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Category: Australia

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Signalgate’ was damaging to the Trump administration. It could be deadly for Yemeni civilians

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah G. Phillips, Professor of Global Conflict and Development; Non-Resident Fellow at the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies (Yemen), University of Sydney

    The “Signalgate” story has received wall-to-wall coverage since Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor of The Atlantic, published explosive details about a Signal group chat where senior US officials discussed impending airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen.

    Perhaps unsurprisingly, the coverage has focused on details of most concern to Western audiences, including the depth of the security breach, the classification status of the material that was shared, and the implications of sending war plans through a non-secure platform.

    But what are the implications of this for Yemen? In short, it helps the Houthis and hurts the civilians living under their control.

    Providing the Houthis with intelligence

    Yemeni civilians are caught in an impossible position. They have suffered from years of ruthless violence in a civil war that began with the Houthi capture of the capital, Sana’a, in 2014. The conflict grew even more violent when a Saudi-led (and Western-backed) military coalition entered the fray to back the Yemeni government the following year, imposing a crippling blockade that lasted until 2021.

    The war has caused a humanitarian disaster, with malnutrition rates among the highest in the world. The Houthis have consolidated their control over much of Yemen’s population through the weaponisation of food distribution and brutal repression of dissent.

    In early 2024, the Houthis then began attacking ships in the Red Sea, bringing retaliatory strikes by the United States, United Kingdom, and Israel. Each of these have caused further civilian casualties and harm.

    The Houthis (and their Iranian and Russian supporters) will draw comfort from the Signal chat group’s apparent confirmation the US strikes on March 15 were not a sign of the Trump administration’s intent to dislodge them from power:

    Vice President JD Vance (14 March, 08:16am ET): The strongest reason to do this is, as POTUS said, to send a message.

    Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth (14 March, 08:27am ET): This [is] not about the Houthis. I see it as two things: 1) Restoring Freedom of Navigation, a core national interest; and 2) Reestablish deterrence, which Biden cratered.

    The Houthis can withstand intermittent airstrikes – they have withstood airstrikes for over two decades.

    But a more substantial intervention — one that combines a coalition of local forces with guaranteed air support from Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates (with US support) — would pose a far greater threat to the Houthis.

    With this apparently not being considered, the Houthis may now feel emboldened to press-gang more people into military service before a fresh assault on the strategically important oil fields in Marib. This is the last major city in northern Yemen still under government control.

    The Houthis have tried to take Marib before, but were prevented by Yemeni troops supported by Saudi air cover. Controlling the oil fields in Marib is vital to the group’s ability to sustain itself economically.

    Putting Yemeni civilians at risk

    While the Trump administration claims the chat did not compromise sources and methods, Goldberg noted a US-based intelligence officer was named. The Atlantic removed their name for security reasons.

    The publication’s decision to remove this detail is a stark reminder of whose security matters — and whose doesn’t. The transcript reads:

    National Security Advisor Mike Waltz (15 March, 13:48pm ET): VP. Building collapsed. Had multiple positive ID…

    Waltz (15 March, 14.00pm ET): Typing too fast. The first target – their top missile guy – we had positive ID of him walking into his girlfriend’s building and it’s now collapsed.

    Putting aside the fact this was a residential building — it should not be an aside, but this is how most news coverage has been treating it — this detail is important to the Houthis.

    This is because Waltz confirms “multiple” sources had positively identified a target, which the Houthis may use to justify further crackdowns, forced disappearances and even executions of those they accuse of being spies.

    The Trump administration was clearly reckless in divulging this detail. But it’s striking The Atlantic did not consider the danger posed to Yemeni civilians by publishing it. Experts on the Houthis – and their methods of subjugation – could have quickly highlighted this point if they were consulted.

    From a Yemeni perspective, a named source may have even been preferable to the hazy, but authoritative, confirmation of US operational methods and sources. The lack of specificity in the transcript plays to the Houthis’ dragnet approach to extinguishing independent voices by forcibly disappearing people on fake allegations of espionage.

    These are typically aid workers, academics, minorities, journalists and members of civil society who are not vocally aligned with the group.

    These abductions have been occurring for years, but ramped up in the middle of 2024. Dozens of members of civil society and aid organisations (and potentially many more) were kidnapped last year. Some are confirmed to have died in detention; many others have not been heard from since.

    There are reports that abductions are already escalating in response to the latest US strikes.

    The ongoing abductions have had a chilling effect on the willingness of local and international aid providers to speak out against the Houthis. This has helped the Houthis consolidate their control over the flow of humanitarian assistance (particularly food), which they divert based on political, rather than needs-based, calculations as a means of coercing compliance.

    Yemeni civilians are seldom, if ever, a consideration in the geopolitical machinations that concern their country. The reflexive prioritisation of Western security interests exposed in the group chat – and the publication of these details – condemns them to further insecurity.

    Sarah G. Phillips receives funding from The Australian Research Council as a Future Fellow (FT200100539), and is a Non-Resident Fellow at the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies.

    – ref. ‘Signalgate’ was damaging to the Trump administration. It could be deadly for Yemeni civilians – https://theconversation.com/signalgate-was-damaging-to-the-trump-administration-it-could-be-deadly-for-yemeni-civilians-253524

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Team CFA finds success at mine rescue competition

    Source:

    CFA’s Oscar 1 Emergency Response Mine Rescue Brigade has brought home a podium finish at the Victorian Mine Rescue Competition (VMRC) over the weekend (28-30 March).

    VMRC is an annual safety training exercise, which pits mine rescue and emergency response teams from Victoria and New South Wales against each other in a series of simulated emergency situations.       

    Organised by the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA), it also allows teams to share knowledge and experience in a challenging but fun environment. 

    Teams gathered on Friday in Heathcote to compete in eight realistic, high pressure, scenario-based challenges including firefighting, first-aid, underground search and rescue, and a ropes exercise.  

    CFA’s team Oscar 1 claimed a win in the fire exercise scenario and third place in the Breathing Apparatus exercise.  

    First Lieutenant of the team Karl Shay said the other teams put up some tough competition.  

    “It was an excellent weekend,” Karl said. “You get six months of training in just one weekend. 

    “On the Friday night our crew actually got a call-out to a job with a man stuck down a mine shaft, so it was a great chance to use our skills and assist them to safety.” 

    The firefighting exercise included one of CFA’s gas prop cars and required participants to run through the scenario of a large car fire.  

    Tom Heather, a member of the Oscar 1 team, said the weekend provided a good opportunity to train and get together with all the rescue brigades.  

    “It puts us head-to-head, but we treat it like real-life training,” Tom said.  

    “We are all bouncing off one another. You really come together as a team. 

    “I am definitely proud to be part of CFA and to show people what we can do and what we are here for.”  

    Members of Oscar 1 unit also compete with other teams including Central Victorian Mutual Aid. Oscar 1 member Darcy Mcclure-Wallace won the overall individual skills category and was part of the overall winning team, Foster Gold Mine, with other members of the Oscar 1 unit. 

    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Celebrating 110-years of Yarralumla Nursery

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

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

    Released 01/04/2025

    For 110 years, Yarralumla Nursery has contributed to Canberra being regarded as the ‘garden city’ through the propagation of millions of trees and shrubs.

    “Early in Canberra’s development it was realised that trees and shrubs would have to be raised locally if the garden city concept was to be achieved. This was in part due to the difficulty in successfully establishing plants that would succeed in Canberra’s harsh climatic and soil conditions,” said Minister for City and Government Services, Tara Cheyne.

    “In 1914, Yarralumla Nursery was established to do just that. Since first opening its doors, it has become a leader in horticulture research and provides high-quality products to Canberra businesses and locals.

    “Yarralumla Nursery provides a free Plant Issue Scheme which gives a plant allocation to new landowners in Canberra’s new suburbs. The Scheme aims to help new landowners take the first steps to establish a sustainable garden with plants suitable for our local climate and soil conditions while beautifying their homes and suburb.

    “Yarralumla Nursery also provides wholesale services to landscape and construction businesses, government departments, educational facilities, horticulture trade, primary producers, wholesale and retail nurseries.

    “One of the most impressive resources that the Nursery has is its seed bank which has been used to create Canberra’s tree canopy. The seed bank is a living record of every seed collected, purchased and stored at the Yarralumla Nursery since 1913.

    “Yarralumla Nursery won the Employer of the Year Award at the 2024 Nursery and Garden Industry NSW and ACT Awards and is on track to become the first nursery in the ACT accredited by Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme Australia.

    “The team at Yarralumla Nursery are dedicated to innovation. They have made improvements to propagation facilities, automated systems, growing substrates, acquired new potting machines to increase efficiencies and even discovered a new variety of Hardenbergia.

    “Yarralumla Nursery produces over 500 different native and exotic species and distributed over 300,000 plants last year and are still looking to improve their efficiencies and range.

    “Today we are planting an Elm Tree called “Yarralumla Weeper”. This is a species which Yarralumla Nursery has grown and distributed across Canberra since the 1930s.

    “I look forward to seeing the dedicated team at Yarralumla Nursery continue to implement innovative solutions for the benefit of our local environment,” said Minister Cheyne.

    – Statement ends –

    Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Firm Capital Property Trust Reports Q4/2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NAV Growth
    Strong Sequential AFFO Growth
    Declining AFFO Payout Ratio To 100%

    TORONTO, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Firm Capital Property Trust (“FCPT” or the “Trust”), (TSX: FCD.UN) is pleased to report its financial results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024.

    PROPERTY PORTFOLIO HIGHLIGHTS
    The portfolio consists of 64 commercial properties with a total gross leasable area (“GLA”) of 2,514,580 square feet, five multi-residential complexes comprised of 599 units and four Manufactured Home Communities comprised of 537 units. The portfolio is well diversified and defensive in terms of geographies and property asset types, with 49% of NOI (43% of asset value) comprised of grocery anchored retail followed by industrial at 28% of NOI (30% of asset value). In addition, the portfolio is well diversified in terms of geographies with 38% of NOI (40% of asset value) comprised of assets located in Ontario, followed by Quebec at 38% of NOI (33% of asset value).

    TENANT DIVERSIFICATION
    The portfolio is well diversified by tenant profile with no tenant currently accounting for more than 13.0% of total net rent. Further, the top 10 tenants are comprised of large national tenants and account for 32.4% of total net rent.

    MANAGEABLE MORTGAGE MATURITY PROFILE GOING INTO 2025 AND 2026
    The Trust was able to refinance or repay in full all 2024 mortgage maturities. Going forward, the Trust has only $13.2 million and $41.9 million or 4.3% and 13.8% of its total outstanding mortgages coming due in 2025 and 2026, respectively. Senior management is currently in active discussions with its lenders regarding the 2025 maturities and does not anticipate any refinancing issues to occur.

    Q4/2024 HIGHLIGHTS

    Key highlights for the three months ended December 31, 2024 are as follows:

    • Adjusted Funds From Operations (“AFFO”) was approximately $4.8 million, 1% higher than the same period in 2023;
    • AFFO per Unit for Q4/2024 increased by 2% to $0.130 over Q4/2023.
    • AFFO Payout ratio decreased to 100% for Q4/2024 from 101% over the same period in 2023;
    • Net income was approximately $5.8 million, compared to income of $6.8 million recorded for the same period in 2023;
    • $7.83 Net Asset Value (“NAV”) per Unit, a 5% increase from Q4/2023;
    • Net Operating Income (“NOI”) was approximately $10.0 million, a 5% increase from the same period in 2023;
    • Same Property NOI increased 4% over Q4/2023;
    • Commercial occupancy was 94.5%, Multi-Residential occupancy was 95.3% while Manufactured Homes Communities occupancy was 100.0%;
    • Conservative leverage profile with Debt / Gross Book Value (“GBV”) at 51.0%; and
    • The Trust declared and approved monthly distributions in the amount of $0.0433 per Trust Unit for Unitholders of record on April 30, 2025, May 30, 2025 and June 30, 2025, payable on or about May 15, 2025, June 16, 2025 and July 15, 2025, respectively.

    See chart below for additional information:

      Three Months   Twelve Months Ended
      Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Change   Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Change
    Rental Revenue $ 15,587,337 $ 14,544,449 7%   $ 60,576,995 $ 57,508,091 5%
    NOI – IFRS Basis 9,957,731 9,451,214 5.4%   38,576,870 36,727,491 5%
    NOI – Cash Basis 9,865,803 9,459,501 4.3%   38,700,828 36,597,428 6%
    Same-Property NOI 9,769,693 9,439,040 4%   38,753,444 36,539,608 6%
    Net Income 5,754,200 6,809,718 (16%)   33,886,990 15,367,821 121%
    FFO 5,272,271 5,253,312 0%   19,320,579 18,627,450 4%
    AFFO 4,805,695 4,739,112 1%   18,636,734 16,700,144 12%
                   
    Total Assets         $ 651,949,269 $ 637,378,171 2%
    Total Mortgages         304,819,251 303,792,112 0%
    Credit Facility         27,700,000 31,300,000 (12%)
                   
    Unitholders’ Equity         306,379,896 291,692,787 5%
    Units Outstanding (000s)         36,926 36,926 (0%)
                   
    FFO Per Unit $0.143 $0.142 1%   $0.523 $0.504 4%
    AFFO Per Unit $0.130 $0.128 2%   $0.505 $0.452 12%
    Distributions Per Unit $0.130 $0.130 0%   $0.520 $0.520 (0%)
                   
    FFO Payout Ratio 91% 91%     99% 103% (362) bps
    AFFO Payout Ratio 100% 101%     103% 115% (1,198) bps
    Wtd. Avg. Int. Rate – Mort. Debt         4.2% 3.7% 50 bps
    Debt to GBV         51% 53% (200) bps
                   
    GLA – Commercial, SF         2,514,580 2,553,184 (2%)
    Units – Multi-Res         599 599 0%
    Units – MHCs         537 537 0%
                   
    Occupancy – Commercial         94.5% 96.5% (200) bps
    Occupancy – Multi-Res         95.3% 96.9% (160) bps
    Occupancy MHCs         100.0% 100.0% 0 bps
                   
    Rent PSF – Retail         $18.84 $18.81 0%
    Rent PSF – Industrial         $9.12 $8.16 12%
    Rent per month – Multi-Res         $1,604 $1,405 14%
    Rent per month – MHCs         $671 $612 10%
                   

    For the complete financial statements, Management’s Discussion & Analysis and supplementary information, please visit www.sedar.com or the Trust’s website at www.firmcapital.com

    DISTRIBUTION REINVESTMENT PLAN & UNIT PURCHASE PLAN
    The Trust has in place a Distribution Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”) and Unit Purchase Plan (the “UPP”). Under the terms of the DRIP, FCPT’s Unitholders may elect to automatically reinvest all or a portion of their regular monthly distributions in additional Units, without incurring brokerage fees or commissions. Under the terms of the UPP, FCPT’s Unitholders may purchase a minimum of $1,000 of Units per month and maximum purchases of up to $12,000 per annum. Management and trustees have not participated in the DRIP or UPP to date and own or control approximately 10% of the issued and outstanding trust units of the Trust.

    ABOUT FIRM CAPITAL PROPERTY TRUST (TSX : FCD.UN)
    Firm Capital Property Trust is focused on creating long-term value for Unitholders, through capital preservation and disciplined investing to achieve stable distributable income. In partnership with management and industry leaders. The Trust’s plan is to own as well as to co-own a diversified property portfolio of multi-residential, flex industrial, and net lease convenience retail. In addition to stand alone accretive acquisitions, the Trust will make joint acquisitions with strong financial partners and acquisitions of partial interests from existing ownership groups, in a manner that provides liquidity to those selling owners and professional management for those remaining as partners. Firm Capital Realty Partners Inc., through a structure focused on an alignment of interests with the Trust sources, syndicates and property and asset manages investments on behalf of the Trust.

    FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue”, and by discussions of strategies that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Trust. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and various future events will not occur. Although management of the Trust believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements will occur as anticipated. Neither the Trust nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any forward-looking statements, and no one has any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or such other factors which affect this information, except as required by law.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, which may be made only by means of a prospectus, nor shall there be any sale of the Units in any state, province or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under securities laws of any such state, province or other jurisdiction. The Units of the Firm Capital Property Trust have not been, and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered, sold or delivered in the United States absent registration or an application for exemption from the registration requirements of U.S. securities laws.

    Certain financial information presented in this press release reflect certain non- International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) financial measures, which include NOI, Same Store NOI, FFO and AFFO. These measures are commonly used by real estate investment entities as useful metrics for measuring performance and cash flows, however, they do not have standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other real estate investment entities. These terms are defined in the Trust’s Management Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) for the year ended December 31, 2024 as filed on www.sedar.com.

    For further information, please contact:

    Robert McKee   Sandy Poklar
    President & Chief Executive Officer   Chief Financial Officer
    (416) 635-0221   (416) 635-0221
         

    For Investor Relations information, please contact:

    Victoria Moayedi
    Director, Investor Relations
    (416) 635-0221        

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Markey, Rep. Ansari Introduce Legislation to Help Families Pay their Heating and Cooling Bills

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Legislation would provide urgently needed relief for families as energy prices rise 
    Bill Text (PDF) | Section-by-Section (PDF)
    Washington (March 31, 2025) — Senator Edward J. Markey, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, and Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) today reintroduced the Heating and Cooling Relief Act, bold legislation to significantly expand and modernize the severely underfunded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The bill would ensure year-round access to affordable and reliable heating and cooling for lower-income households who experience disproportionately high energy burdens.
    Despite the urgent need for relief, in 2023, only about 18 percent of income-eligible households received LIHEAP assistance, with less than 3 percent of eligible households receiving cooling assistance. Meanwhile, low-income families spend nearly three times more on energy bills than non-low-income households, and nearly one in six households are behind on their utility bills. The Heating and Cooling Relief Act would deliver critical energy assistance to millions more households, protecting families from utility shutoffs and empowering states to address the growing threat of climate-fueled extreme heat and cold.
    “No one should have to choose between turning the heat on in the winter and putting food on the table, but that’s a sacrifice more and more families are forced to make, especially as the climate crisis exacerbates extreme weather,” said Senator Markey. “Our Heating and Cooling Relief Act would significantly expand LIHEAP so that energy assistance is available to all those who need it. It would also protect consumers from predatory practices and utility shutoffs, and boost emergency energy assistance and access to life-saving cooling relief. I will keep fighting to ensure that every household can afford the energy they need to stay healthy and safe—and to support a just transition away from fossil fuels.”
    “No one should have to make sacrifices around paying for food, rent, or essential medication to keep air conditioning on in the summer and heat on in the winter,” said Rep. Yassamin Ansari. “In Arizona, this is a matter of life or death. Last year, over 600 people died from extreme heat, and Phoenix already broke our own record for the first 99-degree day of the year. Our Heating and Cooling Relief Act will expand LIHEAP so that every family can afford their energy bills – in Maricopa County, this will literally save lives.”
    The Heating and Cooling Relief Act is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Representatives Nannette Barragán (CA-44), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Andre Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Summer Lee (PA-12), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Grace Meng (NY-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Adam Smith (WA-09), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).
    “On behalf of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, I applaud Senator Markey’s introduction of the Heating and Cooling Relief Act of 2025. Senator Markey was a cosponsor of LIHEAP when it began as a temporary program in 1981 and has played a key role in transforming it into the successful program that it is today. This bill will transform LIHEAP into a program that provides year-round energy assistance, recognizing that access to cooling is now as essential as heating for low-income families. No family should have to struggle between paying their home energy bill or food, clothing, and medicine, and this bill will help protect families from having to make that difficult decision,” said Mark Wolfe, Executive Director at the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.
    “This ambitious bill shines a spotlight on the energy affordability challenges faced by low-income families who urgently need access to LIHEAP,” said Olivia Wein, Senior Attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. “We look forward to working with parties to refine this legislation and focus its impact on people with the greatest need.”
    “As extreme heat and climate chaos continue to intensify year after year, millions of families are grappling with the real-life, devastating consequences. These unnatural events are killing people and making them sick in their own homes. Our communities, many of whom don’t own housing and are struggling with the rising cost of living, should not have to risk their lives to avoid extremely high energy bills. In this critical moment, to save lives and strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable communities, access to essential heating and cooling relief is both a necessity and a right,” said Caleb Smith, Resiliency Coordinator at WE ACT for Environmental Justice.
    “As extreme heat becomes increasingly dangerous with longer, more frequent, and more intense heat waves every year, it is critical people can protect themselves from unhealthy and potentially deadly home temperatures. The risk of heat-related illness, injury, and death is particularly high for families and older adults who don’t have air conditioning or can’t afford to run it. The Heating and Cooling Relief Act would help people stay safe by making crucial investments in efficient and affordable home cooling strategies. Extreme heat events kill more people than any other type of severe weather or climate disaster, but Congress can prevent some of these deaths by passing the Heating and Cooling Relief Act,” said Jill Rosenthal, Director of Public Health Policy at the Center for American Progress.
    “Too many households face a terrible choice when summer temperatures soar. Feed the kids? Pay the rent? Or stay safe from deadly heat? This critical bill will alleviate that burden by helping low-income households keep their power on and make their homes more weatherproof and energy efficient. It will also refill a long-empty emergency contingency fund, giving states an important backstop in an increasingly extreme climate,” said Juanita Constible, Senior Advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council.
    “In the richest country in the world, no kid should have to go to bed freezing cold because their family can’t afford to keep the heat up. No one should die in their own home during heat waves because they can’t afford air conditioning. This legislation is a vital step towards lowering the cost of living for working people and ensuring every American has a safe and healthy home. It shows that tackling the climate crisis goes hand in hand with helping working people,” said Sunrise Movement Executive Director Aru Shiney-Ajay.
    “Expanding federal funding to help families afford to pay their energy bills is essential as tens of millions of American families continue to experience punishing energy burdens. President Trump’s chaotic disruption of our economy and his gutting of indispensable government programs has resulted in a crisis of energy affordability. This legislation is vitally important to ensure that American families can afford essential energy service under Trump’s disastrous economy,” said Tyson Slocum, Energy Program Director at Public Citizen.
    “No American family should have to skip heating or cooling their home to a safe and comfortable temperature just to make ends meet. The Heating and Cooling Relief Act is a commonsense update to an essential program that keeps our lights on, protects the vulnerable, and ensures we’re prepared for growing energy demand and worsening disasters. Strengthening LIHEAP is about fiscal, moral, and national responsibility. At a time of rising costs and extreme weather, this bill brings overdue reforms that put working families first, cut red tape, and modernize our response to energy emergencies. The Sierra Club is proud to support it,” said Xavier Boatright, Deputy Legislative Director at Sierra Club.
    Specifically, the Heating and Cooling Relief Act would:
    Substantially increase LIHEAP funding to ensure year-round assistance, including an additional $2 billion for emergency energy assistance and $1 billion in Just Transition Grants to help vulnerable households adapt to a changing climate;
    Broaden eligibility so that households earning up to 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Line or 80 percent of State Median Income can qualify, while ensuring lower energy burdens for lower-income households and capping household energy burdens at 3 percent of monthly income;
    Protect consumers from utility shutoffs, excessive late fees, and predatory energy practices that disproportionately impact vulnerable communities;
    Expand emergency assistance, ensuring extreme heat and cold are recognized as qualifying emergencies and that states can provide vital cooling relief;
    Increase funding for weatherization and home electrification, to help low-income households reduce energy costs, improve health and safety, and transition to clean, resilient energy systems;
    Streamline enrollment and outreach, improving coordination with other federal programs and increasing access through automatic enrollment and simplified verification; and
    Strengthen reporting requirements to better track affordability, equity, and climate resilience outcomes.
    The Heating and Cooling Relief Act is endorsed by National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), Center for Energy Poverty and Climate, Public Citizen, Sunrise Movement, Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, Center for American Progress, Sierra Club, Citizens for Citizens, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), National Housing Law Project (NHLP), National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA), Citizens Action Coalition, WE ACT, The Utility Reform Network (TURN), Climate Resolve, Indiana Conservation Voters, Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), Elevate, Evergreen Action, Center for Biological Diversity, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Climate and Community Institute, Federation of American Scientists (FAS), Solar United Neighbors Action, North Carolina Justice Center, Creation Care Partners, Faith in Place Action Fund, National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH), Direct Action Against CenterPoint Energy (DAACE), Energy for All Coalition, Indiana Environmental Clean Energy J40 Corporation,  Office of the People’s Counsel – District of Columbia Government, Arizona Sustainability Alliance.
    Senator Markey is a champion for energy access, affordability, and reliability. In March 2025, he hosted a roundtable with Massachusetts LIHEAP providers, consumer advocates, and national energy assistance organizations to discuss the urgent need to strengthen and expand LIHEAP. In July 2024, Senator Markey and several New England Senators sent a letter to the Department of Energy urging it to consider the disproportionate negative impacts of LNG on New England—especially on energy prices—in its underlying environmental and economic analyses for LNG export authorization decisions. In December 2023, Senator Markey led a letter urging the Federal Trade Commission to immediately intervene, investigate, and rigorously enforce consumer protection laws against certain electric supply companies. In October 2023, he celebrated the release of $130 million in LIHEAP funding for Massachusetts, helping residents afford winter heating costs. Additionally, he has pushed for greater investments in home efficiency and electrification to help low-income families reduce their energy burdens. He originally introduced the Heating and Cooling Relief Act with Representative Jamaal Bowman in January 2022.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: CFA VFBV State Firefighter Championships come to a close

    Source:

    Sale Fire Brigade

    More than 100 CFA urban and rural brigades have left their mark in Mooroopna over March as the 2025 CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships officially come to an end.

    Both weekends saw an exciting showcase of our future firefighters, with the Gisborne Juniors making tracks after a 12-year hiatus, and a Tinamba Mum joining the champs for the first time in her 40s.

    It was great to see new teams hit the track with Mannerim creating a new women’s team made up of surrounding brigade members.

    The corporate tent was lively, featuring displays on the latest updates from many innovative CFA programs, including operational training, infrastructure and Fire Medical Response (FMR), aviation, alongside the Planned Burn Taskforce, community engagement and volunteerism.

    The atmosphere was full of camaraderie, team spirit and determination, while an array of food and beverage trucks kept the competitors well fed, and a collection of CFA vehicles and equipment drew in many interested onlookers. For the first time, CFA had all sizes of its vehicles on display.

    On the second weekend, the annual Torchlight Procession saw several brigades march through the streets of Mooroopna with LED powered lanterns.

    CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan once again rallied his Chief’s Chargers for some healthy and humbling competition and said as one of our proudest and longest running traditions, it was fantastic to see hundreds of members involved.

    “The State Championships are a great opportunity for our volunteers to not only engage with their peers competitively, but to develop life skills, build friendships and support like-minded regional communities.” Jason said.

    Senior runner, Hayley Rennie from Tatura Fire Brigade is one of the many longstanding runners for the brigade who for the first time broke her own record.

    “I have been running for about 12 years, and I am very competitive. I came first in the one person Marshall and broke my own personal record,” Hayley said.

    “We all celebrate our wins together. It is so exciting to see those who have been trying to place first for the past five years, get a first this year.

    “It is also great that we have the women’s events now. We have more opportunities to win and to better ourselves.”

    Results from both weekends can be found below. 

    URBAN JUNIORS – FINAL AGGREGATES

    From the first weekend on 22 and 23 March, congratulations to Melton A as the overall winners for the Urban Juniors events.

    DRY AGGREGATE

    1st place: Melton A

    2nd place: Echuca A

    3rd place: Grovedale

    WET AGGREGATE

    1st place: Melton A

    2nd place: Grovedale

    3rd place: Echuca A

    UNDER 14 AGGREGATE

    1st place: Melton A

    2nd place: Grovedale

    3rd place: Echuca A

    UNDER 17 AGGREGATE

    1st place: Echuca A

    2nd place: Melton A

    3rd place: Grovedale & Melton B

    GRAND AGGREGATE

    1st place: Melton A

    2nd place: Echuca A

    3rd place: Grovedale

    The second weekend on 29 and 30 March involved the Urban and Rural Seniors, and Rural Juniors events.

    RURAL JUNIORS – FINAL AGGREGATES

    Congratulations to Napoleons-Enfield A who are the overall winners for the Rural Juniors event.

    11-13 YEARS AGGREGATE

    1st place: Napoleons-Enfield A

    2nd place: Ascot & District A

    3rd place: Miners Rest A

    11-15 YEARS AGGREGATE

    1st place: Napoleons-Enfield A

    2nd place: Beazley’s Bridge B

    3rd place: Miners Rest B

    CHAMPION TEAM

    1st place: Napoleons-Enfield A

    2nd place: Ascot & District A

    3rd place: Miners Rest A

    RURAL SENIORS – FINAL AGGREGATES

    DIVISION 1 AGGREGATE

    1st place: Leopold A

    2nd place: Eldorado A

    3rd place: Hurstbridge A & Springhurst A

    DIVISION 2 AGGREGATE

    1st place: Moorooduc A

    2nd place: Dunrobin/Nangeela B 

    3rd place: Mannerim A

    DIVISION 3 AGGREGATE

    1st place: Napoleons-Enfield B

    2nd place: Miners Rest A

    3rd place: Springhurst B

    URBAN SENIORS – FINAL AGGREGATES

    Congratulations to Melton A who are the overall winners for the Urban Seniors event.

    Dry Aggregate

    1st place: Tatura

    2nd place: Osborne Park Orange

    3rd place: Melton A

    Wet Aggregate

    1st place: Melton A

    2nd place: Swan Hill A

    3rd place: Warracknabeal

    Female Aggregate

    1st place: Melton B

    2nd place: Tatura

    3rd place: Narre Warren A/B

    ‘A’ SECTION

    1st place: Melton A

    2nd place: Osborne Park Orange

    3rd place: Patterson River

    ‘A’ SECTION WET AGGREGATE

    1st place: Melton A

    2nd place: Patterson River

    3rd place: Osborne Park Orange

    ‘B’ SECTION

    1st place: Swan Hill A

    2nd place: Warracknabeal

    3rd place: Melton B

    ‘B’ SECTION WET AGGREGATE

    1st place: Swan Hill A

    2nd place: Warracknabeal    

    3rd place: Creswick

    ‘A’ SECTION APPLIANCE AGGREGATE

    1st place: Melton A

    2nd place: Osborne Park Orange & Patterson River

    ‘B’ SECTION APPLIANCE AGGREGATE

    1st place: Swan Hill A

    2nd place: Warrnambool

    3rd place: Maffra & Melton  

    Congratulations to all brigades, community members, and supporters who attended and participated in this year’s competitions. A full list of the 2025 Rural Championship and Urban Championship results can be found on the VFBV website.

    The 2025 State Firefighter Championships are supported by the Victorian Government.

    Submitted by CFA media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Moves to rein in public sector bloat welcomed

    Source: ACT Party

    Welcoming an overhaul of the Public Service Act 2020, ACT Public Service spokesperson Todd Stephenson says:

    “Too many government agencies are trying to do too many things. Bureaucratic mission creep sees taxpayer money wasted on nice-to-haves, duplicated across different departments. Basic services are neglected even while headcounts balloon.

    “Now, we’re getting the public service back to basics. Today the Public Service Minister announced an overhaul of the Public Service Act 2020.

    “This delivers on an ACT coalition commitment to clarify the role of the public service, drive performance and ensure accountability to deliver on the agenda of the government of the day. And it comes after the Government last year issued a directive to all public service agencies requiring services to be delivered on the basis of need, not race.

    “The role of the public service should be simple: to deliver services that cannot be delivered by the private sector, at a fair price for taxpayers.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Cambodia

    Source:

    Cambodian New Year (or Khmer New Year) celebrations will take place between 14 to16 April. Significant celebrations and cultural events often attract large crowds and may lead to increased petty crime and more serious threats, including those associated with large gatherings in tight spaces. There’s often higher alcohol consumption and traffic congestion, with a risk of accidents and road fatalities. Exercise reasonable care and precautions.

    You’ll need a valid visa to travel to Cambodia. If you remain in Cambodia beyond the date of your authorised stay, officials may stop you from leaving Cambodia. In cases of excessive overstays, you may be arrested and detained for violating immigration laws (see ‘Travel’). Gun crime and explosions have occurred, including at popular tourist destinations (see ‘Safety’). Laws in Cambodia, including those related to incitement and defamation, can be broadly defined and applied (see ‘Local Laws’).

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Behind every claim is a grieving family’. Death benefits inquiry demands change but lacks penalties

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Natalie Peng, Lecturer in Accounting, The University of Queensland

    SeventyFour/Shutterstock

    When Lisa’s husband passed away unexpectedly, she assumed accessing his superannuation death benefit would be straightforward. Instead, she spent months navigating a bureaucratic maze.

    She repeatedly sent documents, waited weeks for callbacks and struggled to get answers from his fund.

    Her experience is far from unique. A damning new report reveals systemic failure by Australia’s A$4 trillion superannuation industry in handling members’ death benefits.

    A system in disarray

    The Australian Security and Investments Commission’s landmark review of ten major super trustees, managing 38% of super assets, exposes an industry that is not serving its members.

    Grieving families routinely face excessive delays, insensitive treatment and unnecessary hurdles when trying to access death benefits. It found they sometimes waited over a year for payments to which they were legally entitled.

    The central problem was a fundamental breakdown in claims processing, with five critical failures exacerbating inefficiency and distress.

    1. Poor oversight

    No trustee monitored end-to-end claims handling times, leaving boards unaware of how long families were waiting. While the fastest trustee resolved 48% of claims within 90 days, the slowest managed just 8%.

    In one case, a widow waited nearly a year despite her husband having a valid binding nomination. ASIC found 78% of delays stemmed from processing inefficiencies entirely within trustees’ control.

    2. Misleading and inadequate information

    Many funds misled on processing times and masked extreme delays. Boards often received reports only on insured claims, despite most death benefits not involving insurance. This meant boards were unable to fix systemic problems.

    3. Process over people

    Risk-averse procedures often overrode common sense. Many funds imposed claim-staking – delaying payments for objections – even for straightforward cases, adding a median 95 day delay.

    Communication failures further compounded delays, with claimants receiving inconsistent advice and few or no status updates.

    4. Outsourcing without accountability

    Claims handled in-house were processed significantly faster than those managed by external administrators. Only 15% of outsourced claims were resolved within 90 days, compared to 36% of in-house claims.

    The securities commission is calling for stronger oversight. External administrators significantly slow down responses, so some funds may need to bring claims processing back in-house to ensure efficiency.

    5. Lack of transparency

    Many funds failed to provide clear timelines or explanations for delays and had no accountability mechanisms.

    The ten funds investigated include the Australian Retirement Trust, Avanteos (Colonial First State), Brighter Super, Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation, HESTA, Hostplus, NM Super (AMP), Nulis (MLC), Rest and UniSuper.

    Two others, Australian Super and Cbus, are being sued separately by ASIC for either failing to pay out or delaying payments to thousands of eligible beneficiaries.

    KEY FINDINGS

    • None of the trustees monitored or reported on end-to-end death benefit claims handling times
    • 27% of claims files reviewed involved poor customer service – for example, calls were not returned, queries were dismissed
    • 8% vs 48% was the difference in claims closed in 90 days between the slowest and the fastest trustee
    • 78% of claim files reviewed were delayed by processing issues within the trustee’s control
    • 17% of claim files reviewed involved vulnerable claimants. About 30% of those were handled poorly

    Source: Taking ownership of death benefits: How trustees can deliver outcomes Australians deserve, ASIC, March 2025.

    Will ASIC’s fixes work?

    ASIC has made 34 recommendations to improve death benefit processing. This will require real change, not box ticking. Changes should include setting performance objectives and empowering frontline staff to cut unnecessary steps.

    There should be consequences for failure. Unlike the United Kingdom, which fines pension providers for missing statutory deadlines, ASIC’s recommendations lack penalties.

    Without consequences, some funds may continue prioritising administrative convenience over members receiving their entitlements.

    What needs to happen now?

    ASIC’s report is a wake-up call, but real reform requires strong action.

    Super funds must be held to clear, binding processing timelines, with meaningful penalties for non-compliance. Standardising requirements across the industry would eliminate unnecessary hurdles, ensuring all beneficiaries are treated fairly.

    Beyond regulation, funds must improve communication and accountability. Bereaved families deserve clear, plain language guidance on what to expect, not bureaucratic roadblocks or sudden document requests.

    Technological upgrades should focus on reducing delays, not just internal efficiencies.

    And to better support families, an independent claims advocate could help navigate the process, ensuring no one is left to struggle alone.

    Has ASIC gone far enough?

    While ASIC’s review is a step in the right direction, it does not fundamentally overhaul flawed claims-handling practices.

    The recommendations lack enforceability, relying on voluntary compliance.

    Also, the role of insurers within super remains largely unaddressed, despite death benefits being tied to life insurance policies. This often causes further complications and delays.

    Ensuring insurers adopt and apply ASIC’s recommendations will be critical for meaningful change.

    Most importantly, super funds must remember that behind every claim is a grieving family. No one should have to fight for what they are owed during one of the most stressful times in their life.

    Natalie Peng 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. ‘Behind every claim is a grieving family’. Death benefits inquiry demands change but lacks penalties – https://theconversation.com/behind-every-claim-is-a-grieving-family-death-benefits-inquiry-demands-change-but-lacks-penalties-253419

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘We’re not just welcoming you as allies, but as family’ – Rainbow Warrior in Marshall Islands 40 years on

    The first of a two-part series on the historic Rongelap evacuation of 300 Marshall islanders from their irradiated atoll with the help of the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior crew and the return of Rainbow Warrior III 40 years later on a nuclear justice research mission.

    SPECIAL REPORT: By Shiva Gounden in Majuro

    Family isn’t just about blood—it’s about standing together through the toughest of times.

    This is the relationship between Greenpeace and the Marshall Islands — a vast ocean nation, stretching across nearly two million square kilometers of the Pacific. Beneath the waves, coral reefs are bustling with life, while coconut trees stand tall.

    For centuries, the Marshallese people have thrived here, mastering the waves, reading the winds, and navigating the open sea with their canoe-building knowledge passed down through generations. Life here is shaped by the rhythm of the tides, the taste of fresh coconut and roasted breadfruit, and an unbreakable bond between people and the sea.

    From the bustling heart of its capital, Majuro to the quiet, far-reaching atolls, their islands are not just land; they are home, history, and identity.

    Still, Marshallese communities were forced into one of the most devastating chapters of modern history — turned into a nuclear testing ground by the United States without consent, and their lives and lands poisoned by radiation.

    Operation Exodus: A legacy of solidarity
     Between 1946 and 1958, the US conducted 67 nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands — its total yield roughly equal to one Hiroshima-sized bomb every day for 12 years.

    During this Cold War period, the US government planned to conduct its largest nuclear test ever. On the island of Bikini, United States Commodore Ben H. Wyatt manipulated the 167 Marshallese people who called Bikini home asking them to leave so that the US could carry out atomic bomb testing, stating that it was for “the good of mankind and to end all world wars”.

    Exploiting their deep faith, he misled Bikinians into believing they were acting in God’s will, and trusting this, they agreed to move—never knowing the true cost of their decision

    Bikini Islanders board a landing craft vehicle personnel (LCVP) as they depart from Bikini Atoll in March 1946. Image: © United States Navy

    On March 1, 1954, the Castle Bravo test was launched — its yield 1000 times stronger than Hiroshima. Radioactive fallout spread across Rongelap Island about 150 kilometers away, due to what the US government claimed was a “shift in wind direction”.

    In reality, the US ignored weather reports that indicated the wind would carry the fallout eastward towards Rongelap and Utirik Atolls, exposing the islands to radioactive contamination. Children played in what they thought was snow, and almost immediately the impacts of radiation began — skin burning, hair fallout, vomiting.

    The Rongelap people were immediately relocated, and just three years later were told by the US government their island was deemed safe and asked to return.

    For the next 28 years, the Rongelap people lived through a period of intense “gaslighting” by the US government. *

    Nuclear weapon test Castle Bravo (yield 15 Mt) on Bikini Atoll, 1 March 1954. © United States Department of Energy

    Forced to live on contaminated land, with women enduring miscarriages and cancer rates increasing, in 1985, the people of Rongelap made the difficult decision to leave their homeland. Despite repeated requests to the US government to help evacuate, an SOS was sent, and Greenpeace responded: the Rainbow Warrior arrived in Rongelap, helping to move communities to Mejatto Island.

    This was the last journey of the first Rainbow Warrior. The powerful images of their evacuation were captured by photographer Fernando Pereira, who, just months later, was killed in the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior as it sailed to protest nuclear testing in the Pacific.

    Evacuation of Rongelap Islanders to Mejatto by the Rainbow Warrior crew in the Pacific 1985. Rongelap suffered nuclear fallout from US nuclear tests done from 1946-1958, making it a hazardous place to live. Image: © Greenpeace/Fernando Pereira

    From nuclear to climate: The injustice repeats
     The fight for justice did not end with the nuclear tests—the same forces that perpetuated nuclear colonialism continue to endanger the Marshall Islands today with new threats: climate change and deep-sea mining.

    The Marshall Islands, a nation of over 1,000 islands, is particularly vulnerable to climate impacts. Entire communities could disappear within a generation due to rising sea levels. Additionally, greedy international corporations are pushing to mine the deep sea of the Pacific Ocean for profit. Deep sea mining threatens fragile marine ecosystems and could destroy Pacific ways of life, livelihoods and fish populations. The ocean connects us all, and a threat anywhere in the Pacific is a threat to the world.

    Marshallese activists with traditional outriggers on the coast of the nation’s capital Majuro to demand that leaders of developed nations dramatically upscale their plans to limit global warming during the online meeting of the Climate Vulnerable Forum in 2018. Image: © Martin Romain/Greenpeace

    But if there could be one symbol to encapsulate past nuclear injustices and current climate harms it would be the Runit Dome. This concrete structure was built by the US to contain radioactive waste from years of nuclear tests, but climate change now poses a direct threat.

    Rising sea levels and increasing storm surges are eroding the dome’s integrity, raising fears of radioactive material leaking into the ocean, potentially causing a nuclear disaster.

    Aerial view of Runit Dome, Runit Island, Enewetak Atoll, Marshall Islands . . . symbolic of past nuclear injustices and current climate harms in the Pacific. Image: © US Defense Special Weapons Agency

    Science, storytelling, and resistance: The Rainbow Warrior’s epic mission and 40 year celebration

    At the invitation of the Marshallese community and government, the Rainbow Warrior is in the Pacific nation to celebrate 40 years since 1985’s Operation Exodus, and stand in support of their ongoing fight for nuclear justice, climate action, and self-determination.

    This journey brings together science, storytelling, and activism to support the Marshallese movement for justice and recognition. Independent radiation experts and Greenpeace scientists will conduct crucial research across the atolls, providing much-needed data on remaining nuclear contamination.

    For decades, research on radiation levels has been controlled by the same government that conducted the nuclear tests, leaving many unanswered questions. This independent study will help support the Marshallese people in their ongoing legal battles for recognition, reparations, and justice.

    Marshallese women greet the Rainbow Warrior as it arrives in the capital Majuro earlier this month. Image: © Bianca Vitale/Greenpeace

    The path of the ship tour: A journey led by the Marshallese
     From March to April, the Rainbow Warrior is sailing across the Marshall Islands, stopping in Majuro, Mejatto, Enewetak, Bikini, Rongelap, and Wotje. Like visiting old family, each of these locations carries a story — of nuclear fallout, forced displacement, resistance, and hope for a just future.

    But just like old family, there’s something new to learn. At every stop, local leaders, activists, and a younger generation are shaping the narrative.

    Their testimonies are the foundation of this journey, ensuring the world cannot turn away. Their stories of displacement, resilience, and hope will be shared far beyond the Pacific, calling for justice on a global scale.

    Bunny McDiarmid and Henk Haazen greet locals at the welcoming ceremony in Majuro, Marshall Islands, earlier this month. Bunny and Henk were part of the Greenpeace crew in 1985 to help evacuate the people of Rongelap. Image: © Bianca Vitale/Greenpeace

    A defining moment for climate justice
     The Marshallese are not just survivors of past injustices; they are champions of a just future. Their leadership reminds us that those most affected by climate change are not only calling for action — they are showing the way forward. They are leaders of finding solutions to avert these crises.

    Local Marshallese women’s group dance and perform cultural songs at the Rainbow Warrior welcome ceremony in Majuro, Marshall islands, earlier this month. Image: © Bianca Vitale/Greenpeace

    Since they have joined the global fight for climate justice, their leadership in the climate battle has been evident.

    In 2011, they established a shark sanctuary to protect vital marine life.

    In 2024, they created their first ocean sanctuary, expanding efforts to conserve critical ecosystems. The Marshall Islands is also on the verge of signing the High Seas Treaty, showing their commitment to global marine conservation, and has taken a firm stance against deep-sea mining.

    They are not only protecting their lands but are also at the forefront of the global fight for climate justice, pushing for reparations, recognition, and climate action.

    This voyage is a message: the world must listen, and it must act. The Marshallese people are standing their ground, and we stand in solidarity with them — just like family.

    Learn their story. Support their call for justice. Amplify their voices. Because when those on the frontlines lead, justice is within reach.

    Shiva Gounden is the head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific. This article series is republished with the permission of Greenpeace.

    * This refers to the period from 1957 — when the US Atomic Energy Commission declared Rongelap Atoll safe for habitation despite known contamination — to 1985, when Greenpeace assisted the Rongelap community in relocating due to ongoing radiation concerns. The Compact of Free Association, signed in 1986, finally started acknowledging damages caused by nuclear testing to the populations of Rongelap.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Team CFA find success at mine rescue competition

    Source:

    CFA’s Oscar 1 Emergency Response Mine Rescue Brigade has brought home a podium finish at the Victorian Mine Rescue Competition (VMRC) over the weekend.

    VMRC is an annual safety training exercise, which pits mine rescue and emergency response teams from Victoria and New South Wales against each other in a series of simulated emergency situations.       

    Organised by the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA), it also provides an event for teams to share knowledge and experience in a challenging but fun environment. 

    Teams gathered on Friday in Heathcote to compete in eight realistic, high pressure, scenario-based challenges including firefighting, first aid, underground search and rescue, and a ropes exercise.  

    CFA’s team, Oscar 1 claimed a win in the fire exercise scenario and third place in the Breathing Apparatus exercise.  

    First Lieutenant of the team Karl Shay said the other teams put up some tough competition.  

    “It was an excellent weekend,” Karl said. 

    “You get six months of training in just one weekend. 

    “On the Friday night our crew actually got a call out to a job with a man stuck down a mine shaft, so it was a great chance to use our skills and assist them to safety.” 

    The fire-fighting exercise included one of CFA’s gas prop cars and required participants to run through the scenario of a large car fire.  

    Tom Heather, a member of the Oscar 1 team, said the weekend provides a good opportunity to train and get together with all the rescue brigades.  

    “It puts us head-to-head, but we treat it like real life training,” Tom said.  

    “We are all bouncing off one another. You really come together as a team. 

    “I am definitely proud to be part of CFA and to show people what we can do and what we are here for.”  

    Members of the CFA Oscar 1 unit also compete across other teams including Central Victorian Mutual Aid with Oscar 1 member Darcy Mcclure-Wallace won the overall individual skills category and was part of the overall winning team, Foster Gold Mine, with other members of the Oscar 1 unit. 

    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: CFA VFVB State Firefighter Championships come to a close

    Source:

    Sale Fire Brigade

    More than 100 CFA urban and rural brigades have left their mark in Mooroopna over March as the 2025 CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships officially come to an end.

    Both weekends saw an exciting showcase of our future firefighters, with the Gisborne Juniors making tracks after a 12-year hiatus, and a Tinamba Mum joining the champs for the first time in her 40s.

    It was great to see new teams hit the track with Mannerim creating a new women’s team made up of surrounding brigade members.

    The corporate tent was lively, featuring displays on the latest updates from many innovative CFA programs, including operational training, infrastructure and Fire Medical Response (FMR), aviation, alongside the Planned Burn Taskforce, community engagement and volunteerism.

    The atmosphere was full of camaraderie, team spirit and determination, while an array of food and beverage trucks kept the competitors well fed, and a collection of CFA vehicles and equipment drew in many interested onlookers. For the first time, CFA had all sizes of its vehicles on display.

    On the second weekend, the annual Torchlight Procession saw several brigades march through the streets of Mooroopna with LED powered lanterns.

    CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan once again rallied his Chief’s Chargers for some healthy and humbling competition and said as one of our proudest and longest running traditions, it was fantastic to see hundreds of members involved.

    “The State Championships are a great opportunity for our volunteers to not only engage with their peers competitively, but to develop life skills, build friendships and support like-minded regional communities.” Jason said.

    Senior runner, Hayley Rennie from Tatura Fire Brigade is one of the many longstanding runners for the brigade who for the first time broke her own record.

    “I have been running for about 12 years, and I am very competitive. I came first in the one person Marshall and broke my own personal record.” Hayley said.

    “We all celebrate our wins together. It is so exciting to see those who have been trying to place first for the last five years, get a first this year.

    “It is also great that we have the women’s events now. We have more opportunities to win and to better ourselves.”

    Results from both weekends can be found below. 

    URBAN JUNIORS – FINAL AGGREGATES

    From the first weekend on 22 and 23 March, congratulations to Melton A as the overall winners for the Urban Juniors events.

    DRY AGGREGATE

    1st place: Melton A

    2nd place: Echuca A

    3rd place: Grovedale

    WET AGGREGATE

    1st place: Melton A

    2nd place: Grovedale

    3rd place: Echuca A

    UNDER 14 AGGREGATE

    1st place: Melton A

    2nd place: Grovedale

    3rd place: Echuca A

    UNDER 17 AGGREGATE

    1st place: Echuca A

    2nd place: Melton A

    3rd place: Grovedale & Melton B

    GRAND AGGREGATE

    1st place: Melton A

    2nd place: Echuca A

    3rd place: Grovedale

    The second weekend on 29 and 30 March involved the Urban and Rural Seniors, and Rural Juniors events.

    RURAL JUNIORS – FINAL AGGREGATES

    Congratulations to Napoleons-Enfield A who are the overall winners for the Rural Juniors event.

    11-13 YEARS AGGREGATE

    1st place: Napoleons-Enfield A

    2nd place: Ascot & District A

    3rd place: Miners Rest A

    11-15 YEARS AGGREGATE

    1st place: Napoleons-Enfield A

    2nd place: Beazley’s Bridge B

    3rd place: Miners Rest B

    CHAMPION TEAM

    1st place: Napoleons-Enfield A

    2nd place: Ascot & District A

    3rd place: Miners Rest A

    RURAL SENIORS – FINAL AGGREGATES

    DIVISION 1 AGGREGATE

    1st place: Leopold A

    2nd place: Eldorado A

    3rd place: Hurstbridge A & Springhurst A

    DIVISION 2 AGGREGATE

    1st place: Moorooduc A

    2nd place: Dunrobin/Nangeela B 

    3rd place: Mannerim A

    DIVISION 3 AGGREGATE

    1st place: Napoleons-Enfield B

    2nd place: Miners Rest A

    3rd place: Springhurst B

    URBAN SENIORS – FINAL AGGREGATES

    Congratulations to Melton A who are the overall winners for the Urban Seniors event.

    Dry Aggregate

    1st place: Tatura

    2nd place: Osborne Park Orange

    3rd place: Melton A

    Wet Aggregate

    1st place: Melton A

    2nd place: Swan Hill A

    3rd place: Warracknabeal

    Female Aggregate

    1st place: Melton B

    2nd place: Tatura

    3rd place: Narre Warren A/B

    ‘A’ SECTION

    1st place: Melton A

    2nd place: Osborne Park Orange

    3rd place: Patterson River

    ‘A’ SECTION WET AGGREGATE

    1st place: Melton A

    2nd place: Patterson River

    3rd place: Osborne Park Orange

    ‘B’ SECTION

    1st place: Swan Hill A

    2nd place: Warracknabeal

    3rd place: Melton B

    ‘B’ SECTION WET AGGREGATE

    1st place: Swan Hill A

    2nd place: Warracknabeal    

    3rd place: Creswick

    ‘A’ SECTION APPLIANCE AGGREGATE

    1st place: Melton A

    2nd place: Osborne Park Orange & Patterson River

    ‘B’ SECTION APPLIANCE AGGREGATE

    1st place: Swan Hill A

    2nd place: Warrnambool

    3rd place: Maffra & Melton  

    Congratulations to all brigades, community members, and supporters who attended and participated in this year’s competitions. A full list of the 2025 Rural Championship and Urban Championship results can be found on the VFBV website.

    The 2025 State Firefighter Championships are supported by the Victorian Government.

    Submitted by CFA media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Putting the chop on illicit tobacco crops

    Source:

    Illicit tobacco operations are not run by genuine farmers but by organised crime syndicates. These activities divert vital funds from the community and place them into the hands of criminals, who use the profits to fund other serious crimes.

    By staying informed and vigilant, everyone can play their part in keeping the community safe and ensuring a level playing field for legitimate businesses.

    With the tobacco growing season well underway, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is urging the community to be aware of signs that illicit tobacco is being grown, and report it to us.

    How to spot a tobacco plant

    Ever wondered if the plant you’re staring at in a field is a tobacco plantThis link will download a file or perhaps a type of vegetable? Here’s how to tell:

    • Height: A tobacco plant typically stands tall at around 2.5 metres.
    • Leaves and resemblance: Look for large, green leaves that might remind you of kale, cabbage, or even corn.
    • Flowers: Tobacco plants feature long, trumpet-shaped flowers that are pinkish-white.

    Next time you see a plant that fits this description, you might just be looking at a tobacco plant.

    How to spot illicit tobacco activity

    Ever wondered if there’s a secret tobacco operation happening right under your nose? Here are some telltale signs that might suggest the presence of illicit tobacco activity in your community:

    • Construction activities along creeks and rivers on private and public land.
    • Unexplained and potentially unlawful use of water resources.
    • Vans without markings constantly being loaded with cardboard boxes, potentially at odd hours of the day and night.
    • Excessive security measures such as cameras, locks or guards, in seemingly ordinary farms or shops.
    • The sound of machinery running overnight.

    How to report it

    If you suspect that illicit tobacco is being grown or manufactured in your community, report it to the ATO online at www.ato.gov.au/tipoff, or phone 1800 060 062. Community tip-offs are one of our best sources of information.

    A recent raid at a property in rural Victoria, prompted by a community tip-off, led to the seizure and destruction of over 16 tonnes of illicit tobacco. The amount seized is equivalent to the size of a young blue whale and has an estimated excise value of nearly $35 million. This operation, which targeted an organised crime syndicate, highlights the crucial role that community members play in combating illegal tobacco activities.

    The ATO urges everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to illicit tobacco production to the authorities. By working together, we can help protect our communities from the harmful impacts of illegal tobacco operations.

    Visit www.ato.gov.au/illicittobacco and download our infographic (PDF, 490KB)This link will download a file to learn more about illicit tobacco and how we are fighting back.

    Notes to journalists

    ATO stock footage and images are available for use in news bulletins from our media centre.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Bus Stop Films’ first feature Boss Cat to begin production in June

    Source: NSW Government puts trust in NAB to transform banking and payments

    01 04 2025 – Media release

    Boss Cat cast (L-R): Olivia Hargroder, Penny Downie and Julia Savage. 
    Bus Stop Films has announced that its first feature film, Boss Cat, will begin filming in Australia’s Blue Mountains region in June.
    Written and directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith, with major production investment from Screen Australia, Boss Cat will star Olivia Hargroder, Penny Downie and Julia Savage. Olivia is a proud member of the Down Syndrome community, who earlier featured in the short film Sunshine, which Genevieve wrote. Julia made her feature film debut in Blaze, with television credits including The Clearing and Class of 07.  
    Boss Cat will be award-winning stage and screen actress Penny Downie’s first Australian project for many years. With credits including The Diplomat, The Crown and Downton Abbey, Penny said, “I am thrilled to be returning home to Australia to be part of this beautiful film. Genevieve’s script captured me instantly, and I can’t wait to be part of bringing this story to life.”
    Boss Cat is the story of 23-year-old Sonja, a woman with Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) who, after her mother dies, campaigns against the plans of her estranged grandmother to sell the family home and send her away. In order to galvanize the support she needs, Sonja must first channel an explosive temper into something more positive…Krump dance.
    Writer and director Genevieve Clay Smith is a trailblazing filmmaker, renowned for her visionary directorial works which champion diversity and inclusion, including The Interviewer (Winner Short Shorts Film Festival and Asia 2013), Groundhog Night (Sydney Film Festival 2020) and I Am Emmanuel (Palm Springs Int. 2014). Genevieve’s work as the Series Writer and Director of the 26 x 11-episode series Fizzy and Suds (2024), has garnered global attention with three nominations at the 2024 Prix Jeunesse one of those being the UNESCO Prize, intended to honour a children’s or youth programme that convincingly promotes a better under­standing of people, of different cultures and experiences.
    Genevieve pioneered the inclusive filmmaking movement in Australia in 2008 when she co-founded Bus Stop Films, alongside Producer Eleanor Winkler, with the duo winning Tropfest with the short film Be My Brother.
    Bus Stop Films is a female, disability led, not-for-profit social enterprise that uses filmmaking and the film industry to raise the profile of people living with disabilities and other marginalised groups, on both sides of the camera, through education, content creation, advocacy and employment. Through its Accessible Filmmaking Program, Bus Stop Films has, over the past 16 years, produced over 110 short films and supported thousands of workplace opportunities for people with disability through their Bus Stop Employment service.
    Boss Cat will be produced by Deanne Weir, Eleanor Winkler and Bus Stop’s COO/Head of Screen Dianna La Grassa, with executive producers Tracey Corbin-Matchett OAM, Nathan Basha, and Mandela Mathia and co-producer Michele Turnure-Salleo of Feracious Entertainment.
    As a Bus Stop Film’s production, Boss Cat will offer an end-to-end inclusive production pathway, creating distinctive on-screen and production roles for multiple young adults with disabilities.
    A tailored workplace program will be developed to enhance disability employment on the film, considering a candidate’s areas of interest, current skills, previous on-set experience and access requirements. Participants will then be placed in corresponding departments to work and learn, being mentored by the professional crew members.
    Additionally, Bus Stop Films will support the professional cast and crew to feel confident in managing, working alongside and creatively collaborating with participants through the delivery of their Inclusion in Action workshop. The program is part of Bus Stop’s Inclusive Crewing Project, which is funded through a Building Employer Confidence grant from the Australian Government.
    Genevieve Clay Smith said, “I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has championed Boss Cat and helped bring this story to life. It’s a joy to collaborate with an extraordinary team of powerful, diverse women to elevate Bus Stop Films’ inclusive filmmaking to a feature film scale. I hope this film stirs hearts, shifts perspectives, and reshapes what people believe is possible for individuals with disability.”
    Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “Boss Cat is an entertaining, essential story and we’re proud to support this groundbreaking project marking Genevieve’s debut feature. The team’s commitment to inclusive filmmaking – both on and off screen – blends seamlessly with an ultimately joyous, engaging narrative. With collaboration at every turn, the authenticity of this film will resonate deeply, celebrating community, amplifying vital voices, and leaving a lasting impact.”
    Producer Deanne Weir said, “Having followed Genevieve’s career and the amazing work of Bus Stop Films, first under Gen’s leadership and now under the guiding hand of the unstoppable Tracey Corbin-Matchett, I am thrilled to be working with this incredible team to bring Boss Cat to life, and to be a major investor through WeirAnderson Films. This is a film that will delight and entertain audiences across the globe and bring people to the cinema to share a moving ‘feel-good’ experience that we all need right now”.
    Bus Stop Films’ CEO Tracey Corbin-Matchett said, “In our 16th year, Boss Cat celebrates our unwavering commitment to authenticity on both sides of the camera. I’m proud to see Bus Stop’s global leadership in inclusive filmmaking recognised with the strong support for the project and for the intersectional team bringing this beautiful film to life.  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our many philanthropic partners who have made it possible for us to do the work we do.”
    Minister for Social Services and the NDIS Amanda Rishworth said, “Inclusive and supportive industry organisations like Bus Stop Films are a gamechanger for people with disability. Not only do they provide amazing employment opportunities but they’re an avenue for people with disability to pursue their passions and express their creativity. I am committed to breaking down barriers so that people with disability can pursue their goals and build careers in the industry of their choice.”
    Production credit: Boss Cat is a Bus Stop Films production. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen NSW and WeirAnderson Films. Madman Entertainment is distributing in Australia and New Zealand. Developed with assistance of Screen Australia and Screen NSW and WeirAnderson Films.
    The production has received philanthropic support and investment from key partners including the Summer Foundation, Sherry-Hogan Trust, The Snow Foundation, Nelson Meers Foundation and Mary-Ann Lopez.
    Boss Cat Media enquiries
    Tracey Mair, TM Publicity
    For Bus Stop Films
    Ph: 0419 221 493 I E: [email protected]
    Media enquiries
    Maddie Walsh | Publicist
    + 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]
    Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu)
    + 61 428 767 836  | [email protected]
    All other general/non-media enquiries
    Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Back to basics for public service

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is overhauling the Public Service Act 2020 as part of its ongoing push to get back to basics and deliver value for money to taxpayers, Public Service Minister Judith Collins announced today.
    The New Zealand National Party-ACT New Zealand Coalition Agreement requires the Act be amended to “clarify the role of the public service, drive performance and ensure accountability to deliver on the agenda of the government of the day”.
    “The Public Service Act 2020, implemented by the previous government, added new responsibilities to the core role of chief executives which diminished their responsibility for implementing government policies and making efficient use of taxpayer money,” Ms Collins says.
    “We don’t need to tell the chief executives of the public service which laws to follow. They just need to follow the law – like all other employers.
    “The Act as it stands is impeding the public service from doing its best work, which in is in turn holding back the country from making progress on economic growth and other government priorities.”
    The Public Service Amendment Bill will:

    Clarify the role of the public service;
    streamline chief executive responsibilities;
    reinforce the principle of merit-based appointments;
    improve chief executive and agency performance management;
    utilise and improve tools to reduce silos; and
    better manage risk.

    “In the six years from 2017 to 2023, the number of people employed in the core Public Service grew 34% to 63,117 full-time equivalent employees,” Ms Collins says.
    “Despite this whopping increase, the actual outcomes for New Zealanders went backwards across key areas such as health, education and crime. This is unacceptable.
    “The efficiency, professionalism, and performance of the public service is a key resource for the Government and for New Zealanders, whose taxes pay for it.
    “The changes we are making will bring more discipline to government spending and enable New Zealand’s economy to grow, creating more jobs, higher incomes and money to invest in core services such as schools, hospitals and roads.”
    The Public Service Amendment Bill is expected to be introduced in July.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Using tranquillisers on racehorses is ethically questionable and puts horses and riders at risk

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul McGreevy, Professor, School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney

    hedgehog94/Shutterstock

    Australia’s horse racing industry is in the spotlight after recent allegations of tranquilliser use on horses so they can be “worked” (exercised) between race days.

    A recent ABC report stated workers in the Australian racing industry allege horses are being routinely medicated for track work at the peril of rider and horse safety.

    Using tranquillisers on horses during training and management may not be illegal but this could breach nationwide racing rules.

    The prevalence of the practice is not clear but many industry insiders report it as common.

    Racing Australia had “recently become aware” of the use of acepromazine for track work and had begun collecting data about the practice, but had not been made aware of any complaints or concerns.

    What medications are horses given?

    Horses may be given a low dose of a tranquilliser, most commonly acepromazine. This makes their behaviour easier to control in certain situations, such as when they’re being examined by a veterinarian.

    This drug must be prescribed by an attending veterinarian, and it can calm unfriendly and apprehensive animals. This could assist with making excited, hyperactive horses easier to control and less likely to buck, rear or put people at risk of injury from uncontrolled flight responses.

    But proprioception – the way horses feel the world around them, notably the ground beneath them – is likely to be compromised. So, from a work health and safety perspective, the risk of tripping and falling is front of mind.

    Other risks to horses from acepromazine can include impaired blood clotting, lower blood pressure, respiratory depression and, in rare cases, permanent paralysis of the penis in male horses.

    A dangerous combination

    In the racing industry, tranquillisers are given to reduce the difficulties that come from riding and handling very fit, young horses that have been bred, fed and managed to be highly reactive and move at very high speeds.

    This combination of selective breeding and only basic training can make them very difficult to control both during trackwork, when speeds of over 60 kilometres per hour can be reached, as well as during routine management.

    Thoroughbreds’ diets, intensive management and relative lack of behavioural conditioning can be a dangerous combination.

    The diets and confinement make them excitable and likely to take off; if they do, the lack of appropriate training makes them difficult to stop.

    What makes race thoroughbreds hard to handle?

    All horses have three fundamental needs – friends, forage and freedom, known as the “three F’s”.

    Friends: horses have evolved to spend time with large mixed groups. They feel safer in these groups and this safety is highly valued: mutual grooming with preferred conspecifics (other equids) can calm them. In contrast, most stabled horses have no choice about who their neighbours are and can usually only have minimal physical interactions. Once out on the track, horses are highly motivated to stay with other horses and are more likely to be distracted rather than to attend to the rider.

    Freedom: horses evolved to move for up to 70% of their day, which is essential for their welfare. In contrast, most racehorses, and indeed many other performance horses, often spend up to 23 hours a day confined in stables. Unfortunately, stabled horses are harder to train and more likely to buck. Prolonged confinement leads to many horses becoming more reactive, a state that increases the likelihood of injuries to riders.

    Forage: horses are trickle feeders that graze on high-fibre, low-nutrient forages for up to 16 hours a day. In contrast, racehorses are fed high-energy diets that can be quickly consumed, leading to risk of digestive disturbances, such as gastric ulcers and long periods during which, confined to their stables, they have nothing to do.

    Modern racehorse management and training often denies them access to these “three F’s”, which leads to behavioural problems that are then sometimes managed by tranquillising the horse.

    Horses are social animals that enjoy grazing and activity.
    Patrick Jennings/Shutterstock

    Lastly, there’s the kind of work racehorses do.

    High-intensity work increases the concentrations of adrenaline and cortisol to support the energy demands of the work. However, this increases the horse’s arousal and reduces their ability to attend to rider cues.

    This can make them hard to control.

    Collectively, these factors create horses that are not having their fundamental needs met. It’s no wonder that, once free of the confinement of their stables, they can become excited and hard to control, putting their riders and even themselves at risk of injury.

    A band-aid solution

    There is no textbook that advises vets on how to diagnose or treat horses that are hyperactive, nor are there any data on how horses can be safely tranquillised before being ridden.

    However, a UK government data sheet for the most common equine tranquilliser globally, acepromazine maleate, states: “do not, in any circumstances, ride horses within the 36 hours following administration of the product”.

    In Australia, racing trainers must keep records of all medications given to horses. Unfortunately, the veterinarians who supply this medication to trainers for use on racehorses are usually doing so without a specific diagnosis or treatment plan.

    Routine use of tranquillisers is a band-aid solution to an industry-wide practice of confining, over-feeding and under-training fit, young horses that have been bred to run.

    If this practice is ever policed, there will likely be enormous repercussions for the sustainability of racing.

    As a first step to addressing this issue, the industry could commit to monitoring and publishing annual data on the routine use of tranquillisers.

    Paul McGreevy has received funding from the Australian Research Council, RSPCA Australia and animal welfare focussed philanthropy. He is a Fellow of the International Society for Equitation Science, a member of the British Veterinary Association and currently sits on the NSW Veterinary Practitioners Board.

    Cathrynne Henshall receives funding from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Welfare Foundation. She is a trustee and council member of the International Society for Equitation Science.

    – ref. Using tranquillisers on racehorses is ethically questionable and puts horses and riders at risk – https://theconversation.com/using-tranquillisers-on-racehorses-is-ethically-questionable-and-puts-horses-and-riders-at-risk-245167

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Preserving a Liverpool Icon: The Restoration of the Willis Organ’s Trellis

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Work is currently underway on the restoration of the Willis Organ’s trellis, thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

    The trellis of the Willis Organ at St George’s Hall is an exquisite decorative feature that enhances the grandeur of this historic instrument. Designed as an intricate lattice of ornamental fretwork, it serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose, complementing the organ’s majestic presence while also protecting its delicate internal components.

    Originally crafted in 1855 as part of Henry Willis’s masterful design, the trellis exemplifies the Victorian era’s dedication to artistry and precision. Its elegant patterns reflect the craftsmanship that defined 19th-century organ building, seamlessly blending with the grandeur of St George’s Hall’s neoclassical architecture. Over time, natural wear and environmental factors have taken their toll, making restoration essential to preserve its beauty and historical integrity.

    The Craftsmanship Behind the Restoration

    The repair of the Willis Organ’s trellis is a delicate and intricate process, entrusted to skilled artisan restorer Julien Taylor. Julien brings a unique combination of blacksmith training, fine art expertise, and traditional craftsmanship to the project. Describing his approach, he shares:

    “Restoration work is always a rewarding challenge. In this case, the plaster panel is still attached to the organ. The process involves selecting the best part of the fretwork to copy, moulding the area with silicone casting rubber, and ensuring that the new elements seamlessly integrate with the original design. Given that the organ is a vibrating mechanism, it’s fascinating to see the history of previous repairs and to contribute to its ongoing preservation.”

    The Willis Organ has been the heartbeat of St George’s Hall for generations, its sound resonating through time to captivate audiences old and new. Thanks to this funding and the dedication of skilled artisans, its beauty and power will endure for years to come. We look forward to celebrating its restored glory with the people of Liverpool, who have cherished this magnificent instrument for over a century.

    Cllr Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Public Health said:

    “The restoration of the Willis Organ’s trellis is a key step in safeguarding one of Liverpool’s most treasured musical jewels. This project is a testament to our commitment to preserving Liverpool’s heritage while ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the grandeur of St George’s Hall in all its glory. It’s inspiring to see such skilled craftsmanship at work, and I look forward to witnessing the organ restored to its full splendour.”

    Alan Smith, Head of Heritage Preservation and Development said:

    “St George’s Hall continues to be the cultural heritage beacon of Liverpool, providing a reassuring presence for the city and instilling confidence and pride in our magnificent history. Maintaining the hall and its treasures is essential. The recent replacement of the Tuba Mirabilis was a major milestone in restoring the Willis Organ’s voice, and this latest work on the trellis further enhances its splendour. Our history is a living, breathing thing, and through these careful restorations, we ensure that our heritage continues to enrich our lives.”

    Professor Dr Ian Tracey, DL, Organist to the City of Liverpool said:

    “King Charles has described St George’s Hall as one of the greatest architectural treasures of the world, and its world-renowned pipe organ is a similar treasure.  It has been my privilege to preside over it as City Organist for the past 38 years, and we surely owe it to our forefathers to keep it in as pristine condition as funds will allow.

     It is my dearest hope that, as more funding becomes available, we will be able to further restore the organ. There is much still to be done to the instrument, but restoration of the trellis would be a significant piece of work, and, with its completion, once again, the great occasions would benefit from its mighty voice.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Will End Price-Gouging by Middlemen in the Entertainment Industry

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    SUPPORTING AMERICA’S LIVE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to protect fans from exploitative ticket scalping and bring commonsense reforms to America’s live entertainment ticketing industry.
    The Order directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to:
    Work with the Attorney General to ensure that competition laws are appropriately enforced in the concert and entertainment industry.
    Rigorously enforce the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act and promote its enforcement by state consumer protection authorities.
    Ensure price transparency at all stages of the ticket-purchase process, including the secondary ticketing market.
    Evaluate and, if appropriate, take enforcement action to prevent unfair, deceptive, and anti-competitive conduct in the secondary ticketing market.

    The Order directs the Secretary of the Treasury and Attorney General to ensure that ticket scalpers are operating in full compliance with the Internal Revenue Code and other applicable law.
    Treasury, the Department of Justice, and the FTC will also deliver a report within 180 days summarizing actions taken to address the issue of unfair practices in the live concert and entertainment industry and recommend additional regulations or legislation needed to protect consumers in this industry.
    ADDRESSING UNFAIR PRACTICES IN THE TICKET MARKETPLACE: President Trump is committed to making arts and entertainment that enrich Americans’ lives as accessible as possible.
    America’s live concert and entertainment industry has a total nationwide economic impact of $132.6 billion and supports 913,000 jobs. But it has become blighted by unscrupulous middle-men who impose egregious fees on fans with no benefit to artists.
    Ticket scalpers use bots and other unfair means to acquire large quantities of face-value tickets, then re-sell them at an enormous markup on the secondary market, price-gouging consumers and depriving fans of the opportunity to see their favorite artists without incurring extraordinary expenses.
    By some reports, fans have paid as much as 70 times the face value of a ticket price to obtain a ticket.
    When this occurs, the artists do not receive any additional profit—it goes solely to the scalper and the ticketing agency.

    While the BOTS Act—meant to stop scalpers from using bots to purchase tickets—has been on the books for over 8 years, the FTC has only once taken action to enforce this law.
    PROTECTING AMERICAN CONSUMERS: President Trump believes that Americans shouldn’t be subjected to exploitative pricing and unfair fees.
    This Executive Order tackles an issue President Trump highlighted on the campaign trail, where he vowed to work on combating high ticket prices and described the current climate, where fans are priced out, as “very unfortunate.”
    It builds on other actions President Trump has already taken since returning to office to protect American consumers.
    He terminated New York City’s congestion pricing scheme that hurt everyday Americans such as workers and small business owners. 
    He signed an Executive Order to empower patients with clear, accurate, and actionable healthcare pricing information.  
    He formally directed the whole administration to focus on price relief for American families to defeat the cost-of-living crisis.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 100 million milestone leaves NZ increasingly isolated

    Source: ACT Party

    “Data collected by Bloomberg shows the milestone of 100 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine administered worldwide has been passed, leaving big questions for the Government about where New Zealand will stand relative to other countries as the worldwide programme continues,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

    “If the medical regulator gives the all-clear to New Zealand’s first vaccine today it won’t change anything, we still won’t have any vaccine for months.

    “A very effective spin campaign is being waged whereby commentators well-disposed to the Government tell us we should actually be thankful to be at the back of the queue for rolling out coronavirus vaccines.

    “We’re being told we’ve done so well we can afford to wait, but the opposite is true.

    “Despite well publicised issues with supply, there are almost as many people being vaccinated every day across the planet as there are people in New Zealand – 4.25 million in the latest count – and the figure is rising daily.

    “A week ago in was little more than 3 million.

    “Being at the back of the queue for vaccination means being at the back of the queue re-integrating with the countries we want to travel to, trade with and invest in.

    “It’s inevitable that by the middle of the year there will be essentially open borders between the countries that have moved fastest to vaccinate, and that network will grow exponentially.

    “A Covid-19 vaccination passport will become your ticket to freedom, yet New Zealanders are going to be forced to watch on, locked down in a largely Covid free country.

    “Just how is that a good outcome?

    “Shouldn’t our Government have done a better job of prioritising our recovery from the pandemic?”

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: $10m a month wasted on redundant contact tracing

    Source: ACT Party

    “ACT can reveal that taxpayers are footing the bill for pointless contact tracing that should have been scrapped when Omicron made it redundant,” says ACT’s Leader David Seymour.

    “Written parliamentary questions show the Government is still spending $10.2 million a month on contact tracing, despite contact tracers being unable to reach enough potential contacts or fast enough to ever be of any use in light of Omicron’s higher transmissibility.

    “The Government’s response to COVID has become increasingly costly and ineffective as the virus has evolved they’ve failed to change with it. Now we’re stuck with redundant policies that were designed for a different variant and exist only as a financial burden.

    “The reality is that most people don’t even report their positive results anyway.

    “$10 million would fund 33 cystic fibrosis patients with Trifakta for a year, 71,000 mental health counselling sessions, and is ten times more than what Hospice NZ needs – but this Government seems to think it is better off spent on empty call centres that are providing no benefit to New Zealanders.

    “ACT says that any COVID restrictions or services that aren’t protecting our health system in any tangible way should just go. They’re a needless expense at a time when reckless Government spending is fuelling out of control domestic inflation.

    “Getting rid of contact tracing would save taxpayers millions and is an important symbol that we’re moving on and getting our way of life back. It should be done immediately.”

    The Written Parliamentary Question can be found here.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 1500 empty rooms in MIQ shows Government’s poor planning

    Source: ACT Party

    “ACT welcomes the news that migrant families who have been cruelly separated for far too long will be reunited, but 1500 empty MIQ rooms shows there’s no reason both them and desperately needed workers can’t be here now,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

    “As of today in MIQ there are 1,500 empty rooms. The Government has been planning the Trans-Tasman bubble for months, it should have planned ahead so those spaces that have been freed up were filled immediately. It’s just poor planning to leave rooms empty while families are torn apart and businesses are crying out for workers.

    “If this really is the Government of “kindness” it would have ensured that families could have been together at the earliest possible opportunity. Stories of parents and children not seeing other for a year, or husbands and wives being separated were completely unnecessary.

    “If this really was the Government of “kindness” it wouldn’t leave business on the brink of collapse because they can’t get workers and it wouldn’t leave fruit rotting on the ground. There is nothing kind about leaving these rooms empty.

    “Just a bit of forward planning would have stopped this from happening. Unfortunately we have a Government that is entirely reactive and doesn’t seem to be able plan anything in advance.

    “This lack of clarity is having a huge mental and economic toll, not just here but in the Pacific Islands.

    “The Government needs to stop playing politics with people’s livelihoods and emotions. It’s time to do the right thing. We have an opportunity now to fill these rooms with people who will make a real contribution to New Zealand, let’s not let the opportunity pass us by.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 24 day isolation rule non-announcement unprofessional and unworkable

    Source: ACT Party

    “New COVID isolation rules for Omicron are unworkable, and the way they were dumped on the Ministry of Health website on a Friday afternoon is unprofessional,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

    “Late on Friday, rules appeared on the Ministry of Health website to the effect that a person who tests positive must isolate for 14 days, and household members must isolate for a further 10 days.

    “The way this has been announced, or rather not announced, echoes the cancellation of the 20 January MIQ lottery. That lottery was cancelled on the website of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, that was deleted and later confirmed in the form of a tweet. This is not leadership of communication in the middle of a pandemic.

    “A Government prepared for Omicron would make clear announcements, rather than slipping critical details about isolation onto websites on Friday afternoon. Instead they have buried the rules on the Ministry of Health website with no formal announcement.

    “The rules announced are unworkable, they will lead to a domino effect where a household can be down for a month. The Ministry of Health website says ‘The isolation period for COVID-19 cases in the community is at least 14 days, including 72 hours symptom-free,’ and ‘Your household members will need to remain in isolation for at least 10 days after you have been released as a case. This means they will need to be in isolation for longer than you as the case will [sic].’

    “The effect is that if you test positive, members of your household may have to isolate for 24 days. People who cannot afford that will have a strong incentive not to get tested, defeating the purpose of the policy. If the advice is taken seriously, it will cripple the health workforce and supply chains more generally.

    “New Zealand’s advantage with COVID is that we can learn from other countries, but we are doing the opposite here. Other countries are loosening their isolation requirements to keep hospitals opening and supermarkets shelves full, but we are tightening ours.

    “By contrast, isolation rules in the UK were changed on Monday so that all people in the household of a case can leave isolation after five days if they have negative tests on two consecutive days. They have done this because their previous isolation rules devastated supply chains.

    “In New South Wales, cases are required to isolate for 14 days but critical workers can leave earlier. Unlike New Zealand, New South Wales does not automatically deem household members as close contacts and require them to isolate. It allows people to use their judgement.

    “The Government badly needs to front on this issue. It needs to explain why these rules are put in place, and why it believes the benefits of an isolation regime stricter than any other country bar China is justified. It should release the modelling it has relied on in an open and transparent way, the way this Government once promised to act.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Statement – Freeing the great outdoors from health and safety scope creep – van Velden

    Source: Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden is announcing further changes to health and safety, as part of the ACT-National Coalition commitment to reform health and safety law and regulations.  

    “This reform refocuses the work health and safety system by getting rid of over compliance, making sure there’s less paperwork and giving businesses, employers and workers clarity on their health and safety responsibilities. We want all New Zealanders to return home safely after every working day,” says Ms van Velden.  

    “For many Kiwis, outdoor recreational activities are a way of life that has been enjoyed for generations. Unfortunately, New Zealand’s work health and safety settings have reduced the appetite to allow these activities, inadvertently creating a culture of fear amongst landowners who are now worried about their legal liability if someone gets hurt,” says Ms van Velden.  

    “Many landowners, managers, councils, farmers and iwi allow access to their land for recreational use out of sheer goodwill. I do not think it is reasonable or proportionate for landowners, managers and iwi to be prosecuted by WorkSafe if someone was to be hurt or injured during the course of a recreational activity just because they are responsible for the land.

    “Today I am announcing a change to the Health and Safety at Work Act that clarifies the law for landowners and will free up private and public land for recreational use.  

    “Landowners will not be responsible if someone is injured on their land while doing recreational activities. Health and safety responsibilities will lie squarely on the organisation running the activities,” says Ms van Velden.

    “For example, a farmer might worry they are responsible for the risks of a horse trekking business on their land. I am making it clear in the law that in this case the health and safety duties sit with the horse trekking business. The farmer would only need to consider the risks from their work where that work is happening in the immediate vicinity of the horse trekking. They are not responsible for risks of the recreational activity itself.

    “We all know that recreational activities aren’t without some risk, and sometimes it’s the risk that makes it fun. I want Kiwis to be able to hunt, fish, hike, climb, mountain bike, kayak and so much more without being caught up in health and safety red tape,” says Ms van Velden.  

    The change will apply to both public and private land, from farms and forestry to school grounds, local council land and regional and national parks.

    This change will not impact private property rights, and it will still be up to the landowner to grant access to their land if they wish.

    Notes: 

    • Managers of land mostly refers to Department of Conservation who doesn’t own land but manages it.  Councils also manage land e.g. reserves 
    • The Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety will announce further changes over the course of this week that were agreed as part of the first tranche of changes.  
    • These legislative changes are expected to be introduced before the end of the year and passed in early 2026.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2025 Prescribed Burn program commences

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services



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

    Released 01/04/2025

    The ACT Parks and Conservation Service (PCS) 2025 prescribed burn program commences today and will run until the beginning of winter.

    The ACT Government undertakes an annual prescribed burn program each year which enhances the ecological and cultural values our local environment, while reducing the risk of bushfires and helping keep Canberrans safe.

    Cultural burns also take place during this period, which provides the opportunity for traditional owners to lead, share, and pass on cultural fire knowledge while achieving the program’s ecological or hazard reduction goals.

    Extensive planning and on-ground fire management occurs to protect sensitive ecological values within burn areas and contain operations.

    The following locations have been identified as part of this year’s program, noting that burns are only undertaken in suitable weather conditions:

    • Hardy Range
    • Bullen Range
    • Googong
    • Black Mountain
    • Uriarra
    • Pinnacle Reserve
    • O’Connor Ridge
    • Kowen
    • Mt Taylor
    • Mcquoids Hill Nature Reserve
    • Denman Prospect
    • Gungahlin
    • Old Mill Road
    • Molonglo
    • Jerrabomberra Grasslands Reserve
    • Jerrabomberra Wetland Reserve
    • Urambi Hills
    • Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
    • Crace Grassland Reserve
    • Gubur Dhaura
    • Mount Pleasant
    • Pialligo

    Additional burns may also be conducted during the season as appropriate. All burns are notified on the ACT Parks website.

    All safety precautions will be in place throughout the duration of the program. This includes buffer zones, signage and sweeps of the area prior to all operations.

    Fire crews will be on the ground monitoring and patrolling each of the prescribed burns to its conclusion, so the public do not need to be alarmed of any additional emergency vehicles or aircraft operating in these impacted areas.

    Smoke, flame, and glowing embers may be seen at these sites, which is normal for these types of operations. The public are asked not to call emergency triple-zero unless they see any unattended fire.

    Prescribed burns are an important part of the ACT’s annual Bushfire Operations Plan to enhance ecological quality, reduce the risk of bushfires and help keep Canberrans safe. Read more about bushfire management including the Bushfire Operations Plan on the ACT Government website.

    For more information on the locations of the prescribed burns this year and to stay up to date on the upcoming prescribed burns in your location, visit the ACT Parks website.

    – Statement ends –

    ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate | Media Releases

    Media Contacts

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: QCI’s Andrew Cardno to Speak on “Predicting the Future: How AI & Analytics Will Revolutionize Tribal Gaming” at the Indian Gaming Association Trade Show

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Calif., March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) is pleased to announce that Andrew Cardno, Chief Technology & Growth Officer (CTO) at QCI, will be presenting at the Indian Gaming Association Trade Show on April 3rd at noon in San Diego, California. His session, titled “Predicting the Future: How AI & Analytics Will Revolutionize Tribal Gaming,” will delve into how artificial intelligence and data analytics are rapidly transforming the gaming industry, particularly within tribal gaming operations.

    Session Description

    AI and data analytics are transforming the gaming industry, offering powerful tools to predict player behavior, optimize operations, and enhance engagement. This session explores how tribal gaming can harness AI-driven insights while balancing innovation with privacy and cultural identity. Attendees will learn how predictive analytics will shape the future of iGaming, sports betting, and casino operations.

    Key Discussion Points

    • How AI-driven insights are reshaping tribal gaming operations
    • Leveraging predictive analytics for player retention, engagement, and profitability
    • Balancing innovative technologies with cultural identity and privacy concerns
    • Future projections for iGaming, sports betting, and casino operations

    Expert Insights

    “Tribal gaming stands on the precipice of unprecedented transformation through AI and analytics,” said Andrew Cardno, CTGO of QCI. “We look forward to showcasing how predictive modeling and data-driven insights can help tribal gaming enterprises remain competitive while preserving their cultural heritage.”

    “We are thrilled to have Andrew Cardno share QCI’s forward-thinking approach at our trade show,” said Victor Rocha, Conference Chair for the Indian Gaming Association. “His expertise in AI, analytics, and the tribal gaming market will provide an invaluable perspective to operators, regulators, and stakeholders alike.”

    For more information on Andrew Cardno’s session or to register for the Indian Gaming Association Trade Show, visit www.indiangaming.org

    ABOUT The 2025 Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention
    As the premier events for the tribal gaming community, the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention and Mid-Year Conference & Expo deliver the insight and strategies you need to rise to the top of the competitive gaming industry landscape. There’s no better opportunity to meet industry leaders, access cutting-edge trends and celebrate a proud tradition of success. For more information visit: www.indiangamingtradeshow.com.

    ABOUT QCI
    Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and Europe. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI’s data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

    ABOUT Andrew Cardno
    Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master’s level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew’s innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today’s mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industries—be it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSD—Andrew’s impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew’s work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors.

    ABOUT Victor Rocha
    Victor Rocha holds the distinguished position of Conference Chairman for the Indian Gaming Association, while also leading Victor-Strategies as its president. As the owner and publisher of Pechanga.net, he has been deeply engaged in the political landscape of U.S. tribal gaming since 1998. Rocha’s outstanding contributions to the industry have been recognized through numerous accolades, such as AGEM’s 2023 Peter Mead Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Gaming Media & Communication, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development’s 2015 Tribal Gaming Visionary Award, the American Gaming Association’s 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award for Gaming Communications, Raving’s 2012 Casino Marketing Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Indian Gaming Association’s 2002 Outstanding Contribution to Indian Country, VCAT’s 2001 Catalyst Award, and Global Gaming Business Magazine’s 2000 “40 Under 40” list.

    Contact:
    Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence
    Phone: 858-349-8354

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Woman charged with drink driving following crash on West Tamar Highway

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Woman charged with drink driving following crash on West Tamar Highway

    Tuesday, 1 April 2025 – 9:02 am.

    A West Launceston woman has been charged with drink driving after she allegedly returned a breath analysis reading more than twice the legal limit following a single vehicle crash on the West Tamar Highway last night. 
    Emergency services were called to the crash about 9.45pm, where a black Subaru had crashed. 
    A 55-year-old woman who was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was not injured and was conveyed to the Launceston Police Station where she allegedly returned a breath analysis reading of.109 – more than twice the legal limit. 
    She was charged and bailed to appear in court at a later date. 
    Anyone who saw the vehicle in the area around the time is asked to contact police on 131 444 or provide information through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000 (information can be provided anonymously) – quote ESCAD 460-31032025.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Freeing the great outdoors from health and safety scope creep

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden is announcing further changes to health and safety, as part of the ACT-National Coalition commitment to reform health and safety law and regulations.  

    “This reform refocuses the work health and safety system by getting rid of over compliance, making sure there’s less paperwork and giving businesses, employers and workers clarity on their health and safety responsibilities. We want all New Zealanders to return home safely after every working day,” says Ms van Velden.  

    “For many Kiwis, outdoor recreational activities are a way of life that has been enjoyed for generations. Unfortunately, New Zealand’s work health and safety settings have reduced the appetite to allow these activities, inadvertently creating a culture of fear amongst landowners who are now worried about their legal liability if someone gets hurt,” says Ms van Velden.  

    “Many landowners, managers, councils, farmers and iwi allow access to their land for recreational use out of sheer goodwill. I do not think it is reasonable or proportionate for landowners, managers and iwi to be prosecuted by WorkSafe if someone was to be hurt or injured during the course of a recreational activity just because they are responsible for the land. 

    “Today I am announcing a change to the Health and Safety at Work Act that clarifies the law for landowners and will free up private and public land for recreational use.   

    “Landowners will not be responsible if someone is injured on their land while doing recreational activities. Health and safety responsibilities will lie squarely on the organisation running the activities,” says Ms van Velden. 

     “For example, a farmer might worry they are responsible for the risks of a horse trekking business on their land. I am making it clear in the law that in this case the health and safety duties sit with the horse trekking business. The farmer would only need to consider the risks from their work where that work is happening in the immediate vicinity of the horse trekking. They are not responsible for risks of the recreational activity itself. 

    “We all know that recreational activities aren’t without some risk, and sometimes it’s the risk that makes it fun. I want Kiwis to be able to hunt, fish, hike, climb, mountain bike, kayak and so much more without being caught up in health and safety red tape,” says Ms van Velden.  

    The change will apply to both public and private land, from farms and forestry to school grounds, local council land and regional and national parks. 

    This change will not impact private property rights, and it will still be up to the landowner to grant access to their land if they wish. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Urges Stockholders of AMPY, HEES, AVTE, TGI to Act Now

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:

    • Amplify Energy Corp. (NYSE: AMPY), relating to the proposed merger with Juniper Capital. Under the terms of the agreement, Amplify shareholders will retain approximately 61% of Amplify’s outstanding equity.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for April 14, 2025.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/amplify-energy-corp-ampy/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: HEES), relating to the proposed merger with Herc Holdings Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, H&E shareholders will receive $78.75 in cash and 0.1287 shares of Herc common stock for each share they own. H&E’s shareholders will own approximately 14.1% of the combined company.

    ACT NOW. The Tender Offer expires on April 15, 2025.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/he-equipment-services-inc-hees/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Aerovate Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVTE), relating to a proposed merger with Jade Biosciences. Under the terms of the agreement, pre-merger Aerovate stockholders are expected to own approximately 1.6% of the combined company, while pre-merger Jade stockholders are expected to own approximately 98.4% of the combined entity.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for April 16, 2025.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/aerovate-therapeutics-inc-avte/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Triumph Group, Inc. (NYSE: TGI), relating to the proposed merger with Warburg Pincus and Berkshire Partners. Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders of Triumph will receive $26.00 per share in cash.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for April 16, 2025.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/triumph-group-inc-tgi/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Pātaka opens vibrant new season – Porirua

    Source: Porirua City Council

    The autumn season of exhibitions opened at Pātaka over the weekend with three new exhibitions that will run through to 6 July.
    Lovers & Castaways takes the 1980 book “Contemporary New Zealand Painters” by Jim and Mary Barr as its starting point and focuses on that decade as an important time for art in New Zealand. The exhibition brings together more than 50 works made in the 1980s – and drawn from the Arts House Trust Collection – and highlights what concerns were prominent for artists in that decade. This exhibition features works from well-known artists, including Gretchen Albrecht, Nigel Brown, Tony Fomison, Dick Frizzell and Ralph Hotere.
    Hemi Macgregor’s solo exhibition, Waiora, draws on geometric structures, patterns and processes in the natural world to explore our relationship with sky, water, earth and seasons. Working across painting, sculpture and installation, Macgregor’s work looks at the spiritual elements that connect humans to the external worlds of te taiao, te taimoana, te taiwhenua and into tātai tuarangi (the cosmos).
    In Toloa Tales, new video works by Tāmaki Makaurau-based artists Edith Amituanai (Aotearoa, Sāmoa) and Sione Tuívailala Monū (Aotearoa, Australia, Tonga) explore what it means to return to an ancestral homeland. In 2023, both artists returned to Samoa – Monū to celebrate a friend participating in the Miss Sāmoa Fa‘afafine Pageant and Amituanai to visit family.
    In Toloa Tales, the artists share their own kind of “return” – through personal stories, exchanges and tender moments of everyday life – and examine some of the ways the Pacific diaspora maintain their identity and culture after migration to countries like Aotearoa, Australia and the United States.
    Later in the season, Arca Arcade “Round One” opens on 12 April and runs until 22 June.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Opera in the Strand returns to Strand Arcade

    Source: Auckland Council

    [embedded content]

    It’s New Zealand Music Month in May and people will flood into midtown’s streets, lanes and public spaces, further cementing our place in the world as a UNESCO City of Music.

    They will hear the diverse and unique sounds of Tāmaki Makaurau, as Auckland Council hosts a free public programme of music, supported by the city centre targeted rate.

    The season opens with Opera in the Strand on Thursday 1 May at 6pm. After a successful debut in 2024, Opera in the Strand returns in all its glorious colour, costumery and melody.

    Listen and watch highlights from the 2024 event on YouTube here.

    Totally free and with no tickets needed, people will simply walk up and hear New Zealand’s finest young opera singers in full voice. Curated by the New Zealand Opera School, the artists sing from the tiled arcade floor and high on the bridges above midtown’s historic Strand Arcade, built 125 years ago.

    Councillor Desley Simpson is thrilled to see Opera in the Strand back by popular demand.

    “As this exciting new neighbourhood takes shape around Te Waihorotiu Station, our teams are working hard to attract people back to midtown and support businesses impacted by construction, through events like this.

    “Music is always in the mix and there’s nothing like opera, brought to one of our historic city centre jewels, to lift spirits,” she says.

    NZ Opera School Trustee Jack Bourke, an Aotea Arts Quarter advocate and co-curator of Opera in the Strand, explains the significance of Opera in the Strand further: “The importance of music in building place is undeniable. The importance of music in building community, and the arts quarter at the heart of our regenerating midtown, is immeasurable.”

    Visit OurAuckland for 2025’s New Zealand Music Month menu for all tastes. It’s an experience not to be missed.

    Read about the opera stars and pianists you will hear sing and play in our historic Strand Arcade on 1 May:  

    Emma Jones – Soprano

    Emma Jones completed her Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours as a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholar at the University of Waikato. This year she is studying towards her Masters of Music under the tutelage of Emma Pearson. 

    Emma was recently awarded the Merle Higgie Opera Prize of Potential at the New Zealand Opera School and the prize for Most Potential at the Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition. In 2024 she debuted in the role of Iphis in Handel’s Jephtha and made her Auckland Town Hall debut as the Soprano 2 soloist in Bach Musica NZ’s performance of Mendelssohn’s Symphony No.2 (Hymn of Praise).  Emma has also received Music Blues Awards for four consecutive years and the 2024 Creative and Performing Arts Person of the Year. NZOS Alumna 2024.

    Olivia Forbes – Soprano

    Olivia Forbes performing at Strand Arcade.

    Olivia Forbes is a 23-year-old soprano from Auckland. Having completed her undergraduate conjoint in Voice and Italian from Auckland University, she has recently completed her honours degree in Classical Voice with first class under the tutelage of Dr. Morag Atchison. In 2019, she played the role of Flora in New Zealand Opera’s production of The Turn of the Screw by Benjamin Britten and has been a student at the New Zealand Opera School in Whanganui where she was awarded the 2025 Dame Sister Mary Leo award for dedication to the craft of Opera.

    Recently, Olivia placed third in the Beacroft Aria Finals and was a finalist in the 2024 New Zealand Aria competition where she performed as a soloist with the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra. At the 2025 Nicholas Tarling aria finals she was awarded the inaugural Sally Stone award for most outstanding talent. She is passionate about sharing the beauty of classical music with audiences and looks forward to expanding her horizons internationally later this year as she embarks to London to pursue a Master of Performance at the Royal College of Music. NZOS Alumna 2023/2024.

    Sarah Mileham – Soprano

    Sarah Mileham is a 22-year-old Soprano from Tauranga and now based in Hamilton. In 2023, she finished her Bachelor of Music in Classical Performance at the New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington under the tuition of Jenny Wollerman. She has just completed her Bachelor of Music with Honours at Waikato University with Soprano Anna Leese. She is now an artist with Te Pae Kōkako The Aotearoa New Zealand Opera Studio (TANZOS).

    In 2024, Sarah made her debut with NZ Opera singing ‘Maria Bertram’, a principal role, in Mansfield Park by Jonathan Dove and ‘Countess Ceprano’ in Verdi’s Rigoletto. She also sang the role of Adina in Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love NZO Schools Tour, which travelled Aotearoa. She has been awarded first at the 2024 Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition, the DMMF Waikato Aria Competition, the Norah Howell Recital Class, and Te Awamutu Aria. She has also been a finalist in the Lockwood NZ Aria (2023), Runner up in Christchurch (2023,2024) and Wellington Aria Finals (2023), and received the Merle Higgie Opera Prize for Potential at her first New Zealand Opera School in 2023. Sarah is excited to grow her professional career and is looking forward to future further studies overseas. NZOS Alumna 2023/2024.

    Ridge Ponini – Tenor

    Ridge Ponini performing at Strand Arcade.

    Proud Cook Island tenor, Ridge Ponini completed his Honours degree in Music at the University of Otago, majoring in classical voice performance and is a 2024 Artist with Te Pae Kokako – The Aotearoa New Zealand Opera Studio (TANZOS). In 2017 Ridge was named the Most Promising Singer and received the Judges Choice Award in the Dame Malvina Major Foundation Aria award, and in the same competition placed second in 2018. In 2021 Ridge was awarded the Enari Iosefa Opera Award from Creative New Zealand and in 2022 was a semi finalist for the Lexus Song Quest. Ridge was a studio artist with New Zealand Opera in 2023 and winner of the Dame Sister Mary Leo Award (runner up) at the 2024 NZ Opera School. NZOS Alumnus 2020/2021/2023/2024.

    Edward Laurenson – Baritone

    Former NZ Opera Emerging Artist and Circle 100 Scholar, Edward Laurenson was the winner of the Guildhall Prize at the 2013 IFAC Australian Singing Competition and graduate of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama Master of Performance in London and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying under Yvonne Kenny and Cesar Ulloa. Following his residency at Opera Colorado and the Merola Opera Programme, Edward has performed operatic roles worldwide. Supported by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation he returned to NZ in 2022 to perform the role of Anatoly in Chess the Musical in Auckland. NZOS Alumnus 2013/2014.

    Alfred Fonoti-Fuimaono – Baritone

    Alfred Fonoti-Fuimaono is a Samoan baritone from Flaxmere, Hastings. His interest in classical music flourished through his involvement with the youth initiative, ‘Project Prima Volta’ – a music programme based in Hawke’s Bay that empowers youth through classical music. He completed a Master in Advanced Opera Studies through The Aotearoa New Zealand Opera Studio (TANZOS) at the University of Waikato under the tutelage of Kristin Darragh, and continued his development as a Freemasons New Zealand Opera Company Artist for 2024 under the tutelage of Nikki-Li Hartliep.  Alfred is a five time attendee of the NZ Opera School where he was awarded the Dame Malvina Major Foundation Award in 2024.

    Francis Cowan – Pianist

    Francis Cowan was appointed as full time Head of Collaborative Piano at the University of Waikato in 2015. He enjoys a busy schedule of coaching and accompaniment for voice and instrumental students and is a regular pianist and organist for the New Zealand Opera School.

    David Kelly, pianist

    David is based in Auckland and is a repetiteur and coach for New Zealand Opera, Te Pae K ō kako (University of Waikato) and the New Zealand Opera School. He collaborates frequently with the Auckland Philharmonia , Auckland Chamber Orchestra, Voices New Zealand, and the Universities of Auckland and Waikato. With flutist Luca Manghi he has recorded a critically applauded recital disc Quays (Atoll Records, ACD 882), and is a member of the Donizetti Trio, which undertook national tours in 2014 and 2019 for Chamber Music New Zealand. David studied at the University of Canterbury with Diedre Irons and Maurice Till and is a graduate of the Australian Opera Studio.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –