NewzIntel.com

Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Progress for new Franklin dog park

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Final designs have been released for the new Franklin fenced dog park.

    Final designs have been released for the new fenced dog park in Franklin.

    The new park provides another option for Gungahlin residents to exercise and socialise their dogs off-leash.

    Located in the open area on the corner of Nullarbor Avenue and Oodgeroo Avenue, dogs will enjoy an agility area and an irrigated grass area perfect for playing fetch.

    The design also includes a picnic shelter, drinking fountain, seating, an accessible loop park, bike rails and a gravel carpark.

    Work is now underway to find a construction contractor for the new park. Once selected, construction will begin.

    Franklin Dog Park final design.

    Franklin dog park location map.

    More information on the project can be found on the City Services website: cityservices.act.gov.au

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New safety standards for home swimming pools

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    New reforms make it mandatory for all home swimming pools to meet modern safety standards.

    The ACT Government has introduced new reforms to help to keep people safe around home pools.

    The regulatory reforms make it mandatory for all home swimming pools to comply with modern safety standards.

    The most common location in the ACT for drowning death and injury for children under the age of five is in home swimming pools.

    Pool designs and safety standards have changed, and pools that were installed many years ago may not comply with these important modern standards. Requiring pools and spas to be up to modern safety standards rather than when the pool was constructed will reduce the risk of people drowning or suffering serious injury.

    To ease the pressure on property owners to comply with the modern safety standard the reforms are proposed to start from 1 May 2024 with a four-year transition period.

    Under the reforms:

    • all pool owners will be required to maintain their pool barriers
    • residents who have a swimming pool on their property will be required to make sure that all doors and gates providing access to the swimming pool are kept securely closed at all times when they are not in use
    • homeowners with a pool that applies to the reforms will have to bring swimming pool barriers up to compliance with the prescribed safety standards or seek an exemption, which can be considered in limited circumstances
    • homeowners will also be required to inform prospective tenants and purchasers of the new requirements and the compliance status of their pool.

    The reforms will apply to all home swimming pools and spa pools that can contain water to a depth greater than 300mm.

    These reforms bring the ACT in line with other jurisdictions that have already introduced swimming pool barrier reforms in recent years.

    For more information on the reforms visit the ACT Government’s Planning website.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Celebrating Canberra’s multicultural champions

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Dr Lubna Alam from ALO Enlightened Women Inc, winner of the ACT Outstanding Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion award.

    The ACT Multicultural Awards celebrate and recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations that continue to make Canberra a welcoming and inclusive city.

    The 2023 recipients were awarded across five categories for their commitment in working towards a vibrant, diverse community, and to realising the benefits of this diversity in real ways.

    • ACT Multicultural Individual Champion: Mijica Rose Lus
      Rose supports multicultural communities in the ACT in a range of ways such as the Aurosokwo project, which included a range of activities from creating care packs, book drives, and medical outreach, to collaborating with local charities and organisations.
    • ACT Community Organisation (Multicultural Champion): ALO Enlightened Women Inc
      ALO has made an important impact on the lives of hundreds of multicultural community members, in particular vulnerable migrant and refugee women, through its range of programs and services.
    • ACT Multicultural Arts, Media or Culture: Radio Manpasand
      Since its beginning in 2004, Radio Manpasand’s commitment to serving the Indian and subcontinental movement is evident through its long-standing and impactful presence on the airwaves and beyond.
    • ACT Outstanding Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion: Dr Lubna Alam
      Dr Alam is a co-founder of ALO Enlightened Women Inc., supporting and empowering vulnerable migrant women through the organisation. She is greatly involved in the wider multicultural community, providing assistance and leadership to support an inclusive society.
    • Lifetime Achievement Award: Domenic Mico OAM
      For the past 50 years, Mr Mico has and continues to be deeply connected with the multicultural and arts communities in the ACT. As the former Artistic Director of the National Multicultural Festival, he was instrumental in the event’s development. He is also the former Director of the Tuggeranong Arts Centre and was involved in many other cultural and artistic events and programs in the community.

    In addition to the winners listed above, six Highly Commended award recipients were recognised.

    A complete list of the winners and highly commended recipients can be found on the Community Services Directorate website: act.gov.au/open/multicultural-awards-winners

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Heritage refresh to tell Canberra’s stories

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Historic Brayshaws Hut in Namadgi National Park

    Canberrans are invited to give input on a proposed refresh of the ACT’s heritage system.

    A comprehensive external review has resulted in a range of recommended reforms, intended to better identify, protect and celebrate places of natural and cultural significance in the territory.

    The community is encouraged to share feedback on the review, specifically on issues like transparency in decision-making, access to information and risks or unintended consequences.

    The review contains two key themes:

    1. establishing ACT Aboriginal People as the decision makers on their cultural heritage
    2. the need to strengthen the governance and administration of the ACT’s heritage arrangements.

    Ensuring the ACT has well-functioning heritage arrangements that recognise and conserve natural, cultural and First Nations heritage for current and future generations is the priority.

    Canberrans can have their say via two online surveys or thought online or in-person consultation sessions to encourage more in-depth discussion.

    First Nations Canberrans, general community and industry members are all invited to participate.

    The review, announced in December 2022, has involved exploring best practice models for heritage laws, frameworks and arrangements from other jurisdictions and proposing a fit for purpose model for the ACT.

    The ACT Government appointed an interim Heritage Council in April to continue to deliver council responsibilities under the Heritage Act 2004 and to support this comprehensive review and reform process.

    View the full report and have your say on the ACT heritage system reforms through the YourSay Conversations website.

    Find out more about heritage in the ACT on the ACT Environment website.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Kingston park name commemorates Mr Alfred Stafford MBE

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Mr Stafford was the official driver of Prime Minster Robert Menzies for many years.

    A park in Kingston has been named in commemoration of Gamilaroi and Darug man Mr Alfred George Stafford MBE.

    The park, located adjacent to Trevillian Quay at the Kingston Foreshore estate, has been officially named Alf Stafford Park.

    This honours Mr Stafford for his significant contributions to Canberra through his public service, sporting achievements and association with early Kingston.

    Mr Stafford was an avid sportsman and the official driver of Prime Minster Robert Menzies for many years. An enduring friendship developed between the two men and their families.

    He worked as a parliamentary driver and as a Ministerial Attendant at Parliament House, serving numerous Australian prime ministers before retiring in 1972.

    Mr Stafford was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his dedicated service to several of Australia’s prime ministers.

    Originally from Binnaway, NSW, Mr Stafford moved to Canberra in the 1930s and quickly became a prominent member of the Kingston community as a local business owner and cricketer.

    He was captain of the Kingston district cricket club team and captained Federal Capital Territory Cricket Association representative team matches.

    Alf Stafford’s family said they are proud of his achievements and are looking forward to his memory living on through the naming of Alf Stafford Park.

    “Alf was a much loved and respected father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend,” Mr Stafford’s family said.

    “There was a saying around Old Parliament House: ‘Prime Ministers come and go, but Alf Stafford goes on forever’, to which Alf would reply ‘I wish it was true’.

    “Today, our family is proud to honour his wish. Through the unveiling of ‘Alf Stafford Park’, we pay respect to a true gentleman (the last of the hat tippers!) providing a legacy, ensuring Alf’s memory lives on,” his family said.

    A  portrait of Mr Stafford as a young man.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Electric mowers join the fleet for mowing season

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Electric mowers offer many benefits beyond low emissions.

    The ACT Government is charging up Canberra’s rapid response mowing team who are equipped with new electric ride-on mowers this mowing season.

    The ACT’s mowing season generally runs from September until March. This gives the team ample opportunity to monitor the new mowers’ effectiveness.

    One electric mower was trialled successfully last mowing season.

    This season, the new electric models will replace four diesel-powered mowers, to mow over five thousand hectares of grass each mowing cycle.

    The change will support the ACT Government’s commitment to achieve zero net emissions from Government operations by 2040.

    The new mowers offer benefits beyond low emissions. They require minimal maintenance with no grease points or belts.

    They have tubeless tyres which help achieve excellent cutting results and increase rider comfort.

    They are also lighter than other machines in the fleet and so have less chance of becoming bogged.

    The mowers take about six hours to charge and provide eight hours of run time.

    Last season, the mowing team spent more than 35,000 hours on machines mowing across Canberra.

    After a busy couple of seasons with high rainfall, this season is not expected to be as wet. It will still be a busy one, however, as a well-watered landscape will provide plenty of moisture for strong grass growth in the coming months.

    The mowing team is well prepared to manage grass growth across Canberra this season.

    They will be supported by the rapid response mowing team of 10 extra staff and eight additional mowers to help bolster mowing capacity.

    There will be a focus on higher priority areas such as those presenting safety issues.

    Canberrans can keep up to date on when their suburb will be mown with the mowing map displayed on the City Services website at cityservices.act.gov.au

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Canberra’s Skykraft take to space with PIP grant

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Skykraft’s Air Traffic Management satellites take off from California in June this year on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

    A Canberra-based company is taking their satellites to space and notching up world first achievements in both the space industry and the global air navigation sector.

    Skykraft is developing a constellation of more than 200 satellites in low-earth orbit to provide global Air Traffic Management (ATM) services from space.

    These services will provide surveillance and communication capabilities for air traffic control, especially over remote or oceanic regions not covered by ground-based infrastructure.

    In 2018-19 Skykraft applied for and won $1 million dollars in matched funding from the ACT Government’s Priority Investment Program (PIP). PIP grants foster innovation and collaboration between, industry, research institutions and universities to solve industry needs.

    Skykraft was established in 2017 as a spin-off from The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra. Skykraft’s CEO, Dr Michael Frater, said funding early on from the ACT Government was the financial boost they needed to get things off the ground.

    “The confidence from receiving the PIP funding, rather than being drip-fed small grants, created a big shift for us. It gave us the ability to build our team and focus on developing our product,” he said.

    Skykraft’s recent successful trial of space-based voice communications in the Very High Frequency (VHF) aviation band demonstrated the feasibility of satellite communication directly with aircraft using existing equipment. This use of satellites in place of ground-based radio systems will allow global real-time communications between pilots and air traffic controllers for the first time.

    “We are proud to have taken another step to bringing this world-first capability to market,” said Dr Michael Frater, CEO of Skykraft.

    “VHF voice and data communication that covers the entire extent of an aircraft’s journey is the missing piece for Air Traffic Management and will unlock efficiency gains globally.”

    Skykraft’s satellite manufacturing facility in Canberra is the centre for the design, build and operation of the more than 200 satellites that will make up the constellation providing space-based ATM services, which will commence operations in 2025.

    This constellation will be maintained with a regular five-year satellite replenishment cycle. It will support a sustainable space manufacturing capability in the nation’s capital producing 40-50 satellites annually.

    “Our manufacturing capability provides long-term employment for Canberrans in the advanced manufacturing sector,” Dr Frater said.  “We’re also creating opportunities for companies from the Canberra region to input to the manufacturing process, with suppliers in Queanbeyan, Wodonga and Newcastle.”

    In 2023, Skykraft put 10 satellites into space across two launches, more than tripling the total mass of Australian manufactured space objects ever placed in orbit.

    Skykraft will continue this rapid pace as they deploy the full satellite constellation to deliver their ATM service globally.

    The ACT Government’s PIP grant is currently open until 31 October 2023.

    For more information visit the PIP website: act.gov.au/pip

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New program to protect fruit bats with wildlife-safe netting

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Fruit netting should have no gaps for wildlife to enter from the ground or sky.

    ACT Wildlife have launched a new program, supported by the ACT Government, to replace fruit netting with wildlife safe options for free.

    An upcoming amendment to the Nature Conservation Act 2014 will ban the use of unsafe netting in the ACT.

    This new program is aimed at supporting the ACT’s transition to wildlife-safe netting ahead of the amendment, to protect native wildlife from population decline.

    There will be free pop-up events over the coming months where Canberrans can bring their unsafe netting and have it replaced for free.

    Netting protects fruit trees from native animals, like birds and bats, that are keen for a snack. However, it can also entangle threatened wildlife if the mesh size is too large or it is not installed correctly.

    “Unsafe netting causes death and injury to flying foxes, birds, lizards, snakes and other wildlife. Seeing the harm these nets cause is heartbreaking for wildlife rescue volunteers,” Clare Wynter, Flying Foxes Co-Ordinator at ACT Wildlife, said.

    Fruit netting should have a mesh size of 5mm x 5mm or smaller, with no gaps for wildlife to enter from the ground or sky.

    “Backyard fruit trees can be protected with far less chance of harming wildlife simply by using nets with holes smaller than you can put a finger through.  These kinds of nets are better for both fruit trees and wild animals,” Clare said.

    This small change will make a big difference to native wildlife in the ACT, which is currently facing an extinction crisis.

    Find out more about wildlife-safe fruit-tree netting on the ACT Government Environment website.

    If you come across entangled wildlife, please don’t try to release animals yourself. Call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 to arrange a safe rescue with a qualified wildlife handler.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New community health services coming to South Tuggeranong

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A pre-design artist’s impression of the South Tuggeranong health centre.

    The new South Tuggeranong health centre will be built in Conder.

    Services at the centre will be designed to meet local needs and will provide residents in South Tuggeranong with more health services, closer to home.

    This new facility is the first of four new health centres for the ACT, with another three coming to the Inner South, North Gungahlin and West Belconnen.

    They will provide localised multidisciplinary care with a focus on preventive care and advice, early intervention, and the management of chronic illness.

    In the 2023-24 Budget, the ACT Government committed $16.6 million over four years to design and construct a new community-based facility in South Tuggeranong, and to plan the sites and early design for community-based health centres in the Inner South and North Gungahlin.

    The new health centre will be part of this commitment to plan and build a health care system that can grow with the Canberra community.

    It will be designed to have the flexibility to cater to different services.

    It will also bring together skilled, multidisciplinary professionals with state-of-the-art technology and quality infrastructure.

    The location in Conder was identified following a 2022 feasibility study.

    It provides good connections for the community, being close to arterial roads, having good access to public transport routes and accessible car parking.

    It is also close to other existing health facilities and services nearby, such as general practice, pharmacy, imaging, pathology, allied health and dental.

    Having access to care closer to home will also reduce the need for South Tuggeranong residents to go to hospital for treatment and appointments.

    A tender has recently been released to progress the design of the health centre in South Tuggeranong. The clinical services and design will be finalised in consultation with clinicians, consumers and the local community before the project progresses to the development application stage, which is expected in the first half of 2024.

    There will also be upcoming opportunities for local residents to have their say on health centres coming to the Inner South and North Gungahlin.

    For more information, visit the Built for CBR website.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Government electric vehicles on show ahead of World EV day

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Transport Canberra and City Services’ electric operational vehicles were displayed at King Edward Terrace on Thursday.

    ACT Government electric operational vehicles were displayed at King Edward Terrace on Thursday, ahead of World EV Day on 9 September.

    While most Canberrans would be familiar with the territory’s electric buses, they may have been surprised to also see electric mowers, a street sweeper, excavator, tipper truck and mini-bus.

    Transport Canberra and City Services’ growing electric fleet demonstrates the ACT Government’s commitment to achieve zero net emissions from government operations by 2040.

    Next year, these vehicles will be joined by an electric litter collection truck, which will replace a diesel utility vehicle. Another 94 electric buses are also set to be added to the fleet over coming years.

    The bus transition, combined with the introduction of light rail, means 20 per cent of overall public transport trips in Canberra are powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity.

    The addition of electric buses to Canberra roads is having an impact on Transport Canberra staff, as well as the environment.

    Trainer Assessor Jeff works in bus operations, carrying out licence upgrades and in-house training.

    This includes showing bus drivers how to operate the new vehicles.

    “After extensive familiarisation training at the beginning of the year, I then spent the first initial six weeks teaching drivers how to work the electric buses. Within that six weeks I drove over 200 kilometres just in the Tuggeranong depot training staff, before handing the training over to my colleagues to continue the education,” he said.

    To Jeff, the buses present both a big and little change. “Someone asked me how to describe it once and I said they are wonderfully normal.

    “They have lots of power, they go very well compared to diesel buses. They are like any new car, it’s always nice to drive something that’s brand new. They go very nicely, they drive and steer like any other bus and are quite comfortable,” he said.

    In addition to buses and maintenance vehicles, Transport Canberra and City Services is also ensuring all newly leased government passenger vehicles are zero emissions where fit for purpose.

    The target is to transition the entire passenger fleet to zero emission by 2025.

    World EV Day presents a great time to showcase the electric vehicles in Transport Canberra and City Services’ fleet and highlight what’s next for the transition.

    In its fourth year, World EV Day helps to unite companies, individuals, governments and others for a day of announcements that continue to propel e-mobility around the world.

    More information on World EV day can be found online at WorldEVday.org

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Money saving tips for the savvy consumer

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Comparing energy suppliers and carefully reviewing your bills are key steps in becoming an informed consumer.

    Ongoing cost of living pressures continue to impact household budgets.

    With all Canberrans trying to make their dollars stretch further, here are some tips that may help you become a savvy consumer and save some money along the way.

    • Set up a realistic budget
    • Shop around
    • Read and keep paperwork in relation to purchases
    • Look after your receipts
    • Know your consumer guarantee rights and when you’re entitled to a refund, repair or replacement
    • If something goes wrong with a purchase, talk to the business and describe the problem and explain how you would like them to fix it.

    Learn more about consumer guarantees in the ACT.

    Use unit pricing when grocery shopping

    Considering unit pricing is one way to help you budget and save while grocery shopping.

    Unit pricing at supermarkets shows not just the cost of a product, but the value of that product as a cost per standard unit of measurement. This is usually displayed on shelf labels.

    Unit pricing allows you to compare the cost of grocery products quickly and accurately – for example between brands, specials and package sizes, between packaged and unpackaged, or between fresh and frozen.

    Learn more about unit pricing.

    Other tips to help you get the most out of your grocery shopping

    • Meal plan and check what you’ve got in your cupboards, fridge and freezer before going shopping, so you use up things before they go out of date
    • Write a shopping list
    • Choose in season fruit and vegetables
    • Shop around for the best prices
    • Try supermarket or home brands.

    Review your memberships and subscription services

    Whether it’s a gym membership, newspaper subscription, streaming service or food delivery service you’re signed up to, it pays to review your memberships regularly. These small monthly costs can soon add up.

    Before signing up to a new subscription, make sure you read and understand the terms and conditions and are aware of any ongoing fees before clicking through online.

    When reviewing membership and subscription services consider:

    • What services do I use?
    • Is there a better deal or a cheaper plan?
    • Is there a low-cost alternative?
    • Can I rotate through subscriptions?

    Look for the best deal before filling up

    Feeling the pinch at the petrol bowser? Doing a little research before you fill up might help save you money.

    While a lot of factors can influence the price you pay for fuel, a quick look at a petrol price app or website before you fill up can help you compare and save.

    Have a look at the list of fuel price reporting apps and websites available.

    https://www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app

    Review your bills  

    When it comes to paying utilities or renewing annual insurances beware of paying a ‘loyalty or lazy tax’.

    A loyalty tax refers to the practice of businesses offering lower rates or premiums to new customers while charging higher rates or premiums to long-term customers, who have been loyal to a company or institution for many years.

    Consider comparison websites

    It pays to shop around and compare premiums with other providers to ensure you’re getting the best product, premium or policy based on your circumstances.

    To compare energy suppliers and make sure you’re getting the best deal, you can use the Australian Government’s Energy Made Easy website.

    Using comparison websites can be helpful but they have limitations and may not cover all your options. ASIC’s Moneysmart website has tips on using comparison websites.

    If you’re finding it hard to keep up with regular payments like gas, electricity and phone, visit Moneysmart for steps you can take to sort things out.

    You can also call the free National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.

    Visit ASIC’s Moneysmart website

    ASIC’s Moneysmart website contains tips, tools and resources to help you manage your money, reduce your debt and plan for your future.

    It also has information on budgeting, reducing living costs and getting help if you need it.

    Find support

    Do you know what concessions, rebates and other supports are available to Canberrans from the ACT Government? See what you might be eligible for.

    If you require emergency support or financial assistance, you can find contact details for a range of support services on the Australian Government website.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Work begins to upgrade Tuggeranong Foreshore

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Artist’s impression of improved Tuggeranong Foreshore.

    Work has kicked off on improvements along Tuggeranong Foreshore.

    Upgrades to the foreshore between Reed Street South and Tuggeranong Town Park follow completed upgrades in recent years to Anketell Street, the laneways and pedestrian and cyclist improvements.

    Upgrades the Tuggeranong Foreshore include:

    • improving the Tuggeranong Town Park playground with new play equipment and picnic spots
    • upgrading the existing Tuggeranong Town Park toilet with new, accessible features
    • improving the accessibility and safety of the foreshore path network, including path widening, removal of obstacles, new seating and upgrading lighting
    • renovation of the existing boardwalk to improve safety and accessibility
    • skate park works to address safety issues and rideability, such as minor resurfacing and replacement of damaged ramp surfaces.

    There were more than 657 ideas from the local community during the feedback period last year. The upgrades will improve connections in and around the town centre, improve public access and safety and encourage the community to spend more time in public spaces.

    Seven work zones will be set up to allow as much area as possible to remain open as work is carried out. A staging program is available online showing the anticipated start dates of each work zone.

    The improvements to Tuggeranong Foreshore are expected to be completed by mid-2024.

    More information about the project can be found on the Built for CBR website: builtforcbr.act.gov.au

    To learn more about Canberra’s largest urban infrastructure improvement program, please visit the City Services website: cityservices.act.gov.au/bettersuburbs

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: My little big idea for Richardson

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Submissions have opened for a new initiative called ‘My little big idea’ which will see a project in Richardson receive up to $40,000.

    The Tuggeranong community can now submit ideas to help improve Richardson as part of a new initiative from the ACT Government.

    The new ‘My little big idea’ pilot program aims to involve the community in the decision-making process and up to $40,000 is available for ideas that could have a big impact in Richardson.

    All ideas for improvements will be considered, with one winning idea to receive the funding to make it happen.

    Potential ideas could include a street library, fitness or cooking classes, a playgroup, event, or series of activities.

    A community panel and the public will have the final say on which idea will receive funding which will be shared in 2024.

    The program will build on previous programs inviting input from Canberrans on what is needed in their suburb and explore how similar approaches can be used alongside existing budget consultation processes.

    To learn more, submit an idea or join a community panel, please visit yoursay.act.gov.au

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Garran Surge Centre deconstruction underway

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Following deconstruction of the Garran Surge centre, an improved oval will be returned to the community.

    Work has started to deconstruct the Garran Surge Centre.

    The purpose-built centre played a critical role in during the COVID-19 pandemic as a testing site, vaccination centre and COVID-19 treatment clinic for minor injuries and illnesses.

    Once the centre has been deconstructed, an improved Garran oval will be returned to the community. The oval will include a new cricket pitch, modern LED lighting and a drought-tolerant playing surface.

    The upgraded oval is expected to open for Garran Primary School students and public use by mid-2024.

    In addition to the removal of the surge centre, the final Critical Services Building crane at the Canberra Hospital Expansion project has also been removed.

    The two cranes that worked on the building were named Cranosaurus and Lightening McCrane by students from Garran Primary School. The flags from the cranes have been returned to the students.

    Construction of the critical services building is moving at pace with more of the façade now visible as scaffolding is removed. Inside the building, installation of internal facilities is also progressing well.

    For more information about the Garran oval restoration please visit: builtforcbr.act.gov.au

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Volta Finance Limited – Net Asset Value(s) as at 28 February 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Volta Finance Limited (VTA / VTAS)
    February 2025 monthly report

    NOT FOR RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION, OR PUBLICATION, IN WHOLE OR PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES

    Guernsey, March 21st, 2025

    AXA IM has published the Volta Finance Limited (the “Company” or “Volta Finance” or “Volta”) monthly report for February 2025. The full report is attached to this release and will be available on Volta’s website shortly (www.voltafinance.com).

    Performance and Portfolio Activity

    Dear Investors,

    Volta Finance’s net performance for the month of February established at +1.6%, taking the Aug 2024-to-date performance at +13.1%. Both our investments in CLO Debt and CLO Equity performed positively over the course of the month, with European CLO Equities benefiting from a strong price appreciation despite market volatility.

    Volatility intensified in February as US policy and mixed economic data releases triggered a repricing of risk across the board. The pursuit of a tariff strategy from the US administration sent a cautionary message regarding the near-term inflation outlook, and raised concerns regarding the sustainability of US growth in the context of current expansion being supported by a steady consumer spending momentum. The interest rate on 10-year U.S. government bonds fluctuated, going up to 4.60% and then dropping back to 4.20%. Additionally, the number of people filing for unemployment benefits hit its highest level this year due to job cuts in companies and federal agencies. Following unsuccessful mediation talks between the US and Ukraine at the White House on February 28th – and the radical shift in US foreign policy strategy – the European Commission suggested allowing countries to spend more on defense without strict budget rules for four years. Germany also announced plans to change its Constitution to borrow €900 billion for defense and infrastructure projects. As a result, European government bond yields changed noticeably, while the Euro and European stock markets improved. The uncertainty in politics and the economy led to increased volatility in credit markets: the European High Yield index (Xover) took a “V” shape over the month and closed around 15bps wide of the tights. On the Loan side, Euro Loans closed c. 30cts up at 98.70px (Morningstar European Leveraged Loan Index) on the back of strong technicals, while US Loans were down 45cts at 97.15px. Primary CLO markets remained busy, although we noticed softer subscription levels. In terms of performance, CLO markets performed in line with broader Credits on a rating adjusted basis: BBs total returns stood at +0.9% while US High Yield returned +0.65% in the same period, Euro High Yield was up +1% and Global Loans gained +0.3%.
    Looking at Volta Finance’s cashflow, the portfolio generated c. €28m equivalent of interests and coupons over the last six months, representing c.20% of February’s NAV on an annualized basis.

    Over the month, Volta’s CLO Equity tranches returned a 2.4% performance** while CLO Debt tranches returned +1.7% performance**, cash representing c. 9.8% of the NAV.

    Volta is around 21% exposed to USD, the February currency moves had no meaningful impact on the overall performance (+0.02%) although we anticipate FX moves to have a greater impact next month.

    As of end of February 2025, Volta’s NAV was €283.5m, i.e. €7.75 per share.

    *It should be noted that approximately 4.49% of Volta’s GAV comprises investments for which the relevant NAVs as at the month-end date are normally available only after Volta’s NAV has already been published. Volta’s policy is to publish its NAV on as timely a basis as possible to provide shareholders with Volta’s appropriately up-to-date NAV information. Consequently, such investments are valued using the most recently available NAV for each fund or quoted price for such subordinated notes. The most recently available fund NAV or quoted price was 4.38% as at 31 January 2025, 0.11% as at 30 September 2024.

    ** “performances” of asset classes are calculated as the Dietz-performance of the assets in each bucket, taking into account the Mark-to-Market of the assets at period ends, payments received from the assets over the period, and ignoring changes in cross-currency rates. Nevertheless, some residual currency effects could impact the aggregate value of the portfolio when aggregating each bucket.

    CONTACTS

    For the Investment Manager
    AXA Investment Managers Paris
    François Touati
    francois.touati@axa-im.com
    +33 (0) 1 44 45 80 22

    Olivier Pons
    Olivier.pons@axa-im.com
    +33 (0) 1 44 45 87 30

    Company Secretary and Administrator
    BNP Paribas S.A, Guernsey Branch
    guernsey.bp2s.volta.cosec@bnpparibas.com 
    +44 (0) 1481 750 853

    Corporate Broker
    Cavendish Securities plc
    Andrew Worne
    Daniel Balabanoff
    +44 (0) 20 7397 8900

    *****
    ABOUT VOLTA FINANCE LIMITED

    Volta Finance Limited is incorporated in Guernsey under The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 (as amended) and listed on Euronext Amsterdam and the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market for listed securities. Volta’s home member state for the purposes of the EU Transparency Directive is the Netherlands. As such, Volta is subject to regulation and supervision by the AFM, being the regulator for financial markets in the Netherlands.

    Volta’s Investment objectives are to preserve its capital across the credit cycle and to provide a stable stream of income to its Shareholders through dividends that it expects to distribute on a quarterly basis. The Company currently seeks to achieve its investment objectives by pursuing exposure predominantly to CLO’s and similar asset classes. A more diversified investment strategy across structured finance assets may be pursued opportunistically. The Company has appointed AXA Investment Managers Paris an investment management company with a division specialised in structured credit, for the investment management of all its assets.

    *****

    ABOUT AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS
    AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) is a multi-expert asset management company within the AXA Group, a global leader in financial protection and wealth management. AXA IM is one of the largest European-based asset managers with 2,700 professionals and €844 billion in assets under management as of the end of December 2023.  

    *****

    This press release is published by AXA Investment Managers Paris (“AXA IM”), in its capacity as alternative investment fund manager (within the meaning of Directive 2011/61/EU, the “AIFM Directive”) of Volta Finance Limited (the “Volta Finance”) whose portfolio is managed by AXA IM.

    This press release is for information only and does not constitute an invitation or inducement to acquire shares in Volta Finance. Its circulation may be prohibited in certain jurisdictions and no recipient may circulate copies of this document in breach of such limitations or restrictions. This document is not an offer for sale of the securities referred to herein in the United States or to persons who are “U.S. persons” for purposes of Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or otherwise in circumstances where such offer would be restricted by applicable law. Such securities may not be sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration from the Securities Act. Volta Finance does not intend to register any portion of the offer of such securities in the United States or to conduct a public offering of such securities in the United States.

    *****

    This communication is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”) or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). The securities referred to herein are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents. Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.

    *****
    This press release contains statements that are, or may deemed to be, “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believes”, “anticipated”, “expects”, “intends”, “is/are expected”, “may”, “will” or “should”. They include the statements regarding the level of the dividend, the current market context and its impact on the long-term return of Volta Finance’s investments. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Volta Finance’s actual results, portfolio composition and performance may differ materially from the impression created by the forward-looking statements. AXA IM does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements.

    Any target information is based on certain assumptions as to future events which may not prove to be realised. Due to the uncertainty surrounding these future events, the targets are not intended to be and should not be regarded as profits or earnings or any other type of forecasts. There can be no assurance that any of these targets will be achieved. In addition, no assurance can be given that the investment objective will be achieved.

    The figures provided that relate to past months or years and past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance or construed as a reliable indicator as to future performance. Throughout this review, the citation of specific trades or strategies is intended to illustrate some of the investment methodologies and philosophies of Volta Finance, as implemented by AXA IM. The historical success or AXA IM’s belief in the future success, of any of these trades or strategies is not indicative of, and has no bearing on, future results.

    The valuation of financial assets can vary significantly from the prices that the AXA IM could obtain if it sought to liquidate the positions on behalf of the Volta Finance due to market conditions and general economic environment. Such valuations do not constitute a fairness or similar opinion and should not be regarded as such.

    Editor: AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS PARIS, a company incorporated under the laws of France, having its registered office located at Tour Majunga, 6, Place de la Pyramide – 92800 Puteaux. AXA IMP is authorized by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers under registration number GP92008 as an alternative investment fund manager within the meaning of the AIFM Directive.

    *****

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Meikleour measures and new A93 crash barriers aim to improve road safety

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    A recent history of road collisions on the A984 approaches to the A93 crossroads at Meikleour, has, according to safety reports, had a lack of driver awareness on approaching the junction as a key factor, rather than vehicle speeds.   

    As a result, Perth and Kinross Council has renewed existing road signs, and added two more at 200 yards from the junction. Direction signs ahead of the junction have also been upgraded, and yellow rumble strips have been installed on the road to further highlight to motorists that they are approaching a hazard.  

    Alongside this, works are currently ongoing to install new Flexbeam crash barriers on the A93. The barriers were specifically chosen to improve safety for motorcyclists on what is a popular route for them, and the installation is expected to be completed this week. 

    Both projects have been put in place through Road Safety Improvement Funding (RSIF) from Transport Scotland, in line with the national Road Safety Framework to 2030.  

    Council Leader and local ward member, Councillor Grant Laing said: “By providing additional road signs and other measures, the aim is to improve safety for all road users. Better awareness of the approaches to the A984/A93 junction will, we hope, encourage safer driving and reduce the likelihood of collisions, and on the A93 itself, a popular road for bikers, the new crash barriers are intended to make travel safer. I am pleased that our Roads team have taken these steps and that we will continue to monitor our network in terms of traffic flows, speeds and collisions.” 

    The Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said: 

    “Road safety is a priority for the Scottish Government and its partners and we remain absolutely committed to working together to reach our ambitious goal of making Scotland’s roads the safest in the world by 2030. 

    “The Road Safety Improvement Fund aims to support local authorities save lives on the local road network. These measures from Perth and Kinross Council are very welcome and an excellent example of the funding being put into action. 

    “We must never lose sight of the fact that one death on our roads is one too many.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Ensuring long-term predictable public transit funding for BC Transit with over $189 million through the Canada Public Transit Fund

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Victoria, British Columbia, March 21, 2025 — By working closely with its partners across Canada, the federal government is ensuring that more Canadians will be able to live near public transit, connecting them to jobs, services, and their communities.

    Today, Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, and Erinn Pinkerton, President and Chief Executive Officer of BC Transit, announced a federal investment of more than $189 million in transit funding to support communities across British Columbia, providing predictable and long-term funding, tied to greater density near transit.

    Through the new Canada Public Transit Fund’s Baseline Funding stream, BC Transit will receive an annual funding allocation amounting to more than $189 million over ten years. Funding will upgrade, replace, or modernize public transit infrastructure for 33 transit systems serviced by BC Transit, and maintain them in a state of good repair.

    This investment, beginning in 2026 until 2036, will help increase the housing supply and affordability as part of complete, transit-oriented communities, while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Ensuring long-term predictable public transit funding for BC Transit with over $189 million through the Canada Public Transit Fund

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Backgrounder

    Through the new Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF ) Baseline Funding stream, the federal government is investing more than $189 million, allocated over ten years beginning in 2026. This annual, public transit funding will support 33 transit systems being serviced by BC Transit. Long-term, predictable funding will upgrade, replace, or modernize public transit infrastructure for 33 transit systems serviced by BC Transit, and maintain them in a state of good repair.

    List of transit systems benefitting from BC Transit’s CPTF Baseline Funding allocation:

    • Campbell River
    • Central Fraser Valley Regional
    • Chilliwack
    • Comox Valley Regional
    • Cowichan Valley Regional
    • Cranbrook
    • Dawson Creek
    • Fort St. John
    • Kamloops
    • Kelowna
    • Kitimat
    • Merritt
    • Mount Waddington
    • Nanaimo
    • Pemberton Valley
    • Penticton
    • Port Alberni
    • Powell River Regional
    • Prince George
    • Prince Rupert and Port Edward
    • Quesnel
    • Salt Spring Island
    • Shuswap Regional
    • Skeena Regional
    • South Okanagan-Similkameen Regional
    • Squamish
    • Sunshine Coast Regional
    • Terrace Regional
    • Vernon Regional
    • Victoria Regional
    • West Kootenay
    • Whistler
    • Williams Lake

    *Federal funding is conditional on the submission of a capital plan and the signing of a funding agreement between BC Transit and Canada.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Prime Minister has appointed 6 new Trustees to the V&A

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    The Prime Minister has appointed 6 new Trustees to the V&A

    The Prime Minister has appointed Mariella Frostrup, Andrew Keith, Akshata Murty, Nigel Newton, Vick Hope and Pedro Pina as trustees of the Victoria and Albert Museum; their four year terms started on 10 March 2025.

    Mariella Frostrup

    Mariella is a journalist, broadcaster, author, and cultural commentator; in particular covering the worlds of arts, culture and societal issues. She promotes the intrinsic value of arts and culture to wider society and the importance that they connect with and are accessible to all. Mariella has presented the UK’s leading book programmes, cultural shows and judged its literary and arts awards, such as the Booker Prize, BAFTA Awards, RIBA and Turner Prize.

    She was the first non-elected member of the Royal Academy’s Council, and more recently she became a Trustee of the British Council. She was awarded a Doctor of Arts from Nottingham University in 2009 for her work and achievement in arts and culture. She’s a Royal Society of Literature fellow and a BAFTA member.

    Mariella co-founded the annual Women in Work Summit. She is the Government’s Menopause Employment Ambassador, Chairs the advocacy group Menopause Mandate, and is a Save the Children Ambassador.

    Andrew Keith

    Andrew is a luxury retail executive with over three decades of experience leading prominent international brands.

    Andrew spent 19 years with Lane Crawford Joyce Group, holding a number of key positions including President of Joyce and Lane Crawford. Under his leadership, the group greatly expanded its footprint, introducing innovative retail formats and establishing a significant presence in Greater China. He oversaw the opening of flagship stores and launched the group’s online platform. He then spent three years with Selfridges as Managing Director and later CEO, Andrew led Selfridges through the complexities of reopening post-COVID-19, implementing strategies to adapt to the new retail landscape. In early 2025, he took on the role of leading the transformation of Edinburgh’s historic Jenners building. This multi-million-pound project aims to revitalise the iconic site into a premier destination, blending retail and hospitality elements.

    Andrew has served as a co-opted Member of the V&A’s Commerce Committee, contributing his commercial expertise to enhance the museum’s engagement strategies.

    Born in Lagos, Nigeria, to Scottish parents, Andrew studied Fashion Design at Kingston University and maintains a deep connection to his Scottish heritage, often spending time at his home in the Highlands, reflecting his appreciation for nature and the environment.

    Akshata Murty

    Akshata is passionate about education and the power of creativity to have positive effects on young people. During her time living in Downing Street, she launched ‘Lessons at 10’. This initiative provided children from across the United Kingdom with a unique opportunity to go behind the famous black door of Number 10 to be inspired and discover their passions.

    With her husband, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Akshata is a co-founder of The Richmond Project, a charity focused on enabling social mobility by breaking down barriers to numeracy. She is also a keen supporter of the UK’s veteran community.

    Akshata spent over a decade investing in early-stage consumer-focused British companies, providing funding and strategic advice. Previously, Akshata founded a fashion line that was inspired by Indian craftsmanship.

    Originally from Bangalore, Akshata obtained a B.A in Economics and French from Claremont McKenna College, an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business as well as an Associate degree from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Los Angeles. She is on the board of Claremont McKenna College. Akshata is also a Trustee of the Murty Trust in India and a supporter of the Murty Classical Library of India.

    Nigel Newton CBE

    Nigel is the founder and Chief Executive of Bloomsbury Publishing. He was born and raised in San Francisco. He read English at Selwyn College, Cambridge and after working at Macmillan Publishers, he joined Sidgwick & Jackson. He left Sidgwick in 1986 to start Bloomsbury Publishing. He was appointed as President of the Publishers Association in April 2022.

    He serves as a Member of the Advisory Committee of Cambridge University Library and President of Book Aid International. In 2020, he was awarded The London Book Fair (LBF) Lifetime Achievement Award and became an Honorary Fellow of Selwyn College, Cambridge. He has previously served as a member of the Booker Prize Advisory Committee, Chairman of the Charleston Trust, Chair of World Book Day, Board member of the US-UK Fulbright Commission, member of the Publishers Association Council, Trustee of the International Institute for Strategic Studies and Chair of the British Library Trust.

    In 2021 he was awarded a CBE for his services to the publishing industry. 

    Vick Hope

    Vick is an award-winning TV and radio presenter, journalist and author. She hosts BBC Radio One’s show Going Home, and was recently named the newest presenter of Countryfile. She also presents The One Show, Channel 4’s Paralympic Games coverage, CBBC’s Britain’s Best Young Artist, Glastonbury, and ITV’s Vick Hope’s Breakfast Show.

    Vick served on the Women’s Prize for Fiction (WPFF) judging panel in 2021 and curates their Young Adults’ Reading List. She hosts the WPFF podcast, Bookshelfie, interviewing female artists, writers, politicians, musicians, actors and sportspeople about the books by women that have shaped them. She is also the author of two children’s books which promote creativity in young children. 

    In 2020, Vick became an official Ambassador for Amnesty International. She volunteers at local charities Literacy Pirates and Just For Girls, which support children from disadvantaged backgrounds in her community. With the Duke Of Edinburgh Award, she mentors young people and delivers annual speeches at Buckingham Palace. Vick leads The Brit Awards’ campaign to tackle accessibility issues in the creative industries, and is Marks and Spencer’s Plan A Fashion Sustainability Ambassador. Vick was a judge on the ArtFund Museum Of The Year panel in 2024, which was awarded to Young V&A.

    Vick graduated from Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge in 2011, having read Modern Languages (French, Spanish and Portuguese).

    Pedro Pina

    Pedro is a senior executive with over three decades of experience in media, brand management, advertising, and all areas of the digital space. Pina has been at Google for over 12 years and currently serves as Head of YouTube, overseeing the platform’s business and strategic development within Europe, Middle East and Africa. His career includes roles at Google, McCann Worldgroup, PepsiCo, and Procter & Gamble having lived in the US, Brazil, Spain and Portugal. London has been home for Pedro and his family for more than 15 years. 

    Pina holds an MBA from INSEAD, Paris and previously served on the V&A Corporate Advisory Committee. His expertise includes digital transformation, audience engagement, and strategic partnerships. He serves on the Board of OutRight International and is an Ambassador of Stonewall as well as other organisations that advocate for LGBTQ+ human rights globally and in the UK.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    Trustees of the V&A are not remunerated. These appointments have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. 

    Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Mariella Frostrup, Andrew Keith, Nigel Newton CBE, Victoria Nwosu-Hope and Pedro Pina have not declared any significant political activity. Akshata Murty has declared she has spoken on behalf of the Conservative Party, and their candidates and canvassed on behalf of the Conservative Party and helped at elections. 

    DCMS has around 400 regulated Public Appointment roles across 42 Public Bodies including Arts Council England, Theatres Trust, the National Gallery, UK Sport and the Gambling Commission. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom.  To find out more about Public Appointments or to apply to be a Trustee of a National Museum or Gallery visit the HM Government Public Appointments Website.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 16 new trustees appointed to the British Museum, Tate and V&A

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    16 new trustees appointed to the British Museum, Tate and V&A

    Appointees include Claudia Winkleman, June Sarpong, Mariella Frostrup and Vick Hope

    Culture Minister Chris Bryant has announced the appointment of 16 new trustees for the British Museum, the Tate and the Victoria and Albert Museum. 

    The new cohort of trustees includes well known TV broadcaster and writer Claudia Winkleman, critically acclaimed British artist and filmmaker Sir Isaac Julien CBE, best selling author and historian Tom Holland and television and radio presenter, journalist and published author Vick Hope and Founder of Lessons at 10 and Co-Founder of the Richmond Project Akshata Murty. It showcases the wide range of talent across our sectors joining DCMS boards.

    In July 2024 Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced a major drive to attract the widest pool of talent to the public appointments system, from leaders to innovators and changemakers across the country to help change lives for the better. 

    Trustees from a wider range of background and industry offer diversity of thought, new ideas, insights and energy to help ensure our institutions continue to represent the people they serve.

    A public appointment is a board role within a public body which is usually appointed by Ministers. Public appointees provide strategic leadership and advice, and bring an external perspective to help some of the nation’s most beloved and vital institutions deliver on their objectives. Trustees of the British Museum, Tate and V&A are appointed by the Prime Minister. 

    Culture Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

    Public appointees help to lead some of the UK’s best known institutions, and these immensely talented individuals with a wide range of personal and professional experience will make great contributions to how they are run and help to promote British soft power abroad.

    These roles are an important part of our cultural infrastructure and I’m delighted that we have 16 new trustees for the V&A, Tate and British Museum.

    The full list of new trustees are: 

    British Museum

    • Lord Daniel Finkelstein OBE
    • Tom Holland 
    • Dr. Tiffany Jenkins
    • Martha Kearney
    • Claudia Winkleman

    Tate

    • Nick Clarry
    • Sir Isaac Julien CBE *Jack Kirkland
    • Tim Richards CBE
    • June Sarpong OBE

    V&A

    • Mariella Frostrup
    • Andrew Keith
    • Akshata Murty
    • Nigel Newton CBE
    • Victoria Nwosu-Hope
    • Pedro Pina

    ENDS

    Notes to editors

    • DCMS is committed to ensuring that the boards of public bodies benefit from a range of talents, backgrounds, and perspectives, and welcome applications from across the country. To hear about new Public Appointment opportunities, please sign up to the DCMS Appointments Network

    • These appointments have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. 

    • Trustees of the British Museum, Tate and V&A are not remunerated, trustees can claim reasonable expenses which are properly and necessarily incurred on official business. 

    • DCMS has around 400 regulated Public Appointment roles across 42 Public Bodies including Arts Council England, Theatres Trust, the National Gallery, UK Sport and the Gambling Commission. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom.  To find out more about Public Appointments or to apply to be a Trustee of a National Museum or Gallery visit the HM Government Public Appointments Website.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Tesla’s Shanghai Megafactory starts exporting energy-storage batteries

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Tesla’s new Megafactory in east China’s Shanghai on Friday exported its first batch of Megapack energy-storage batteries, the company announced.

    It took the new Megafactory just over a month after its production launch to achieve its first export, with the batteries being transported from Shanghai Port to Australia.

    This export highlights Tesla’s further expansion in the global energy storage market, and also underlines the extension of its battery technology from electric vehicles to energy storage, according to the company.

    The batteries produced at the Shanghai facility will supply both the domestic and Asia-Pacific markets.

    Megapack is an electrochemical energy storage device that uses lithium batteries — a dominant technical route in the new-type energy storage industry. This sector is characterized by short construction periods, flexible layouts and fast responses, when compared to conventional pump storage.

    Hailed by the company as a “milestone,” the new Megafactory is the first of its kind built by Tesla outside the United States and the company’s second plant in Shanghai, following the inauguration of its Gigafactory in 2019.

    The Shanghai facility was built with an initial annual production capacity of 10,000 units. Notably, each Megapack unit can store over 3.9 megawatt-hours of energy — sufficient to power approximately 3,600 households for one hour.

    Tesla anticipates a year-on-year increase of at least 50 percent in its energy storage deployments in 2025.

    “Megafactory gives us the ability to scale production and efficiency,” said Mike Snyder, vice president of Tesla. “We can lower logistics costs as well as product costs, and grow the business to new markets.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 14th meeting of ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism concludes in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    14th meeting of ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism concludes in New Delhi

    Discussions focus on evolving a comprehensive strategy to tackle terrorism & extremism

    India & Malaysia assume co-chairmanship for 2024-2027 cycle; Announce Table-Top Exercise in Malaysia in 2026 & Field Training Exercise in India in 2027

    Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:51PM by PIB Delhi

    The 14th meeting of ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism (EWG on CT) was held in New Delhi from March 19 to 20, 2025. Delegations from ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN countries (Lao PDR, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam), ADMM-Plus member states (China, USA, Russia, Australia, Japan and Republic of Korea) participated in the meeting.

     

    During 14th ADMM-Plus EWG on CT, the co-chairs, India and Malaysia conveyed work plan for the activities planned for the cycle 2024-2027. It announced the conduct of Table-Top Exercise for EWG on CT in Malaysia in 2026 and Field Training Exercise in India in 2027.

    During the two-day meet, discussions were held to focus on evolving a robust and comprehensive strategy to tackle the evolving threat of terrorism and extremism. The meeting was aimed to share the on-ground experience of the Defence Forces of ASEAN countries and its dialogue partners. The meeting laid a foundation for the activities/exercises/meetings/ workshops planned for the current cycle.

    Earlier, Myanmar and Russia, co-chairs for EWG on CT during the previous cycle for 2021-2024, handed over the co-chairmanship to India and Malaysia for the present cycle (2024-2027). India is hosting the maiden EWG meeting for the current cycle.

    In the Inaugural session, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh delivered the keynote address and interacted with participating head of delegations during the opening ceremony. He stated that terrorism remains a dynamic and evolving challenge with threats increasingly transcending borders. He highlighted India’s efforts towards countering terrorism in the region, including adoption of Delhi Declaration during India’s chairmanship of Counter-Terrorism committee of the UNSC in 2022.

    Joint Secretary [International Cooperation (IC)], Ministry of Defence Shri Amitabh Prasad, Additional Director General (IC), Indian Army, senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Army’s Counter-Terrorism division participated in the event. 

    The Heads of Delegations of participating countries and ASEAN Secretariat also presented their views on adopting best practices for countering terrorism in the region. The delegates also visited Agra as part of the cultural tour.

    *******

    VK/Savvy

    (Release ID: 2113546) Visitor Counter : 123

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: IMPROVING TEXTILE EXPORTS

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:15PM by PIB Delhi

    India is ranked among the top textile exporting countries in the world with a share of approx. 4% of global textiles and apparel exports. The export of Textile & Apparel including Handicrafts has increased by 7% in April-December 2024 with respect to same period previous year.  Major textile and apparel export destinations for India are USA, EU and UK with around 53% share in total textile and apparel exports in FY 2023-24.

    The Government is implementing various schemes/initiatives to promote Indian textiles. The major schemes/initiatives include PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme to create a modern, integrated, world class textile infrastructure; Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme focusing on MMF Fabric, MMF Apparel and Technical Textiles to boost large scale manufacturing and enhancing competitiveness; National Technical Textiles Mission focusing on Research Innovation & Development, Promotion and Market Development; SAMARTH – Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector with the objective providing demand driven, placement oriented, skilling program; Silk Samagra-2 for comprehensive development of sericulture value chain; National Handloom Development Program for end to end support for handloom sector. Ministry of Textiles is also implementing National Handicrafts Development Programme and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme for promotion of handicrafts.

    The Indian textiles industry is one of the largest in the world with a large raw material base of natural fibre including cotton, silk, wool, jute as well as manmade fibre and manufacturing strength across the value chain from fibre to fabric to garments.

    With a view to ensure a consistent supply of cotton in the country and have a sustained interest of farmers in cotton cultivation, Government of India is declaring Minimum Support Price (MSP) of cotton every year. This mechanism ensures that farmers receive a fair remunerative price for their produce in the event market prices of cotton falls below the MSP rates and also facilitates the availability of cotton at competitive prices.

    With effect from 20th February 2024, the custom duty on Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton has been reduced to NIL. Under the India-Australia ECTA, 51,000 tonnes of duty free ELS Cotton can be imported since Dec 29, 2022.

    In order to increase the export potential, India has so far signed 14 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) including recently concluded agreement with UAE, Australia and TEPA with EFTA countries comprising Switzerland, Iceland, Norway & Liechtenstein; and 6 Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with various trading partners.

    The Government is also implementing Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for Apparel/Garments and Made-ups in order to enhance competitiveness by adopting principle of zero rated exports. Further, textiles products not covered under the RoSCTL scheme are covered under Remissions of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) along with other products. In addition, Government provides financial support to various Export Promotion Councils and Trade Bodies under Market Access Initiative Scheme implemented by Department of Commerce for organising and participating in trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets etc at national and international levels to boost export.

    With a view to boost technical textiles sector in the country, National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) was launched for a period from 2020-21 to 2025-26. The mission focusses on fundamental research in thrust areas of speciality fibre like Carbon Fibre, Aramid Fibre, Nylon Fibre, and Composites & application-based research in geotextiles, agro-textiles, medical textiles, mobile textiles and sports textiles and development of biodegradable technical textiles. For research in sustainable & biodegradable technical textiles, projects have been approved for research in non-conventional natural fibres like, Milk Weed, Bamboo Fibre, etc.

    As far as innovation in textiles sector is concerned, Ministry of Textiles has conducted an Innovation Challenges in collaboration with Startup India & DPIIT. In this challenge, 9 winners were recognised and awarded and Incubation opportunity to 6 awardees were given through this Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). Apart from this, 3 separate innovations challenges were conducted by nature fibre boards on their respective problem statements i.e.

    • NJB Technological Innovation Grand Challenge in which 3 winners were recognised and awarded out of 125 applicants.
    • CSB Start-up Grand Challenge in which 4 winners were recognised and awarded out of             58 applicants.
    • CWDB Wool Innovation Challenge in which 3 winners were recognised and awarded out of     24 applicants.

    17 of the above-mentioned winners are directly engage activities such as textile waste recycling, bio-based fibres or sustainable garment production.

    The Government is regularly monitoring exports and imports and engaging with the industry in this regard. The Government has imposed Minimum Import Price of USD 3.50 per kg on Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) codes under the heading 6,006, in order to control import of low rate and low-quality knitted fabrics. In the budget announcement, custom duty was revised on HSN under heading 6,006. Various QCOs have been imposed to curb imports of low-quality non-standard goods which allows protection to domestic producers.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    ****

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q2873)

    (Release ID: 2113532) Visitor Counter : 23

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2005/44/EC on harmonised river information services (RIS) on inland waterways in the Community – A10-0033/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

    on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2005/44/EC on harmonised river information services (RIS) on inland waterways in the Community

    (COM(2024)0033 – C9‑0014/2024 – 2024/0011(COD))

    (Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2024)0033),

    – having regard to Article 294(2) and Article Article 91(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C9‑0014/2024),

    – having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Legal Affairs on the proposed legal basis,

    – having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

    –  having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of […][1]

    –  having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions of […][2],

    – having regard to Rules 60 and 41 of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the report of the Committee on Transport and Tourism (A10-0033/2025),

    1. Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

    2.  Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal;

    3. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

     

     

    Amendment  1

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Recital 1

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (1) Directive 2005/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council3 establishes a framework for the deployment and use of harmonised river information services (‘RIS’) in the Union. The deployment of RIS on inland waterways supports the safety and efficiency of transport by inland waterways, and ultimately its sustainability, by increasing the efficiency of inland waterways operations.

    (1) Directive 2005/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council3 establishes a framework for the deployment and use of harmonised river information services (‘RIS’) in the Union. The deployment of RIS on inland waterways supports the safety, efficiency and sustainability of transport by inland waterways, and ultimately the attractiveness of the sector and of the working conditions of vessel crew members.

    __________________

    __________________

    3 Directive 2005/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on harmonised river information services (RIS) on inland waterways in the Community (OJ L 255, 30.9.2005, p. 152, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2005/44/oj).

    3 Directive 2005/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on harmonised river information services (RIS) on inland waterways in the Community (OJ L 255, 30.9.2005, p. 152, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2005/44/oj).

    Amendment  2

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Recital 4

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (4) Regulation (EU) 1315/201310 sets up requirements for the development of the trans-European transport network (‘TEN-T’)11 to achieve the smooth functioning of the internal market, and it aims to ensure that the same high-quality services are available and compatible with the systems of other transport modes along this network.

    (4) Regulation (EU) 2024/167910 sets up requirements for the development of the trans-European transport network (‘TEN-T’)11 to achieve the smooth functioning of the internal market, and it aims to ensure that the same high-quality services are available and compatible with the systems of other transport modes along this network.

    __________________

    __________________

    10 Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network and repealing Decision No 661/2010/EU (OJ L 348, 20.12.2013, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/1315/oj).

    10 Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1153 and (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 (OJ L, 2024/1679, 28.6.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1679/oj)

    11 The EU’s trans-European transport network policy, the TEN-T policy, is a key instrument for the development of coherent, efficient, multimodal, and high-quality transport infrastructure across the EU. It comprises railways, inland waterways, short sea shipping routes and roads linking urban nodes, maritime and inland ports, airports and terminals.

    11 The EU’s trans-European transport network policy, the TEN-T policy, is a key instrument for the development of coherent, efficient, multimodal, and high-quality transport infrastructure across the EU. It comprises railways, inland waterways, short sea shipping routes and roads linking urban nodes, maritime and inland ports, airports and terminals.

    Amendment  3

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Recital 5

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (5) Given that the majority of journeys of inland vessels are of international nature, RIS should be focused on those inland waterways being a part of the TEN-T and thus of high importance for the Union and not only those belonging to an interconnected network. Member States should be able to continue extending, on a voluntary basis, the RIS requirements to parts of their inland waterways network other than those included in the TEN-T to account for national specificities.

    (5) Given that the majority of journeys of inland vessels are of international nature, RIS should be focused on those inland waterways being a part of the TEN-T and thus of high importance for the Union. Member States should be able to continue extending, on a voluntary basis, the RIS requirements to parts of their inland waterways network other than those included in the TEN-T to account for national specificities. Member States should also be able to provide RIS services in a cross-border context by either of the two Member States concerned. The competent Member States’ authorities should cooperate for the purpose of the provision of those RIS services on cross-border inland waterways.

    Amendment  4

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Recital 6

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (6) The experience gained from the application of Directive 2005/44/EC showed that it is important to strengthen the technical specifications concerning the provision of data on navigation and voyage planning, in order to improve the quality and timeliness of information provided to RIS users. The European Reference Data Management System (‘ERDMS’) contains necessary information for the proper functioning of RIS and is set up and operated by the Commission. Member States should therefore support the operation of the ERDMS by supplying all the required data in a timely manner and revise and update them as needed at least on a yearly basis.

    (6) The experience gained from the application of Directive 2005/44/EC showed that it is important to strengthen the technical specifications concerning the provision of data on navigation and voyage planning, in order to improve the quality and timeliness of information provided to RIS users. The European Reference Data Management System (‘ERDMS’) provides reference data and code lists necessary for the proper functioning of RIS.

    Amendment  5

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Recital 8

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (8) In order for RIS to allow for interconnection with the logistics chain, it is important that information is shared not only within the inland waterway transport users, but also with systems and applications of other modes of transport. The Maritime National Single Windows (‘MNSW’) within the European Maritime Single Window environment (‘EMSWe’)12 should enable harmonised ship reporting across the Union. The exchange of traffic related information, such as arrival and departure times, would ensure interoperability, multimodality, and smooth integration of inland waterway transport with the overall logistics chain. The electronic freight transport information (‘eFTI’) should form the basis for the exchange of cargo information between RIS users where required. When necessary, RIS should create links and exchange information with systems and platforms of other modes of transport.

    (8) In order for RIS to allow for interconnection with the logistics chain, it is important that interfaces are established not only between the inland waterway transport systems, but also with systems and applications of other modes of transport. The Maritime National Single Windows (‘MNSW’) within the European Maritime Single Window environment (‘EMSWe’)12 should enable harmonised ship reporting across the Union in maritime transport. The exchange of traffic related information, such as arrival and departure times, would ensure interoperability, multimodality, and smooth integration of inland waterway transport (IWT) with the overall logistics chain. The electronic freight transport information (‘eFTI’) should form the basis for the exchange of cargo information on dangerous goods and waste between RIS users where required. When necessary, RIS should facilitate links with, and should make information available to, systems and platforms of other modes of transport.

    __________________

    __________________

    12 Regulation (EU) 2019/1239 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 establishing a European Maritime Single Window environment and repealing Directive 2010/65/EU (OJ L 198, 25.7.2019, p. 64, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/1239/oj.

    12 Regulation (EU) 2019/1239 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 establishing a European Maritime Single Window environment and repealing Directive 2010/65/EU (OJ L 198, 25.7.2019, p. 64, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/1239/oj.

    Amendment  6

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Recital 9

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (9) The exchange of information between inland waterway vessels and inland ports, for example on availability of port installations, operating times, or vessel and cargo information is not always optimal, which impacts the efficiency of IWT operations. Information on the availability of alternative fuel infrastructure in ports is of particular importance in promoting the environmental performance of the sector. In order to simplify and streamline the exchange of such information and improve the overall efficiency of the sector, it is important that such exchanges become part of RIS and that the necessary technical specifications are developed.

    (9) The exchange of information between inland waterway vessels and inland ports, for example on availability of port installations, operating times, or vessel and cargo information is not always optimal, which impacts the efficiency of IWT operations. Information on the availability of alternative fuel infrastructure in ports is of particular importance in promoting the environmental performance of the sector. In order to simplify and streamline the exchange of such information and improve the overall efficiency of the sector, it is important that standardised interfaces are established to become part of RIS and that the necessary technical specifications are developed

    Amendment  7

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Recital 11 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (11a) Cooperation with third countries, in particular neighbouring countries, is relevant in order to ensure connection and interoperability between the RIS Platform and those third countries´ national RIS. Member States should actively seek such cooperation with neighbouring third countries and encourage their involvement in cross-border projects, provided they adhere to the same level of cybersecurity.

    Amendment  8

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Recital 12

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (12) In order to ensure the proper and effective application of Directive 2005/44/EC, Member States should ensure that an effective procedure is in place to handle complaints. Member States’ authorities should cooperate when handling complaints involving cross-border elements (for example, incompatible standards in reporting of vessel information), as 75% of inland waterways operations includes international voyages. By analysing the subject matter of the complaints, as well as their frequency and the way and timeliness of their resolution, it can be possible to identify the extent to which the provisions of the Directive are complied with, thus supporting the monitoring of implementation by pointing to areas where implementation can be improved. It is therefore important that this information is collected and reported by the Member States to the Commission an annual basis. Any handling of complaints under this directive should be without prejudice of the competence of supervisory authorities under Union and Member States laws, including Regulation (EU) 2016/67914 and Regulation (EU) 2018/172515 .

    (12) In order to ensure the proper and effective application of Directive 2005/44/EC and to avoid fragmentation and regulatory burden resulting from its uneven application, Member States should ensure that an effective procedure is in place to handle complaints. Where possible, this should be based on existing feedback mechanisms in order to avoid any additional administrative and financial burden. Member States’ authorities should cooperate when handling complaints involving cross-border elements (for example, incompatible standards in reporting of vessel information), as 75% of inland waterways operations includes international voyages. By analysing the subject matter of the complaints, as well as their frequency and the way and timeliness of their resolution, it can be possible to identify the extent to which the provisions of the Directive are complied with, thus supporting the monitoring of implementation by pointing to areas where implementation can be improved. It is therefore important that this information is collected and reported by the Member States to the Commission an annual basis. Any handling of complaints under this directive should be without prejudice of the competence of supervisory authorities under Union and Member States laws, including Regulation (EU) 2016/67914 and Regulation (EU) 2018/172515.

    __________________

    __________________

    14 OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1.

    14 OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1.

    15 OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39.

    15 OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39.

    Amendment  9

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Recital 14

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (14) The requirements and technical specifications for the purposes of RIS should ensure in particular that all RIS data can be processed solely in accordance with a comprehensive, rights-based access-control system that provides assigned functionalities, that all competent authorities can have immediate access to that data in accordance with their respective regulatory competences, that appropriate technical and organisational measures are implemented to ensure that the processing by electronic means of personal data can be carried out in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council16 and Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council17 , including to protect against personal data breaches and that the processing of sensitive commercial information can be carried out in a way that respects the confidentiality of that information.

    (14) The requirements and technical specifications for the purposes of RIS should ensure in particular that RIS data, which constitute personal data under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council, can be processed solely in accordance with a comprehensive, rights-based access-control system that provides assigned functionalities, that all competent authorities can have immediate access to that data in accordance with their respective regulatory competences, that appropriate technical and organisational measures are implemented to ensure that the processing by electronic means of personal data can be carried out in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council , including to protect against personal data breaches and that the processing of sensitive commercial information can be carried out in a way that respects the confidentiality of that information.

    __________________

    __________________

    16 Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/679/oj).

    16 Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/679/oj).

    17 Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 and Decision No 1247/2002/EC (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/1725/oj).

    17 Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 and Decision No 1247/2002/EC (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/1725/oj).

    Amendment  10

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Recital 15

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (15) In order to ensure the safe and optimal navigation of vessels in inland waterways, Member States should be aware of the position of all inland waterway vessels including through the use of automatic identification systems (‘AIS’) data. Member States should also exchange RIS related information to increase the efficiency of RIS and reduce reporting requirements. Where transmission and exchange of RIS related information for these purposes cannot be achieved without processing of personal data, Member States should ensure the lawfulness of the processing of those personal data in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679.

    (15) In order to ensure the safe and optimal navigation of vessels in inland waterways, Member States should be aware of the position of all inland waterway vessels including through the use of automatic identification systems (‘AIS’) data. Member States should also exchange RIS related information to increase the efficiency of RIS and reduce reporting requirements. Where transmission and exchange of RIS related information for these purposes cannot be achieved without processing of personal data, such as the processing of names or the processing of location data, which allows to identify directly or indirectly a person, Member States should ensure the lawfulness of the processing of those personal data in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and Directive 2002/58/EC, where applicable.

    Amendment  11

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Recital 26

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (26) The European Data Protection Supervisor was consulted in accordance with Article 42(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council and delivered an opinion on [XX XX 2024]22 .

    (26) The European Data Protection Supervisor was consulted in accordance with Article 42(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council and delivered an opinion on 20 March 2024

    __________________

    __________________

    22 OJ C […], […], p. […].

    22 OJ C […], […], p. […].

    Amendment  12

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 1 – paragraph 2

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    2. This Directive provides a framework for the establishment and further development of technical requirements, specifications and conditions to ensure harmonised, interoperable and open RIS on the Union inland waterways and ensure continuity with other modal traffic management services, in particular maritime vessel traffic management and information services.

    2. This Directive provides a framework for the establishment and further development of technical requirements, specifications and conditions to ensure harmonised, interoperable and open RIS on the Union inland waterways and facilitate continuity with other modal traffic management services, through the use of standardised interfaces.

    Amendment  13

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 2 – paragraph 1

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    1. This Directive applies to the implementation and operation of RIS on all inland waterways and inland ports of the Member States which are part of the trans-European transport network, as specified and listed in Annex I and II to Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council23 .

    1. This Directive applies to the implementation and operation of RIS on all inland waterways and inland ports of the Member States which are part of the trans-European transport network, as specified and listed in Annex I and II to Regulation (EU) No 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council23 and which are directly connected to inland waterways and inland ports of another Member State, which are part of the trans-European transport network, as specified and listed in Annexes I and II to Regulation (EU) No 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

    __________________

    __________________

    23 Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network and repealing Decision No 661/2010/EU (OJ L 348, 20.12.2013, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/1315/oj).

    23 Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1153 and (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 (OJ L, 2024/1679, 28.6.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1679/oj).

    Amendment  14

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point ha

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (ha) ‘trans-European transport network’ (TEN-T) means inland waterways as defined in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 1315/2013;

    (ha) ‘trans-European transport network’ (TEN-T) means inland waterways as defined in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2024/1679;

    Amendment  15

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point hb

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (hb) ‘electronic freight transport information’ (eFTI) means electronic freight transport information as defined in Article 3(4) of Regulation (EU) 2020/1056 of the European Parliament and of the Council24 ;

    deleted

    __________________

     

    24 Regulation (EU) 2020/1056 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 July 2020 on electronic freight transport information (OJ L 249, 31.7.2020, p. 33, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2020/1056/oj).

     

    Amendment  16

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point hc

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (hc) ‘European Maritime Single Window environment’ (‘EMSWe’) means European Maritime Single Window environment as defined in Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/1239 of the European Parliament and of the Council25 ;

    deleted

    __________________

     

    25 Regulation (EU) 2019/1239 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 establishing a European Maritime Single Window environment and repealing Directive 2010/65/EU (OJ L 198, 25.7.2019, p. 64, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/1239/oj).

     

    Amendment  17

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point hd

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (hd) ‘maritime National Single Window’ means a maritime National Single Window as defined in Article 2(3) of Regulation (EU) 2019/1239;

    deleted

    Amendment  18

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point he

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (he) ‘European Reference Data Management System’ (ERDMS) means a single point of access repository (library) of reference data and codes lists that are used by IT applications in inland waterway transport operated by the Commission;

    (he) ‘European Reference Data Management System’ (ERDMS) means a single point of access repository (library) of reference data and codes lists that are used by IT applications in inland waterway transport operated by the Commission. It does not include the network data provided by the Member State in accordance with Annexes I and III;

    Amendment  19

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point hh

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (hh) ‘RIS Platform’ means an electronic single-point-of-access platform sourced by national RIS information and providing Fairway-, Infrastructure-, Traffic- and Transport Information Services, including route- and transport planning, for RIS users and serving for electronic reporting according to the ‘once-only’ principle;

    (hh) ‘RIS Platform’ means an electronic single-point-of-access platform sourced by national RIS information and providing technical and operational services such as Fairway-, Infrastructure-, Traffic- and Transport Information Services, including route- and transport planning, for RIS users and serving for electronic reporting according to the ‘once-only’ principle;

    Amendment  20

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point hi

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (hi) ‘Inland ports’ means an inland waterway port of the TEN-T core network or TEN-T comprehensive network, as listed and categorised in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013.

    (hi) ‘Inland ports’ means an inland waterway port of the TEN-T core network or TEN-T comprehensive network, as listed and categorised in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 2024/1679.’

    Amendment  21

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 4 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (a) ensure that all relevant data are supplied to RIS users concerning navigation and voyage planning on inland waterways. These data, as defined in Annex I, shall be up-to-date and provided at least in an accessible common electronic format;

    (a) ensure that all relevant data are supplied to RIS users concerning navigation and voyage planning on inland waterways. These network data, as defined in Annex I, shall be up-to-date and provided at least in an accessible common electronic format in accordance with Annex III;

    Amendment  22

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 4 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (b) ensure that for all their inland waterways of the TEN-T, in addition to the data referred to in point (a), electronic navigational charts suitable for navigational purposes are available to RIS users;

    (b) ensure that for all their inland waterways and inland ports of the TEN-T, in addition to the data referred to in point (a), electronic navigational charts suitable for navigational purposes are available to RIS users;

    Amendment  23

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 4 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point c

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (c) enable, as far as ship reporting is required by national or international regulations, the competent authorities to receive electronic ship reports of the required data from ships. In cross-border transport, this information shall be transmitted to the competent authorities of the neighbouring State and any such transmission shall be completed before arrival of the vessels at the border;

    (c) enable, as far as ship reporting is required by national or international regulations, the competent authorities to receive electronic ship reports of all required data from ships. In cross-border transport, this information shall be transmitted in full to the competent authorities of the neighbouring State and any such transmission shall be completed before arrival of the vessels at the border;

    Amendment  24

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 4 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point e

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (e) ensure that ERDMS is kept up to date by supplying all the necessary data without delay and revise them at least once per year;

    (e) ensure that the network data in the European RIS Platform is kept up to date by supplying all the necessary network data in accordance with Annexes I and III without delay;

    Amendment  25

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 4 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point f

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (f) ensure that at least traffic related information is exchanged between RIS and electronic information exchange environments established by Union law and used in other transport modes, including through maritime National Single Windows within EMSWe;

    (f) ensure that at least traffic related information is made available through interfaces following the technical specifications laid down in accordance with Annex II, point 7, where applicable, to electronic information exchange environments established by Union law and used in other transport modes;

    Amendment  26

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 4 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point g

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (g) ensure that dangerous goods related information as required pursuant to Chapter 5.4 of Part 5 of the Regulations annexed to the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways (ADN), concluded at Geneva on 26 May 2000, as referred to in Section III.1 of Annex III to Directive 2008/68/EC of the European Parliament of the Council26 shall be made available to the competent authorities on an eFTI platform, through a unique electronic identifying link referred to in point (e) of Article 9(1)of Regulation (EU) 2020/1056;

    deleted

    __________________

     

    26 Directive 2008/68/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 September 2008 on the inland transport of dangerous goods (OJ L 260, 30.9.2008, p. 13, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2008/68/oj).

     

    Amendment  27

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 4 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point h

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (h) ensure that information is exchanged between RIS and the port community systems of inland ports, including, among others, up-to-date, availability of berths, and of alternative fuel infrastructure, and in particular those installations required pursuant to Article 10 of Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 of the European Parliament and of the Council27 ;

    (h) ensure that standardised interfaces in accordance with Annexes II and III are made available for the port community systems of inland ports, including, among others, up-to-date, availability of berths, and of alternative fuel infrastructure, and in particular those installations required pursuant to Article 10 of Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 of the European Parliament and of the Council27 ;

    __________________

    __________________

    27 Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 September 2023 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure and repealing Directive 2014/94/EU (OJ L 234, 22.9.2023, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1804/oj).

    27 Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 September 2023 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure and repealing Directive 2014/94/EU (OJ L 234, 22.9.2023, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1804/oj).

    Amendment  28

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 4 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point i

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (i) ensure that information is exchanged between RIS and other smart inland waterways infrastructure systems for the purpose of managing of river traffic.

    (i) ensure that standardised interfaces in accordance with Annexes II and III are made available to other smart inland waterways infrastructure systems for the purpose of managing of river traffic.

    Amendment  29

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 4 – paragraph 5

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    5. Member States shall create, operate, use and maintain a single RIS Platform which provides fairway-, infrastructure-, traffic-, and transport related data. The RIS Platform shall be accessible for all RIS users and shall be the main platform for the exchange of RIS related information. It shall contain interfaces for connections with systems of other transport modes and inland ports. Member States shall designate one or more competent authorities responsible for operating RIS Platform.

    5. Member States shall create, operate, use and maintain a single RIS Platform which provides fairway-, infrastructure-, traffic-, and transport related services and provide the necessary data. The RIS Platform shall be accessible for all RIS users and shall be the main platform for the exchange of RIS related information. It shall contain interfaces for connections with systems of other transport modes and inland ports. Member States shall designate one or more competent authorities responsible for operating RIS Platform. The RIS platform shall be open to contributions from third countries whose waterways are connected to the European waterway network willing to cooperate and provide their network data, provided that the data is of identical quality and format as that of Member States. Contributing third countries shall be able to use and benefit from the ERDMS and the RIS platform in the same manner as Member States, provided they adhere to the same level of cybersecurity.

    Amendment  30

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 4 – paragraph 5 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    5a. ERDMS provides reference data and code lists necessary for the proper functioning of RIS.

    Amendment  31

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 4 – paragraph 6

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    6. The Commission shall adopt implementing acts laying down the operational characteristics, roles and procedures for the RIS platform and identifying its operating entity, based on the principles for RIS technical specifications set out in point 7 of Annex II, to ensure their uniform implementation throughout the Union. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 11(2).

    6. The Commission shall adopt implementing acts laying down the operational characteristics, roles and procedures for the RIS platform including its interaction with ERDMS and identifying its operating entity, based on the principles for RIS technical specifications set out in point 7 of Annex II, to ensure their uniform implementation throughout the Union. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 11(2).

    Amendment  32

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 4 – paragraph 7

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    7. For the use of the automatic identification systems (‘AIS’), the regional arrangement concerning the radiotelephone service on inland waterways concluded in Basel on 6 April 2000 in the framework of the radio regulations of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) shall apply.

    7. For the use of the automatic identification systems (‘AIS’), the Regional Arrangement on the Radio Communication Service for Inland Waterways (RAINWAT) concluded in Bucharest on 12 April 2012 in the framework of the radio regulations of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) shall apply.

    Amendment  33

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 4 – paragraph 9

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    9. The Commission shall take appropriate measures to verify the interoperability, reliability and safety of RIS.

    9. The Commission shall take appropriate measures to verify the interoperability, reliability, availability and safety of RIS.

    Amendment  34

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point h

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (h) interconnection and exchange of information with IT platforms of other transport modes, including at least eFTI and EMSWe;

    (h) standardised interfaces for IT platforms of other transport modes;

    Amendment  35

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point i

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (i) interconnection and exchange of information with port management systems and with smart inland waterway infrastructure systems;

    (i) standardised interface for port management systems and smart inland waterway infrastructure systems;

    Amendment  36

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point j

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (j) provisions for navigation, and voyage planning.

    (j) data for navigation, and voyage planning.

    Amendment  37

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 6

     

    Present text

    Amendment

     

    (5a) Article 6 is replaced by the following:

    Article 6

    “Article 6

    Satellite positioning

    Satellite positioning

    For the purpose of RIS, for which exact positioning is required, the use of satellite positioning technologies is recommended.

    For the purpose of RIS, for which exact positioning is required, the use of satellite positioning technologies is recommended, provided by Galileo, including the High Accuracy Service and Open Service Navigation Message Authentication and the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS). For the purpose of applications and services relying on Earth observation data, the use of Copernicus data, information or services is recommended.”

    (32005L0044)

    Amendment  38

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 8a – paragraph 1

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    1. Each Member State shall ensure that an effective procedure is in place to handle complaints arising from the application of this Directive.

    1. Each Member State shall ensure that an effective, simple and accessible procedure is in place, building, where possible, on existing structures, to handle complaints arising from the application of this Directive.

    Amendment  39

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 8a – paragraph 8

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    8. Member States shall inform the Commission on an annual basis about the number and type of complaints received by the authorities responsible for handling of complaints, the number of corrective actions taken, and the time required to resolve complaints.

    8. Member States shall inform the Commission on an annual basis about the number and type of complaints received by the authorities responsible for handling of complaints, the number of corrective actions taken, justifications for the cases, where no corrective action has been taken and the time required to resolve complaints.

    Amendment  40

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 9 – title

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    Rules on privacy and security of information

    Rules on privacy, security of information and processing of personal data

    Amendment  41

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    Data that constitute personal data as defined in Article 4, point (1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 may be processed on the basis of this Directive only insofar as such processing is necessary for the performance of RIS applications, with a view to ensuring harmonised, interoperable and accessible RIS on the Union inland waterways and to facilitate standardised interfaces with other modal traffic management services.

    Amendment  42

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 10 – paragraph 2

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    2. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 10a to amend Annex III by updating, if appropriate in view of the criteria defined in paragraph 3, and in line with the principles of Annex II the reference to the most recent version of the ES-RIS and to set the date of its application.

    deleted

    Amendment  43

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 14

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Article 12a – paragraph 1 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    The Commission shall, if appropriate, by … [3 years after the date of entry into force] submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council on the potential benefits and costs of extending the scope of this Directive to those inland waterways and inland ports of the Member States, which are part of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) but are not covered by Article 2(1).

    Amendment  44

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Annex I

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Annex I – indent 5 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    – location and current availability of alternative fuels infrastructure, including shore-side electricity supply;

    Amendment  45

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Annex II

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Annex II – article 6 – point h

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (h) collect and report anonymised and aggregate usage data that can be used for the monitoring of the implementation of RIS, including at least the number of RIS users, data availability in RIS platform, connection and the number of exchanges with other systems (for example eFTI, EMSWe, port community systems).

    (h) collect and report anonymised and aggregate usage data that can be used for the monitoring of the implementation of RIS, including at least the number of RIS users, data availability in RIS platform, connection and the number of exchanges with other systems or platforms.

    Amendment  46

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Annex II

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Annex II – article 6 – point h a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (ha) ensure cybersecurity.

    Amendment  47

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Annex II

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Annex II – article 7 – title

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    7. Exchange of data with other digital systems or platforms

    7. Availability of data for other digital systems or platforms

    Amendment  48

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Annex II

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Annex II – article 7 – introductory part

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    The technical specifications for exchange of data with other digital systems or platforms, including EMSWe, eFTI, ERDMS, port community systems of inland ports and smart inland waterway infrastructure system, in accordance with Article 5, shall respect the following principles:

    The technical specifications for exchange of data with other digital systems or platforms in accordance with Article 5, shall respect the following principles:

    Amendment  49

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Annex II

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Annex II – article 7 – point b

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (b) the facilitation of the electronic data exchange between RIS technologies and the databases and systems in use by other modes of transport, through appropriate data links and interphases;

    (b) the facilitation of the electronic data exchange between RIS technologies and the databases and systems in use by other modes of transport, through appropriate data links and interfaces;

    Amendment  50

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Annex II

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Annex II – article 8

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    8. Exchange of data with other digital systems or platforms

    deleted

    The technical specifications for exchange of data with other digital systems or platforms, including EMSWe, eFTI, ERDMS, port community systems of inland ports and smart inland waterway infrastructure system, in accordance with Article 5, shall respect the following principles:

     

    (a) build on the functionalities provided by the RIS Platform;

     

    (b) the facilitation of the electronic data exchange between RIS technologies and the databases and systems in use by other modes of transport, through appropriate data links and interphases;

     

    (c) the definition of the requirements concerning systems as well as procedures for automated data exchange;

     

    (d) the real-time exchange of information in particular for time-critical data;

     

    (e) ensuring the secure exchange of information in accordance with a comprehensive rights-based access-control system;

     

    (f) anticipate a system exchange framework that will allow for future developments and links with additional systems as required, including exchanges with the future European Mobility Data Space and any other system that is designed to promote innovations in multimodality transport.

     

    Amendment  51

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Annex II

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Annex II – article 9 – point b – point a a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (aa) data on the European waterway network required for navigation and voyage planning and covering at least the minimum requirements set out in Annex I;

    Amendment  52

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Annex II

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Annex II – article 9 – point b – point b

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (b) water level, the least sounded depth, the vertical clearance, the barrage status, the discharge, the regime, the predicted water level, the least sounded predicted depth or the predicted discharge;

    (b) water level, the least sounded depth, the vertical clearance, the barrage status if blocking navigation, the regime, the predicted water level, the least sounded predicted depth or the predicted discharge;

    Amendment  53

     

    Proposal for a directive

    Annex III

    Directive 2005/44/EC

    Annex III – paragraph 1

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    The technical specifications applicable to RIS shall be those set out in ES-RIS 2023/1.

    The technical specifications applicable to RIS shall be those set out in the latest edition of ES-RIS adopted by CESNI.

     

     

    EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

    The Rapporteur supports the intention of the Commission to bring the Directive on harmonised river information services (RIS) on inland waterways up to date. Further digitalisation and reduction of administrative burden for users and authorities are of paramount importance for the further strengthening of inland waterway transport. The generally positive reactions from stakeholders are a good sign to this effect.

     

    As the current RIS Directive has been lacking proper implementation and its application differed significantly between Member States, your Rapporteur proposes a number of changes in his draft report.

     

    Any development in the role and place of electronic freight trade information (eFTI) should be addressed via a cross-sectoral review of the eFTI Regulation and should not just be imposed on inland waterway transport via this Directive. To interconnect these services prematurely, without other transport modes being ready, would risk additional problems in the development and implementation of river information services. The same goes for the proposed interconnection with the European Maritime Single Window. With the proposals in this draft, the Rapporteur aims to be prescient for further developments and synergies between platforms and services, without being prejudicial on their development.

     

    On the one hand, the Rapporteur regards the handling of complaints as an important tool to defend the interests of RIS users and to flag problems. On the other hand, it is important to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy. The Rapporteur therefore proposes to build on existing national feedback mechanisms for the implementation of this Directive.

     

    Finally, your Rapporteur proposes a pragmatic approach on the geographical scope of this proposal. Inland waterways and inland ports in the Union that are isolated from the rest of the TEN-T inland waterways network should not be drawn into the remit of this Directive. This will allow us to focus on those inland waterways and ports that are part of a cross-border network, thus making a European approach essential, while safeguarding the possibility for voluntary application by Member States on those inland waterways that are not connected. This approach should, however, not only be applied by the Member States. Active cooperation to ensure interoperability between the RIS Platform and the RIS of neighbouring third countries is necessary.

     

    With these changes, your Rapporteur aims to contribute to the competitiveness of inland waterway transport and its modal share, leading in consequence to less congestion on our roads and a more sustainable European transport system.

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Children need to be wise owls when it comes to the internet

    Source:

    A new resource to help teachers teach internet privacy issues to primary and intermediate school students was launched on 11 February to coincide with Safer Internet Day and the start of the 2014 school year. The online resource named OWLS is a joint project by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner and NetSafe, in partnership with the NZ National Commission for UNESCO. It was introduced to students and teachers at Tawa School in Wellington by the Associate Minister of Education and Minister of Youth Affairs, Nikki Kaye. The Privacy Commissioner, Marie Shroff, says the internet and mobile technology expose children to a range of risks that previous generations have never had to deal with. Teaching children how to protect their privacy online increasingly involves schools because children are experimenting in digital media from very young ages.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Parliament passes modernised Privacy Act

    Source:

    Privacy Commissioner John Edwards welcomed Parliament passing the Privacy Act 2020 with unanimous support.

    The new Act replaces the 27-year-old Privacy Act 1993. Many of the changes are based on recommendations from the Law Commission’s comprehensive 2011 review of New Zealand’s privacy laws.

    “The new Privacy Act provides a modernised framework to better protect New Zealanders’ privacy rights in today’s environment,” Mr Edwards said.

    “I am grateful for the cross-party support of Parliament on this issue. It is an endorsement of the significance of privacy as a universal human right that the Bill was passed with the multi-party support of the House.”

    Key reforms in the new Privacy Act include:

    • Mandatory notification of harmful privacy breaches. If organisations or businesses have a privacy breach that poses a risk of serious harm, they are required to notify the Privacy Commissioner and affected parties. This change brings New Zealand in line with international best practice.
    • Introduction of compliance orders. The Commissioner may issue compliance notices to require compliance with the Privacy Act. Failure to follow a compliance notice could result a fine of up to $10,000.
    • Binding access determinations. If an organisation or business refuses to make personal information available upon request, the Commissioner will have the power to demand release.
    • Controls on the disclosure of information overseas. Before disclosing New Zealanders’ personal information overseas, New Zealand organisations or businesses will need to ensure those overseas entities have similar levels of privacy protection to those in New Zealand.
    • New criminal offences. It will be an offence to mislead an organisation or business in a way that affects someone’s personal information or to destroy personal information if a request has been made for it.  The maximum fine for these offences is $10,000.
    • Explicit application to businesses whether or not they have a legal or physical presence in New Zealand. If an international digital platform is carrying on business in New Zealand, with the New Zealanders’ personal information, there will be no question that they will be obliged to comply with New Zealand law regardless of where they, or their servers are based.

    The Act comes into effect on 1 December 2020.

    To view a PDF of the file, click here.

    For more information – contact Feilidh Dwyer 021 959 050

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Privacy Commissioner amends health code to protect newborn blood samples : media release

    Source:

    Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff has strengthened the Health Information Privacy Code 1994 to improve legal protections around newborn babies bloodspot samples. These samples are collected as part of a national newborn metabolic screening programme, also called the heelprick or Guthrie Test. The samples are held permanently unless parents request their return. The amendment will restrict how information derived from the samples may be used and disclosed. DNA testing is getting cheaper and faster all the time and that makes national bloodspot collections more valuable. Because of this it is possible someone in the future will want to use the collection as a national DNA database. If this were to happen, trust in the programme would be severely damaged.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Media release: Websites leave children and parents guessing

    Source:

    A recent scan of school websites and some popular childrens game sites showed there is often no information given to users about how their personal information collected via the site will be used and shared. The scan was part of an international internet sweep day, involving the New Zealand Privacy Commissioner and other overseas data protection offices in the Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN). Each participating office selected a range of websites to scan. The first step was to see if the site showed any sort of privacy policy at all. We found that in a selection of the larger New Zealand schools websites we looked at, very few had any sort of policy at all.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Work starts on £27 million Comrie Flood Protection Scheme

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    The Comrie Flood Protection Scheme will protect nearly 200 homes from the threat of flooding once it is completed next year. 

    Work on the scheme is being carried out by Balfour Beatty and will provide defences along the Water of Ruchill, River Earn and River Lednock – areas all historically prone to flooding. 

    The defences include the construction of flood walls and embankments, incorporating innovative natural flood management techniques such as root wad revetment bank protection measures, which all told will offer protection against a 1 in 200 year magnitude flood event. 

    Comrie has experienced major flood events in recent years, including January 1993, February 1997, December 2006, and August and November 2012. 

    Previous flood protection works undertaken by Perth and Kinross Council in 2013 significantly reduced the flooding risk to the Dalginross area.  

    However, residual flood risks from the River Earn and River Lednock remained. The detailed design of the flood scheme to address these was completed in 2023, with main construction works now underway and completion targeted for Autumn 2026.  

    Led by principal designer Sweco, the scheme will provide improvements to flood resilience for the community of Comrie through increased flood defence levels while also providing a high-level finish with the use of locally sourced natural stone materials and high-quality landscaping, including compensatory tree planting, with three trees planted for every one felled during construction. 

    The project is funded through a collaboration between the Scottish Government, providing 80% of the costs, and Perth and Kinross Council, contributing the remaining 20%.  

    Councillor Eric Drysdale, Convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “It is fantastic to see construction underway on this vital flood protection scheme in Comrie. 

    “Flooding is sadly becoming a more frequent occurrence due to climate change, so this scheme is hugely important for residents and businesses in the area.” 

    Perth and Kinross Council leader Councillor Grant Laing said: “As a Council we are committed to working with our communities and this will make a real difference to the lives of people who live and work in Comrie.”  

    Keith MacDonald, Portfolio Director at Balfour Beatty said: “We are delighted to have commenced construction on the Comrie Flood Protection Scheme, helping to safeguard hundreds of homes and businesses from the risk of flooding.

     “Our focus remains on carrying out the works safely and sustainably, using innovative natural flood management techniques to enhance resilience while minimising environmental impact.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coming up next week at the London Assembly W/C 24 March

    Source: Mayor of London

    PUBLIC MEETINGS                                                                   

    Tuesday 25 March

    Mayoral Decisions

    Oversight Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am
    The Mayor has published a number of Mayoral Decisions since December 2024.

    The GLA Oversight Committee will question guests on some of these decisions. The Committee will also ask questions on the Mayor’s Annual Equalities reports for 2022-23 and 2023-24.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1 – Mayor’s Annual Equalities Report:

    • Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard – Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice
    • Tom Rahilly – Assistant Director for Communities and Social Policy, GLA
    • Rupinder Parhar – Head of Equalities, GLA

    Panel 2 – Mayoral Decisions

    • Mostaque Ahmed – Director of Corporate Services, London Fire Brigade
    • Other guests to be confirmed.

    MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

     

    Wednesday 26 March

    Q&A with the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime

    Police and Crime Committee – Committee Rooms 2 & 3, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am
    The London Assembly Police and Crime Committee will meet with the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime to explore the level and pace of progress made by the Met since the Casey review was published in March 2023 and any updates regarding an independent review of progress.

    The guests are:

    • Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime
    • Kenny Bowie, Director of Strategy and MPS Oversight, Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC)

    MEDIA CONTACT: Tony Smyth on 07763 251 727 / [email protected]
     

    Financing Housing in London

    Housing Committee – Committee Rooms 2 & 3, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 2pm
    The Housing Committee will meet to ask how to increase the amount of finance available to build social and affordable housing, the risks of different financing models, and whether private investment can help meet new housebuilding targets.

    Panel 1: 2pm – 3.15pm

    • Will Jeffwitz, Head of Policy, National Housing Federation
    • Josh Ryan-Collins, Professor in Economics and Finance, University College London (UCL) Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose
    • Steve Partridge FCPFA, Director, Head of Housing Consultancy, Savills

    Panel 2: 3.30pm – 4.45pm

    • Bek Seeley, Founder, Place Partners
    • Angela Wood, Deputy Executive Director of Development, Peabody Housing Association
    • Piali Das Gupta, Strategy Director, London’s Future & Places, London Councils

    MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252 310 / [email protected]

     

    Thursday 27 March

    Heathrow Airport – Surface Access

    Transport Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 2pm
    The Transport Committee will discuss surface access to Heathrow Airport – all the ways in which passengers, communities, colleagues and goods travel to and from the airport – in the context of the proposals for a third runway.

    The guests are:

    • Sophie Chapman, Surface Access Director, Heathrow Airport
    • Tim Leach, Head of Surface Access Strategy and Sponsorship, Heathrow Airport
    • Christina Calderato, Director of Transport Strategy and Policy, Transport for London
    • Marcus Jones, Route Director, Western, Network Rail
    • Anthony Smith, Chair, Heathrow Area Transport Forum

    MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252 310 / [email protected] 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –