Consulting with a pharmacist can provide personalised recommendations based on individual skin needs.

    Laurence Orlando is a council member with the Australian Society of Cosmetic Chemists.

    Zoe Porter 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. What is hyaluronic acid – and is it OK for kids and teens to use this common skincare ingredient? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-hyaluronic-acid-and-is-it-ok-for-kids-and-teens-to-use-this-common-skincare-ingredient-252296

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –