Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay travels to Korea today for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Trade Ministers meeting where he will meet with APEC and CPTPP trading partners including a first in person meeting with United Stated Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
“These meetings are an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand exporters, discuss our strong and mutually beneficial trade relationships, and restate New Zealand’s opposition to high tariff regimes,” Mr McClay says.
While in Jeju, Minister McClay will meet with Ministers from: Australia, China, Chile, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Peru, Singapore and the United States where he will talk about the need for certainty for consumers and exporters.
APEC’s 21 economies receive over 75 per cent of New Zealand’s exports and represent nearly 60 per cent of global GDP.
“Open and fair market access remains a priority for our Government as we look to double the value of exports in 10 years and grow the economy,” Mr McClay says.
“This meeting is an opportunity to deepen our connections with these major economic partners and support New Zealand exporters.”
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 14, 2025/APO Group/ —
Gabon strives to expand the mining industry’s GDP contribution to over 30% by the mid-2030s, using policies such as the Mining Code to attract investment and fuel development. By offering competitive incentives such as tax holidays ranging from three to eight years and a modest 3-5% royalty on base metals, the Mining Code offers improved terms for investors, thereby providing positive implications for the country’s mineral sector.
African Mining Week – Africa’s premier gathering for African mining stakeholders, scheduled for October 1–3, 2025 in Cape Town – will provide an overview of Gabon’s Mining Code. A dedicated panel discussion, titled Navigating Gabon’s Mining Code: A Guide for Investors, will explore how the country is using the Mining Code to catalyze mining development and attract capital.
Already the world’s third-largest producer of manganese (apo-opa.co/44ES9QA), Gabon is leveraging the code to strengthen the sector though international partnerships and new investments. French mining major Eramet, operator of the high-grade Moanda Minesin Gabon, signed a manganese supply agreement with Australia’s Firebird Metals (apo-opa.co/44yGrXD) to support electric vehicle (EV) battery production in China. Similarly, India’s state-run MOIL (apo-opa.co/4koDe1z) is in talks to develop manganese assets in Gabon, highlighting the country’s growing role in the global manganese, EV and battery storage market.
Beyond manganese, Gabon is diversifying its mineral production base. Canadian company Millennial Potash Corp (apo-opa.co/43gSiHB) is advancing the Banio Potash Project, where high-grade potash intersections were confirmed in May 2025. Once operational, the project will be Gabon’s first commercial potash facility, supplying a global market driven by demand for fertilizers and pharmaceutical applications.
Iron ore is another growth frontier where the country is using the Mining Code to secure investment. In partnership with Australia’s Genmin and China’s Sinohydro (apo-opa.co/43e25xN), the country is progressing the Baniaka Iron Ore Project, which targets five million tons of annual output initially, ramping up to 10 million tons in the future. Australia’s Fortescue is also expanding its Belinga iron ore project while South Africa’s Menar (apo-opa.co/3F7k0OO) signed agreements to invest in the sector, illustrating growing investor confidence fostered by Gabon’s Mining Code.
Amid this growth, African Mining Week will connect investors, government officials and private sector leaders to advance projects. With a focus on legal clarity, resource potential and project-ready opportunities, the event will foster high-level dialogue and promote Gabon as a rising hub for responsible, high-return mining investment in Africa.
Rejoining the Single Market and Customs Union in Wales’ economic interests – Llinos Medi MP
Plaid Cymru’s Business and Trade Spokesperson, Llinos Medi MP has urged the UK Government to “take action” to fix the UK’s damaged relationship with Europe.
Ahead of next week’s EU-UK summit, the MP for Ynys Môn said that the people of Wales have been “let down” by those who promised that Brexit would lead to a brighter future and has instead caused “huge damage” to the communities and economy of Wales.
By 2025, Brexit has cost the Welsh economy up to £4 billion and has reduced the value of Welsh exports by up to £1.1 billion.
In a speech in the House of Commons on Tuesday 13 May, Ms Medi called on the UK Government to establisha Youth Mobility Scheme and join Erasmus+ to allow young people to study and work abroad.
Llinos Medi MP also said that the UK should commit to the long-term goal of joining the Single Market and Customs Union, claiming that it would help the UK Government achieve its mission of growing the economy.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Llinos Medi MP said:
“The hard Brexit pursued by the previous UK Government has cost the Welsh economy up to £4 billion; it has reduced the value of Welsh exports by up to £1.1 billion, and post-Brexit trade deals such as with New Zealand and Australia have been unfavourable for Welsh agriculture and manufacturing.
“Since Brexit, Wales has lost out on £1 billion in European structural and rural development funding which could have been used to support our deprived communities.
“This was despite the promise made by the then Conservative UK Government in 2019 to “at a minimum match the size” of former EU funding in Wales and the other nations of the UK.”
Llinos Medi MP continued:
“The Government should create Youth Mobility Scheme and join Erasmus+ so that our young people can study and work abroad, creating new skills and opportunities for the next generation. We also need to see cooperation on the environment, the arts and on defence.
“I hope next week’s summit will be the start, and not the end of strengthening our ties to Europe. Any plan needs clear aims and goals – Plaid Cymru believes the goal should be to eventually join the Single Market and Customs Union.
“This Government has said its first mission is to grow the economy. I can see no better opportunity to improve growth by committing the UK and Wales to the long-term goal of joining the Single Market and Customs Union.
“Wales has suffered badly by those who championed the false promises of Brexit, this Government must now take action to fix our damaged relationship with Europe to protect the Welsh economy.”
[PRESS RELEASE – WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL 2025] – His Excellency Mr. Beka Dvali presented his Letters of Credence to the Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa, Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, at a Credentials ceremony held this morning at the Official Residence of the Head of State at Vailele, accrediting His Excellency as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Samoa with residence in Canberra, Australia.
Samoa and Georgia have enjoyed cordial diplomatic relations since the establishment of formal ties on 12 March 2010. The two countries continue to collaborate at the multilateral fora, including the United Nations on matters on mutual interest including the attainment of the 2030 Agenda on sustainable development. Ambassador Dvali reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to strengthening the growing partnership between our nations, both bilaterally and multilaterally, building on the solid foundation laid by his predecessors.
Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II welcomed the Ambassador and acknowledged the growing relations between Samoa and Georgia. The Head of State expressed appreciation for the shared commitment to global priorities such as democracy, peace and security, human rights, and reaffirmed Samoa’s support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, principles that have underpinned our diplomatic relations since the establishment in 2010.
H.E. Mr. Beka Dvali holds a Masters of Law in Comparative and European Law from Maastricht University in the Netherlands and a Diploma in Law at the Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University in Georgia. He is a career diplomat who joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia in 1999 holding various senior positions. He was posted to Georgia’s Diplomatic Missions as Senior Counsellor in the USA, Mexico, Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in London, United Kingdom (2009-2012). Mr. Dvali was appointed as Georgia’s Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa from 2013 to 2022 with cross-accreditation to 12 other African countries. This is Mr. Dvali’s second Ambassadorial appointment as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Australia with across accreditation to the Pacific including Samoa. Mr. Dvali is married with one son.
END
Photo by the Government of Samoa (Jasmine Netzler-Iose)
The IDF has admitted to bombing a hospital in order to assassinate a prominent Palestinian journalist in Gaza, Hassan Aslih, explicitly stating that they assassinated him for engaging in journalistic activities.
The official Israel Defense Forces account made the following post on Twitter (emphasis added):
“Don’t let Aslih’s press vest fool you: Hassan Abdel Fattah Mohammed Aslih, a terrorist from the Hamas Khan Yunis brigade, was eliminated along with other terrorists in the ‘Nasser’ hospital in Khan Yunis. Aslih participated in the brutal October 7 massacre under the guise of a journalist and owner of a news network. During the massacre, he documented acts of murder, looting, and arson, posting the footage online. Journalist? More like terrorist.”
Documenting newsworthy acts and posting the footage online is also known as journalism. It’s the thing that journalism is.
Aslih was killed in Nasser Hospital’s burn unit where he was recovering from a previous Israeli assassination attempt in which they bombed a tent near that same hospital.
Assassinated Palestinian journalist Hassan Aslih . . . “documenting newsworthy acts and posting the footage online is also known as journalism. It’s the thing that journalism is.” Image: APR
That’s right kids, Israel will literally assassinate a journalist by bombing a hospital, openly admit that they bombed the hospital to assassinate the journalist for engaging in journalistic activities —and then call you an antisemite if you say Israel bombs hospitals and assassinates journalists.
Don’t let Aslih’s press vest fool you:
Hassan Abdel Fattah Mohammed Aslih, a terrorist from the Hamas Khan Yunis brigade, was eliminated along with other terrorists in the ‘Nasser’ hospital in Khan Yunis.
The following things are Hamas: journalists, journalism, the new pope, the last pope, the UN, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, human rights, critical thinking, hospitals, schools, campus protesters, Greta Thunberg, doctors, women, children, Ireland, and Ms Rachel.
Israel admits it bombed a hospital to kill a jourmalist. Video: Caitlin Johnstone
Benjamin Netanyahu is now saying that the forced ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Gaza was “inevitable,” reportedly telling the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee on Sunday that “We are destroying more and more homes, and Gazans have nowhere to return to. The only inevitable outcome will be the wish of Gazans to emigrate outside of the Gaza Strip.”
So there you have it. Shut up about hostages. Shut up about Hamas. Shut up about October 7. This is about removing Palestinians from a Palestinian territory to replace them with Jewish settlers. That’s all this has ever been about. Anyone who pretends otherwise is evil.
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“You support terrorism,” said the person who supports daily massacres of civilians to advance political aims.
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Everyone’s yelling about Trump accepting a jet from Qatar as a bribe, which would make sense if they hadn’t been completely ignoring how Trump has openly admitted to being bought and controlled by the world’s richest Israeli Miriam Adelson, and how pervasively influential the Israel lobby is throughout all of US politics.
It’s so gross that Western society tolerates the existence of an Israel lobby. Like “Oh so you’re here to convince my government to stomp out my free speech rights and use my tax dollars for wars and genocide to advance the interests of an apartheid state? Yeah cool, I guess that’s fine.”
The existence of the Israel lobby should be treated the same as a Nazi lobby or a pedophilia lobby. Taking donations from pro-Israel groups should be as stigmatised as taking donations from the KKK or NAMBLA.
It’s not okay that each Western nation has its own high-powered lobby group whose whole entire job is to insert itself into key points of influence and persuade our governments to destroy our civil rights and commit genocide. Nobody should tolerate the existence of these groups.
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“This is what our ruling class has decided will be normal.” ~ Aaron Bushnell https://t.co/FtQt5UbWyl
I always get Israel apologists telling me “Stop calling it a genocide! It’s not a genocide!”
And I’m always just like okay well then they’re doing some sort of thing where the people in power work to eliminate a population because of their ethnicity using mass-scale violence and deliberate starvation. I guess there’s no word for it.
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The last year and a half in Gaza is a strong enough reason to dismantle the entire US-led Western empire. The Gaza holocaust could end tomorrow and it would still be reason enough. All the empire’s other worldwide abuses could have never happened and it’d still be reason enough.
In Gaza alone the empire has already established beyond any doubt that it should not exist, even if you ignore all its other crimes throughout the Middle East, Latin America, Africa and Asia. If you would perpetrate history’s first live-streamed genocide in full view of the entire world, then you are not the sort of power structure who should be leading humanity into the future.
If you would inflict the kinds of abuses we’ve been watching on our screens for the last year and a half upon helpless human beings who have done nothing wrong, then you should not rule the world. Your rule must end.
The alternative is to let the fate of humanity be determined by genocidal monsters. This is simply not an option. The sooner the US-centralised empire ends, the better.
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
The IV Polytechnic Olympiad in Hydraulics was held at the Institute of Civil Engineering of SPbPU. 20 second-year undergraduate and specialist students of the Institute of Civil Engineering participated in it.
The children had to solve four problems on hydrostatics, the Bernoulli equation, and also perform hydraulic calculations for pipelines.
Victoria Kozhevnikova and Zlata Maksimova completed the tasks best, Anna Andreeva came in second, and Ilya Spiridonov and Daniil Golyatin came in third. High results in the Olympiad give the students advantages when applying for a master’s degree.
Diplomas and prizes were presented by Deputy Director for Academic and Methodological Work at ISI Maxim Terekh, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Hydraulic Engineering and Energy Construction Elena Loktionova and Assistant of the Higher School of Hydraulic Engineering and Energy Construction Anna Dontsova.
“The Olympiad format of involving students in solving non-standard hydraulic problems not only increases interest in studying engineering disciplines, but also helps them adapt to future professional activities,” noted Elena Loktionova, associate professor at the Higher School of Hydraulic and Power Engineering. “Whether it is construction, ecology, water supply, sanitation, heat supply, ventilation, oil and gas production, mechanical engineering, metallurgy or other related industries – there are many hydraulic problems everywhere. And the introduction of modern materials and technologies into practice adds new questions. Of course, they all have their own specifics, but they are based on the general base mastered by students at the university.”
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Council will next week consider if the share hire e-scooter trial in Greater Bendigo should be extended for another 12 months.
The City of Greater Bendigo appointed Beam Mobility (Beam) following a public Request for Quote process to operate the trial until May 23, 2025 at no cost to the City.
The trial was developed in consultation with the City to assess the success of shared hire e-scooters as an alternative mode of transport for residents and visitors.
Beam has been operating a small trial area in urban Bendigo to provide better links between precincts and encourage a shift away from cars for shorter trips.
The purple e-scooters are only available for hire between 5am and 11pm, 7 days a week. The maximum speed limit is set at 20km/h, and 15km/h in some busy areas, and e-scooters are only allowed to ride on roads, bicycle lanes, and shared cycle paths in line with Victorian road rules.
It is illegal to ride e-scooters on footpaths and significant penalties apply. The Victorian Police enforce fines.
Manager Strategic Planning Anthony Petherbridge thanked community members and external stakeholders who provided valuable feedback about the trial.
“824 people contributed to our Let’s Talk Greater Bendigo survey and the results indicated mixed sentiment from the community with 66.88% expressing some level of dissatisfaction with the trial, 17.9 per cent offered solutions to improve the trial, 8.5 percent found it to be good and 6.6 per cent said it was excellent,” Mr Petherbridge said.
“The City also collaborated with internal and external stakeholder groups throughout the trial to improve it. They support the proposal for a trial extension with further recommendations in place. This includes expanding the area to include Golden Square, Long Gully and White Hills to align with shared walking/cycling networks. They also want to see improved operator patrols and a faster response to incidents if the trial extends.
“The trial demonstrated that e-scooters continue to have potential as an alternative transport option that is sustainable. However, community and stakeholder feedback has informed a set of recommendations.
“A 12-month trial extension in an expanded urban Bendigo is recommended with improved trial requirements. This would allow the share hire scheme’s full potential to be assessed over a larger area and incorporate important lessons from the initial trial. This phase may also explore integrating e-bikes and technological improvements for e-scooters to curb illegal footpath riding.”
The feedback collected through the survey and insights from key stakeholders has contributed to the overall evaluation of the trial in a Council report. It will be presented at the next Council meeting at The Capital on Monday May 19.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)
PASADENA, CA — On Saturday, April 19, 2025, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) hosted her 15th annual Congressional Women of the Year Awards Ceremony, honoring remarkable women from the San Gabriel Valley who have made a lasting impact through service, advocacy, and leadership. Each year, this award recognizes women nominated by members of their own communities for their extraordinary dedication. While this year’s honorees have made a difference throughout their careers, their leadership following the devastating Eaton Fires has been especially powerful. They’ve helped families, supported youth, cared for seniors, and uplifted our community during the most challenging moments of the Eaton Fires.
“After January’s Eaton Fire left our community devastated, this year’s honorees, who have long been pillars of strength in our neighborhoods truly rose to the occasion. They stepped up in the immediate aftermath, supported the recovery efforts, and continue to lead as we move into long-term rebuilding. It’s so important that we come together to recognize the women who have helped our community. The San Gabriel Valley is more resilient today because of their unwavering dedication,” said Rep. Judy Chu. “This award is special because the honorees are nominated by those who know them best and I’m honored to celebrate their impact.”
The 2025 honorees are:
Anna Babayan – Interim Principal for Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School
Anna Babayan has been a tireless advocate for Pasadena’s Armenian community, working with groups like AGBU and local Armenian schools. After the Eaton Fire destroyed Sahag Mesrob Armenian School and displaced many students and staff, Anna acted swiftly, organizing donation drives, securing temporary classrooms with the help of local Armenian organizations, and prioritizing students’ emotional recovery. Today, as the community navigates the long road to rebuilding. Anna isn’t just helping rebuild Sahag Mesrob, she’s working to expand it, with plans to eventually open a high school. For over 45 years, Sahag Mesrob has been a cornerstone of Pasadena’s Armenian community, and thanks to Anna’s leadership, its legacy will continue.
Debra Boudreaux – Chief International Affairs Officer, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation
Debra Boudreaux has spent over 35 years advancing global humanitarian work. When the Eaton Fire struck, she was in Taiwan but immediately mobilized disaster response efforts from abroad. Under her leadership, Tzu Chi provided shelter, meals, and supplies to evacuees, staffed Red Cross shelters, and offered emotional support to impacted families. Upon returning to Los Angeles, Debra worked non-stop to distribute aid, partner with FEMA and local organizations, and provide emergency financial assistance to thousands. From helping replace a lost wheelchair to comforting a police officer who lost his home, Debra’s compassion and leadership brought hope to a community in crisis.
Jennifer DeVoll – President & CEO – Pasadena Community Foundation
When the Eaton Fire hit, Jennifer DeVoll and the Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) sprang into action, launching a relief fund within hours and distributing $1 million in the first two weeks. Her fast, strategic response made her a trusted leader in the recovery, drawing support from major corporations and foundations. Under her guidance, PCF has since provided $3.5 million in direct aid and helped launch the Altadena Builds Back Foundation with $50 million to support long-term recovery in phases, focusing now on childcare and housing. Beyond disaster relief, Jennifer has led PCF to manage $250 million in assets, create nearly 100 million in endowments, and expand access to affordable housing and scholarships. As she prepares to retire this June, her work will continue through Altadena Builds Back.
Sharon Gray– Owner and Operator Eaton Dam Stables
Sharon Gray is a true hero whose courage and compassion saved over 50 lives during the Eaton Fire. As the longtime owner of Eaton Dam Stables, Sharon has spent decades building a community centered around her deep love for horses. When the fire broke out on January 7th, she and her team acted fast, evacuating 39 horses, a pig, barn cats, and chickens under extreme conditions. Thanks to her leadership and quick thinking, every animal was saved, including one horse she later rescued from the burned property. Sharon’s bravery is matched only by her lifelong commitment to service, including 36 years as a Pasadena police officer. Even after losing her own home in the fire, she continues to show up daily to help rebuild the stables and support her community.
Victoria Knapp – Chair of Altadena Town Council
Victoria Knapp, Chair of the Altadena Town Council, has been a tireless advocate for her community, especially in the wake of the Eaton Fire. On the very night her own home of 15 years was lost, she began sharing critical updates to keep residents informed. In the days that followed, she launched a fire recovery website, turned monthly town council meetings into weekly briefings, and worked closely with agencies like FEMA and the EPA to provide accurate, timely information. Her firsthand experience navigating recovery gave her the empathy and insight to guide others through the same process. Her commitment to Altadena began well before the fire, from revitalizing local infrastructure to supporting small businesses, and thanks to her leadership, the community is on a path to rebuild stronger than ever.
Jasmin Shupper – Founder and President of Greenline Housing Foundation
Jasmin Shupper, founder and president of Greenline Housing Foundation, is a passionate advocate for housing justice, focused on repairing the long-term harms of redlining and race-based discrimination. Through her foundation, Jasmin has provided over $1 million in down payment grants, financial education, and home maintenance assistance to Black and Hispanic families, all without public funding. After the Eaton Fire devastated Altadena, a historically Black homeownership hub, Jasmin quickly mobilized to support displaced families. Her foundation secured year-long leases for 15 families and is offering up to $40,000 in rental aid, with plans to assist 50 households. Greenline is also covering insurance and FEMA funding gaps with up to $250,000 in rebuilding aid per family. To prevent land loss, they’ve begun purchasing lots to hold in community trust. Jasmin’s work is deeply personal, shaped by her own family’s generational homeownership, and she’s now helping others protect their legacy and build lasting wealth.
Sharon Strong – Volunteer and In-Home Care Provider
Sharon Strong, a single mother, in-home care provider, and NAACP board member, has long been a champion for vulnerable communities in Altadena and Pasadena. When the Eaton Fire struck, she organized relief efforts through the Dena Relief Drive and supporting her own displaced family members. Sharon worked with local groups to provide rent assistance, clothing, and essentials to fire victims, while also focusing on seniors’ needs. She personally delivered supplies to elderly residents, set up a resource center, and arranged cleanup efforts and temporary housing for those in impacted senior complexes. Her unwavering dedication to service, especially for seniors and underserved families, has made a powerful difference in the lives of so many.
Dr. Randy Taplitz – City of Hope Chair, Department of Medicine
Dr. Randy Taplitz, Chair of the Department of Medicine at City of Hope, whose calm leadership and compassion has guided countless patients through their most difficult moments. A nationally recognized infectious disease specialist with over 30 years of experience, Dr. Taplitz has dedicated her career to protecting immunocompromised patients, especially those with cancer. During the Eaton Fire, she led emergency efforts at the hospital, even as she learned her own home had been destroyed. Despite that personal loss, she never stopped and continued to care for patients. Her leadership was also critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping shape vaccine protocols for vulnerable populations. Dr. Taplitz is a tireless advocate and a true caregiver.
Maricela Viramontes – President of the Rotary Club of Altadena
Maricela Viramontes is a community leader who has dedicated herself to Altadena for 24 years. A small business owner and Farmers Insurance provider, she also serves as President of the Rotary Club of Altadena and sits on the Altadena Chamber of Commerce board. When the Eaton Fire hit, destroying her own home, Maricela sprang into action. Under her leadership, the Rotary Club launched a relief grant program that has distributed over $160,000 to local nonprofits and provided essentials like food, clothing, and internet access. She also worked with the Chamber to help 15 small businesses reopen. Despite her personal loss, Maricela has been a beacon of strength.
If you have a job in Australia, you’ve probably noticed each of your payslips has a section telling you how much superannuation will be paid alongside your wages.
But while your wages are deposited in your bank account however frequently you receive a payslip – whether that’s weekly, fortnightly or monthly – it’s a different story for your super.
Under current superannuation laws, employers are only required to pay super into an employee’s nominated fund at least four times a year – 28 days after the end of each quarter – although many do pay more regularly.
But that’s set to change. From July 1 2026, new “payday super” rules will require employers to pay super into the employee’s fund within seven days of wages.
This reform was announced in the 2023–24 federal budget, allowing employers, superannuation funds and software providers three years to set up compliant systems. But it hasn’t yet been legislated.
Now, some industry groups are calling for a further delay of up to two years. So, who are these reforms designed to benefit? And does business really need more time to get ready?
Missing or incorrect super
Missing or incorrect super payments present a huge problem for Australia’s retirement system.
The Super Members Council claims one in four Australians are missing out on the correct amount of superannuation contributions.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) estimates A$5.2 billion of guaranteed superannuation went unpaid in 2021–22.
This can be due to payroll errors, misclassification under an award or, in extreme cases, non-payment of superannuation as a form of wage theft. All these things can be harder to spot when super is paid less frequently.
Rules only requiring super to be paid quarterly may have been appropriate 30 years ago, in the early days of the superannuation guarantee. Business systems were often not computerised, and wages were often paid in cash.
Times have changed
Payroll systems are now much more sophisticated.
From 2018, the federal government rolled out the single-touch payroll program that requires employers to report wages in real time, including details of superannuation guarantee withheld from an employee’s wages.
The government is already benefiting from the increased automation of data submitted through this system.
In simple terms, the coming changes are basically a change in timing. Payments will be transferred to an employee’s super fund in the same way their wages are transferred directly to their bank account.
Once bedded down, the changes will provide benefits across the board to employees, employers and the government.
Currently, if an employee believes the correct amount of superannuation is not being paid to their fund, they are expected to follow this up directly with the ATO.
Unfortunately, many employees presume the withheld amount shown on the payslip has already been paid into their super account.
Unless a member is actively monitoring their super balance, they may be unaware that the amount shown on their payslip is not being paid into their fund on a timely basis.
Payday super changes could help employees more easily check their super is being paid. Chay_Tee/Shutterstock
Benefits for business
Employers should also benefit from these changes, many of whom already do transfer superannuation when wages are paid.
Currently, superannuation guarantee payments are run on a separate payment cycle to payroll, coinciding with payment of tax liabilities. If payments are on the same cycle as payroll, it should make budgeting easier, and ensure the separate super payment run is not overlooked.
This assumes, of course, that the business is not relying on unpaid superannuation contributions to manage their cash flows elsewhere in the business. If that is the case, payday super changes will help protect the employee if the employer runs into financial difficulties.
The change will also allow the tax office to match deductions and payments in real time to detect fraud – and check that super is actually being paid. This can reduce audit costs and – in the long run – reduce reliance on the aged pension as super account balances improve.
Why wait any longer?
So, with all of these expected benefits, why has the financial services sector this month asked for implementation to be delayed further – by up to two years? The building blocks of the system – electronic payments to transfer funds and the government’s single-touch payroll gateway – are already in place.
One challenge is legislative. Although announced in May 2023, the draft legislation was only released for consultation in March 2025.
The Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 needs extensive amendments to rewrite references to the calculation and payment of the superannuation guarantee charge.
The draft legislation also makes some changes to definitions that may impact on how systems must be set up for payday super. Although not intended to change entitlements, they need to be made accurate in the software.
Still, payday super has the potential to strengthen Australia’s superannuation system, protecting employee contributions and smoothing the payment system for employers. Concerns around its implementation are largely due to the time it has taken for the draft legislation to emerge.
Following the election, the federal government has the numbers to pass this legislation as a matter of priority.
Helen Hodgson has received funding from the ARC, AHURI and CPA Australia. Helen is the Chair of the Social Policy Committee and a Director of the National Foundation for Australian Women (NFAW). Helen was a Member of the WA Legislative Council from 1997 to 2001, elected as an Australian Democrat. She is not a current member of any political party. She is a Registered Tax Agent and a member of the SMSF Association, CPA Australia and The Tax Institute. Helen has superannuation with Unisuper and jointly owns positively geared rental properties.
Hair can tell us a lot about our social and cultural values. As the Canadian sociologist Anthony Synnott says, it can represent embedded ideas about biological sex, such as “opposite sexes have opposite hair” and “head hair and body hair are opposite”.
But do sex differences have any basis in biology? And what about the health risks of tampering with your lashes?
If the idea of a buzzing razor coming near your eyes makes you nervous, there’s good reason.
Does sex determine eyelash length?
Most warm-blooded animals have eyelashes. Human eyelashes begin to develop in the womb at around seven weeks and by six months they are fully formed.
Typically, we have 100 to 150 lashes on the upper eyelid that grow in two or three rows. There are half as many eyelashes on the lower lid.
Eyelash length is usually around one-third of the eye’s width. Lower lashes are shorter (6–8 millimetres) compared to the upper lashes (8–12mm).
The density, length, thickness and curl of eyelashes are determined by your genetics. But there is no evidence these anatomical differences are linked to sex.
This means the idea men “naturally” have short eyelashes – and women’s are longer, darker and thicker – is based in culture, not biology.
Regardless of your sex or gender, eyelashes serve several important functions.
What are eyelashes for?
Protection
Eyelashes provide a barrier against dust, debris, bugs, bacteria and chemicals (such as hairspray and deodorants), stopping them from entering the eyes.
Tears form a fluid film that covers the eye to keep it lubricated. Eyelashes also prevent air drying out this film.
From an aerodynamic point of view, medium-length lashes (8mm) are ideal for stopping the eye’s surface from drying out. Very short lashes can expose the surface to air, while very long lashes can channel more air flow towards it.
Eyelashes also shield our eyes from glare, reducing how much light enters the eye by up to 24%.
Sensation
Eyelashes are highly sensitive, so touching the eyelashes triggers a blink reflex that makes the eye shut. This protects it from unwanted materials.
Blinking also activates the release of tears and distributes them across the eyes’ surface.
Social interaction
Eyelashes help us communicate. Blinking slowly can signal attentiveness or flirtation – and eyelashes make this more appealing.
Wearing mascara or fake eyelashes emphasises the eyelashes and can make the eyes look larger and more expressive.
Eyelashes form in the womb by six months of pregnancy, and are not linked to male or female sex. DUSITARA STOCKER/Shutterstock
So, what if you don’t have eyelashes?
People can lose their eyelashes for various reasons.
For example, chemotherapy for cancer often results in hair loss – including eyelashes – as does alopecia, an autoimmune condition which causes the body to attack its own hair follicles.
Some people also pull out their eyelashes when they are anxious or stressed.
If you can’t stop this behaviour, and your eyelash loss is noticeable and affects day-to-day life, you may have a condition called trichotillomania.
The compulsion to cut or shave hair (rather than pull it out) is known as trichotemnomania.
If you’re worried, you should speak to your doctor to get support.
No matter how hair is lost, without eyelashes you will likely feel greater discomfort. More foreign particles can enter the eye – exposing you to greater risk of infection – and you will blink more to try to wash them away.
More air on the eyes’ surface can also make them feel dry and irritated.
Is removing eyelashes risky?
Putting sharp blades near your eyes means if you are bumped, slip, or even blink, you risk injury to the eyelid or cornea (the clear, dome-shaped covering at the front of your eyeball).
Anything that goes near your eye should be very clean. If blades aren’t sterile, bacteria can lead to blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) or conjunctivitis (“pink eye”).
Yes. If eyelashes are trimmed or shaved, the hair bulb and follicle (the sac surrounding the hair) remains in the skin of the eyelid, allowing the hair to keep growing.
Eyelashes grow at an average rate of 0.12mm per day, or 3.6mm a month. It could take up to three or four months for your eyelashes to grow back to their typical length.
Shaving does not affect the length, thickness and darkness of your regrown eyelashes – these will grow back the same as before (unless there has been irreversible damage to the follicle itself).
Sex, gender, and eyelashes
Perceptions of sex and gender differences in eyelashes persist, thanks in part to social norms and media portrayals.
For example, a 2023 study from the United States surveyed 319 people (142 men and 177 women) of diverse ethnic backgrounds about eyelash length in women. Men and women of all backgrounds said images of female faces with no or short eyelashes were the least attractive, regardless of ethnicity.
Cartoon characters illustrate how deeply ingrained and socially constructed these gender differences are. Compare Minnie Mouse’s long, thick lashes with Mickey Mouse, who has none.
Cartoons often depict women with exaggerated lashes and male characters with none at all. Loren Javier/flickr, CC BY-NC-ND
This is not a thing of the past, as the masculine- and feminine-presenting characters of a popular current children’s cartoon Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir still demonstrate.
The top row depicts masculine-presenting characters with no lashes, and the bottom row shows feminine-presenting characters with long and plentiful eyelashes. Zagtoon Wiki
In reality, all bodies and features, including eyelashes, are naturally diverse.
Body autonomy means recognising that personal choices about appearance are valid and should be respected without judgement. But when altering your body, it’s important to also know the health risks.
Amanda Meyer is affiliated with the Australian and New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomists, the American Association for Anatomy, and the Global Neuroanatomy Network.
Monika Zimanyi is affiliated with the Australian and New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomists and the Global Neuroanatomy Network.
Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) held a two-day Global Online Career Fair last week, featuring nearly 50 renowned Hong Kong enterprises that offered over 700 quality job vacancies across sectors such as accounting, finance, consultancy services, legal compliance and engineering.
The online career fair recorded over 26,000 visits in two days, with about 3,000 curricula vitae received.
To facilitate a connection between talent and enterprises, a one-to-one online meeting session was set up specifically at the career fair, resulting in about 4,800 direct dialogues between talent and enterprises. Participating enterprises expressed that about half of such dialogues would be taken forward.
According to participating accounting firms, they learnt through the online career fair that many international professionals were interested in coming to Hong Kong.
The event effectively linked global talent with enterprises in Hong Kong, thereby enabling direct engagement, enhancing the talent’s understanding of the structure and recruitment process of Hong Kong enterprises, and enhancing the experience of such talent.
Participating talent came from over 12 countries or regions, such as the Mainland, Singapore, India, the UK, Australia, the US, Malaysia, France and Canada, with 62% of them holding master’s degrees.
The HKTE said that the online career fair enables talent on the Mainland and overseas to exchange views directly with enterprises prior to relocation to Hong Kong, gain insights into the city’s job market, and reinforce their confidence in pursuing development in Hong Kong.
A driver has lost her licence after a road rage crash on Main North Road, Nailsworth on Monday night.
Just before 10pm on Monday 12 May, police and emergency services were called to Main North Road, Nailsworth after a silver sedan crashed into and ruptured a fire hydrant.
Footage obtained from an eyewitness captured the collision. The silver sedan also crashed into the side of a blue sedan, which did not stop at the scene, before colliding with the fire hydrant.
The blue sedan continued south on Main North Road.
Following investigations, a 21-year-old Para Hills woman, who was the driver of the silver sedan, was reported for driving in a manner dangerous to the public and issued with a 12-month instant loss of licence. She will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.
Anyone with information about the blue sedan or its driver is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
The Russpass travel service has already combined 50,000 offers for travelers around Russia, about a third of which relate to Moscow. These are walking and cycling tours, signature routes, hotels, cafes, event listings and much more. This was reported by Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow.
Platform Ruspass appeared in 2020. Today, here you can plan a cultural program in 85 regions of the country, purchase train and air tickets, book accommodation, and reserve a table in a restaurant.
“Since the beginning of the year, the service has been used more than 13 million times. Compared to the same period in 2024, travelers began to use Russpass four times more often,” noted Natalia Sergunina.
In 2025, Moscow and the Moscow region, St. Petersburg, the Republic of Tatarstan, Krasnodar and Khabarovsk regions, and the Nizhny Novgorod region will be the leaders in terms of the number of tourist requests.
Among the most interesting places in the capital for users were the Moscow Zoo, the A.S. Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, the Cosmonautics Museum, the State Darwin Museum, and the Moskvarium Oceanography and Marine Biology Center at VDNKh.
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Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
More than eight thousand students from schools, colleges and additional education centers took part in the competition for the best organization of volunteer activities of the city youth forum “Moscow – the Territory of Good Deeds”. The winners and prize winners were awarded well-deserved prizes.
“The popularity of the volunteer movement in the capital is growing. Today, there are more than 100 thousand child volunteers in the Moscow education system – their number has increased by 10 percent compared to 2024. The number of applications submitted for the competition for the best organization of volunteer activities has tripled this year. The most active volunteers received awards for their work: for collecting humanitarian aid for those in need, organizing events, helping animals in shelters, orphans, veterans and the elderly, for writing messages and greeting cards to participants in a special military operation,” the press service of the capital said.
In the nomination “Volunteer of the Year” in the age category from six to 10 years old, the victory was won by a student of school No. 2001 Taisiya Nesterova. The winner in the age category from 11 to 14 years old was a student of school No. 709 named after twice Hero of Socialist Labor V.I. Dolgikh Ksenia Shlykova. The title of absolute winner in the nomination “Volunteer of the Year” in the age category from 15 to 18 years old was earned by a student of school No. 2120 Alexey Gubatenko.
The Volunteer of the Year among college students was Dmitry Kapustin, a student of the College of Communications No. 54. The winner of the Volunteer of the Year nomination in additional education centers was Victoria Ermakova from the Presnya Center for the Development of Children’s and Youth Creativity.
The best volunteer squad based on the school was the volunteer squad “Volunteers of School No. 2005”. The first place among volunteer squads of colleges was taken by the squad “In touch with good” of the College of Communications No. 54 named after P.M. Vostrukhin. The best volunteer squad in the centers of additional education was “Civilization of the Young” of the Palace of Children’s and Youth Creativity named after A.P. Gaidar.
Olga Bolotskikh was recognized as the best leader of a volunteer squad. She supervises a volunteer squad at school No. 2005. The winner in the nomination among college representatives was Diana Movsesyan, leader of the “In touch with good” squad at P. M. Vostrukhin College of Communications No. 54. The best leader of a volunteer squad in additional education centers was Liliya Kaipova from the Presnya Center for the Development of Children’s and Youth Creativity.
In the nomination “Best practice of organizing volunteer activities” the winners were schools No. 1542, 1474, 2005, 1273, 507, 203, Izmailovskaya school No. 1508, school No. 648 named after Hero of the Russian Federation A.G. Karlov, school No. 709 named after twice Hero of Socialist Labor V.I. Dolgikh, College of Communications No. 54 named after P.M. Vostrukhin and the Moscow College of Business Technologies. The contestants told how they organize volunteer work in their educational institutions.
“I am overwhelmed with joy because I took first place in the Volunteer of the Year category. There was a warm atmosphere in the hall today: we were all rooting for our teammates and leaders. I want to wish all Moscow volunteers not to give up and to go towards their goals. Doing good deeds is not difficult, and everyone who wants to help and change the world for the better is great,” shared Victoria Ermakova.
As part of the forum “Moscow – Territory of Good Deeds”, participants attended interactive educational events – master classes, speaker sessions and a meeting with a participant in a special military operation. In addition, the forum hosted a city initiation into volunteers of Moscow education. The forum “Moscow – Territory of Good Deeds” was organized by the Moscow Center for Educational Practices of the capital’s Department of Education and Science.
Today, more than 100 thousand children have joined the volunteer movement. More than 800 volunteer units operate in schools, colleges and additional education centers. The main areas include sports, environmental, social, event, patriotic, media and zoo volunteering. The Moscow Center for Educational Practices holds events and programs for participants and leaders of volunteer units. This allows them to improve their competencies, gain social experience, exchange best practices with like-minded people and implement useful initiatives.
Supplementary education programs develop creative and critical thinking in schoolchildren and develop skills that will be useful to them in their future profession. Events held within the framework of supplementary education contribute to the project “All the best for children” of the national project “Youth and Children”.
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Support Taiwan’s participation in the WHO and welcome the Fu Jen Catholic University delegation Organizers Jennifer Lee and Kathy Sieh, representing the Taiwanese community, urged that the WHO should not be influenced by political pressure and ignore the human rights of Taiwan’s 23 million people. They emphasized that viruses know no borders, and the WHO should promptly include Taiwan. Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu stressed that Taiwan has been prevented from participating in WHO due to China’s continued distortion of UNGA Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1. Neither of them mentions Taiwan is part of the PRC. These resolutions have no power to confer upon the PRC any right to represent Taiwan in WHO. So we must urge WHO and all relevant parties to recognize Taiwan’s contributions to global public health. Taiwan should be included in the WHA and all WHO meetings. The Hon. Jacqui Munro MLC praised Taiwan’s achievement on economic development and medical capabilities and mentioned that Australian Parliament and NSW Parliament passed motions to refute China’s misinterpretation of UNGA 2758. Taiwan should be included in the WHO and work together to make the world stronger and better. Councilor Michelle Chuang of Willoughby City Council also reaffirm the vital truth: global health knows no border and the health security of people in Taiwan— and the wider world—should never be a matter of diplomatic bargaining. There was the keynote speech of Ms LIN,Yu-wen, Associate Dean, College of Medicine of FJCU. She shared her thoughts of why Taiwan should play a crucial role in the WHO. It was followed by President of FJCU Prof. Francis Yi-chen LAN’s presentation about school’s GRACE strategy and vision. It is much appreciated to see nearly 100 guests turn up to speak up and support Taiwan’s bid to participate in the WHO.
Australia’s job market saw a 4.5% increase in online job advertisements last month (seasonally adjusted). Job ads increased across all Major Occupation groups, with Professionals seeing the strongest increase. Increases were also recorded across all skill levels, and states and territories.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kerrie-Anne Hammermeister, PhD Candidate in the School of Humanities and Communication, University of Southern Queensland
Speaking to the media after being named leader of the Liberal Party, Sussan Ley was asked if this appointment was an example of the “glass cliff effect”.
Ley said “I don’t accept that”. She went on:
I do say it sends a signal to the women of Australia that the Liberal Party has elected its first woman leader but my agenda is much more than that.
Most of us are familiar with the concept of the “glass ceiling”, a metaphor used to describe the invisible barriers which prevent women from succeeding in senior leadership – and Ley could be seen as breaking the glass ceiling of the Liberal party.
But the “glass cliff” applies to women who are elevated to positions of leadership in a time of crisis, meaning they are perceived as having a high probability of failure and will take the fall for their organisation.
The glass cliff evokes imagery of a woman being at the top of a mountain cliff. Being on the cliff is a dangerous position: there is a high chance of falling – or being pushed off.
Times of misfortune
Against the historical backdrop of male-dominated leadership, the metaphor was coined to reflect women’s experience of leadership selection in times of organisational misfortune and crisis.
The “glass cliff” has sometimes been invoked in misogynist ways to downplay the strengths of women in leadership, saying they have been put in a position of leadership with the express belief they will fail. But it does describe a commonly seen phenomenon which is important to observe and understand.
There are many prominent examples of women who have been associated with the phrase.
British Prime Minister Liz Truss was elevated to the role at a time of significant uncertainty, and was in the position for just 45 days.
US Presidential candidate Kamala Harris was given minimal time to campaign and establish herself as a genuine opponent to Republican candidate Donald Trump.
Former Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz, who was appointed when the tech company was failing and share prices were down before being unceremoniously dumped via a phone call.
‘Think female’
Some academics believe that these women aren’t placed in the position of the glass cliff to be the fall guy, but instead these appointments relate to women’s perceived ability to handle organisational crises. They propose an alternative phrase: “think crisis – think female”.
This phrase suggests women leaders perform better than men in a crisis, partly due to the assumption that women will garner more support than men in such times.
It is based on stereotypes of women’s perceived ability to build and repair relationships and reputations.
Both phrases link women leaders and crises. But the glass cliff explains how women are elevated into positions of leadership in turbulent times and are blamed when organisations fail.
Professional risk
The phenomenon of the glass cliff is a professional risk for women in leadership.
Organisations may prey on the career ambitions of outgroup women, knowing that they are more likely to accept any leadership position, even a precarious one, in order to advance their career.
The privilege of the ingroup men, on the other hand, means they are protected from taking on a leadership position with risk and volatility.
Women leaders taking on these roles in turbulent times are also exposed to greater scrutiny from internal and external stakeholders, including individual performance criticism.
If a woman leader then fails, her performance is seen to reinforce gender stereotypes about women’s leadership competency.
Further complicating this context are gendered stereotypes that assume women leaders have exceptional people skills, meaning senior women in high-risk leadership roles receive less support and fewer resources than their male counterparts.
The glass cliff presents a double bind for women leaders. If women leaders behave in stereotypically feminine ways they are seen as weak or indecisive. By contrast, if they behave counter to this they are labelled as harsh and aggressive.
Either way, the glass cliff awaits.
The glass cliff phenomenon draws our attention to the way in which women are set up to fail in high-risk risk leadership roles. But the metaphor also reveals the ongoing gender discrimination and stereotype bias women experience in taking on professional leadership roles.
Kerrie-Anne Hammermeister 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.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
On May 17, as part of the Days of Historical and Cultural Heritage campaign, more than 190 thematic events will be held at Moscow museum sites. Admission will be free, with prior registration.
At 12:00 and 14:00, the State Darwin Museum will show a video tour “The Diversity of Life on Earth”. Visitors will travel around the globe and get acquainted with its inhabitants. Without leaving the museum, participants will dive into the depths of the sea, visit evergreen tropical forests and hot savannah, climb mountains and feel the cold breath of the ice kingdom of both poles of the Earth.
At 13:00, a lecture will be held in the gallery “Na Peschanoy” of the association “Exhibition halls of Moscow” “The Empty Shoebox: How Something Becomes a Work of Art”. Visitors will be told about the famous shoebox, which Mexican artist Gabriel Orozco exhibited at the Venice Biennale in 1993. Guests will learn why the object became a work of art and what meanings are hidden in it.
At 16:00 Gogol House invites you to a walking tour “Arbat Star. The Path to Victory”Participants will learn about the history of Arbat Square.
In addition, at 4:00 p.m. in the music room of the Scriabin Museum there will be chamber music concert. Students and teachers of the A.N. Scriabin Music College (Elektrostal) and the 1st Moscow Regional Music College (Kolomna) will perform works by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Niccolò Paganini, Gabriel Fauré, Francis Poulenc and Alexander Scriabin.
At 16:30 in the Moscow State Art Gallery there will be a lecture by the People’s Artist of the USSR Alexander Shilov “Moscow through the centuries”Participants will learn how the urban landscape has developed over the years and what Moscow looked like in paintings in different eras.
The Alexander Shilov Gallery will also host a quest “In Search of a Mysterious Masterpiece”. It will start at 17:30. Guests will have to solve the mystery of one of the artist’s paintings by completing tasks and answering questions.
At 17:00 in the Moscow Museum of Modern Art on Petrovka (building 25) there will be meeting with the artist and poet of the second generation of nonconformists Vladimir Bashlykov. He will read his poems and conduct a tour of the exhibition “Silence Will Turn into Words” — a large retrospective exhibition of his own works created from the 1970s to 2024.
The Krasnokholmskaya Gallery of the Moscow Exhibition Halls Association is organizing a lecture at the same time. “Glitch Art. The Art of Being Wrong”Participants will learn how mistakes and failures became a method for creating unique works of art.
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The co-founder of Auckland’s Fiji Centre is concerned that Indo-Fijians are not classified as Pacific Islanders in Aotearoa.
This week marks the 146th anniversary of the arrival of the first indentured labourers from British India to Fiji, who departed from Calcutta.
On 14 May 1879, the first group of 522 labourers arrived in Fiji aboard the Leonidas, a labour transportation ship.
That date in 1987 is also the date of the first military coup in Fiji.
More than 60,000 men, women and children were brought to Fiji under an oppressive system of bonded labour between 1879 and 1916.
Today, Indo-Fijians make up 33 percent of the population.
While Fiji is part of the Pacific, Indo-Fijians are not classified as Pacific peoples in New Zealand; instead, they are listed under “Indian” and “Asian” on the Stats NZ website.
Lasting impact on Fiji The Fiji Centre’s Nik Naidu, who is also a co-founder of the Whānau Community Centre and Hub, said that he understood Fiji was the only country in the Pacific where the British implemented the indentured system.
“It is also a sad legacy and a sad story because it was basically slavery,” he said.
“The positive was that the Fiji Indian community made a lasting impact on Fiji.
“They continue to be around 30 percent of the population in Fiji, and I think significantly in Aotearoa, through the migration, the numbers are, according to the community, over 100,000 in New Zealand.”
Fiji Centre co-founder Nikhil Naidu . . . Girmit Day “is also a sad legacy and a sad story because it was basically slavery.” Image: Asia Pacific Report
“His basic argument was, well, ethnographically, Fijian Indians do not fit the profile of Pacific Islanders,” he said.
Then-minister Aupito William Sio said in 2021 that, while he understood the group’s concerns, the classification for Fijian Indians was in line with an ethnographic profile which included people with a common language, customs and traditions.
Aupito said that profile was different from indigenous Pacific peoples.
StatsNZ and ethnicity “StatsNZ recognises ethnicity as the ethnic group or groups a person self-identifies with or has a sense of belonging to,” Aupito said in a letter at the time.
It is not the same as race, ancestry, nationality, citizenship or even place of birth, he said.
“They have identified themselves now that the system of government has not acknowledged them.
“Those conversations have to be ongoing to figure out how do we capture the data of who they are as Fijian Indians or to develop policies around that to support their aspirations.”
Girmitiyas – Indentured labourers – in Fiji . . . shedding light on the harsh colonial past in Fiji. Image: RNZ Pacific/Fiji Girmit Foundation
Naidu believes the ethnographic argument was a misunderstanding of the request.
“The request is not to say, like Chinese in Samoa, they are not indigenous to Samoa, but they are Samoans, and they are Pacific Chinese.
“So there is the same thing with Fijian Indians. They are not wanting to be indigenous.
Different from mainland Indians “They do want to be recognised as separate Indians in the Pacific because they are very different from the mainland Indians.
“In fact, most probably 99 percent of Fijian Indians have never been to India and have no affiliations to India because during the Girmit they lost all connections with their families.”
However, Naidu told Pacific Waves the community was not giving up.
“There was a human rights complaint made — again that did not progress in the favour of the Fijian Indians.
“Currently from . . . Fiji Centre’s perspective, we are still pursuing that.
“We have also had a discussion with Stats NZ about the numbers and trying to ascertain just why they have not managed to put a separate category, so that we can look at the number of Fijian Indians and also relative to Pacific Islanders.”
Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told RNZ Pacific that as far as Fiji is concerned, Fijians of Indian descent are Fijian.
In a statement, his office said: “The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is undertaking ongoing policy work to better understand this issue.”
Meanwhile, the University of Fiji’s vice-chancellor is asking the Australian and British governments to consider paying reparation for the exploitation of the indentured labourers more than a century ago.
Professor Shaista Shameem told the ABC that they endured harsh conditions, with long hours, social restrictions and low wages.
She said the Australian government and the Colonial Sugar Refinery of Australia benefitted the most financially and it was time the descendants were compensated.
While some community leaders have been calling for reparation, Naidu said there were other issues that needed attention.
He said it had been an ongoing discussion for many decades.
“It is a very challenging one, because where do you draw the line? And it is a global problem, the indenture system. It is not just unique to Fiji.
“Personally, yes, I think that is a great idea. Practically, I am not sure if it is feasible and possible.”
Focus on what unites, says Rabuka Fiji is on a path for reconciliation, with leaders from across the political spectrum signing a Forward Fiji Declaration in 2023, hoping to usher in a new era of understanding between indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians.
Rabuka announced a public holiday to commemorate Girmit Day in 2023.
In his Girmit Day message this year, Rabuka said his government was dedicated to bringing unity and reconciliation between all races living in Fiji.
“We all know that Fiji has had a troubled past, as it was natural that conflicts would arise when a new group of people would come into another’s space,” he said.
“This is precisely what transpired when the Indians began to live or decided to live as permanent citizens.
“There was distrust as the two groups were not used to living together during the colonial days. Indigenous Fijians did not have a say in why, and how many should come and how they should be settled here. Fiji was not given a time to transit.
“The policy of indenture labour system was dumped on us. Naturally this led to tensions and misunderstandings, reasons that fuelled conflicts that followed after Fiji gained independence.”
He said 146 years later, Fijians should focus on what unites rather than what divides them.
“We have together long enough to know that unity and peace will lead us to a good future.”
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)
WASHINGTON, DC— Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan, Bicameral Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus, and Congressman Shomari C. Figures (AL-02) introduced the Land-Grant Institution Parity Act.
The Land-Grant Institution Parity Act protects federal funding for our land-grant colleges and universities, including the country’s 19 land-grant HBCUs, commonly referred to as 1890 Institutions. This bill comes following the USDA’s suspension and reinstatement of the 1890 National Scholars Program, a scholarship program for 1890 Institution students studying agriculture, food, or natural resources sciences, earlier this year.
“The Land-Grant Institution Parity Act is an important step to protect funding for our land-grant HBCUs and build equity in higher education,” said Congresswoman Adams. “1890 Institutions have always punched above their weight and provided outsized benefits to their students, their research, and their communities. They know how to do more with less, but they shouldn’t have to. It’s time we ensure these institutions of excellence always receive the funding they deserve.”
“Earlier this year, the Trump Administration suspended funding for historically Black land-grant colleges, but did not pause the same funding for the predominately white land-grant institutions,” said Rep. Figures. “That is simply wrong, and that decision sent a clear message about the vulnerability of programs designed to uplift underserved communities. Under this bill, funding for land-grant institutions will be treated equally and funds cannot be paused, cut, or eliminated without congressional approval. I’m committed to protecting our HBCUs and the students that they serve.”
Under the Land-Grant Institution Parity Act, federal officials are prohibited from reducing, eliminating, or suspending funding for 1890 Institutions without authorization from Congress. This bill aims to ensure long-term stability and equity for land-grant HBCUs and other land-grant universities serving underserved communities.
The original cosponsors for this bill include Reps. Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Cleo Fields (LA-04), David Scott (GA-13), and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)
WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), founder and co-chair of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus, and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Congressional Black Caucus Whip, held a roundtable discussion with Reps. Sewell (AL-07), Hayes (CT-05), Sykes (OH-13), Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Brown (OH-11), and Figures (AL-02), HBCU leadership, students, and advocacy organizations to highlight the impacts of Trump Administration policies on the HBCUs that have played a vital role in empowering Black students across the country.
The roundtable included presidents from Howard University, Bowie State University, Morgan State University, and Virginia Union University and representatives from Texas Southern University, the United Negro College Fund, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the 1890 Foundation to discuss student life concerns, academic access and funding, infrastructure and facilities, and the role of the federal government.
“HBCUs have always punched above their weight, producing the leaders, innovators, and changemakers who move this country forward,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Despite their success though, they face historic underfunding that force them to do more with less. It’s time we meaningfully invest in HBCUs so they can continue serving their students for generations to come.”
“Our HBCUs continue to face systemic challenges that impact student success, campus quality-of-life, and institutional growth. Shamefully, the Trump Administration’s attacks on DEI initiatives and higher education funding have only made these challenges worse,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “Now is the time for policymakers, education leaders, and students to engage in direct dialogue about solutions to protect and uplift Black students.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after he and Subcommittee Chairman Mark Amodei (NV-02) led the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security oversight hearing to collect testimony from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on a range of pressing issues including securing the border, combatting fentanyl trafficking, strengthening personnel recruitment, and protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats:
“In less than 100 days, we watched our southern border go from chaos to closed. The decisive actions and common-sense measures of the Trump Administration have led to a historic turnaround, driving illegal crossings to record lows and ensuring removal of dangerous criminals. President Trump, Secretary Noem, and the rest of his cabinet have delivered on the promise to have the most secure border in modern American history, and our nation is safer as a result. It is imperative that investments for effective border security and enforcement are strong, and I am dedicated to working with the members on the Appropriations Committee and across the Capitol to ensure the Department of Homeland Security is properly resourced,” said Congressman Cole.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement applauding President Trump for his success in negotiating a trade deal between the United States and the United Kingdom, which is our fourth largest trade partner:
“Today, President Trump delivered a historic U.S.-UK trade deal, which every American, no matter political party or ideology, should be happy to see. It will not only provide American companies with unprecedented access to British markets, but it will also bolster our national security. Specifically, this deal will create a $5 billion opportunity for new exports for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and producers, many of which I represent in Oklahoma’s Fourth District, as well as maximize the competitiveness and secure the supply chain of U.S. defense manufactures,” said Congressman Cole.
“Today proves that countries will come to the negotiating table. Congratulations to the Trump Administration, and I look forward to seeing the future trade deals to come,” said Congressman Cole.
Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry
New data released by the Australia Bureau of Statistics shows that annual real wages have grown for 18 months in a row under the Albanese Labor Government.
Under Labor, more Australians are working, earning more and keeping more of what they earn.
We’re really pleased with today’s figures which show annual real wages have now grown for six quarters in a row, after going badly backwards under the previous Liberal government and falling for the five quarters in the lead up to the 2022 election.
Australians voted for higher wages at the election, and that’s what today’s numbers show.
The wage price index grew 0.9 per cent in the March quarter 2025, to be 3.4 per cent higher through the year.
Real wages grew 1.0 per cent through the year to the March quarter 2025.
This is the strongest rate of annual real wage growth in five years.
Annual real wages have grown by more than 0.8 per cent for three quarters in a row, which is the longest consistent run of real wage growth in almost ten years above that rate.
Since we’ve come to Government average annualised nominal wages have been growing at 3.7 per cent, much higher than the 2.2 per cent under our predecessors.
The Government’s policies are driving strong and sustainable wage growth for workers.
We’re acting to boost wages, close the gender pay gap, deliver workplace relations reforms and secure pay rises for some of the lowest‑paid workers in our community. Our support for the lowest paid workers means minimum wage earners are now earning $143.30 per week more than when we came to government.
At the same time, we’ve overseen the creation of more than 1 million jobs in our first three years, a record for a Parliamentary term and stronger employment growth than any major advanced economy.
This means under Labor real wages are up, unemployment is low, inflation is down, interest rates have started to fall, every taxpayer is getting a tax cut and living standards are growing again in our economy.
This is the result of the remarkable progress Australians have made together in the economy over the past three years.
We know the job isn’t finished because Australians are still under pressure and we know we will be faced with more global economic volatility and unpredictability over the next three years, not less.
Getting wages moving again is one of the ways we can help households right around Australia prepare for more uncertainty and instability in the global economy.
We know that productivity growth is the key for strong and sustainable wages growth in the long term and that’s why our five‑pillar productivity agenda across technology, human capital, energy, care and competition is so important.
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Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The same restaurant, same risotto and same aggressive game — China’s superstar tennis ace Zheng Qinwen has regained her winning form in Rome by sticking to her routine in the Italian capital.
And she sure hopes the momentum helps her pull off a different result at her seventh attempt at scaling a brick wall that, to date, has consistently proved a course too high.
Zheng Qinwen returns a shot during the women’s singles round of 16 match between Zheng Qinwen of China and Bianca Andreescu of Canada at the WTA Italian Open in Rome, Italy, May 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing)
Three-time major winner and world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka awaits Zheng in an intriguing quarterfinal clash at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. The reigning Olympic champion is chasing a first win in her seventh encounter with the mighty Belarusian, while trying to reach the final four for the first time at the WTA 1000 tournament, following two straight quarterfinal exits.
Although having lost to Sabalenka six times in a row, all on hard courts, Zheng is motivated to buck that trend in their first battle on clay, counting on her newfound confidence on the tricky surface.
“She’s an overwhelmingly attacking player. You need to hang in there, absorbing her first flurry of hits, until she makes some mistakes and allows you a chance,” Zheng explained her tactics for facing Sabalenka after beating Canada’s Bianca Andreescu in straight sets in the round of 16 on Monday.
“Nobody hits every shot in with force. It’s quite hard, especially on clay. I need to play solid and defend well consistently, and attack when the opportunity comes.
“She’s in a great form, and is the most consistent player, so far, on the tour this year. I am looking forward to playing her on clay, though.
“Each surface requires a different style, and I’d really like to gauge my game on clay against her. Maybe I need to push harder in my first serve, trying wider, and, perhaps riskier, angles to dictate the play.”
Known as an aggressive attacker in her own right, Zheng’s firepower has, multiple times, proved not powerful enough when facing Sabalenka hitting on all cylinders, a pattern underlined by the fact that the top-seed has broken Zheng 26 times, while conceding just six of her own service games, in their six previous encounters.
Zheng’s last deep run at the WTA 1000 level was stopped by Sabalenka in quarterfinals at the Miami Open, where she dispatched the Chinese world No 8 in straight sets and went on to win the second of her three titles so far this year.
A tough battle is guaranteed, for sure, and Zheng knows the only way to survive is to stay mentally strong, tactically sharp and physically poised.
The balance between hitting hard and staying patient will be the key, she added.
“I have to manage myself (mentally), not get too excited or be too aggressive,” said Zheng, who hasn’t advanced further than the quarterfinal stage at any event so far this year, with three last-eight appearances in Charleston, Miami and Indian Wells.
“I need to find the right balance on clay, because from my experience in Madrid, I played a little bit too rushed. So, I told myself, whatever happens I have to stay solid, always be ready, and when I have the chance, go for it.”
Hampered by a nagging right elbow injury that has affected her game since the Australian Open, Zheng has experienced an up and down season so far, with her second-round defeat to Russia’s unseeded Anastasia Potapova in Madrid last month casting a shadow on her prospects for Roland Garros, where she became a household name in China by winning Asia’s first Olympic tennis singles gold medal at Paris 2024.
The sense of familiarity and warm reception she received in Rome seem like a timely respite, as Zheng regrouped, delivering three convincing wins, highlighted by the 7-5, 6-1 submission of Andreescu, the resurgent 2019 US Open champion.
Zheng saved two set points in the 10th game of the opening set, having trailed 5-4 with Andreescu serving after letting a 3-1 lead slip away. But, Zheng quickly pulled herself together to finish the match by winning nine of the last 10 games.
It also marked Zheng’s 20th career victory over major winners on the WTA Tour.
“I still kind of lost my focus and made unnecessary mistakes midway through the first set, but, what I did best today was not panic. I stayed composed there, and fought back one point at a time,” said the 22-year-old Hubei province native.
“Gradually, I felt much better, and the cheers from the crowd helped me close it out.”
Apart from chants of “bravo Zheng” shouted her way, she also attributed, at least part of her feel-good campaign in Rome, to the delights of a local restaurant she visits every night.
“I keep a strict diet, but at the same time I enjoy Rome,” Zheng told Channel Tennis after her second-round win against Serbia’s Olga Danilovic on Friday.
“I go to the same restaurant every night. They have very good seafood, like the lemon fish and risotto. I think I can maintain my diet, but enjoy at the same time.”
Police have made seven arrests following investigations into renewed tensions between youth gangs in Adelaide.
Youth and Street Gangs Task Force is aware there is tension between rival street gangs and over the past week conflict has seen members attending opposing street gang homes and causing substantial property damage, assaults and aggravated affrays across metropolitan Adelaide.
On Tuesday 6 May, police were called to a home at Salisbury Park after suspects smashed the windows to a home and two vehicles parked at the property. A short time later patrols attended a Brahma Lodge property after a group smashed the front windows of a home and damaged the front door.
Just before 10.30pm on the same date, a group of people attended a Salisbury East address armed with baseball bats and machetes and damaged the windows of the home.
In the early hours of Wednesday 7 May, patrols were called to Rostrevor following damage to a letterbox and motor vehicle.
Following investigations into these incidents, a number of weapons have been seized including baseball bats, knives, machetes, an axe, hammer and baton. Seven people have been arrested with further arrests to be expected next week.
Arrests include:
15-year-old boy from Semaphore Park, charged with aggravated assault and aggravated affray.
21-year-old man from West Beach has been charged with two counts of property damage, two counts of being unlawfully on premises and carry offensive weapon. Due in Eliazbeth Magistrates Court on 30 June.
17-year-old boy from Pooraka has been charged with aggravated affray. – CO2500019001
16-year-old boy from Brahma Lodge has been charged with aggravated affray. Due in Adelaide Youth Court on 25 June.
18-year-old girl from Sailsbury East has been charged with two counts of breach of bail. – CO2500019243
24-year-old man from Northfield has been charged with aggravated assault causing harm, failing to answer questions, property damage possessing a controlled drug and possessing a prohibited weapon. Due in Adelaide Magistrates Court on 2 July.
22-year-old man from Andrews Farm has been charged with four counts of breach of bail – CO2500019465
Go-Jo to showcase talent on the world stage at Eurovision 2025, thanks to support from the Albanese Labor Government.
The International Cultural Diplomacy Arts Fund supports Australia’s global cultural engagement to increase access to international audiences.
Australia’s representative, Go-Jo will present his electro pop song Milkshake Man in the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, thanks to combined funding support from Music Australia.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said that Go-Jo would show international audiences the breadth and depth of Australian talent.
“We’re supporting Australia’s own Go-Jo to unlock the global reach of Eurovision and perform on one of the world’s largest stages.
“We know how important it is to engage with international audiences. Not only does it create cultural dialogue but it strengthens bonds and builds appreciation for our home grown Australian talent.”
The Eurovision final will be held on Saturday 17, May 2025.
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 14, 2025.
Young detainees often have poor mental health. The earlier they’re incarcerated, the worse it gets Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emaediong I. Akpanekpo, PhD Candidate, School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Populist rhetoric targeting young offenders often leads to kneejerk punitive responses, such as stricter bail laws and lowering the age of criminal responsibility. This, in turn, has led to more young people being held in detention.
PNG police authorised to use lethal force with ‘domestic terrorist’ kidnappers as one hostage escapes RNZ Pacific An escape of a 13-year-old girl from a hostage crisis on the border of Papua New Guinea’s Western and Hela provinces has boosted hopes for the rescue of her fellow captives. The group of 10 people was taken captive early on Monday morning at Adujmari. PNG Police Commissioner David Manning has called the
NZ celebrates Rotuman as part of Pacific Language Week series By Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, RNZ Pacific journalist Aotearoa celebrates Rotuman language as part of the Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ Pacific Language Week series this week. Rotuman is one of five UNESCO-listed endangered languages among the 12 officially celebrated in New Zealand. The others are Tokelaun, Niuean, Cook Islands Māori and Tuvaluan. This year’s theme is, ‘Åf’ạkia
In Indonesia, Albanese has a chance to reset a relationship held back by anxiety and misperceptions Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hangga Fathana, Assistant Professor of International Relations, Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) Yogyakarta Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has wasted little time taking his first overseas trip since Labor won a historic victory in Australia’s federal election. He’ll head to Indonesia today to meet the country’s new president, Prabowo
From GPS to weather forecasts: the hidden ways Australia relies on foreign satellites Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cassandra Steer, Chair, Australian Centre for Space Governance, Australian National University Japan Meteorological Agency via Wikimedia You have probably used space at least 20 times today. Satellites let you buy a coffee with your phone, book a rideshare, navigate your way to meet someone, and check the
Using a blue inhaler alone is not enough to manage your asthma Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Hughes, Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, University of Sydney New Africa/Shutterstock Inhalers have been key to asthma management since the 1950s. The most common, salbutamol, comes in a familiar blue-coloured inhaler (or “puffer”). This kind of “rescue inhaler” brings quick relief from asthma symptoms. You may know
The pay equity puzzle: can we compare effort, skill and risk between different industries? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gemma Piercy, Lecturer, Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, University of Waikato Getty Images Last week’s move by the government to amend pay equity laws, using parliamentary urgency to rush the reforms through, caught opposition parties and New Zealanders off guard. Protests against the Equal Pay Amendment Bill
Sussan Ley makes history, but faces unprecedented levels of difficulty Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Kenny, Professor, Australian Studies Institute, Australian National University As if by visual metaphor, Sussan Ley’s task seemed both obvious and impossible in her first press conference as the new Liberal leader. Three years ago this month, Ley had done something uncannily similar to what Ted O’Brien
It’s a hard job being environment minister. Here’s an insider’s view of the key challenges facing Murray Watt Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Burnett, Honorary Associate Professor, ANU College of Law, Australian National University Australia’s new environment minister, Murray Watt, is reported to be a fixer. That’s good, because there’s a lot to fix. Being environment minister is a hard gig. It often requires difficult choices between environmental and
AWPA calls on Albanese to raise West Papuan human rights with Prabowo Asia Pacific Report An Australian solidarity group for West Papuan self-determination has called on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to raise the human rights crisis in the Melanesian region with the Indonesian president this week. Albanese is visiting Indonesia for two days from tomorrow. AWPA has written a letter to Albanese making the appeal for
The US and China have reached a temporary truce in the trade wars, but more turbulence lies ahead Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Draper, Professor, and Executive Director: Institute for International Trade, and Jean Monnet Chair of Trade and Environment, University of Adelaide Defying expectations, the United States and China have announced an important agreement to de-escalate bilateral trade tensions after talks in Geneva, Switzerland. The good, the bad
Physicists at the Large Hadron Collider turned lead into gold – by accident Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ulrik Egede, Professor of Physics, Monash University Sunny Young / Unsplash Medieval alchemists dreamed of transmuting lead into gold. Today, we know that lead and gold are different elements, and no amount of chemistry can turn one into the other. But our modern knowledge tells us the
New Caledonia riots one year on: ‘Like the country was at war’ SPECIAL REPORT: By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific presenter/bulletin editor Stuck in a state of disbelief for months, journalist Coralie Cochin was one of many media personnel who inadvertently put their lives on the line as New Caledonia burned. “It was very shocking. I don’t know the word in English, you can’t believe what you’re seeing,”
New Caledonia riots one year on: ‘Like the country was at war’ SPECIAL REPORT: By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific presenter/bulletin editor Stuck in a state of disbelief for months, journalist Coralie Cochin was one of many media personnel who inadvertently put their lives on the line as New Caledonia burned. “It was very shocking. I don’t know the word in English, you can’t believe what you’re seeing,”
The ‘extroverted’ north and ‘introverted’ south: how climate and culture influence Iranian architecture Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mahsa Khanpoor Siahdarka, PhD Candidate in Built Environment, RMIT University Shutterstock The architecture of northern Iran exhibits an extroverted quality. Buildings are designed to let in the sounds of rain, birds and rustling trees, as well as scents of nature. Architecture in this region is characterised by
I am honoured to have been sworn in as Federal Minister for Emergency Management, and to be reappointed as Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories.
In my maiden speech to Parliament, I committed to supercharging the response to bushfire recovery, after parts of our community in Eden-Monaro experienced some of the worst fires our country has ever seen.
I am incredibly proud to be part of a government that is serious about reducing disaster risk, and strengthening our emergency management and disaster recovery capabilities.
Under the leadership of Minster Watt and Minister McAllister, the Albanese Government has launched the National Emergency Management Agency and the Disaster Ready Fund, funded Disaster Relief Australia, established our National Emergency Management Stockpile, and expanded our National Aerial Firefighting capabilities.
We have delivered all 15 Commonwealth-led recommendations from the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements, and we continue to boost the disaster resilience of our telecommunications networks.
I am humbled to continue the critical work of the Emergency Management portfolio alongside Assistant Minister Wilson, including progressing the National Messaging System.
I also look forward to continuing to work with Minister King to strengthen the local government sector, which is not only on the front line of disaster response and recovery, but responsible for many services our communities rely on.
I am proud to have brought local government back to the table as a trusted delivery partner – including at National Cabinet and through two successful Australian Council of Local Government forums – while increasing local road funding for every council and launching transparent grant programs that every community can apply for.
We remain committed to supporting councils, including through our response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Local Government Sustainability, which we will finalise this term.
I have always lived in our regions and love the quality of life it affords us, which is why I will continue standing up for Eden-Monaro and regional Australia to ensure we get our fair share.
