NewzIntel.com

Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Small business focus areas

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    We’ll help you get it right the first time

    We know most small businesses try to do the right thing.

    To ensure all businesses meet their tax, super and registry obligations, we will take firmer action on those who knowingly do the wrong thing. This will prevent them from gaining an unfair advantage over others.

    We want small businesses to get things right. Each quarter, we will highlight specific risk areas.

    Our focus areas

    Help and support

    If any of these risk areas apply to your business, help is available:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Bullengarook brigade increases the resilience of its community

    Source:

    Last Saturday (3 May) Bullengarook Fire Brigade in partnership with Macedon Ranges Shire Council and local community groups hosted a ‘Community Resilience’ day. 

    The aim of the event was to give community members the information they needed to live safely in an extreme fire risk area. Locals listened to crucial messages about fire safety and preparation.

    CFA’s Community Based Bushfire Management Program was at the core of the initiative, and the topics covered were in line with CFA’s fire safety and preparation messaging.

    This messaging was enhanced by the council’s resiliency agendas for communities such as Bullengarook to be self-sufficient and prepared for the first 72 hours after a natural disaster.

    During the day there were several information sessions including:

    • a debrief of the 2024 Bullengarook Christmas fire, by Incident Controller John Deering
    • CFA community fire safety and preparation, run by CFA volunteer Nicky Haslinghouse
    • bushfire resilient landscaping, run by Riddells Creek Captain and Group Community Safety Office Gill Metz AFSM
    • snakes and other hazardous wildlife, run by renowned biochemist and Bullengarook local Tim Carroll
    • ecological vegetation management and biodiversity, run by Roger MacRaild from Bullengarook Landcare
    • a live snake show and demonstration, run by Black Snake Productions. Needless to say this was a hit with the kids.

    A number of other organisations including SES, Council of Churches, the Bullengarook Rec Centre and Bullengarook Landcare, delivered their safety and support messages.

    There was also a pizza and coffee van, a juke box and the rights to publicly show the children’s movie Wall-E in case the event went into the night. Bullengarook Rec Centre also organised a raffle for a fire pump donated by Midland Irrigation.

    It was a great day and the community has already provided some positive feedback about how informative it was and how they are looking forward to the next one.

    Submitted by Simon Hayward

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Russia urge nuclear-weapon states to abandon Cold War mentality: Joint statement

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China and Russia urged nuclear-weapon states to abandon the Cold War mentality and zero-sum games, according to a joint statement on global strategic stability released in Moscow on Thursday.

    The two sides emphasized the importance of maintaining a constructive relationship among major countries in addressing global strategic issues.

    Noting that nuclear-weapon states bear special responsibilities for international security and global strategic stability, the statement said that they should give up taking measures that trigger strategic risks, and concerns should be addressed through equal dialogue and consultations based on mutual respect to enhance trust and avoid dangerous misjudgments.

    The statement noted that not all nuclear-weapon states follow the above-mentioned position, saying the rising tensions among nuclear-weapon states have escalated, even to the point of facing direct military conflicts, adding that problems and challenges in the strategic domain keep emerging, and the risk of nuclear conflicts is rising.

    According to the statement, the fact that certain nuclear-weapon states build or expand permanent military bases in sensitive areas around other nuclear-weapon states, flex military muscle to exert pressure, or carry out hostile acts that threaten the core security interests of other countries has become one of the most urgent strategic risks to be eliminated.

    Meanwhile, the forward deployment of military facilities and advanced offensive and defensive weapons have been continuously strengthened, a trend that has raised serious concerns.

    The recently announced “Golden Dome” plan of the United States aims to build a global, multi-level and multi-domain missile defense system that is not subject to any constraints to resist various missile threats, including those from “evenly matched” opponents, said the statement, adding that it also causes serious damage to strategic stability.

    This plan completely and thoroughly negates the inseparable interrelationship between strategic offensive and strategic defensive arms, the core principle on maintaining global strategic stability. In addition, this plan also provides further support for the research and development of kinetic and non-kinetic means to strike missiles and their supporting facilities and achieve “left-of-launch.”

    The “Golden Dome” program openly proposed a significant increase in outer space combat means, including the development and deployment of orbital interception systems, weaponizing outer space and turning it into a large-scale armed confrontation site, which made the situation even worse, said the document.

    The two countries oppose the attempts of individual countries to use outer space for armed confrontation, and reject the implementation of security policies and activities aimed at gaining military superiority and defining outer space and using it as a “war-fighting domain.”

    China and Russia condemned the use of commercial space systems to interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign states and intervene in armed conflicts of other countries.

    Some individual nuclear-weapon state, supported by its allies, aims to undermine the reliability and effectiveness of the strategic deterrence of other nuclear-weapon states, revealing the attempt to seek overwhelming military superiority, and ultimately achieve “absolute strategic security.” It fundamentally violates the basic logic of maintaining strategic balance and runs counter to the principle of equal and indivisible security, according to the statement.

    Any military confrontation among nuclear-weapon states should be resolutely avoided, said the document, adding that political and diplomatic solutions to existing differences should be sought on the basis of mutual recognition of and mutual respect for each other’s security interests and concerns.

    Both sides pointed out in the statement that through a trilateral security partnership, the United States, Britain and Australia attempt to establish military facilities used by the two nuclear-weapon states to safeguard their nuclear forces within the territory of a signatory to the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, undermining regional strategic stability and provoking a regional arms race.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What will the Antichrist look like? According to Western thought, an authoritarian king – or the pope

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Philip C. Almond, Emeritus Professor in the History of Religious Thought, The University of Queensland

    Composite image by The Conversation. Images courtesy of TruthSocial/@realDonaldTrump and Wikimedia Commons

    The US presidency and the papacy came together on May 3 when Donald Trump posted an AI-generated photograph of himself dressed as the pope to Truth Social. The image was then shared by the White House’s accounts.

    Seated in an ornate (Mar-a-Lago-style) golden chair, he was wearing a white cassock and a bishop’s hat, with his right forefinger raised.

    Trump has since told reporters he “had nothing to do with it […] somebody did it in fun”.

    This image of “Pope Donald I” is of historical significance, for reasons of which, no doubt, the White House and Trump were blissfully unaware. It is the first ever image to combine the two most important understandings of the figure of the Antichrist in Western thought: on the one hand, that of the pope, and on the other, that of the authoritarian, despotic world emperor.

    On April 22, the day after Pope Francis’ death, Trump declared “I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice”. On April 28, Trump told The Atlantic “I run the country and the world”.

    So, both pope and world emperor.

    The Imperial Antichrist

    In the New Testament, the First Letter of John says, before Christ came again, the Antichrist will appear: the most conspicuous sign the end of the world was near. nb small tweak to wording here

    The Antichrist would be the archetypal evil human being who would persecute the Christian faithful. He would be finally defeated by the forces of good. As Sir Isaac Newton suggested, “searching the Prophecies which [God] hath given us to know Antichrist by” is a Christian obligation.

    The first life of the Antichrist was written by a Benedictine monk, Adso of Montier-en-der, around 1,100 years ago. According to Adso, the Antichrist would be a tyrannical evil king who would corrupt all those around him with gold and silver. He would be brought up in all forms of wickedness. Evil spirits would be his instructors and his constant companions.

    The Antichrist, left, is depicted as a king, in this image from a 12th century manuscript.
    Wikimedia Commons

    Seeking his own glory, as Adso put it, this king “will call himself Almighty God”.

    The Antichrist was opposite to everything Christ-like. According to the Christian tradition, Christ was fully human yet absolutely “sin free”. The Antichrist too was fully human, but completely “sin full”. The Antichrist was not so much a supernatural being who became flesh, as a human being who became fully demonised.

    Influenced by Christian stories of the Antichrist, Islam and Judaism constructed their own Antichrists – al-Dajjal, the Antichrist of the Muslims, and Armilus, the Antichrist of the Jews. Both al-Dajjal and Armilus are king-like messiahs.

    Over the centuries, many world leaders have been labelled “the Antichrist” – the Roman emperors Nero and Domitian were Antichrist figures, and the French emperor Napoleon was named the Antichrist in his own time.

    There have been more recent leaders who have been likened to the Antichrist, among them former president of Iraq Saddam Hussein, King Charles III, former Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev, al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden, and Trump.

    The Papal Antichrist

    In the year 1190, King Richard I of England, on his way to the Holy Land, was informed by the Italian theologian Joachim of Fiore (c.1135–1202) the next pope would be the Antichrist.

    In the history of the Antichrist, this was a momentous occasion. From this time on, the tyrannical Antichrist outside of the Church would be juxtaposed with the papal deceiver within it.

    That the Catholic pope was the Antichrist was the common reading of the pope in the 16th-century Protestant Reformation.

    Martin Luther (1483–1546), the founder of the Protestant revolution, declared the pope “is the true […] Antichrist who has raised himself over and set himself against Christ”.

    Just as all Christians would not worship the Devil as God, he went on to say, “so we cannot allow his apostle the pope or Antichrist, to govern as our head or lord”.

    This 1877 painting depicts Martin Luther summoned by the Catholic Church in 1521, to renounce or reaffirm his views criticising Pope Leo X.
    Wikimedia Commons

    As he was about to be burned by the Catholic Queen Mary for his Protestant beliefs, the Anglican bishop Thomas Cranmer (1489–1556) declared, “as for the pope, I refuse him, as Christ’s enemy and antichrist with all his false doctrine”.

    Even in 1988, as Pope John Paul II addressed the European Parliament, the Northern Ireland hardline Protestant leader Ian Paisley roared, “Antichrist! I renounce you and all your cults and creeds” – to which, we are told, the pope gave a slight bemused smile.

    Except among the most extreme of Protestant conservatives, the idea of the papal Antichrist no longer has any purchase. The papal Antichrist has vacated the Western stage for the imperial Antichrist.

    The Antichrist and the end of the world

    In the history of Christianity, the idea of the Antichrist was a key part of Christian expectations about the return of Christ and the end of the world.

    In the final battle between the forces of good and evil, the Antichrist would be defeated by the forces of Christ. In short, the rise of the world emperor who was the Antichrist was a sign that the end of the world was at hand.

    In the light of the Western history of “the Antichrist”, the image of the imperial and papal US president is a powerful sign that the global order – at least as we have known it for the last 80 years – may be at an end.



    Read more:
    Five things to know about the Antichrist

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

    – ref. What will the Antichrist look like? According to Western thought, an authoritarian king – or the pope – https://theconversation.com/what-will-the-antichrist-look-like-according-to-western-thought-an-authoritarian-king-or-the-pope-256205

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What’s the difference between probiotics and prebiotics? A dietitian explains

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Evangeline Mantzioris, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, University of South Australia

    Simply Amazing/Shutterstock

    If you walk through your local pharmacy or supermarket you’re bound to come across probiotics and prebiotics.

    They’re added to certain foods. They come as supplements you can drink or take as a pill. They also occur naturally in everyday foods.

    You might have a vague idea that probiotics and prebiotics are healthy. Or perhaps you’ve heard they’re good for your “microbiome”.

    But what actually is your microbiome? And what’s the difference between probiotics and prebiotics anyway?

    First, some definitions

    The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, and the World Health Organization, define probiotics as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit”. These microorganisms are the bacteria and yeasts in food such as yoghurt, sauerkraut and kombucha, and in supplements.

    But prebiotics refer to the “food” probiotics need to survive and replicate.

    Prebiotics are better known as dietary fibre. They include specific types of fibres called inulin-type fructans, galacto-oligosaccahrides, resistant starch and pectin. Prebiotics occur naturally in plant foods, are added to foods (such as bread and breakfast cereals) and come as supplements.

    Dietary fibre remains undigested in your stomach and small intestine until it reaches the large intestine. There, microorganisms (probiotics) break down (or ferment) the fibre (prebiotics), converting it into metabolites or nutrients linked to better health.

    How are they related to your microbiome?

    Both probiotics and prebiotics are said to encourage a healthy microbiome. That’s a healthy community of different microorganisms that live in or on your body. This includes those in the mouth, gut, skin, respiratory system and the urogenital tract (which handles urine, and has reproductive functions).

    Everyone’s microbiome is different and varies throughout your life. For instance, changing your diet, physical activity, hygiene, taking antibiotics or having an infection all affect your microbiome.

    These factors can change the diversity of your microbiome, that is how many different types of microorganisms you have. These factors can also alter the ratio of healthy microorganisms to unhealthy ones.

    Everyone’s microbiome is different and this community of microorganisms varies throughout your life.
    Elif Bayraktar/Shutterstock

    When your microbiome is less diverse or when the number of unhealthy microorganisms outgrow the number of healthy ones, this is known as dysbiosis. This can lead to problems including diarrhoea or constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, bleeding gums, atopic dermatitis (eczema) or acne.

    Probiotics and prebiotics are marketed as ways to support a healthy, diverse microbiome, and help to reduce the chance of dysbiosis.

    As taking antibiotics can alter your microbiome, they’re also marketed as a way of improving its microbial diversity when taking antibiotics or afterwards.

    Do probiotics work?

    The microbiome plays a crucial role in our health. For instance, a healthy microbiome has been linked to reduced risk of cancers, cardiovascular (heart) diseases, allergy diseases and inflammatory bowel disease.

    But how about taking probiotic supplements to boost your microbiome?

    A review of clinical trials looked at probiotic supplements in healthy people. It found no increase in the diversity of their microbiome.

    Another review of clinical trials looked at the impact of probiotic supplements while people were taking antibiotics. The diversity of their microbiome did not improve.

    Another study not included in these two reviews found probiotics could make microbial diversity worse in the short term. It found probiotic supplements delayed restoring the microbiome after taking antibiotics.

    Trying probiotics around the time you take antibiotics doesn’t seem to help your microbiome.
    one photo/Shutterstock

    What about prebiotics?

    There have been few studies on the impact of healthy people just taking prebiotic supplements. However, there are studies of people taking prebiotics with probiotics on particular aspects of health.

    For instance, one large review looked at various neuropsychiatric outcomes, including dementia, Parkinson’s disease and mild cognitive impairment, when people took prebiotics and probiotics (together or separately). Another review looked at the effect of prebiotics, probiotics or synbiotics (supplements that contain both prebiotics and probiotics) on people with diabetes.

    But their findings are not conclusive. So we need more research to routinely recommend these supplements. They are also no replacement for standard medication and a healthy, balanced diet.

    So how do I keep my microbiome healthy?

    You’re better off getting your probiotics from everyday fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and kimchi.
    Tatjana Baibakova/Shutterstock

    Naturally occurring probiotics and prebiotics are in everyday foods.

    Probiotics are found in fermented foods such as cheese, sauerkraut, yoghurt, miso, tempeh and kimchi.

    Prebiotics are in the foods that contain fibre – all plant foods. It is important to have a variety of plant foods in your diet. This will ensure you get all the different types of fibre needed to keep your healthy bacteria alive, and to increase the diversity of your microbiome.

    Eating foods rather than consuming supplements also means you get the extra nutrients in the food.

    The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating recommends a diet rich in plant foods, and promotes eating fermented foods (in the form of cheese and yoghurt). This combination is ideal for maintaining a healthy microbiome.

    Evangeline Mantzioris is affiliated with Alliance for Research in Nutrition, Exercise and Activity (ARENA) at the University of South Australia. Evangeline Mantzioris has received funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, and has been appointed to the National Health and Medical Research Council Dietary Guideline Expert Committee.

    – ref. What’s the difference between probiotics and prebiotics? A dietitian explains – https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-probiotics-and-prebiotics-a-dietitian-explains-248653

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: two ministers and the Nationals discover the limits of loyalty in politics

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

    Labor’s extraordinary election result has triggered a power play that has exposed the uglier entrails of Labor factionalism.

    Even before the new caucus met in Canberra on Friday, the Labor right had dumped two of its cabinet ministers: Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus and Industry Minister Ed Husic. Dreyfus is from the Victorian right, Husic from the New South Wales right.

    In Labor, factionalism can trump merit. Not always, of course, but undoubtedly more often than is desirable, and certainly in this case.

    These dramatic demotions to the backbench have been driven by two factors.

    The left has more numbers in the caucus after the election, meaning that to preserve factional balances, one minister from the right had to go.

    And then Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles used his heft as chief of the Victorian right to protect the numbers of that group in the ministry, at the expense of the NSW right, and to secure a key promotion.

    In sacrificing Dreyfus who, while from the right, isn’t a serious factional player, Marles has seen the elevation into the outer ministry of his numbers man Sam Rae (as well as another Victorian right-winger, Daniel Mulino).

    Rae, little known publicly, has only been in parliament since 2022. He’s a former Victorian Labor state secretary and was a partner at PwC. Mulino, with a substantial background in economic policy, has served in both the Victorian and federal parliaments.

    Some see the Marles move as, in part, looking to shore up his numbers for any future leadership race. While this might sound far-fetched, given Anthony Albanese’s huge win and declaration he’ll serve a full term, aspirants always have an eye on the future. The manoeuvre won’t be missed by another leadership aspirant, Treasurer Jim Chalmers, a Queenslander who is also from the right.

    Given his enhanced authority, Albanese could have intervened to protect the two ministers – there was an attempt from within the NSW right to get him to do so for Husic – but has chosen to let the factional power play take its course. He said on Thursday, “we have a process and we’ll work it through”, adding that “no individual is greater than the collective, and that includes myself”.

    In the fallout, with the loss of Dreyfus there will be no Jewish minister, which is unfortunate in light of the government’s strained relations with the Jewish community. Husic’s demotion takes the only Muslim out of cabinet, although the speculation is another Muslim, Anne Aly, will be elevated to cabinet.

    Former prime minister Paul Keating was scathing of the demotions, denouncing the “appalling denial of Husic’s diligence and application in bringing the core and emerging technologies of the digital age to the centre of Australian public policy”.

    Keating said Albanese’s non-intervention in relation to Husic “is, in effect, an endorsement of a representative of another state group – in this case, the Victorian right faction led by Richard Marles – a faction demonstrably devoid of creativity and capacity”.

    Keating described the treatment of the two ministers as “a showing of poor judgement, unfairness and diminished respect for the contribution of others”.

    It will take a while to see what ripples the factional power play brings. Husic, certainly, is feisty. He could become a strong voice on a Labor backbench that has been basically quiescent. He is already booked to appear on the ABC’s Insiders program on Sunday and its Q&A panel on Monday.

    Now that the factions have had their say, the prime minister allocates jobs, with particular interest on what Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek receives.

    On the other side of politics, it is not surprising there is widespread anger, ill feeling and recriminations, given the magnitude of the Liberals’ defeat. The contest for leadership between the party’s Deputy Leader Sussan Ley and Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor had already become willing before the bombshell defection of Senator Jacinta Price from the Nationals to the Liberals increased the angst exponentially.

    The Nationals feel betrayed that their star performer has walked out on them. Her defection will complicate negotiations between the Liberals and the Nationals over their inter-party agreement.

    The move, part of the attempt by Taylor, from the right, to boost his support, is further dividing the Liberal party. It is not yet clear whether Price will join a ticket with Taylor to run for deputy. In interviews on Thursday night and Friday morning she kept her options open, presumably to determine what numbers she would draw.

    While having the Liberal deputy in the Senate would be inconvenient, it has precedent. Fred Chaney, then a senator, became deputy in Andrew Peacock’s coup against John Howard in 1989. It didn’t end well.

    If Price did run, that might help Taylor with some Liberals currently uncertain of which leadership contender to support, because they would know she would be popular in their branches.

    But for the moderates in the party, who want the Liberals to find a path back in traditional urban areas, the arrival of Price, with her hardline right views, sends all the wrong signals. The leafy city suburbs are populated with small-l voters and professional women, who would not see themselves in tune with Price’s views.

    It there was a Taylor-Price leadership team that would be an unmistakable message – that the Liberals were tracking very significantly away from the mainstream in which most voters swim.

    Price was the leading figure who helped sink the Voice referendum, but she has not yet proved herself on the broader range of issues. In the campaign, her reference to “make Australia great again” was used against the Coalition to claim it was “Trumpian”.

    Explaining her move, Price says that she had actually always wanted to sit in the Liberal party room. She comes from the Northern Territory Country Liberal party, whose representatives sit with either the Liberals or the Nationals, according to a formula.

    On her timing, Price said, “right now, amongst many of the conversations I have had with those leading up to making this decision, is that extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures”.

    Within the Liberals, Price, given her profile and her status as a poster-woman of the rightwing media, will potentially be hard to handle.

    While Labor savours the taste of triumph, and the Coalition drinks the the bitter brew of defeat, a week on Dreyfus, Husic and the Nationals discover the limits of loyalty.

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

    – ref. View from The Hill: two ministers and the Nationals discover the limits of loyalty in politics – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-two-ministers-and-the-nationals-discover-the-limits-of-loyalty-in-politics-255959

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Labor has promised to tackle homelessness. Here’s what homeless people say they need

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robyn Martin, Associate Dean, Social Work and Human Services, RMIT University

    Pressmaster/Shutterstock

    The 2025 election is over and now it’s time for Labor to deliver on campaign promises to address homelessness.

    Action on homelessness is long overdue. Affordable housing options remain scarce and public and community housing waitlists keep growing.

    The crisis springs from decades of government policy failures in many areas. Homelessness is linked to poverty, stigma, violence and poor health.

    Labor has promised to:

    • build more affordable housing
    • reduce social housing waitlists
    • prioritise groups vulnerable to homelessness
    • invest A$1.2 billion in homelessness accommodation.

    This is welcome, but it’s crucial people who have experienced homelessness are involved in the design of policy and services. They are the experts.

    Our recent research involved speaking with 47 people with current or past experiences of homelessness in Victoria and South Australia. The study was co-designed and co-led by people who had experienced homelessness.

    See us, hear us

    Participants told us their perspectives aren’t valued. One said:

    Homeless people [are] looked down upon. The individual is not considered. They fall on hard times for many reasons. They will judge you and they’ll categorise you.

    Another said:

    Do we have a voice? No, we don’t, because they don’t care […] they don’t listen.

    Many wanted to influence policy and service design. One said:

    I think it’s really important that people like us […] have a say in the way we move forward, and it’s not coming from people in really nice suits […] that don’t really have any experience.

    Respect our expertise

    People who’ve experienced homelessness can “identify things that someone without that lived experience may simply not have thought of in the first place”, one person told us.

    They should be involved as staff and leaders in service design and provision. One person said:

    I think if there were people that were around with lived experience that could somehow get in contact with people like me at that time and say, “Look, mate, you don’t have to go down this path, you don’t have to live this kind of life, there’s another way”.

    One participant who’d experienced domestic violence said navigating all the different non-government agencies was complicated. Decisions were made without her input.

    A failure to find this woman housing eventually led to her children being removed.

    Respect needs to be at the centre of service provision. One participant described overhearing workers complaining about the smell of homeless people. Another said they’d value practical advice from people who’d experienced homelessness:

    Having someone who’s actually been through that and can actually then describe what navigating systems means to someone coming in could be a really useful way to employ someone in homelessness services.

    Valuing and paying for the expertise of people who have experienced homelessness is vital. One participant said:

    I was on a panel with CEOs of homelessness organisations [and] was asked one hour before: “Would you like to be the lived experience voice?” So, was I paid the same? No. Was I given the same respect as everyone else? No. Was I given enough time to prepare? No. But did I deliver? Yes, I delivered. I showed up and I still was able to deliver. So, I think my expertise […] is just as valid as anybody else’s.

    Another said:

    You need to get as wide a lived experience as possible, otherwise it’s a bit pointless if they’re all 30-year-old white guys.

    From prison to homelessness

    Around half of those leaving prison exit into homelessness.

    Many women in these circumstances must choose between homelessness and returning to violent situations.

    Community organisations work hard to keep women housed, but this requires adequate and ongoing funding.

    One formerly incarcerated woman told us:

    Incarceration creates homelessness […] they’re released into a void […] If that was me, I would definitely rather be in prison than be on the street.

    Another said:

    Most women who are in prison suffered from childhood sexual abuse, they’ve suffered domestic violence and suffered a lot of trauma […] but for some reason, that’s all forgotten for us when we’re released.

    People with experience of homelessness are best placed to guide the design and delivery of services, and offer pragmatic solutions.

    One participant told us:

    When I came out [of hospital], one of the community service people said, “Oh, we can put you in a hotel for four nights.” And I said, “Actually, the best thing I need is four new tyres on my van.” And they said, “No, we can’t do that.” The tyres would be cheaper than the hotel. But they said, “No, we can’t.” I’ve always said solutions don’t have to be pretty, but they have to work.

    People told us a one-size-fits-all, box-ticking approach won’t work because:

    not everybody fits into those categories. Everybody [is] in different circumstances.

    Another said:

    You go to a service, they don’t care about your purpose. They don’t care about your goal. They care about: “Have I provided my service that I’m obligated to give?”

    Many services aren’t working for homeless people. One participant said:

    One of the reasons I stayed homeless is because I either had to kill my dog or give my dog up and I couldn’t do either because he was my saviour. So, I lived
    in that car. At that time, I was freezing and gave whatever blankets I could to my dog. He got so sick […] I contacted another place [and] asked for a sleeping bag and a tent to be sent to me and it was sent to the service provider that never gave it to me.

    Many people have no choice but to sleep in their car.
    Alexander Knyazhinsky/Shutterstock

    What now?

    Our research participants called for policy addressing poverty and for the perspectives of people who’d experienced homelessness to be:

    • embedded in housing and homelessness policy, service design and practice
    • recognised, valued and properly remunerated
    • involved in leading research.

    The authors thank the people with experience with homelessness who led our research.

    Robyn Martin’s research was funded by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, and was a collaboration between RMIT, UniSA, the Council for Homeless Persons and Seeds of Affinity.

    Carole Zufferey’s research was funded by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, and was a collaboration between RMIT, UniSA, the Council for Homeless Persons and Seeds of Affinity.

    Michele Jarldorn’s research was funded by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, and was a collaboration between RMIT, UniSA, the Council for Homeless Persons and Seeds of Affinity. Michele is a volunteer with Seeds of Affinity and is currently chair of their board. Seeds of Affinity does not receive any ongoing funding.

    – ref. Labor has promised to tackle homelessness. Here’s what homeless people say they need – https://theconversation.com/labor-has-promised-to-tackle-homelessness-heres-what-homeless-people-say-they-need-255945

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Austin to return for a second season in 2025

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Austin cast members: Sally Phillips (Ingrid), Ben Miller (Julian), Gia Carides (Mel) and Michael Theo (Austin). Image: ABC

    In brief:

    • Season one of Austin was very popular with viewers.
    • A second season has been commissioned and will again be partly filmed in Canberra.
    • This article shares what’s ahead for the characters in season two.

    The much-loved TV series Austin will be back for a second season.

    Filmed mostly in Canberra, the first season shone a spotlight on the ACT and was a hit with audiences.

    Season two will begin filming in the UK early in December 2024. It will air on ABC TV in 2025.

    The Austin cast

    Michael Theo will reprise his role as the straight-talking, neurodivergent Austin. This follows his breakout performance in season one.

    UK actors Ben Miller and Sally Phillips will also be back. As will Australians Gia Carides and Roy Billing.

    “We are all beyond excited to start filming again, and reunite our joyously neurodivergent family,” Ben said.

    What’s ahead

    Austin follows the relationship between author Julian and the son he never knew about: Austin.

    In the first season, viewers fell in love with Austin and his extended family.

    At the start of season two, Austin and Julian are still in the UK when Austin’s own publishing career takes off.

    As his fame grows, he falls under the professional spell of his new agent.

    To his family’s horror, Austin behaves in a manner unbefitting his true self.

    Meanwhile, an Australian production company options Julian’s Big Bear for TV.

    Julian, his wife, Ingrid, and Austin return to Canberra. Unfortunately, they find the company wants to reinvent the Big Bear brand – without Julian.

    Presenting diversity

    “Austin is a ground-breaking series that has captivated audiences with its heartfelt storytelling, humour and exploration of neurodiversity and acceptance,” Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said.

    “Seeing authentic representation of the diverse experiences of all Australians on screen is vital, and we’re very proud to support this talented creative team and cast as they build on the success of the first season. We look forward to seeing Michael Theo deliver another scene-stealing performance.”

    Production credits

    Commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. A Northern Pictures production with Lincoln Pictures, in association with and distributed by ITV Studios. Major Production investment from the ABC in association with Screen Australia, the ACT Government, and Screen Canberra. Post Produced with the assistance of the NSW Government.

    Where to watch

    Austin season two will air on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2025.

    Austin season one is now on ABC iview.

    Read more like this:

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 146-2025: Unplanned Outage: Friday 09 May 2025 – Multiple Systems

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    09 May 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    Approved arrangements operators, customs brokers, importers, manned depots, and freight forwarders who are required to book and manage requests for inspections through the Biosecurity Portal using the ‘Sign in with your Digital ID’ (myID) pathway.

    Approved arrangement operators attempting to access online reports of entries referred to the department for biosecurity assessment, or management under a class 19 Approved Arrangement,…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 9, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 9, 2025.

    What is grounding and could it improve my sleep? Here’s the science behind this TikTok trend
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dean J. Miller, Senior Lecturer, Appleton Institute, HealthWise Research Group, CQUniversity Australia Alexey Demidov/Pexels Have you ever felt an unexpected sense of calm while walking barefoot on grass? Or noticed your stress begin to fade as you stood ankle deep in the ocean? If so, you may

    Google is rolling out its Gemini AI chatbot to kids under 13. It’s a risky move
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University Studio Nut/Shutterstock Google has announced it will roll out its Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot to children under the age of 13. While the launch starts within the next week in

    PNG’s Gorethy Kenneth: 23 years of fearless journalism and unwavering truth
    PROFILE: By Alu J Kalinoe At Papua New Guinea’s Post-Courier, our senior journalists often operate in the shadows, yet their courageous efforts are often overlooked — continuously pushing boundaries to bring us important stories that shape our lives and venturing outside their comfort zones to deliver top-notch content. This is the tale of one of

    ‘Peace be with all of you’: how Pope Leo XIV embodies a living dialogue between tradition and modernity
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darius von Guttner Sporzynski, Historian, Australian Catholic University When Robert Francis Prevost appeared on the loggia of St Peter’s Basilica as Pope Leo XIV, he set three precedents. He is the first pope from North America, the first Augustinian to occupy the throne of Peter, and the

    Experts split on Australia’s Papua New Guinea military recruitment plan
    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist Australia’s plan to recruit from Papua New Guinea for its Defence Force raises “major ethical concerns”, according to the Australia Defence Association, while another expert thinks it is broadly a good idea. The two nations are set to begin negotiating a new defence treaty that is expected to see

    Hidden connections of more than 100 migratory marine species revealed in interactive map
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lily Bentley, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock From the enormous blue whale to the delicate monarch butterfly, animals of all shapes and sizes migrate across the globe. These migrations connect distant habitats, from the tropics to the poles. They

    As Filipinos prepare to vote, ex-strongman Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest is dividing families – all the way to the president
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Noel Morada, Visiting Professor, Nelson Mandela Centre, Chulalongkorn University; and Research Fellow, Asia Pacific Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, Chulalongkorn University It’s been two months since former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and handed over to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face potential prosecution

    How the word ‘incel’ got away from us
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Farid Zaid, Senior Lecturer, Psychology, Monash University Javier Bermudez Zayas/Shutterstock Imagine a young man whose voice has been worn down by years of feeling invisible. Plain, numb and bitter, the “incel” tries to explain the kind of hopelessness most of us would rather not confront: I believed

    Kiwi kids once led the world in reading – this 1950s primary school syllabus still has lessons for today
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ruth Boyask, Director of LitPlus, AUT School of Education, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images There is a well-known whakatauki (Māori proverb) that goes: “Ka mua, ka muri” – “walking backwards into the future”. It applies to many areas of life, but in education the idea of

    Some Reddit users just love to disagree, new AI-powered troll-spotting algorithm finds
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marian-Andrei Rizoiu, Associate Professor in Behavioral Data Science, University of Technology Sydney ginger_polina_bublik/Shutterstock In today’s fractured online landscape, it is harder than ever to identify harmful actors such as trolls and misinformation spreaders. Often, efforts to spot malicious accounts focus on analysing what they say. However, our

    To split Moscow from Beijing, Trump is reviving Nixon’s ‘madman diplomacy’. It could backfire badly
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Langford, Executive Director, Security & Defence PLuS and Professor, UNSW Sydney When United States President William McKinley advocated high‑tariff protectionism in 1896, he argued squeezing foreign competitors behind a 50% wall of duties would make America richer and safer. That logic framed US trade debates for

    A community-led health program in remote Arnhem land is showing promising results for First Nations locals
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hasthi Dissanayake, Research Fellow in Indigenous Health, The University of Melbourne The Doherty Institute Indigenous Australians are more than twice as likely as non-Indigenous Australians to suffer from disease, particularly chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. The health disparities are worse in remote

    Why it’s important to read aloud to your kids – even after they can read themselves
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robyn Cox, Professor of Literacy Education, University of Tasmania Mart Production/Pexels , CC BY Is reading to your kids a bedtime ritual in your home? For many of us, it will be a visceral memory of our own childhoods. Or of the time raising now grown-up children.

    Old drains and railways are full of life. Here’s how to make the most of these overlooked green spaces
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hugh Stanford, Researcher Associate, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University Much of the old circular railway line in Paris, La Petite Ceinture, or Little Belt, has been turned into a public park. ldgfr photos, Shutterstock Across Australian cities, leftover and overlooked green spaces are everywhere. Just think

    Ever wanted to ditch the 9-to-5 and teach snowsports? We followed people who did it for 10 years
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marian Makkar, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, RMIT University Konstantin Shishkin/Shutterstock Workplace burnout – a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion – and the COVID pandemic have sparked a rethink of the traditional 9-to-5 job. It’s been estimated 30% of the Australian workforce is experiencing some degree

    Stepmums, alien mums, robot mums, vengeful mums: 7 films to watch this Mother’s Day
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Gildersleeve, Professor of English Literature, University of Southern Queensland With Mother’s Day around the corner, you may be wondering what gift you’ll give mum – or any of the mums in your life. This year, why not skip the fancy dinner and offer one of the

    Pope Leo XIV faces limits on changing the Catholic Church − but Francis made reforms that set the stage for larger changes
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dennis Doyle, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, University of Dayton Newly elected Pope Leo XIV appears at the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on Thursday, May 8, 2025. AP Photo/Andrew Medichini Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States has been picked to be the

    Grattan on Friday: Bitter struggle in Liberals for likely poisoned chalice, as Jacinta Price defects from Nationals
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra By late last week it was clear Labor would win the election, but it came as more of a surprise when Peter Dutton lost the Queensland seat of Dickson he’d held since 2001. Nor did many anticipate Greens leader Adam

    Fiji media’s Stan Simpson blasts ‘hypocrites’ in social media clash over press freedom
    Pacific Media Watch Barely hours after being guest speaker at the University of the South Pacific‘s annual World Press Freedom Day event this week, Fiji media industry stalwart Stanley Simpson was forced to fend off local trolls whom he described as “hypocrites”. “Attacked by both the Fiji Labour Party and ex-FijiFirst MPs in just one

    Politics with Michelle Grattan: David Pocock wants us to aim for up to 90% reduction in emissions by 2035
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra In the new parliament the government is expected to need only the Greens to pass the legislation opposed by the Coalition. Counting is not finished but on present indications it won’t require any other Senate crossbenchers. Given Labor’s enhanced position

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US ‘film tariffs’ would deal ‘devastating blow’ to film and TV industries

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    The Hollywood Reporter reported on May 4 that US President Trump had announced the same day that he would impose a “100% tariff” on any films produced outside the United States that enter the country. He also authorized the Commerce Department and the US Trade Representative to implement the tariff policy.

    “The American film industry is rapidly dying!” Trump wrote on social media on May 4. It said that other countries were using various incentives to “entice American film producers and studios to leave the United States.” Trump also said that Hollywood had been “severely damaged” as a result, posing a “national security threat” to the United States. He authorized the Commerce Department and the U.S. Trade Representative to immediately begin procedures to impose 100% tariffs on all films imported into the United States and produced in foreign countries, expressing his hope to “have American-made films again.”

    In recent years, Hollywood has taken advantage of tax incentives to move film production to countries such as the UK, Australia, Ireland and Spain.

    According to the Guardian and Reuters, the Australian and New Zealand governments have already made their positions known on May 5, declaring that they will vigorously defend the interests of their film and television industries. William Reinsch, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and a former senior official at the U.S. Department of Commerce, believes that imposing tariffs on foreign-made films “would cause far more problems than they are worth,” and that it is difficult to convince people that foreign-made films are a “national security threat.” One U.S. entertainment industry official believes that Trump’s move will not only affect film, but will also “deal a crushing blow to the television industry.”

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China, Russia Call on Nuclear Powers to Ditch Cold War Mentality

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    MOSCOW, May 9 (Xinhua) — China and Russia have called on nuclear powers to abandon the Cold War mentality and zero-sum games, according to a joint statement released here on Thursday.

    The parties stressed the importance of maintaining constructive relations between major countries in resolving global strategic issues.

    Members of the nuclear club bear special responsibility for international security and global strategic stability, they should refrain from steps that cause strategic risks and resolve problems through equal dialogue and consultations based on mutual respect to strengthen trust and avoid dangerous misjudgments, Beijing and Moscow noted.

    The statement said that not all nuclear powers adhere to the above-mentioned position. Growing tensions between nuclear states have escalated to the point of risk of direct military clashes, problems and challenges continue to arise in the strategic sphere, and the danger of nuclear conflicts is increasing, China and Russia emphasized.

    The fact that some nuclear-weapon States are building or expanding permanent military bases in sensitive areas around other nuclear-weapon States, flexing their military muscle to exert pressure, or committing hostile acts that threaten the core security interests of other countries has become one of the most serious strategic risks and must be addressed without delay, the statement said.

    The forward deployment of military facilities and modern offensive and defensive weapons is constantly increasing, which is a cause for serious concern, the parties emphasized.

    The recently announced US “Golden Dome” plan aims to create a global missile defense system that will not be subject to any restrictions to repel various missile threats, including those from “peer” adversaries, which also seriously damages strategic stability, the statement said.

    This plan completely denies the inextricable link between strategic offensive and strategic defensive weapons, the basic principle of maintaining global strategic stability. In addition, it also provides for further support for research and development of kinetic and non-kinetic means of destroying missiles and their support facilities, and ensuring “kill before launch”.

    The Golden Dome program openly proposes a significant increase in the number of space warfare capabilities, including the development and deployment of orbital interception systems, the weaponization of space and its transformation into a site for large-scale armed confrontation, which further worsens the situation, the statement noted.

    According to the document, Beijing and Moscow oppose attempts by individual countries to use space for armed confrontation and reject security measures aimed at achieving military superiority, defining outer space as a “combat area” and its use as such.

    China and Russia have condemned the use of commercial space systems to interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign states and armed conflicts in other countries.

    A nuclear state, with the support of its allies, seeks to undermine the reliability and effectiveness of strategic deterrence of other nuclear powers in an attempt to achieve overwhelming military superiority and ultimately “absolute strategic security.” This fundamentally violates the basic logic of maintaining strategic balance and contradicts the principle of equal and indivisible security, the statement said.

    Any military confrontation between nuclear-weapon states should be resolutely avoided, and political and diplomatic solutions to existing differences should be sought on the basis of mutual recognition and mutual respect for security interests and issues of concern, the document emphasizes.

    Beijing and Moscow noted that through the trilateral security partnership, the United States, Britain and Australia are attempting to establish military facilities used by two nuclear-armed states to protect their nuclear forces on the territory of a country that has signed the South Pacific Nuclear-Free Zone Treaty, undermining strategic stability and provoking an arms race in the region. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Leading the way for women’s comfort and hygiene

    Source:

    CFA is leading the way in providing comfort for volunteers who are women, actively engaging with them to address their needs on and off the truck.

    Not only will CFA be the first emergency service agency in Australia to provide firefighting boots and gloves designed specifically for women, 3,100 appliances were also recently fitted out with feminine hygiene packs that saw the distribution of more than 18,000 tampons and 12,000 pads.

    CFA General Manager of Infrastructure Services, active volunteer and lead member of CFA’s Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee Paul Santamaria said extensive consultation with volunteers on the ground who are women has largely driven these important initiatives, which are just two of many.

    “Right across CFA, we have been fostering open dialogue through various events, forums and working groups to encourage diversity of thought and acknowledgement of the needs of all our volunteers,” Paul said. 

    “We have undergone a comprehensive review of our CFA facilities and design standards so members feel safe, respected and welcomed without discrimination.

    “As a result, we are starting to roll out upgrades to our fire stations and three training campuses to be more gender neutral and to provide greater physical privacy for all members.

    “We’ve also seen two mechanical apprentices who are women enter a traditionally male dominated industry and join our District Mechanical Workshops. These are amazing women who are paving the way for others to join.”

    To celebrate the rollout completion of the feminine hygiene packs and officially mark the beginning of the expansion of firefighting boot and glove options available to women, Malmsbury Fire Brigade members gathered at the fire station today (9 May) alongside CFA leaders.

    Malmsbury Fire Brigade Captain Linda Krive said the packs have been well received within their 10-women strong brigade but is particularly excited about the new Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) that is coming their way.

    “Both initiatives have positively supported the wellbeing of our volunteers who are women and have provided us with the resources we need in challenging situations,” Linda said.

    “Having the packs on board certainly makes it one less thing we have to think about and allows a sense of comfort knowing that if we do need something on the fireground, it will be okay.

    “They will come in handy when we’re out on strike teams, as sanitary items are often overlooked when packing quickly for deployment, especially if you don’t need them at the time of departure.

    “As we know though, things can change quickly, and you don’t know how long you’ll be gone for.”

    CFA has already received several expressions of interest from several suppliers to deliver the new fit-for-purpose boots and gloves for women and will formally go to tender for a supply partner next month.

    Linda said most women in her brigade, and some men, have struggled with boots in the past and are looking forward to having the option of clothing that is designed to fit different shapes.

    “Some of us have long, thin feet and although my feet are used to my boots after 20 years, it will make such a difference.

    “I’ve also got some members who have very small hands, and even the extra small gloves are too big which makes some tasks harder to complete.

    Through CFA’s Diversity and Inclusion Program, initiatives continue to recognise individuality and inclusivity, while working closely with the Champions for Change Network to share experiences and learn more about what is being done across the Emergency Services and Allied Health sectors to support women.

    Submitted by CFA media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigating Gagebrook robbery

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police investigating Gagebrook robbery

    Friday, 9 May 2025 – 11:39 am.

    Tasmania Police is appealing for information to help identify three suspects after a delivery driver was threatened with a knife and had his car stolen while working in Gagebrook late Thursday night.The male driver was not physically hurt during the incident in Briar Crescent, Gagebrook, about 11.10pm last night, in which the offenders also stole cash after the driver attended a private residence.The driver was threatened by three suspects with one of the suspects in possession of a knife prior to stealing his car keys and driving off in the stolen vehicle, which also contained the driver’s mobile phone.The driver went to a nearby residence seeking assistance and it was here he was able to contact police.Officers from Bridgewater Police conducted patrols in the Gagebrook and Brighton areas, with the vehicle later found abandoned in bushland off Boronia Place, Gagebrook.Anyone who may have seen a gold Suzuki Liana driven in the Gagebrook area late Thursday night or early Friday morning, or have information regarding the armed robbery, can contact Bridgewater CIB on 131 444 or report it to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ASEAN, New Zealand reaffirm shared commitment to strengthening partnership

    Source: ASEAN

    JAKARTA, 8 May 2025 – ASEAN and New Zealand reaffirmed commitment to strengthening their partnership and deepening cooperation at the 13th ASEAN-New Zealand Joint Cooperation Committee (ANZJCC) Meeting, held today at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat.
     
    The meeting discussed recent developments in ASEAN and New Zealand, and took stock of the implementation of the ASEAN-New Zealand Plan of Action (POA) (2021-2025), which is in its final year. Both sides welcomed the substantial progress achieved across the four themes outlined in the POA – Peace, Prosperity, People, and Planet, with all action lines under the POA having been addressed thus far.
     
    The meeting also discussed future direction of the partnership, particularly in the context of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue Relations this year. Looking ahead, both sides agreed to continue strengthening cooperation across a wide range of areas, particularly in transnational crime, digital transformation, renewable energy, blue economy, tourism, connectivity, education, environment and climate change, smart cities, and disaster management.
     
    The two sides welcomed the entry-into-force of the Second Protocol to amend the Agreement establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) on 21 April 2025. They underscored the importance of ensuring the effective implementation of the AANZFTA and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) to further strengthen trade and economic relations between the two sides.
     
    Both sides looked forward to the ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit, to be held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the dialogue partnership. ASEAN and New Zealand will also develop a new POA to guide the ASEAN-New Zealand cooperation for the next five years (2026-2030).
     
    Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to ASEAN, Ambassador Ton Thi Ngoc Huong, and Ambassador of New Zealand to ASEAN, Joanna Anderson, co-chaired the meeting. In attendance were the Permanent Representatives of ASEAN Member States and representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat. Timor-Leste attended as Observer.
     
    ——
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is grounding and could it improve my sleep? Here’s the science behind this TikTok trend

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dean J. Miller, Senior Lecturer, Appleton Institute, HealthWise Research Group, CQUniversity Australia

    Alexey Demidov/Pexels

    Have you ever felt an unexpected sense of calm while walking barefoot on grass? Or noticed your stress begin to fade as you stood ankle deep in the ocean? If so, you may have unknowingly “grounded” yourself to the earth.

    Grounding, also known as earthing, is the practice of making direct physical contact with the Earth’s surface. Our ancestors embraced this trend without knowing it. But with the invention of indoor homes, footpaths, roads, and even shoes, we have become less physically connected with the earth.

    Grounding has been suggested to have a number of benefits, such as improving mood, and reducing stress and pain. But overall, there’s limited conclusive evidence on the benefits of grounding.

    Somewhat ironically, the concept of grounding in 2025 is heavily influenced by technology, rather than getting out into nature. Consumers are being hit with social media reels promoting a range of technologies that ground us, and improve our health.

    Among the most common are promises of improved sleep with the use of a grounding sheet or mat. But is this just another TikTok trend, or could these products really help us get a better night’s sleep?

    Bringing the outdoors in

    The human body is conductive, which means it can exchange electricity with Earth and artificial sources, such as electronic devices or objects. (Sometimes, this exchange can result in an electric or static shock.)

    Proponents of grounding claim the practice reconnects “the conductive human body to the Earth’s natural and subtle surface electric charge”.

    They credit this process with physiological and psychological benefits (but again, the evidence is limited).



    Read more:
    Why do I get static shocks from everyday objects? Is it my shoes?

    Grounding technologies can vary in type (for example, under-desk foot mats, mattress toppers and bed sheets) but all are designed to provide a path for electric charges to flow between your body and the earth.

    The bottom prong you see in your three-prong wall socket is a “ground” or “earth” terminal. It provides a direct connection to earth via your building’s wiring, diverting excess or unsafe voltage into the ground. This protects you and your devices from potential electrical faults.

    Grounding technology uses this terminal as a pathway for the proposed electrical exchange between you and earth, while in the comfort of your home.

    Could grounding improve your sleep?

    The research in this area is still emerging.

    A 2025 study from Korea recruited 60 participants, gave half of them a grounding mat, and gave the other half a visually identical mat that didn’t have grounding technology. The researchers used a “double-blind” protocol, meaning neither the participants nor the researchers knew which participants were given grounding mats.

    All participants wore sleep trackers and were asked to use their mat (that is, sit or lie on it) for six hours per day. The researchers found that after 31 days, participants in the grounding mat group slept longer on average (as measured by their sleep trackers) than those in the control group.

    The researchers also used questionnaires to collect measures of insomnia, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and stress. After 31 days, participants in both groups improved on all measures.

    There were no differences between the grounded and ungrounded groups for sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and stress. And while grounded participants showed significantly lower insomnia severity after the intervention, this difference was also present at the start of the study. So it’s unclear if grounding had a tangible impact on sleep.

    Could grounding technologies really help you sleep better?
    Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

    In another double-blind study, published in 2022, researchers in Taiwan examined the effectiveness of using grounding mats to improve sleep among patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The findings indicated that spending 30 minutes on a grounding mat five times per week resulted in improved sleep quality.

    While previous research has suggested using grounding technologies may lead to improvements in mood, no differences were seen in measures of anxiety and depression in this study.

    Grounding for gains?

    Grounding technology has also been touted as having other benefits, such as reducing pain and inflammation.

    A 2019 study found participants who slept on a grounding mat after intense exercise felt less sore and showed lower levels of inflammation in their blood compared to those who were ungrounded.

    Grounding after a workout may help you feel better and recover faster, but it’s still unclear whether and how grounding affects long-term training results or fitness gains.

    There’s some evidence grounding could help with exercise recovery.
    Monster Ztudio/Shutterstock

    Add to cart?

    So should you cash in on your favourite influencer’s discount code and grab a grounding mat? At the risk of spouting a common cliche of cautious scientists, our answer is that we don’t know yet.

    What we do know is the existing research, albeit emerging, has shown no evidence grounding technology can negatively affect your sleep or recovery after exercise. So if you love your grounding mat or grounding sheet, or want to see if grounding works for you, feel free to give it a go.

    Keep in mind, grounding products can retail for anywhere from around A$30 to $300 or more.

    On the other hand, grounding on the grass in the great outdoors is free. While there’s limited evidence that grounding outdoors can improve sleep, spending time in outdoor light may itself benefit sleep, regulate circadian rhythms, and improve mood.

    Finally, while grounding could be an interesting strategy to try, if you’re experiencing ongoing problems with your sleep, or suspect you may have a sleep disorder, the first step should be reaching out to a medical professional, such as your GP.

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

    – ref. What is grounding and could it improve my sleep? Here’s the science behind this TikTok trend – https://theconversation.com/what-is-grounding-and-could-it-improve-my-sleep-heres-the-science-behind-this-tiktok-trend-253347

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Firearm located in search at Port Pirie South

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Port Pirie police have arrested a man after firearms and weapons were located at a Port Pirie South home yesterday.

    At 9.30am on Thursday 8 May, Port Pirie police attended an Port Pirie South home and conducted a search.

    During the search officers located a sawn-off shot gun, together with a number of shot gun rounds in a bag.

    A number of prohibited weapons were also located.

    A 57-year-old man was arrested and has been charged with possession of firearms and ammunitions without a licence, and possession of prohibited weapon.

    He will appear before the Port Pirie Magistrates Court today, Friday 9 May.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Peace be with all of you’: how Pope Leo XIV embodies a living dialogue between tradition and modernity

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darius von Guttner Sporzynski, Historian, Australian Catholic University

    When Robert Francis Prevost appeared on the loggia of St Peter’s Basilica as Pope Leo XIV, he set three precedents.

    He is the first pope from North America, the first Augustinian to occupy the throne of Peter, and the first native English-speaker to do so since Adrian IV in the 12th century.

    Pope Leo XIV greeted Rome and the world with a simple benediction: “peace be with all of you”.

    In choosing a blessing that stressed concord – and in issuing it in Italian and Spanish – he signalled both pastoral directness and cultural breadth.

    A Chicago childhood and academic rigour

    Prevost was born in Chicago in 1955.

    Raised in the working-class suburb of Dolton, he served as an altar boy and attended St Augustine Seminary High School. He studied a bachelor of science at Villanova University, and earned a doctoral degree in canon law at the Angelicum in Rome.

    Prevost entered the Augustinian order in 1977, professed solemn vows in 1981 and was ordained in 1982.

    For Augustinians, virtue lies not in poverty for its own sake, but in the radical sharing of goods: community precedes individual achievement.

    There are three pillars: interiority, the practical love of neighbour, and a relentless search for truth. This framework would guide Prevost’s missionary work, and his call for unity and peace.

    Chiclayo Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of Saint Mary in Chiclayo, Peru is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Chiclayo.
    BETO SANTILLAN/Shutterstock

    Prevost has administered communities in more than 50 countries, but he first arrived as a missionary in northern Peru in 1985. Over the next decade he taught canon law, ran a seminary in Trujillo, judged marriage cases and led a fledgling parish on Lima’s urban fringe.

    The experience sharpened his awareness of informal employment, extractive industries and migration – concerns that echo the Rerum novarum , an open letter issued by his namesake Leo XIII in 1891. They remain visible in Prevost’s social priorities today.

    In 2015, he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, and, in 2023, prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, effectively placing him in charge of vetting episcopal appointments world-wide.

    What’s in a name?

    Created cardinal in September 2023 and elevated to the rank of cardinal-bishop of Albano in February 2025, Prevost entered the conclave with a reputation for quiet competence, linguistic dexterity (he speaks five languages fluently) and unspectacular holiness.

    The electors turned to him on the fourth ballot. An hour later he greeted the city and the world as Pope Leo XIV, first in Italian then in Spanish: a bilingual gesture honouring his Italian American Chicago roots and his Peruvian citizenship.

    Leo XIV’s choice of name is a programmatic signal. By invoking examples of Rome’s protector Leo the Great (pope from 440–61) and the great social teacher Leo XIII (1878–1903), the new Pontiff intimates he will draw upon their precedent.

    Raphael’s The Meeting between Leo the Great and Attila, painted in 1514, depicts Leo, escorted by Saint Peter and Saint Paul, meeting with the Hun king outside Rome.
    Wikimedia Commons

    His substantive focus will remain squarely on the challenges of 2025: translating Augustinian communal spirituality into governance, extending the social teaching inaugurated by Leo XIII, and mediating polarised factions.

    The memory of his Leo predecessors functions as a compass rather than a map, orienting a pontificate whose horizon is the digital, migratory and climatic upheavals of the 21st century.

    Pope Leo XIV will draw inspiration from his namesake, Leo XIII.
    Library of Congress

    We can expect where Leo the Great entered dialogue, Leo XIV will offer diplomacy. Where Leo XIII defended trade-union rights and attacked exploitative capitalism, Leo XIV must address labour, climate disruption and forced displacement.

    If Leo XIII gave Catholicism its first systematic response to industrial modernity, Leo XIV may be tasked with articulating an Augustinian vision for the digital Anthropocene: a view of humanity as a pilgrim community, bound by shared love rather than algorithmic preference-profiling.

    Of one heart

    The opening sentence of the Rule of Saint Augustine is “be of one mind and heart on the way to God”.

    The order’s stress on interior prayer rather than external activism complements Leo XIV’s preference for silent Eucharistic adoration over elaborate ceremony. The Augustinian tradition of learning aligns with his own scholarly instinct.

    Consistent with Francis, Leo XIV has condemned abortion and euthanasia. He has criticised hard-line immigration policies in the United States. He holds the line only men can be deacons. In a 2012 address, he pointed to media normalisation of “alternative families comprised of same-sex partners”.

    The combination marks him as a centrist prepared to defend doctrinal boundaries while pressing assertively on social justice, climate action and the governance transparency that Francis began but did not finish.

    Challenges ahead

    Leo XIV inherits a fragmented Church. Traditionalists fear doctrinal drift, while progressives want accelerated reform of governance, liturgy and the role of women.

    His Augustinian commitment to shared discernment could provide a mediating structure. Meanwhile geopolitical crises demand renewed Holy See diplomacy and Vatican finances still run unsustainable deficits.

    Ultimately, Leo XIV embodies a living dialogue between tradition and modernity.

    Whether he succeeds will depend on his capacity to translate the Augustinian Order’s ancient ideal of one heart, one mind into structures that protect the vulnerable worker, the displaced migrant and the wounded planet.

    Yet his formation, intellect and record of bridge-building suggest he understands the Church’s credibility now rests where it did in 1891 under Leo XIII: in that social charity and theological clarity are not rivals, but partners on the road to God.

    Like Leo XIII, Leo XIV approaches the world not as an enemy to be refuted but as a moral terrain to be cultivated. His pontificate must confront the ecological, technological and migratory questions of our age.

    His inaugural plea for peace hints at an integral vision in which social justice, ecological stewardship and human fraternity intersect.

    Whether he can translate that vision into institutional reform and global moral leadership remains to be seen.

    By invoking the heritage of Leo XIII, Leo XIV has set the compass of his papacy. It points toward a Church intellectually serious, socially committed and pastorally close: one speaking anew to workers in Amazon warehouses, migrants in detention camps, students in schools, refugees in the Sahel and young people navigating the gig economy.

    If he succeeds, the name he chose will read as prophetic promise, linking 1891’s clarion call for justice with the uncharted demands of 2025 and beyond.

    Darius von Guttner Sporzynski 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. ‘Peace be with all of you’: how Pope Leo XIV embodies a living dialogue between tradition and modernity – https://theconversation.com/peace-be-with-all-of-you-how-pope-leo-xiv-embodies-a-living-dialogue-between-tradition-and-modernity-256084

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Google is rolling out its Gemini AI chatbot to kids under 13. It’s a risky move

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University

    Studio Nut/Shutterstock

    Google has announced it will roll out its Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot to children under the age of 13.

    While the launch starts within the next week in the United States and Canada, it will launch in Australia later this year. The chatbot will only be available to people via Google’s Family Link accounts.

    But this development comes with major risks. It also highlights how, even if children are banned from social media, parents will still have to play a game of whack-a-mole with new technologies as they try to keep their children safe.

    A good way to address this would be to urgently implement a digital duty of care for big tech companies such as Google.

    How will the Gemini AI chatbot work?

    Google’s Family Link accounts allow parents to control access to content and apps, such as YouTube.

    To create a child’s account, parents provide personal details, including the child’s name and date of birth. This may raise privacy concerns for parents concerned about data breaches, but Google says children’s data when using the system will not be used to train the AI system.

    Chatbot access will be “on” by default, so parents need to actively turn the feature off to restrict access. Young children will be able to prompt the chatbot for text responses, or to create images, which are generated by the system.

    Google acknowledges the system may “make mistakes”. So assessment of the quality and trustworthiness of content is needed. Chatbots can make up information (known as “hallucinating”), so if children use the chatbot for homework help, they need to check facts with reliable sources.

    What kinds of information will the system provide?

    Google and other search engines retrieve original materials for people to review. A student can read news articles, magazines and other sources when writing up an assignment.

    Generative AI tools are not the same as search engines. AI tools look for patterns in source material and create new text responses (or images) based on the query – or “prompt” – a person provides. A child could ask the system to “draw a cat” and the system will scan for patterns in the data of what a cat looks like (such as whiskers, pointy ears, and a long tail) and generate an image that includes those cat-like details.

    Understanding the differences between materials retrieved in a Google search and content generated by an AI tool will be challenging for young children. Studies show even adults can be deceived by AI tools. And even highly skilled professionals – such as lawyers – have reportedly been fooled into using fake content generated by ChatGPT and other chatbots.

    Will the content generated be age-appropriate?

    Google says the system will include “built-in safeguards designed to prevent the generation of inappropriate or unsafe content”.

    However, these safeguards could create new problems. For example, if particular words (such as “breasts”) are restricted to protect children from accessing inappropriate sexual content, this could mistakenly also exclude children from accessing age-appropriate content about bodily changes during puberty.

    Many children are also very tech-savvy, often with well-developed skills for navigating apps and getting around system controls. Parents cannot rely exclusively on inbuilt safeguards. They need to review generated content and help their children understand how the system works, and assess whether content is accurate.

    Google says there will be safeguards to minimise the risk of harm for children using Gemini, but these could create new problems.
    Dragos Asaeftei/Shutterstock

    What risks do AI chatbots pose to children?

    The eSafety Commission has issued an online safety advisory on the potential risk of AI chatbots, including those designed to simulate personal relationships, particularly for young children.

    The eSafety advisory explains AI companions can “share harmful content, distort reality and give advice that is dangerous”. The advisory highlights the risks for young children, in particular, who “are still developing the critical thinking and life skills needed to understand how they can be misguided or manipulated by computer programs, and what to do about it”.

    My research team has recently examined a range of AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, Replika, and Tessa. We found these systems mirror people’s interactions based on the many unwritten rules that govern social behaviour – or, what are known as “feeling rules”. These rules are what lead us to say “thank you” when someone holds the door open for us, or “I’m sorry!” when you bump into someone on the street.

    By mimicking these and other social niceties, these systems are designed to gain our trust.

    These human-like interactions will be confusing, and potentially risky, for young children. They may believe content can be trusted, even when the chatbot is responding with fake information. And, they may believe they are engaging with a real person, rather than a machine.

    AI chatbots such as Gemini are designed to mimic human behaviour and gain our trust.
    Ground Picture

    How can we protect kids from harm when using AI chatbots?

    This rollout is happening at a crucial time in Australia, as children under 16 will be banned from holding social media accounts in December this year.

    While some parents may believe this will keep their children safe from harm, generative AI chatbots show the risks of online engagement extend far beyond social media. Children – and parents – must be educated in how all types of digital tools can be used appropriately and safely.

    As Gemini’s AI chatbot is not a social media tool, it will fall outside Australia’s ban.

    This leaves Australian parents playing a game of whack-a-mole with new technologies as they try to keep their children safe. Parents must keep up with new tool developments and understand the potential risks their children face. They must also understand the limitations of the social media ban in protecting children from harm.

    This highlights the urgent need to revisit Australia’s proposed digital duty of care legislation. While the European Union and United Kingdom launched digital duty of care legislation in 2023, Australia’s has been on hold since November 2024. This legislation would hold technology companies to account by legislating that they deal with harmful content, at source, to protect everyone.

    Lisa M. Given receives funding from the Australian Research Council. She is a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and the Association for Information Science and Technology.

    – ref. Google is rolling out its Gemini AI chatbot to kids under 13. It’s a risky move – https://theconversation.com/google-is-rolling-out-its-gemini-ai-chatbot-to-kids-under-13-its-a-risky-move-256204

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 145-2025: Minimum documentary and import declaration requirements policy update to methyl bromide fumigation certificate requirements

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    9 May 2024​

    Who does this notice affect?

    ​​Importers, suppliers and customs brokers for goods fumigated with methyl bromide prior to export to Australia, and accredited persons operating under the class 19 approved arrangements.​

    What has changed?

    ​​The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry implemented version 3.0 of the Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology on 1 May 2025. The methodology includes changes to the minimum requirements for fumigation…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Assault worker – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A 17-year-old male has been arrested in relation to the alleged assault of a worker, theft and being armed with an offensive weapon in Alice Springs yesterday afternoon.

    Around 4:45pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of an armed person threatening staff at a retail store on Railway Terrace. The youth is alleged to have attempted to steal items from the store before an employee of the business intervened and directed him to leave.

    A short time later, the offender returned to the store and allegedly approached an employee of the business and produced a knife from his pocket. He then threatened to stab the employee while jabbing the air with the weapon. He continued to threaten the employee until police arrived at which point he fled the location, discarding the knife under a parked car.

    The Territory Safety Division and Alice Springs general duties officers coordinated a response resulting in the arrest of the 17-year-old male youth. He has since been charged with:

    • 1 x Assault worker
    • 1 x Theft
    • 1 x Armed with an offensive weapon

    He was remanded to appear in Alice Springs Court on 9 May 2025.

    Acting Superintendent of the Territory Safety Division Alex Noonan said, “This type of offending is unacceptable, and members of the community should not be subjected to violence in their workplace.

    “I commend the efforts of all involved in the rapid response, which led to the swift apprehension of the offender.

    “Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is urged to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference NTP2500047662. You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Burglary – Tennant Creek

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Police are appealing to witnesses after a burglary occurred in Tennant Creek yesterday.

    At around 3:00pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a residence on Haddock Street was unlawfully entered with cash and multiple personal items being reported stolen from the location.

    It is alleged that the unknown offender gained entry by damaging the back door of the residence before rummaging through cupboards and bedrooms throughout the house.

    Police attended, a crime scene was established, and investigations remain ongoing.

    Tennant Creek Police urge anyone with information in relation to the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500047686. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.  

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Climate – Students representing New Zealand at the ‘Olympics of science fairs’ forging pathway for international recognition – NIWA

    Source: NIWA

    Two students are on their way to the United States to represent New Zealand at the ‘Olympics’ of science fairs, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Columbus, Ohio, which starts this weekend. The two New Zealand students are hoping to stand out among the nearly 2,000 young scientists from 70 other countries to win a share of the US $9 million (NZ$15 million) in awards and scholarships.
    The last time a New Zealand student attended this event was in 2013 and it is only the second time that more than one student from New Zealand has taken part in the international event showcasing scientific inquiry, innovation and creativity.
    Wellington College Year 13 student Jesse Rumball-Smith and Wellington Girls’ College Year 11 student Isabelle Aduna were selected following success in last year’s Australian Science and Engineering Fair (AUSSEF), and are joining nine Australian students chosen from the 105 top science and engineering projects at last year’s event. As well as the opportunity to showcase school science projects on a global stage, the event is regarded as a platform for future leaders in innovation and real-world problem-solving.
    While NIWA promotes science careers through its sponsorship of regional science fairs throughout New Zealand, because there is currently no national event the top students from regional fairs had to take part in the Australian event to qualify for selection to the international science and engineering fair.
    Wellington College Year 13 student Jesse Rumball-Smith has developed a smartphone app to detect road risks and promote safer driving, reducing risky behaviour by 30 percent. The app incorporates state-of-the-art safety features, including recognising when the driver is fatigued.
    Jesse has been taking part in science fairs since Year 7, and in 2023 won the NIWA Wellington Regional Science Fair. After a lot of ‘searching, struggling and (persistently) emailing’, he represented New Zealand at the Taiwan International Science Fair. Last year he also presented his project at an international conference in Germany, and at AUSSEF he came third.
    He is hoping that his participation in the US will be inspiring for other students, and also that it will create an easier pathway for future students through a recognised National Science Fair in New Zealand. “This will be the second time in history that New Zealand has competed at the oldest, largest, and most prestigious international science fair – the first one-off event was more than a decade ago. For a country that wants to be a science-driven nation, we’re a bit late to the party! Hopefully Isabelle and I going will set the stage for this to change.”
    Wellington Girls’ College Year 11 student Isabelle Aduna also developed her Power-Up with Produce project from a real-world problem, exploring the use of fruit and vegetable waste as natural dyes for sustainable solar cells. The organic food waste is made into eco-friendly dye-sensitized solar cells. Last year Isabelle won the NIWA Wellington Regional Science Fair.
    Isabelle says going to ISEF will be a unique opportunity. “It is truly an honour and I feel proud and humbled at the same time to be representing New Zealand at ISEF. It will be a journey of many ‘firsts’ that I am looking forward to experiencing. I am most looking forward to being surrounded by diverse cultures. I can’t wait to participate and meet bright young people from across the world. This experience will allow me to connect with diverse perspectives, discuss groundbreaking research, and challenge my thinking. Ultimately, I hope to come away from ISEF inspired, not only with new ambitions for my own research, but with a developed appreciation for science’s role in our environment and society’s development. I hope that my participation inspires other young people to think beyond limitations and pursue a career in science and innovation.”
    She’s also hopeful that plans for New Zealand to have its own national science and engineering fair come to fruition, so top qualifiers from the NIWA regional science fairs can have the direct opportunity to be selected for the ISEF instead of having to go through the Australian event. “I hope that my participation inspires other young people to think beyond limitations and pursue a career in science and innovation.”
    The students are travelling with Amanda Hood, a science educator and NIWA Wellington Regional Science and Technology Fair Organising committee member, and are supported by Royal Society Te Apārangi and their communities. She says the funding will also assist the development of a National Science and Engineering Fair for New Zealand. “Currently we don’t have a national STEM fair in New Zealand, and there has been little opportunity for talented students to compete internationally. The participation of Isabelle and Jesse as New Zealand’s first team at the world’s most prestigious science fair could be a landmark event in showcasing our best and brightest on the global stage, following the footsteps of world-leading achievements of pioneers Ernest Rutherford, William Pickering, Maurice Wilkinson, Alan MacDiarmid, and Beatrice Tinsley.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: PersonalLoans Under Review: Best Instant Payday Loans Online with Guaranteed Approval

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    In This Article, You’ll Discover:

    • How instant payday loans online can help in urgent financial situations
    • Why guaranteed approval payday loans are in high demand in 2025
    • The benefits of using PersonalLoans.com as a trusted digital lending platform
    • Key differences between no-credit-check payday loans and traditional lending
    • Step-by-step instructions for applying through PersonalLoans.com
    • What to expect regarding loan terms, APRs, and funding timelines
    • Real-life borrower examples highlighting how fast cash loans online have been used effectively
    • The most important financial wellness tips for responsible borrowing
    • What to look out for when comparing same-day payday loan providers
    • Disclaimers and pricing information to help protect borrowers and ensure transparency

    TL;DR: PersonalLoans Under Review – Best Instant Payday Loans Online with Guaranteed Approval

    If you’re looking for instant payday loans online with guaranteed approval, PersonalLoans.com stands out as one of the top digital lending platforms in 2025. With access to a network of vetted lenders, the site offers users a simple way to apply for fast cash loans, even with bad credit. This review explores how same-day payday loans, no credit check options, and emergency payday loan solutions can help address real financial pain points when time is critical. Readers will find a detailed walkthrough of the application process, loan eligibility, flexible repayment options, and tips for borrowing responsibly.

    Introduction

    The Growing Demand for Fast and Accessible Financial Relief

    In today’s unpredictable economy, many Americans face sudden expenses that they can’t wait for payday. Whether it’s a surprise car repair, a medical co-pay, or an overdue utility bill, the need for immediate financial support is becoming more common. Unfortunately, traditional bank loans aren’t always an option, especially for people with bad credit or no established financial history.

    The process of applying at a local bank or credit union often includes long wait times, extensive paperwork, and high eligibility thresholds. That’s where the demand for instant payday loans online and guaranteed approval loan platforms has surged, offering quick and more accessible alternatives through digital lending platforms.

    Introducing a Trusted Solution: PersonalLoans.com

    For those in need of same-day payday loans, PersonalLoans.com serves as a leading online marketplace, streamlining the loan matching process for borrowers across various credit backgrounds. The platform doesn’t issue loans directly but connects users with a wide network of lenders offering fast cash loans online, often without the hassle of traditional credit checks. This approach has made PersonalLoans.com a go-to resource for individuals seeking emergency payday loans and quick approval without the high interest rates or risks typically associated with predatory lenders.

    With loan amounts ranging from $250 up to $35,000, and flexible repayment terms, PersonalLoans.com supports financial empowerment and smart borrowing strategies for those navigating life’s unexpected financial hurdles.

    Disclaimer: PersonalLoans.com does not directly issue loans. All loan terms and approval decisions are made by participating lenders. “Guaranteed approval” refers to the high likelihood of being matched with a lender, not an assured loan offer.

    Understanding the Financial Struggles

    Why Consumers Are Turning to Instant Payday Loans Online

    Millions of individuals in the U.S. today live paycheck to paycheck. When a sudden financial emergency arises—whether it’s a medical expense, utility shutoff, home repair, or auto issue—it often becomes a crisis. The inability to cover unexpected bills on time can lead to cascading consequences such as late fees, credit score damage, and increased stress. For many, the traditional financial system doesn’t offer fast enough solutions.

    Conventional lending channels, such as banks and credit unions, typically involve lengthy approval processes, detailed documentation, and rigid credit score requirements. These limitations exclude many working adults from accessing the help they need when they need it most. In contrast, instant payday loans online offer a streamlined, accessible option to get fast cash without the usual friction.

    The Challenges of Poor Credit or No Credit History

    One of the biggest financial pain points is being denied help based on a poor or nonexistent credit history. For borrowers who’ve faced hardship, medical debt, or unstable employment in the past, banks may see them as high-risk. This is where no credit check payday loans become a lifeline—offering guaranteed approval options that prioritize real-time needs over legacy credit evaluations.

    Platforms like PersonalLoans.com use a wide network of lenders who consider multiple data points, not just a borrower’s FICO score. This approach makes online payday loans for bad credit far more attainable than traditional borrowing, especially in emergency scenarios.

    The Emotional and Practical Cost of Waiting

    Time is critical in financial emergencies. Waiting days—or even weeks—for a loan to process can be devastating. Not being able to pay rent, utilities, or medical bills on time can lead to eviction notices, service disconnections, or a lack of access to care. This often adds anxiety and a sense of helplessness on top of the financial burden.

    Same-day payday loans and emergency payday loans solve this timing issue by offering quick decisions and funding, sometimes in as little as 24 hours. Platforms like PersonalLoans.com prioritize speed, convenience, and borrower access through a secure digital lending platform that works across devices.

    Financial Gaps in the Current Economy

    Even those with steady jobs can be underprepared for surprise expenses. The gig economy, rising inflation, and high healthcare costs contribute to an environment where even a minor disruption—like losing a shift at work or needing to travel for a family emergency—can cause serious strain. According to recent fintech trends, more consumers are looking for mobile-friendly loan services that provide fast cash loans online without requiring in-person appointments or long waits.

    This growing need has made PersonalLoans.com a trusted name in fintech solutions for short-term lending, delivering more equitable access to funds for a broader range of consumers.

    Disclaimer: Not all applicants will qualify for the same-day funding. Loan approvals and terms are determined by participating lenders and are subject to change. Always verify full details on the official website before making financial commitments.

    Need fast cash? Apply on PersonalLoans.com now and get matched with lenders offering up to $35K—no hidden fees, no delays, even with bad credit!

    Introducing PersonalLoans.com

    A Trusted Gateway to Fast, Flexible Loan Options

    PersonalLoans.comisn’t a direct lender—it’s an advanced digital lending platform that connects borrowers with a wide network of reputable lenders. Since its launch in 2001, the platform has built a strong reputation for helping individuals quickly and efficiently find instant payday loans online with guaranteed approval potential, especially during urgent financial circumstances.

    By simplifying the borrowing experience and offering access to multiple lenders in one place, PersonalLoans.com has become a preferred destination for those looking for same-day payday loans, even with bad credit or a limited financial history.

    Key Product Features at a Glance

    Through PersonalLoans.com, borrowers can apply for a range of unsecured personal loans. Here’s a breakdown of the loan features typically available through its network of lenders:

    • Loan Amounts: $250 – $35,000
    • APR Range: 5.99% – 35.99% (subject to lender)
    • Repayment Terms: 3 to 72 months
    • Credit Types Accepted: Good, fair, poor, and limited credit history
    • Funding Timeframe: Often by the next business day
    • Fees: No application or prepayment penalties

    Disclaimer: Rates, amounts, and approval timeframes vary by lender. Always verify individual loan terms on the official website. Pricing and terms may change at any time.

    Simple and Secure Application Process

    The platform emphasizes financial empowerment through ease of use. Here’s how the process works:

    1. Start Online: Visit PersonalLoans.com and complete a brief online application.
    2. Match With Lenders: The platform searches its network to match you with lenders most likely to approve your request.
    3. Review Offers: If matched, you’ll receive one or more conditional offers with interest rates, loan terms, and repayment plans.
    4. Finalize Your Choice: Select a loan offer and complete the lender’s required steps, such as identity or income verification.
    5. Get Funded: If approved, funds are deposited directly into your account, sometimes as quickly as the next business day.

    This process is mobile-optimized, encrypted for security, and designed to ensure access 24/7—supporting users who may need emergency payday loans at any time, from any device.

    Types of Loans Offered

    While the platform is commonly associated with fast cash loans online, it supports multiple use cases:

    • Debt Consolidation: Merge multiple high-interest debts into one manageable loan
    • Emergency Expenses: Medical bills, urgent travel, car repairs, or home fixes
    • Major Purchases: Appliances, technology, or large household items
    • Unexpected Bills: Utilities, childcare, or last-minute obligations

    In each case, PersonalLoans.com helps make funds accessible without collateral, which is why it’s become a trusted option among those seeking no credit check payday loans or quick payday loans online.

    Support for All Credit Profiles

    PersonalLoans.com is one of the few platforms designed to support borrowers across the full credit spectrum. Whether you have excellent credit or have faced setbacks in the past, the platform seeks to find suitable matches based on your financial profile and income, not just a number.

    This makes it ideal for:

    • Bad credit borrowers looking for real options
    • Self-employed individuals or gig workers without traditional pay stubs
    • Young adults building credit from scratch
    • Those recently denied by traditional banks

    By working with lenders that employ modern underwriting practices, such as AI-driven loan approvals and real-time decision-making, PersonalLoans.com helps more people access the funds they need responsibly.

    Disclaimer: Matching with a lender does not guarantee loan approval or funding. Lender requirements vary. Always confirm loan terms directly on the lender’s site before accepting any offer.

    Emergency expense? Apply in minutes at PersonalLoans.com for instant payday loan options with same-day approval potential. No credit check? No problem!

    Why PersonalLoans.com Stands Out

    A Modern Fintech Solution for Urgent Borrowing Needs

    When compared to traditional loan avenues or even other online lending platforms, PersonalLoans.com distinguishes itself through convenience, speed, flexibility, and inclusivity. As a fintech solution committed to supporting real-world borrowing needs, the platform uses advanced digital infrastructure to streamline approvals while eliminating the frustration and friction of conventional loans.

    For borrowers navigating time-sensitive expenses—especially those needing fast cash loans online—PersonalLoans.com delivers what many cannot: real-time lender matches, high approval potential, and flexible loan structures, all within a mobile-friendly environment.

    Fast Matching Across a Broad Network of Lenders

    Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all underwriting, PersonalLoans.com connects users with a broad spectrum of vetted lenders. This significantly increases the odds of finding a loan match tailored to your personal credit profile and income situation. Whether you’re seeking no credit check payday loans, same-day payday loans, or something longer term, the platform’s diverse lender network offers a wide variety of options.

    In practice, this means that even applicants with poor credit or inconsistent employment histories may find access to essential short-term financial relief—especially in times of urgent need.

    Flexibility to Fit Real Life

    Borrowers who are approved through PersonalLoans.com can typically choose from a variety of:

    • Loan amounts ranging from $250 to $35,000
    • Repayment terms between 3 and 72 months
    • Funding timelines as soon as the next business day
    • Fixed APRs that are clearly disclosed in loan offers

    This flexibility helps users address their specific financial situation—whether they need to consolidate debt, cover an unexpected expense, or simply bridge a cash flow gap.

    Disclaimer: Loan features, repayment timelines, and interest rates are determined by the individual lender and may vary. Always review full details before accepting any loan offer.

    Transparent Borrowing Without Hidden Fees

    One of the key frustrations borrowers face is the presence of hidden fees or misleading interest terms. PersonalLoans.com helps alleviate these concerns by offering a transparent application process with no upfront charges, no obligation to accept offers, and clear terms provided by lenders.

    Because the platform itself does not charge borrowers for matching services, users can review offers and walk away at no cost if none meet their expectations.

    Secure and Private Application Experience

    Borrowers are often concerned about sharing sensitive financial information online, and rightfully so. PersonalLoans.com uses bank-level encryption and data protection protocols to ensure that your personal details remain secure throughout the application and matching process. The platform is also compliant with relevant data privacy standards, which adds an additional layer of trust.

    This focus on digital security positions PersonalLoans.com as a leading example of responsible fintech infrastructure, making it easier and safer for users to access emergency payday loans online.

    Responsive Customer Support

    Though the entire platform is designed for self-service convenience, PersonalLoans.com does offer responsive customer assistance for those needing additional help. Whether you have questions about the application steps, a specific lender match, or post-application concerns, the support team is available to guide users through the process.

    This attention to service is especially helpful for first-time borrowers or those feeling unsure about navigating the world of online payday loans for bad credit.

    Get the funds you need—up to $35,000—with a simple, secure application. Start now at PersonalLoans.com and receive offers in just minutes!

    Addressing Common Concerns

    Will Applying for an Online Payday Loan Hurt My Credit?

    One of the most frequent questions from potential borrowers is whether using platforms like PersonalLoans.com will negatively impact their credit score. Here’s the good news: the initial application process typically involves a soft credit check, which does not affect your credit score.

    Once a borrower accepts a loan offer and proceeds with a specific lender, a hard inquiry may be performed. This is standard across the industry and may temporarily reduce a credit score by a few points. However, successfully repaying a loan on time can actually help build or improve your credit over time.

    Disclaimer: Credit score impact varies depending on the lender’s practices and your personal financial history. Always review how your chosen lender reports to credit bureaus before accepting a loan offer.

    Understanding Interest Rates and Repayment Terms

    A common concern among those seeking instant payday loans online is the potential for extremely high interest rates. While this is often the case with traditional payday lenders, the PersonalLoans.com platform provides access to a range of lenders offering competitive APRs, typically from 5.99% to 35.99%, based on creditworthiness.

    Borrowers can also select repayment terms that range from a few months up to six years. This flexibility allows users to better manage their budgets and avoid the trap of short-term, high-interest debt.

    Key repayment benefits:

    • No prepayment penalties if you decide to pay off early
    • Clear repayment schedules are provided upfront
    • Fixed monthly payments so there are no surprises

    Disclaimer: All APR ranges and repayment options are determined by individual lenders. Be sure to review the official loan agreement carefully before signing.

    Can I Get a Loan Without a Credit Check?

    Borrowers with poor credit—or no credit history—are often rejected by banks, making no credit check payday loans highly appealing. While PersonalLoans.com does not guarantee a lender will skip credit evaluation altogether, many lenders on the platform use alternative data like income, employment status, and bank history to evaluate risk.

    This means even those with bad credit have a high likelihood of matching with a lender through the platform. These flexible assessments are part of why PersonalLoans.com is considered one of the best options for online payday loans for bad credit in 2025.

    Is Collateral Required?

    No. All loan types available through PersonalLoans.com’s lender network are unsecured personal loans, which means you won’t need to put up a vehicle, property, or other asset as collateral. This makes the application process faster and less stressful, especially in emergency scenarios.

    What About Loan Fees?

    One of the standout advantages of using PersonalLoans.com is that there are no application fees. Borrowers pay nothing to submit their request or get matched with lenders. The only costs incurred are those associated with the loan itself (i.e., interest or lender-specific fees), which are disclosed in full during the offer process.

    • No sign-up or pre-screening charges
    • No broker or referral fees
    • No penalties for rejecting a loan match

    Disclaimer: PersonalLoans.com is not a lender. All loan fees, interest rates, and repayment terms are established by third-party lenders. Always verify any applicable fees directly on the lender’s website.

    Don’t let bills pile up—get the payday loan relief you need fast. Apply now at PersonalLoans.com and see real offers in seconds with no obligation!

    Step-by-Step Guide to Applying

    A Simple Process for Fast Cash Loans Online

    One of the major advantages of using PersonalLoans.com is how streamlined the loan request process is. With no need to visit a bank, fax documents, or endure lengthy wait times, the entire journey from application to approval can happen within hours, sometimes minutes. Whether you’re seeking instant payday loans online, no credit check payday loans, or emergency payday loans, the process is designed to be as user-friendly and accessible as possible.

    Here’s how it works from start to finish:

    Step 1: Start with the Online Form

    Visit PersonalLoans.com and click on the “Get Started” or “Apply Now” button. You’ll be prompted to fill out an online form that includes:

    • Your full name and contact information
    • Employment and income details
    • Banking information for deposit
    • Desired loan amount and purpose

    The form is mobile-friendly, allowing you to apply on your phone, tablet, or computer—anytime, anywhere.

    Step 2: Receive Instant Lender Matches

    Once the form is submitted, the system scans a broad network of lenders to find the best match for your financial situation. This process takes only a few minutes and does not impact your credit score at this stage.

    The platform is designed for AI-driven loan approvals and intelligent lender routing, ensuring that even borrowers with bad credit or nontraditional employment get a fair shot.

    Step 3: Review Offers and Terms Carefully

    If matched, you’ll receive one or more loan offers to review. Each will include the lender’s:

    • Loan amount
    • APR (annual percentage rate)
    • Repayment terms
    • Monthly payment schedule
    • Any applicable fees

    There is no obligation to accept an offer. You can compare options and choose the one that best aligns with your needs and repayment ability.

    Disclaimer: All loan offers are provided by independent lenders. APRs, fees, and terms are subject to change. Always review the official terms on the lender’s website.

    Step 4: Accept and Complete Final Steps

    Once you’ve selected an offer, you’ll be directed to the lender’s secure website to complete final steps, such as identity verification or e-signing the loan agreement. This ensures both compliance and security.

    Some lenders may request:

    • Proof of income (pay stub or bank statement)
    • Social Security number
    • Valid ID

    Most borrowers find this part of the process fast and hassle-free.

    Step 5: Get Funded—Often by the Next Business Day

    If approved, your funds will be deposited directly into your bank account, typically within one business day. Some lenders may offer same-day funding depending on the time of approval and your bank’s processing policies.

    For those facing immediate expenses, this level of speed is what sets PersonalLoans.com apart in the crowded field of fast cash loans online platforms.

    Disclaimer: Funding timelines are determined by individual lenders and bank processing speeds. Same-day funding is not guaranteed. Always check with the lender for exact timing.

    Stuck in a cash crunch? PersonalLoans.com offers instant matches to lenders—even with bad credit. Apply today and get funded by tomorrow!

    Real-Life Testimonials

    How PersonalLoans.com Helped Borrowers When It Mattered Most

    The value of a platform like PersonalLoans.com is best illustrated through the real stories of everyday people who needed fast financial relief—and got it. From single parents handling emergency expenses to gig workers managing income gaps, these examples highlight the real-world impact of instant payday loans online with guaranteed approval potential.

    A Lifeline During a Health Emergency

    Jessica, a part-time retail worker from Ohio, was faced with an unexpected out-of-pocket medical bill following an emergency room visit. With no savings and poor credit, her bank declined her personal loan request. Desperate for options, she applied through PersonalLoans.com. Within minutes, she was matched with a lender offering a $2,000 loan at a 24% APR with a 24-month repayment. The funds were deposited the next day, allowing her to cover the hospital fees and avoid collections.

    Disclaimer: Individual experiences vary. Loan offers depend on lender policies, credit profile, and income verification.

    Consolidating Credit Card Debt Without Judgment

    Mark, a freelance photographer in Arizona, found himself juggling three high-interest credit cards. Traditional banks weren’t an option due to his irregular income. Through PersonalLoans.com, he secured a $5,000 loan with a 36-month term—offered by a lender that understood freelance income documentation. Mark used the funds to consolidate his debt into a single payment, helping him manage cash flow and reduce his overall interest burden.

    This use of online payday loans for bad credit allowed Mark to stay current on all obligations while regaining financial control.

    A Safety Net Between Paychecks

    Amber, a gig economy driver in Texas, needed funds to fix her vehicle, the very tool she depended on for income. Unable to work until the repair was done, she applied for a same-day payday loan through PersonalLoans.com. She was quickly matched with a lender who offered a $750 short-term loan, enough to pay for the repairs and get her back on the road.

    Because of the platform’s speed and mobile accessibility, Amber was able to get back to earning income within 48 hours.

    Comparing Alternatives

    Traditional Banks vs. Digital Lending Platforms

    For many borrowers, the first instinct when financial trouble strikes is to turn to a bank. However, traditional banks often have strict lending requirements that disqualify individuals with limited credit history, lower credit scores, or nontraditional employment. In addition, approval processes can take days—or even weeks—making banks ill-suited for urgent borrowing needs.

    Banks may offer lower interest rates to highly qualified applicants, but their application requirements typically include:

    • A high credit score (typically 680 or above)
    • Proof of steady employment
    • Extensive financial documentation
    • Collateral for larger loans

    These hurdles exclude millions of Americans living paycheck to paycheck or working as freelancers, gig workers, or independent contractors.

    Credit Unions and Peer Lending Platforms

    Credit unions are known for offering slightly more lenient terms and community-focused lending practices. However, membership restrictions, slower approval timelines, and lower loan amounts may make them a poor fit for those seeking emergency payday loans or fast cash loans online.

    Similarly, peer-to-peer lending services can be an option for some, but they often involve longer approval periods, more paperwork, and significant credit reviews. If time is of the essence, these alternatives may fall short.

    Traditional Payday Lenders: Fast, but Risky

    Brick-and-mortar payday lenders often promote same-day payday loans with guaranteed approval, but these come with notoriously high fees and short repayment windows. Borrowers may be required to repay the loan in full within two weeks, sometimes with fees equivalent to APRs exceeding 300%—a cycle that can quickly spiral out of control.

    Drawbacks of storefront payday lenders:

    • Exorbitant fees and interest rates
    • Predatory collection practices
    • Requirement to return in person for future transactions
    • Risk of debt traps due to rollover practices

    For consumers looking for more financial empowerment and less risk, these options are typically considered a last resort.

    How PersonalLoans.com Measures Up

    Unlike traditional or predatory alternatives, PersonalLoans.com offers a middle ground: fast access to a range of loan types, flexible repayment plans, and a high chance of approval through a broad lender network—all without the downsides of payday storefronts.

    Key advantages:

    • Instant online application—no need to visit a branch
    • Mobile-friendly experience—apply anytime, from anywhere
    • Soft credit checks initially—minimizing impact on your credit
    • No hidden fees—full transparency from application to disbursement
    • Access to a wide variety of lenders with competitive rates and terms

    And unlike banks, the platform doesn’t disqualify applicants solely due to low credit scores or nontraditional income. Instead, its fintech infrastructure helps match borrowers to lenders that fit their exact financial profile.

    Disclaimer: Loan approval, APR, and funding timelines are determined by individual lenders. Be sure to review the full terms before accepting any loan. Pricing and terms are subject to change. Visit the official website for the latest details.

    Medical bill? Rent due? Apply now for a fast cash loan online at PersonalLoans.com—no fees, no stress, and approval even with less-than-perfect credit.

    Financial Wellness Tips

    Borrow Smart, Repay Smarter

    While instant payday loans online can offer crucial financial relief in emergencies, using them responsibly is key to avoiding long-term debt issues. Whether you’re borrowing $500 or $5,000, having a plan can make all the difference in how you repay your loan—and how it impacts your overall financial health.

    Below are several actionable tips to help ensure your borrowing decisions through platforms like PersonalLoans.com align with your long-term goals.

    Create a Basic Budget

    Before taking out a loan, it’s essential to understand your cash flow. Create a simple monthly budget that outlines your:

    • Income (from employment, side gigs, benefits, etc.)
    • Fixed expenses (rent, utilities, insurance)
    • Variable expenses (groceries, gas, subscriptions)
    • Disposable income available for loan repayment

    Knowing your repayment capacity ensures that your new loan won’t overextend your finances. Many borrowers using same-day payday loans underestimate their future cash flow and struggle with repayments as a result.

    Only Borrow What You Need

    It might be tempting to apply for the highest amount you qualify for, but that can result in unnecessarily high interest charges and longer repayment periods. Borrow only what you need for the intended purpose—whether it’s emergency expenses, debt consolidation, or home repair.

    This is especially important with fast cash loans online where funds may arrive quickly and feel like disposable cash. Always treat the loan as a debt to be repaid, not “extra” money.

    Set Up Automated Repayments

    If your lender offers it, enroll in auto-pay features. Not only does this help you avoid missed payments and late fees, but some lenders also offer small APR reductions or fee waivers for consistent repayment history.

    Pro tip: Set calendar reminders for payment due dates if you’re not using auto-pay. Staying organized supports your credit score and financial stability.

    Build or Rebuild Your Credit

    For those using online payday loans for bad credit, consistent on-time payments can help rebuild your credit. Make sure your selected lender reports repayment behavior to major credit bureaus. If they do, your responsible borrowing could improve your score over time.

    This can lead to access to lower-interest loans in the future, potentially replacing the need for short-term borrowing altogether.

    Disclaimer: Not all lenders report to credit bureaus. Confirm with your lender before assuming credit score benefits from repayment activity.

    Start an Emergency Fund (Even Small)

    Once your loan is paid off, begin saving a small portion of your income for future emergencies—even $10 per week adds up over time. This safety net can help reduce dependence on borrowing in the future.

    Pairing these strategies with the accessible structure of PersonalLoans.com ensures you’re borrowing responsibly, even when urgent needs arise.

    Conclusion

    Empowering Borrowers With Flexible, Fast Financial Options

    In a financial landscape where timing, credit history, and accessibility often determine who gets approved and who doesn’t, PersonalLoans.com emerges as a powerful tool for those who need instant payday loans online with guaranteed approval potential. The platform’s secure, easy-to-use interface, wide network of lenders, and commitment to transparency set it apart from both traditional banks and high-risk payday storefronts.

    By offering a range of loan types—including no credit check payday loans, fast cash loans online, and same-day payday loans—PersonalLoans.com meets borrowers where they are, providing a more modern, mobile, and inclusive alternative to outdated lending systems.

    When Life Happens, Access Matters

    This article outlined why individuals turn to emergency payday loans and how financial disruptions—like medical bills, job gaps, or home repairs—can happen to anyone. Through a fintech-driven solution, PersonalLoans.com helps borrowers face these challenges without judgment and with real choices.

    Whether you’re navigating a credit rebuild, a cash-flow pinch, or an unexpected expense, this platform provides options that align with today’s on-demand expectations. With fast processing times, inclusive eligibility criteria, and no obligation to accept offers, users stay in control of their financial future.

    A Final Note on Responsible Borrowing

    It’s important to view any short-term or unsecured loan as a tool—not a solution to chronic financial strain. Use loans wisely, borrow only what you can repay, and follow the smart borrowing strategies outlined above to minimize risks and optimize your financial outcome.

    If you’re in need of a reliable, transparent, and efficient way to secure funds quickly, PersonalLoans.com is worth considering as one of the best online payday loan providers in 2025.

    Why wait for payday? Apply for a same-day loan now on PersonalLoans.com and access up to $35K from trusted lenders. Quick, secure, and confidential!

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What is PersonalLoans.com and how does it work?

    PersonalLoans.com is a secure, online lending marketplace that connects borrowers with a wide network of lenders. It does not issue loans directly. Instead, it matches users with loan offers based on their profile, credit status, and financial needs. The platform supports borrowers looking for instant payday loans online, fast cash loans, and personal loans for bad credit, often with flexible repayment terms.

    Can I really get instant payday loans online with guaranteed approval?

    While guaranteed approval typically means a high likelihood of being matched with a lender, actual loan approval is still based on each lender’s criteria. That said, PersonalLoans.com increases your chances by sharing your request with a broad network of lenders, including those that accept applicants with bad credit or no credit history.

    Disclaimer: Approval is not guaranteed and depends on income, lender criteria, and verification of submitted information.

    Are there payday loans with no credit check available through PersonalLoans.com?

    Some lenders in the PersonalLoans.com network may offer no credit check payday loans or use alternative credit data for assessment. However, most legitimate lenders will still perform at least a soft credit inquiry to evaluate risk. These checks do not impact your credit score.

    How fast can I receive my payday loan through PersonalLoans.com?

    Many borrowers receive funding within one business day, depending on lender approval and bank processing times. Same-day payday loans may be possible if the application is completed early in the day and processed quickly by the lender.

    Disclaimer: Timing varies by lender and bank. Always confirm estimated funding time on the lender’s official terms.

    What types of loans can I apply for through PersonalLoans.com?

    You can request various loan types including:

    • Emergency payday loans
    • Short-term personal loans
    • Debt consolidation loans
    • Fast cash loans online for unexpected expenses

    Loan amounts typically range from $250 to $35,000, with terms from 3 to 72 months.

    What are the credit score requirements for using PersonalLoans.com?

    There is no minimum credit score required to submit a loan request. PersonalLoans.com works with lenders that accept a wide range of credit profiles, including poor credit, fair credit, and limited credit history.

    Is PersonalLoans.com safe to use for borrowing money online?

    Yes, the platform uses bank-level encryption and adheres to strict data privacy standards. Your personal information is only shared with participating lenders during the matching process, and you are under no obligation to accept any offer.

    Are there fees to use PersonalLoans.com?

    No. There are no fees to submit a loan request on PersonalLoans.com. If you accept a loan offer, any applicable fees or interest rates are disclosed clearly by the lender before you sign.

    What happens if I can’t repay my payday loan on time?

    If you anticipate difficulty repaying your loan, contact your lender immediately to discuss options. Late or missed payments may result in additional fees or negatively affect your credit. Many lenders offer flexible terms, but it’s essential to understand your obligations before borrowing.

    Get matched with top lenders offering flexible loans—even with poor credit. Start your application now at PersonalLoans.com for near-instant decisions!

    • Company: PersonalLoans
    • Email: support@personalloans.com
    • Phone Support: 1-800-772-2274

    Disclaimer and Legal Disclosure

    Customer Notice: A personal loan is an online installment loan, typically ranging from $250 to $35,000. A personal loan may serve as a financial option for customers seeking funds for purposes such as a wedding, home improvement project, or family vacation. The online application process is designed for customer convenience, allowing individuals to apply without visiting a physical branch.

    Legal Disclaimer: The contents of this article are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. The publisher, content creators, and syndication partners make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or reliability of any information presented herein. All information is provided “as is,” without any warranty of any kind. Any reliance placed on the material is strictly at the reader’s own risk. The publisher and all parties involved disclaim any responsibility or liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or other damages arising from the use of or reliance on the content of this publication.

    PersonalLoans.com’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy govern the use of its website and services. PersonalLoans.com connects borrowers with lenders or lending partners; any loan obtained is subject to the specific terms and conditions of the lender or lending partner. The operators and publishers of this article are not lenders, do not broker loans, and do not make loans or credit decisions. Nothing contained in this publication constitutes an offer or solicitation to lend or a guarantee of loan approval.

    Any loan-related information, including but not limited to APR, loan amounts, interest rates, fees, funding timelines, and repayment terms, are estimations only. Actual loan details will vary by lender or lending partner and individual borrower qualifications. Please note that some lenders or lending partners may perform credit checks as part of their approval process. Borrowers are encouraged to compare all available offers and read all terms carefully before accepting any loan.

    Borrowers may be connected with a tribal lender. Loans from tribal lenders are governed by federal and tribal laws, not state laws, and may carry higher rates or fees than state-licensed lenders. Borrowers should consult with the lender directly for full details.

    THE OWNERS, OPERATORS, PUBLISHERS, SYNDICATION PARTNERS, AND DISTRIBUTORS OF THIS ARTICLE DO NOT PROVIDE LOANS, DO NOT ACT AS BROKERS, DO NOT REPRESENT ANY LENDER, AND ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOAN OUTCOME OR DECISION. Any information submitted via an application form or website mentioned in this article is provided directly to the lender or lending partner. The publisher and all affiliated parties disclaim any responsibility for the actions, decisions, or practices of any lender or lending partner connected through PersonalLoans.com or other lending platforms mentioned.

    Availability Notice: Loan availability, terms, APR, and repayment options vary by state, lender, and individual borrower qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify for the highest loan amounts or most favorable terms.

    Material Disclosure: The operators and publishers of this article are not lenders, brokers, or agents of lenders or brokers. This content does not constitute an offer of credit or a solicitation to lend. The publisher operates solely as an advertising referral source to lenders offering loans ranging from $250 to $35,000. There are no fees to use the referral services. Submission of a loan request does not guarantee connection with a lender, approval for a loan, or receipt of the requested loan amount. Lenders may perform credit checks or other verification processes. Any compensation received by the publisher or syndication partners is paid by lenders or advertisers for advertising and referral services. Borrowers should exercise due diligence when considering loan offers and understand that a loan obtained through a third-party referral platform may not offer the most favorable rates or terms.

    APR Disclosure: The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) reflects the cost of credit and varies by lender, loan amount, creditworthiness, and repayment term. APRs in the lender network generally range from 5.99% to 35.89% with repayment terms from 61 days to 96 months. Actual rates and loan terms will vary. Lenders are required by law to disclose APR and all applicable terms prior to finalizing any loan agreement.

    Credit Implications: The publisher and syndication partners do not make any credit decisions or perform credit checks. Participating lenders may obtain credit reports or scores from credit reporting agencies or alternative providers to evaluate creditworthiness. By submitting information through a loan request form, borrowers consent to verification and credit evaluation by lenders. Late or missed payments may result in fees, collection activities, and negative credit reporting. Each lender maintains individual policies regarding credit reporting, late payments, and loan renewals. Borrowers should review all policies and disclosures directly with the lender before entering into any loan agreement.

    Editorial Integrity and Independence: The publisher, its editorial staff, and syndication partners strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information; however, no guarantees are made regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any content. The publisher, authors, and distributors disclaim any liability for typographical errors, factual inaccuracies, omissions, or misrepresentations.

    This content may include affiliate links. If a reader clicks on an affiliate link and proceeds to take action or make a purchase, the publisher, syndication partners, or affiliated parties may receive a commission at no additional cost to the reader. Affiliate relationships do not influence the editorial content or recommendations presented.

    Third-Party Content and Syndication: Syndication outlets and third-party distributors publishing or promoting this content assume no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or integrity of the information presented. Syndication partners are not responsible for any financial decisions, agreements, or transactions made by readers based on the content herein.

    Readers are encouraged to independently verify all details, consult professional advisors, and read all official disclosures from lenders before making any financial decisions.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas Urges Colleagues to ‘Put Veterans First, Not Profits,’ Pushes for Passage of His GUARD VA Benefits Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Pappas’ GUARD VA Benefits Act would reinstate criminal penalties for predatory claim sharks scamming veterans under the guise of helping them file for VA disability benefits

    Yesterday in a House Veterans’ Affairs Committee markup, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Ranking Member of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, condemned House Republicans for moving forward legislation to legalize for-profit, predatory companies charging veterans exorbitant fees for assistance with their disability claims and urged them to instead support his bipartisan GUARD VA Benefits Act, which would reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited claim representatives who charge unauthorized fees while assisting veterans with filing a claim for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation benefits. Watch his remarks here.

    During the markup, Congressman Pappas said, “I, and others on this Committee, along with most of the VSO community, have repeatedly raised alarm about the rise of unaccredited claims consultants profiting from veterans’ disability claims. While only VA-accredited representatives are legally allowed to assist with claims, the VA lost its ability to enforce that law nearly two decades ago. As a result, predatory companies now exploit this loophole – charging veterans thousands of dollars while raking in millions.”

    He continued saying, “Now, instead of restoring VA’s authority to penalize illegal behavior, H.R. 3132 would legalize it, granting accreditation without safeguards and allowing companies to charge up to $12,500 just for helping a veteran file their claim… Ironically, the bill includes my own language to reinstate criminal penalties – but this is nothing but a smokescreen for bad actors to hide behind, because the bill also rewrites the law to exempt the very conduct that should remain illegal from being penalized. Rather than rewriting the law to suit the interests of those who are already breaking it, we should focus on protecting veterans and their hard-earned benefits.”

    “It’s simple: put veterans first, not profits. The solution isn’t to legalize predatory practices – it’s to enforce the law and to hold violators accountable. If these companies truly believe they’re helping veterans, they should have nothing to fear from the GUARD Act or the VA’s accreditation process,” he concluded.

    Background: 

    Unaccredited claims representatives, or claim sharks, are not subject to VA standards. They strategically advertise their services to avoid regulatory oversight and as a result, may engage in predatory and unethical practices that target veterans and rob them of their VA benefits. Federal laws and regulations prohibit anyone from assisting a veteran in the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a VA benefit claim, or charging a fee for this assistance, without accreditation from VA. However, VA and other federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce existing law because explicit criminal penalties were stripped from statute nearly two decades ago. This has contributed to the proliferation of unaccredited claims representatives in recent years, a troubling development especially as more veterans receive the benefits they’re owed thanks to the Honoring Our PACT Act.

    Pappas’s Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act would reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited claim representatives who charge unauthorized fees while assisting veterans with filing a claim for VA disability compensation benefits. This legislation will discourage for-profit companies from operating outside the bounds of federal law, and will give VA and other agencies an additional tool to protect veteran claimants from predatory practices.

    Pappas has been working to raise awareness of and protect veterans from the predatory practices of claims sharks since 2021, calling on VA to improve awareness, chairing an oversight hearing on the topic, and introducing the GUARD VA Act in both the 117th, 118th, and 119th Congresses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 243

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL3

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 243
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    710 PM CDT Thu May 8 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    South Texas
    Coastal Waters

    * Effective this Thursday night from 710 PM until Midnight CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
    mph possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
    inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Clusters of strong to severe cellular thunderstorms will
    likely grow upscale into a linear band of thunderstorms this
    evening. Large hail (1 to 2 inches in diameter) and severe gusts
    (60-75 mph) will be the primary threats with the more intense
    storms. This activity is forecast to move east of the coast
    tonight.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 55
    statute miles east and west of a line from 15 miles northwest of
    Beeville TX to 105 miles south of Alice TX. For a complete depiction
    of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
    WOU3).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 238…WW 239…WW
    240…WW 241…WW 242…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 65 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    30035.

    …Smith

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW3
    WW 243 SEVERE TSTM TX CW 090010Z – 090500Z
    AXIS..55 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    15NW NIR/BEEVILLE TX/ – 105S ALI/ALICE TX/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 50NM E/W /43NNW CRP – 39WNW BRO/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..65 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 30035.

    LAT…LON 28529694 26219714 26219892 28529875

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU3.

    Watch 243 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (10%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low ( 65 knots

    Mod (30%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (30%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (70%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How the word ‘incel’ got away from us

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Farid Zaid, Senior Lecturer, Psychology, Monash University

    Javier Bermudez Zayas/Shutterstock

    Imagine a young man whose voice has been worn down by years of feeling invisible. Plain, numb and bitter, the “incel” tries to explain the kind of hopelessness most of us would rather not confront:

    I believed I was unlovable, so who the hell is gonna love me? I won’t get a good job, and if I don’t get a good job, I won’t be able to live the kind of life I want. I’ll be lonely and depressed, and what’s the point of living?

    You start seeing life not as something to look forward to, but as something you just have to survive.

    The pain it describes is far more common than we care to admit.

    Today, the word “incel” conjures images of angry online forums, misogyny and even mass violence.

    But it didn’t start that way. Incel began as a term for the ache of not being chosen – an ache that, for many young men, has become defining.



    Read more:
    ‘Looksmaxxing’ is the disturbing TikTok trend turning young men into incels

    The birth of ‘incel’

    In the late 1990s, a Canadian woman known only as Alana created “Alana’s Involuntary Celibacy Project”, a support group for people of all genders struggling to form romantic or sexual relationships.

    There was no ideology, just stories of heartbreak, confusion and the quiet sadness of feeling left behind.

    She coined the term “invcel”, later shortened to incel. It was a label for isolation, not anger.

    But as it often does, the internet repurposed it and angry subcultures took root.

    The term hardened: incel began to describe a threat.

    Today, it refers to a loosely connected online subculture of young men who see themselves as romantically excluded, blame women or society for their condition, and often express their resentment through misogynistic language, fatalism and at times, violent rhetoric.

    How did a word born in solidarity become shorthand for male radicalisation and resentment?

    Incel evolution

    By the mid-2000s, forums such as 4chan, Reddit and obscure message boards had begun to distort the term.

    This new banner of incel identity was encompassed by grievance, rage and rejection.

    The digital architecture of these spaces didn’t just permit this shift, it accelerated it. Anonymous avatars, endless algorithms and upvote economies rewarded extremity.

    Pain was no longer expressed, it was curated, memed and weaponised.

    Incel communities developed their own jargon: “Chads” (attractive, socially successful men), “Stacys” (the women who desire them), and “blackpill theory” (a fatalistic belief that one’s romantic or sexual failure is biologically determined and irreversible).

    This crude mythology was used to explain why some men supposedly get everything and others get nothing.

    As these forums grew, many also became incubators for dehumanising language and open hostility towards women.

    Some of the most active subreddits and boards were eventually banned for promoting violent content or glorifying attacks on women.

    Law enforcement agencies in several countries have since begun monitoring incel spaces as potential sites of radicalisation.



    Read more:
    We research online ‘misogynist radicalisation’. Here’s what parents of boys should know

    Loneliness and isolation

    While these online communities became more extreme, they also came to dominate the cultural narrative – distracting us from a quieter, more pervasive truth: most young men who feel unwanted or invisible aren’t in these online spaces at all.

    They’re not angry or radicalised. They’re just trying to make sense of a life that feels increasingly empty – the very men the word incel was once meant to describe.

    That emptiness is part of a growing epidemic of loneliness, particularly among young men.

    As social ties fray and emotional isolation deepens, many find themselves without the friendships, intimacy or sense of belonging that once buffered against despair.

    One in four Australian men say they have no close friends they can confide in.

    These young men are also struggling with the language to name what they feel.

    Being single often makes these men feel irrelevant and worthless. Disconnected and ashamed, many go silent. Or they go online in search of community.

    What can be done?

    The first step is resisting the urge to caricature and dismiss.

    Most of these young men are not ticking time bombs – they are simply struggling with disconnection. We need more places where that pain can be acknowledged without shame or fear of ridicule.

    It starts with how we talk to, and about, young men. That means fostering emotional literacy in ways that feel authentic and supporting initiatives that build connection without moralising.

    This can be done through mentorships and community groups that allow for real relationships to form.

    We need more male-friendly mental health services and more male psychologists, too: there are more than four women for every man in this field.

    Mental health services that reflect men’s lived realities – through tone, approach and practitioner experience – are more likely to break down the barriers that keep many men away.

    Policy can help, too: civic infrastructure that fosters belonging – such as community sports clubs, trade apprenticeships and structured volunteering opportunities – play a critical role. These are the spaces where purpose grows roots and where men in particular often find meaning and community outside formal support systems.

    Time for a change?

    While the threat from radicalised men online remains, maybe it’s time to retire the word incel.

    What began as a label for loneliness has become a painful slur for many men – a shortcut for contempt.

    When we lose the language to describe the pain, we can lose the people too.

    Farid Zaid 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. How the word ‘incel’ got away from us – https://theconversation.com/how-the-word-incel-got-away-from-us-255109

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hidden connections of more than 100 migratory marine species revealed in interactive map

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lily Bentley, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland

    Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock

    From the enormous blue whale to the delicate monarch butterfly, animals of all shapes and sizes migrate across the globe. These migrations connect distant habitats, from the tropics to the poles. They are also crucial to both the health of species making these epic journeys, and the habitats where they live.

    It is hard to visualise these epic, globe-spanning journeys and the habitats they connect. But an interactive map we developed, alongside an international team of scientists from the University of Queensland and Duke University and in partnership with the Global Ocean Biodiversity Initiative, can help.

    Known as Mico (Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean), this map is a valuable conservation tool that demonstrates just how connected our oceans are due to animal migration. It is freely available here, and has just been updated with our newly published research in Nature Communications. This research synthesises thousands of records of more than 100 species of birds, mammals, turtles and fish that connect almost 2,000 crucial habitats.

    Mico brings together the migratory movements of more than 100 migratory marine species, including the Arctic tern.
    Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean/Mico

    An evolving science

    Humans have contemplated animal migrations for millennia. Representations of and theories about these journeys are observable in Stone Age rock art and the writings of Ancient Greek philosophers. Indigenous peoples and local communities have also long relied upon and understood the seasonal movements of culturally important species.

    But for much of human history, identifying specific destinations of migratory species was an inexact science. This has started to change in recent decades, as scientists have developed and deployed animal-borne satellite tags which can record and transmit an animal’s location as it migrates.

    These tags can be very expensive to deploy and collect data from. They also require enormous investments of time and expertise. But they are crucial if we are to understand where migratory species go when they’re outside the range of normal human observations.

    Animal-borne satellite tags can be expensive, but are crucial for understanding where turtles and other migratory animals travel.
    NOAA/NMFS/Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Blog

    The journeys of migratory species also span multiple jurisdictions. This means cooperation between countries is required to ensure they are protected.

    For example, many albatross species receive significant conservation investment at their nesting islands within national jurisdictions. But they are at high risk of being incidentally caught and killed or injured in longline fisheries operating in international waters.

    Synthesising more than 1,300 studies

    For our new study, we reviewed the literature on the movements of marine migratory species from 1990 to 2017. We synthesised the start and end points of migrations reported in more than 1,300 individual studies. These studies covered 109 marine species.

    This information was then aggregated to remove duplicate data and combine sites very near to each other (on a global scale) into one “metasite” to make it easier to display. Each data point is also linked to the study from which it comes. This means you can always find the work of the original team who tagged those animals.

    In synthesising the studies in this manner, we created an interactive map and downloadable dataset estimating the measured migratory connections of the global ocean.

    If you look up the green turtle map, for example, you can see just how much information there is for this highly-studied species. The red links show many tracked movements from breeding to foraging areas within each ocean basin.

    Sperm whales, on the other hand, are globally distributed – you can toggle on the species distribution in the top menu. But we only have information about connectivity for animals in the Atlantic and east Pacific oceans. You can see these sites on the map, mostly in North America and in the Mediterranean.

    Because researchers are yet to track animals in all parts of the globe, the map is missing some information about the migratory movements of key species in particular areas. We are planning updates as more information becomes available.

    Sperm whales are globally distributed, but Mico currently only captures their connectivity in the Atlantic and east Pacific oceans.
    Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean/Mico

    A tool for conservation

    This summary of migratory information is important for improving global conservation.

    Scientists have published many papers on migrations, both of single populations or species, and combining data about taxonomy from several different sources. But these can be difficult to keep up with for managers or policymakers who may not have time to engage with every single piece of emerging scientific literature.

    Our information can help identify stakeholders when planning or managing a conservation project. Many of these stakeholders may be across an ocean basin or even in a different hemisphere.

    The scientific synthesis we provide can help countries take more informed actions to achieve the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s target of conserving a “well-connected” 30% of terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine areas by 2030. This is particularly true in the high seas, as a mechanism to implement protected areas outside of national waters is developed under the soon-to-be-ratified High Seas Treaty.

    Various seabirds, including the Amsterdam Albatross, are included in the new research.
    Sergey 402/Shutterstock

    In addition to sharing the enormous scope of work that has been conducted on the migration of large ocean animals over the last decades, our work has already fed into policy processes.

    For example, it has been used by seven United Nations conventions or organisations. We hope to formalise the role of our map as a node of the Convention on Migratory Species’ Atlas of Animal Migration at their next meeting in March 2026.

    More broadly, we hope this work will support better international collaboration to conserve our incredible oceanic migrants for years to come.

    Lily Bentley receives funding from a Queensland-Smithsonian Fellowship on understanding migratory connectivity of seabirds in the Great Barrier Reef. She has presented on the work discussed at policy fora including the Conference of Parties (COP) for the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Convention on Migratory Species. She works on the Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean (MiCO; mico.eco) system, which has been previously supported by the German International Climate Initiative (IKI) and UNEP-WCMC.

    Autumn-Lynn Harrison directs the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute’s Migratory Connectivity Project, supported by a gift to the Smithsonian by ConocoPhillips. She is also a Partner Investigator on an Australian Research Council Discovery Grant for understanding migratory connectivity in the ocean.

    Daniel Dunn receives funding to support the development of the Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean (MICO) system from a grant to the Global Ocean Biodiversity Initiative (GOBI) from the International Climate Initiative (IKI), UNEP-WCMC, and from an Australian Research Council Discovery Project grant. The German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) supports the IKI on the basis of a decision adopted by the German Bundestag.

    – ref. Hidden connections of more than 100 migratory marine species revealed in interactive map – https://theconversation.com/hidden-connections-of-more-than-100-migratory-marine-species-revealed-in-interactive-map-255972

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Experts split on Australia’s Papua New Guinea military recruitment plan

    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist

    Australia’s plan to recruit from Papua New Guinea for its Defence Force raises “major ethical concerns”, according to the Australia Defence Association, while another expert thinks it is broadly a good idea.

    The two nations are set to begin negotiating a new defence treaty that is expected to see Papua New Guineans join the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

    Australia Defence Association executive director Neil James believes “it’s an idiot idea” if there is no pathway to citizenship for Papua New Guineans who serve in the ADF

    “You can’t expect other people to defend your country if you’re not willing to do it and until this scheme actually addresses this in any detail, we’re not going to know whether it’s an idiot idea or it’s something that might be workable in the long run.”

    However, an expert associate at the Australian National University’s National Security College, Jennifer Parker, believes it is a good idea.

    “Australia having a closer relationship with Papua New Guinea through that cross pollination of people going and working in each other’s defence forces, that’s incredibly positive.”

    Parker said recruiting from the Pacific has been an ongoing conversation, but the exact nature of what the recruitment might look like is unknown, including whether there is a pathway to citizenship or if there would be a separate PNG unit within the ADF.

    Extreme scenario
    When asked whether it was ethical for people from PNG to fight Australia’s wars, Parker said that would be an extreme scenario.

    “We’re not talking about conscripting people from other countries or anything like that. We’re talking about offering the opportunity for people, if they choose to join,” she said.

    “There are many defence forces around the world where people choose, people who are born in other countries, choose to join.”

    However, James disagrees.

    “Whether they’re volunteers or whether they’re conscripted, you’re still expecting foreigners to defend your society and with no link to that society.”

    Both Parker and James brought up concerns surrounding brain drain.

    James said in Timor-Leste, in the early 2000s, many New Zealanders in the army infantry who were serving alongside Australia joined the Australian Army, attracted by the higher pay, which was not in the interest of New Zealand or Australia in the long run.

    Care needed
    “You’ve got to be real careful that you don’t ruin the Papua New Guinea Defence Force by making it too easy for Papua New Guineans to serve in the Australian Defence Force.”

    Parker said the policy needed to be crafted very clearly in conjunction with Papua New Guinea to make sure it strengthened the two nations relationship, not undermined it.

    Australia aims to grow the number of ADF uniformed personnel to 80,000 by 2040. However, it is not on track to meet that target.

    Parker said she did not think Australia was trying to fill the shortfall.

    “There are a couple of challenges in the recruitment issues for the Australian Defence Force.

    “But I don’t think the scoping of recruiting people from Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands, if it indeed goes ahead, is about addressing recruitment for the Australian Defence Force.

    “I think it’s about increasing closer security ties between Papua New Guinea, the Pacific Islands, and Australia.”

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Death – Nhulunbuy

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A 70-year-old male has died following a domestic violence incident that occurred in Nhulunbuy last month.

    A 42-year-old male remains in custody and will appear in the Darwin Local Court on 18 June 2025.

    The investigation into this incident remains ongoing.

    MIL OSI News –