NewzIntel.com

Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ACT invokes “agree to disagree” on firearms registry review

    Source:

    ACT has formally invoked the “agree to disagree” provisions of its coalition agreement in relation to the firearms registry, Nicole McKee says.

    “Earlier this month, I asked Cabinet to consider that the recent review of the firearms registry did not meet the commitment in ACT’s coalition agreement. I also asked that a more thorough and independent review be conducted in the 2025/26 financial year. Unfortunately, these proposals were rejected by National.”

    “I also sought Cabinet agreement to delay the upcoming ‘activating circumstance’ that would apply to ammunition purchases from June 2025.

    “There is currently no clear definition of ammunition in the legislation, creating confusion. Pushing back the date to December 2026 would have provided time to build public trust in the registry and ensure clarity in the law. This recommendation was also rejected.”

    The ACT Party’s coalition agreement includes a commitment to review the firearms registry to determine whether it is effectively improving public safety. However, the review that was conducted fell short of that standard.

    “The purpose of the review was to establish a clear evidence base, covering public safety impacts, government costs, compliance burdens for licensed firearms owners, and international comparisons. In my view, the review failed to deliver on these objectives,” Mrs McKee says.

    “Although the review acknowledged there was limited data available to assess the registry’s impact, it makes only limited use of domestic data, such as enforcement trends prior to the registry, or the experience of the 20 percent of licence holders already registered. Nor did it meaningfully examine international examples that could have provided further insight.

    “These are not gaps in available information but gaps in the analysis which was undertaken.  One of the key conclusions – that the registry is justified if it prevents just two fatalities a year – is speculative and unsupported by evidence. Without a clear model of risk reduction or causal link to public safety outcomes, that claim is difficult to defend.”

     “The review focused narrowly on operational costs to government but gave little weight to future changes, such as the inclusion of a dealers registry – projected to cost an additional $20 million – and the ongoing compliance costs for responsible firearms owners.”

    “Significantly, the review also failed to account for privacy concerns.  Given past breaches of firearms owners’ personal data, it is troubling that the review did not assess the risks associated with centralising sensitive information in the registry. This despite the fact I am aware of six breaches of data since 2019.”

    “Despite these differences on the registry, our coalition partners continue to work constructively together to ensure the rewrite of the Arms Act delivers effective, evidence-based regulation that reflects best practice. As we push ahead with that process public safety remains at the heart of what we are doing.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ACT backs end to corrosive public sector DEI appointments

    Source:

    ACT is welcoming confirmation that public service reform will put merit, not identity, at the heart of what it means to be a public servant.

    “If you’re vying to become a public service boss, it shouldn’t matter whether you’re brown, white, or blue. What matters is whether you are competent to deliver the services we expect for our taxes,” says ACT Public Service spokesperson Todd Stephenson.

    “A creeping focus on people’s identity over merit in the public sector is corrosive. It distracts from service delivery, elevates less competent candidates, and is fundamentally racist.

    “Now, with ACT in government, we’re cutting out the ideological rot. Our coalition agreement commits to amending the Public Service Act ‘to clarify the role of the public service, drive performance, and ensure accountability to deliver on the agenda of the government of the day.’

    “New Zealanders don’t care about the identity of the person procuring life-saving medicines, improving the education system, or responding to natural disasters – so long as it’s the person with the best skills and experience doing it.

    “Real inclusion means treating people as individuals, not representatives of demographic groups. It’s difficult to convince public servants to treat all New Zealanders equally when their own organisation hires people through a lens of identity.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ACT backs legal certainty for Fiordland’s successful hunter-led conservation

    Source:

    ACT Conservation spokesperson Cameron Luxton is welcoming the Hunting and Fishing Minister’s moves toward designating wapiti as a Herd of Special Interest in Fiordland National Park, calling it a win for conservation, regional tourism, and common sense.

    “The Fiordland Wapiti Foundation has spent years doing what government departments struggle to do. They manage the herd, trap pests, maintain huts, and protect native species like the blue duck/whio. And they do it all without asking taxpayers for a cent,” says Luxton.

    Forest and Bird has opposed the move, comparing it to creating a ‘sanctuary for stoats.’

    “That sort of rhetoric says more about Forest and Bird’s eco-fundamentalist ideology than the facts. We’re never going back to a pre-human ecology. Allowing hunter-led management of the wapiti population frees up DoC resources to deal with greater threats to native wildlife, such as stoats and rats.

    “Forest and Bird needs to wake up and realise that hunters are conservationists too.”

    Luxton says ACT backs the Government’s move to ensure Herds of Special Interest can be recognised in national parks, as originally intended.

    “When passionate hunters are already getting the job done, the role of government should be to get out of the way. Or at the very least, provide legal certainty so they can keep going.”

    Editor’s note: Cameron Luxton is the sponsor of the Conservation (Membership of New Zealand Conservation Authority) Amendment Bill, which would ensure hunters and fishers are represented on the Conservation Authority, just as Forest and Bird is already. The Bill is currently in Parliament’s member’s bill ballot.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fiscal fantasyland: Greens’ budget shows why we need financial literacy in schools

    Source:

    “The Greens’ proposal to blow out the national debt to 54 percent of GDP shows why we need financial literacy in schools,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

    “Anyone with a mortgage understands that when you’re deep in debt, you end up spending so much on the interest that you can’t cover the essentials. We’re already burning through nearly $9 billion a year just to pay the interest on Government debt.

    “At last count, our national debt is growing by almost $2 million an hour, or more than $47 million a day.

    “Now the Greens want to heap on more than $40 billion in new borrowing compared to 2024 – a staggering figure that will fall on the shoulders of young people and children that aren’t yet born. That means billions more in interest payments, siphoned away from the very services the Greens claim to care about.

    “The Greens reckon their numbers will add up by just taxing Kiwis harder – 39% for income above $120,000, 45% at $180,000, a new tax on assets, a higher company tax rate, and an inheritance tax that would force farming families to sell their generational land.

    “Anyone with the financial sense the Greens lack would simply take their career, their business, and their money overseas.

    “A private jet tax isn’t a serious policy proposal; it’s an empty display of the Greens’ eat-the-rich mentality. They want us to believe all our problems are caused by other people’s success, because they can’t be bothered coming up with any ideas that would generate new wealth to meet our country’s challenges.

    “The Left’s ideas are all about telling successful New Zealanders ‘you’re not welcome here’, dividing the wealth we have rather than creating more, and siphoning off more money for the Wellington bureaucracy. It all adds up to a poorer, more miserable New Zealand.

    “ACT says we need to put power back in the hands of people, not bureaucrats. That means choosing freedom over control, responsibility over excuses, and aspiration over resentment.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greens want to fund their socialist wishlist by letting criminals walk free

    Source:

    ACT Justice spokesman Todd Stephenson is disappointed, but not surprised, at the Green Party’s plan to release criminals in order to partially fund their latest socialist manifesto.

    “Buried in their proposed budget is a $770 million ‘saving’ from ‘averting increase in prisoner numbers’ – with no further explanation.

    “That’s just doublespeak for opening the prison gates and letting thugs and thieves back onto our streets.

    “Even taking the most inflated prisoner cost figures at face value, this amounts to 3,850 criminals being released into the community.

    “I’m disappointed, but not surprised, that this is the latest wacky idea from the Greens. This is the same party that fundraises for prison and police abolition groups, criticises increased beat patrols and lies about how many people are in prison due to non-violent offences.

    “Even then, their soft-on-crime plan wouldn’t pay for more than a third of their $2.5 billion hiring spree for bureaucrats. It’s a dangerous and unserious idea from a party that clearly doesn’t care about public safety.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 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.

    In Australia, the number of young people held in detention facilities increased by 8% (from 784 to 845) between the June quarter of 2023 and the June quarter of 2024.

    But what if some of these young people were treated and helped, rather than incarcerated? A series of recently published studies examining mental health in the youth justice population suggests treatment would be more beneficial than punitive measures – some of which may even promote persistent offending.

    Increased incarceration

    New South Wales saw a 31% increase in young people in detention between 2023 and 2024.

    Increases in youth detention numbers have also been reported in Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania and South Australia over the same period.

    About 60% of young people in detention are First Nations youth.

    Custody as a catalyst

    Young people in the justice system have significantly higher rates of mental ill-health and adverse childhood experiences than their peers in the general population.

    However, less clear is how involvement in the justice system, particularly custody, affects the severity and trajectory of these mental health issues over time.

    Our team examined how exposure to the justice system affected mental health among young people in NSW. We analysed administrative health and justice data over two years post-supervision.

    These data came from more than 1,500 justice-involved youth who participated in the Young People in Custody Health Survey in 2003, 2009 and 2015 and Young People on Community Orders Health Survey between 2003 and 2006.

    We found young people who had spent time in custody faced markedly higher rates of subsequent psychiatric hospitalisation compared with those supervised in the community.

    The risk of psychiatric hospitalisations was higher for those with multiple custody episodes. This demonstrates the significant negative impact of incarceration on the mental health of young people long after they are released.

    We also examined how the impact of custody on psychiatric hospitalisations differed by age.

    We found psychiatric hospitalisation rates were similar among youth aged 14–17 years who had been supervised in the community, compared with those aged 18 and older.

    However, youth aged 14–17 who were placed in custody were hospitalised at significantly higher rates than their older peers aged 18 and above.

    This suggests incarceration is particularly harmful for younger offenders.

    How does this affect crime?

    When we examined the long-term consequences of youth detention on subsequent offending, we found conviction during adolescence, especially before the age of 14, significantly increased the likelihood of later entering the adult prison system.

    Those who were incarcerated during adolescence faced a fivefold increase in the risk of being incarcerated as an adult, compared with young people who’d never been in custody.

    This suggests it may be beneficial to delay the involvement of young people in the justice system to help prevent repeat offending in the future.

    Breaking the cycle

    So what can be done to help?

    In NSW, laws allow young people with mental health conditions to be diverted from judicial processes into treatment. Such laws for young people also exist in other states, although specific models vary.

    While research shows those diverted into treatment have a lower risk of reoffending, less than half of eligible youth receive this option.

    How do we help those who miss out? Our studies examined whether going to mental health services voluntarily (without a court order) could help reduce recidivism.

    Among boys who had been in custody, we found they were 40% less likely to reoffend if they received mental health treatment after release than those who did not receive such treatment.

    A similar, but larger, benefit was observed among boys supervised in the community. There, mental health treatment was associated with a 57% reduction in reoffending risk.

    Evidence-based reform

    Evidence shows punitive measures do not deter youth crime, but instead are likely to perpetuate cycles of offending into adulthood.

    Policymakers should reimagine youth justice to protect young people and create real pathways to rehabilitation.

    Raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility to delay the onset of formal contact with the justice system aligns with developmental science and prevents early criminalisation of young people.



    Read more:
    Locking up young people might make you feel safer but it doesn’t work, now or in the long term

    Enhancing routine mental health screening in the justice system and expanding access to diversion programs is warranted.

    Our findings on the benefits of routine mental health treatment highlight the potential for more integrated approaches. When combined with wraparound services for health and education, they could be even more effective.

    As detaining a young person costs around $1 million annually, mental health treatment-based approaches make sound financial sense too.

    Tony Butler receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

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

    – ref. Young detainees often have poor mental health. The earlier they’re incarcerated, the worse it gets – https://theconversation.com/young-detainees-often-have-poor-mental-health-the-earlier-theyre-incarcerated-the-worse-it-gets-252376

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Introduces PORCUPINE Act to Support Taiwan’s Self-Defense

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the Providing Our Regional Companions Upgraded Protection in Nefarious Environments (PORCUPINE) Act. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) is the lead Democrat sponsor. The PORCUPINE Act will help streamline the process for arms sales to Taiwan regulated by the Arms Export Control Act. Currently, sales to NATO member states and other close allies and partners of the United States have shorter congressional notification timelines and higher threshold values. However, Taiwan is not currently included on that list. The bill will also make it easier for our allies and partners to send U.S.-origin weapons to Taiwan. 

    “On my recent CODEL to Taiwan, I saw a partner ready and willing to provide for its own self-defense in the face of increasing aggression by Communist China,” said Ricketts. “However, our antiquated arms sales process and struggling defense industrial base have prevented Taiwan from getting the weapons it needs in a timely manner. The PORCUPINE Act will make it easier for us to send arms to Taiwan, quicker, while also creating a process for our closest allies and partners to do the same.”

    “Taiwan is on the front lines of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and defending the island and our values requires that we swiftly provide the weapons systems it needs—but in the face of Chinese greyzone pressure and the constant threat of invasion, it takes far too long to deliver these weapons,” said Coons. “China isn’t going to bide its time and wait for arms sales to be completed before launching an attack. Passing the PORCUPINE Act today is the first of many steps we need to take to update our arms sales process and ensure our Taiwanese partners have what they need to defend themselves.”

    The PORCUPINE Act would:

    • Put Taiwan in the NATO-plus category for shorter formal Congressional notification times and higher weapons value thresholds.
    • Require the Secretary of State to establish an expedited decision-making process for blanket third party transfers of defense articles and services from NATO member countries, Japan, Australia, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand or Israel to Taiwan, including transfers and re-transfers of U.S. origin grant, FMS, and DCS end-items not covered by an exemption under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

    BACKGROUND:

    Under the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), the Department of State (State) submits to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee a notification of a prospective major arms sale before the executive branch takes further formal action. This allows committees to ask questions or raise concerns prior to State initiating a formal notification. State will generally not proceed as long as one of the four corners has a hold on a sale during the informal process. 

    After the informal notification process is complete, the AECA requires the President to formally notify Congress 30 days before issuing a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for an Foreign Military Sales(FMS)-administered sale, enhancement, or upgrading of major defense equipment valued at $14 million or more; the sale, enhancement, or upgrading of defense articles or services valued at $50 million or more; or the sale, enhancement, or upgrading of design and construction services valued at $200 million or more. In the case of such sales to NATO member states, NATO, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Israel, or New Zealand, the President must formally notify Congress 15 calendar days before proceeding with the sale. The prior notice threshold values for transfers to these recipients are $25 million for the sale, enhancement, or upgrading of major defense equipment; $100 million for the sale, enhancement, or upgrading of defense articles and defense services; and $300 million for the sale, enhancement, or upgrading of design and construction services.

    A similar process for formal notification times and thresholds exists between NATO-Plus countries and other countries for Direct Commercial Sales (DCS), as well. FMS involves the U.S. government acting as an intermediary, facilitating a government-to-government transaction, while DCS allows direct contracts between US companies and foreign entities. DCS offers more flexibility in contract terms and conditions. FMS often include a “total package” approach, encompassing training, spare parts, and other support, potentially leading to higher initial costs. FMS contracts typically adhere to U.S. military standards, ensuring interoperability with US forces. DCS contracts may offer non-standard configurations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Theft – Winnellie

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    NT Police are calling for information in relation to the theft of a large amount of power tools and inventory stolen from a business in Winnellie on 11 May 2025.

    Police received reports of two offenders allegedly damaging a fence and unlawfully entering a business premises between the hours of 3:30am and 5:30am on Sunday. It is alleged the offenders accessed a pallet of items and stole them from the premises.

    Strike Force Trident responded to the incident and on Monday arrested a 38-year-old male for the offending.

    Investigations remain ongoing to locate the outstanding offender and the items that were stolen.

    Anyone with information in relation to the incident, particularly anyone with dashcam footage of suspicious activity along the Stuart Highway between the intersections of Hook Road and Lee Street around the time, is urged to contact police on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: March crime statistics

    Source: New South Wales – News

    The sustained targeting of recidivist thieves has resulted in another significant reduction in shop theft offences in South Australia, the latest crime statistics have revealed.

    The March rolling year crime statistics reveal shop theft has declined for the fifth successive period, recording an eight per cent reduction – 1,511 offences – from 18,783 to 17,272 reported incidents.

    The reduction follows the previous eight per cent reduction in the February period, a five per cent decline in January, three per cent in December and two per cent in November.

    Acting Assistant Commissioner (metropolitan Operations Service) John de Candia said the reduction in offending corresponded with the continuing efforts of officers involved in Operation Measure across all policing districts.

    “We continue targeting the hardcore, recidivist offenders we know are committing large numbers of shoplifting offences and that is having an impact,’’ he said.

    “Some of these offenders are committing literally dozens of offences across the metropolitan area, often endangering innocent members of the community.’’

    While Operation Measure teams continue to target individual offenders, operations are also held at specific locations that record high levels of offending. One such two-day operation at an eastern suburbs liquor outlet in March resulted in the arrest of four offenders.

    Significant arrests in March included a Christie Downs man, 27, who was charged with 19 counts of shop theft committed across multiple districts, a Renown Park man, 22, charged with 22 counts of shop theft mostly committed in the western suburbs and an Elizabeth South man, 37, who was charged with 14 counts of shop theft committed in the northern suburbs.

    The March rolling year statistics also reveal house break-ins have dropped for the ninth successive period, while car theft and robbery and related offences have also continued to decrease significantly.

    The figures reveal house break-ins declined by eight per cent in the period from 5,873 to 5,378 reported offences. This followed a seven per cent decline in the February period, a five per cent decline in the January period and a six per cent decline in the December period.

    The number of non-residential break-ins declined by five per cent from 3,672 to 3,476 reported offences. This followed an identical decline in the February period.

    Car theft and theft from a vehicle have again recorded decreases in the March period. Car theft dropped by nine per cent or 340 offences – from 3,814 to 3,474 offences. This followed an 11 per cent decline in the February period, 12 per cent in January and an 11 per cent drop in the December period.

    Theft from a motor vehicle declined by 23 per cent – from 10,082 to 7,796 offences. This followed a 22 per cent decline in February, a 20 per cent drop in January and a 19 per cent decrease in the December and November periods.

    Robbery and related offences also continued to decrease in the March period with a 13 per cent decline reported. Within that category aggravated robbery declined by 16 per cent or 80 offences – from 503 offences to 423 offences – while non-aggravated robbery declined by six per cent – from 81 offences to 76 offences.

    The number of homicides committed in South Australia has continued to decrease with a 52 per cent decline recorded in the March period – from 23 to 11 offences.

    While a majority of offence categories showed decreases in the March period, increases were recorded in offences including serious assaults not resulting in injury, common assault, aggravated sexual assault, property damage and graffiti.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ATO warns against websites sharing fake news on superannuation preservation age

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is warning the community about a proliferation of dodgy websites sharing fake news about changes to the superannuation preservation rules and withdrawal rules starting on 1 June.

    ATO Deputy Commissioner Emma Rosenzweig confirmed the maximum preservation age (the age when you can access your superannuation savings on retirement) is 60 for anyone born from 1 July 1964.

    Taxpayers who have questions about the legitimacy of tax information should refer to the ATO’s website or speak to their registered tax professional if they have one.

    Quotes attributable to ATO Deputy Commissioner Emma Rosenzweig:

    ‘This is classic fake news. Always consider the source of information you see, and if in doubt go to trusted sources such as the ATO website www.ato.gov.au, your super fund website, your registered tax agent or licensed financial adviser.’

    ‘Beware of websites that might be trying to harvest your personal information such as your TFN, identity details or myGov login details.’

    ‘Think twice before acting on information heard from third-party sources, including non-official websites or on social media.’

    ‘Be cautious about ‘free expert’ tax advice. If you are going to approach someone to help you manage your tax affairs, ensure they are a practising lawyer or registered with the Tax Practitioners Board. You can check if a tax professional is registered on the Tax Practitioner’s Board websiteExternal Link.’

    Notes to journalists

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Defence News – NZDF joins large South Pacific disaster exercise as new response group starts work

    Source: New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)

    The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has joined 18 other nations for a large French-led multinational training exercise scenario of a hypothetical cyclone striking the islands of Wallis & Futuna.

    Exercise Croix Du Sud was based in New Caledonia, about 1900km southwest of Wallis & Futuna, and involved about 2000 personnel.

    New Zealand Army Captain Zoe Williamson and a small number of Kiwi staff officers bolstered the exercise headquarters.

    “This has been a great opportunity allowing us to work with our partner nations in a likely humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) scenario, developing relationships and an understanding of how we work individually but are able to come together as a whole,” she said.

    “Training with our Pacific neighbours is important to ensure we are ready to respond when the time comes, and Exercise Croix Du Sud is a valuable test, ensuring we can deliver this critical capability when and where it’s needed.”

    Exercise Croix Du Sud also provided the opportunity for two NZDF officers to deploy with the Pacific Response Group (PRG), a new multinational support group consisting of personnel from Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, France, Australia, and New Zealand with Chile in support.  

    The PRG was established in 2024 by recommendation of the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting to address the need for pan-Pacific HADR cooperation.

    The Royal New Zealand Navy’s Lieutenant Commander Nikita Lawson said the Pacific Response Group was a short-notice deployable team with strong planning skills designed to assist civilian authorities and other organisations in any response to a disaster.

    “The PRG deployed a small team forward to Wallis & Futuna to assess the situation on the ground, determine where military assistance was required and what humanitarian assistance was needed,” she said.

    The PRG command team remained in New Caledonia to coordinate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and critical capabilities.

    “Information, assessments and the ‘ground truth’ provided by our PRG team were invaluable at shaping the HADR response plans formed by the wider exercise headquarters,” Lieutenant Commander Lawson said.

    The two-week exercise ended earlier this month.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi congratulates Australian PM Albanese on reelection

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Xi congratulates Australian PM Albanese on reelection

    Xinhua | May 14, 2025

    Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday congratulated Anthony Albanese on his reelection as Australian prime minister.

    Xi said that over the past three years, he had met with Prime Minister Albanese, and engaged with him in in-depth discussions on strategic, comprehensive and directional issues concerning the development of China-Australia relations.

    These discussions led to important consensuses that have provided strategic guidance to improve and grow bilateral ties, he added.

    Strengthening cooperation between China and Australia, Xi said, is of great significance for achieving shared development and promoting world peace and stability.

    The Chinese president also expressed his readiness to work with Albanese to advance the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership in a steady fashion, delivering greater benefits to the people of both countries.

    On the same day, Premier Li Qiang sent a congratulatory message to Albanese, saying that China is willing to work with the new Australian government to promote a more mature, stable and fruitful China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Update on aged care respite service at Burrangiri

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services



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

    Released 14/05/2025

    Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith announced this morning that the ACT Health Directorate is preparing the necessary paperwork to support The Salvation Army to continue delivery of the Burrangiri Aged Care Respite Facility for a further two years.

    This announcement complements the Albanese Labor Government’s $10 million election commitment to ensure the number of respite beds in the ACT will not reduce.

    Minister Stephen-Smith said the original decision to close the facility was not made lightly and the significant commitment from the Commonwealth Government has enabled new options to be considered in the delivery of respite care in the short and longer term.

    Federal Labor has recognised the Commonwealth responsibility for aged care respite, and the ACT Government will continue working with the Commonwealth for the benefit of older Canberrans and their carers.

    “It is important to note that while the Burrangiri service can continue in the short term, the Health Directorate’s advice remains that the facility would require a significant scope of work to be fit for purpose for the delivery of quality aged care respite services in the medium term,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    “However, the ACT Government recognises the concerns raised by the community around the availability of respite and the value of the Burrangiri service to those who currently rely on it. A two-year extension allows us to work with the Commonwealth on more sustainable solutions for respite in the ACT and best use of the funding available.”

    Minister Stephen-Smith said she has written to the re-appointed Commonwealth Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Mark Butler MP, seeking to work together to deliver appropriate respite for older Canberrans and their carers.

    “I was very pleased that Federal Labor committed $10 million for a new facility or to extend an existing facility to deliver aged care respite beds in the ACT,” she said.

    “I’ve written to Minister Butler asking him to consider Commonwealth co-funding to support the Burrangiri extension, as well as to expedite delivery of the election commitment to ensure dedicated residential respite beds will be available as soon as possible.”

    The ACT Government is also working with Carers ACT to explore options to identify land for a purpose-built respite centre and the Government has started this important work with Carers ACT.

    – Statement ends –

    Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Reappointment as Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

    Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

    I am honoured to be reappointed the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government in the second term Albanese Labor Government, and I thank the Prime Minister for his continued support. 

    In our first three years, we embarked on a transformative agenda to reform commonwealth infrastructure investment and return discipline to investment decisions. 

    This included reforming the infrastructure pipeline so Australians can have confidence projects can be delivered when they are promised, and securing new five-year funding agreements with the jurisdictions that require infrastructure investments to be properly planned and costed.

    In transport, we embarked on significant reform to Australia’s aviation industry including reforms to the slot system at Sydney Airport for the first time in 25 years, and landed a record number of bilateral air agreements. 

    We restored integrity to the federal grants process, increased funding for local roads, and legislated a national fuel efficiency standard. 

    With the foundations set in the first term, it is time to harness the opportunity to build a better and stronger future, with infrastructure that connects people and businesses and makes our communities not just liveable, but desirable.

    We have a significant agenda for our second term, including: establishing a robust consumer aviation protection regime, preserving regional aviation and driving competition in the sector; driving productivity in construction and across our supply chains; getting on with Melbourne Airport Rail, fixing Queensland’s Bruce Highway, finishing Western Sydney International, and much more. 

    I look forward to continuing to work with an impressive team of Ministers to progress this important work.  

    The Australian people have put their trust in us and we look forward to delivering on our commitments.  

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: YONGALA SCHOOL ROAD, CANOWIE BELT (Building Fire)

    Source: South Australia County Fire Service

    CANOWIE BELT

    Issued on
    14 May 2025 11:01

    Canowie Belt Shed Fire

    Issued for CANOWIE BELT in the state’s Mid North.

    The CFS is responding to a shed fire at Canowie Belt, approximately 18 kilometres east of Jamestown, in the Mid North of South Australia.

    CFS volunteers on 8 trucks are on scene working to extinguish the fire and prevent the fire spreading to nearby fields.

    Smoke will be visible for some distance.

    Roads are currently open around this incident, however, this may change at short notice. Continue to monitor at: traffic.sa.gov.au

    Smoke may impact roads in the area, and visibility may be reduced. To ensure your safety and that of firefighters and other emergency personnel who are working in the area, please do not enter the area unless necessary.

    Message ID 0008600

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Political parties can recover after a devastating election loss. But the Liberals will need to think differently

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frank Bongiorno, Professor of History, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University

    Australia has just had its second landslide election in a row.

    In 2022, there was a landslide against the Liberals, but not to Labor, which fell over the line (as a majority government) by three seats and with just over 32% of the primary vote. But the Coalition – actually Liberal – loss of seats, at 19, was the kind of result usually associated with the term “landslide”.

    In 2025, we have a genuine landside to Labor. At the time of writing, the ABC has declared a Labor gain of 15 seats (78 to 93), but with the strong likelihood of one more, and an outside chance of another.

    Labor’s share of the two-party preferred vote sits at 54.8%. To add a bit of historical perspective: Labor’s two-party preferred vote is lower than the Coalition’s in the so-called Vietnam election of 1966 (56.9%) and the Dismissal election of 1975 (55.7%), but better than John Howard’s in 1996 (53.6%) and Tony Abbott’s in 2013 (53.5%). The Coalition managed 94 seats in a slightly smaller House of Representatives of 148 (compared to 150 at the 2025 election) in 1996. Labor might also land on 94 this time, once the counting is done.

    For Labor, it is a victory on a scale only rivalled – and indeed slightly overshadowed statistically – by John Curtin’s wartime election in 1943, when Labor gained 49 seats in a House of 74. That was two-thirds of the available seats and perhaps 58% of the two-party preferred vote. (The full distribution of preferences only came in later elections). In 2025, Labor is likely to land on just under 63% of the House.

    Big majorities carry their own headaches, as Labor’s factional wrestling of recent days reminds us. But a big loss is a much worse ordeal for the loser.

    First, there is the problem of finding a leader. He, or she, will be selected from depleted ranks. They will often inherit a demoralised party that will lack belief in its ability to return to office in a single term – allowing that there has been no one-termer in Australian federal politics since the Scullin government (1929-32).

    Sussan Ley, the new Liberal leader, will realise – or should realise – that as a leader elected following such a defeat, her chances of ever making it to the prime ministership are slim.

    Since the second world war, a new leader chosen after a loss of office has never become prime minister. Peter Dutton, who became opposition leader in 2022, joined Billy Snedden (after 1972), Kim Beazley (1996), Brendan Nelson (2007) and Bill Shorten (2013) as those who never went on to lead the country.

    But any leader who slips into the role – either re-elected or for the first time – after a big loss is a long shot to make it. The best example we have from the postwar era is Gough Whitlam, elected leader in February 1967 after one of the biggest landslides in Australian political history, won by Harold Holt at the 1966 election. It is therefore worth revisiting what he did to get there.

    Whitlam biographers such as Graham Freudenberg and Jenny Hocking have offered us a detailed picture of Whitlam’s systematic work on reforming the party and policy as part of his pitch to the people. The Liberals could do worse than think in those terms as they contemplate their rebuild. They have vast work to do on all of those fronts.

    As a party, Labor was a basketcase in 1967. In Victoria, it was dominated by a group of left-wing unionists and members who seemed more concerned with maintaining ideological purity than winning elections. Whitlam taunted them at the state conference in 1967 that “certainly, the impotent are pure”.

    But between 1967 and 1972, Whitlam and his allies – some of them on the left outside Victoria – modernised the party’s structures and rules, and moderated left-wing domination of the Victorian branch. Alongside these reforms came a comprehensive policy overhaul – the formulation of what Whitlam reverentially called “The Program” – drawing on a vast network of experts across the country and the most compelling models from other countries.

    This was paired with a redesign of the party’s image that helped it win back a vast number of voters at the 1969 election, culminating in the remarkable, election winning “It’s Time” campaign in 1972.

    It was a six-year effort, and it was far from easy. But it is perhaps the best modern example we have of what a shattered party needs to do to win back office.

    Labor faced similar challenges after 1975 and, although the process was messier, Bob Hawke’s eventual election in March 1983 owed much to a process of reform of Labor party, policy and image led by Bill Hayden between 1977 and 1983. This time, it was the Queensland branch of the party – Hayden’s own – that needed an overhaul, which it received through federal intervention of the kind applied to Victoria a decade before.

    Labor also worked out a Prices and Incomes Accord with the union movement, designed to avoid many of the economic and political problems experienced by Whitlam in government, such as runaway inflation. Hayden, like Whitlam before him, crafted an electable opposition. Hawke, however, reaped the benefit after he replaced Hayden on the eve of the 1983 campaign.

    There are lessons here for the Liberals. First, they can no longer avoid party reform. Their post-election reviews of recent times often read like Gothic tales: indeed, I could recommend the Western Australian one after the 2021 state election only to those with stomachs capable of standing up to slasher movies.

    Second, the 2025 election revealed a Coalition policy wasteland. Some, such as the idea of a nuclear power plants across the country, were daft. Others, like cuts to the fuel excise for a year – coinciding with a decline in petrol prices – were dross. Others again simply made it appear the Coalition was making it up as it went along. It would be hard to conceive of anything further removed from the best examples we have of policy rebuilding by shattered parties.

    Finally, there are the people. Who, exactly, are the Liberals trying to win over? From May 2022, Dutton seemed to have his eye on Labor voters in the outer suburbs, but he did very little that was likely to win them over. He did even less to win over groups who have turned decisively away from the Liberals in recent years, such as women and the young.

    Whatever efforts they made to win over the so-called multicultural communities, such as Chinese-Australian voters, were undone by clumsy messaging from the ministerial ranks about “spies”. In the end, it often seemed that Dutton – and possibly also most of the survivors of 2022 – didn’t have their hearts in appealing to the kinds of voters who had turned to the teals, Labor and Greens in 2022. They preferred to commune with their own.

    The impotent are still pure: the Liberals emerge from the 2025 campaign unsullied by a dalliance with strangers. They now have their reward. Whether a party organisation with branches dominated by the ideologue, the conservative, the elderly and the eccentric can act as an instrument for forging a new electoral alliance of the kind that set up the party in the 1940s for decades of success must be considered doubtful. There is no Robert Menzies on the horizon. And there is no Liberal movement speaking a language of progress rather than reaction.

    This is the greatest crisis faced by Australia’s centre right since 1943 – and we can be certain that, unlike Ben Chifley, Anthony Albanese won’t do his opponents the favour of trying to nationalise the banks.

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

    – ref. Political parties can recover after a devastating election loss. But the Liberals will need to think differently – https://theconversation.com/political-parties-can-recover-after-a-devastating-election-loss-but-the-liberals-will-need-to-think-differently-232695

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Anonymous tip off resulted in child abuse material offences – East Arnhem region

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    On 7 May 2025, an anonymous report was received via Crime Stoppers detailing a complaint that someone was allegedly distributing and in possession of child abuse material in an East Arnhem Region community.

    Following initial investigations, the Katherine Criminal Investigation Branch travelled to the remote community on Monday to execute a search warrant at the alleged offender’s residence. Throughout the search, investigators seized multiple storage devices and a mobile device which contained child abuse material.

    The 31-year-old male was arrested and has since been charged with:

    • Transmit Child Abuse Material – 474.22(1) Commonwealth Criminal Code Act
    • Possess/Produce Child Abuse Material – 125B Criminal Code Act NT x 6

    He was remanded to appear in Darwin local Court on Thursday 15 May 2025.

    Major Crime Detective, Senior Sergeant Justene Dwyer said “I commend the Katherine Criminal Investigation Branch investigators, local East Arnhem Region police members and Aboriginal Liaison Officers for their diligence and attention to detail to ensure this man is put before the courts.

    “This behaviour is not accepted in our community and police will continue to go above and beyond to arrest anyone responsible for harming children in the NT community.”

    Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. You can also submit a report online at https://crimestoppers.com.au/.

    You can also make a report online by alerting the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via the ‘Report Abuse’ button at www.accce.gov.au/report.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Five involved in Aggravated robbery – Coconut Grove

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Three of five alleged offenders have been arrested in relation to an aggravated robbery along Bagot Road yesterday.

    About 3:30pm, police received reports of a male having his scooter stolen after being physically assaulted and threatened by five offenders allegedly carrying knives.

    Dog Operations Unit, Strike Force Trident and Casuarina general duties members attended and arrested three males, aged 15, 17 and 18-year-old, nearby.

    The 18 and 17-year-old have since been charged with Aggravated robbery and the 15-year-old has been charged with Breach bail.

    Strike Force Trident has carriage of the investigation, and two suspects remain outstanding.

    Police would like to thank the member of the public that reported the incident to police after passing in a vehicle.

    Anyone who witnesses antisocial or criminal behaviour is urged to contact police on 131 444 or in an emergency dial Triple Zero.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Trail bike riders intercepted during targeted operation in Launceston

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Trail bike riders intercepted during targeted operation in Launceston

    Wednesday, 14 May 2025 – 10:31 am.

    Police intercepted six trail bike riders during a targeted operation in Launceston on Saturday.
    Members of Launceston Police and Road Policing Services conducted the operation in bushland across several northern suburbs of Launceston, targeting the unlawful use of recreational vehicles and trail bikes.
    During the operation, police intercepted the six riders operating trail bikes who were in close proximity to residential houses.
    Three riders will face proceedings for offences committed, including unlicensed driving and breaches of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Noise) Regulations 2016.
    Tasmania Police remind users of recreational vehicles and trail bikes that they cannot operate within 500 metres of another residence that is not their own, nor within 500 metres of another residence if they are on their own land.
    Anyone wishing to report the unlawful use of recreational vehicles or trail bikes near their home is encouraged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Hooning incident at Bruny Island

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Hooning incident at Bruny Island

    Wednesday, 14 May 2025 – 10:37 am.

    A Kingston man responsible for burnouts in the gravel car park of the Bruny Island hotel will be prosecuted for hooning offences and driving without a licence.Tasmania Police used CCTV footage to help identify the driver from the incident on Monday and say they are disappointed in the behaviour shown by the 30-year-old man, who was a visitor to the island.Senior Constable Ashley Hopwood said the man was leaving the Hotel Bruny, at Alonnah on Bruny Island, about 5pm and proceeded to do burnouts in his vehicle in the gravel carpark of the hotel.The incident was reported to local police by members of the community.A review of CCTV footage helped identify the vehicle and the owner.“This sort of driving behaviour is reckless, and it puts innocent people at risk,” Senior Constable Hopwood said.“Police are committed to keeping our roads as safe as possible and hoons should be warned that this type of behaviour can lead to loss of licence, vehicle confiscation, vehicle destruction and significant fines.”“Anyone who witnesses dangerous driving on our roads should contact police on 131 444, or Triple-Zero (000) in an emergency.”“If you can’t call at the time, but you have dash cam or other footage, you can upload it to our evidence portal at police.tas.gov.au/report.”This week, May 12 to 16, is National Road Safety Week.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 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 Subianto.

    With both nations entering new political chapters, the visit carries symbolic weight. But it will also have practical importance.

    Despite the two nations’ proximity and strengths, the relationship has often been held back by outdated perceptions and strategic hesitation. This is a timely opportunity to reset the relationship.

    Prabowo’s emerging foreign policy

    Prabowo succeeded outgoing President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in October after a decade of his infrastructure-driven and globally engaged leadership.

    Prabowo, a former army general and defence minister, had projected a populist and nationalist image during his 2024 election campaign. He frequently emphasised Indonesia’s food self-sufficiency, military strength and national sovereignty.

    Since taking office, however, he has moderated his tone. While seen by some in the West as assertive, he has signalled a willingness to strengthen bilateral defence ties with Australia. He also has an interest in modernising Indonesia’s military and engaging more transparently with partners.

    Still, questions remain about how he will shape Indonesia’s foreign policy. This includes whether he will maintain Jokowi’s emphasis on multilateralism and economic diplomacy. Both are key to the tone and outcomes of Albanese’s visit.

    Prabowo’s leadership style is nuanced. Despite his polarising image, Indonesia’s foreign policy is still shaped by pragmatism and non-alignment. As such, Prabowo will likely focus on balancing relations with China, the United States and Russia, while protecting Indonesia’s sovereignty.

    Indonesia’s decision to join BRICS, the economic group that includes both China and Russia, for example, should be seen as a diplomatic hedge, not a new geopolitical alignment.

    Other recent decisions, such as providing aid to Fiji, suggest an increasingly outward-facing regional posture.

    Albanese should offer Prabowo credible alternatives to Russian and Chinese engagement through trade, technology and education exchanges, rather than reacting to Jakarta’s moves with suspicion.

    Opportunities for cooperation

    In his election campaign, Albanese reaffirmed his government’s commitment to working closely with Southeast Asia. He also promised a foreign policy grounded in diplomacy, climate cooperation and economic diversification.

    This provides a strong incentive for both leaders to deepen ties. For Australia, deepening ties with Indonesia supports its Indo-Pacific strategy. The goal: promoting a stable and inclusive regional order, particularly amid concerns over growing strategic competition between the US and China.

    For Indonesia, Australia offers investment, education partnerships, and critical expertise in clean energy and innovation.

    A free-trade agreement signed in 2019 provides a platform for deeper integration and less competition in certain industries.

    For example, there are huge opportunities to collaborate in clean energy, particularly after the neighbours signed a climate partnership last year. The agreement will secure supplies of lithium for Indonesia’s EV battery production, while Australia will gain more export markets for its critical minerals.

    People-to-people ties are also vital, while education remains a longstanding pillar of the bilateral relationship.

    Both countries face skills shortages in key sectors. Indonesia needs skilled workers in health care, clean technology and digital literacy. Australia has shortages in critical infrastructure, aged care and engineering.

    There are good opportunities here for student exchanges, joint employment training programs and other vocational collaborations.

    New Australian university campuses in Indonesia are a positive step, but they remain commercially focused and concentrated in elite, urban areas. With over 4,000 universities across the archipelago, these partnerships could go much further.

    Where tensions might arise

    The relationship is not without friction. Australia’s involvement in the AUKUS agreement, and its close alignment with the United States and United Kingdom, has raised concerns for Indonesia, which has long championed non-alignment.

    Jakarta has voiced unease over the perceived risks of nuclear submarine proliferation in the region.

    Albanese’s visit is a key opportunity to clarify that AUKUS involves nuclear-powered — not nuclear-armed — submarines. He should also reinforce Australia’s commitment to transparency over the deal. This is essential to avoiding misunderstandings and building trust.

    A more recent flashpoint is speculation around a possible Russian military presence in Indonesia — a claim the Indonesian government has firmly denied.

    Indonesia’s response exemplifies its longstanding commitment to strategic autonomy. However, the whole ordeal reveals the complexity of Jakarta’s foreign relations, which often involve balancing ties with competing powers.

    For Australia, acknowledging Indonesia’s independent foreign policy — rather than interpreting it through a great-power rivalry lens — is critical to sustaining mutual trust.

    A chance to re-anchor the relationship

    This moment offers both governments the chance to move beyond symbolic gestures toward a deeper, more inclusive and people-centred partnership.

    Amid global fragmentation, trust is not just desirable — it’s essential. And while differences remain, they are not insurmountable when guided by mutual respect, strategic patience and a commitment to genuine cooperation.

    For Australia, the challenge is to move past strategic anxiety and invest in a resilient, multidimensional relationship with Indonesia. This visit could be the first step in doing just that.

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

    – ref. In Indonesia, Albanese has a chance to reset a relationship held back by anxiety and misperceptions – https://theconversation.com/in-indonesia-albanese-has-a-chance-to-reset-a-relationship-held-back-by-anxiety-and-misperceptions-256321

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Brat to business: Gen Z and Millennials turn bold ideas into business start-ups – CBA

    Source: COmmonwealth Bank of Australia – CBA

    New data shows Millennials and Gen Z continue to be the driving force behind new business in Australia, as CommBank shows support for young entrepreneurs through its sponsorship of AFC Australian Fashion Week.

    New CommBank research shows that Millennials and Gen Z business owners continue to drive Australian entrepreneurship, together accounting for 62 per cent of new business account openings in the last 12 months, with retail trade, personal and business services, and construction being the most popular sectors for these age groups.

    CommBank data shows that Millennials alone made up 49 per cent of new businesses in the year to 31 March 2025, while Gen Z accounted for 13 per cent, Gen X for 27 per cent and Baby Boomers made up 10 per cent of new businesses.

    Looking at Gen Z, retail trade is the second most popular sector for new businesses after construction, while Millennials favour property and business services before construction and retail.

    While the age breakdown of new business transaction account openings has remained fairly steady since the pandemic, it is likely the Gen Z cohort will grow in the coming years as they get older, and other age groups focus on the growth stage of their business.

    The research comes as CommBank announces its sponsorship of the Australian Fashion Council (AFC) Australian Fashion Week which kicked off in Sydney this week, championing young entrepreneurs, First Nations designers, and the Australian creative industry more broadly.

    CommBank Small Business Banking Executive General Manager, Rebecca Warren, said the various headwinds businesses had encountered over recent years did not appear to be dissuading too many younger entrepreneurs.

    “Gen Z and Millennials account for 72 per cent of all new businesses in retail trade, showing younger Australians are willing to pursue their passion despite the challenging environment this sector has faced and continues to tackle,” Ms Warren said.

    “Australian small businesses have dealt with many challenges over the last few years, and their resilience has never been more evident than in the way they’ve been navigating the challenging market, the impacts of the election, tariffs and changes to rates.

    “It is great to see the entrepreneurial spirit in Australia is very much alive, with under 45s continuing to lead on new business start-ups. We are proud to be supporting Australian small business owners achieve their goals, whether they’re just starting out, or growing their business.”

    Recent data from CommBank’s Household Spending Insights Index^ also shows significant gains in Household Goods spending in the year to March were driven by online marketplace and department stores, followed by clothing and furniture stores.

    This year the AFC Australian Fashion Week will have over 30 designers showcasing their collections, including Aje, Romance Was Born, ESSE, Farage, Lee Mathews, NICOL & FORD, and Carla Zampatti. CommBank will be the presenting partner of The Frontier, and First Nations shows Liandra, Ngali, and Joseph & James.

    Kellie Hush, CEO AFC Australian Fashion Week presented by Shark Beauty, said:

    “We are thrilled to have the Commonwealth Bank’s incredible support in 2025. CBA understands how important it is to nurture small and medium businesses in the early stages of growth. The business of fashion continues to be an exciting but challenging industry, which is why Australian Fashion Week must continue to grow and support the industry. AFC Australian Fashion Week 2025 will showcase a diverse, creative, and a distinctly Australian fashion spirit.

    “The fashion industry is also a major employer of women in Australia, with 77 per cent of our industry being women. The figure makes fashion one of the few professional industries dominated by women, providing opportunity for them to flourish and finesse their specialisations.”

     

    ^CommBank Household Spending Insights (HSI) Index for March 2025, released on 11 April 2025. Full report can be accessed here: https://www.commbankresearch.com.au/apex/researcharticleviewv2?id=a0NDo000000wJLh

    Note about the research: Figures in this media release are based on CommBank Business Transaction Account openings between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. The term Gen Z refers to those born between 1997 and 2012; Millennial refers to individuals born between 1981 and 1996; Gen X refers to those born between 1965 and 1980; Baby Boomer refers to those born between 1946 – 1964.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Zealanders take 3 million overseas trips – Stats NZ media and information release: International travel: March 2025

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    New Zealanders take 3 million overseas trips – 14 May 2025 – New Zealand residents arrived back from 3.01 million short-term overseas trips (of less than 12 months) in the March 2025 year, according to data released by Stats NZ today.

    March 2025 is the first annual period to exceed 3 million arrivals by New Zealand-resident travellers since March 2020 (3.05 million), and was up from 2.84 million in the March 2024 year.

    “The number of short-term overseas trips by New Zealand residents climbed 6 percent in the March 2025 year, compared to the year before,” international travel spokesperson Sarah Drake said.

    “The increase was mainly driven by more trips to Australia, as well as Indonesia, China, and Japan.”

    Files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: New Zealanders take 3 million overseas trips – Stats NZ media and information release: International travel: March 2025

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    New Zealanders take 3 million overseas trips – 14 May 2025 – New Zealand residents arrived back from 3.01 million short-term overseas trips (of less than 12 months) in the March 2025 year, according to data released by Stats NZ today.

    March 2025 is the first annual period to exceed 3 million arrivals by New Zealand-resident travellers since March 2020 (3.05 million), and was up from 2.84 million in the March 2024 year.

    “The number of short-term overseas trips by New Zealand residents climbed 6 percent in the March 2025 year, compared to the year before,” international travel spokesperson Sarah Drake said.

    “The increase was mainly driven by more trips to Australia, as well as Indonesia, China, and Japan.”

    Files:

     

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Fatal Crash – Palmerston

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Detectives from the Major Crash Unit are currently investigating a fatal crash in Palmerston this morning.

    Around 5:10am, police received reports that a Nissan X-trail carrying 3 people had collided with a Toyota Corolla carrying one person on Kirkland Road, Durack.

    Emergency services attended the scene and a female occupant of the vehicle carrying 3 people was declared deceased.

    Two occupants, one from each vehicle, had to be extracted by emergency services.

    Both lanes of Kirkland Road, have been closed between Elrundie Avenue and Wishart Road. It is expected closures will remain in place until midmorning.

    Investigations into the cause of the crash remain ongoing.

    Detective Sergeant Richard Musgrave said “We are urging Territorians to take the Fatal Five seriously; Don’t drink and drive, don’t drive fatigued or distracted, don’t speed and always wear your seatbelt.

    “Anyone with information or dash-cam footage is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference P25131352.”

    The lives lost on Territory roads now stands at 12.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New generation of skin substitutes give hope to severe burns patients

    Source:

    14 May 2025

    A dermal matrix – one of the latest advancements to regenerate skin after severe burns.

    Severe burns remain one of the most challenging injuries to treat, causing high disease and death rates worldwide, but Australian researchers have flagged some promising new approaches that could save lives and dramatically improve patient recovery.

    In a comprehensive review published in Advanced Therapeutics, researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA), University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) explore the latest advancements in dermal substitutes – biochemicals used to replace damaged skin – with a particular focus on combating infection and enhancing tissue regeneration following catastrophic burns.

    The researchers say that despite decades of progress, traditional treatments such as skin grafting often fail to provide adequate healing and infection control, leading to prolonged hospital stays and soaring healthcare costs.

    According to the lead authors Dr Zlatko Kopecki and Dr Bronwyn Dearman, the urgency to develop safer, more effective solutions has never been greater.

    “Infections are a major cause of complications and mortality in burn patients,” says Dr Kopecki, a Research Fellow at UniSA’s Future Industries Institute.

    “We must innovate beyond conventional methods and develop therapies that regenerate tissue while actively preventing infections.”

    Each year, approximately 2423 Australians are admitted to hospital with burn-related injuries, 74% of whom require surgery, including a skin graft. Globally, 180,000 people die from burns each year, and approximately 10 million are hospitalised, costing healthcare systems $112 billion worldwide.

    The review highlights that while many commercial skin substitutes exist, very few offer integrated antimicrobial protection – a critical factor given the vulnerability of burn wounds to bacterial invasion and sepsis.

    The paper discusses emerging technologies such as Kerecis, a novel fish skin graft with inherent antimicrobial properties, and NovoSorb BTM, a synthetic biodegradable matrix that resists bacterial colonisation without relying on antibiotics.

    Both products represent a new generation of dermal substitutes with enhanced potential to protect and heal complex burns.

    Kerecis comes from wild Atlantic cod, caught from a sustainable fish stock in pristine Icelandic waters and processed using renewable energy. It stands out for retaining natural omega-3 fatty acids, which have strong antimicrobial effects and promote wound healing.

    Meanwhile, NovoSorb BTM’s unique polyurethane matrix offers structural resilience even in infected wounds, providing a vital scaffold for tissue regeneration.

    “These materials demonstrate a shift towards multifunctional therapies that combine structural support with infection resistance,” says Dr Dearman, Principal Medical Scientist for the Skin Engineering Laboratory at the RAH and an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Adelaide.

    “Such innovations are crucial, particularly as antibiotic-resistant infections continue to rise globally,” she says.

    The review calls for the next wave of research to integrate active antimicrobial agents directly into 3D dermal scaffolds that support cell growth, reducing the reliance on antibiotics and temporary dressings.

    Beyond infection control, the research points to scarless healing as the future frontier of burn care.

    By combining smart biomaterials with cell-based therapies, scientists aim to regenerate skin that restores its full function – an outcome that could revolutionise the recovery for millions of burn survivors worldwide.

    The research team includes experts from the Future Industries Institute at UniSA, the Adult Burn Service at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, and the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Adelaide.

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

    Contact for interview: Dr Zlatko Kopecki E: zlatko.kopecki@unisa.edu.au
    Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Westport Fuel Systems Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Westport Fuel Systems Inc. (“Westport“) (TSX:WPRT / Nasdaq:WPRT) reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, and provided an update on operations. All figures are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.

    “We continue to make significant strides in transforming Westport and sharpening our strategic focus. Our priorities remain clear: driving success through Cespira, our HPDI joint venture with Volvo Group; pursuing operational excellence through initiatives to streamline processes and reduce costs; and positioning Westport at the forefront of the alternative fuel shift.

    These priorities are guiding us as we work towards a brighter future. We’re seeing the impact of our efforts in our recent results – we significantly improved our net loss to $2.5 million in Q1 of 2025 from a net loss of $13.6 million in Q1 of 2024. This was supported by a $3.5 million increase in gross profit and an $8.1 million decrease in operating expenses. We also reported a substantial improvement in adjusted EBITDA as compared to the same period of the prior year.

    Looking to the future, with the announcement of the proposed sale of our light-duty business, Westport is realigning to focus on the hard-to-decarbonize applications primarily in long-haul and heavy-duty trucking where our unique HPDI and high-pressure technologies offer significant growth potential. Critically, this transaction is designed to provide immediate cash proceeds that bolster our balance sheet and fund growth opportunities in Cespira and the High-Pressure Controls & Systems business.

    Now, the conversation has changed. Our attendance at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo or ACT Expo, the largest showcase of clean transportation technologies in North America, validated our view that the market recognizes that the internal combustion engine utilizing alternative fuels is an affordable solution that also decarbonizes long-haul, heavy-duty transport. Westport is the clean-tech innovation company to help drive this change. Through Cespira, the HPDI fuel system does the on-engine work to our High Pressure Controls and Systems business where our components do the off-engine work we are providing OEMs with simplified solutions to decarbonize.

    Volvo recently highlighted that demand for their gas-powered trucks that utilize HPDI technology has been increasing, with sales up more than 25% in 2024, a trend that we saw continue into Q1 with Cespira delivering improved revenue driven by increased volumes as compared to Q1 of 2024. While we remain focused on scaling our alternative fuel solutions, including LNG, CNG, RNG, and hydrogen systems, we are matching the cleanest gaseous fuels with the most efficient engine technologies. We are committed to delivering practical, commercially viable low-carbon solutions today and providing sustainable, high-performance solutions that help our customers achieve their goals now and for years to come.”

    Dan Sceli, Chief Executive Officer

    Q1 2025 Highlights

    • Revenues decreased 9% to $71.0 million compared to the same period in 2024, primarily driven by decreased sales volumes in our Heavy-Duty OEM and High-Pressure Controls & Systems segments. This was partially offset by increased sales in our Light-Duty segment in the quarter. In Q1 2024, our Heavy-Duty OEM segment included the financial results of the HPDI business which are now accounted for as part of the Cespira joint venture.
    • Net loss of $2.5 million for the quarter compared to net loss of $13.6 million for the same quarter last year. The decrease in net loss was driven by a $3.5 million increase in gross profit, decrease in operating expenditures by $8.1 million; change in foreign exchange gain or loss by $2.3 million and an increase in loss from investments accounted for by the equity method of $3.8 million.
    • Adjusted EBITDA[1] of nil  compared to negative $6.6 million for the same period in 2024.
    • Cash and cash equivalents were $32.6 million at the end of the first quarter. Cash used in operating activities during the quarter was $4.9 million with net cash used by working capital of $8.1 million, partially offset by operating income of $1.7 million. Investing activities included the collection of $10.5 million in a holdback receivable related to our previous sale of CWI to Cummins in 2022, capital contribution into Cespira of $4.7 million and purchase of capital assets of $3.1 million. Cash used in financing activities was attributed to net debt repayments of $3.9 million in the quarter.

    [1] Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation is a non-GAAP measure. Please refer to NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES in Westport’s Management Discussion and Analysis for the reconciliation.

    Consolidated Results      Over /   
    ($ in millions, except per share amounts)     (Under)   
      1Q25 1Q24 %  
    Revenue $ 71.0   $ 77.6   (9 )%
    Gross Profit(2)   15.2     11.7   30 %
    Gross Margin(2)   21 %   15 %  
    Income (loss) from Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method(1)   (3.8 )   —   (100 )%
    Net Loss   (2.5 )   (13.6 ) 82 %
    Net Loss per Share – Basic   (0.14 )   (0.79 ) 82 %
    Net Loss per Share – Diluted   (0.14 )   (0.79 ) 82 %
    EBITDA (2)   (0.1 )   (9.2 ) 99 %
    Adjusted EBITDA (2)   —     (6.6 ) 100 %

    (1) This includes income or loss primarily from our investments in Cespira and Minda Westport Technologies Limited
    (2) Gross margins, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. Please refer to GAAP and NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES for the reconciliation to equivalent GAAP measures and limitations on the use of such measures.

    Segment Information

    Light-Duty

    Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $64.2 million compared with $63.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Light-Duty revenue increased by $0.9 million compared to the prior year and was primarily driven by increase in sales in our light-duty OEM and DOEM businesses. The light-duty OEM business had an increase in sales from its Euro 6 program compared to the prior year. In the first quarter of 2024, DOEM had a significant decrease in sales to a customer. This was partially offset by lower sales in our IAM, electronics and fuel storage businesses compared to the prior year.

    Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2025 increased by $1.6 million to $14.0 million, or 22% of revenue, compared to $12.4 million, or 20% of revenue, for the same prior year period. This was primarily driven by a change in sales mix with an increase in sales to European customers and a reduction in sales to developing regions.

    High Pressure Controls & Systems

    Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $1.4 million compared with $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The decrease in revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the prior year was primarily driven by the hydrogen industry slowdown impacting demand for hydrogen components.

    Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2025 decreased by $0.2 million to $0.2 million, or 14% of revenue, compared to $0.4 million, or 17% of revenue, for the same prior year period. This was primarily driven by lower sales volumes increasing the per unit manufacturing costs in the quarter.

    Heavy-Duty Original Equipment Manufacturer (“OEM”)

    Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $5.4 million, compared to $11.9 million for the prior year. The decrease in revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2025 is a result of the continuation of the business in Cespira. The revenue earned in the current quarter was from our services provided under the transitional service agreement with Cespira that is expected to end by Q2 2026.

    Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2025 increased by $2.1 million to $1.0 million, or 19% of revenue, compared to negative $1.1 million or negative 9% of revenue, for the same prior year period. The Heavy-Duty OEM segment received $0.9million in credits from component suppliers for inventory sold in the quarter.

    Selected Cespira Statements of Operations Data

    We account for Cespira using the equity method of accounting. However, due to its significance to our long-term strategy and operating results, we disclose certain Cespira’s financial information in notes 7 and 17 of our interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    The following table sets forth a summary of the financial results of Cespira for the three months ended March 31, 2025 .

    (in millions of U.S. dollars)   Three months ended March 31,   Change
          2025       2024     $   %
    Total revenue   $ 16.7     $ —     $ 16.7     — %
    Gross profit   $ 0.5     $ —     $ 0.5     — %
    Gross margin1     3 %     — %        
    Operating loss   $ (7.1 )   $ —     $ (7.1 )   — %
    Net loss attributable to the Company   $ (3.9 )   $ —     $ (3.9 )   — %

    1Gross margin is non-GAAP financial measure. See the section ‘Non-GAAP Financial Measures’ for explanations and discussions of these non-GAAP financial measures or ratios.

    Revenue

    Cespira revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2025 were $16.7 million. In the prior year, the Heavy-Duty OEM segment, which included our HPDI business, had revenues of $11.9 million. This was primarily driven by an increase in HPDI fuel systems sold in the period.

    Gross Profit

    Gross profit was $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025. In the prior year, the Heavy-Duty OEM segment had negative $1.1 million in gross profit primarily driven by the increase in sales volumes compared to the prior year and reductions in manufacturing cost.

    Operating loss

    Cespira incurred operating losses of $7.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Cespira continues to incur operating losses as it scales its operations and expand into other markets.

    Q1 2025 Conference Call
    Westport has scheduled a conference call for May 14, 2025, at 7:00 am Pacific Time (10:00 pm Eastern Time) to discuss these results. To access the conference call please register at
    https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI73bcac200e5f4652873668cf803d72ed

    The live webcast of the conference call can be accessed through the Westport website at
    https://investors.wfsinc.com/.

    Participants may register up to 60 minutes before the event by clicking on the call link and completing the online registration form. Upon registration, the user will receive dial-in info and a unique PIN, along with an email confirming the details.

    The webcast will be archived on Westport’s website at https://investors.wfsinc.com.

    Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis

    To view Westport financials for the first quarter ended March 31st, 2025, please visit https://investors.wfsinc.com/financials/

    About Westport Fuel Systems

    At Westport Fuel Systems, we are driving innovation to power a cleaner tomorrow. We are a leading supplier of advanced fuel delivery components and systems for clean, low-carbon fuels such as natural gas, renewable natural gas, propane, and hydrogen to the global automotive industry. Our technology delivers the performance and fuel efficiency required by transportation applications and the environmental benefits that address climate change and urban air quality challenges. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with operations in Europe, Asia, North America, and South America, we serve our customers in approximately 70 countries with leading global transportation brands. At Westport Fuel Systems, we think ahead. For more information, visit www.wfsinc.com.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding future strategic initiatives and future growth, future of our development programs (including those relating to HPDI and Hydrogen), our expectations for 2024 and beyond, including the demand for our products, and the future success of our business and technology strategies. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on both the views of management and assumptions that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activities, performance or achievements expressed in or implied by these forward looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include those related to our revenue growth, operating results, industry and products, the general economy, conditions of and access to the capital and debt markets, solvency, governmental policies and regulation, technology innovations, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, operating expenses, continued reduction in expenses, ability to successfully commercialize new products, the performance of our joint ventures, the availability and price of natural gas and hydrogen, new environmental regulations, the acceptance of and shift to natural gas and hydrogen vehicles,fuel emission standards, the development of competing technologies, our ability to adequately develop and deploy our technology, the actions and determinations of our joint venture and development partners, the effects and duration of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, supply chain disruptions as well as other risk factors and assumptions that may affect our actual results, performance or achievements or financial position discussed in our most recent Annual Information Form and other filings with securities regulators. Readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. We disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise such statements to reflect any change in our expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in these forward-looking statements except as required by National Instrument 51-102.

    Contact Information
    Investor Relations
    Westport Fuel Systems
    T: +1 604-718-2046

    GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). These U.S. GAAP financial statements include non-cash charges and other charges and benefits that may be unusual or infrequent in nature or that we believe may make comparisons to our prior or future performance difficult. In addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, Westport and certain investors use EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as an indicator of our ability to generate liquidity by producing operating cash flow to fund working capital needs, service debt obligations and fund capital expenditures. Management also uses these non-GAAP measures in its review and evaluation of the financial performance of Westport. EBITDA is also frequently used by investors and analysts for valuation purposes whereby EBITDA is multiplied by a factor or “EBITDA multiple” that is based on an observed or inferred relationship between EBITDA and market values to determine the approximate total enterprise value of a company. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures also provide additional insight to investors and securities analysts as supplemental information to our U.S. GAAP results and as a basis to compare our financial performance period-over-period and to compare our financial performance with that of other companies. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures facilitate comparisons of our core operating results from period to period and to other companies by, in the case of EBITDA, removing the effects of our capital structure (net interest income on cash deposits, interest expense on outstanding debt and debt facilities), asset base (depreciation and amortization) and tax consequences. Adjusted EBITDA provides this same indicator of Westports’ EBITDA from continuing operations and removing such effects of our capital structure, asset base and tax consequences, but additionally excludes any unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses, stock-based compensation charges and other one-time impairments and costs which are not expected to be repeated in order to provide greater insight into the cash flow being produced from our operating business, without the influence of extraneous events.

    Segment Information

    EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are intended to provide additional information to investors and analysts and do not have any standardized definition under U.S. GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA exclude the impact of cash costs of financing activities and taxes, and the effects of changes in operating working capital balances, and therefore are not necessarily indicative of operating profit or cash flow from operations as determined under U.S. GAAP. Other companies may calculate EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently.

    Segment earnings or losses before income taxes, interest, depreciation, and amortization (“Segment EBITDA”) is the measure of segment profitability used by the Company. The accounting policies of our reportable segments are the same as those applied in our consolidated financial statements. Management prepared the financial results of the Company’s reportable segments on basis that is consistent with the manner in which Management internally disaggregates financial information to assist in making internal operating decisions. Certain common costs and expenses, primarily corporate functions, among segments differently than we would for stand-alone financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. These include certain costs and expenses of shared services, such as IT, human resources, legal, finance and supply chain management. Segment EBITDA is not defined under US GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies and should not be considered a substitute for net earnings or other results reported in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliations of reportable segment information to consolidated statement of operations can be found in section “NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES & RECONCILIATIONS” within this press release.

      Three months ended March 31, 2025
      Light-Duty   High-Pressure Controls & Systems   Heavy-Duty OEM   Cespira   Total Segment
    Revenue $ 64.2   $ 1.4     $ 5.4   $ 16.7     $ 87.7
    Cost of revenue   50.2     1.2       4.4     16.2       72.0
    Gross profit   14.0     0.2       1.0     0.5       15.7
    Operating expenses:
    Research & development   3.0     1.0       0.1     3.1       7.2
    General & administrative   4.1     0.3       0.1     2.7       7.2
    Sales & marketing   2.3     0.1       —     0.3       2.7
    Depreciation & amortization   0.7     0.1       —     0.7       1.5
        10.1     1.5       0.2     6.8       18.6
    Equity income (note 8)   0.1     —       —     —       0.1
    Add back: Depreciation & amortization   1.9     0.1       —     1.6       3.6
    Segment EBITDA $ 5.9   $ (1.2 )   $ 0.8   $ (4.7 )   $ 0.8
      Three months ended March 31, 2024
      Light-Duty   High-Pressure Controls & Systems   Heavy-Duty OEM   Total Segment
    Revenue $ 63.3   $ 2.4     $ 11.9     $ 77.6  
    Cost of revenue   50.9     2.0       13.0       65.9  
    Gross profit   12.4     0.4       (1.1 )     11.7  
    Operating expenses:              
    Research & development   3.6     1.3       2.8       7.7  
    General & administrative   3.7     0.2       1.8       5.7  
    Sales & marketing   2.1     0.2       0.5       2.8  
    Depreciation & amortization   0.6     0.1       0.1       0.8  
        10.0     1.8       5.2       17.0  
    Equity income   —     —       —       —  
    Add back: Depreciation & amortization   1.5     0.1       1.4       3.0  
    Segment EBITDA $ 3.9   $ (1.3 )   $ (4.9 )   $ (2.3 )
    Gross Profit    
    (expressed in millions of U.S. dollars) 1Q25   1Q24
    Three months ended  
    Revenue $ 71.0     $ 77.6  
    Less: Cost of revenue   55.8       65.9  
    Gross profit   15.2       11.7  
    Gross margin %   21.4 %     15.1 %
      Three months ended March 31, 2025
      Total Segment   Less: Cespira   Add: Corporate & unallocated   Total Consolidated
    Revenue $ 87.7   $ 16.7   $ —     $ 71.0  
    Cost of revenue   72.0     16.2     —       55.8  
    Gross profit   15.7     0.5     —       15.2  
    Operating expenses:
    Research & development   7.2     3.1     —       4.1  
    General & administrative   7.2     2.7     1.9       6.4  
    Sales & marketing   2.7     0.3     0.3       2.7  
    Depreciation & amortization   1.5     0.7     —       0.8  
        18.6     6.8     2.2       14.0  
    Equity income (loss)   0.1     —     (3.9 )     (3.8 )
      Three months ended March 31, 2024
      Total Segment   Add: Corporate & unallocated   Total Consolidated
    Revenue $ 77.6   $ —   $ 77.6
    Cost of revenue   65.9     —     65.9
    Gross profit   11.7     —     11.7
    Operating expenses:
    Research & development   7.7     —     7.7
    General & administrative   5.7     4.7     10.4
    Sales & marketing   2.8     0.4     3.2
    Depreciation & amortization   0.8     0.2     1.0
        17.0     5.3     22.3
    Equity income   —     —     —
    Reconciliation of Segment EBITDA to Loss before income taxes   Three months ended March 31,
        2025       2024  
    Total Segment EBITDA   $ 0.8     $ (2.3 )
    Adjustments:
    Depreciation & amortization     2.0       3.0  
    Cespira’s Segment EBITDA     (4.7 )     —  
    Cespira’s equity loss     3.9       —  
    Corporate and unallocated operating expenses     2.2       5.3  
    Foreign exchange loss     (0.5 )     1.8  
    Interest on long-term debt and accretion of royalty payable     0.7       0.8  
    Interest and other income, net of bank charges     (0.9 )     (0.3 )
    Loss before income taxes   $ (1.9 )   $ (12.9 )
    EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA        
    (expressed in millions of U.S. dollars)   1Q25   1Q24
    Three months ended    
    Loss before income taxes   $ (1.9 )   $ (12.9 )
    Interest expense (income), net     (0.2 )     0.5  
    Depreciation and amortization     2.0       3.2  
    EBITDA     (0.1 )     (9.2 )
    Stock based compensation (recovery)     0.3       0.3  
    Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss     (0.5 )     1.8  
    Severance costs     —       0.5  
    Restructuring costs     0.3       —  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ —     $ (6.6 )
    WESTPORT FUEL SYSTEMS INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
    (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share amounts)
    March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024
     
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024
    Assets        
    Current assets:        
    Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash)   $ 32,637     $ 37,646  
    Accounts receivable     66,634       73,054  
    Inventories     63,214       53,526  
    Prepaid expenses     6,551       5,660  
    Total current assets     169,036       169,886  
    Long-term investments     40,052       39,732  
    Property, plant and equipment     45,314       41,956  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets     19,249       19,019  
    Intangible assets     5,174       5,277  
    Deferred income tax assets     10,261       9,695  
    Goodwill     2,996       2,876  
    Other long-term assets     3,163       3,180  
    Total assets   $ 295,245     $ 291,621  
    Liabilities and shareholders’ equity        
    Current liabilities:        
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   $ 93,127     $ 88,123  
    Current portion of operating lease liabilities     2,750       2,624  
    Current portion of long-term debt     13,225       14,660  
    Current portion of warranty liability     4,013       3,861  
    Total current liabilities     113,115       109,268  
    Long-term operating lease liabilities     16,560       16,433  
    Long-term debt     17,915       19,067  
    Warranty liability     1,603       1,456  
    Deferred income tax liabilities     4,063       4,029  
    Other long-term liabilities     4,391       4,343  
    Total liabilities     157,647       154,596  
    Shareholders’ equity:        
    Share capital:        
    Unlimited common and preferred shares, no par value        
    17,326,732 (2024 – 17,282,934) common shares issued and outstanding     1,246,408       1,245,805  
    Other equity instruments     9,081       9,472  
    Additional paid in capital     11,516       11,516  
    Accumulated deficit     (1,098,726 )     (1,096,275 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (30,681 )     (33,493 )
    Total shareholders’ equity     137,598       137,025  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 295,245     $ 291,621  
    WESTPORT FUEL SYSTEMS INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (unaudited)
    (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts)
    Three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024
     
        Three months ended March 31,
          2025       2024  
    Revenue   $ 70,955     $ 77,574  
    Cost of revenue     55,730       65,851  
    Gross profit     15,225       11,723  
    Operating expenses:        
    Research and development     4,052       7,693  
    General and administrative     6,397       10,353  
    Sales and marketing     2,758       3,287  
    Foreign exchange (gain) loss     (456 )     1,820  
    Depreciation and amortization     740       1,043  
          13,491       24,196  
    Income (loss) from operations     1,734       (12,473 )
             
    Income (loss) from investments accounted for by the equity method     (3,799 )     31  
    Interest on long-term debt     (676 )     (812 )
    Interest and other income, net of bank charges     869       341  
    Loss before income taxes     (1,872 )     (12,913 )
    Income tax expense     579       735  
    Net loss for the period     (2,451 )     (13,648 )
    Other comprehensive income (loss):        
    Cumulative translation adjustment     3,641       (430 )
    Ownership share of equity method investments’ other comprehensive loss     (829 )     —  
          2,812       (430 )
    Comprehensive income (loss)   $ 361     $ (14,078 )
             
    Loss per share:        
    Net loss per share – basic and diluted   $ (0.14 )     (0.79 )
    Weighted average common shares outstanding:        
    Basic and diluted     17,322,681       17,220,540  
    WESTPORT FUEL SYSTEMS INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
    (Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)
    Three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024
     
        Three months ended March 31,
          2025       2024  
    Operating activities:        
    Net loss for the period   $ (2,451 )   $ (13,648 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:        
    Depreciation and amortization     1,930       3,247  
    Stock-based compensation expense     212       331  
    Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss     (456 )     1,820  
    Deferred income tax (recovery)     (33 )     (40 )
    Loss (income) from investments accounted for by the equity method     3,799       (31 )
    Interest on long-term debt     22       22  
    Change in inventory write-downs     223       413  
    Change in bad debt expense     (33 )     (121 )
    Other     —       (248 )
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
    Accounts receivable     (2,072 )     12,526  
    Inventories     (7,502 )     (7,434 )
    Prepaid expenses     (415 )     (400 )
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     2,840       4,725  
    Warranty liability     (963 )     (1,020 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     (4,899 )     142  
    Investing activities:        
    Purchase of property, plant and equipment     (3,142 )     (4,893 )
    Proceeds on sale of assets     82       135  
    Proceeds from holdback receivable     10,450       —  
    Capital contributions to investments accounted for by the equity method (note 7)     (4,686 )     —  
    Net cash used in investing activities     2,704       (4,758 )
    Financing activities:        
    Repayments of operating lines of credit and long-term facilities     (3,918 )     (17,689 )
    Drawings on operating lines of credit and long-term facilities     —       11,848  
    Net cash used in financing activities     (3,918 )     (5,841 )
    Effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents     1,104       (494 )
    Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents     (5,009 )     (10,951 )
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period (including restricted cash)     37,646       54,853  
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period (including restricted cash)   $ 32,637     $ 43,902  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Dundee Corporation Delivers on Strategy With Strong Q1 Execution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — “The first quarter of 2025 was an important step forward for us – a period where we continued to execute on our long-term strategy and strengthen the business for the future,” said Jonathan Goodman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dundee Corporation. “We’ve been steadily working to simplify our portfolio, reduce leverage, and sharpen our focus on our core mining strategy. This quarter, we delivered on that plan. In February, we announced the pending sale of our interest in Android Industries to a strategic buyer – a transaction that once closed, will mark a significant milestone in our efforts to simplify the business and recycle capital into our core mining strategy. We also realized proceeds from the sale of G Mining Ventures, which we received in connection with G Mining’s acquisition of Reunion Gold last year. This outcome is a clear example of our approach in action: identifying high-quality assets early, backing strong teams, and exiting when value has been crystallized. The monetization of our original investment in Reunion, realized through the sale of G Mining Ventures shares, allowed us to fully repay our corporate loan facility. As a result, we ended the quarter with no debt at the parent level – a key strategic achievement that enhances our financial flexibility going forward.”  

    “Against a backdrop of rising gold prices, solid mining equity performance, and heightened macro uncertainty, we saw a timely opportunity to increase our exposure to high conviction investments. We participated in Magna Mining’s convertible debenture to support the integration of a producing copper-nickel-PGM asset in Sudbury. We also initiated a new position in Revival Gold through a strategic placement. Revival is advancing a portfolio of gold projects in the U.S. with scale, quality, and potential – and we are excited to support their progress as a new partner. Each of these investments reflects the kinds of assets and teams we want to align with: technically strong, well-managed, and positioned to deliver meaningful long-term value.”

    Mr. Goodman concluded: “We ended the quarter with a strong cash position, no parent-level debt, and a royalty that will deliver cash flow to Dundee in the second half of 2025. We are operating from a position of strength and focus. We are proud of what we have accomplished this quarter and remain energized by the opportunity ahead. None of this progress would be possible without the dedication, focus, and sharp execution of our team – they continue to be the driving force behind everything we achieve.”

    FIRST QUARTER 2025 RESULTS

    • The Corporation sold its remaining 2.9 million shares of G Mining Ventures Corp. (“G Mining”) for net proceeds of $45.3 million, after registering an additional $14.2 million investment gain during the quarter.
    • In February, Dundee repaid the remaining $5.0 million of loan principal outstanding with Earlston Investments Corp.
    • In February, Dundee announced the sale of its interest in Android Industries, LLC (“Android”) for cash proceeds of approximately $24.5 million at closing, with additional proceeds payable contingent upon the release of all escrows. The transaction is now expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals.
    • Reported net income from all portfolio investments for the first quarter of 2025 of $28.1 million (2024 – $12.6 million). Other than G Mining, the key drivers of performance during the quarter included investment gains of $4.5 million and $3.8 million in the Corporation’s investments in Ausgold Limited and Greenheart Gold Inc., respectively.
    • Reported consolidated general and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2025 of $4.5 million (2024 – $4.1 million).
    • Reported net earnings attributable to owners of the Corporation for the first quarter of 2025 of $24.5 million (2024 – $7.2 million), or earnings per share on a diluted basis of $0.25 (2024 – $0.07 per share).

    SEGMENTED FINANCIAL RESULTS  

    Mining Investments

    In the first quarter of 2025, the Corporation reported net earnings before taxes from the mining investments segment of $29.8 million (2024 – $9.3 million). Drivers of performance are described in the highlights above. The share of income from equity accounted mining investments during the first quarter of 2025 was $0.2 million (2024 – loss of $0.5 million).

    Corporate and others

    The Corporation reported a pre-tax loss from the corporate and others segment, including non-core subsidiaries, of $4.1 million (2024 – $0.4 million) during the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    The fair value of non-mining portfolio investments in the corporate and others segment decreased by $1.4 million (2024 – increased by $2.8 million) during the first quarter of the current year and was driven almost exclusively by the investment revaluation of Dundee’s ownership in TauRx Pharmaceuticals Ltd., owing to an increase to the discount rate used to value this investment at March 31, 2025.

    During the same period, the segment’s non-mining equity accounted investments reported pre-tax earnings of $0.03 million (2024 – $0.1 million). Also, the segment’s subsidiaries reported pre-tax losses of $0.1 million (2024 – $0.6 million).

    Mining Services

    During the first quarter of 2025, the mining services segment, comprised of the Corporation’s 78%-owned subsidiary, Dundee Sustainable Technologies Inc., reported a pre-tax loss of $1.7 million (2024 – $1.2 million).

    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY ON A PER SHARE BASIS

             
    Carrying value as at March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
    Mining Investments      
    Portfolio investments $ 93,649     $ 95,490  
    Equity accounted investments   31,273       30,013  
    Royalty   18,921       18,921  
          143,843       144,424  
    Corporate and Others      
    Corporate   64,253       32,976  
    Portfolio investments ‒ other   68,721       70,495  
    Equity accounted investments ‒ other   –       30,240  
    Real estate joint ventures   2,291       2,364  
    Subsidiaries   (106 )     3,403  
    Equity accounted investments ‒ Held-for-Sale   30,414       –  
          165,573       139,478  
    Mining Services      
    Subsidiaries   (535 )     (208 )
          (535 )     (208 )
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO CLASS A SUBORDINATE SHARES      
    AND CLASS B SHARES OF THE CORPORATION $ 308,881     $ 283,694  
             
    Number of shares of the Corporation issued and outstanding:      
      Class A Subordinate Shares   86,305,197       86,269,735  
      Class B Shares   3,114,491       3,114,491  
    Total number of shares issued and outstanding   89,419,688       89,384,226  
             
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY ON A PER SHARE BASIS $ 3.45     $ 3.17  
                   

    The Corporation’s unaudited interim consolidated financial statements as at and for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, along with the accompanying management’s discussion and analysis, have been filed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“SEDAR”) and may be viewed by interested parties under the Corporation’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca or the Corporation’s website at www.dundeecorporation.com.

    ABOUT DUNDEE CORPORATION:

    Dundee Corporation is a public Canadian independent mining-focused holding company, listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “DC.A”. The Corporation is primarily engaged in acquiring mineral resource assets. The Corporation operates with the objective of unlocking value through strategic investments in mining projects globally. Our team conducts due diligence in order to assess the geological, technical, environmental, and financial merits and risks of each project and looks to deploy capital where it can either seek to generate investment returns or where the Corporation can collaborate with operating partners and take strategic partnerships through direct interests in mining operations.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

    This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects Dundee Corporation’s current expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Dundee Corporation’s control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in the Annual Information Form of Dundee Corporation and subsequent filings made with securities commissions in Canada. Dundee Corporation does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

    Investor and Media Relations
    T: (416) 864-3584
    E: ir@dundeecorporation.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 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 weather.

    Satellites are also essential for monitoring floods, cyclones and bushfires, and supporting the people they affect. Farmers depend on satellite data, too, as does everyone trying to understand and tackle climate change, not to mention our military.

    Yet Australia’s access to space services depends almost entirely on satellites owned and run by foreign governments and companies. In an increasingly uncertain world, having our own sovereign space technology is becoming even more important for security.

    But what exactly do we need to secure? And how can space help us do it? My colleagues and I at the Australian Centre for Space Governance have thought through these questions and presented them in a policy paper series – and we have some recommendations for the government.

    Space services are essential

    Since 2022, the Australian government has considered space technology to be “critical infrastructure”. In other words, if the space-based services we use were destroyed or disrupted, it “would have a debilitating impact on Australia’s defence and national security, a destabilising effect on the population, and cause significant damage to the economy”.

    However, Australia is entirely dependent on foreign partners for space-based services such as communications and Earth observation.

    Another crucial kind of satellite-powered service is “position, navigation and timing” – things like GPS, which is owned and operated by the US government. Even a temporary loss of these services could pose significant risks to Australia’s telecommunications and energy systems, as well as disaster response.

    According to Australia’s 2024 National Defence Strategy, space capabilities are “equally as important as the maritime, land and air domains”. But we are in many respects simply users of space infrastructure that belongs to partner countries for our military needs. There are opportunities to increase our role in these partnerships if we place more emphasis on how Australia can be a contributor.

    An uncertain world

    Almost all the satellite data that supports our agriculture, banking, transport, climate monitoring, bushfire and flood response – and connects rural, remote and regional Australians – comes from the US, Europe and Japan. This dependency poses significant risks.

    If any of those countries have to prioritise their own national needs in a natural disaster – such as the Sea of Japan earthquake in January last year – we might lose access. Even temporary loss of service can be disruptive, such as the temporary outage in 2023 of a UK satellite that impacted farmers in Australia and New Zealand.

    The same might happen if any of those countries stopped providing data for political or national security reasons.

    These risks are only increasing as our dependency on satellite services grows, and our relationship with the United States may become less certain.

    What do we want from space?

    Many of Australia’s international partners are also questioning their dependence on the US, and prioritising their domestic needs. Many have national space policies, or at least a clear idea of what sovereign space capabilities they want to invest in. This is what Australia needs, too.

    Greater cooperation on new space technologies could help our shared interests with our neighbours. Obvious areas include regional security, climate response, supporting agriculture, and internet connectivity needs.

    One obstacle, as we discovered when we ran a national public opinion survey last year, is that Australia doesn’t have a clear vision of what it wants from space.

    In government, too, there is little shared understanding of how satellites and related infrastructure feed in to our national priorities and needs.

    At present, thinking about space is usually the domain of specialists in government. But a better option would be “mainstreaming” space – making it part of the everyday, business-as-usual thinking of policymakers across government.

    Sovereign satellites

    Our country already excels at what’s called the “ground segment” for space – things like satellite dishes and data management. One example is the satellite dish operated by Geoscience Australia in Alice Springs, on land leased from the Indigenous-owned business, the Centre for Appropriate Technology. But we don’t have any sovereign satellites.

    In 2023, the government scrapped a billion-dollar project including four Earth-observation satellites, citing budget constraints. In 2024, a planned military-grade satellite communications system worth $7 billion was also cancelled due to lack of cash.

    But in 2025, it’s a new term of government. New minister for industry and science Tim Ayres may revisit these decisions. It certainly aligns with his support for a “Future Made in Australia”.

    This time around, the space industry and researchers will need to do a better job at communicating why satellites matter so much to our national well-being and security.

    Cassandra Steer has received funding in the past from the Department of Defence, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Geoscience Australia and Home Affairs. She is Chair and founder of the Australian Centre for Space Governance.

    – ref. From GPS to weather forecasts: the hidden ways Australia relies on foreign satellites – https://theconversation.com/from-gps-to-weather-forecasts-the-hidden-ways-australia-relies-on-foreign-satellites-256440

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CLARKE SLAMS GOP’S ATTEMPT TO SLASH MEDICAID IN ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    May 13, 2025

    MEDIA CONTACT: 

    e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

    c: 202.913.0126

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke delivered the following remarks at the Committee on Energy and Commerce Full Committee Reconciliation Markup:

    “I would like to begin by sharing a story of one of my constituents, David. This is David — one of the many faces of Medicaid. David is a 55-year-old Brooklyn resident who has been living with congestive heart failure since 2016. Once a full-time worker, his diagnosis sadly forced him to stop working and rely solely on Medicaid for his healthcare. Medicaid covers all aspects of his medical needs — including the daily medications he has to take, regular cardiac monitoring, and hospital-based care. His condition was so severe that during his first visit to the hospital, he remained admitted for nearly a full year, that extended hospitalization was entirely covered by Medicaid — and it saved his life. He was able to receive this life-saving care at SUNY Downstate, a vital hospital in my district, that also heavily relies on Medicaid dollars to provide high-quality care to their patients — just like most healthcare institutions across the nation, from rural to urban. 

    The medical team there provided him with consistent, high-quality care in a community-based setting. Without Medicaid, David would lose access to his medications and to the physicians who have managed his condition for nearly a decade. David clearly said, ‘If Medicaid is cut, I will have no way to afford my care. No medication. No follow-up. No hospital. Without Medicaid, I will die prematurely.’ David’s story is a powerful example of how essential Medicaid is. It’s not just policy, but a lifeline for Americans in my district and across the nation.

    “Let’s be crystal clear about what’s happening here. We are being asked to sit in this room today and pretend that gutting Medicaid is somehow a ‘necessary evil’ and ‘a tough decision’ made in the name of fiscal responsibility. But it’s not. It is a political CHOICE that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are choosing to make. It is a CHOICE that disproportionately targets low-income communities, communities of color, immigrants, and working-class families. It is a CHOICE that will impact hospital systems, especially in New York, that are still trying to recover from the devastating impacts of COVID-19. It is a CHOICE that will strip away life-saving healthcare for 17.3 million Americans — nearly 7 million, or 1 in 3, New Yorkers who rely on this program.

    “In New York’s 9th District, this amounts to over 65,000 people over the age of 65, over 24,000 disabled children and adults, over 146,000 young adults, over 85,000 parents and caretakers, over 149,000 children, and over 11,000 pregnant women. MAKE NO MISTAKE — this Medicaid cut would hit Republican or red states the hardest. For months, House Republicans have lied about their plans to cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid — and now the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has confirmed that their plan will kick millions of people off their health care. The only winners in the Republican budget scheme are their billionaire donors like Elon Musk.

    “And yet, here we are ONCE AGAIN, witnessing Republicans playing political games with people’s lives, so their billionaire friends enjoy tax breaks and their private jets. ONCE AGAIN, they are here to feed their relentless obsession to dismantle the Affordable Care Act — which we’ve fought to preserve. Somehow we always find the money for tax breaks for the wealthy… but when it comes to health care for working people, suddenly we are out of money? This is boldface cruelty. Their goal is to shift federal support to their donors’ pockets. They are punitive, they are shortsighted, and they will devastate people — like David.

    “So no, I will NOT quietly sit here so that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle can chip away at the health and dignity of the American people and call it ‘compromise.’ In one of the wealthiest and most advanced nations in the world, EVERYONE — no matter their political beliefs — deserves access to quality, affordable health care. This is not fiscal policy. This is a moral failure. And I reject this bill.

    “Cruelty is the point!”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –