NewzIntel.com

Category: Australia

  • Yoga: India’s timeless gift of peace and holistic well-being to a badly divided world

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    ‘Yoga’ is now widely considered as one of India’s most profound gifts to the world. This enlightening practice embodies a timeless Indian tradition of physical, psychological and spiritual well-being. Embedded in ancient Indian philosophy, now majority of the people globally accept that it is much more than just physical postures- termed as ‘asanas’ in great Hindu religious traditions and scriptures.

    This holistic practice integrates breath control, meditation and a moral principle for a harmonious life, which is the ultimate goal of the ‘Hindu Sanatam Tradition’, which is the world’s oldest living spiritual and philosophical way of life. It is worth-mentioning here that unlike other religions of the world, Hinduism or Sanatam Dharma is not based on a single founder or scripture, rather it’s a cosmic and ever-evolving way of life rooted in the eternal truths of life.

    Yoga’s immense value to life, can be traced back in great Hindu scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, which is revered as one of the most influential spiritual books globally. Gita says- ‘Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self,’ which explains how holistic it is for our life irrespective of one’s roots, ideological affiliations or leanings.

    The Vedas- the oldest and most sacred scriptures of Hinduism, composed between 1500–500 BCE, contain the earliest references to Yoga, though not in the systematized form seen in later great texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Vedic Yoga is more about mental discipline, meditation and the union of the individual soul with the cosmic reality. It is worth-mentioning that Vedas also form the foundation of Hindu philosophy, rituals and spirituality.

    Earlier, scholars dated the origins of Yoga to around 500 BCE, coinciding with the rise of Buddhism. However, archaeological discoveries from the Indus-Saraswati Valley Civilization suggest that yogic practices existed much earlier. Excavations have revealed seals depicting figures seated in meditative postures, strongly resembling yogic asanas. Additionally, artifacts such as the Mother Goddess idols indicate ritualistic and spiritual traditions that may have been precursors to Yoga. These findings push back the timeline of Yoga’s origins, linking it to one of the world’s oldest urban cultures.

    However, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, which is a foundational text of classical yoga and composed around 400 BCE, gave Yoga a greater meaning and wider relevance, re-establishing that Yoga is not just about physical postures but a complete science of mind control and self-realization. Yoga Sutras also systematically outlines the philosophy and practice of Rajya Yoga. It moves from ethical discipline to meditation and finally liberation, emphasizing direct experience over theoretical knowledge.

    The practice of Yoga also finds expression across a diverse range of ancient Indian texts and traditions including the Upanishads, Smritis, Puranas, Buddhist and Jain scriptures and the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. Theistic traditions such as Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Tantra further preserved and refined yogic wisdom, emphasizing mystical experiences and meditative disciplines. This widespread presence suggests the existence of a pure form of Yoga that deeply influenced the spiritual landscape of South Asia long before its formal systematization.

    The modern evolution and global dissemination of Yoga owe much to the profound contributions of revered spiritual masters like Ramana Maharshi, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Paramahansa Yogananda, Swami Vivekananda and a few others. Among these spiritual Gurus, Swami Vivekananda played a pivotal role by introducing Yoga and Vedanta philosophy to international audiences through his historic address at the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago. His groundbreaking efforts not only revived ancient yogic wisdom but also established Indian spiritual traditions as a significant force in the global discourse on consciousness and self-realization.

    These visionary saints collectively bridged the gap between traditional yogic practices and contemporary spiritual seeking, ensuring Yoga’s enduring relevance across cultures and geographical boundaries. In last few decades, Yoga gained further momentum through the contributions of Swami Sivananda, T. Krishnamacharya, Swami Kuvalayananda, Sri Aurobindo, B.K.S. Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois, who explored Yoga’s healing, psychological and spiritual dimensions.

    There came a marked change when on 27th September 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s UNGA address highlighted Yoga’s holistic benefits, leading to the UN’s unanimous declaration of 21st June as International Yoga Day. This Indian spiritual practice now draws participation from world leaders and celebrities in its annual global celebrations.

    Now, when world is facing a number of wars, conflicts and confrontations, Yoga being more than just physical exercises, acquires greater relevance as it offers people timeless values of harmony and well-being, transcending all boundaries and offering everyone a path to balanced living and inner peace, which is fast depleting.

    On the one hand, the asanas enhance flexibility and strength, while pranayama regulates vital energy and calms the nervous system. Meditation cultivates mental clarity and emotional balance, creating inner stillness amidst life’s challenges. Together, these elements form an integrated approach to health that addresses modern lifestyle diseases also at their core. In today’s fast-paced world, yoga provides an antidote to fragmented and conflict-ridden living.

    The practice of Yoga teaches balance between activity and rest, effort and surrender, individuality and interconnectedness. By integrating yoga into daily life, practitioners develop resilience, compassion and a deeper understanding of life’s unity. This complete system of self-care continues to gain global recognition as an essential tool for comprehensive wellness in our modern era.

    This global phenomenon is now practiced in nearly every country worldwide. The United States leads with over 36 million practitioners, followed by European nations like Germany, France and the UK, where yoga studios flourish. Australia and Canada have embraced yoga as part of mainstream wellness culture. In Asia, China, Japan and Singapore have seen exponential growth in yoga adoption, while traditional practices continue in Nepal and Sri Lanka. Middle Eastern countries like UAE and Israel host thriving yoga communities. Even conflict zones like Syria and Ukraine use yoga for trauma relief. African countries like South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria show growing interest.

    From megacities to remote villages, yoga’s universal appeal transcends borders, cultures and religions, making it truly global while maintaining its Indian spiritual roots. The UN’s recognition through International Yoga Day, has further cemented its worldwide acceptance as a great tool for holistic health.

  • Liverpool begin Premier League title defence against Bournemouth, Arsenal visit Man Utd

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Liverpool will begin their Premier League title defence when they host Bournemouth at Anfield on August 15 while last season’s runners-up Arsenal visit Manchester United two days later, England’s top flight said on Wednesday.

    Manchester City, who are eyeing a seventh Premier League title under Pep Guardiola after finishing third in the last campaign, take a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers for their season opener on August 16.

    Chelsea welcome FA Cup winners Crystal Palace to Stamford Bridge on August 17, a day after Thomas Frank has his first Premier League game in charge of Tottenham Hotspur when they host promoted Burnley.

    Spurs sacked Ange Postecoglou after they finished one place above the relegation zone, despite the Australian leading them to the Europa League title for their first major trophy in 17 years.

    Last season’s surprise package Nottingham Forest will host Brentford and League Cup champions Newcastle United take a trip to Aston Villa on August 16.

    Another promoted side Sunderland welcome West Ham United the same day, and Leeds United host Everton two days later.

    The new season begins with the one fixture on August 15 and concludes on May 24, 2026.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: Jim Chalmers wants to get on with economic reform and tax is in his sights

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Jim Chalmers speaking to the National Press Club June 18, 2025. Screenshot from the ABC Broadcast, CC BY-NC

    Jim Chalmers cast his Wednesday National Press Club speech as a second instalment in a two-part presentation that was kicked off by the prime minister in an address there last week.

    But it didn’t sound like that at all. In fact, the two performances were chalk and cheese. Albanese’s contribution was cautious, showing no inclination to splash too much of the political capital amassed from a huge election win. The prime minister looks to a legacy of Labor’s longevity in government, and extols a measured and steady style.

    In contrast, Chalmers on Wednesday came across as a man on a mission, anxious to seize this term to do bigger things, because no matter how large the majority, you never know what the future holds. And that’s apart from his ambition to ascend to the top rung of the political ladder.

    Albanese announced a roundtable in August to discuss productivity; in elaborating on it, Chalmers put the hot button issue of tax reform prominently on the table.

    The treasurer believes the community is up for significant economic reforms, if the changes are crafted and sold the right way and if sufficient of that elusive political grape, “consensus”, can be harvested and bottled. He’s also willing to stretch or exceed the electoral mandate Labor won on May 3. Remember, it was Chalmers who wanted to break the Stage 3 tax cut promise long before Albanese did so.

    He said on Wednesday: “This is all about testing the country’s reform appetite. […] I am personally willing to grasp the nettle, to use an old saying. I am prepared to do my bit. The government is prepared to do its bit. And what we’ll find out in the course of the next few months is whether everyone is prepared to do their bit as well.” He was heartened, post election, by a “welcome and encouraging discussion about the level of ambition that Australia has”.

    Albanese was involved in Chalmers’ Press Club speech, even interacting on its points from Canada, where he was attending the G7. Either the prime minister is deliberately letting his treasurer “front run” a more ambitious agenda for the government, or he doesn’t choose to get in his way.

    Albanese announced the roundtable, but Chalmers is in charge of it. Held in the cabinet room on August 19-21, it will be small and, Chalmers hopes, non-performative. Details are still being finalised, but Chalmers doesn’t anticipate “permanent cameras” in the cabinet room, which has just 25 seats around the table.

    “We want participants to make contributions that meet three important preconditions,” he said.

    “First, ideas should be put forward in the national interest, not through the prism of sectoral, state or vested interests.

    “Second, ideas or packages of ideas should be budget neutral at a minimum but preferably budget positive overall, taking into account the necessary trade-offs.

    “And third, ideas should be specific and practical not abstract or unrealistic.

    “In return I give everyone this commitment: we won’t come at this from an ideological point of view but from the practical, pragmatic and problem-solving middle ground we’re most comfortable on.”

    Chalmers argues that last term, the government did a range of things on tax. But most would describe them as modest, and he would not then contemplate a major overhaul, such as a shift from direct to indirect tax.

    He was seared, on his own admission, from his days as then treasurer Wayne Swan’s staffer, by the memory of the Henry tax review, the last major look at Australia’s tax system. That triggered Labor’s mining tax debacle which helped end the prime ministership of Kevin Rudd. Most of that valuable review was totally wasted.

    Now Ken Henry, former head of treasury, has had input into Chalmers’ Press Club speech; he was in the audience to hear it.

    “Australia has to recognise that this is genuinely a defining decade. The decisions we make in the 2020s will determine the sort of living standards and intergenerational justice that will have in the decades to come,” Chalmers said. Intergenerational justice is a major preoccupation of Henry’s.

    If Henry is in Chalmers’ ear, another proponent of tax reform, Steven Kennedy, who has just left the post of secretary of the treasury, is well-placed to be in the prime minister’s ear. Kennedy has just become head of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

    While the roundtable is focused on “productivity” Chalmers emphasised he is also focused on budget sustainability.

    “Tax reform is important to budget sustainability , but also to productivity.

    “I think it would be unusual if I said to the country, we’re going to have this big national reform conversation about productivity, sustainability and resilience, but nobody’s allowed to talk about tax

    “And so I anticipate, I welcome the fact that people will come to the roundtable, outside the roundtable, people will pitch up ideas about tax.

    “We don’t see that as an opportunity to walk back on some of the things that we’re already committed to, in this case, some years ago. We see it as an opportunity to work out what the next steps might be.”

    Chalmers is the latest treasurer to walk down the tax reform road. The stakes are high. It will be easy to slip, or be forced to lose ambition. On the other hand, if he can navigate the rocks it will make his reputation.

    Michelle Grattan 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. View from The Hill: Jim Chalmers wants to get on with economic reform and tax is in his sights – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-jim-chalmers-wants-to-get-on-with-economic-reform-and-tax-is-in-his-sights-258973

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Wanted man George Sneddon

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police are asking for the public’s assistance to locate wanted man George Sneddon.

    George Sneddon, 26, is wanted for questioning in relation to two attempted arson incidents at Blackwood on the 17 and 18 June and he is believed to be in possession of a firearm.

    George Sneddon is of Aboriginal appearance, 175cm tall, heavy build with brown eyes and black hair.

    He should not be approached.

    If you see him or know of his whereabouts, please call the Police Assistance line on 131 444 immediately or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

    MIL OSI News –

  • Bumrah told BCCI he did not want test captaincy due to workload concerns

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah said he told India’s cricket board (BCCI) that he did not want to be considered for the test captaincy as his workload has to be carefully managed due to his back problems.

    The BCCI picked top-order batter Shubman Gill as captain following Rohit Sharma’s decision to quit the test format last month, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar saying they could not risk burdening Bumrah with a leadership role.

    Gill will lead the side in a five-test series against England starting in Leeds on Friday.

    “I have discussed about my workloads going forward in a five-test match series, I’ve spoken to the people who have managed my back, I’ve spoken to the surgeon as well,” Bumrah told Sky Sports on Tuesday.

    “I came to the conclusion that I have to be a little more smart, so I called the BCCI and said I don’t want to be looked at in a leadership role.”

    Bumrah had captained the side in Rohit’s absence in the first two matches of a five-test series in Australia at the end of last year.

    But the 31-year-old was then sidelined for three months after sustaining a stress-related back injury during the series finale in Sydney in January.

    Bumrah, who was named the ICC men’s cricketer of the year in 2024, has suffered multiple back injuries throughout his career, including one that forced him to have surgery in 2023.

    He said the captaincy should not fall to someone who has to manage their workload in a five-test series.

    “I had to say no as it’s not fair for the team as well,” he added. “It’s not fair to the team if in a five-test series, three matches somebody else is leading and two matches somebody else is leading.

    “I always wanted to put the team first.”

    (Reuters)

     

  • MIL-OSI: GTreasury Launches GSmart AI, Setting the Standard for Secure, Adaptable, and Agentic AI in Treasury Operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GTreasury, the global leader in Adaptable Treasury Solutions for the Office of the CFO, today announced the launch of GSmart AI, a comprehensive and purpose-built AI platform uniquely designed for treasury and finance operations. Leveraging best-in-class AI enterprise infrastructure, governance, and agent-driven workflows, GSmart AI empowers CFOs and treasurers to confidently navigate the increasingly complex treasury landscape by providing secure, actionable insights and agentic actions to amplify the value of GTreasury’s solutions, spanning connectivity, liquidity management, cash forecasting, payments, risk, netting, and other core treasury functions.

    CFOs and treasury teams face an evolving mix of complex data, unpredictable market conditions, and increasing regulatory pressure. Reliable AI support is a strategic necessity, and GTreasury’s GSmart AI addresses these demands with powerful capabilities, built-in compliance, and full transparency into every action it takes.

    “For AI to create real value for CFOs, it has to be based on clear design principles of security, removing inefficiencies, fast problem solving, and quick delivery,” said Renaat Ver Eecke, Chief Executive Officer, GTreasury. “GSmart AI, born from our recent investment in our Development Hub in Dublin, Ireland, amplifies our solutions, empowering CFOs and treasury teams to confidently take advantage of powerful insights and value without sacrificing compliance or oversight. We’re proud of our recent investment and expansion in development, which advances our vision of adaptable solutions that provide financial leaders with the clarity to act.”

    The value of GSmart AI lies in its adaptable and scalable capabilities, where AI actively reduces manual effort by performing routine-but-time-consuming treasury tasks, proactively identifying risks and variances, and recommending strategic actions to support more informed decision-making. Its flexible architecture empowers treasury teams to deploy and schedule AI agents tailored to specific operational needs, ensuring maximum adaptability and relevance.

    “With GSmart AI, we’ve built an enterprise-class AI platform that not only analyzes data but actively infers, reasons, and acts on behalf of treasury professionals, amplifying the value of our solutions,” said Mark Johnson, Chief Product Officer, GTreasury. “GSmart AI provides CFOs and treasurers full visibility and control, with clear traceability of every AI-generated output back to its source data. The depth of governance and explainability embedded into GSmart AI distinctly set our platform apart from generalized AI solutions or any other treasury technology.”

    GSmart AI’s differentiated value includes full alignment with ISO/IEC 42001 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards, readiness for the upcoming EU AI Act, and stringent data sovereignty practices. The platform strictly isolates client data, ensures no client data is used in AI model training, and maintains complete transparency through comprehensive audit logs and observability tools.

    Among the key features and benefits of GSmart AI:

    • Enterprise-class infrastructure: A scalable, API-driven agentic platform designed specifically for the complex needs of treasury and finance.
    • Security and compliance: Comprehensive encryption, zero-trust architecture, data residency controls, and rigorous global regulatory compliance including GDPR and CCPA.
    • Complete transparency and auditability: Full visibility into AI operations with explainable outputs linked directly to source documentation, backed by automated security monitoring and audit logging.
    • Client control and data sovereignty: Full user control over AI features through feature flags, explicit opt-in workflows, and strict client-specific data isolation.

    GSmart AI integrates seamlessly within GTreasury’s adaptable treasury management platform, providing flexible and intuitive interaction with existing solutions and workflows.

    To learn more about GSmart AI and request a demo, visit https://www.gtreasury.com/solutions/ai/treasury-ai-platform.

    About GTreasury

    GTreasury provides CFOs and Treasurers with The Clarity to Act on strategic financial decisions with the world’s most adaptable treasury platform, empowering them to face the challenges of today and tomorrow. Because each company faces different points of complexity and needs, our industry-leading solutions are purposefully designed, and amplified by GSmart AI, to support every stage of treasury complexity, from Liquidity Management and Cash Forecasting to Payments, Risk, and Netting. With GTreasury, financial leaders gain comprehensive connectivity across all banks and ERPs to build an orchestrated data environment, enabling rapid value realization with implementations up and running in weeks. Plus, our unmatched industry expertise ensures clients’ continued success through dedicated guidance and top-tier support. Trusted by over 1,000 customers across 160 countries, GTreasury provides treasury and finance teams with the ability to connect, compile, and manage mission-critical data to optimize cash flows and capital structures. To learn more, visit GTreasury.com.

    GTreasury is headquartered in Chicago, with locations serving EMEA (Dublin and London) and APAC (Sydney, Singapore, and Manila).

    Contact
    Kyle Peterson
    kyle@clementpeterson.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b5d13173-97cc-4049-bb43-ab390988e8d0

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Iran’s long history of revolution, defiance and outside interference – and why its future is so uncertain

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University; and Vice Chancellor’s Strategic Fellow, Victoria University

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has gone beyond his initial aim of destroying Iran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons. He has called on the Iranian people to rise up against their dictatorial Islamic regime and ostensibly transform Iran along the lines of Israeli interests.

    United States President Donald Trump is now weighing possible military action in support of Netanyahu’s goal and asked for Iran’s total surrender.

    If the US does get involved, it wouldn’t be the first time it’s tried to instigate regime change by military means in the Middle East. The US invaded Iraq in 2003 and backed a NATO operation in Libya in 2011, toppling the regimes of Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi, respectively.

    In both cases, the interventions backfired, causing long-term instability in both countries and in the broader region.

    Could the same thing happen in Iran if the regime is overthrown?

    As I describe in my book, Iran Rising: The Survival and Future of the Islamic Republic, Iran is a pluralist society with a complex history of rival groups trying to assert their authority. A democratic transition would be difficult to achieve.

    The overthrow of the shah

    The Iranian Islamic regime assumed power in the wake of the pro-democracy popular uprising of 1978–79, which toppled Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi’s pro-Western monarchy.

    Until this moment, Iran had a long history of monarchical rule dating back 2,500 years. Mohammad Reza, the last shah, was the head of the Pahlavi dynasty, which came to power in 1925.

    In 1953, the shah was forced into exile under the radical nationalist and reformist impulse of the democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh. He was shortly returned to his throne through a CIA-orchestrated coup.

    Despite all his nationalist, pro-Western, modernising efforts, the shah could not shake off the indignity of having been re-throned with the help of a foreign power.

    The revolution against him 25 years later was spearheaded by pro-democracy elements. But it was made up of many groups, including liberalists, communists and Islamists, with no uniting leader.

    The Shia clerical group (ruhaniyat), led by the Shah’s religious and political opponent, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, proved to be best organised and capable of providing leadership to the revolution. Khomeini had been in exile from the early 1960s (at first in Iraq and later in France), yet he and his followers held considerable sway over the population, especially in traditional rural areas.

    When US President Jimmy Carter’s administration found it could no longer support the shah, he left the country and went into exile in January 1979. This enabled Khomeini to return to Iran to a tumultuous welcome.

    Birth of the Islamic Republic

    In the wake of the uprising, Khomeini and his supporters, including the current supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, abolished the monarchy and transformed Iran to a cleric-dominated Islamic Republic, with anti-US and anti-Israel postures. He ruled the country according to his unique vision of Islam.

    Khomeini denounced the US as a “Great Satan” and Israel as an illegal usurper of the Palestinian lands – Jerusalem, in particular. He also declared a foreign policy of “neither east, nor west” but pro-Islamic, and called for the spread of the Iranian revolution in the region.

    Khomeini not only changed Iran, but also challenged the US as the dominant force in shaping the regional order. And the US lost one of the most important pillars of its influence in the oil-rich and strategically important Persian Gulf region.

    Fear of hostile American or Israeli (or combined) actions against the Islamic Republic became the focus of Iran’s domestic and foreign policy behaviour.

    A new supreme leader takes power

    Khomeini died in 1989. His successor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has ruled Iran largely in the same jihadi (combative) and ijtihadi (pragmatic) ways, steering the country through many domestic and foreign policy challenges.

    Khamenei fortified the regime with an emphasis on self-sufficiency, a stronger defence capability and a tilt towards the east – Russia and China – to counter the US and its allies. He has stood firm in opposition to the US and its allies – Israel, in particular. And he has shown flexibility when necessary to ensure the survival and continuity of the regime.

    Khamenei wields enormous constitutional power and spiritual authority.

    He has presided over the building of many rule-enforcing instruments of state power, including the expansion of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its paramilitary wing, the Basij, revolutionary committees, and Shia religious networks.

    The Shia concept of martyrdom and loyalty to Iran as a continuous sovereign country for centuries goes to the heart of his actions, as well as his followers.

    Khamenei and his rule enforcers, along with an elected president and National Assembly, are fully cognisant that if the regime goes down, they will face the same fate. As such, they cannot be expected to hoist the white flag and surrender to Israel and the US easily.

    However, in the event of the regime falling under the weight of a combined internal uprising and external pressure, it raises the question: what is the alternative?

    The return of the shah?

    Many Iranians are discontented with the regime, but there is no organised opposition under a nationally unifying leader.

    The son of the former shah, the crown prince Reza Pahlavi, has been gaining some popularity. He has been speaking out on X in the last few days, telling his fellow Iranians:

    The end of the Islamic Republic is the end of its 46-year war against the Iranian nation. The regime’s apparatus of repression is falling apart. All it takes now is a nationwide uprising to put an end to this nightmare once and for all.

    Since the deposition of his father, he has lived in exile in the US. As such, he has been tainted by his close association with Washington and Jerusalem, especially Netanyahu.

    If he were to return to power – likely through the assistance of the US – he would face the same problem of political legitimacy as his father did.

    What does the future hold?

    Iran has never had a long tradition of democracy. It experienced brief instances of liberalism in the first half of the 20th century, but every attempt at making it durable resulted in disarray and a return to authoritarian rule.

    Also, the country has rarely been free of outside interventionism, given its vast hydrocarbon riches and strategic location. It’s also been prone to internal fragmentation, given its ethnic and religious mix.

    The Shia Persians make up more than half of the population, but the country has a number of Sunni ethnic minorities, such as Kurds, Azaris, Balochis and Arabs. They have all had separatist tendencies.

    Iran has historically been held together by centralisation rather than diffusion of power.

    Should the Islamic regime disintegrate in one form or another, it would be an mistake to expect a smooth transfer of power or transition to democratisation within a unified national framework.

    At the same time, the Iranian people are highly cultured and creative, with a very rich and proud history of achievements and civilisation.

    They are perfectly capable of charting their own destiny as long as there aren’t self-seeking foreign hands in the process – something they have rarely experienced.

    Amin Saikal 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. Iran’s long history of revolution, defiance and outside interference – and why its future is so uncertain – https://theconversation.com/irans-long-history-of-revolution-defiance-and-outside-interference-and-why-its-future-is-so-uncertain-259270

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Zelenskiy leaves G7 with no Trump meeting or fresh arms support from US

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy left the Group of Seven summit on Tuesday with new aid from host Canada for its war against Russia but said diplomacy is in “crisis” having missed the chance to press U.S. President Donald Trump for more weapons.

    The G7 wealthy nations struggled to find unity over the conflict in Ukraine after Trump expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and left a day early to address the Israel-Iran conflict from Washington.

    A Canadian official initially said Ottawa had dropped plans for the G7 to issue a strong statement on the war in Ukraine after resistance from the United States.

    Emily Williams, director of media relations for Prime Minister Mark Carney, later said no proposed statement on Ukraine had ever been planned.

    Carney had started the day by announcing Ottawa would provide C$2 billion ($1.47 billion) in new military assistance for Kyiv as well as impose new financial sanctions.

    Zelenskiy said he had told the G7 leaders that “diplomacy is now in a state of crisis” and said they need to continue calling on Trump “to use his real influence” to force an end to the war, in a post on his Telegram account.

    Although Canada is one of Ukraine’s most vocal defenders, its ability to help it is far outweighed by the United States, the largest arms supplier to Kyiv. Zelenskiy had said he hoped to talk to Trump about acquiring more weapons.

    After the summit in the Rocky Mountain resort area of Kananaskis concluded, Carney issued a chair statement summarizing deliberations.

    “G7 leaders expressed support for President Trump’s efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” it said.

    “They recognized that Ukraine has committed to an unconditional ceasefire, and they agreed that Russia must do the same. G7 leaders are resolute in exploring all options to maximize pressure on Russia, including financial sanctions.”

    Canada holds the rotating G7 presidency this year. Other leaders do not need to sign off on G7 chair statements.

    Trump did agree to a group statement published on Monday calling for a resolution of the Israel-Iran conflict.

    “We had a declaration given the exceptional, fast moving situation in Iran,” Carney told a closing news conference.

    A European official said leaders had stressed to Trump their plans to be hard on Russia and Trump seemed impressed, though he does not like sanctions in principle.

    Three European diplomats said they had heard signals from Trump that he wanted to raise pressure on Putin and consider a U.S. Senate bill drafted by Senator Lindsey Graham, but that he had not committed to anything.

    “I am returning to Germany with cautious optimism that decisions will also be made in America in the coming days to impose further sanctions against Russia,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.

    G7 leaders agreed on six other statements, about migrant smuggling, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, wildfires, transnational repression and quantum computing.

    KREMLIN SAYS G7 LOOKS ‘RATHER USELESS’

    Trump said on Monday he needed to be back in Washington as soon as possible due to the situation in the Middle East, where escalating attacks between Iran and Israel have raised risks of a broader regional conflict.

    A White House official on Tuesday said Trump explained that he returned to the U.S. because it is better to hold high-level National Security Council meetings in person, rather than over the phone.

    Upon arriving at the summit, Trump said that the then-Group of Eight had been wrong to expel Russia after Putin ordered the occupation of Crimea in 2014.

    The Kremlin said on Tuesday that Trump was right and said the G7 was no longer significant for Russia and looked “rather useless.”

    Many leaders had hoped to negotiate trade deals with Trump, but the only deal signed was the finalization of the U.S.-UK deal announced last month. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remained at the summit after Trump left.

    Carney also invited non-G7 members Mexico, India, Australia, South Africa, South Korea and Brazil, as he tries to shore up alliances elsewhere and diversify Canada’s exports away from the United States.

    Carney warmly welcomed Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Tuesday, after two years of tense relations between Canada and India.

    (Reuters)

  • Zelenskiy leaves G7 with no Trump meeting or fresh arms support from US

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy left the Group of Seven summit on Tuesday with new aid from host Canada for its war against Russia but said diplomacy is in “crisis” having missed the chance to press U.S. President Donald Trump for more weapons.

    The G7 wealthy nations struggled to find unity over the conflict in Ukraine after Trump expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and left a day early to address the Israel-Iran conflict from Washington.

    A Canadian official initially said Ottawa had dropped plans for the G7 to issue a strong statement on the war in Ukraine after resistance from the United States.

    Emily Williams, director of media relations for Prime Minister Mark Carney, later said no proposed statement on Ukraine had ever been planned.

    Carney had started the day by announcing Ottawa would provide C$2 billion ($1.47 billion) in new military assistance for Kyiv as well as impose new financial sanctions.

    Zelenskiy said he had told the G7 leaders that “diplomacy is now in a state of crisis” and said they need to continue calling on Trump “to use his real influence” to force an end to the war, in a post on his Telegram account.

    Although Canada is one of Ukraine’s most vocal defenders, its ability to help it is far outweighed by the United States, the largest arms supplier to Kyiv. Zelenskiy had said he hoped to talk to Trump about acquiring more weapons.

    After the summit in the Rocky Mountain resort area of Kananaskis concluded, Carney issued a chair statement summarizing deliberations.

    “G7 leaders expressed support for President Trump’s efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” it said.

    “They recognized that Ukraine has committed to an unconditional ceasefire, and they agreed that Russia must do the same. G7 leaders are resolute in exploring all options to maximize pressure on Russia, including financial sanctions.”

    Canada holds the rotating G7 presidency this year. Other leaders do not need to sign off on G7 chair statements.

    Trump did agree to a group statement published on Monday calling for a resolution of the Israel-Iran conflict.

    “We had a declaration given the exceptional, fast moving situation in Iran,” Carney told a closing news conference.

    A European official said leaders had stressed to Trump their plans to be hard on Russia and Trump seemed impressed, though he does not like sanctions in principle.

    Three European diplomats said they had heard signals from Trump that he wanted to raise pressure on Putin and consider a U.S. Senate bill drafted by Senator Lindsey Graham, but that he had not committed to anything.

    “I am returning to Germany with cautious optimism that decisions will also be made in America in the coming days to impose further sanctions against Russia,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.

    G7 leaders agreed on six other statements, about migrant smuggling, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, wildfires, transnational repression and quantum computing.

    KREMLIN SAYS G7 LOOKS ‘RATHER USELESS’

    Trump said on Monday he needed to be back in Washington as soon as possible due to the situation in the Middle East, where escalating attacks between Iran and Israel have raised risks of a broader regional conflict.

    A White House official on Tuesday said Trump explained that he returned to the U.S. because it is better to hold high-level National Security Council meetings in person, rather than over the phone.

    Upon arriving at the summit, Trump said that the then-Group of Eight had been wrong to expel Russia after Putin ordered the occupation of Crimea in 2014.

    The Kremlin said on Tuesday that Trump was right and said the G7 was no longer significant for Russia and looked “rather useless.”

    Many leaders had hoped to negotiate trade deals with Trump, but the only deal signed was the finalization of the U.S.-UK deal announced last month. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remained at the summit after Trump left.

    Carney also invited non-G7 members Mexico, India, Australia, South Africa, South Korea and Brazil, as he tries to shore up alliances elsewhere and diversify Canada’s exports away from the United States.

    Carney warmly welcomed Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Tuesday, after two years of tense relations between Canada and India.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Unmasking the ‘hidden curriculum’

    Source:

    18 June 2025

    They’re the subtle cues and behaviours that shape student success – easily picked up by local students, but often unfamiliar for those from refugee backgrounds.

    This Refugee Week, human rights and education experts at the University of South Australia are shining a light on the less visible challenges faced by students from refugee backgrounds: the ‘hidden curriculum’.

    In a recent study, UniSA researchers explain the ‘hidden curriculum’ as a set of implicit rules, values and behaviours that quietly shape the university experience – never formally taught, but essential for academic and social success

    “The ‘hidden curriculum’ is very real,” says UniSA’s Dr Snjezana Bilic. “It’s the unwritten, unspoken rules that guide student success – things like classroom behaviours, university processes, and what’s expected through group work, or where and how to seek help – these are key parts of the student experience.

    “Local students, who are acquainted with the dominant culture, are generally more familiar with aspects of the ‘hidden curriculum’; but refugee students have significantly different experiences with different ways of knowing and learning.

    “We know that refugee students have strong aspirations, but we also know that these can be offset by a range of obstacles, for example trauma, interrupted education, competing family priorities and language barriers. The last thing they need is to start university from a deficit position, so that’s where we are trying to help.”

    Globally, more than 123 million people have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution, conflict and violence.

    The researchers say that the ‘hidden curriculum’ should be explicitly taught to all students, but especially those from refugee backgrounds.

    To offset barriers created by the ‘hidden curriculum’ and enhance meaningful outcomes for students of refugee backgrounds, UniSA has created a Refugee Student Support Group with a team of Peer Support Officers who also act as ‘cultural brokers’ – helping students from refugee backgrounds navigate academic expectations and social norms.

    “We’ve seen how powerful peer support can be,” says co-researcher Dr Heidi Hetz.

    “When Peer Support Officers connect with our refugee students, they help build trust, strengthen engagement and help breakdown some of the barriers that students from refugee backgrounds face. And because this is peer-to-peer learning, both the student ‘teacher’ and the refugee student can connect and share knowledge.

    “Importantly, our Peer Support Officers also help refugee students understand the nuances of the ‘hidden curriculum’. They explain where to ask for help, how to access supports for assignment writing, as well as how to access other university services like counselling. They also explain how tutorials work, how you are encouraged to share your opinion or experiences, and how your point of view truly counts.”

    Dr Bilic says that tackling the hidden curriculum requires 360-degree support.

    “To embrace diversity, we must prioritise a more culturally responsive curriculum,” Dr Bilic says.

    “Not only do we need to incorporate examples, stories and traditions from a range of cultures, but we need to provide explicit instructions about what students need to do to engage in learning as well as scaffold their learning by providing support in structuring their assignments, teaching them how to study in classroom, to ask for help of teaching staff, as well as time management’.

    “We also need to recognise that learning the hidden curriculum takes time, especially for those who have experienced resettlement, trauma or disrupted education.

    “Critically, we need to recognise and acknowledge that a student’s lack of familiarity with the hidden curriculum reflects cultural differences, not their deficiency.”

    As Australia marks Refugee Week, UniSA experts say it’s time to recognise that the refugee experience doesn’t end at resettlement, and that belonging must be actively built, especially in educational settings.

    “Learning to study in a new country, in a new language, with new rules especially after trauma – is not easy,” Dr Bilic says. “But with understanding, structure and explicit support, we can decode the hidden curriculum and help all students feel like they belong.”

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

    Contacts for interview:  Dr Snjezana Bilic E: snjezana.bilic@unisa.edu.au
    Dr Heidi Hetz E: heidi.hetz@unisa.edu.au
    Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 95 lawyers demand stronger NZ stand over Israel amid Middle East tensions

    Asia Pacific Report

    Ninety-five New Zealand lawyers — including nine king’s counsel — have signed a letter demanding Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and two other ministers urge the government to take a stronger stand against Israel’s “catastrophic” actions in Gaza.

    The letter has been sent amid rising tensions in the region, following Israel’s surprise attacks on Iran last Friday, and Iran’s retaliatory attacks.

    A statement by the Justice For Palestine advocacy group said the letter’s signatories represented all levels of seniority in the legal community, including senior barristers, law firm partners, legal academics, and in-house lawyers.

    The letter cited the 26 July 2024 joint statement by the prime ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand which acknowledged: “The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.”

    “But it has continued,” said the letter.  “The plight of the civilian population in Gaza has significantly deteriorated, featuring steadily escalating levels of bombardment, forced displacement of civilians, blockades of aid and deliberate targeting of hospitals, aid workers and journalists.”

    The same month, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) had declared Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory to be unlawful.

    Obligations under international law
    In September last year, New Zealand voted in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution calling on all UN member states to comply with their obligations under international law and take concrete steps to address Israel’s ongoing presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said the Justice For Palestine statement.

    At the time, New Zealand had noted it expected Israel to take meaningful steps towards compliance with international law, including withdrawal from the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The letter stated that Israel had done nothing of the sort.

    Part of the lawyers’ letter appealing to the NZ government for a stronger stance over Israel. Image: J4P

    The letter points out that last month independent UN experts had demanded immediate international intervention to “end the violence or bear witness to the annihilation of the Palestinian population in Gaza.”

    UN experts have observed more than 52,535 deaths, of which 70 percent continue to be women and children, said the statement.

    The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, had called for a response “as humanitarians” urging “Humanity, the law and reason must prevail”.

    The Justice For Palestine letter urged the government to consider a stronger response, including:

    • condemning Israel’s unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,
    • reviewing immediately all diplomatic and political and economic ties with Israel, and
    • imposing further sanctions after New Zealand had imposed sanctions on two extremist Israeli politicians.

    Rising concern over Israeli breaches
     One of the letter’s signatories, barrister Max Harris, said:

    “This letter reflects rising concern among the general community about Israel’s breaches of international law.

    “The Government has tried to highlight red lines for Israel, but these have been repeatedly crossed, and it’s time that the Government considers doing more, in line with international law,”

    Aedeen Boadita-Cormican, another barrister, who signed the letter, said: “The government could do more to follow through on how it has voted at the United Nations and what it has said internationally.”

    “This letter shows the depth of concern in the legal community about Israel’s actions,” she added.

    Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 95 lawyers demand stronger NZ stand over Israel amid Middle East tensions

    Asia Pacific Report

    Ninety-five New Zealand lawyers — including nine king’s counsel — have signed a letter demanding Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and two other ministers urge the government to take a stronger stand against Israel’s “catastrophic” actions in Gaza.

    The letter has been sent amid rising tensions in the region, following Israel’s surprise attacks on Iran last Friday, and Iran’s retaliatory attacks.

    A statement by the Justice For Palestine advocacy group said the letter’s signatories represented all levels of seniority in the legal community, including senior barristers, law firm partners, legal academics, and in-house lawyers.

    The letter cited the 26 July 2024 joint statement by the prime ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand which acknowledged: “The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.”

    “But it has continued,” said the letter.  “The plight of the civilian population in Gaza has significantly deteriorated, featuring steadily escalating levels of bombardment, forced displacement of civilians, blockades of aid and deliberate targeting of hospitals, aid workers and journalists.”

    The same month, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) had declared Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory to be unlawful.

    Obligations under international law
    In September last year, New Zealand voted in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution calling on all UN member states to comply with their obligations under international law and take concrete steps to address Israel’s ongoing presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said the Justice For Palestine statement.

    At the time, New Zealand had noted it expected Israel to take meaningful steps towards compliance with international law, including withdrawal from the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The letter stated that Israel had done nothing of the sort.

    Part of the lawyers’ letter appealing to the NZ government for a stronger stance over Israel. Image: J4P

    The letter points out that last month independent UN experts had demanded immediate international intervention to “end the violence or bear witness to the annihilation of the Palestinian population in Gaza.”

    UN experts have observed more than 52,535 deaths, of which 70 percent continue to be women and children, said the statement.

    The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, had called for a response “as humanitarians” urging “Humanity, the law and reason must prevail”.

    The Justice For Palestine letter urged the government to consider a stronger response, including:

    • condemning Israel’s unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,
    • reviewing immediately all diplomatic and political and economic ties with Israel, and
    • imposing further sanctions after New Zealand had imposed sanctions on two extremist Israeli politicians.

    Rising concern over Israeli breaches
     One of the letter’s signatories, barrister Max Harris, said:

    “This letter reflects rising concern among the general community about Israel’s breaches of international law.

    “The Government has tried to highlight red lines for Israel, but these have been repeatedly crossed, and it’s time that the Government considers doing more, in line with international law,”

    Aedeen Boadita-Cormican, another barrister, who signed the letter, said: “The government could do more to follow through on how it has voted at the United Nations and what it has said internationally.”

    “This letter shows the depth of concern in the legal community about Israel’s actions,” she added.

    Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Gay and bisexual men will soon be able to donate blood and plasma

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yasmin Mowat, Clinical Project Manager, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney

    AnnaStills/Getty Images

    Many gay and bisexual men have been excluded from donating blood and plasma (the liquid portion of blood) for decades because of rules developed during the HIV crisis in the 1980s.

    The Australian Red Cross’ blood donation arm, Lifeblood, has announced these restrictions will be lifted. This opens donation pathways for many gay and bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men.

    What’s changing for plasma donation?

    From July 14, Lifeblood will remove sexual activity-based restrictions for plasma donation for medicines made with plasma, except for those who’ve recently had sex with a partner known to have HIV or another blood-borne virus.

    This world-first “plasma pathway” policy will allow most people, including gay and bisexual men, to donate plasma immediately regardless of sexual activity, provided they meet other criteria.

    What’s changing for other blood donation?

    The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved a gender-neutral risk assessment for blood and platelet donations.

    Under this system, all donors, regardless of gender, will be asked if, in the past six months, they have had sex (excluding oral sex) with a new partner or more than one partner.

    If they answer “yes” to either question, they will be asked if they’ve had anal sex in the past three months. Those who say “yes” will be deferred from donating whole blood for six months, due to the higher risk of HIV transmission during anal sex and the time it takes for HIV to be detected in a test. But they will still be eligible to donate plasma.

    So gay and bisexual men in long-term, monogamous relationships will no longer need to abstain from sex for three months to donate whole blood.

    Why were past restrictions in place?

    In the 1980s, HIV transmission through blood transfusions prompted urgent public health responses. Australia, like many countries, introduced an indefinite deferral for men who have sex with men, the population most affected by HIV.

    This policy significantly reduced transmission of HIV via blood transfusions before HIV testing became available.

    Routine blood donation testing for HIV began in 1985, but initial tests could not detect HIV for up to three months after infection.

    As testing improved, the deferral was reduced – first to 12 months in 2000, then to three months since last sexual activity in 2021.

    Why the changes?

    Rates of new HIV infection have fallen substantially since the 1980s. In 2023, 722 new HIV cases were reported nationwide (2.7 per 100,000 population).

    Modern tests can now detect HIV within one week of exposure, dramatically reducing the risk of transfusion transmission.

    However, the blanket deferral still applied regardless of individual risk – such as if the men had only one partner. As a result, many low-risk men remained excluded.

    Why the different rules for blood and plasma?

    Whole blood is separated into red cells, plasma and platelets. This is the regular process of giving blood, where blood is drawn, then it goes through the testing process to check it’s safe.

    These components are mainly used for transfusion directly to patients without further processing.

    Whole blood is mainly used for transfusions.
    Peter Porrini/Shutterstock

    Plasma, the yellow liquid part, contains proteins used in treatments for immune disorders, severe burns and other conditions.

    During plasma donation, a machine separates the plasma (the yellow liquid part) from the red blood cells and other parts of blood. The machine keeps the plasma, and returns the red blood cells to the donor through the same needle.

    Plasma for plasma medicines, the blood product in most demand in Australia, is processed using extra techniques that kill viruses and bacteria, allowing for less-strict donation rules compared to whole blood.

    How many more people will become eligible under the new rules?

    A national survey we jointly conducted with Lifeblood found an estimated 57% of Australians, and 63% of Australian men, were eligible to donate blood. Among men who reported sex with men, eligibility was only 40%.

    Under the new plasma pathway, overall eligibility is projected to rise to 61%, and to 74% for gay and bisexual men – an increase of around 626,500 newly eligible plasma donors. This will include people taking HIV-PrEP (HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis), which protects against HIV infection.

    The impact of gender-neutral risk assessments on blood donation eligibility is less certain.

    How will people feel being asked about their sexual history?

    The same survey found most Australians supported being asked how many partners they have had and whether they’d had anal sex to see if they were eligible to donate. However, support varied across age, religion and country of birth.

    Understanding and responding to these differences will be important for community engagement and maintaining trust in the blood supply.

    Will this affect the safety of the blood supply?

    The gender-neutral questions aim to identify high-risk sexual activity, regardless of someone’s gender or sexual orientation. The questions still restrict anyone from donating who has recently had anal sex with multiple or new sexual partners.

    Similar policies have been adopted in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Netherlands, with no evidence of increased risk to the blood supply.

    What happens next?

    From July 14, the rules for plasma donation will change, allowing plasma donation regardless of sexual activity.

    The TGA’s approval of gender-neutral blood assessments has only just been granted. Lifeblood will now need to update systems, seek government approvals, train staff and inform the public before this change can be rolled out.

    Ongoing evaluation will be essential to monitor the impact on donor numbers, safety and public perception, and to ensure blood donation policies are evidence-based and equitable.

    Yasmin Mowat recieves funding from a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Partnership Grant, implemented with Lifeblood.

    Bridget Haire has received funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

    Skye McGregor receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

    – ref. Gay and bisexual men will soon be able to donate blood and plasma – https://theconversation.com/gay-and-bisexual-men-will-soon-be-able-to-donate-blood-and-plasma-259136

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Iran’s long history of revolution, defiance and outside interference – and why its future so uncertain

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University; and Vice Chancellor’s Strategic Fellow, Victoria University

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has gone beyond his initial aim of destroying Iran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons. He has called on the Iranian people to rise up against their dictatorial Islamic regime and ostensibly transform Iran along the lines of Israeli interests.

    United States President Donald Trump is now weighing possible military action in support of Netanyahu’s goal and asked for Iran’s total surrender.

    If the US does get involved, it wouldn’t be the first time it’s tried to instigate regime change by military means in the Middle East. The US invaded Iraq in 2003 and backed a NATO operation in Libya in 2011, toppling the regimes of Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi, respectively.

    In both cases, the interventions backfired, causing long-term instability in both countries and in the broader region.

    Could the same thing happen in Iran if the regime is overthrown?

    As I describe in my book, Iran Rising: The Survival and Future of the Islamic Republic, Iran is a pluralist society with a complex history of rival groups trying to assert their authority. A democratic transition would be difficult to achieve.

    The overthrow of the shah

    The Iranian Islamic regime assumed power in the wake of the pro-democracy popular uprising of 1978–79, which toppled Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi’s pro-Western monarchy.

    Until this moment, Iran had a long history of monarchical rule dating back 2,500 years. Mohammad Reza, the last shah, was the head of the Pahlavi dynasty, which came to power in 1925.

    In 1953, the shah was forced into exile under the radical nationalist and reformist impulse of the democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh. He was shortly returned to his throne through a CIA-orchestrated coup.

    Despite all his nationalist, pro-Western, modernising efforts, the shah could not shake off the indignity of having been re-throned with the help of a foreign power.

    The revolution against him 25 years later was spearheaded by pro-democracy elements. But it was made up of many groups, including liberalists, communists and Islamists, with no uniting leader.

    The Shia clerical group (ruhaniyat), led by the Shah’s religious and political opponent, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, proved to be best organised and capable of providing leadership to the revolution. Khomeini had been in exile from the early 1960s (at first in Iraq and later in France), yet he and his followers held considerable sway over the population, especially in traditional rural areas.

    When US President Jimmy Carter’s administration found it could no longer support the shah, he left the country and went into exile in January 1979. This enabled Khomeini to return to Iran to a tumultuous welcome.

    Birth of the Islamic Republic

    In the wake of the uprising, Khomeini and his supporters, including the current supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, abolished the monarchy and transformed Iran to a cleric-dominated Islamic Republic, with anti-US and anti-Israel postures. He ruled the country according to his unique vision of Islam.

    Khomeini denounced the US as a “Great Satan” and Israel as an illegal usurper of the Palestinian lands – Jerusalem, in particular. He also declared a foreign policy of “neither east, nor west” but pro-Islamic, and called for the spread of the Iranian revolution in the region.

    Khomeini not only changed Iran, but also challenged the US as the dominant force in shaping the regional order. And the US lost one of the most important pillars of its influence in the oil-rich and strategically important Persian Gulf region.

    Fear of hostile American or Israeli (or combined) actions against the Islamic Republic became the focus of Iran’s domestic and foreign policy behaviour.

    A new supreme leader takes power

    Khomeini died in 1989. His successor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has ruled Iran largely in the same jihadi (combative) and ijtihadi (pragmatic) ways, steering the country through many domestic and foreign policy challenges.

    Khamenei fortified the regime with an emphasis on self-sufficiency, a stronger defence capability and a tilt towards the east – Russia and China – to counter the US and its allies. He has stood firm in opposition to the US and its allies – Israel, in particular. And he has shown flexibility when necessary to ensure the survival and continuity of the regime.

    Khamenei wields enormous constitutional power and spiritual authority.

    He has presided over the building of many rule-enforcing instruments of state power, including the expansion of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its paramilitary wing, the Basij, revolutionary committees, and Shia religious networks.

    The Shia concept of martyrdom and loyalty to Iran as a continuous sovereign country for centuries goes to the heart of his actions, as well as his followers.

    Khamenei and his rule enforcers, along with an elected president and National Assembly, are fully cognisant that if the regime goes down, they will face the same fate. As such, they cannot be expected to hoist the white flag and surrender to Israel and the US easily.

    However, in the event of the regime falling under the weight of a combined internal uprising and external pressure, it raises the question: what is the alternative?

    The return of the shah?

    Many Iranians are discontented with the regime, but there is no organised opposition under a nationally unifying leader.

    The son of the former shah, the crown prince Reza Pahlavi, has been gaining some popularity. He has been speaking out on X in the last few days, telling his fellow Iranians:

    The end of the Islamic Republic is the end of its 46-year war against the Iranian nation. The regime’s apparatus of repression is falling apart. All it takes now is a nationwide uprising to put an end to this nightmare once and for all.

    Since the deposition of his father, he has lived in exile in the US. As such, he has been tainted by his close association with Washington and Jerusalem, especially Netanyahu.

    If he were to return to power – likely through the assistance of the US – he would face the same problem of political legitimacy as his father did.

    What does the future hold?

    Iran has never had a long tradition of democracy. It experienced brief instances of liberalism in the first half of the 20th century, but every attempt at making it durable resulted in disarray and a return to authoritarian rule.

    Also, the country has rarely been free of outside interventionism, given its vast hydrocarbon riches and strategic location. It’s also been prone to internal fragmentation, given its ethnic and religious mix.

    The Shia Persians make up more than half of the population, but the country has a number of Sunni ethnic minorities, such as Kurds, Azaris, Balochis and Arabs. They have all had separatist tendencies.

    Iran has historically been held together by centralisation rather than diffusion of power.

    Should the Islamic regime disintegrate in one form or another, it would be an mistake to expect a smooth transfer of power or transition to democratisation within a unified national framework.

    At the same time, the Iranian people are highly cultured and creative, with a very rich and proud history of achievements and civilisation.

    They are perfectly capable of charting their own destiny as long as there aren’t self-seeking foreign hands in the process – something they have rarely experienced.

    Amin Saikal 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. Iran’s long history of revolution, defiance and outside interference – and why its future so uncertain – https://theconversation.com/irans-long-history-of-revolution-defiance-and-outside-interference-and-why-its-future-so-uncertain-259270

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Victoria is looking into religious cults – here’s what it should examine

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jaime Simpson, Doctoral Researcher, Domestic Family Violence Counsellor, University of Newcastle

    Paul shuang/Shutterstock

    The Victorian parliament has launched a long-overdue inquiry into abuse and coercive control within cults and religious fringe groups.

    It is a welcome acknowledgement of the damage that can flourish under the guise of faith, and the unquestioning obedience to authoritarian leaders in religious groups.

    The inquiry will hear victim-survivors can suffer a diverse range of harms, including sexual, financial and labour exploitation, spiritual manipulation, and institutional betrayal.

    Abusive practices

    Geelong state MP Christine Couzens says the Geelong Revival Centre has caused a great deal of hurt.
    Parliament of Victoria, CC BY

    The inquiry is the first of its kind in Australia.

    Prompted by recent events, including reports of coercive behaviour at the Geelong Revival Centre, the inquiry will examine “the methods used to recruit and control their members, and the impacts of coercive control”.

    According to the committee’s guidance note, the focus will be on techniques that can damage individuals emotionally, psychologically, financially and even physically.

    Importantly, the inquiry will interrogate “abusive practices”, not the beliefs behind them:

    There is a distinction between genuine religious practice and harmful behaviour. “Freedom of religion” is not freedom, for example, to defraud, nor is it freedom to cause significant psychological harm to any person.

    Consideration will be given to whether the law adequately protects people when cults and fringe groups cause the types of harm that should be criminalised.

    Sexual control

    My research examined the sexual exploitation of congregation members perpetrated by pastors within evangelical, Pentecostal faith communities in Australia.

    Respondents described feeling broken, shattered, and spiritually battered. The harms were similar to those experienced by survivors of incest, child sexual abuse and domestic violence.

    For example:

    • 72% of respondents were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder

    • 52% suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    • 48% were diagnosed with depression

    • 48% experienced suicidal ideation.

    As American sociologist and cult expert Janja Lalich explains:

    Sexual control is seen as the final step in the objectification of the cult member by the authoritarian leader, who is able to satisfy his needs through psychological manipulation leading to sexual exploitation.

    Power imbalance

    My research uncovered instances of sexual exploitation by pastors that constitutes a form of sexual violence and coercive control. The absence of a centralised reporting body means there is no accessible data on the extent of clergy sexual exploitation of adults in Australian faith communities.

    However, international research found around 3% of churchgoing women had been subjected to sexual advances from a married religious leader.

    Too often, institutions downplay the abuse as a “moral failing” or a mutual lapse into sin, ignoring the profound power imbalance that makes meaningful consent impossible.

    Pastor-congregant relationships are not consensual; they are violations of trust and authority. Survivors are often left with no pathways to justice or support because coercive control is not recognised in non-intimate settings.

    Search for belonging

    Victim-survivors would benefit from legal reform that formally recognises and criminalises this form of abuse.

    Coercive control legislation covering institutional and spiritual settings, would help protect congregation members targeted by predator pastors.

    I was recruited into a Pentecostal church as a teenager through a Bible college that was allowed into my public high school to “preach the gospel”. I know firsthand how easily these environments can entrap teenagers at an age when many are seeking identity outside of family.

    The parliamentary inquiry is not designed to question people’s religion, but to protect them from harmful behaviour.
    SibRapid/Shutterstock

    What began as a search for belonging led to years of grooming and coercion, and it took over two decades to name and report the abuse. The response from the church was just as harmful as the abuse itself.

    Fear and shame

    The harms often extend beyond sexual exploitation in many of these groups. Marginalised individuals are particularly vulnerable in these environments.

    LGBTQIA+ people in some evangelical churches have historically been subjected to conversion practices masquerading as prayer, counselling, or pastoral care. In one recent example, an evangelical church in New South Wales preached from the pulpit:

    A gay person is at least three times more likely to kill themselves. A transsexual is 15 times more likely to kill themselves. So if you are a parent and you love your kids make sure they are not gay or trans.

    This kind of messaging doesn’t protect children – it instils fear, shame, and self-hatred. It reflects a deeper pattern of spiritual abuse that pathologises identity and uses fear to exert control. The consequences are devastating, especially for young people already struggling to reconcile faith, identity, and belonging.

    Template for reform

    Many people fail to grasp how intelligent adults can become trapped in such environments.

    But coercive control is not about intelligence – it’s about power, dependency, and the slow erosion of critical thinking by spiritual authority.

    While coercive control in family violence is finally being addressed, spiritual and sexual coercive control within faith communities, cults, and fringe groups remains in a legal blind spot.

    This is exactly why the Victorian probe and follow-up law reform are both necessary.

    The inquiry should provide a framework for other states and territories to follow suit and scrutinise cults and organised fringe groups in their own jurisdictions.

    Lead author Jaime Simpson is a survivor of sexual exploitation in an evangelical community. The research mentioned is this article was conducted by her.

    Jaime Simpson received a Higher Degree Research tuition off-set to complete her Master in Philosophy

    Kathleen McPhillips receives funding from the Australian Research Theology Foundation ARTFinc), the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation (ISNF) and the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme.

    – ref. Victoria is looking into religious cults – here’s what it should examine – https://theconversation.com/victoria-is-looking-into-religious-cults-heres-what-it-should-examine-259152

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Victoria is looking into religious cults – here’s what it should examine

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jaime Simpson, Doctoral Researcher, Domestic Family Violence Counsellor, University of Newcastle

    Paul shuang/Shutterstock

    The Victorian parliament has launched a long-overdue inquiry into abuse and coercive control within cults and religious fringe groups.

    It is a welcome acknowledgement of the damage that can flourish under the guise of faith, and the unquestioning obedience to authoritarian leaders in religious groups.

    The inquiry will hear victim-survivors can suffer a diverse range of harms, including sexual, financial and labour exploitation, spiritual manipulation, and institutional betrayal.

    Abusive practices

    Geelong state MP Christine Couzens says the Geelong Revival Centre has caused a great deal of hurt.
    Parliament of Victoria, CC BY

    The inquiry is the first of its kind in Australia.

    Prompted by recent events, including reports of coercive behaviour at the Geelong Revival Centre, the inquiry will examine “the methods used to recruit and control their members, and the impacts of coercive control”.

    According to the committee’s guidance note, the focus will be on techniques that can damage individuals emotionally, psychologically, financially and even physically.

    Importantly, the inquiry will interrogate “abusive practices”, not the beliefs behind them:

    There is a distinction between genuine religious practice and harmful behaviour. “Freedom of religion” is not freedom, for example, to defraud, nor is it freedom to cause significant psychological harm to any person.

    Consideration will be given to whether the law adequately protects people when cults and fringe groups cause the types of harm that should be criminalised.

    Sexual control

    My research examined the sexual exploitation of congregation members perpetrated by pastors within evangelical, Pentecostal faith communities in Australia.

    Respondents described feeling broken, shattered, and spiritually battered. The harms were similar to those experienced by survivors of incest, child sexual abuse and domestic violence.

    For example:

    • 72% of respondents were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder

    • 52% suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    • 48% were diagnosed with depression

    • 48% experienced suicidal ideation.

    As American sociologist and cult expert Janja Lalich explains:

    Sexual control is seen as the final step in the objectification of the cult member by the authoritarian leader, who is able to satisfy his needs through psychological manipulation leading to sexual exploitation.

    Power imbalance

    My research uncovered instances of sexual exploitation by pastors that constitutes a form of sexual violence and coercive control. The absence of a centralised reporting body means there is no accessible data on the extent of clergy sexual exploitation of adults in Australian faith communities.

    However, international research found around 3% of churchgoing women had been subjected to sexual advances from a married religious leader.

    Too often, institutions downplay the abuse as a “moral failing” or a mutual lapse into sin, ignoring the profound power imbalance that makes meaningful consent impossible.

    Pastor-congregant relationships are not consensual; they are violations of trust and authority. Survivors are often left with no pathways to justice or support because coercive control is not recognised in non-intimate settings.

    Search for belonging

    Victim-survivors would benefit from legal reform that formally recognises and criminalises this form of abuse.

    Coercive control legislation covering institutional and spiritual settings, would help protect congregation members targeted by predator pastors.

    I was recruited into a Pentecostal church as a teenager through a Bible college that was allowed into my public high school to “preach the gospel”. I know firsthand how easily these environments can entrap teenagers at an age when many are seeking identity outside of family.

    The parliamentary inquiry is not designed to question people’s religion, but to protect them from harmful behaviour.
    SibRapid/Shutterstock

    What began as a search for belonging led to years of grooming and coercion, and it took over two decades to name and report the abuse. The response from the church was just as harmful as the abuse itself.

    Fear and shame

    The harms often extend beyond sexual exploitation in many of these groups. Marginalised individuals are particularly vulnerable in these environments.

    LGBTQIA+ people in some evangelical churches have historically been subjected to conversion practices masquerading as prayer, counselling, or pastoral care. In one recent example, an evangelical church in New South Wales preached from the pulpit:

    A gay person is at least three times more likely to kill themselves. A transsexual is 15 times more likely to kill themselves. So if you are a parent and you love your kids make sure they are not gay or trans.

    This kind of messaging doesn’t protect children – it instils fear, shame, and self-hatred. It reflects a deeper pattern of spiritual abuse that pathologises identity and uses fear to exert control. The consequences are devastating, especially for young people already struggling to reconcile faith, identity, and belonging.

    Template for reform

    Many people fail to grasp how intelligent adults can become trapped in such environments.

    But coercive control is not about intelligence – it’s about power, dependency, and the slow erosion of critical thinking by spiritual authority.

    While coercive control in family violence is finally being addressed, spiritual and sexual coercive control within faith communities, cults, and fringe groups remains in a legal blind spot.

    This is exactly why the Victorian probe and follow-up law reform are both necessary.

    The inquiry should provide a framework for other states and territories to follow suit and scrutinise cults and organised fringe groups in their own jurisdictions.

    Lead author Jaime Simpson is a survivor of sexual exploitation in an evangelical community. The research mentioned is this article was conducted by her.

    Jaime Simpson received a Higher Degree Research tuition off-set to complete her Master in Philosophy

    Kathleen McPhillips receives funding from the Australian Research Theology Foundation ARTFinc), the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation (ISNF) and the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme.

    – ref. Victoria is looking into religious cults – here’s what it should examine – https://theconversation.com/victoria-is-looking-into-religious-cults-heres-what-it-should-examine-259152

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Government welcomes inclusive changes to blood and plasma donation rules

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

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

    Released 18/06/2025

    The ACT Government has today welcomed the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s announcement of significant and long-awaited changes to blood and plasma donation rules, which will make the donation process more inclusive and accessible for members of the LGBTIQA+ community.

    From 14 July 2025, Lifeblood will remove most sexual activity wait times for plasma donations, allowing more Australians – including gay and bisexual men and transgender women – to donate plasma without delay, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria.

    The Therapeutic Goods Administration has also approved a move to gender-neutral sexual activity assessments for blood donations, a shift expected to be implemented next year.

    Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the changes mark a historic milestone for equality and inclusion in Australia’s healthcare system, particularly for the LGBTIQA+ community.

    “These reforms are long overdue and represent a powerful step forward for equality, inclusion, and public health,” the Chief Minister said.

    “For decades, the LGBTIQA+ community has faced unjust restrictions when it comes to blood and plasma donation. Today’s announcement brings us closer to a system that treats people fairly and values their contribution to our health system. I thank all those who have worked to bring about this change.”

    Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith acknowledged the years of advocacy and research that contributed to these changes.

    “This announcement is the result of years of hard work by researchers, health professionals, and LGBTIQA+ advocates who have pushed for donation policies grounded in evidence and fairness,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    “The plasma pathway is genuinely world-leading reform, but we know its development left many LGBTIQA+ people feeling frustrated and stigmatised when it came to blood donation.

    “We thank Lifeblood for recognising the need for change and for taking steps to increase the donor pool while continuing to safeguard the health of those who receive blood and plasma.”

    Minister Chris Steel, a long-time advocate for inclusive donation policies, said the new approach was not only fairer, but more effective.

    “Common sense has prevailed in enabling thousands of gay men to safely contribute to Australia’s blood supply like other countries around the world,” Minister Steel said.

    “The Australian Red Cross Blood Service currently relies on just three per cent of the population to maintain our nation’s blood supplies, yet Australia has been unnecessarily excluding thousands of healthy people in monogamous relationships from donating blood.”

    “I’m proud to have supported this push for reform, and I welcome Lifeblood’s leadership in moving to a more inclusive, evidence-based approach.”

    These reforms come at a critical time, with rising demand for plasma in Australia’s hospitals. Lifeblood anticipates the changes will enable an additional 24,000 donors and 95,000 more plasma donations each year. Eligible Canberrans are encouraged to consider donating blood or plasma. To book a donation, visit www.lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.

    – Statement ends –

    Andrew Barr, MLA | Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Budget 2025-26: Major Investment in ACT Policing and Community Safety

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services



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

    Released 18/06/2025

    The ACT Government is delivering through the 2025–26 ACT Budget to strengthen ACT Policing and support community safety.

    This investment supports the workforce and infrastructure needed to ensure ACT Policing can continue responding to the needs of a growing city and keep our community safe.

    The Budget includes $112 million over four years to fund the recently agreed Australian Federal Police Enterprise Agreement and support continued service delivery by ACT Policing. This investment will support salary increases, leave entitlements and allowances for ACT Policing staff, in addition to enabling services.

    Treasurer Chris Steel said the investments are part of a broader commitment to modernise and future-proof policing infrastructure and services.

    “This Budget supports a professional and modern ACT Police service, with investment in workforce, equipment and long-term planning,” Mr Steel said.

    “We’re ensuring ACT Policing is resourced to respond to community needs, support public safety, and deliver outcomes for all Canberrans.”

    The Budget provides more than $3.7 million in funding to plan and progress infrastructure upgrades across ACT Policing:

    • Detailed design for critical infrastructure upgrades to assets at Winchester and City Police Stations, including mechanical, electrical, fire and hydraulic systems
    • Detailed planning and analysis for future police accommodation in the Woden Patrol Zone and a Molonglo Police Station

    Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson said the investment recognises the critical role police officers play in keeping Canberrans safe and delivers key recommendations from the Sexual Assault (Police) Review.

    “This Budget delivers support our frontline police officers to ensure ACT Policing is a competitive, modern and well-resourced police force,” Dr Paterson said.

    “We’re also funding a new initiative which implements a priority recommendation of the Sexual Assault (Police) Review. Sexual Assault Advocates embedded within ACT Police will support victim survivors in their engagement with the justice system.

    “This is a critical step in improving our justice response to better support victim survivors.”

    The Government is investing $6.45 million over two years to implement the Sexual Assault Advocate Pilot Program, a key recommendation of the Sexual Assault (Police) Review. This includes:

    • Establishing a fourth Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team within ACT Policing to manage high investigative caseloads
    • Funding for dedicated sexual assault advocates to support victim-survivors during police engagement
    • A new Witness Assistant Scheme officer in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

    These reforms will improve support and outcomes for victim-survivors of sexual violence in Canberra.

    – Statement ends –

    Chris Steel, MLA | Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man charged after police seize parcel containing half a kilo of ice

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Man charged after police seize parcel containing half a kilo of ice

    Wednesday, 18 June 2025 – 3:40 pm.

    A man has been charged with trafficking in a controlled substance and attempt to unlawfully import a controlled substance after police seized half a kilogram of methylamphetamine (ice).
    A parcel containing the highly addictive drug had been posted from Victoria to Tasmania, where it was intercepted by members of Northern Drugs and Firearms Unit.
    The parcel was seized at Pipers River on Monday 16 June, and a 38-year-old Underwood man was arrested, charged and detained to appear in court.
    The methylamphetamine seized was approximately 500 grams, and had the potential to cause significant harm to the Tasmanian community.
    Anyone with information about illicit substances should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Celebrating a Decade of the NTPFES Cadet Program

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force and the Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services proudly celebrates the ten-year anniversary of its NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services (NTPFES) Cadet Program — a unique and impactful initiative that has provided over a decade of vocational training, personal growth, and career pathways for Territory students.

    Launched in 2015, the NTPFES Cadet Program has empowered students in Years 11 and 12 to gain firsthand experience in emergency services while achieving nationally recognised qualifications. The 18-month program includes the completion of the Certificate II in Community Engagement and the Certificate III in Business, delivered through the NTPFES College and Charles Darwin University.

    Over the past ten years, hundreds of young Territorians have graduated from the program across Darwin and Alice Springs, with the most recent squads graduating in Darwin this afternoon and in Alice Springs last Thursday 12 June. This program allows students to develop critical skills through outdoor leadership camps, cultural learning visits to Indigenous communities, community volunteering and immersive work placements within frontline services teams.

    Superintendent of Induction Division Christopher Board, reflected on the milestone, “The NTPFES Cadet Program is an outstanding initiative that has changed lives and strengthened our connection with the community. It gives young Territorians a rare opportunity to grow, learn and lead—while laying the groundwork for future careers in emergency services and beyond. Ten years on, we’re incredibly proud of what this program has achieved.

    “237 Cadets have graduated through this program from Darwin and Alice Springs since 2015, with at least 65 having progressed through civilian or uniformed employment within the NT Police Force and NT Fire and Emergency Services. 16 of these have become either Constables, Aboriginal Community Police Officers or Police Auxiliaries, and one has joined the NTES.”

    Acting Commissioner for NT Fire and Emergency Services Collene Bremner said the program gave the cadets a well-rounded understanding of the NT’s emergency services.

    “As part of the program, the cadets complete placements with the NT Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) and NT Emergency Service (NTES). With the NTFRS, they learn critical skills in road crash rescue and how to operate breathing apparatus (BA), and with NTES they complete necessary inductions, rescue foundations and gain boating experience to learn about vessels being used for evacuations, cargo transport and flood rescues.”

    Charles Darwin University (CDU) Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Scott Bowman AO said, “CDU is incredibly proud to support the NTPFES Cadet Program, which has delivered real-world skills, confidence and career opportunities to young Territorians for a decade.

    “Together with NTPFES and the NT Department of Education and Training, CDU is helping to build a skilled, community-minded workforce ready to lead in emergency services and beyond.”

    NT Department of Education and Training Deputy Chief Executive for Skills, Pathways and Quality, Cathy White said the cadet program helped shape the lives of many young Territorians.

    “The Department congratulates the Northern Territory Police Force, the Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services and Charles Darwin University for their collaboration through this important training opportunity,” she said.

    “This cadet program opens many opportunities for young people who are now utilising their knowledge to pursue diverse careers in the Territory.”

    The Cadet Program not only fosters civic responsibility and leadership in participants, but also serves as a pathway into government careers.

    As we celebrate this important milestone, the organisation extends heartfelt thanks to all past and present cadets, parents, staff, schools and community partners who have contributed to the success of the program.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Hackham West

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police are at the scene of a serious crash at Hackham West.

    About 2.14pm today (Wednesday 18 June), police and emergency services were called to Glynville Drive after reports of a collision involving a car and motorcycle.

    The rider suffered serious injuries.

    Major Crash officers are attending the scene.

    Please avoid the area if possible.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Have you got a big idea for a city centre public activation?

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Turn your idea for a public activation into reality with a new City Centre Community Activation Grants program.

    Applications are now open, and community members are invited to submit public activation ideas that will be engaging and vibrant in the heart of Bendigo city centre.

    The City Centre Community Activation Grants program is open to individuals, businesses, or groups who live, work, or study in the Greater Bendigo region.

    The City of Greater Bendigo grants are available for small one-off activities, or a series of larger activities spread over the year (six in total). 
    The aim is to attract more people, more often to the city centre with a variety of public activations that encourage community and visitor engagement and support local creativity and innovation.

    So far this year, the City has curated and presented over 200 free activations in Hargreaves Mall for the community to enjoy, such as the popular Fiesta Street Party, school holiday program, music and family friendly fun activities.

    This grant program enables the community and creatives to lead and curate their own activities.

    Creative City Coordinator Maree Tonkin said this was a fantastic opportunity for the community and businesses to put forward their own ideas and be supported by the City Centre Community Activation Grants program.

    “This program hopes to attract diverse ideas and community-led activities to be hosted in the city centre,” Ms Tonkin said.

    “Hargreaves Mall is an ideal location with the new stage and lots of space to host art making, music, dance, performances, markets, cultural celebrations, business ideas, workshops, fashion, temporary pop-up art, augmented reality, technology-based work and much more. Other city centre locations will also be considered under the activation program.

    “We want to hear your big, clever and creative ideas that can be turned into vibrant and engaging activations for the public to enjoy.

    “We’re seeking activation proposals to take place throughout the year with a focus on school holidays and Saturdays. All temporary activations must be free for the public to attend and the content suitable for presentation in a public place.

    “Priority will be given to projects that champion access and inclusion, aim to increase community engagement and participation and are representative of the broad demographic mix in Greater Bendigo.

    “Our region prides itself on its vibrancy and creative reputation. To stimulate activity in the city centre, these grants complement the Hargreaves Mall Action Plan, adopted by Council in 2023, to encourage more people to visit the city centre to shop, eat and enjoy free public activations. 

    “The chosen projects will be selected by a panel and our Creative City staff will collaborate closely with successful applicants to facilitate planning, promotion and delivery of activations.”

    Selected projects must take place in Hargreaves Mall or other city centre locations before June 30, 2026.

    Priority will be given to ideas that boost community engagement and participation.

    Applications will close at 5pm, Monday August 4, 2025.

    MIL OSI News –

  • Many flights to Indonesia’s Bali cancelled after volcano eruption

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Several flights to the Indonesian resort island of Bali were cancelled or delayed and the airport in Maumere in East Nusa Tenggara province was closed due to the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, officials said on Wednesday.

    Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, which is in East Nusa Tenggara province, erupted on Tuesday, spewing ash 11 km (6.84 miles) high, forcing the country’s volcanology agency to raise the alert level to the highest.

    It erupted again on Wednesday morning, belching a 1 km (0.62 mile) high ash cloud, the agency said in a statement.

    Several international flights from India, Singapore and Australia to Bali were cancelled due to the eruption, the Bali international airport website showed.

    Singapore AirlinesSIAL.SI cancelled four flights between Bali’s Denpasar airport and Singapore, and its budget subsidiary Scoot cancelled flights to Bali and the neighbouring island Lombok, the airlines said.

    Qantas’ QAN.AX low-cost carrier JetStar cancelled several morning flights to Bali from Australia and expects afternoon flights to be delayed.

    “Forecasts show the ash cloud is expected to clear by later tonight,” JetStar said in a midday travel bulletin.

    The government closed the Fransiskus Xaverius Seda airport in Maumere from Wednesday until Thursday “to ensure the safety of the passengers,” said the airport operator AirNav in its Instagram post.

    The eruption also forced local authorities to evacuate dozens of residents living in two villages near the volcano, Avi Hallan, an official at the local disaster mitigation agency told Reuters.

    “Streets in the two villages were filled with thick ash, gravel, and sand,” she said, adding no casualties were reported.

    The volcano last erupted in May.

    Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of high seismic activity atop multiple tectonic plates.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Animal Welfare – WORLD’S BIGGEST INVESTIGATION INTO EGG FACTORY FARMING. NEW ZEALAND CAGES SCRUTINISED

    Source: Animals Aotearoa

    In the largest global investigation ever, The Open Wing Alliance reveals never-before-seen footage of systemic animal abuse and public health risks in cage egg factory farming. Alongside footage from 36 other countries, the exposé includes footage from a colony cage factory farm in New Zealand.

    New Zealand – June 17 2025 –  “The sound of thousands of trapped chickens, the industrial fans cranking and the stench of waste is beyond words”, says a volunteer investigator from Grassroots Campaigns NZ. “It’s hell inside.”

    This is the description animal welfare investigators gave about what they captured at an Auckland colony cage factory farm. Their footage was given to the Open Wing Alliance, a global coalition of nearly 100 organisations established by The Humane League, in collaboration with We Animals and Reporters for Animals International. Together with Animals Aotearoa, the united group has just released the largest ever investigation into industrialised egg farms in 37 countries. In never-before-seen footage, including from New Zealand, supported by an open letter backed by 100 celebrities.

    “The shocking footage exposes widespread abuse of egg-laying hens trapped in filthy, overcrowded cages, with evidence of injured birds, rotting carcasses, disease-ridden conditions, and more. This investigation comes as bird flu sweeps across every continent, jumping from farmed birds to wild animals and even humans”, says Jennifer Dutton, Corporate Relations Specialist at Animals Aotearoa.

    Footage from 37 countries, including:

    Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United States, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.

    Key findings from the global exposé include:

    Hens confined in battery and enriched/colony cages, giving each chicken only the space of an iPad, or less, to live their entire life;

    Automated systems leave dead bird carcasses trapped in cages with living hens;

    Live hens abandoned in manure and waste pits, and eggs found in manure before sent to shelves;

    Birds unable to stand upright or spread their wings;

    Unsanitary conditions that promote disease spread, like avian influenza.

    This massive coordinated worldwide campaign is focused on spotlighting multinational brands dragging their heels on fulfilling corporate policy to transition away from cage eggs in their supply chains. The vast majority of food corporations around the world publicly committed, a decade ago, to remove cages from their egg supply chains, with global companies like The Hershey Company, Hormel Foods, Famous Brands, and Barilla already fully cage-free. However, food companies like Walmart, Zensho Holdings and Inspire Brands (parent company of Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins) continue to profit from sourcing eggs from hens raised in outdated, cruel cages. In New Zealand, hospitality giant Best Western Hotel chain was recently targeted by protestors highlighting the multinational’s lack of transparent reporting on its global cage-free progress, supported by a petition.

    Since 2023, when battery cages were outlawed in Aotearoa, there has been a disinformation campaign by the factory farm lobby to mislead caring New Zealanders about the continued domestic production of cage eggs. While battery cages are no longer in use, colony cages are. Eggs sold at retail level from these colony cage systems don’t contain the word ‘cage’ anywhere on the packaging. Following a number of complaints, the Commerce Commission is currently conducting a compliance project to assess whether colony eggs are a breach of the Fair Trading Act.

    In addition to cage eggs being sold under misleading labelling, the import of liquid eggs from battery cages is a significant problem. Over 80% of New Zealand’s liquid eggs, used largely in food manufacture, are imported from China and Australia where egg-laying hens are kept in battery cages. Produced using methods illegal here, they are added into Kiwi foods and quietly sold to the caring public who are unaware.

    Consumers around the world are increasingly demanding transparency and ethical treatment of animals in food production, and they won’t stand for further risks to our global public health. Over 100 celebrity figures signed an open letter urging food corporations to end the use of cages in their global supply chains. This investigation s

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Templeton Group Celebrates Four Wins at 2025 Property Industry Awards

    Source: Property Council New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards

    Big night for Templeton Group as projects recognised across multiple categories

    Auckland, Tuesday 17 June 2025 — Friday 13 June proved auspicious for Templeton Group, as the company took home four major accolades at the 2025 Property Council New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards, the country’s most prestigious property awards programme.

    The wins spanned 3 projects, across 2 categories and reflected the strength of Templeton’s diverse portfolio, which includes residential, mixed-use, and tourism properties. Templeton’s developments in Long Bay and Upper Queen Street won three awards in the Hawkins Multi Unit Residential Property category:  

    • ABSTRACT (Auckland CBD)     Excellence Award 
    • Kahu (Long Bay)                                Merit Award 
    • Light Box (Long Bay)                         Merit Award

    Templeton was also recognised in the Holmes Group Tourism and Leisure Property Award category, taking home a Merit Award for ABSTRACT, which uniquely bl

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • PM Modi wraps up ‘productive’ Canada visit after G7 Summit, heads to Croatia

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday concluded what he described as a “productive visit” to Canada, where he participated in the G7 Summit at Kananaskis and held several high-level bilateral meetings with global leaders. He has now departed for Croatia, the final stop of his three-nation tour.

    “Concluding a productive Canada visit. Thankful to the Canadian people and Government for hosting a successful G7 Summit, which witnessed fruitful discussions on diverse global issues. We remain committed to furthering global peace, prosperity and sustainability,” PM Modi posted on X.

    In a separate post on X, Ministry of External affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said:

    “PM @narendramodi concludes a very productive visit to Canada! Held fruitful dialogue on key issues in the global context on energy security, technology, and innovation at the @G7 Summit. Met with several leaders and discussed bilateral ties. Next stop — Croatia.”

    During the G7 outreach session on energy security, PM Modi underscored the need for universal access to clean and sustainable energy. 

    He also highlighted India’s global initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Global Biofuels Alliance.

    PM Modi reiterated India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism, thanking leaders for their condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. He called for unified global action against terrorism and emphasized the need to hold those who support or sponsor terrorism accountable.

    Highlighting India’s digital transformation, the Prime Minister emphasised India’s success in democratizing technology and adopting a human-centric approach. 

    “PM Modi also highlighted India’s experience in democratising use of technology and its human-centric approach in deploying it. He called for addressing global governance issues to tackle concerns of AI and to promote innovation in the field. He called for addressing global governance issues to tackle concerns of AI and to promote innovation in the field,” Jaiswal said in a post on X

    On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with several global leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; Charles Michel, President of the European Council; Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney; South African President Cyril Ramaphosa; UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer; French President Emmanuel Macron; Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva; Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

    Before departing for the three-nation tour, PM Modi had said the visit aimed to thank key partner nations for their unwavering support in India’s fight against cross-border terrorism and to rally international consensus on combating terrorism in all its forms.

  • PM Modi wraps up ‘productive’ Canada visit after G7 Summit, heads to Croatia

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday concluded what he described as a “productive visit” to Canada, where he participated in the G7 Summit at Kananaskis and held several high-level bilateral meetings with global leaders. He has now departed for Croatia, the final stop of his three-nation tour.

    “Concluding a productive Canada visit. Thankful to the Canadian people and Government for hosting a successful G7 Summit, which witnessed fruitful discussions on diverse global issues. We remain committed to furthering global peace, prosperity and sustainability,” PM Modi posted on X.

    In a separate post on X, Ministry of External affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said:

    “PM @narendramodi concludes a very productive visit to Canada! Held fruitful dialogue on key issues in the global context on energy security, technology, and innovation at the @G7 Summit. Met with several leaders and discussed bilateral ties. Next stop — Croatia.”

    During the G7 outreach session on energy security, PM Modi underscored the need for universal access to clean and sustainable energy. 

    He also highlighted India’s global initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Global Biofuels Alliance.

    PM Modi reiterated India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism, thanking leaders for their condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. He called for unified global action against terrorism and emphasized the need to hold those who support or sponsor terrorism accountable.

    Highlighting India’s digital transformation, the Prime Minister emphasised India’s success in democratizing technology and adopting a human-centric approach. 

    “PM Modi also highlighted India’s experience in democratising use of technology and its human-centric approach in deploying it. He called for addressing global governance issues to tackle concerns of AI and to promote innovation in the field. He called for addressing global governance issues to tackle concerns of AI and to promote innovation in the field,” Jaiswal said in a post on X

    On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with several global leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; Charles Michel, President of the European Council; Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney; South African President Cyril Ramaphosa; UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer; French President Emmanuel Macron; Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva; Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

    Before departing for the three-nation tour, PM Modi had said the visit aimed to thank key partner nations for their unwavering support in India’s fight against cross-border terrorism and to rally international consensus on combating terrorism in all its forms.

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities – Sustainability researcher wins $1.5m global award for visionary work tackling the climate crisis – UoS

    Source: University of Sydney (UoS)

    Largest individual monetary prize for research in the University’s history – 18 June 2025 – The Frontiers Planet Prize, a global initiative of the Frontiers Research Foundation in Switzerland, has announced Associate Professor Arunima Malik as one of its three 2025 International Champions, awarding her US$1 million (A$1.54 million) to advance her and her research team’s pioneering work in sustainability science.

    By providing innovative, scalable solutions to help keep humanity within planetary sustainability boundaries, Associate Professor Malik received the award for, ‘Polarising and equalising tr

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: World’s Top Science Competition Awards $1M to Australia’s Visionary Scientist Tackling Global Climate Crisis

    Source:  Frontiers Planet Prize

    • The Frontiers Planet Prize has named its three 2024/25 International Champions, including Australia’s Dr Arunima Malik. The winners are scientists offering innovative, scalable solutions to help keep humanity safely within planetary boundaries.
    • Dr Arunima Malik will receive a prize of one million dollars (USD) to further her research and impact.
    • The winning research focuses on the environmental and social impacts of international trade and its effect on meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    • Following an independent scientific assessment involving 100 experts, chaired by Professor Johan Rockström, the developer of the Planetary Boundaries framework, the prize ensures faster global scientific consensus around the innovative ideas with greatest potential to drive change. 

      

    On 17 June, the Frontiers Planet Prize announced Dr Arunima Malik, from The University of Sydney, as one of its 2025 International Champions, awarding her $1 million to advance her and her research team’s pioneering work in sustainability science. Providing groundbreaking, scalable solutions to help keep humanity within planetary boundaries, Dr Malik received the award for the publication, Polarizing and equalizing tr

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Diamond Energy pays penalties for failing to adequately communicate pricing information to consumers

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    Electricity provider Diamond Energy Pty Ltd has paid $46,950 in penalties after the ACCC issued it with three infringement notices for allegedly breaching the Electricity Retail Code (the Code).

    Under the Code, electricity retailers must provide certain information about pricing, such as the lowest possible price, to help consumers compare different electricity plans.

    The three infringement notices relate to allegations that Diamond Energy failed to communicate mandatory information to three of its customers.

    The ACCC has also accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Diamond Energy in which it has admitted it contravened the Code.

    Diamond Energy admitted that in June 2024 it sent communications to 12,809 customers which failed to include the required pricing information under the Code, when notifying these customers of price changes to their electricity plans.

    Diamond Energy also admitted that it failed to include on its website some of the required pricing information under the Code between 1 January and 30 June 2024 in relation to 44 of its electricity plans, and then also between 1 July and 20 September 2024 in relation to a further 44 plans.

    “By not disclosing the required pricing information to its customers, Diamond Energy has impacted consumers’ ability to make an informed decision when comparing prices across electricity retailers,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

    “It is vital that electricity retailers provide consumers with accurate information so they can compare and access the most competitive prices in the market.”

    In the court-enforceable undertaking, Diamond Energy has committed to introduce a compliance program to ensure it complies with the Code.

    “We will continue to monitor electricity providers to ensure they adequately disclose pricing information to consumers,” Ms Brakey said.

    What electricity retailers must tell consumers

    The Code requires retailers to include certain information when it communicates its offered prices to residential and small business customers by advertising or publishing the price, offering to supply electricity at that price, or notifying the customer of a change to the price.

    Consumers who believe their retailer has failed to provide the required information should in the first instance contact their retailer, which is obliged to inform them of this information under the Code.

    The undertaking is available at Diamond Energy Pty Ltd.

    Notes to editors

    The ACCC can issue an infringement notice when it has reasonable grounds to believe a person or business has contravened certain provisions of an industry code.

    A person or business is not regarded has having contravened the provision of the industry code merely by paying the penalty specified in an infringement notice.

    Background

    The Code applies to electricity retailers that supply electricity to residential and small business customers in applicable distribution regions in New South Wales, South Australia, and South East Queensland. Diamond Energy is a retail electricity supplier in these regions.

    Since the Code was introduced in 2019, the ACCC has issued infringement notices to Locality Planning Energy, CovaU, ReAmped Energy and Dodo Power & Gas for allegedly failing to include certain mandatory information when communicating prices. The ACCC has also accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from CovaU and Dodo in response to breaches of the Code.

    In September 2024, the Federal Court ordered Energy Australia pay penalties of $14 million for making false, misleading or deceptive statements to around 566,000 consumers about electricity prices and failing to provide mandatory information required by the Code.

    One of the ACCC’s Compliance and Enforcement Priorities for 2025-26 is ‘misleading pricing and claims in relation to essential services, with a particular focus on energy and telecommunications’.

    MIL OSI News –