NewzIntel.com

Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Parent Portal app now available

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The new Parent Portal app makes it easier for families to engage with their school.

    In brief:

    • The new Parent Portal app is available for all ACT public school families.
    • It is called Sentral for Parents and follows children from kindergarten through to year 12.
    • This story outlines the key features of the app and how it can be accessed.

    The new Parent Portal smartphone app is now available for all ACT public school families. The app gives them more choice in how they access information from their child’s school.

    The app is called Sentral for Parents. It has the same functionality as the web-based Parent Portal and follows students from kindergarten through to year 12.

    Parent Portal is a secure online platform for sharing student information between ACT public schools and parents and carers.

    Parent Portal makes it easier for families to engage with their school by housing key information on one system. Parents and carers only need to sign up for the Parent Portal once. Multiple children can be added to one account using the access key for each child’s school.

    Parents can use Parent Portal and the Sentral for Parents app to: 
    *    notify their school if their child is sick
    *    book parent-teacher interviews
    *    receive their child’s academic reports (including past reports)
    *    receive their school newsletter 
    *    receive messages from their child’s teachers
    *    see their child’s student timetable
    *    get daily notices of school activities
    *    update contact details, and
    *    make payments.

    So far, 24,405 parents and carers have registered to use Parent Portal. This number is expected to grow now that the Sentral for Parents app is available. 

    Parents of new ACT public school students, including those starting kindergarten in 2025, will receive a registration link and access key from their school. They will need to set up an ACT Digital Account if they don’t already have one to register.

    Parents and carers can find more information on the Education Directorate website.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Recognition for student driven to make a difference

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Lawson Connor is an Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASbA) of the Year Award finalist.

    In brief:

    • Gungahlin College student Lawson Connor is a national finalist at the 2024 Australian Training Awards.
    • He has overcome health challenges and wants to become a paramedic.
    • He hopes others are aware there are many career pathways.

    A couple of years back, Lawson Connor was picked up from school by ambulance so often, he was on first-name terms with many paramedics.

    He missed a whole term of year 9 at Gold Creek School. This was due to epilepsy-related health challenges.

    One of seven children, Lawson says he pretty much grew up in hospital.

    A proud Wiradjuri man, he is now 17 and at Gungahlin College. And tonight, he is a national finalist at the 2024 Australian Training Awards.

    He is in the running for the Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASbA) of the Year Award.

    People from all over Canberra, and further afield, in Wiradjuri country, will cheer him on.

    A turning point

    If there was a turning point for Lawson, perhaps it was when he became vice-captain of Gold Creek School.

    He led several initiatives and was a mentor for many. This included other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

    A teacher encouraged Lawson to consider applying for an ASbA. He hasn’t looked back.

    A clear career path

    Lawson was inspired by the kindness he’d experienced in the health system. He had already decided to pursue a career in health care.

    He was accepted into Indigenous Allied Health Australia’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Academy ASbA program.

    Through this, he is completing a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (HLT33021) through CIT. He is doing this while finishing years 11 and 12.

    The program has given him insights into career pathways in the health sector. He has also found clarity about his career goal.

    “Through placements I’ve tried out different areas … physio, occupational therapy, aged care … it’s really helped me narrow it down, to paramedicine.”

    “It would be such an honour to be able to provide emergency healthcare within the community, especially a rural or remote community, or a disadvantaged Indigenous community, where I could provide a level of cultural care and understanding.”

    Lawson has also taken an online university class this year. It is part of an early entry program for Midwifery, Nursing and Paramedicine.

    Well-deserved recognition

    Today, Lawson’s health is much better. He has been also received several awards. These include:

    • a Year 10 Excellence Award
    • the ACT ASbA of the Year Award, ACT Training Awards
    • an Exceptional Young Person Award, ACT Children’s Week Awards
    • the flagship Children’s Commissioner Award, ACT Children’s Week Awards.

    Advice for others

    Lawson hopes other students may be inspired by his journey to consider alternative pathways.

    It worries him that a lot of his friends are stressed about getting a high-enough ATAR.

    “I want a lot of people to know that ATAR isn’t the only option to get into a university or have a successful life,” he said. “There are so many avenues.”

    Lawson recommends talking to careers teachers at school about available pathways.

    For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, there are dedicated programs and supports to consider.

    “There are so many opportunities out there,” Lawson said.

    “If you really want to do something, pursue it. You can achieve it.”

    Find out more about the ASbA program on the ACT Education website.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: WSO2 Launches Ambassador Program to Empower Tech Advocates

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WSO2, the leader in enterprise digital infrastructure technology, today announced the launch of the WSO2 Ambassador Program, a global initiative that celebrates and supports the most passionate voices in its tech community, including developers and architects. This program is designed to recognize individuals who actively share knowledge, inspire innovation, and contribute to the growth of the open-source ecosystem powered by WSO2 technologies.

    At the heart of the digital era are developers and architects—the problem-solvers and builders of the digital experiences we use every day. WSO2 recognizes that its success is deeply tied to the passion and ingenuity of its developer community. Developers are not only consumers of WSO2’s open-source platforms for API management, integration, identity and access management and WSO2’s internal developer platform, Choreo; they are also co-creators, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, improving the products through feedback, and building impactful solutions that serve millions. Architects, on the other hand, play a critical role in shaping the bigger picture—designing scalable, secure, and future-ready digital architectures that bring developer innovations to life.

    “Developers are the driving force behind innovation,” said Isabelle Mauny, Chief Developer Advocate at WSO2. “They are not merely users of our products—they are instrumental in shaping them. Architects help ensure that solutions built on WSO2’s platforms are robust, cohesive, and aligned with long-term business goals. The WSO2 Ambassador Program is our way of acknowledging their contributions and supporting their continued growth. Whether through leading community meetups, publishing technical tutorials, or contributing to our codebase, our ambassadors play a vital role in empowering others to succeed with WSO2.”

    WSO2’s commitment to open source goes beyond code—it’s about people. The Ambassador Program is a natural extension of that commitment. By offering mentorship, visibility, and support, WSO2 aims to empower developers to become leaders in their communities and advance their personal and professional growth.

    What Ambassadors can expect:

    • Skill-building opportunities in community leadership, developer advocacy, and public speaking
    • Sponsorship for local events, meetups, and conferences to grow regional communities
    • Visibility and recognition through WSO2’s digital channels and media
    • Access to exclusive WSO2 events, tools, and swag
    • Direct collaboration with WSO2 teams, providing feedback and influence on product direction

    The program is open to developers, architects, and technical leaders with experience using WSO2 technology and a passion for empowering others through content, events, and code. Ambassadors can contribute at their own pace, with flexible engagement levels.

    “Being a WSO2 Ambassador is not about holding a title—it is about making a meaningful impact,” Mauny explained. “It recognizes those developers who dedicate their time to writing tutorials, answering questions in forums, and mentoring the next generation of technologists. Our goal is to support their efforts, elevate their contributions, and connect them with a global community of peers and innovators.”

    Visit the WSO2 Ambassadors Page to learn more about the program, meet our 2025 ambassadors, and find out how you can get involved.

    About WSO2
    Founded in 2005, WSO2 is the largest independent software vendor providing open-source API management, integration, and identity and access management (IAM) to thousands of enterprises in over 90 countries. WSO2’s products and platforms—including our next-gen internal developer platform, Choreo—empower organizations to leverage the full potential of artificial intelligence and APIs for securely delivering the next generation of AI-enabled digital services and applications. Our open-source, AI-driven, API-first approach frees developers and architects from vendor lock-in and enables rapid digital product creation. Recognized as leaders by industry analysts, WSO2 has more than 800 employees worldwide with offices in Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the UK, and the US, with over USD100M in annual recurring revenue. Visit https://wso2.com to learn more. Follow WSO2 on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).

    Trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Prosafe SE: Operational update – March 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    22 April – Fleet utilisation for March 2025 was 52 per cent.   

    Safe Zephyrus operated at full capacity during March, achieving 100 per commercial uptime.  

    Safe Notos and Safe Eurus, both had 99 per cent commercial uptime in March.  

    Safe Concordia operated at full capacity on the days she was in operation. The vessel was transferred to the new owner on March 13, 2025. 

    Safe Caledonia has commenced reactivation activities in Scapa Flow, UK, and will mobilise to the Captain Field, UK, by 01 June 2025. 

    Safe Boreas is in Norway preparing for relocation in Q2 2025 for a contract in Australia commencing between mid-November 2025 and mid-February 2026.  

    Prosafe has entered into an agreement to sell Safe Scandinavia for recycling. A condition of the recycling is full compliance with all relevant conventions and regulations, with the vessel expected to be delivered within Q2 2025. 

    Prosafe is a leading owner and operator of semi-submersible accommodation vessels. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange with ticker code PRS. For more information, please refer to https://www.prosafe.com  

    For further information, please contact:  

    Terje Askvig, CEO 

    Phone: +4795203886 

    Reese McNeel, CFO 

    Phone: +4741508186 
     

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Topline Financial Credit Union Members and Employees Give Back to the Local Twin Cities Communities During March Minnesota Foodshare Month

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MAPLE GROVE, Minn., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based member-owned financial services cooperative, held a food drive during the month of March for the MN FoodShare March Campaign benefitting three local non-profits, Community Emergency Assistance Programs (CEAP), Hope 4 Youth and Keystone Community Services. TopLine members and employees generously donated non-perishable food items of canned vegetables, soups, rice, dry pasta, and more to help fight hunger in our local communities.

    Employees were able to participate by donating non-perishable food items and money in exchange for a “Foundation Friday/Saturday” sticker, allowing them to wear jeans to work. TopLine and community members could also purchase items from an Amazon Wishlist or Target Registry and have them delivered directly to TopLine, and in return delivered to the charitable partners. When the program ended TopLine employees and members had donated over 574 pounds of food items and $1,155 in cash to assist local individuals and families.

    “We frequently receive feedback from our non-profit partners that food supplies decrease during the initial months of the year following a surge in holiday donations,” said Mick Olson, President and CEO of TopLine Financial Credit Union. “Through the generous contributions of our TopLine family, including members and employees, we aim to alleviate some of the stress associated with food insecurity. By collaborating with other donors, we are optimistic that our collective efforts will strengthen our local communities and provide vital support to those in need of food assistance.”

    Minnesota FoodShare began its work in 1982 as a campaign advanced by congregations to restock food shelves in the 7-county Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. The effort was so successful, and the need so evident, the March campaign became a statewide initiative just one year later and is now in its 44th year. Minnesota Foodshare March Campaign is the largest grassroots food and fund drive in the state and helps support the capacity of nearly 300 food shelves. Each year, CEAP, Hope 4 Youth and Keystone Community Services participate in the statewide food and fund drive to restock pantry shelves.

    Community Emergency Assistance Programs (CEAP), serving Hennepin and Anoka Counties, is a community-based, non-profit agency dedicated to providing information, referrals, advocacy and assistance to local communities. Visit www.ceap.org to learn more.

    Hope 4 Youth is a nonprofit organization in Anoka County that helps young people, ages 16-24, who are experiencing homelessness in the northern Twin Cities metro area. To learn more, visit www.hope4youthmn.org.

    Keystone Community Services is a community-based volunteer organization in St. Paul that helps thousands of low-income individuals and families in the East Metro Area. Keystone’s mission is to strengthen the capacity of individuals and families to improve their quality of life. Visit www.keystoneservices.org to learn more.   

    TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based credit union, is Minnesota’s 9th largest credit union, with assets of over $1.1 billion and serves over 70,000 members. Established in 1935, the not-for-profit financial cooperative offers a complete line of financial services from its ten branch locations — in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Circle Pines, Coon Rapids, Forest Lake, Maple Grove, Plymouth, St. Francis and in St. Paul’s Como Park — as well as by phone and online at www.TopLinecu.com or www.ahcu.coop. Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in Anoka, Benton, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington and Wright counties in Minnesota and their immediate family members, as well as employees and retirees of Anoka Hennepin School District #11, Anoka Technical College, Federal Premium Ammunition, Hoffman Enclosures, Inc., GRACO, Inc., and their subsidiaries. Visit us on our Facebook or Instagram. To learn more about the credit union’s foundation, visit www.TopLinecu.com/Foundation.

    CONTACT:
    Vicki Roscoe Erickson
    Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
    TopLine Financial Credit Union
    verickson@toplinecu.com | 763.391.0872

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dd220912-ff69-4f80-a365-080f58c60d44

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: To truly understand Pope Francis’ theology – and impact – you need to look to his life in Buenos Aires

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Fernanda Peñaloza, Senior Lecturer in Latin American Studies, University of Sydney

    Pope Francis’ journey from the streets of Flores, a neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to the Vatican, is a remarkable tale.

    Born in 1936, Jorge Bergoglio was raised in a middle-class family of Italian Catholic immigrants.

    Bergoglio defied his mother’s wish for him to become a medical doctor and chose instead to pursue priesthood, a calling he felt during confession. The young man joined the Jesuits in the 1950s, attracted to the order’s vow of poverty and its ethos of serving others and living simply.

    He became a priest in 1969, Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998, and took on the papacy in 2013. As Pope Francis, his dedication to social justice was deeply rooted in the Latin American context.

    The region’s history of inequality, poverty and political upheaval greatly influenced his perspective.

    The young Argentinian priest

    Bergoglio, a devoted supporter of the San Lorenzo soccer team, was also a confident tango dancer, mate drinker, and an unconditional admirer of his compatriot, Jorge Luis Borges, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.

    In 1965, the two men collaborated on the publication of short stories written by Bergoglio’s literature students. The students had been inspired by a seminar led by Borges, organised by the young priest.

    Borges thought highly of Bergoglio, finding him charming and intelligent. For Borges, Bergoglio was a Jesuit through and through, noting the clerics of that order had been historically transgressive as well as possessors of a good sense of humour.

    While Borges never saw him transformed into Pope Francis, his observations somehow fit with the respect Bergoglio earned as a global leader.

    Theology of the people

    As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he lived modestly, often taking public transport and dedicating himself to the poor and disenfranchised. He personally attended the needs of underprivileged neighbourhoods known as villas miseria (literally “misery towns”) in Argentine Spanish.

    He was a vocal opponent to economic inequality. During the 2001 Argentine economic crisis he advocated for the rights and dignity of impoverished citizens.

    Pope Francis hails from a region deeply influenced by the progressive movements of Catholic priests and nuns, who were significantly inspired by liberation theology during the 1960s in Latin America.

    Liberation theology developed in Latin America during the latter part of the 20th century, as a reaction to significant political and theological transformations in the area. It believed in political liberation for the oppressed, inspired by the Cuban Revolution and Second Vatican Council by Pope John XXIII, both in 1959.

    While Francis did not fully subscribe to the tenets of liberation theology, much of his dedication to social justice aligns with its ideals. Pope Francis’ social awareness was deeply shaped by the “theology of the people”.

    Distinct to Argentina, and emerging in the 1960s, the theology of the people shared liberation theology’s focus on social justice, but is devoid of Marxist ideology, and emphasises the dignity and agency of the marginalised and the impoverished.

    During Argentina’s dictatorial regime from 1976–83, Bergoglio led the Jesuits. But he did not adopt the highly dangerous stance of full opposition typical among liberation theologians elsewhere in Argentina and other parts of Latin America.

    Commenting on Latin American affairs

    In his early years as the Pope, he resonated with progressive Catholics across Latin America, because of his grounding in Argentinian theology and his focus on social justice. But in recent years, his popularity in some Latin American countries declined.

    In Argentina, this dip in enthusiasm is partly attributed to his decision not to visit, despite travelling to neighbouring nations.

    More profoundly, the decline likely stems from his fixed stance against contentious issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion. To the disappointment of many Argentines and other Latin American citizens, he refused to compromise.

    Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis received all Argentine presidents – even those who were previously critical of him, such as Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.

    He maintained a strong connection to his Buenos Aires roots and remained engaged with Argentina’s social and political landscape, often commenting on situations that provoke strong reactions from politicians.

    He was a critic of policies instituted by the current President of Argentina, Javier Milei, particularly Milei’s libertarian model of economy and the government’s brutal response to public dissent and opposition. In September 2024, the Pope famously said:

    the government put its foot down: instead of paying for social justice, it paid for pepper spray.

    An alternative model of leadership

    By reflecting on how Pope Francis’ theology is rooted in the Argentina he grew up in, we can better understand his actions as Pope.

    He made significant contributions in the Latin American region. He played a mediating role between the United States and Cuba, supported the peace process in Colombia, and highlighted the environmental devastation caused by mining companies in the Amazon.

    He publicly apologised to Indigenous peoples of Latin America for the Church’s historical complicity with colonialism, and acknowledged his inaction allowed the Chilean clergy to overlook sexual abuse cases.

    He appointed clergymen from non-European countries, enhancing representation from Asia, Africa and Latin America and increased the participation of women within the Church’s leadership structures.

    His landmark encyclical, Laudato Si’, underscored the moral imperative to address climate change, inspiring accolades from global leaders. His critique of Israel and the conflict in Gaza underscored his consistent opposition to war and advocacy for peace.

    Despite existing tensions and contradictions within his papacy – particularly regarding the Church’s stance on LGBTQIA+ issues and women’s rights – Pope Francis’s approach to global issues remained steadfast and aligned with his core values, and the Buenos Aires he came of age in.

    Francis’s leadership is a product of his upbringing and a catalyst for regional and global dialogue on social justice.

    The profound influence of the Latin American region on him is well captured by long time friend, Uruguayan lawyer and activist, Guzman Carriquiry who described the Pope as:

    Priest, and profoundly priest; Jesuit and profoundly Jesuit; Latin American, and profoundly Latin American.

    Fernanda Peñaloza 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. To truly understand Pope Francis’ theology – and impact – you need to look to his life in Buenos Aires – https://theconversation.com/to-truly-understand-pope-francis-theology-and-impact-you-need-to-look-to-his-life-in-buenos-aires-255003

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Fomo – the fear of missing out – affects young people’s binge drinking

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Richard Cooke, Professor of Health Psychology, University of Staffordshire

    Media_Photos/Shutterstock

    Past English government campaigns have tried to curb youth drinking by focusing on the things young people might do while drunk and regret later: falling off scaffolding, vomiting or ending up looking a mess.

    And while more recent attempts, such as the Spread Campaign in Australia, have tended to be less overtly graphic, they still focus exclusively on harms associated with drinking, such as cancer. They use fear to try and scare people into changing their drinking behaviour.

    But despite their popularity with policymakers, psychological research has generally shown that campaigns based on fear do not change behaviour. What’s more, our research has found that even when young people thought they would regret what they did when drunk and made plans to drink less, they still ended up drinking the same amount.

    Over a number of research studies, we’ve tried to figure out why regret doesn’t change drinking behaviour. What we’ve found is that for many young people, the fear of missing out on the good things they might experience while drinking outweighs the fear that they might do something they regret.

    When young people in a focus group talked about their binge drinking, several downplayed the severity of the things they’d done while drunk – which included taking their clothes off in a nightclub and dancing naked on a table, and getting a tattoo of a footballer on their bum. They explained that the social benefits they got out of drinking, such as making shared memories, bonding and meeting new people, outweighed any negative consequences that followed.

    This helps to explain why health campaigns can be ineffective. If you can justify naked dancing or getting a tattoo on your bum, you’re not going be too bothered about feeling a bit sick the morning after.

    In a second, ongoing study, we talked to young adults about their fears of missing social events. Many told us that not attending these events meant exclusion from in-jokes based on shared experiences, leaving them feeling isolated. One of our interviewees even admitted an event would be “rubbish” but went anyway so as to not miss out.

    So, it seemed to us that regret might work differently for things you do – “action regret” – versus things you do not do: “inaction regret”.

    Young people feared missing out on experiences.
    Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

    Applied to alcohol, this makes sense. Memories of hangovers fade, but you hold on to those shared experiences that mean so much. Conversely, not sharing experiences means you are left out of conversations, wondering what might have been.

    This means that Fomo – the fear of missing out – might be a better predictor of young adults’ drinking behaviour than anticipating regret.

    For our most recently published research study, we recruited over 100 young adults aged 18-30 and asked them to report the Fomo they felt and how much they planned to drink. They did this three times a day on three consecutive weekends. We also asked them how much they had gone on to drink each time.

    Measuring Fomo and drinking plans multiple times over a short period helped us understand fluctuations in feelings and drinking plans. Our results show that experiencing higher levels of Fomo increased how much young adults planned to drink, and led to them drinking more.

    This suggests one reason young adults drink more after experiencing Fomo is that they believe drinking more makes it more likely something memorable will happen. This supports what we found in our qualitative studies.

    In contrast, experiencing Fomo did not make young adults drink more frequently. In another study one of us (Richard) conducted, young adults’ drinking frequency was best predicted by social factors, such as how often young adults contacted their friends about drinking, and their drinking habits.

    As drinking often happens in social settings with friends, its frequency is likely to depend more on these social and contextual factors, rather than individual differences in Fomo or drinking plans.

    Overall, our research shows that Fomo – an entirely psychological phenomenon – influences young adults’ drinking plans and how much they drink. Such results can help explain why hard-hitting health campaigns that highlight regret following binge-drinking are ineffective at reducing binge-drinking. Young adults are more worried about missing out socially than about the hangover the next day.

    Richard Cooke has received funding from NIHR, the Wellcome Trust, European Union, and the European Foundation for Alcohol Research (ERAB) who were funded by the Brewers of Europe. ERAB had no role in study design, collection, analysis or interpretation of data, writing of manuscripts or decisions to submit papers for the projects they supported.

    Joel Crawford 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 Fomo – the fear of missing out – affects young people’s binge drinking – https://theconversation.com/how-fomo-the-fear-of-missing-out-affects-young-peoples-binge-drinking-230229

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Russian organizations targeted by backdoor masquerading as secure networking software updates

    Source: Securelist – Kaspersky

    Headline: Russian organizations targeted by backdoor masquerading as secure networking software updates

    As we were looking into a cyberincident in April 2025, we uncovered a rather sophisticated backdoor. It targeted various large organizations in Russia, spanning the government, finance, and industrial sectors. While our investigation into the attack associated with the backdoor is still ongoing, we believe it is crucial to share our preliminary findings with the community. This will enable organizations that may be at risk of infection from the backdoor to take swift action to protect themselves from this threat.

    Impersonating a ViPNet update

    Our investigation revealed that the backdoor targets computers connected to ViPNet networks. ViPNet is a software suite for creating secure networks. We determined that the backdoor was distributed inside LZH archives with a structure typical of updates for the software product in question. These archives contained the following files:

    • action.inf: a text file
    • lumpdiag.exe: a legitimate executable
    • msinfo32.exe: a small malicious executable
    • an encrypted file containing the payload (the name varies between archives)

    The ViPNet developer confirmed targeted attacks against some of their users and issued security updates and recommendations for customers (page in Russian).

    Malware execution

    After analyzing the contents of the archive, we found that the action.inf text file contained an action to be executed by the ViPNet update service component (itcsrvup64.exe) when processing the archive:

    As evident from the file content above, when processing extra_command, the update service launches lumpdiag.exe with an –msconfig argument. We mentioned earlier that this is a legitimate file. However, it is susceptible to the path substitution technique. This allows attackers to execute the malicious file msinfo32.exe while lumpdiag.exe is running.

    Downloadable payload

    The msinfo32.exe file is a loader that reads the encrypted payload file. The loader processes the contents of the file to load the backdoor into memory. This backdoor is versatile: it can connect to a C2 server via TCP, allowing the attacker to steal files from infected computers and launch additional malicious components, among other things. Kaspersky solutions detect this threat as HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Loader.gen.

    Multi-layered security is key to preventing sophisticated cyberattacks

    The complexity of cyberattacks carried out by APT groups has significantly increased over the years. Attackers can target organizations in highly unusual and unexpected ways. To prevent sophisticated targeted attacks, it is essential to employ multi-layered, defense-in-depth security against cyberthreats. This is the type of security architecture implemented in our Kaspersky NEXT product line, capable of protecting businesses from attacks similar to the one described in this article.

    Indicators of compromise

    The full list of indicators of compromise is available to subscribers of our Kaspersky Threat Intelligence service.

    Hashes of msinfo32.exe

    018AD336474B9E54E1BD0E9528CA4DB5
    28AC759E6662A4B4BE3E5BA7CFB62204
    77DA0829858178CCFC2C0A5313E327C1
    A5B31B22E41100EB9D0B9A27B9B2D8EF
    E6DB606FA2B7E9D58340DF14F65664B8

    Paths to malicious files

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pension Age Disability Payment opens for applications nationwide

    Source: Scottish Government

    National rollout of new Scottish benefit for pensioners

    Pension Age Disability Payment is now open for applications across Scotland. The national rollout follows successful pilots in 18 local authority areas, which began in October.  

    It is the fifteenth benefit to be delivered by the Scottish Government and it is replacing the UK Government’s Attendance Allowance, delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions.

    Pension Age Disability Payment is for disabled people or those with a long-term health condition that means they need help looking after themselves or supervision to stay safe. It is available to people of State Pension age and is also available to pensioners who are terminally ill.  

    People currently getting Attendance Allowance do not need to take any action; the transfer will happen automatically in phases throughout 2025. Everyone will continue to receive their payments on time and in the right amount.    

    Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: 

    “The national launch of Pension Age Disability Payment is an important milestone in the development of our social security system, that will treat everyone with dignity, fairness and respect.

    “The pilot phases have allowed us to put our different approach into practice, learning and improving before rolling the benefit out across Scotland. 

    “It is vital older people who are disabled, terminally ill or those who have care needs get the money they need to help them look after themselves, stay safe and live with dignity. 

    “The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring everyone gets the financial support they’re entitled to and this has not changed following the UK Government’s announcement on benefit reforms.” 

    Chief Executive at Age Scotland, Katherine Crawford said:

    “Pension Age Disability Payment will be a vital means of support for older people who have a disability or long-term health condition.

    “With rising bills and cost of living stretching many beyond their means, it’s vital that older people are not missing out on any financial support.

    “If you are unsure of your eligibility or looking for support with an application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222, use our online benefits calculator at www.age.scot/benefitscalculator, or book a place on one of our new workshops which are designed to support and give guidance to anyone who is considering an application for themselves or someone else www.age.scot/benefitsworkshops.”

    Lynda O’Neill, Project Manager at The Daffodil Club in Easterhouse, said “I know from working with older people with disabilities how costly it can be. I’ve helped people to apply for support and would encourage anyone who thinks they could be eligible or knows someone who could be eligible to apply.”

    More information about Pension Age Disability Payment including who is eligible and how to apply can be found at: www.mygov.scot/pensiondisability   

    Background   

    • On 22 April 2025 the benefit extended to 14 more areas – Dumfries and Galloway, East Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, East Renfrewshire, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverclyde, Midlothian, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, Scottish Borders, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian. 
    • Pension Age Disability Payment is replacing Attendance Allowance in Scotland. People in Scotland who are getting Attendance Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions do not need to do anything as their award transfer will happen automatically. Social Security Scotland will write to people to let them know when this is happening and when this is complete. Social Security Scotland aims to complete case transfer for everyone by the end of 2025. Until people receive the letter from Social Security Scotland to tell them their transfer is complete, they should continue to report any change in circumstances, including a terminal illness diagnosis, to the Department for Work and Pensions. 
    • Pension Age Disability Payment launched on 21 October 2024 in five pilot areas – Aberdeen City, Argyll and Bute, Highland, Orkney and Shetland. It rolled out to 13 more areas on 24 March – Aberdeenshire, Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee City, East Ayrshire, Falkirk, Fife, Moray, Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles), North Ayrshire, Perth and Kinross, South Ayrshire and Stirling. The payment is available throughout Scotland from 22 April 2025.    
    • It is not means-tested and is worth between £295 and £441 a month depending on the needs of the person who gets it.
    • Social Security Scotland has started transferring the awards of 169,000 people in Scotland who currently receive Attendance Allowance to the new benefit.     
    • Eligible people who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness are automatically entitled to the higher rate of care and can apply under special rules for terminal illness. This means that Social Security Scotland will prioritise their application. People who are already getting Pension Age Disability Payment and later receive a terminal illness diagnosis can also report this diagnosis to Social Security Scotland under the special rules for terminal illness to ensure they get the support they are entitled to.    
    • Social Security Scotland’s accelerated application process for people who are terminally ill is open to any eligible person who has a terminal illness diagnosis, no matter how long they’re expected to live. This is different to the Department for Work and Pensions, who only class someone as terminally ill if they are expected to live for 12 months or less. 
    • Pension Age Disability Payment was designed with the people who will be eligible for the benefit and those who support them. Improvements include a streamlined process for people to nominate a third-party representative who can support them in their interactions with Social Security Scotland – something that older disabled people told us was important to them. 
    • Social Security Scotland can help people to apply, with face-to-face support available from advisers based in communities across the country.   
    • Help is also available from independent advocacy service Voiceability who are funded by the Scottish Government to help disabled people applying for devolved benefits.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: GCM Grosvenor Announces $1.3 Billion Final Close for Infrastructure Advantage Fund II, a Nearly 50% Increase Over its Predecessor Fund

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG), a leading global alternative asset management solutions provider, announced the final close of its Infrastructure Advantage Fund II (“IAF II” or the “Fund”) was held on March 31, 2025, securing $1.3 billion in commitments, a substantial increase over its predecessor, “Fund I”, which closed in 2020 at $893 million.   

    GCM Grosvenor’s Infrastructure Advantage Strategy focuses on partnership with organized labor and other stakeholders to invest in infrastructure projects with long-term community and economic benefits. Similar to Fund I, IAF II will focus on building a diverse portfolio of assets across infrastructure sectors including transportation, energy transition, and digital infrastructure. The Fund attracted a broad group of 58 investors from across the U.S. and Canada.

    “We are grateful for the continued confidence of our investors, who share our vision of effectively deploying infrastructure capital in the U.S. and Canada,” said Michael Sacks, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at GCM Grosvenor. “We look forward to building on the success of Fund I and delivering value to our IAF II investors.”

    Launched in 2018, GCM Grosvenor’s Infrastructure Advantage Strategy manages nearly $2.5 billion in assets, and through its investments, has generated more than $8 billion* of total economic impact across the United States and Canada.

    *Source: IMPLAN 2022 Data Set.

    About GCM Grosvenor 
    GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG) is a global alternative asset management solutions provider with approximately $80 billion in assets under management across private equity, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and absolute return investment strategies. The firm has specialized in alternatives for more than 50 years and is dedicated to delivering value for clients by leveraging its cross-asset class and flexible investment platform.​  

    GCM Grosvenor’s experienced team of approximately 550 professionals serves a global client base of institutional and individual investors. The firm is headquartered in Chicago, with offices in New York, Toronto, London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Sydney. For more information, visit: www.gcmgrosvenor.com.  

    Media Contact 
    Tom Johnson and Abigail Ruck 
    H/Advisors Abernathy 
    tom.johnson@h-advisors.global / abigail.ruck@h-advisors.global 
    212-371-5999

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Election Diary: Dutton in third debate gives Labor ammunition for its scare about cuts

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

    In the leaders’ third head-to-head encounter, on Nine on Tuesday, Peter Dutton’s bluntness when pressed on cuts has given more ammunition to Labor’s scare campaign about what a Coalition government might do.

    “When John Howard came into power, there was $96 billion of debt from Labor at that point. John Howard didn’t outline the budget from opposition and it is not something you can do from opposition,” Dutton said.

    That allowed Anthony Albanese to, once again, rewind the tape to Tony Abbott’s 2014 budget, declaring it had “ripped money out of” education and hospitals. “There will be cuts afterwards – he’s just confirmed that – but they won’t tell you what they are.”

    Dutton’s reference to the 1996 budget reinforced the point that he is keeping his options very open on cuts, which will need to go well beyond the squeeze on the public service to which the Coalition is committed. It’s becoming increasingly clear full details won’t be provided before May 3.

    Despite best efforts to get them to answer questions as asked, both leaders again blatantly dodged when they could not, or chose not to, give a direct response.

    Dutton was asked what he would say to voters who think he is Trump-lite. The opposition leader talked down the clock – about Howard being his inspiration, about mudslinging – but didn’t actually attempt to rebut the point.

    Albanese predictably had much to say about Dutton’s nuclear policy. But when he was pressed on whether, if Labor lost, it should accept the people’s verdict and reconsider its position on the nuclear moratorium, the PM rambled about nuclear as a “friendless policy” rather than giving a straight reply.

    The debate’s frisson came when the leaders were asked to nominate each other’s biggest lies. The toing and froing included disputation over whether those 2014 cuts were actually “cuts” or just smaller increases than earlier budgeted for. “Prime Minister, you couldn’t lie straight in bed”, Dutton lashed out, with Albanese retorting that his “personal abuse” was “a sign of desperation”.

    Who won this encounter, once again differed in the eyes of various beholders.

    Pope’s death causes brief hiatus, that disadvantages Dutton

    On the day that pre-polling started, both leaders cut back on their campaigning, in the wake of the death of Pope Francis.

    The pontiff’s passing has further curtailed this penultimate week of the campaign, a week already shortened at one end by Easter and at the other by Anzac Day.

    The hiatus disadvantages the opposition, which has been losing support in the polls, and desperately needs as much opportunity as possible to sell its message.

    It also shows the risk of leaving policy releases late. The Coalition would have hoped for some clear air for Wednesdays release of its defence policy, an area where it believes it has an advantage. But news from the Vatican will overshadow local stories for a couple of days or longer.

    The pope’s death has drawn attention to something noted by the Catholic Weekly earlier this month, when it said this election “may be the first in Australian history in which both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition identify as Catholics” – although, it pointed out, that didn’t extend to attending church regularly.

    In Australia’s more sectarian days, Labor’s membership was heavily Catholic, with the Liberals the party of Protestants. That broke down over recent decades.

    Anthony Albanese reflected on his Catholic roots at Easter and then when paying tribute to the Pope.

    On Easter Sunday, when he attended mass at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, he spoke about his time at the school next door. “It’s an important part of my life. When in year six the Christian Brothers heard that I was going to have to leave the school because we weren’t able to afford school fees … in an act of generosity, [they] said ‘just pay what you can’.”

    Albanese told The Australian’s Troy Bramston he regarded himself as “a flawed Catholic but it’s a part of my values,”

    “I go to church occasionally just by myself. That sense of who I am, it is certainly how I was raised, and those values of kindness and compassion being something that is a strength.”

    Peter Dutton’s story is more complicated. His father’s family was Catholic; his mother’s Protestant. Dutton told Bramston this gave rise to “tension”. He went to an Anglican school but identifies with the Catholic church. “He argues Christian teachings align with Liberal party values,” Bramston wrote.

    In Melbourne on Tuesday, Albanese joined those attending an early morning mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral. In Sydney Dutton went to St Mary’s. Then they both shifted back into campaign mode, for Tuesday night’s debate.

    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. Election Diary: Dutton in third debate gives Labor ammunition for its scare about cuts – https://theconversation.com/election-diary-dutton-in-third-debate-gives-labor-ammunition-for-its-scare-about-cuts-254990

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Leaders trade barbs and well-worn lines in unspectacular third election debate

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Black, Visitor, School of History, Australian National University

    Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have met for the third leaders’ debate of this election campaign, this time on the Nine network. And while the debate traversed much of the same ground as the first two, the quick-fire set up of the debate allowed for some more animated exchanges less than two weeks from election day.

    Three expert authors give their analysis of how the two leaders performed.

    Joshua Black, Australian National University

    Tonight’s leaders’ debate was a marked improvement on the appalling spectacle Nine hosted three years ago. Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton had clearly taken advantage of the reduced campaign activity in recent days to prepare themselves for this contest.

    The problem? There was nothing new worth saying. Viewers were treated instead to the greatest hits of an election campaign that has so far not been especially great. Dutton once again paid homage to Howard and Costello’s liberalism (read: “I’m not Trump”), while Albanese repeated his hardly seamless mantra: “no-one held back and no-one left behind” (read: “I’m not Dutton”).

    For all of the lofty soundbites, the debate hinged on pedantry. The semantic argument from the first debate about the 2014 budget and health and education spending came up again. (Were there cuts, or did these “line items” simply not grow as fast as promised?)

    Both leaders repeated banal explanations about why they were best placed to deal with the Trump White House. There was plenty of tired campaign rhetoric about looming recessions and “talking Australia down”. Even an exchange from last week between Albanese and the ABC’s moderator David Speers seemed to be repeated tonight: why isn’t the government’s energy relief for households means-tested?

    At times, this debate was self-indulgent on the part of Nine Entertainment. Ally Langdon (who opened the debate by welcoming “a bit of theatre”) routinely cast her own judgement, condemning Albanese and Dutton for merely “patching cracks” and not proving their “fiscal responsibility” sufficiently.

    Interestingly, media policy was one of the few things on which the two leaders could agree. Nine’s political editor Charles Croucher asked the leaders to state their attitude toward the News Media Bargaining Code, which prompts global tech giants to pay Australian news providers for access to their content. Both leaders tripped over themselves to assure the panel they were on a “unity ticket” to protect local media companies (including Nine Entertainment) from being “cannibalised” by multinational tech giants. (Of course, a fair playing field for local media providers is clearly in the national interest.)

    This was Dutton’s best debate showing so far. That’s hardly a win. The prime minister managed to reel off a list of his government’s more popular policies, subtly compare his compassionate approach to leadership with Dutton’s darker obsession with order and the threat of disorder, and remind people of the opposition leader’s history of unpopular statements and policies. A modest win for Albanese, if not grounds for inspiration.

    Andrea Carson, La Trobe University

    Coinciding with the first day of early voting, the third leaders’ debate was more like a game of speed chess – with 60 seconds for leaders’ answers, and 30 seconds for rebuttals. The result was too often a word salad.

    While voters may be feeling debate fatigue — and little wonder with a fourth showdown looming on Channel 7 on Sunday — this one could have mattered. With about half of Australians casting their votes early, these televised match-ups represent a potential last chance to shape opinions before May 3.

    Instead, questions often focused on personal qualities: trust and lies, and less on policy – poorly serving viewers as answers became a tit-for-tat affair. The countdown of the clock only re-enforced leaders’ rehearsed answers to well-worn topics of cost of living, energy prices, Medicare bulk billing rates, immigration, housing crisis and tax cuts, barely exposing key policy differences for undecided voters. Even their matching blue suits and pale ties made them look less like opponents and more like political twins.

    Dutton seemed more assured than Albanese from the start.

    Typically, campaign messages get more negative as we move closer to polling day. Studies have shown fear campaigns can “work”, but they can also turn off voters, particularly women. So, unsurprisingly, Dutton’s emphasis was on law and order framed in the language of fear, promising to “keep people safe in their home and communities […] in very uncertain times”. He also promised to cut migration, couched as bringing down housing prices.

    The former policeman seeking to be prime minister kept with the law and order theme to sway voters offering a $A750 million package to stamp out illegal drugs and tobacco.

    In a similar vein, the Labor leader Anthony Albanese used every chance he had to pivot questions back to Labor’s policy home ground advantage: health, education (free TAFE and reduced HECS debt) and low-cost childcare.

    Asked by journalist Deborah Knight if he was “too soft” as a leader, Albanese strove to offer voters hope over fear, replying: “kindness isn’t weakness […] we raise our children to be compassionate”, arguing he can still hold firm when dealing with autocratic leaders to protect Australia’s national interest.

    As Dutton listed his top legislative priorities if elected, promising a 25% fuel levy tax, Albanese scored a zinger, pointing out that that policy expires in a year, chortling “you better do it quickly before it disappears”. Overall, it was a flat event, lacking atmosphere and detailed information.

    Zareh Ghazarian, Monash University

    The “Great Debate”, as it was called by the broadcaster, started on a solemn tone as both leaders mourned the passing of Pope Francis. The format of the debate was geared towards a quick-fire approach. Time limits of one minute per response to questions ensured the debate covered a lot of ground. Policies from cost of living to international affairs were discussed.

    The leaders played their roles effectively. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton demonstrated a laser-like focus on critiquing the government, while highlighting the Coalition’s policies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the track record of his government while also taking opportunities to criticise the previous Morrison government. Both leaders stayed true to advancing the core messages of their campaign.

    Cost of living was central to the debate and provided ample opportunity for Dutton and Albanese to put forward their views on the measures they believe would address the issues. Energy policy, and the divide between nuclear and renewable energy sources, also emerged. There was also a moment of unity as both leaders took pride that Australia had implemented a social media ban for under-16s.

    After the only break of the night, the host gave both leaders the opportunity to spell out the values that underpinned their policy approach. Dutton focused on restating policy goals, such as a reduction in fuel excise. Albanese returned to “no one left behind, but no one held back” as his key message, a concept he had also mentioned in his victory speech in 2022.

    On the whole, and considering the stakes, the debate was a model of civility. Both leaders presented as being in command of the details regarding their policies. Gaffes about figures, costings, and promises were virtually non-existent. Whether it added anything new about the leaders or their policy platforms, however, is debatable.

    Joshua Black is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at The Australia Institute.

    Andrea Carson and Zareh Ghazarian 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. Leaders trade barbs and well-worn lines in unspectacular third election debate – https://theconversation.com/leaders-trade-barbs-and-well-worn-lines-in-unspectacular-third-election-debate-254941

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Dutton promises Coalition would increase defence spending to 3% of GDP ‘within a decade’

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

    Opposition Leader Peter Dutton will promise a Coalition government would boost Australia’s spending on defence to 2.5% of GDP within five years and 3% within a decade.

    Launching the Coalition’s long-awaited defence policy on Wednesday in Western Australia, Dutton will commit to investing more than $21 billion to take spending to 2.5%.

    Australia’s current defence spending is about 2% of GDP, and due to rise to 2.3% by 2033-34. The Trump administration has flagged it wants allies to raise their spending to 3%.

    Trump’s under-secretary of defence for policy, Elbridge Colby, has said:

    The main concern the United States should press with Australia […] is higher defence spending. Australia is currently well below the 3% level advocated for by NATO Secretary General Rutte, and Canberra faces a far more powerful challenge in China.

    The opposition statement, from Dutton and shadow Defence Minister Andrew Hastie, does not go into detail about how the bigger allocation would be spent, or how it would be paid for.

    Defence Minister Richard Marles gave notice of Labor’s line of attack if there is no detail provided. He said on Tuesday:

    It won’t cut it to have vague numbers, to have aspirations, to have signposts in the future. There needs to be a great deal of specificity in respect of what that defence policy looks like.

    In its statement, the opposition accuses Labor of overseeing “more than $80 billion in cuts and delays to defence in just three years, degrading morale and capability, and putting Australia at risk”.

    It says the commitment to 2.5% is “significantly higher than under Labor and demonstrates the Coalition’s commitment to keeping Australia safe in uncertain times”.

    Under Labor, defence spending has stayed static at 2% of GDP for three years – and Labor has walked away from its own target of increasing defence spending to 2.4% of GDP by 2033-34, dropping it instead to ‘over 2.3%’.

    In its most recent budget, Labor delivered no new funding for defence.

    In stark contrast, a Dutton Coalition government will increase defence spending to 3% of GDP within a decade, while Labor’s spend plateaus at around 2.3%.

    The opposition says Australia is facing the most complex and serious strategic circumstances since the second world war.

    The rise of authoritarian powers, and conflict in Europe and the Middle East are a reminder that Australia cannot take peace for granted.

    “Under the Coalition, there will be clarity around the risks we face and a strategy to deter them,” the opposition says.

    “We believe that investing in Defence is an investment in peace – which is maintained through a strong army, navy, air force and enhanced cyber security.”

    This week’s statement follows an earlier Coalition commitment to reinstate the fourth squadron of F-35A Joint Strike Fighters.

    Dutton said: “The Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister regularly tell Australians that we live in the most precarious period since the end of the second world war. Yet, over the last three years, Labor has done nothing about it, other than rip money out of Defence, weakening strength and morale.”

    Hastie said: “A Dutton Coalition government will back Australian workers and businesses in defence industry to develop the sovereign capabilities our country needs. They are a critical enabler to the Australian men and women in uniform”.

    Hastie has been little seen on the campaign trail.

    Marles said over the last three years the government had engaged “in the biggest peacetime increase in defence spending that Australia has seen”.

    “We’ll continue to look at what the appropriate levels of defence spending are.

    “Increases in defence spending will happen under this government […] because that is, in fact, what we’ve done over the last three years”.

    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. Dutton promises Coalition would increase defence spending to 3% of GDP ‘within a decade’ – https://theconversation.com/dutton-promises-coalition-would-increase-defence-spending-to-3-of-gdp-within-a-decade-254993

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ambitious changes to Canadian conservation law are needed to reverse the decline in biodiversity

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Trevor Swerdfager, Practitioner-In-Residence, Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo, University of Waterloo

    Canada’s biodiversity is in decline. Globally, climate change, urbanization, overexploitation of resources and habitat loss are combining to drive biodiversity loss across all ecosystems.

    The recent biodiversity assessment of the Americas, from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, documents these trends. Domestically, the 2024 State of Canada’s Birds Report points to falling bird populations over time, while a 2020 World Wildlife Fund report emphasized similar declines across the full range of plants, animals and other living organisms in Canada.

    Put simply, Canada’s efforts to reverse this decline are not succeeding.

    The State of Canada’s Birds Report 2024 shows that some bird populations have declined dramatically.
    (Government of Canada/Birds Canada)

    Laws protecting biodiversity

    There is a foundational reason for our subpar progress in conserving biodiversity: the poor state of biodiversity law in Canada.

    Laws matter. They codify societal values and priorities, define acceptable behaviours and establish the government programs and institutions needed to tackle complex problems. Canadian biodiversity law is neither meeting today’s challenges nor positioning us for the future.

    Federally, biodiversity laws include: the Fisheries Act (1868); Migratory Birds Convention Act (1917); Canada National Parks Act (CNPA, 1930); Canada Wildlife Act (1973); Forestry Act (1985); Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Inter-provincial Trade Act (1992); Oceans Act (1997); Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act (2002); and the Species At Risk Act (2002).

    Over the years, important additions to these acts include habitat and sustainability provisions to the Fisheries Act in 1977 and 2019 respectively, and a 2011 amendment to the CNPA, requiring that National Parks be managed to ensure their “ecological integrity.”

    Nevertheless, several of the laws are pre-date the Second World War and all pre-date the internet, climate change and current biodiversity science.

    Whooping cranes are considered endangered, and are protected under the Species at Risk Act.
    (Shutterstock)

    Disconnected approach

    Canadian biodiversity laws evolved through multiple unconnected legislative events over 150 years. They legislatively fragment the environment into separate components and fracture accountability into multiple agencies. They entrench program silos fostering conflicting departmental priorities and operational inefficiencies.

    They establish no biodiversity goals, reporting mechanisms or mandates for biodiversity science. Their structures impedes public data sharing and transparency, dissuades Indigenous engagement and consistently sparks federal-provincial tensions.

    They contain no mechanisms for translating Canada’s commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework into legal or programmatic action.

    Nothing on the horizon suggests that these shortcomings will be addressed through new leadership, new policy or plain old good luck. On the contrary, these laws seem destined to yield the same sub-optimal outcomes.

    The Jefferson salamander is listed as endangered by both federal and provincial legislation.
    (iNaturalist/evangrimes), CC BY

    Meeting the challenge

    If we are to meet current and future biodiversity conservation challenges, we must develop a new legislative approach. This approach should support the creation of modern biodiversity programs and institutions and drive integrated, transparent and inclusive decision-making.

    Our work suggests that we need a single unified law for biodiversity: a Canadian Biodiversity Conservation and Protection Act (CBCPA). A new act of this kind would replace the existing nine laws and could usefully include:

    1. Principles requiring — not just encouraging — nature-positive programs emphasizing biodiversity, science, ecosystems, transparency, accountability and inclusivity.

    2. Mandated biodiversity target and objective setting, including those of the Global Biodiversity Framework. This should also include reporting measures that offer actionable insights into program effectiveness and delivery improvement opportunities.

    3. Requirements for the use and public documentation of science in decision-making, including the requirement that all government biodiversity data should be made available to the public.

    4. Establishment of governance arrangements embracing Indigenous rights and interests, as well as mechanisms to bring conservation communities together around collective actions, facilitated by a new Biodiversity Conservation Fund.

    5. Creation of a Biodiversity Conservation Agency to fuse the existing four agencies into one, and establish clear ministerial accountability and a stronger voice for biodiversity in Cabinet.

    6. Operational elements governing the establishment and operation of protected areas, the management of fish and migratory birds, and the protection and recovery of species at risk in a cohesive and mutually reinforcing manner.

    A CBCPA would dramatically improve policy and regulatory certainty for industry. It would drive program cohesion and efficiency, build trust in government decision-making and facilitate intra- and inter-governmental collaboration. It would remove key obstacles to biodiversity conservation success and create the societal conditions so urgently needed to reverse biodiversity decline in Canada.

    This would obviously be an ambitious legislative project replete with substantive policy and political challenges. But the importance of biodiversity to Canada’s ecological, economic and social well-being is difficult to overstate. Maintaining the legislative status quo or adopting minimalist incrementalism is unwise.

    As we transform our economic and trade systems in Canada to grapple with climate change, a fundamental shift in how we conserve and protect biodiversity is equally vital. This is a time for ambition, not apathy.

    Derek Armitage has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

    Trevor Swerdfager 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. Ambitious changes to Canadian conservation law are needed to reverse the decline in biodiversity – https://theconversation.com/ambitious-changes-to-canadian-conservation-law-are-needed-to-reverse-the-decline-in-biodiversity-252781

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Inclusion Awards recipients announced

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Ravi Krishnamurthy accepts the Leader in Inclusion award from Mark Mulligan of Icon Water.

    In brief

    • Winners of this year’s Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards have been announced.
    • The Awards celebrate people with disability who are leaders in the community.
    • The six award winners are listed in this story.

    Recipients of the Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards have been announced.

    The Awards celebrate people with disability who are leaders in the Canberra community.

    They recognise those who improve the experiences of people with disability in the workplace, business and community.

    The nomination process

    Anybody can nominate someone in one of the six award categories.

    Nominees can be:

    • individuals
    • teams
    • local businesses
    • community organisations

    Self-nominations are also welcome.

    The judging process

    The judging panel includes:

    • people with disability
    • awards sponsors
    • ACT Inclusion Council members
    • members of the Canberra business community.

    “It is wonderful to see the achievements of all the winners… They are taking us one step closer to a truly inclusive capital,” ACT Inclusion Council Chair Mr David Smith said.

    The winners

    Leader in Inclusion – Ravi Krishnamurthy
    Ravi has been a relentless force for change in the Canberra community for more than 20 years.

    Excellence in Inclusive and Innovative Employment Practices – The Apollo Neurodiversity Program
    This program offers neurodivergent people a career in ICT within the Australian Public Service.

    Excellence in Collaborating with people with Disability – Safer Me Safer You Project Advisory Group
    Safer Me Safer You Project Advisory Group, by Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT, has set a benchmark for inclusive co-design.

    Excellence in Access and Inclusion – Netball ACT’s 2024 All Abilities Netball program
    Netball ACT’s 2024 All Abilities Netball program has enabled people with disability to play netball in a mainstream competition, making sport more inclusive.

    Excellence in Innovation and Impact – Derek Brewer
    Derek is the founder of Panache Special Needs Driver Training Program. This supports neurodivergent learner drivers and other learner drivers with disability.

    Sue Salthouse Award for Championing Human Rights and Equality – Renée Heaton
    Renée is a powerful advocate and leader. She has led the ACT Disability Reference Group for almost four years.

    Congratulations to the winners and all nominees.

    View the list of finalists and winners on the ACT Inclusion Council website.

    Read more like this:

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Old National Bancorp Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EVANSVILLE, Ind., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Old National Bancorp (NASDAQ: ONB) reports 1Q25 net income applicable to common shares of $140.6 million, diluted EPS of $0.44; $145.5 million and $0.45 on an adjusted1basis, respectively.

    CEO COMMENTARY:

    “Old National reported better-than-expected first-quarter results driven by our peer-leading deposit franchise, solid loan growth and disciplined expense management,” said Chairman and CEO Jim Ryan. “These results demonstrate our ability to navigate a challenging and uncertain economic environment, setting us up favorably as we move into the second quarter and, importantly, as we prepare for our partnership with Bremer Bank which we anticipate closing on May 1, 2025.”


    FIRST     QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS2:

    Net Income
    • Net income applicable to common shares of $140.6 million; adjusted net income applicable to common shares1 of $145.5 million
    • Earnings per diluted common share (“EPS”) of $0.44; adjusted EPS1 of $0.45
       
    Net Interest
    Income/NIM
    • Net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis1 of $393.0 million
    • Net interest margin on a fully taxable equivalent basis1 (“NIM”) of 3.27%, down 3 basis points (“bps”)
       
    Operating
    Performance
    • Pre-provision net revenue1 (“PPNR”) of $218.3 million; adjusted PPNR1 of $224.3 million
    • Noninterest expense of $268.5 million; adjusted noninterest expense1 of $262.6 million
    • Efficiency ratio1 of 53.7%; adjusted efficiency ratio1 of 51.8%
       
    Deposits and
    Funding
    • Period-end total deposits of $41.0 billion, up 2.1% annualized; core deposits up 1.7% annualized
    • Granular low-cost deposit franchise; total deposit costs of 191 bps, down 17 bps
       
    Loans and
    Credit
    Quality
    • End-of-period total loans3 of $36.5 billion, up 1.5% annualized
    • Provision for credit losses4 (“provision”) of $31.4 million
    • Net charge-offs of $21.6 million, or 24 bps of average loans; 21 bps excluding purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans that had an allowance at acquisition
    • 30+ day delinquencies of 0.22% and nonaccrual loans of 1.29% of total loans
     
    Return
    Profile &
    Capital
    • Return on average tangible common equity1 (“ROATCE”) of 15.0%; adjusted ROATCE1 of 15.5%
    • Preliminary regulatory Tier 1 common equity to risk-weighted assets of 11.62%, up 24 bps
       
    Notable
    Items
    • $5.9 million of pre-tax merger-related charges
       

    1 Non-GAAP financial measure that management believes is useful in evaluating the financial results of the Company – refer to the Non-GAAP reconciliations contained in this release 2 Comparisons are on a linked-quarter basis, unless otherwise noted 3 Includes loans held-for-sale 4 Includes the provision for unfunded commitments

    RESULTS OF OPERATIONS2
    Old National Bancorp (“Old National”) reported first quarter 2025 net income applicable to common shares of $140.6 million, or $0.44 per diluted common share.

    Included in first quarter results were pre-tax charges of $5.9 million for merger-related expenses. Excluding these charges and realized debt securities losses from the current quarter, adjusted net income1 was $145.5 million, or $0.45 per diluted common share.

    DEPOSITS AND FUNDING
    Growth in core deposits driven by normal seasonal patterns in business checking and public funds, along with growth in community deposits.

    • Period-end total deposits were $41.0 billion, up 2.1% annualized; core deposits up 1.7% annualized.
    • On average, total deposits for the first quarter were $40.5 billion, down 6.2% annualized.
    • Granular low-cost deposit franchise; total deposit costs of 191 bps, down 17 bps.
    • A loan to deposit ratio of 89%, combined with existing funding sources, provides strong liquidity.

    LOANS
    Balanced commercial loan production, growth and pipeline.

    • Period-end total loans3 were $36.5 billion, up 1.5% annualized; up 2.3% annualized excluding $71 million of commercial real estate loan sales.
    • Total commercial loan production in the first quarter was $1.5 billion; period-end commercial pipeline totaled $3.4 billion.
    • Average total loans in the first quarter were $36.3 billion, a decrease of $128.2 million, or down 1.4% annualized.

    CREDIT QUALITY
    Resilient credit quality continues to be a hallmark of Old National.

    • Provision4 expense was $31.4 million compared to $27.0 million.
    • Net charge-offs were $21.6 million, or 24 bps of average loans compared to 21 bps.
      • Excluding PCD loans that had an allowance for credit losses established at acquisition, net charge-offs to average loans were 21 bps compared to 17 bps.
    • 30+ day delinquencies as a percentage of loans were 0.22% compared to 0.27%.
    • Nonaccrual loans as a percentage of total loans were 1.29% compared to 1.23%.
    • Loans acquired from previous acquisitions were recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. The remaining discount on these acquired loans was $119.2 million.
    • The allowance for credit losses, including the allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments, stood at $424.0 million, or 1.16% of total loans, compared to $414.2 million, or 1.14% of total loans.

    NET INTEREST INCOME AND MARGIN
    Lower reflective of lower accretion and number of days.

    • Net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis1 decreased to $393.0 million compared to $400.0 million, driven by lower accretion, fewer days in the quarter and earning asset mix, partly offset by lower funding costs.
    • Net interest margin on a fully taxable equivalent basis1 decreased 3 bps to 3.27%.
    • Accretion income on loans and borrowings was $12.3 million, or 10 bps of net interest margin1, compared to $18.5 million, or 15 bps of net interest margin1.
    • Cost of total deposits was 1.91%, decreasing 17 bps and the cost of total interest-bearing deposits decreased 25 bps to 2.46%.

    NONINTEREST INCOME
    Impacted by seasonally lower bank fees and lower company-owned life insurance.

    • Total noninterest income was $93.8 million compared to $95.8 million.
    • Noninterest income decreased 2.1% driven by seasonally lower bank fees and lower company-owned life insurance.
      • Other income was impacted by $4.8 million of gains on the sale of $71 million of commercial real estate loans in the first quarter of 2025 and $8 million of equity investments recoveries in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    NONINTEREST EXPENSE
    Disciplined expense management.

    • Noninterest expense was $268.5 million and included $5.9 million of merger-related charges.
      • Excluding merger-related charges, adjusted noninterest expense1 was $262.6 million, compared to $268.7 million; decrease driven by lower FDIC assessment expense and tax credit amortization.
    • The efficiency ratio1 was 53.7%, while the adjusted efficiency ratio1 was 51.8% compared to 54.4% and 51.8%, respectively.

    INCOME TAXES

    • Income tax expense was $36.9 million, resulting in an effective tax rate of 20.3% compared to 17.3%. On an adjusted fully taxable equivalent (“FTE”) basis, the effective tax rate was 22.6% compared to 19.8%.
      • The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2025 was impacted by $1.2 million for the vesting of employee stock compensation and the fourth quarter of 2024 was impacted by $5.9 million for the resolution of tax matters.
    • Income tax expense included $5.3 million of tax credit benefit compared to $5.2 million.

    CAPITAL
    Capital ratios remain strong.

    • Preliminary total risk-based capital up 31 bps to 13.68% and preliminary regulatory Tier 1 capital up 25 bps to 12.23%, as strong retained earnings drive capital.
    • Tangible common equity to tangible assets was 7.76%, up 4.7%.

    CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST
    Old National will host a conference call and live webcast at 9:00 a.m. Central Time on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, to review first quarter financial results. The live audio webcast link and corresponding presentation slides will be available on the Company’s Investor Relations website at oldnational.com and will be archived there for 12 months. To listen to the live conference call, dial U.S. (800) 715-9871 or International (646) 307-1963, access code 5176690. A replay of the call will also be available from approximately noon Central Time on April 22, 2025 through May 6, 2025. To access the replay, dial U.S. (800) 770-2030 or International (647) 362-9199; Access code 5176690.

    ABOUT OLD NATIONAL
    Old National Bancorp (NASDAQ: ONB) is the holding company of Old National Bank. As the sixth largest commercial bank headquartered in the Midwest, Old National proudly serves clients primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. With approximately $54 billion of assets and $29 billion of assets under management, Old National ranks among the top 30 banking companies headquartered in the United States. Tracing our roots to 1834, Old National focuses on building long-term, highly valued partnerships with clients while also strengthening and supporting the communities we serve. In addition to providing extensive services in consumer and commercial banking, Old National offers comprehensive wealth management and capital markets services. For more information and financial data, please visit Investor Relations at oldnational.com. In 2024, Points of Light named Old National one of “The Civic 50” – an honor reserved for the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States.

    USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    The Company’s accounting and reporting policies conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and general practices within the banking industry. As a supplement to GAAP, the Company provides non-GAAP performance results, which the Company believes are useful because they assist investors in assessing the Company’s operating performance. Where non-GAAP financial measures are used, the comparable GAAP financial measure, as well as the reconciliation to the comparable GAAP financial measure, can be found in the tables at the end of this release.

    The Company presents EPS, the efficiency ratio, return on average common equity, return on average tangible common equity, and net income applicable to common shares, all adjusted for certain notable items. These items include merger-related charges associated with completed and pending acquisitions, debt securities gains/losses, separation expense, CECL Day 1 non-PCD provision expense, distribution of excess pension assets expense, and FDIC special assessment expense. Management believes excluding these items from EPS, the efficiency ratio, return on average common equity, and return on average tangible common equity may be useful in assessing the Company’s underlying operational performance since these items do not pertain to its core business operations and their exclusion may facilitate better comparability between periods. Management believes that excluding merger-related charges from these metrics may be useful to the Company, as well as analysts and investors, since these expenses can vary significantly based on the size, type, and structure of each acquisition. Additionally, management believes excluding these items from these metrics may enhance comparability for peer comparison purposes.

    Income tax expense, provision for credit losses, and the certain notable items listed above are excluded from the calculation of pre-provision net revenues, adjusted due to the fluctuation in income before income tax and the level of provision for credit losses required. Management believes adjusted pre-provision net revenues may be useful in assessing the Company’s underlying operating performance and their exclusion may facilitate better comparability between periods and for peer comparison purposes.

    The Company presents adjusted noninterest expense, which excludes merger-related charges associated with completed and pending acquisitions, separation expense, distribution of excess pension assets expense, and FDIC special assessment expense, as well as adjusted noninterest income, which excludes debt securities gains/losses. Management believes that excluding these items from noninterest expense and noninterest income may be useful in assessing the Company’s underlying operational performance as these items either do not pertain to its core business operations or their exclusion may facilitate better comparability between periods and for peer comparison purposes.

    The tax-equivalent adjustment to net interest income and net interest margin recognizes the income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets. Interest income and yields on tax-exempt securities and loans are presented using the current federal income tax rate of 21%. Management believes that it is standard practice in the banking industry to present net interest income and net interest margin on a fully tax-equivalent basis and that it may enhance comparability for peer comparison purposes.

    In management’s view, tangible common equity measures are capital adequacy metrics that may be meaningful to the Company, as well as analysts and investors, in assessing the Company’s use of equity and in facilitating comparisons with peers. These non-GAAP measures are valuable indicators of a financial institution’s capital strength since they eliminate intangible assets from stockholders’ equity and retain the effect of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity.

    Although intended to enhance investors’ understanding of the Company’s business and performance, these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered an alternative to GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from those used by other financial institutions to assess their business and performance. See the following reconciliations in the “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” section for details on the calculation of these measures to the extent presented herein.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    This communication contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”), notwithstanding that such statements are not specifically identified as such. In addition, certain statements may be contained in our future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in press releases, and in oral and written statements made by us that are not statements of historical fact and constitute forward‐looking statements within the meaning of the Act. These statements include, but are not limited to, descriptions of Old National’s financial condition, results of operations, asset and credit quality trends, profitability and business plans or opportunities. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “should,” “would,” and “will,” and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements express management’s current expectations or forecasts of future events and, by their nature, are subject to risks and uncertainties. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such statements, including, but not limited to: competition; government legislation, regulations and policies, including trade and tariff policies; the ability of Old National to execute its business plan; unanticipated changes in our liquidity position, including but not limited to changes in our access to sources of liquidity and capital to address our liquidity needs; changes in economic conditions and economic and business uncertainty which could materially impact credit quality trends and the ability to generate loans and gather deposits; inflation and governmental responses to inflation, including increasing interest rates; market, economic, operational, liquidity, credit, and interest rate risks associated with our business; our ability to successfully manage our credit risk and the sufficiency of our allowance for credit losses; the possibility that the merger (the “Merger”) between Old National and Bremer Financial Corporation (“Bremer”) does not close when expected; the expected cost savings, synergies and other financial benefits from the Merger not being realized within the expected time frames and costs or difficulties relating to integration matters being greater than expected; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the completion of the Merger; the impact of purchase accounting with respect to the Merger, or any change in the assumptions used regarding the assets acquired and liabilities assumed to determine their fair value and credit marks; risks relating to the potential dilutive effect of shares of Old National’s common stock to be issued in the Merger; the potential impact of future business combinations on our performance and financial condition, including our ability to successfully integrate the businesses, the success of revenue-generating and cost reduction initiatives and the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; failure or circumvention of our internal controls; operational risks or risk management failures by us or critical third parties, including without limitation with respect to data processing, information systems, cybersecurity, technological changes, vendor issues, business interruption, and fraud risks; significant changes in accounting, tax or regulatory practices or requirements; new legal obligations or liabilities; disruptive technologies in payment systems and other services traditionally provided by banks; failure or disruption of our information systems; computer hacking and other cybersecurity threats; the effects of climate change on Old National and its customers, borrowers, or service providers; the impacts of pandemics, epidemics and other infectious disease outbreaks; other matters discussed in this communication; and other factors identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other filings with the SEC. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this communication and are not guarantees of future results, performance or outcomes, and Old National does not undertake an obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or conditions after the date of this communication.

    CONTACTS:    
    Media: Rick Vach   Investors: Lynell Durchholz
    (904) 535-9489   (812) 464-1366
    Rick.Vach@oldnational.com   Lynell.Durchholz@oldnational.com
             
    Financial Highlights (unaudited)
    ($ and shares in thousands, except per share data)
               
      Three Months Ended
      March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
        2025     2024     2024     2024     2024  
    Income Statement          
    Net interest income $ 387,643   $ 394,180   $ 391,724   $ 388,421   $ 356,458  
    FTE adjustment1,3   5,360     5,777     6,144     6,340     6,253  
    Net interest income – tax equivalent basis3   393,003     399,957     397,868     394,761     362,711  
    Provision for credit losses   31,403     27,017     28,497     36,214     18,891  
    Noninterest income   93,794     95,766     94,138     87,271     77,522  
    Noninterest expense   268,471     276,824     272,283     282,999     262,317  
    Net income available to common shareholders $ 140,625   $ 149,839   $ 139,768   $ 117,196   $ 116,250  
    Per Common Share Data          
    Weighted average diluted shares   321,016     318,803     317,331     316,461     292,207  
    EPS, diluted $ 0.44   $ 0.47   $ 0.44   $ 0.37   $ 0.40  
    Cash dividends   0.14     0.14     0.14     0.14     0.14  
    Dividend payout ratio2   32 %   30 %   32 %   38 %   35 %
    Book value $ 19.71   $ 19.11   $ 19.20   $ 18.28   $ 18.24  
    Stock price   21.19     21.71     18.66     17.19     17.41  
    Tangible book value3   12.54     11.91     11.97     11.05     11.10  
    Performance Ratios          
    ROAA   1.08 %   1.14 %   1.08 %   0.92 %   0.98 %
    ROAE   9.1 %   9.8 %   9.4 %   8.2 %   8.7 %
    ROATCE3   15.0 %   16.4 %   16.0 %   14.1 %   14.9 %
    NIM (FTE)3   3.27 %   3.30 %   3.32 %   3.33 %   3.28 %
    Efficiency ratio3   53.7 %   54.4 %   53.8 %   57.2 %   58.3 %
    NCOs to average loans   0.24 %   0.21 %   0.19 %   0.16 %   0.14 %
    ACL on loans to EOP loans   1.10 %   1.08 %   1.05 %   1.01 %   0.95 %
    ACL4 to EOP loans   1.16 %   1.14 %   1.12 %   1.08 %   1.03 %
    NPLs to EOP loans   1.29 %   1.23 %   1.22 %   0.94 %   0.98 %
    Balance Sheet (EOP)          
    Total loans $ 36,413,944   $ 36,285,887   $ 36,400,643   $ 36,150,513   $ 33,623,319  
    Total assets   53,877,944     53,552,272     53,602,293     53,119,645     49,534,918  
    Total deposits   41,034,572     40,823,560     40,845,746     39,999,228     37,699,418  
    Total borrowed funds   5,447,054     5,411,537     5,449,096     6,085,204     5,331,161  
    Total shareholders’ equity   6,534,654     6,340,350     6,367,298     6,075,072     5,595,408  
    Capital Ratios3          
    Risk-based capital ratios (EOP):          
    Tier 1 common equity   11.62 %   11.38 %   11.00 %   10.73 %   10.76 %
    Tier 1 capital   12.23 %   11.98 %   11.60 %   11.33 %   11.40 %
    Total capital   13.68 %   13.37 %   12.94 %   12.71 %   12.74 %
    Leverage ratio (average assets)   9.44 %   9.21 %   9.05 %   8.90 %   8.96 %
    Equity to assets (averages)   12.01 %   11.78 %   11.60 %   11.31 %   11.32 %
    TCE to TA   7.76 %   7.41 %   7.44 %   6.94 %   6.86 %
    Nonfinancial Data          
    Full-time equivalent employees   4,028     4,066     4,105     4,267     3,955  
    Banking centers   280     280     280     280     258  
    1 Calculated using the federal statutory tax rate in effect of 21% for all periods.    
    2 Cash dividends per common share divided by net income per common share (basic).    
    3 Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures” table for reconciliations to GAAP financial measures.
        March 31, 2025 capital ratios are preliminary.
    4 Includes the allowance for credit losses on loans and unfunded loan commitments.    
               
    FTE – Fully taxable equivalent basis ROAA – Return on average assets ROAE – Return on average equity ROATCE – Return on average tangible common equity NCOs – Net Charge-offs ACL – Allowance for Credit Losses EOP – End of period actual balances NPLs – Non-performing Loans TCE – Tangible common equity TA – Tangible assets
               
    Income Statement (unaudited)
    ($ and shares in thousands, except per share data)
      Three Months Ended
      March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
        2025     2024     2024     2024     2024  
    Interest income $ 630,399   $ 662,082   $ 679,925   $ 663,663   $ 595,981  
    Less: interest expense   242,756     267,902     288,201     275,242     239,523  
    Net interest income   387,643     394,180     391,724     388,421     356,458  
    Provision for credit losses   31,403     27,017     28,497     36,214     18,891  
    Net interest income
    after provision for credit losses    		   356,240     367,163     363,227     352,207     337,567  
    Wealth and investment services fees   29,648     30,012     29,117     29,358     28,304  
    Service charges on deposit accounts   21,156     20,577     20,350     19,350     17,898  
    Debit card and ATM fees   9,991     10,991     11,362     10,993     10,054  
    Mortgage banking revenue   6,879     7,026     7,669     7,064     4,478  
    Capital markets income   4,506     5,244     7,426     4,729     2,900  
    Company-owned life insurance   5,381     6,499     5,315     5,739     3,434  
    Other income   16,309     15,539     12,975     10,036     10,470  
    Debt securities gains (losses), net   (76 )   (122 )   (76 )   2     (16 )
    Total noninterest income   93,794     95,766     94,138     87,271     77,522  
    Salaries and employee benefits   148,305     146,605     147,494     159,193     149,803  
    Occupancy   29,053     29,733     27,130     26,547     27,019  
    Equipment   8,901     9,325     9,888     8,704     8,671  
    Marketing   11,940     12,653     11,036     11,284     10,634  
    Technology   22,020     21,429     23,343     24,002     20,023  
    Communication   4,134     4,176     4,681     4,480     4,000  
    Professional fees   7,919     11,055     7,278     10,552     6,406  
    FDIC assessment   9,700     11,970     11,722     9,676     11,313  
    Amortization of intangibles   6,830     7,237     7,411     7,425     5,455  
    Amortization of tax credit investments   3,424     4,556     3,277     2,747     2,749  
    Other expense   16,245     18,085     19,023     18,389     16,244  
    Total noninterest expense   268,471     276,824     272,283     282,999     262,317  
    Income before income taxes   181,563     186,105     185,082     156,479     152,772  
    Income tax expense   36,904     32,232     41,280     35,250     32,488  
    Net income $ 144,659   $ 153,873   $ 143,802   $ 121,229   $ 120,284  
    Preferred dividends   (4,034 )   (4,034 )   (4,034 )   (4,033 )   (4,034 )
    Net income applicable to common shares $ 140,625   $ 149,839   $ 139,768   $ 117,196   $ 116,250  
               
    EPS, diluted $ 0.44   $ 0.47   $ 0.44   $ 0.37   $ 0.40  
    Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding          
    Basic   315,925     315,673     315,622     315,585     290,980  
    Diluted   321,016     318,803     317,331     316,461     292,207  
    Common shares outstanding (EOP)   319,236     318,980     318,955     318,969     293,330  
               
               
     
    End of Period Balance Sheet (unaudited)
    ($ in thousands)
      March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
        2025     2024     2024     2024     2024  
    Assets          
    Cash and due from banks $ 486,061   $ 394,450   $ 498,120   $ 428,665   $ 350,990  
    Money market and other interest-earning investments   753,719     833,518     693,450     804,381     588,509  
    Investments:          
    Treasury and government-sponsored agencies   2,364,170     2,289,903     2,335,716     2,207,004     2,243,754  
    Mortgage-backed securities   6,458,023     6,175,103     6,085,826     5,890,371     5,566,881  
    States and political subdivisions   1,589,555     1,637,379     1,665,128     1,678,597     1,672,061  
    Other securities   755,348     781,656     783,079     775,623     760,847  
    Total investments   11,167,096     10,884,041     10,869,749     10,551,595     10,243,543  
    Loans held-for-sale, at fair value   40,424     34,483     62,376     66,126     19,418  
    Loans:          
    Commercial   10,650,615     10,288,560     10,408,095     10,332,631     9,648,269  
    Commercial and agriculture real estate   16,135,327     16,307,486     16,356,216     16,016,958     14,653,958  
    Residential real estate   6,771,694     6,797,586     6,757,896     6,894,957     6,661,379  
    Consumer   2,856,308     2,892,255     2,878,436     2,905,967     2,659,713  
    Total loans   36,413,944     36,285,887     36,400,643     36,150,513     33,623,319  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans   (401,932 )   (392,522 )   (380,840 )   (366,335 )   (319,713 )
    Premises and equipment, net   584,664     588,970     599,528     601,945     564,007  
    Goodwill and other intangible assets   2,289,268     2,296,098     2,305,084     2,306,204     2,095,511  
    Company-owned life insurance   859,211     859,851     863,723     862,032     767,423  
    Accrued interest receivable and other assets   1,685,489     1,767,496     1,690,460     1,714,519     1,601,911  
    Total assets $ 53,877,944   $ 53,552,272   $ 53,602,293   $ 53,119,645   $ 49,534,918  
               
    Liabilities and Equity          
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits $ 9,186,314   $ 9,399,019   $ 9,429,285   $ 9,336,042   $ 9,257,709  
    Interest-bearing:          
    Checking and NOW accounts   7,736,014     7,538,987     7,314,245     7,680,865     7,236,667  
    Savings accounts   4,715,329     4,753,279     4,781,447     4,983,811     5,020,095  
    Money market accounts   11,638,653     11,807,228     11,601,461     10,485,491     10,234,113  
    Other time deposits   6,212,898     5,819,970     6,010,070     5,688,432     4,760,659  
    Total core deposits   39,489,208     39,318,483     39,136,508     38,174,641     36,509,243  
    Brokered deposits   1,545,364     1,505,077     1,709,238     1,824,587     1,190,175  
    Total deposits   41,034,572     40,823,560     40,845,746     39,999,228     37,699,418  
               
    Federal funds purchased and interbank borrowings   170     385     135,263     250,154     50,416  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   290,256     268,975     244,626     240,713     274,493  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   4,514,354     4,452,559     4,471,153     4,744,560     4,193,039  
    Other borrowings   642,274     689,618     598,054     849,777     813,213  
    Total borrowed funds   5,447,054     5,411,537     5,449,096     6,085,204     5,331,161  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   861,664     976,825     940,153     960,141     908,931  
    Total liabilities   47,343,290     47,211,922     47,234,995     47,044,573     43,939,510  
    Preferred stock, common stock, surplus, and retained earnings   7,183,163     7,086,393     6,971,054     6,866,480     6,375,036  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax   (648,509 )   (746,043 )   (603,756 )   (791,408 )   (779,628 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   6,534,654     6,340,350     6,367,298     6,075,072     5,595,408  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 53,877,944   $ 53,552,272   $ 53,602,293   $ 53,119,645   $ 49,534,918  
     
                             
    Average Balance Sheet and Interest Rates (unaudited)
    ($ in thousands)
                             
                             
        Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
        Average Income1/ Yield/   Average Income1/ Yield/   Average Income1/ Yield/
    Earning Assets:   Balance Expense Rate   Balance Expense Rate   Balance Expense Rate
    Money market and other interest-earning investments   $ 791,067   $ 8,815 4.52 %   $ 1,072,509   $ 12,843 4.76 %   $ 757,244   $ 9,985 5.30 %
    Investments:                        
    Treasury and government-sponsored agencies     2,318,869     20,019 3.45 %     2,325,120     20,841 3.59 %     2,362,477     23,266 3.94 %
    Mortgage-backed securities     6,287,825     54,523 3.47 %     6,149,775     50,416 3.28 %     5,357,085     38,888 2.90 %
    States and political subdivisions     1,610,819     13,242 3.29 %     1,654,591     13,698 3.31 %     1,680,175     13,976 3.33 %
    Other securities     770,839     10,512 5.45 %     783,708     10,518 5.37 %     770,438     12,173 6.32 %
    Total investments     10,988,352     98,296 3.58 %     10,913,194     95,473 3.50 %     10,170,175     88,303 3.47 %
    Loans:2                        
    Commercial     10,397,991     165,595 6.37 %     10,401,056     176,996 6.81 %     9,540,385     167,263 7.01 %
    Commercial and agriculture real estate     16,213,606     245,935 6.07 %     16,326,802     263,062 6.44 %     14,368,370     230,086 6.41 %
    Residential real estate loans     6,815,091     67,648 3.97 %     6,814,829     68,346 4.01 %     6,693,814     63,003 3.76 %
    Consumer     2,871,213     49,470 6.99 %     2,883,413     51,139 7.06 %     2,645,091     43,594 6.63 %
    Total loans     36,297,901     528,648 5.83 %     36,426,100     559,543 6.14 %     33,247,660     503,946 6.07 %
                             
    Total earning assets   $ 48,077,320   $ 635,759 5.30 %   $ 48,411,803   $ 667,859 5.52 %   $ 44,175,079   $ 602,234 5.46 %
                             
    Less: Allowance for credit losses on loans     (398,765 )         (382,799 )         (313,470 )    
                             
    Non-earning Assets:                        
    Cash and due from banks   $ 372,428         $ 370,932         $ 362,676      
    Other assets     5,394,600           5,402,359           4,961,595      
                             
    Total assets   $ 53,445,583         $ 53,802,295         $ 49,185,880      
                             
    Interest-Bearing Liabilities:                        
    Checking and NOW accounts   $ 7,526,294   $ 23,850 1.29 %   $ 7,338,532   $ 23,747 1.29 %   $ 7,141,201   $ 25,252 1.42 %
    Savings accounts     4,692,239     3,608 0.31 %     4,750,387     4,467 0.37 %     5,025,400     5,017 0.40 %
    Money market accounts     11,664,650     88,381 3.07 %     11,900,305     103,818 3.47 %     9,917,572     94,213 3.82 %
    Other time deposits     5,996,108     56,485 3.82 %     5,985,911     61,679 4.10 %     4,689,136     47,432 4.07 %
    Total interest-bearing core deposits     29,879,291     172,324 2.34 %     29,975,135     193,711 2.57 %     26,773,309     171,914 2.58 %
    Brokered deposits     1,546,756     18,171 4.76 %     1,662,698     21,579 5.16 %     1,047,140     13,525 5.19 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits     31,426,047     190,495 2.46 %     31,637,833     215,290 2.71 %     27,820,449     185,439 2.68 %
                             
    Federal funds purchased and interbank borrowings     148,130     1,625 4.45 %     433     23 21.13 %     69,090     961 5.59 %
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase     272,961     551 0.82 %     249,133     584 0.93 %     296,236     917 1.25 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances     4,464,590     41,896 3.81 %     4,461,733     43,788 3.90 %     4,386,492     41,167 3.77 %
    Other borrowings     675,759     8,189 4.91 %     669,580     8,217 4.88 %     825,846     11,039 5.38 %
    Total borrowed funds     5,561,440     52,261 3.81 %     5,380,879     52,612 3.89 %     5,577,664     54,084 3.90 %
                             
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   $ 36,987,487   $ 242,756 2.66 %   $ 37,018,712   $ 267,902 2.88 %   $ 33,398,113   $ 239,523 2.88 %
                             
    Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity                      
    Demand deposits   $ 9,096,676         $ 9,509,446         $ 9,258,136      
    Other liabilities     944,935           935,184           964,089      
    Shareholders’ equity     6,416,485           6,338,953           5,565,542      
                             
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 53,445,583         $ 53,802,295         $ 49,185,880      
                             
    Net interest rate spread       2.64 %       2.64 %       2.58 %
                             
    Net interest margin (GAAP)       3.23 %       3.26 %       3.23 %
                             
    Net interest margin (FTE)3       3.27 %       3.30 %       3.28 %
                             
    FTE adjustment     $ 5,360       $ 5,777       $ 6,253  
                             
    1 Interest income is reflected on a FTE basis.  
    2 Includes loans held-for-sale.  
    3 Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures” table for reconciliations to GAAP financial measures.  
     
               
    Asset Quality (EOP) (unaudited)
    ($ in thousands)
               
      Three Months Ended
      March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
        2025     2024     2024     2024     2024  
    Allowance for credit losses:          
    Beginning allowance for credit losses on loans $ 392,522   $ 380,840   $ 366,335   $ 319,713   $ 307,610  
    Allowance established for acquired PCD loans   —     —     2,803     23,922     —  
    Provision for credit losses on loans   31,026     30,417     29,176     36,745     23,853  
    Gross charge-offs   (24,540 )   (21,278 )   (18,965 )   (17,041 )   (14,020 )
    Gross recoveries   2,924     2,543     1,491     2,996     2,270  
    NCOs   (21,616 )   (18,735 )   (17,474 )   (14,045 )   (11,750 )
    Ending allowance for credit losses on loans $ 401,932   $ 392,522   $ 380,840   $ 366,335   $ 319,713  
    Beginning allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments $ 21,654   $ 25,054   $ 25,733   $ 26,264   $ 31,226  
    Provision (release) for credit losses on unfunded commitments   377     (3,400 )   (679 )   (531 )   (4,962 )
    Ending allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments $ 22,031   $ 21,654   $ 25,054   $ 25,733   $ 26,264  
    Allowance for credit losses $ 423,963   $ 414,176   $ 405,894   $ 392,068   $ 345,977  
    Provision for credit losses on loans $ 31,026   $ 30,417   $ 29,176   $ 36,745   $ 23,853  
    Provision (release) for credit losses on unfunded commitments   377     (3,400 )   (679 )   (531 )   (4,962 )
    Provision for credit losses $ 31,403   $ 27,017   $ 28,497   $ 36,214   $ 18,891  
    NCOs / average loans1   0.24 %   0.21 %   0.19 %   0.16 %   0.14 %
    Average loans1 $ 36,284,059   $ 36,410,414   $ 36,299,544   $ 36,053,845   $ 33,242,739  
    EOP loans1   36,413,944     36,285,887     36,400,643     36,150,513     33,623,319  
    ACL on loans / EOP loans1   1.10 %   1.08 %   1.05 %   1.01 %   0.95 %
    ACL / EOP loans1   1.16 %   1.14 %   1.12 %   1.08 %   1.03 %
    Underperforming Assets:          
    Loans 90 days and over (still accruing) $ 6,757   $ 4,060   $ 1,177   $ 5,251   $ 2,172  
    Nonaccrual loans   469,211     447,979     443,597     340,181     328,645  
    Foreclosed assets   6,301     4,294     4,077     8,290     9,344  
    Total underperforming assets $ 482,269   $ 456,333   $ 448,851   $ 353,722   $ 340,161  
    Classified and Criticized Assets:          
    Nonaccrual loans $ 469,211   $ 447,979   $ 443,597   $ 340,181   $ 328,645  
    Substandard loans (still accruing)   1,479,630     1,073,413     1,074,243     841,087     626,157  
    Loans 90 days and over (still accruing)   6,757     4,060     1,177     5,251     2,172  
    Total classified loans – “problem loans”   1,955,598     1,525,452     1,519,017     1,186,519     956,974  
    Other classified assets   53,239     58,954     59,485     60,772     54,392  
    Special Mention   828,314     908,630     837,543     967,655     827,419  
    Total classified and criticized assets $ 2,837,151   $ 2,493,036   $ 2,416,045   $ 2,214,946   $ 1,838,785  
    Loans 30-89 days past due (still accruing) $ 72,517   $ 93,141   $ 91,750   $ 51,712   $ 53,112  
    Nonaccrual loans / EOP loans1   1.29 %   1.23 %   1.22 %   0.94 %   0.98 %
    ACL / nonaccrual loans   90 %   92 %   92 %   115 %   105 %
    Under-performing assets/EOP loans1   1.32 %   1.26 %   1.23 %   0.98 %   1.01 %
    Under-performing assets/EOP assets   0.90 %   0.85 %   0.84 %   0.67 %   0.69 %
    30+ day delinquencies/EOP loans1   0.22 %   0.27 %   0.26 %   0.16 %   0.16 %
               
    1 Excludes loans held-for-sale.      
               

            

            

               
    Non-GAAP Measures (unaudited)
    ($ and shares in thousands, except per share data)
               
      Three Months Ended
      March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
        2025     2024     2024     2024     2024  
    Earnings Per Share:          
    Net income applicable to common shares $ 140,625   $ 149,839   $ 139,768   $ 117,196   $ 116,250  
    Adjustments:          
    Merger-related charges   5,856     8,117     6,860     19,440     2,908  
    Tax effect1   (1,089 )   (2,058 )   (1,528 )   (4,413 )   (710 )
    Merger-related charges, net   4,767     6,059     5,332     15,027     2,198  
    Debt securities (gains) losses   76     122     76     (2 )   16  
    Tax effect1   (14 )   (31 )   (17 )   1     (4 )
    Debt securities (gains) losses, net   62     91     59     (1 )   12  
    Separation expense   —     —     2,646     —     —  
    Tax effect1   —     —     (589 )   —     —  
    Separation expense, net   —     —     2,057     —     —  
    CECL Day 1 non-PCD provision expense   —     —     —     15,312     —  
    Tax effect1   —     —     —     (3,476 )   —  
    CECL Day 1 non-PCD provision expense, net   —     —     —     11,836     —  
    Distribution of excess pension assets   —     —     —     —     13,318  
    Tax effect1   —     —     —     —     (3,250 )
    Distribution excess pension assets, net   —     —     —     —     10,068  
    FDIC special assessment   —     —     —     —     2,994  
    Tax effect1   —     —     —     —     (731 )
    FDIC special assessment, net   —     —     —     —     2,263  
    Total adjustments, net   4,829     6,150     7,448     26,862     14,541  
    Net income applicable to common shares, adjusted $ 145,454   $ 155,989   $ 147,216   $ 144,058   $ 130,791  
    Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding   321,016     318,803     317,331     316,461     292,207  
    EPS, diluted $ 0.44   $ 0.47   $ 0.44   $ 0.37   $ 0.40  
    Adjusted EPS, diluted $ 0.45   $ 0.49   $ 0.46   $ 0.46   $ 0.45  
    NIM:          
    Net interest income $ 387,643   $ 394,180   $ 391,724   $ 388,421   $ 356,458  
    Add: FTE adjustment2   5,360     5,777     6,144     6,340     6,253  
    Net interest income (FTE) $ 393,003   $ 399,957   $ 397,868   $ 394,761   $ 362,711  
    Average earning assets $ 48,077,320   $ 48,411,803   $ 47,905,463   $ 47,406,849   $ 44,175,079  
    NIM (GAAP)   3.23 %   3.26 %   3.27 %   3.28 %   3.23 %
    NIM (FTE)   3.27 %   3.30 %   3.32 %   3.33 %   3.28 %
               
    Refer to last page of Non-GAAP reconciliations for footnotes.      
               
    Non-GAAP Measures (unaudited)
    ($ in thousands)
               
      Three Months Ended
      March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
        2025     2024     2024     2024     2024  
    PPNR:          
    Net interest income (FTE)2 $ 393,003   $ 399,957   $ 397,868   $ 394,761   $ 362,711  
    Add: Noninterest income   93,794     95,766     94,138     87,271     77,522  
    Total revenue (FTE)   486,797     495,723     492,006     482,032     440,233  
    Less: Noninterest expense   (268,471 )   (276,824 )   (272,283 )   (282,999 )   (262,317 )
    PPNR $ 218,326   $ 218,899   $ 219,723   $ 199,033   $ 177,916  
    Adjustments:          
    Debt securities (gains) losses $ 76   $ 122   $ 76   $ (2 ) $ 16  
    Noninterest income adjustments   76     122     76     (2 )   16  
    Adjusted noninterest income   93,870     95,888     94,214     87,269     77,538  
    Adjusted revenue $ 486,873   $ 495,845   $ 492,082   $ 482,030   $ 440,249  
    Adjustments:          
    Merger-related charges $ 5,856   $ 8,117   $ 6,860   $ 19,440   $ 2,908  
    Separation expense   —     —     2,646     —     —  
    Distribution of excess pension assets   —     —     —     —     13,318  
    FDIC Special Assessment   —     —     —     —     2,994  
    Noninterest expense adjustments   5,856     8,117     9,506     19,440     19,220  
    Adjusted total noninterest expense   (262,615 )   (268,707 )   (262,777 )   (263,559 )   (243,097 )
    Adjusted PPNR $ 224,258   $ 227,138   $ 229,305   $ 218,471   $ 197,152  
    Efficiency Ratio:          
    Noninterest expense $ 268,471   $ 276,824   $ 272,283   $ 282,999   $ 262,317  
    Less: Amortization of intangibles   (6,830 )   (7,237 )   (7,411 )   (7,425 )   (5,455 )
    Noninterest expense, excl. amortization of intangibles   261,641     269,587     264,872     275,574     256,862  
    Less: Amortization of tax credit investments   (3,424 )   (4,556 )   (3,277 )   (2,747 )   (2,749 )
    Less: Noninterest expense adjustments   (5,856 )   (8,117 )   (9,506 )   (19,440 )   (19,220 )
    Adjusted noninterest expense, excluding amortization $ 252,361   $ 256,914   $ 252,089   $ 253,387   $ 234,893  
    Total revenue (FTE)2 $ 486,797   $ 495,723   $ 492,006   $ 482,032   $ 440,233  
    Less: Debt securities (gains) losses   76     122     76     (2 )   16  
    Total adjusted revenue $ 486,873   $ 495,845   $ 492,082   $ 482,030   $ 440,249  
    Efficiency Ratio   53.7 %   54.4 %   53.8 %   57.2 %   58.3 %
    Adjusted Efficiency Ratio   51.8 %   51.8 %   51.2 %   52.6 %   53.4 %
               
    Refer to last page of Non-GAAP reconciliations for footnotes.      
               
    Non-GAAP Measures (unaudited)
    ($ in thousands)
               
      Three Months Ended
      March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
        2025     2024     2024     2024     2024  
    ROAE and ROATCE:          
    Net income applicable to common shares $ 140,625   $ 149,839   $ 139,768   $ 117,196   $ 116,250  
    Amortization of intangibles   6,830     7,237     7,411     7,425     5,455  
    Tax effect1   (1,708 )   (1,809 )   (1,853 )   (1,856 )   (1,364 )
    Amortization of intangibles, net   5,122     5,428     5,558     5,569     4,091  
    Net income applicable to common shares, excluding intangibles amortization   145,747     155,267     145,326     122,765     120,341  
    Total adjustments, net (see pg.12)   4,829     6,150     7,448     26,862     14,541  
    Adjusted net income applicable to common shares, excluding intangibles amortization $ 150,576   $ 161,417   $ 152,774   $ 149,627   $ 134,882  
    Average shareholders’ equity $ 6,416,485   $ 6,338,953   $ 6,190,071   $ 5,978,976   $ 5,565,542  
    Less: Average preferred equity   (243,719 )   (243,719 )   (243,719 )   (243,719 )   (243,719 )
    Average shareholders’ common equity $ 6,172,766   $ 6,095,234   $ 5,946,352   $ 5,735,257   $ 5,321,823  
    Average goodwill and other intangible assets   (2,292,526 )   (2,301,177 )   (2,304,597 )   (2,245,405 )   (2,098,338 )
    Average tangible shareholder’s common equity $ 3,880,240   $ 3,794,057   $ 3,641,755   $ 3,489,852   $ 3,223,485  
    ROAE   9.1 %   9.8 %   9.4 %   8.2 %   8.7 %
    ROAE, adjusted   9.4 %   10.2 %   9.9 %   10.0 %   9.8 %
    ROATCE   15.0 %   16.4 %   16.0 %   14.1 %   14.9 %
    ROATCE, adjusted   15.5 %   17.0 %   16.8 %   17.1 %   16.7 %
               
    Refer to last page of Non-GAAP reconciliations for footnotes.      
               
    Non-GAAP Measures (unaudited)
    ($ in thousands)
               
      As of
      March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
        2025     2024     2024     2024     2024  
    Tangible Common Equity:          
    Shareholders’ equity $ 6,534,654   $ 6,340,350   $ 6,367,298   $ 6,075,072   $ 5,595,408  
    Less: Preferred equity   (243,719 )   (243,719 )   (243,719 )   (243,719 )   (243,719 )
    Shareholders’ common equity $ 6,290,935   $ 6,096,631   $ 6,123,579   $ 5,831,353   $ 5,351,689  
    Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets   (2,289,268 )   (2,296,098 )   (2,305,084 )   (2,306,204 )   (2,095,511 )
    Tangible shareholders’ common equity $ 4,001,667   $ 3,800,533   $ 3,818,495   $ 3,525,149   $ 3,256,178  
               
    Total assets $ 53,877,944   $ 53,552,272   $ 53,602,293   $ 53,119,645   $ 49,534,918  
    Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets   (2,289,268 )   (2,296,098 )   (2,305,084 )   (2,306,204 )   (2,095,511 )
    Tangible assets $ 51,588,676   $ 51,256,174   $ 51,297,209   $ 50,813,441   $ 47,439,407  
               
    Risk-weighted assets3 $ 40,266,670   $ 40,314,805   $ 40,584,608   $ 40,627,117   $ 37,845,139  
               
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets   7.76 %   7.41 %   7.44 %   6.94 %   6.86 %
    Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets3   9.94 %   9.43 %   9.41 %   8.68 %   8.60 %
    Tangible Common Book Value:          
    Common shares outstanding   319,236     318,980     318,955     318,969     293,330  
    Tangible common book value $ 12.54   $ 11.91   $ 11.97   $ 11.05   $ 11.10  
               
    1 Tax-effect calculations use management’s estimate of the full year FTE tax rates (federal + state).
    2 Calculated using the federal statutory tax rate in effect of 21% for all periods.
    3 March 31, 2025 figures are preliminary.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – MCEC welcomes the sweetest Good Friday Appeal yet

    Source: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

    22 April 2025 – Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and The Good Friday Appeal have joined forces for the 11th consecutive year, raising a record $23.8 million to support life-saving care for children across Victoria.

    “We love opening our doors every year to welcome thousands of families to enjoy a day of fun and celebration, while raising much-needed funds for sick children across Victoria,” Chief Executive, Natalie O’Brien AM said.

    “It’s a truly rewarding experience and you can see how much joy this event brings to the local community and the MCEC team,” Ms O’Brien added.

    MCEC’s talented chefs played a crucial role in this year’s success, baking an astonishing 20 metres of hot cross buns, made up of nearly 3,000 buns.  

    Alessandro Bartesaghi, MCEC’s award-winning pastry chef said, “The Good Friday Appeal event is really close to my heart and I love creating something special for the children every year.”  

    “This year I really wanted to push the boundaries and try something we’ve never done before. And what a better way than baking the longest table of hot cross buns you’ve ever seen! I was inspired by Japanese baking techniques to create a very soft, delicious bun that everyone can enjoy,” he added.

    In addition, MCEC’s interactive Ice Cream-o-Rama served 1,200 house-made ice creams. All profits from the sale of the hot cross buns and ice creams were generously donated to the Good Friday Appeal, further contributing to the remarkable total raised this year.

    All funds raised from the event will contribute to groundbreaking research, family care programs and state of the art equipment at The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.

    This year’s appeal also extended its impact across the state, providing a significant boost to regional paediatric health services at Barwon Health, Bendigo Health, Grampians Health, Goulburn Valley Health, Albury Wodonga Health and Latrobe Regional Health.

    “For over 10 years MCEC has generously supported the Good Friday Appeal, providing the venue and services for our family fun event, Kids Day Out, the all important Phone Room and Money Counting Room”, Rebecca Cowan, Executive Director of the Good Friday Appeal, said.

    “Thank you to Natalie O’Brien and the team at MCEC who worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth delivery of this huge event, which allows the community to make a difference to the lives of sick children and their families”.

    The collaboration between MCEC and the Good Friday Appeal continues to demonstrate the power of community spirit.

    ABOUT MCEC
    At Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), visionary ideas come to life, and the world’s thought leaders gather. The iconic venue hosts dynamic exhibitions, conferences, galas, and concerts—everyone who visits leaves inspired and excited.  

    MCEC loves all communities and interests, creating a space where everyone feels welcome. Blending trendy eats, sustainability, and cutting-edge tech, it creates mind-blowing, globally recognised events.  

    Thanks to its progressive sustainability practices, choosing MCEC means making a positive environmental impact. Feel Melbourne’s vibe, discover the next big thing, and be part of the conversation that shapes the future.

    Acknowledgement of Country

    Built on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River), Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to Elders of all First Nations communities that visit MCEC. We recognise the ongoing significance of the Birrarung to Traditional Owners as a life source and a meeting place for millennia and seek to honour this long-standing tradition of building community and exchanging ideas on these lands.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Ne Zha 2’ signals turning point for Chinese cinema, industry leaders say

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Filmmakers and distributors gathered at an industry forum during the 15th Beijing International Film Festival on April 19 to discuss the global success of “Ne Zha 2” and its implications for China’s growing influence in the worldwide box office.

    Catherine Ying, vice president of CMC Inc. and president of CMC Pictures, speaks at a forum during the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, April 19, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the BJIFF Organizing Committee]

    “Ne Zha 2” represents a breakthrough moment not only for China’s domestic film industry but for global cinema as well, according to Catherine Ying, president of CMC Pictures, which distributed the animated blockbuster in North America, Australia and New Zealand.

    Ying reported enthusiastic receptions in all markets where the film was released, with positive responses from both international filmmakers and audiences.

    “This phenomenon demonstrated how a single film’s monumental success in one market could reaffirm cinema’s enduring power – proving films will never die but live on eternally in spirit,” she noted.

    Since debuting during this year’s Spring Festival, “Ne Zha 2” has earned more than $2.16 billion globally, with $2.1 billion from China and $20.93 million from North America. The film stands as 2025’s top-grossing release, the highest-earning Chinese film ever and the highest-grossing animated film of all time. It currently ranks fifth on the all-time worldwide box office chart.

    The executive said the release demonstrated that Chinese films require more robust promotion and distribution strategies to maximize success. Her team is now producing an English-dubbed version of “Ne Zha 2” for re-release, aiming to reach broader international viewers beyond Chinese diaspora communities.

    “The film’s universal themes and emotional resonance connect with global audiences while showcasing China’s highest standards of animation production,” Ying said. She added that her company would apply lessons from this distribution experience to develop more targeted promotion strategies for upcoming Chinese blockbusters like “Ne Zha 3” and “The Wandering Earth 3.”

    Filmmakers and distributors join a forum for exchanges at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, April 19, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the BJIFF Organizing Committee]

    Cedric Behrel, managing director of Trinity CineAsia, which distributed “Ne Zha 2” in Europe, said the film became the highest-grossing Chinese release in the region in two decades. He noted this milestone inspires both Chinese cinema and the global film industry, as the animated feature resonates deeply with international audiences, especially younger viewers. Behrel praised Chinese filmmakers for creating distinctive stories that transcend cultural barriers.

    Veteran filmmaker Huang Jianxin expressed his belief that “Ne Zha 2” is inherently a film made for the world rather than a Chinese movie adapted for international audiences. He explained that director Jiaozi utilized a universal coming-of-age story about Nezha to create a film with innate worldwide appeal.

    “This intrinsic global quality is why it succeeded internationally, not because we modified it to be understood across cultures,” Huang added.

    He acknowledged competitive pressures from video games, short-form videos and other entertainment alternatives that cater to fragmented leisure time, questioning whether traditional film runtimes can still deliver value that justifies audiences’ time investment.

    “This year marks 130 years of world cinema and 120 years of Chinese cinema,” Huang said. “Compared to art forms like music, dance, theater and painting with millennia of history, film is still an energetic child — one that will undoubtedly forge exciting new paths.”

    He noted that while the North American box office has plateaued at around $10 billion annually, representing its industrial scale, the extraordinary performance of “Ne Zha 2” demonstrates how a single film can “break the ceiling.”

    “But we can’t expect the ceiling to replace total scale,” Huang advised, urging peers to stay confident despite inevitable fluctuations. “China’s film industry will keep climbing.”

    Director Andrew Lau, whose new film “The Dumpling Queen” releases April 30, strongly agreed. He reflected on Hong Kong cinema’s cyclical ups and downs: “Through peaks and valleys, filmmakers persist. The market may shift, but we stand united in our craft. We must keep striving to find great stories worth bringing to the screen and trying something new.”

    IMAX China CEO Daniel Manwaring speaks at a forum during the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, April 19, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]

    IMAX China CEO Daniel Manwaring presented research showing that while only 32-38% of Western audiences prefer theaters, China leads globally at 78%. “Last year was slow, but this Spring Festival proved Chinese audiences still love the big screen,” he said, emphasizing filmmakers’ responsibility to keep drawing audiences to theaters.

    Manwaring said that IMAX will expand offerings like esports broadcasts to reach new demographics this year. Last year’s “League of Legends” World Championship screenings across 200 IMAX theaters in China attracted audiences who had largely abandoned cinemas, with data showing 80% hadn’t visited a cinema in five years. However, 90% said they planned to return.

    Lau noted that cinema continually elevates the viewing experience through technological advancements. “Many audiences still don’t fully understand formats like Dolby or IMAX,” he said. “We need to better promote these tech things — to show people that watching films on phones can’t compare to the theatrical experience.”

    Manwaring acknowledged the importance of theater technology but stressed that even the best marketing and presentation cannot save films with poor storytelling.

    “Years ago, people rushed projects out to make quick money or recoup costs quickly — I understood that but felt most directors and screenwriters lacked time to develop good stories,” he said.

    “Now the industry is changing, slowing down to prioritize quality, especially after seeing what patiently developed projects like “Ne Zha 2″ can achieve,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Aggravated robbery – Wagaman

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Wagaman on Monday afternoon.

    Around 2:45pm, police received reports that three youths had allegedly robbed a store in a shopping centre along Wagaman Place with one of the youths jumping behind the counter to threaten a staff member with an edged weapon.

    The group then allegedly stole a quantity of alcohol and cigarettes before fleeing the scene in a black Toyota Hilux.

    Police attended the scene; a crime scene was established, and investigations are ongoing.

    Strike Force Trident urge anyone with information in relation to the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500041477. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Aggravated assault – Woodroffe

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force have arrested a 29-year-old male in relation to an aggravated assault in Woodroffe yesterday afternoon.

    Around 3:15pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received reports of a female exiting a Toyota Hilux on Chung Wah Terrace and sitting on the foot path in a distressed state, whilst the Hilux pulled up next to her.

    An unknown member of the public, driving a white single cab utility, stopped to assist the female and spoke to the male driver of the Toyota Hilux from which she had exited.

    The male driver of the Toyota Hilux subsequently left the scene, and the female victim left on foot. 

    Around 3:50pm, the JESCC received further reports indicating that the male and female party had been involved in an altercation at a residence in Woodroffe earlier in the afternoon, where the male is alleged to have assaulted the female and forced her into his vehicle.

    Initial investigations have found the male and female are known to each other and there is no apparent ongoing risk to the public.

    Police later located and arrested a 29-year-old male who remains in custody with charges expected to follow.

    Investigators believe the male who stopped to assist in the vehicle pictured may be able to assist in the investigation.

    Police urge anyone in the area between 2:50pm and 3:15pm with dash-cam footage or CCTV to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500041492. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Easter Long Weekend Wrap Up – Territory Road Policing and Operation Tuglo

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force were out in force over the Easter long weekend with multiple high visibility operations across the NT.

    The Territory Road Policing Division set up 56 Random Breath Test stations and conducted 484 mobile random breath tests throughout the Territory, with over 5,071 road users breath tested. Of that number, 41 people tested positive to alcohol and 25 tested positive to drugs from the 131 drug tests conducted.

    Road Policing issued 373 traffic infringement notices and provided 72 cautions, the majority of these interactions were related to speeding and persons not wearing seatbelts. Additionally, speed cameras checked 19,234 vehicles, capturing 491 for speeding.

    Superintendent Rick Magree said, “We know that people are four times more likely to die on Territory roads than the national average. With the increased traffic on the road over the Easter long weekend, comes increased risk.

    “Overall, most people were well behaved and enjoyed their long weekend responsibly, However It’s disappointing that a number of drivers still made poor choices in relation to the Fatal Five, predominantly with drink and drug driving as well as speeding.

    “With the upcoming long weekend Territorians can expect to see the Road Policing Division out with an increased presence keeping everyone safe on our roads.”

    In addition to the increase in RBT stations across the Territory, Operation Tuglo was commenced across Darwin, Adelaide River and Alice Springs, targeting the transportation of dangerous drugs, weapons and other illegal items via the air and road in the NT.

    Operation Tuglo conducted high visibility screening of passengers on commercial flights arriving at Darwin and Alice Springs airports as well as vehicles travelling along the Stuart Highway.

    Thirty-nine commercial flights with over 6,600 passengers and their luggage were screened using drug, firearm and explosive detection dogs. Fortunately, no illicit substances or illegal items were detected.

    Over 135 vehicles were screened with drug detection dogs with 80 vehicle searches resulting in seizure of 2.76kg of cannabis, 2kg of Kava, 28 litres of spirits all destined for remote restricted communities. Five stolen motor vehicles were also apprehended in Adelaide River.

    Additionally, one illegal firearm fashioned from a 22. calibre rifle was seized from a vehicle in Adelaide River.

    The operation resulted in three arrests, five Traffic Infringement Notices, two defect notices, and 10 people were issued with a Notice to Appear.

    Superintendent Lee Morgan said, “I want to commend all the officers involved in this significant operation.  

    “While the results from the airport checks were reassuring, the findings at the Adelaide River roadblock were disappointing.

    “The discovery and seizure of an illicit firearm is a serious matter, and that alone makes the operation worthwhile.

    “We remain committed to disrupting the supply of dangerous drugs and illicit substances into our communities.

    “Our focus will continue to be on those who traffic illicit substances into the Territory and specifically into remote areas, where some of our most vulnerable people reside.

    “Those who seek to profit from the harm of others, particularly the vulnerable, are a blight on our society and will be relentlessly pursued.

    “As a whole the Territory enjoyed a safe and responsible long weekend.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for witnesses – Domestic violence – Katherine

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating an alleged domestic violence assault that occurred in a community in Katherine on Friday.

    Around 1am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a 16-year-old female had been assaulted by her partner at a community residence in Katherine.

    Police and St John Ambulance attended, with the 16-year-old located and conveyed to hospital with multiple stab wounds to her back and injuries consistent with being stomped on. She remains in hospital in a stable condition after being transferred to Darwin.

    Police have identified the 17-year-old male partner as a person of interest, and efforts are currently underway to locate him.

    Police urge anyone who witnessed the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500040300. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Charges – Drug offences – Gapuwiyak

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 32-year-old male for drug offences in Gapuwiyak on 8 April 2025.

    Police conducted a lawful search at a residence in the community where they located and seized a commercial quantity of kava, drug paraphernalia and a quantity of cash.

    The 32-year-old male who is unlawfully in Australia, was arrested and subsequently charged with Supply kava – commercial quantity, Possess kava – commercial quantity, Possess property commission of offence and Resist police in execution of duty.

    He appeared in Darwin Local Court earlier this month and was remanded to re-appear in Darwin Local Court on 1 May 2025.

    Acting Superintendent Daniel Bell said “Local officers worked collaboratively with many community members and stakeholders to identify the offending and enable a swift response.

    “The supply of illicit substance in vulnerable remote communities has devastating effects. Police will continue to target those who seek to gain benefit from the supplying and selling of these substances and ensure that offenders are held to account.”

    Anyone with information on the supply of illicit substances into communities are urged to call police on 131 444 or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Best No KYC Casinos 2025: 7Bit Casino Rated as the Top Instant Withdrawal Casino with No Verification

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RENO, Nev., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In light of that, our team set out to find the best no KYC casinos available to players in 2025, digging through dozens of crypto-friendly platforms. After extensive research and testing, one casino clearly stood out – 7Bit Casino.

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    In this detailed review, we’ll explore why 7Bit Casino is among the best no KYC casinos in 2025. We’ll cover its key features, pros and cons, how to join, our selection criteria, popular games, payment methods, responsible gambling practices, and why it’s a top anonymous online casino.

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    7Bit Casino, operating for over a decade, holds a license from the Curacao eGaming Commission, ensuring a secure and fair gaming environment. As one of the best no KYC casinos, it allows players to enjoy games without identity verification, appealing to those who value privacy. Its support for cryptocurrencies and minimal registration requirements make it a leading anonymous online casino.

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    7Bit Casino tops our list of best no KYC casinos for several reasons. Its welcome bonus is among the most generous, offering a 325% match up to 5.25 BTC plus 250 free spins across four deposits:

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    7Bit Casino’s game library, with over 10,000 titles, is a key reason it’s among the best no KYC casinos. It offers slots, table games, live dealer games, and instant wins.

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    7Bit Casino is among the best no KYC casinos in 2025, offering privacy, over 10,000 games, generous bonuses, and flexible payments. Fast crypto withdrawals, a robust mobile platform, and 24/7 support make it a top anonymous online casino. Ultimately, 7Bit Casino is a standout best no KYC casino for its ability to combine privacy, security, and an expansive gaming ecosystem.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: To truly understand Pope Francis’ theology – and impact – you need to look to his life in Buenos Aires

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fernanda Peñaloza, Senior Lecturer in Latin American Studies, University of Sydney

    Pope Francis’ journey from the streets of Flores, a neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to the Vatican, is a remarkable tale.

    Born in 1936, Jorge Bergoglio was raised in a middle-class family of Italian Catholic immigrants.

    Bergoglio defied his mother’s wish for him to become a medical doctor and chose instead to pursue priesthood, a calling he felt during confession. The young man joined the Jesuits in the 1950s, attracted to the order’s vow of poverty and its ethos of serving others and living simply.

    He became a priest in 1969, Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998, and took on the papacy in 2013. As Pope Francis, his dedication to social justice was deeply rooted in the Latin American context.

    The region’s history of inequality, poverty and political upheaval greatly influenced his perspective.

    The young Argentinian priest

    Bergoglio, a devoted supporter of the San Lorenzo soccer team, was also a confident tango dancer, mate drinker, and an unconditional admirer of his compatriot, Jorge Luis Borges, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.

    In 1965, the two men collaborated on the publication of short stories written by Bergoglio’s literature students. The students had been inspired by a seminar led by Borges, organised by the young priest.

    Borges thought highly of Bergoglio, finding him charming and intelligent. For Borges, Bergoglio was a Jesuit through and through, noting the clerics of that order had been historically transgressive as well as possessors of a good sense of humour.

    While Borges never saw him transformed into Pope Francis, his observations somehow fit with the respect Bergoglio earned as a global leader.

    Theology of the people

    As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he lived modestly, often taking public transport and dedicating himself to the poor and disenfranchised. He personally attended the needs of underprivileged neighbourhoods known as villas miseria (literally “misery towns”) in Argentine Spanish.

    He was a vocal opponent to economic inequality. During the 2001 Argentine economic crisis he advocated for the rights and dignity of impoverished citizens.

    Pope Francis hails from a region deeply influenced by the progressive movements of Catholic priests and nuns, who were significantly inspired by liberation theology during the 1960s in Latin America.

    Liberation theology developed in Latin America during the latter part of the 20th century, as a reaction to significant political and theological transformations in the area. It believed in political liberation for the oppressed, inspired by the Cuban Revolution and Second Vatican Council by Pope John XXIII, both in 1959.

    While Francis did not fully subscribe to the tenets of liberation theology, much of his dedication to social justice aligns with its ideals. Pope Francis’ social awareness was deeply shaped by the “theology of the people”.

    Distinct to Argentina, and emerging in the 1960s, the theology of the people shared liberation theology’s focus on social justice, but is devoid of Marxist ideology, and emphasises the dignity and agency of the marginalised and the impoverished.

    During Argentina’s dictatorial regime from 1976–83, Bergoglio led the Jesuits. But he did not adopt the highly dangerous stance of full opposition typical among liberation theologians elsewhere in Argentina and other parts of Latin America.

    Commenting on Latin American affairs

    In his early years as the Pope, he resonated with progressive Catholics across Latin America, because of his grounding in Argentinian theology and his focus on social justice. But in recent years, his popularity in some Latin American countries declined.

    In Argentina, this dip in enthusiasm is partly attributed to his decision not to visit, despite travelling to neighbouring nations.

    More profoundly, the decline likely stems from his fixed stance against contentious issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion. To the disappointment of many Argentines and other Latin American citizens, he refused to compromise.

    Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis received all Argentine presidents – even those who were previously critical of him, such as Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.

    He maintained a strong connection to his Buenos Aires roots and remained engaged with Argentina’s social and political landscape, often commenting on situations that provoke strong reactions from politicians.

    He was a critic of policies instituted by the current President of Argentina, Javier Milei, particularly Milei’s libertarian model of economy and the government’s brutal response to public dissent and opposition. In September 2024, the Pope famously said:

    the government put its foot down: instead of paying for social justice, it paid for pepper spray.

    An alternative model of leadership

    By reflecting on how Pope Francis’ theology is rooted in the Argentina he grew up in, we can better understand his actions as Pope.

    He made significant contributions in the Latin American region. He played a mediating role between the United States and Cuba, supported the peace process in Colombia, and highlighted the environmental devastation caused by mining companies in the Amazon.

    He publicly apologised to Indigenous peoples of Latin America for the Church’s historical complicity with colonialism, and acknowledged his inaction allowed the Chilean clergy to overlook sexual abuse cases.

    He appointed clergymen from non-European countries, enhancing representation from Asia, Africa and Latin America and increased the participation of women within the Church’s leadership structures.

    His landmark encyclical, Laudato Si’, underscored the moral imperative to address climate change, inspiring accolades from global leaders. His critique of Israel and the conflict in Gaza underscored his consistent opposition to war and advocacy for peace.

    Despite existing tensions and contradictions within his papacy – particularly regarding the Church’s stance on LGBTQIA+ issues and women’s rights – Pope Francis’s approach to global issues remained steadfast and aligned with his core values, and the Buenos Aires he came of age in.

    Francis’s leadership is a product of his upbringing and a catalyst for regional and global dialogue on social justice.

    The profound influence of the Latin American region on him is well captured by long time friend, Uruguayan lawyer and activist, Guzman Carriquiry who described the Pope as:

    Priest, and profoundly priest; Jesuit and profoundly Jesuit; Latin American, and profoundly Latin American.

    Fernanda Peñaloza 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. To truly understand Pope Francis’ theology – and impact – you need to look to his life in Buenos Aires – https://theconversation.com/to-truly-understand-pope-francis-theology-and-impact-you-need-to-look-to-his-life-in-buenos-aires-255003

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The 6th edition of India Steel, a premier biennial International Exhibition-cum Conference on the steel sector, to be held from April 24 to 26, in Mumbai

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 21 APR 2025 8:19PM by PIB Bengaluru

    The 6th edition of India Steel, a premier biennial International Exhibition-cumConference on the steel sector, will be held from April 24 to 26, 2025, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai.

    Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will address the event on April 24 via video conferencing, in the presence of several dignitaries, including Union Ministers and Chief Ministers of three States. Organized by the Ministry of Steel, India Steel 2025 will bring together global stakeholders to discuss key issues such as growth strategies, sustainability in steel production, resilience in a changing global economy, and the role of innovation and digital technologies in enhancing competitiveness.

    The event will witness high-level participation from the Centre, underscoring the strategic role of steel in realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Among the dignitaries expected to attend are Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal, and Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries. The event will also witness participation of dignitaries from States Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, and Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha.

    These leaders will preside over key sessions, reflecting steel’s significance to India’s economic and industrial strategy and emphasizing steel’s cross-sectoral importance. Senior officials from the Government of India, including Secretaries from the Ministries of Steel, Coal, and Electronics & IT (MeitY), will lead important discussions, further driving the sector’s growth and strategic direction. Global industry leaders and foreign dignitaries, including the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia and Ambassadors of Australia, Mozambique, and Mongolia, will participate, enhancing international collaboration in the steel sector.

    Since its inception in 2013, India Steel Expo has grown into a leading platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies and equipment, fostering strategic industry dialogues, and enabling global networking. This year’s edition is expected to draw professionals from across the world, including those from construction, oil and gas, and engineering sectors, who are keen to promote their services, forge business partnerships, and align with evolving market trends. Hon’ble Union Steel Minister Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy has warmly invited stakeholders from across the steel and allied sectors to participate in India Steel 2025 and urged the entire fraternity to join the event in large numbers and contribute to making it a resounding success.

     

    *****

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    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Students of SPbGASU are winners of the international olympiad in descriptive geometry

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

    Students of SPbGASU demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill at the final stage of the Open International Student Internet Olympiad in the discipline “Descriptive Geometry and Engineering Graphics”, profile “Specialized (with in-depth study of the discipline)”. Our students took prizes, confirming the high level of training that they receive at the Department of Descriptive Geometry and Engineering Graphics.

    Gold medals of the Olympiad were awarded to Alexander Korobov (first-year student of the Faculty of Engineering Ecology and Urban Management, majoring in Heat and Gas Supply and Ventilation) and Matvey Matveyev (first-year student of the Faculty of Construction, majoring in Construction of Unique Buildings and Structures). Victoria Dreeva (second-year student of the Faculty of Engineering Ecology and Urban Management, majoring in Heat and Gas Supply and Ventilation) was awarded a silver medal.

    “We are proud of our students, who have once again confirmed their high level of training in descriptive geometry. The victory in the Olympiad is a natural result of our joint work aimed at developing students’ spatial thinking, design skills and engineering culture,” noted Elena Denisova, Head of the Department of Descriptive Geometry and Engineering Graphics at SPbGASU.

    “Participation in the Olympiad is a great opportunity to test your knowledge and skills, as well as communicate with other students who are passionate about engineering. I am very glad that I was able to represent my university with dignity!” – shared his impressions Alexander Korobov.

    Congratulations to the winners!

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Woman bitten on hands by dingo on K’gari

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Issued: 22 Apr 2025

    Visitors to K’gari are being urged to never walk alone after a woman was bitten on the hands by a dingo near the Winnam camping area around 10:30am on 17 April 2025.

    Rangers are investigating an incident that left the woman with two lacerations to the middle fingers on both hands.

    The woman had walked away from the camping area to the ocean when she was quickly approached by five dingoes, with a tagged dingo lunging at the woman and biting her on the hands.

    The Queensland Ambulance Service treated the woman on K’gari, and she was advised to see a doctor.

    People at the camping area had previously received be dingo-safe education from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers.

    It is believed the pack of dingoes were hanging around the camping area after getting access to a large amount of unsecured food from a different campsite earlier this week.

    Rangers provided further be dingo-safe advice to campers in the area and will conduct additional patrols over the weekend.

    Residents and visitors to the island must be aware of the risks, and should always walk in groups, carry a stick and keep food and rubbish secured.

    Report any concerning dingo encounters by calling 07 4127 9150 or emailing dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au

    Visitors to K’gari are reminded to Be dingo-safe! at all times:

    • Always stay close (within arm’s reach) to children and young teenagers
    • Always walk in groups and carry a stick
    • Never feed dingoes
    • Camp in fenced areas where possible
    • Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction
    • Lock up food stores and iceboxes (even on a boat)
    • Never store food or food containers in tents, and
    • Secure all rubbish, fish and bait.

    For more information go to K’gari dingoes.

    Media contact:                  DETSI Media Unit on (07) 3339 5831 or media@des.qld.gov.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Bougainville takes the initiative in mediation over independence

    By Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific senior journalist

    In recent weeks, Bougainville has taken the initiative, boldly stating that it expects to be independent by 1 September 2027.

    It also expects the PNG Parliament to quickly ratify the 2019 referendum, in which an overwhelming majority of Bougainvilleans supported independence.

    In a third move, it established a Constitution Commission and included it within the region’s autonomous Parliament.

    To learn more, RNZ Pacific spoke with Australian National University academic Dr Thiago Oppermann, who has spent many years in both Bougainville and PNG.

    James Marape (second left) and Ishmael Toroama (right) during joint moderations talks in Port Moresby last month. Image: Autonomous Bougainville Government

    Don Wiseman: We’ve had five-and-a-half years since the Bougainville referendum, but very suddenly in the last couple of months, it would seem that Bougainville is picking up pace and trying to really make some progress with this march towards independence, as they see it.

    Are they overplaying their hand?

    Dr Thiago Oppermann: I do not believe that they are overplaying their hand. I think that the impression that is apparent of a sudden flurry of activity, arises partly because for the first two years after the referendum, there was a very slow pace.

    One of the shortcomings of the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA) was that it did not set out a very clear post-referendum path. That part of the process was not as well designed as the parts leading to the referendum, and that left a great deal of uncertainty as to how to structure negotiations, how things should be conducted, and quite substantial differences in the views of the Papua New Guinean government and the ABG (Autonomous Bougainville Government), as to how the referendum result would be processed further.

    For instance, how it would it need to be tabled in Parliament, what kind of vote would be required for it, would a negotiation between the parties lead to an agreement that then is presented to the Parliament, and how would that negotiation work? All these areas, they were not prescriptive in the BPA.

    That led to a period of a good two years in which there was very slow process and then attempts to get some some movement. I would say that in that period, the views of the Bougainvilleans and the Papua New Guineans became quite entrenched in quite different camps, and something I think would have to give eventually.

    Why the Bougainvilleans have moved towards this point now, I think that it bears pointing out that there has been a long process that has been unfolding, for more than two years now, of beginning the organic process of developing a Bougainvillean constitutional process with this constitutional development committees across the island doing a lot of work, and that has now borne fruit, is how I would describe it.

    It happens at a point where the process has been unblocked by the appointment of Sir Jerry Mataparae, which I think sets a new vigour into the process. It looks now like it’s heading towards some form of outcome. And that being the case, the Bougainvilleans have made their position quite clear.

    Sir Jerry Mateparae (middle) with representatives of the PNG and Bougainville governments at the second moderation in April 2025. Image: ABG

    DW: Well, Bougainville, in fact, is saying it will be independent by 1st September 2027. How likely do you think that is?

    TO: I think there’s a question that comes before that. When Bougainville says that they will be independent by such a date, what we need to first consider is that the process of mediation is still unfolding.

    I think that the first thing to consider is, what would that independence look like, and what scope is there within the mediation for finding some compromise that still suits Papua New Guinea. I think that there’s a much greater range of outcomes than people realise within this sort of umbrella of independence, the Bougainvilleans themselves, have moved to a position of understanding independence in much more nuanced terms than previously.

    You might imagine that in the aftermath of this fairly brutal and bitter civil conflict, the idea of independence at that time was quite a radical cut towards “full bruk loose” as they say.

    But the reality is that for many post colonial and new states since World War Two, there are many different kinds of independence and the degree to which there remains a kind of attachment with or relationship with the so called parent colonial country is variable, I should add.

    I do not want to digress too much, but this concept of the parent colonial country is something that I heard quite a lot of when I was studying the referendum itself. Many people would say that the relationship that they had to Papua New Guinea was not one of enmity or of like running away, it was more a question of there being a parent and Bougainville having now grown up to the point where the child, Bougainville, is ready to go off and set up its own house.

    Many people thought of it in those terms. Now I think that in concrete terms that can be articulated in many different ways when we think about international law and the status of different sovereign nations around the world.

    DW: If we can just look at some of the possibilities in terms of the way in which this independence might be interpreted. My understanding is, for Bougainville it’s vital that they have a degree of sovereignty that will allow them to join organisations like the United Nations, but they’re not necessarily looking to be fully independent of PNG.

    TO: Yes, I think that there would be like a process underway in Bougainville for understanding what that would look like.

    There are certainly people who would have a view that is still more firmly towards full independence. And there will be others who understand some type of free association arrangements or something that still retains a closer relationship with Papua New Guinea.

    I do not think many people have illusions that Bougainville could, for instance, suddenly break loose of the very deep economic connections it has with Papua New Guinea, not only those of government funding, but the commercial connections which are very, very deep. So suddenly making that disappear is not something people believe it’s possible.

    But there are many other options that are on the table. I think what Bougainville is doing by having the announcement of the Independence Day is setting for Papua New Guinea saying, like, “here is the terms of the debate that we are prepared to consider”. But within that there is still a great deal of giving and taking.

    DW: Now within the parliament in PNG, I think Bougainville has felt for some time that there hasn’t been a great deal of understanding of what Bougainville has been through, or what it is Bougainville is trying to achieve. There’s a very different lineup of MPs to what they were at the turn of the century when the Bougainville Peace Agreement was finalised. So what are they thinking, the MPs from other parts of the country? Are they going to be supportive, or are they just thinking about the impact on their own patch?

    TO: I am not entirely sure what the MPs think, and they are a very diverse bunch of people. The sort of concern I think that many have, certainly more senior ones, is that they do not want to be the people in charge when this large chunk of the country secedes.

    I think that is something that is important, and we do not want to be patronising the Papua New Guineans, who have a great deal of national pride, and it is not an event of celebration to see what is going on.

    For many, it is quite a tragic chain of events. I am not entirely sure what the bulk of MPs believes about this. We have conducted some research, which is non randomised, but it is quite large scale, probing attitudes towards Bougainvillean independence in 2022, around the time of the election.

    What we found, which is quite surprising, is that while, of course, Bougainville has the highest support for independence of any place in Papua New Guinea, there are substantial numbers of people outside Bougainville that are sympathetic to Bougainvillean independence or sympathetic towards implementing the referendum.

    I think that would be the wording, I would choose, quite large numbers of people. So, as well as, many people who are very much undecided on the issues. From a Papua New Guinean perspective, the views are much more subtle than you might think are the case. By comparison, if you did a survey in Madrid of how many people support Catalan independence, you would not see figures similar to the ones that we find for Papua New Guinea.

    DW: Bougainville is due to go to elections later this year. The ABG has stated that it wants this matter sorted, I think, at the time that the election writs are issued sometime in June. Will it be able to do this do you think?

    TO: It’s always difficult to predict anything, especially the future. That goes double in Papua New Guinea and Bougainville. I think the reality is that the nature of negotiations here and in Bougainville, there’s a great deal of personal connections and toing and froing that will be taking place.

    It is very hard to fit that onto a clear timeline. I would describe that as perhaps aspirational, but it would be, it would be good. Whether this is, you know, a question of electoral politics within Bougainville, I think there would be, like, a more or less unanimous view in Bougainville that this needs to move forward as soon as possible. But I don’t know that a timeline is realistic.

    The concerns that I would have about this, Don, would be not just about sort of questions of capacity and what happens in the negotiations in Bougainville, but we also need to think about what is happening in Papua New Guinea, and this goes for the entire process.

    But here, in this case, PNG has its hands full with many other issues as well. There is a set of like LLG [Local Level Government] elections about to happen, so there are a great deal of things for the government to attend to. I wonder how viable it is to come up with a solution in a short time, but they are certainly capable of surprising everybody.

    DW: The Prime Minister, James Marape, has said on a number of occasions that Bougainville is not economically ready or it hasn’t got the security situation under control. And my understanding is that when this was raised at the last meeting, there was quite a lot of giggling going on, because people were comparing what’s happened in Bougainville with what’s happening around the rest of the country, including in Southern Highlands, the province of Mr Marape.

    TO: I think you know for me when I think about this, because I have worked with Bougainvilleans for a long time, and have worked with Papua New Guineans for a long time as well. The sense that I have is really one of quite sadness and a great missed opportunity.

    Because if we wind the clock back to 1975, Bougainville declared independence, trying to pre-empt [the establishment of] Papua New Guinea. And that set in train a set of events that drastically reformed the Papua New Guinean political Constitution. Many of the sort of characteristic institutions we see now in Papua New Guinea, such as provinces, came about partly because of that.

    That crisis, that first independence crisis, the first secession crisis, was resolved through deep changes to Papua New Guinea and to Bougainville, in which the country was able to grow and move forward.

    What we see now, though, is this sort of view that Bougainville problems must all be solved in Bougainville, but in fact, many of the problems that are said to be Bougainville problems are Papua New Guinea problems, and that would include issues such as the economic difficulties that Bougainville finds itself in.

    I mean, there are many ironies with this kind of criticism that Bougainville is not economically viable. One of them being that when Papua New Guinea became independent, it was largely dependent on Bougainville at that time. So Bougainvilleans are aware of this, and don’t really welcome that kind of idea.

    But I think that more deeply there were some really important lessons I believe that could have been learned from the peace process that might have been very useful in other areas of Papua New Guinea, and because Bougainville has been kind of seen as this place apart, virtually as a foreign nation, those lessons have not, unfortunately, filtered back to Papua New Guinea in a way that might have been very helpful for everybody.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ. The transcript has been edited for brevity and clarity.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia had a national reckoning over domestic violence, but where’s the focus this election?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Professor (Practice), Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University

    For most of this federal election campaign, politicians have said very little about violence against women and children.

    Now in the fourth week of the five-week campaign, Labor has released its “commitment to women” announcement. The Coalition has also flagged it will have something to say on the topic before polling day.

    Much of Labor’s announcement is about what the party has already done to address women’s safety, including funding already committed under the National Plan To End Violence Against Women and Children. The announcement concedes “there is much more to do” and highlights extra spending on financial abuse and perpetrator interventions specifically.

    But the fact domestic, family and sexual violence hasn’t been more central to the election campaign is surprising. Less than 12 months ago, following rising community outrage after the killing of a number of women, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared violence against women and children a national crisis.

    Over the past week, the killing of several women in different circumstances, allegedly by men’s violence, has been a reminder of the persistence of this national crisis.

    In an election that’s largely focused on cost of living, this epidemic of violence should also be front and centre.
    The scale and impact of this violence is profound – cutting across culture, age, geography and class. It causes immediate and long-term harm and costs the country an estimated $26 billion annually.

    Why haven’t we heard much?

    An obvious explanation might be that violence against women has already been addressed by successive governments – that enough has been done. Others may argue that it’s been overshadowed by more politically “pressing” issues.

    Some may even suggest it’s because of a broader political shift away from gender equality commitments, influenced by anti-DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) sentiment that has gained traction internationally.

    Perhaps a more generous explanation is that the lack of political attention stems from fear of getting the response wrong. The domestic and family violence sector can be fraught with complexity, with different ideas about what should be prioritised.

    The national prevention agenda has faced critique in recent months. Scrutiny of whether we are on the right path should always be welcomed, but division is unhelpful.

    Complexity should never be an excuse for inaction. Instead, this moment requires political courage and clarity. A declaration of a national crisis is merely rhetoric if it’s not followed by meaningful actions and measurable commitments.

    Beyond election cycles

    It’s crucial the next federal government delivers a response to domestic violence that’s commensurate with the scale of the problem. This requires a significant increase in investment across the entire ecosystem to boost service availability and accessibility.

    This means moving beyond one-off or short-term funding to ensure sustainability across the system, including for crisis response and early intervention initiatives. Consistency of services is needed to disrupt the cycle of intergenerational harm, to understand what works in engaging people who use violence, and to promote long-term recovery.



    Read more:
    What works to prevent violence against women? Here’s what the evidence says

    There should also be improved collaboration between levels of government. For too long, the siloed approach has impeded progress. The National Partnership Agreement provides a solid foundation for this.

    Evidence shows strengthening coordination across agencies and jurisdictions will help identify more women and families at risk of violence. Information-sharing arrangements will also help keep them safer across state and territory boundaries. System failures and blindspots can cost lives.

    What else would help?

    If elected, Labor has committed to focusing on ending financial abuse and expanding interventions for people who use violence. This means increased funding for perpetrator interventions, including electronic monitoring of high-risk offenders and earlier interventions for young people who use violence.

    These intiatives are welcome, but the list of actions needed extends well beyond these commitments.

    Fully funding frontline services is a crucial start. This must include services for children and young people experiencing and escaping violence in their own right, and services across rural and remote communities. There’s limited support available in these areas.

    Ensuring access to culturally appropriate and trauma-informed services for communities disproportionately affected by violence is also key.

    First Nations leaders, practitioners, academics and victim-survivor advocates should be resourced to deliver the dedicated First Nations National Plan and to fully implement the First Nations National Action Plan. This is especially important for First Nations communities, including in the Northern Territory, where calls for increased funding have long been made.

    The support service workforce, which has a high turnover and burn-out rate, must be better supported, including through ongoing professional development and capability training.

    In recent weeks, others have called for a national strategy for people who use violence.

    Measuring progress is key

    Regardless of specific policy commitments, we should be transparently monitoring and evaluating progress on addressing violence. This is the backbone of any effective policy response – without data, we are blind to what works, what doesn’t, and where to focus efforts.

    The first national plan was criticised for failing to do this comprehensively. We are at risk of repeating the same mistake.

    While this responsibility sits within the functions of the inaugural Commissioner for Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, it has yet to eventuate beyond the information included in the commission’s yearly reports to parliament.

    Regardless of who forms government – whether majority or minority – it’s imperative domestic, family and sexual violence remains front and centre in national policymaking. This is not an issue that can wait for the “right time” or for conditions to be more favourable. Women’s and children’s lives depend on it.

    The National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line – 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

    Kate has received funding for research on violence against women and children from a range of federal and state government and non-government sources. Currently, Kate receives funding from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS), the South Australian government, Safe Steps, Australian Childhood Foundation, and 54 Reasons. This piece is written by Kate Fitz-Gibbon in her role at Monash University and Sequre Consulting, and is wholly independent of Kate Fitz-Gibbon’s role as chair of Respect Victoria and membership on the Victorian Children’s Council.

    Hayley has received funding for research on violence against women and children and criminal justice-related issues from a range of federal and state government and non-government sources. Currently, Hayley receives funding from ANROWS, and the ACT Justice Reform Branch.

    – ref. Australia had a national reckoning over domestic violence, but where’s the focus this election? – https://theconversation.com/australia-had-a-national-reckoning-over-domestic-violence-but-wheres-the-focus-this-election-253718

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –