NewzIntel.com

Category: Australia

  • MIL-Evening Report: Safe for autocracy: the world according to Putin and Trump

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Sussex, Associate Professor (Adj), Griffith Asia Institute; and Fellow, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University

    What does an ideal world look like for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump? In a word: ugly.

    Trump’s embrace of Russia’s dictator, his bullying of a weakened Ukraine, his musings about new US territorial conquests, and his dismantling of US democratic institutions would, in any other age, have resulted in his immediate removal from office.

    And yet he has succeeded in beating his political opponents into submission, while his cultish following applauds every fresh outrage he visits on America’s friends, and every undeserved boon he grants its enemies.

    American interests?

    When discussing foreign policy, we typically use the term “national interests” to frame our understanding of what countries want, and the enablers and constraints that affect their chances of achieving it. Essentially, we to try to identify some parameters about what countries can, can’t, and might do.

    It assumes that factors such as economic heft, military capability, natural resources, alliance networks and geopolitical position all create a kind of baseline unique to each nation. It also assumes a fair amount of continuity in foreign policy, as new governments invariably face the same kinds of challenges and opportunities as past ones.

    And crucially, it assumes leaders will recognise it: that in democracies, for instance, elected public servants will continue acting in the broader public good.

    Not so for Trump. His behaviour is far more reminiscent of Putin’s. Like the Russian autocrat he idolises, Trump’s main domestic and foreign agendas revolve around his personal fortune, cementing his political power, and creating a narrative that existential forces – as well as internal enemies – are to blame for America’s problems.

    By presenting himself as the nation’s only possible saviour, Trump is directly plagiarising the Putin playbook.

    Like Russia’s tsar in all but name, Trump is creating an image of the state in which regime security and national security are innately linked. In that way, America First and Trump First are not just compatible, but actually synonymous.

    Trajectories of power

    Where the two differ, though, is that Putin’s recipe for dominating Russian politics has tended to increase his country’s raw national power, rather than diminishing it.

    Certainly, Putin’s renationalisation of Russia’s energy sector helped turn Russia into a petro-giant. That Putin has remained at the top of Russian politics for so long has been at least partly because he has distributed Russian wealth beyond a clique of oligarchs.

    The result was a larger middle class, apathetic to politics and tolerant of dictatorship, as long as living standards were improving.

    At the same time, Putin’s erosion of freedoms created powerful disincentives to express any opposition to his regime. After all, when criticising Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine can lead to beatings, ostracism from society, being sent to the front, or a prison sentence of up to 15 years, where’s the value in speaking out?

    There are plenty of signs that Trump would like to emulate Putin’s progress. From installing loyalists in the military and the ostensibly independent Department of Justice and FBI, coupled with threats against freedom of the press, his subversion of US democracy looks eerily familiar.

    But Trump’s recipe for success looks almost certain to weaken the US, not strengthen it.

    He has surrounded himself with completely unqualified supplicants in key roles, chosen on the basis of loyalty rather than competence.

    Purges at the CIA are weakening America’s vaunted intelligence-gathering capabilities. Orders to stop cyber operations against Russia are an extraordinary own-goal.

    Trump’s punishment of partners via tariffs – along with continued suggestions about annexing Canada, and his belittling of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by calling him “governor” – are costing America friendships built on decades of trust.

    These schisms are becoming evident across the Atlantic too. In France, for instance, even the far-right nationalist Marine Le Pen has criticised Trump’s standover tactics in suspending military aid to Ukraine. A recent French poll found that fully 73% of respondents believed Trump’s US was no longer an ally.

    A new age of empires

    The recent – and historically breathtaking – statement by Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, that Russian and US worldviews now largely align speaks volumes about the kind of world both regimes now agree on.

    It is, put simply, a new Age of Empires. This has long been a central theme of Russian geopolitical propaganda: that all major decisions affecting the world should be taken in only three of its capitals: Moscow, Beijing and Washington.

    In this brutal order, the strong do as they will, and the weak do as they must. It envisages a world cleaved into spheres of influence, with Russia permitted to run rampant over Eastern Europe, the US dominating the Americas and the East Pacific, and China as a hybrid maritime and continental power exerting hegemony in Asia.

    So how worried should we be? When we think of past global dangers, events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis come to mind. This is, of course, not the same: there isn’t the potential imminence of nuclear war.

    But there should nonetheless be not just deep concern but also immediate action to inoculate ourselves, as best we can, from the slow-burn effect of a world made safe for autocracy rather than democracy.

    There is also a legitimate counterargument that Trump’s bark is worse than his bite; that he will be a lame duck after the mid-term elections in 2026; and that all US allies need do is to keep a low profile until then.

    That may have been an appropriately soothing sentiment during Trump’s first term, but in his second one it rings increasingly hollow.

    For one thing, the goalposts have shifted. Trump has shown he will act with near-total impunity. He will doubtless try to manipulate elections, and he has shown before that he is perfectly prepared to reject their outcomes. For another, this time he will have not just a pliant legislature and cabinet, but also a loyal bureaucracy, and key supporters in law enforcement and military posts.

    Given that, it is one thing to hope for the best. But it makes sense also to plan for the worst. If the past few weeks have taught us anything, it is to be prepared for virtually daily episodes of disappointment. Or, to put it bluntly: things will get worse before they get better.

    Matthew Sussex has received funding from the Australian Research Council, the Atlantic Council, the Fulbright Foundation, the Carnegie Foundation, the Lowy Institute and various Australian government departments and agencies.

    – ref. Safe for autocracy: the world according to Putin and Trump – https://theconversation.com/safe-for-autocracy-the-world-according-to-putin-and-trump-251246

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Capital centers of additional education are becoming increasingly popular

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Over the past three years, young Muscovites have begun to attend clubs and sections in the capital’s palaces and creative centers by 35 percent more often. This was reported in Department of Education and Science of the City of Moscow.

    “There are 26 creative centers in the capital, including the flagship of the capital’s supplementary education system — the Moscow Palace of Pioneers on Vorobyovy Gory. Over the past three years, interest in these institutions has grown noticeably: the number of children attending clubs has increased to 142 thousand. Children have access to over 15 thousand sections and clubs — this is a quarter more than in 2022. Each child can choose what interests them — from football and rhythmic gymnastics to robotics and circus arts,” the department’s press service said.

    For example, at the Victoria Children’s and Youth Center, Muscovites go karting. They not only learn to drive, but also study the structure of cars, master repair skills, learn traffic rules and the specifics of holding sports competitions. At the Vostochny Palace of Children’s and Youth Creativity, schoolchildren try their hand at DJing. During classes, they work with modern music equipment, master mobile applications for creating music and perform at events.

    The Moscow Palace of Pioneers has an observatory where children study astronomy. At the technical education center, they observe the sky and make their own discoveries, such as finding new stars. Since 2019, the palace’s students have discovered 77 supernovae and 126 variable stars. There is also a sculpture workshop where schoolchildren gain skills in working with tools and prepare for admission to specialized universities. In addition, there is the Vasilisa Fashion Theater. The children create complex sewing products, design, model and decorate clothes, and also participate in the development and sewing of collections for various competitions and shows.

    You can sign up for clubs on the mos.ru portal using the function “Enrollment in clubs, sports sections and art schools” in the “Services” section.

    In total, there are more than 135 thousand clubs and sections in the capital’s schools, colleges and additional education centres. 89 percent of Moscow schoolchildren study in them. Most often, they choose football, chess and robotics.

    You can find out more about additional education in the capital in Telegram channels “Moscow education” And“Moscow Center for Educational Practices”.

    Supplementary education programs develop creative and critical thinking in schoolchildren and develop skills that will be useful to them in their future profession. Events held within the framework of supplementary education contribute to the project “All the best for children” national project “Youth and Children”.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/150912073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Composer Alexey Rybnikov on the Moskino Cinema Park and the music for Buratino

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The full-length film “Buratino”, which was filmed at the Moskino cinema park, will be released on January 1, 2026, 50 years after the premiere of the famous Soviet musical film. The new film was filmed from September to November 2024. The music for it was written by composer Alexey Rybnikov.

    The People’s Artist of Russia created unique arrangements, inspired by the characters’ personalities. The film retains the classic compositions from the Soviet adaptation, and also adds new musical elements.

    “In most of the film we left the compositions from the Soviet film, and, for example, for the scene where Papa Carlo makes a doll, I wrote new lyrics to the music from the first film. All the other songs remained with the classic words, but one of them will sound unusual, it will be a surprise for all viewers,” shared Alexey Rybnikov.

    For the project, the Moskino cinema park built a set called “Provincial Towns of Europe” with an area of over 11 thousand square meters. The composer noted that they were made so naturally and realistically that it created the feeling of filming in a real Italian city. These are several streets with realistic buildings – a church, Giuseppe’s house, a school, a theater and others.

    Numerous streets and squares, small artistic details, fountains, niches, inscriptions – everything is worked out to the smallest detail. Alexey Rybnikov emphasized that the creation of such a site within the boundaries of Moscow is a great help and success for filmmakers.

    The site offers comfortable conditions for work, and each decoration is unique and interesting in its own way. The composer called the idea of creating a world-class cinema park in the capital fantastic.

    “The sets in the film ‟Buratino‟ are an amazing achievement of the set designers and producers who decided to do everything exactly like this. It creates the feeling that you are not in Moscow, but on the streets of Italy, where the action takes place. In general, for the film ‟Buratino‟ there were not many scenes in the pavilion, basically everything happened on the natural set, which is quite unusual. When you shoot in the pavilion, you really feel it, and here everything is natural and great. Therefore, I think that more than one project will definitely be created in the set design,” added Alexey Rybnikov.

    The fairy tale plot of the film will tell viewers how one day Papa Carlo, who dreams of becoming a father, gets a magic key. His dream comes true when a simple log turns into a smart and cheerful wooden boy Buratino. The father dotes on his creation, but Buratino feels that he is not like other children, and sets off on a journey to get to know himself better.

    The film takes much from the traditional interpretation of the fairy tale “Pinocchio”, but Buratino himself will appear before the audience in the form of a wooden three-dimensional doll, brought to life thanks to new computer technologies.

    The project’s director is Igor Voloshin, the producers are Alexander Andryushchenko, Fyodor Bondarchuk and Denis Baglai. The main roles were played by Lev Zulkarnayev, Fyodor Bondarchuk, Mark Eidelshtein, Stepan Belozerov, Anastasia Talyzina, Victoria Isakova, Alexander Petrov and other actors.

    The Moskino cinema park is part of Sergei Sobyanin’s “Moscow – City of Cinema” project and an object of the Moscow cinema cluster, which is being developed by the capital Department of Culture. The first stage of development has already been completed here: 18 natural sites, four pavilions and six infrastructure facilities have been built. Among them are the sets “Center of Moscow”, “Moscow in the 1940s”, “Vitebsk Station”, “Yurovo Airport”, “Cathedral Square of Moscow”, “Deaf Village”, “Partisan Village”, “County Town”, “Cowboy Town”, “St. Petersburg Bar” and other sites.

    The Moscow Film Cluster is an infrastructure facility, services and facilities for filmmakers, which are being developed by the Moscow Government within the framework of the Moscow — City of Cinema project. Its structure includes the Moskino film park, the Gorky Film Studio (sites on Sergei Eisenstein Street and Valdaisky Proyezd), the Moskino film factory, the Moskino cinema chain, the film commission and the Moskino film platform.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/150917073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Olivia Caisley, Afternoon Briefing, ABC

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    Oliva Caisley:

    To unpack that and much, much more today, let’s bring in our political panel, LNP Senator Paul Scarr and Assistant Minister for Competition Andrew Leigh.

    Welcome to you both to the program. There is plenty of news to get through today. Paul let’s start with you quickly first. You’re in Queensland, which is in the path of Cyclone Alfred.

    Paul Scarr:

    Yep.

    Caisley:

    How prepared is your community?

    Scarr:

    I think the community is as prepared as it can be. There’s very close liaison between all 3 levels of government: the federal government, the state government, the local government authorities. Sandbags are being made available, people are being given warnings and suggestions and recommendations as to how to prepare. And the community’s coming together, as Queenslanders always come together, whether or not it’s in North Queensland or in the southeast corner, we come together at times like this and help each other.

    Caisley:

    And Paul, we just heard there before the WA Premier Roger Cook referring to the American Vice President as a ‘knob’ over that extraordinary argument that took place in the Oval Office over the weekend. Is that an appropriate way for a state leader to be speaking?

    Scarr:

    I don’t believe so. I don’t believe it is. And I don’t believe it’s helpful. And from my perspective, I think our focus here in Australia should be on Australia’s commitment to the people of the Ukraine, and in respect of that commitment, it’s quite bipartisan.

    And before the last election, the Coalition government had a very strong position with respect to assisting the people of Ukraine and Ukraine’s right to its sovereignty, its own secure sovereign borders, and that policy has continued, notwithstanding there was a change in government after the last election. So, I think we should focus on what Australia’s policy is.

    Caisley:

    And Andrew, what did you think?

    Andrew Leigh:

    Well, US politics is endlessly interesting, and it’s always tempting to express your view every time something happens over in the US. But we’re really focused right now on the challenges that Australia faces.

    As Paul said, preparing for Cyclone Alfred, which is looking like making landfall either on Thursday or Friday of this week.

    I would urge any of your viewers who are able‑bodied to consider signing up for EV CREW, a great on‑the‑ground operation which allows you to help out in the local community.

    And as Paul said, there’s bipartisan support for Ukraine. Australia has given $1.5 billion in assistance, of which $1.3 billion is military aid.

    Caisley:

    We have just seen in the past couple of hours the United States announcing that it’s actually going to freeze aid or support to Ukraine. Could I get both of your response to that? Let’s start with you, Paul.

    Scarr:

    Well, again, that’s a matter for the United States government, and again, I think we should focus on what Australia’s position is. And I attended a campaign rally on the third anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. There were representatives, again, from all levels of government, both major political parties in Australia, and we’re on the same page in terms of continuing to provide our support to the people of Ukraine. And that’s the way it should be.

    Caisley:

    I was watching Donald Trump’s press conference in the early hours of this morning, and in it, he said that Volodymyr Zelenskyy needs to show more appreciation. We then have seen these reports that aid will be paused until Volodymyr Zelenskyy demonstrates a good faith commitment to peace.

    How does this at all, or if at all, Andrew, change the security equation for Australia?

    Leigh:

    Well, you’ve seen in London a range of European powers stepping in and taking important steps towards peace. It is really important that we see peace in Ukraine. This is a war started by Russian aggression. Australia has stood steadfastly with the people of Ukraine.

    I joined with a range of parliamentarians who met with the Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia during the most recent parliamentary sitting to again show the solidarity of Australians for Ukraine.

    We’ve got the Bushmasters there, the Abrams tanks. We have been a strong supporter of the people of Ukraine, as is appropriate for a fellow democracy seeing the brutality that has been waged on the people of Ukraine through an utterly unprovoked war started by Russia.

    Caisley:

    There’s bipartisanship when it comes to support for Ukraine, but we have seen a point of difference emerging between Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanese when it comes to boots on the ground or potential peacekeeping missions. The Prime Minister today not ruling out sending troops over there; this is in contrast to the Opposition Leader.

    Paul, on the politics of this, is Labor outmanoeuvring the Coalition here on an issue that the Coalition usually feels pretty comfortable in?

    Scarr:

    I don’t believe so. And I think the Coalition was in government when Russia launched its illegal invasion of Ukraine, and we were at the forefront in terms of an appropriate policy response to that, including providing humanitarian places for refugees from Ukraine to Queensland, many of whom I met shortly after their first arrival.

    In terms of so‑called boots on the ground, I think the point Peter Dutton has made, and I think he’s correct, the onus should really be on the Europeans in terms of providing boots on the ground as peacekeepers, and they’ve got the capacity to do that. Australia has its own obligations in the Asia‑Pacific region and from my perspective, given the Europeans have the capacity and we have our own obligations in our own region, I think that’s where our focus should be.

    Caisley:

    Okay. Andrew, I just wanted to get a sense from you from the government’s perspective. So, this openness, I guess, to having boots on the ground is a shift or 180 from the Prime Minister’s office position yesterday. They provided the ABC with a statement saying the deployment of troops wasn’t under consideration. Today, there has been a shift in that view. What has, I guess, prompted that change?

    Leigh:

    Well, Olivia, I think we probably don’t want to get ahead of ourselves in this. The Prime Minister has simply said that Australia would consider such a request if it was to come through.

    Paul’s quite right that the primary role is going to be played here by the Europeans, as it has been throughout this terrible conflict.

    Caisley:

    Do you think, Paul, that it’s even possible to get out from under the US security umbrella, given how close we are as allies with the United States? Is it something that should be considered given the, I guess, particularly febrile environment in the Oval Office right now?

    Scarr:

    Well, the United States is one of our closest allies and our most important ally, and I think that will continue for decades and decades to come. And the historical links between the 2 countries and, more recently, developments such as AUKUS just demonstrate the continuity of that relationship. And I just don’t see any change in that relationship, either in the short term, medium term, or even the long term.

    Caisley:

    Andrew, the Coalition today say they want to stop public servants from working from home. The Independent Senator David Pocock has described this as a culture war distraction. What’s your response to that?

    Leigh:

    Well, another day, another attack on the public service from Peter Dutton. First, he’s saying that we should fire one in five public servants and go back to the days of Robodebt and excessive waiting times. Now he’s suggesting that the kind of modern working arrangements that big Australian corporations extend to their workers shouldn’t exist in the public service.

    What that would mean is that women with caring responsibilities, people with disabilities, would be fired in droves from the public service, and the Australian public would lose out from having less capable people working in the public service.

    Just to take one example, the wait time for a parental leave application to be processed when we came to office was 31 days. We’ve got that down to 3 days. We had a backlog of 42,000 veterans claims, and we’ve dealt with 97 per cent of that backlog.

    You can’t fire one in five public servants without dramatically worsening the public services in Australia and going back to Robodebt and long wait times.

    Caisley:

    Paul, I’ll give you an opportunity to defend the Coalition policy. Why is this a good idea to crack down on public servants working from home?

    Scarr:

    I think we’ve seen across the whole economy, both private sector and the public sector, dealing with this phenomenon that during the COVID‑19 pandemic, more and more people were working from home, and there were reasons for that. But there’s been a slow return back to the workplace, and a lot of the private sector businesses I speak to talk about the concern they’ve had in terms of collaboration in the office, in terms of communication, in terms of productivity.

    And I think the obvious point is being made that when you’ve got people working together in the workplace, collaborating, having those hundreds of interactions you have every single day in a workplace, you’re more productive and quite often, you achieve better results.

    So, the other thing to note is all existing agreements and arrangements will be respected. The simple policy point is if you are going to have a working from home policy, it needs to suit the individual, but it also needs to suit the workplace, and that means people need to work collaboratively together and adopt a common‑sense approach.

    Caisley:

    Just on that, though, Paul, can you give me a sense, is this something that’s being brought up with you in your electorate, is this a concern that’s been raised with you by your constituents?

    Scarr:

    I think the concern about the work from home phenomenon has been raised with me ever since we started coming out of the COVID‑19 pandemic. And just to give you one example, in many of the professional services firms, when I was a young lawyer I’d attend the workplace and you’d have the benefit of that interaction with mentors, with leaders, get all that guidance you got on an ad hoc basis, and a lot of young workers, new employees, have missed out on that because of this increase in working from home.

    So, I think this isn’t an issue to be simplified. I note Andrew’s political spin on it, but there are real issues here in terms of how our workplaces function and how they can be the most productive in terms of what they’re doing.

    Leigh:

    Olivia, if I can just come back on that.

    Caisley:

    Yes, please.

    Leigh:

    I mean, you can either have the position that you want to have a reasonable discussion in respect of workplace arrangements, or you can have the announcement that the Coalition made today that all public servants are coming back into the office.

    Either Paul is rejecting the policy that Jane Hume put forward, or else he is supporting that, and that would immediately mean that a whole lot of people would lose their jobs who have disabilities and caring responsibilities.

    The fact is the Coalition want to play these kind of ideological games. They want to pretend that public servants are all in Canberra. Two‑thirds of our public servants are outside Canberra, and tens of thousands are working in the region.

    Public servants are out there processing tax returns, dealing with cyber security, keeping Australians safe from terrorist threats, dealing with biosecurity challenges. You simply cannot manage a 21st‑century Australia by firing one in five public servants, as the ideologically driven Dutton Opposition would do.

    Caisley:

    So, Paul, maybe if I just go back to you quickly there. I mean, clearly, the public service is in the Coalition’s sights if they do form government. Ultimately, we saw Peter Dutton just a couple of weeks ago on making that Medicare announcement that ultimately he’ll help fund that by, I guess, cutting public servant jobs.

    Scarr:

    Well, I just want to come back to some of the points which Andrew made, and I think it’s really important to note that people need to consider what my good friend Jane Hume said in its totality. And in its totality, it referred to the fact that existing working arrangements will of course be respected, will of course be respected. And that’s the way it should be.

    But in terms of moving forward, you need to have work from home arrangements – and it doesn’t matter if you’re the private sector or the public sector – which are in the best interests of both the employer, in this case the public service, the department, and also the employee.

    So, I think what we’re seeing from Labor is a really disappointing scare campaign. A lot of businesses, a lot of workplaces across the world have struggled with this working from home phenomenon which broke out during the COVID‑19 pandemic, or certainly accelerated, and we’re now trying to achieve more balance.

    Caisley:

    Look, we do have some breaking news now. China will impose retaliatory additional tariffs of 10 to 15 per cent on certain US agricultural imports from March 10. That’s according to a statement from the Chinese Finance Ministry. These goods will include soy beans, pork, beef, fruits, vegetables and dairy products and those duties to kick in next week by the looks of things. I know this is just happening now, but Paul, do you have a response to that?

    Scarr:

    Well, I’d just say from an Australian perspective that tariffs, trade barriers are simply not in Australia’s best interests as a general principle. We are a trading nation. We depend upon trade. And free and open trade is so important to Australia’s economy.

    So, it’s up to the Chinese government what its policy is, but from Australia’s perspective, looking at Australia’s perspective, we are a trading nation. And tariffs and other trade barriers are not in our best interests no matter who applies them.

    Caisley:

    I mean, and Andrew, I’d love your thoughts on this too. At the moment, Australia’s waiting to see if we’ll be slapped with 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium. Now we’re hearing that China is slapping its own tariffs, retaliatory ones on the US. Do you have a view on this?

    Leigh:

    Well, economists disagree about a range of issues, but one thing on which there’s near universal consensus is on the benefits of open markets. Paul’s dead right on tariffs. A trade war doesn’t have any winners. Australia has been benefitted from open markets and from our engagement with the rest of the world.

    We’re just 0.3 per cent of the world’s population, a small share of the world’s economy, and trade allows us to specialise in what we do best and enjoy higher living standards than if we were cut off from the rest of the world.

    So, we’ll continue to argue for trade liberalisation, to work with through multilateral organisations for an open trading system, and to engage with like‑minded partners in order to spread the benefits of open markets, which have been such a key driver of prosperity over recent decades.

    Caisley:

    Andrew, Paul, thank you so much for your time this afternoon.

    Leigh:

    Thanks, Olivia. Thanks, Paul.

    Caisley:

    I note that date, the 10th of March, probably no coincidence there because that is when the US tariffs on China are due to take place as well.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Four-year term legislation takes first step

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Legislation that will enable a four-year term of Parliament subject to a referendum has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
    “As stipulated in the National-Act coalition agreement, the Bill is modelled on the ACT Party’s draft Constitution (Enabling a 4-Year Term) Amendment Bill.
    “This means a standard term of Parliament will remain at three years, but with the ability to extend the maximum term of Parliament to four years. 
    “The main condition is that membership of certain select committees is calculated in a way that is proportionate to the non-Executive parliamentary party membership of the House.
    “Given the constitutional significance of the term of Parliament, this change would be subject to the outcome of a binding referendum.
    “Both the National-Act and National-New Zealand First coalition agreements include supporting to select committee a bill that would enact a binding referendum on a four-year term of parliament.
    “At this stage, no decisions have been made on whether this Bill will proceed beyond this. 
    “It is possible a referendum could be held alongside the next General Election in 2026. However, any final decisions on timing for a referendum will depend on what comes out of the select committee process.
    “To enable this, a Referendums Framework Bill will also have its first reading this week. This will provide for the conduct of a referendum alongside a General Election and will be modelled on the temporary legislation put in place for the 2020 referendum on the End-of-Life-Choice legislation and on Cannabis regulation.
    “Future decisions will also need to be made by the Government as to whether the bill proceeds as introduced, or whether it should be amended.
    “We want to hear what New Zealanders think during the select committee process.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Panda Mart – Public warning

    Source: Government of Victoria 2

    We are issuing an urgent public warning to anyone who has purchased goods from Panda Mart, a large Cranbourne retail outlet that sells low-cost toys and other items, including homewares, sporting goods and beauty products.

    Our inspectors have last night and today seized thousands of products we believe fail to meet mandatory product safety and information standards, including items that could be dangerous.

    The items we’ve taken off the shelves include toys and baby rattles containing button batteries that were inadequately secured or labelled. Button batteries pose an extreme risk – they can burn through the oesophagus (swallowing tube) of children who ingest them in just two hours, causing internal burns, severe bleeding or death.

    Other products our inspectors have found at the store include items that:

    • present an injury hazard, such as projectiles
    • present a choking or strangulation hazard
    • fail to meet a range of other safety standards, including cosmetics.

    We are working with the business to ensure any remaining dangerous goods are removed from sale immediately, continuing to seize items, and conducting further investigations.

    Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich said businesses had an obligation to ensure the items they sold met safety standards and did not pose a danger to the public.

    ‘We know many Victorians are looking for bargains when they’re shopping given the cost of living, but they shouldn’t have to worry about picking up dangerous products at the same time, especially ones for babies and kids.

    ‘We’ve responded quickly to take action and remove these products from the shelves – but it’s up to businesses to understand the law, and not stock them in the first place.’

    Consumer Affairs Victoria is continuing to investigate this matter and will take further action where required.

    Under the Australian Consumer Law, businesses can be fined up to $50 million, and individuals $2.5 million, for supplying products that do not meet mandatory safety or information standards.

    If you:

    • have purchased any items from Panda Mart, stop using them immediately and return them to the store for a refund
    • are unsure about the safety of a product you have bought or seen for sale, call us on 1300 55 81 81
    • suspect a child has swallowed or inserted a button battery, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for urgent advice. If the child is struggling to breathe, call 000 immediately.

    Read our public safety warning:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW Government enables delivery of new MS Plus centre

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: NSW Government enables delivery of new MS Plus centre

    Published: 5 March 2025

    Released by: Minister for Disability Inclusion, Minister for Lands and Property

    A new health and wellbeing centre has opened its doors in a major boost for people living with progressive neurological conditions across the state.

    MS Plus officially opens its new Lidcombe Wellbeing and Accommodation Precinct today, courtesy of a $16 million funding agreement with the NSW Government. 

    The new centre at Betty Cuthbert Drive will provide important allied health and support services, including exercise physiology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and dietetics, for people living with neurological conditions including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, dementia and strokes. 

    The NSW Government provided MS Plus with a 8,900 square metre parcel of land to ensure it has a new permanent home to continue its important work. The $16 million funding was allocated to support the construction of the centre. 

    The Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre includes eight therapy areas, a large multipurpose space for various activities; a purpose-built gym, lounge and café areas, a children’s play area, a sensory garden, landscaped outdoor spaces, and accessible parking, toilets, showers and lockers. 

    For more information, visit the 80 Betty Cuthbert Drive, Lidcombe webpage. 

    Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said: 

    “I am delighted that MS Plus has opened the doors to its new state-of-the-art wellbeing centre, which will provide critical care and support for so many in our community. 

    “This is a great example of the work of Property and Development NSW, which has facilitated MS Plus’ access to land so that it can be put to best use for community benefit.” 

    Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said: 

    “The NSW Government is proud to partner with MS Plus, helping deliver this impressive precinct which will make a real difference to people’s lives. 

    “By bringing together specialist services, accessible accommodation, and a strong network of support, it ensures more people with disability can live independently and with dignity.” 

    MS Plus Chief Executive Officer John Blewonski said: 

    “The Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre provides everything needed for vital connection, health and wellbeing in one place: a one-stop-shop for neuro and ageing support, and a place of solace, where patients are understood, and can be supported to live well. 

    “We know that more people are being diagnosed with a variety of neurological conditions — often lifelong and requiring ongoing care. Living with a neuro condition can mean a lot of appointments, and being able to access multiple health professionals from one familiar, welcoming place is so important for people living in Sydney.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Acting Children’s Guardian appointed

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Acting Children’s Guardian appointed

    Published: 5 March 2025

    Statement by: Minister for Families and Communities

    This morning, the Governor of NSW appointed Ms Rachael Ward as the Acting Children’s Guardian while a Special Ministerial Inquiry is conducted into the Office of the Children’s Guardian.

    Mr Steve Kinmond, who commenced as Children’s Guardian in January 2023, has agreed to step aside from that role for the duration of the Inquiry. 

    Ms Ward has more than 23 years’ experience specialising in child protection law and is a member of the Children’s Court Advisory Committee. She has, most recently, served as Director of Child Law within the Department of Communities and Justice.  I am confident Ms Ward’s knowledge and experience will be an asset to the Office of the Children’s Guardian during this time.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Don’t panic, do prepare’: why it’s not too late to plan for Cyclone Alfred

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yetta Gurtner, Adjunct senior lecturer, Centre for Disaster Studies, James Cook University

    For millions of people in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, Cyclone Alfred will be their first experience living through a cyclone. Alfred is forecast to make landfall about 2am on Friday morning.

    I am a disaster expert based in northern Queensland, which regularly experiences cyclones. In my other role as an acting SES public information officer, I’m heading south to the Gold Coast to help residents prepare and respond.

    Here’s what I want you to know. First, don’t panic. Second, do prepare.

    Preparation has several steps. It’s important to clearly assess your specific threat. If you live near the sea, storm surges – where the sea spills inland – could be a significant threat, while flooding might pose a large risk if you live near a river – especially in the few days after Alfred passes. The highest rainfall is likely on Alfred’s southern flank from the Gold Coast down to northern New South Wales.

    Having enough food, water and medication is vital. Be ready to evacuate too, in case authorities deem it necessary. Check your local council’s disaster website, disaster apps and stay tuned to the ABC, which will run disaster alerts.

    The Bureau of Meteorology’s latest update on Cyclone Alfred’s path and likely impact, as of the morning of Wed 5th March.

    What should I do right now?

    If you’re in the danger zone, make preparations now, before the full intensity of the cyclone arrives.

    Tie down loose objects. Clean gutters to avoid overflow from torrential rain. And prepare your “go bag” – a bag of essentials you can throw in the car if authorities tell you to leave immediately. Don’t take too much – just the bare necessities.

    Buy an AM/FM radio and tune it to ABC National, as you cannot be sure mobile networks will function. Radio is a reliable way to get good information from the ABC, Australia’s designated emergency channel.

    Make sure the car is fuelled or charged. If you’ve got a generator, make sure you have fuel and the generator is positioned outside in a well-ventilated area. Water is often unreliable after disasters. Fill your bathtub or front-loader washing machine with water. Put containers of water in your freezer, to keep food cold if the power goes out and as another water source. Plan for days of power outages. Protect windows with plywood, heavy blankets or mattresses. Put a mattress between your car and garage roller door to stop it blowing in.

    Turn off gas, electricity and solar power.

    Authorities recommend using sandbags to reduce the chance of water getting in. You can get sacks from hardware stores or council-run emergency centres, if available, who also provide sand. You also need plastic sheeting.

    If there’s a shortage of sand, you can use garden soil or commercial bagged soil. If you can’t get sacks, large plastic shopping bags will do.

    Tape strong plastic sheeting around the door or low window where water might get in. This is the barrier that actually keeps water out – sandbags keep it in place.

    Fill sandbags and lay them like bricks. Lay one row, and lay the next row offset for strength.

    Sandbags are good, but they have limits. There’s little point in piling sandbags higher than about 30 centimetres. If floodwaters edge higher, water will get through.

    Many people have had the unpleasant experience of having effluent come back up through toilets during cyclones and subsequent flooding. To stop this, cover your toilet with plastic sheeting (directly on the porcelain) and put a sandbag on top for weight. Do the same for any drains where water might flow back up.

    To reduce water damage, put valuable or important items up high, atop tables or bunk beds or upstairs if you have a second storey.



    Read more:
    How to prepare for a cyclone, according to an expert

    What will it be like when Alfred hits?

    When the cyclone first hits, it can be overwhelming. The sound is like a roaring jet engine.

    If you haven’t been advised to evacuate by authorities, you will be sheltering in place.

    This means finding the safest room in the house, to avoid damage from flying objects. Choose the smallest room with the fewest windows – a bathroom or a room under the stairs. Basements are very safe, but will be the first affected by water.

    As the cyclone picks up intensity, set up inside this safe room with your pets and children. Do not leave this room until you have been told it’s safe by authorities.

    At the centre of strong cyclones is the eye of the storm, which we experience as a period of sudden calm. People often make the mistake of thinking it’s over. But in fact, it’s just a brief reprieve before the intense winds pick up again. Don’t make the mistake of leaving the house – check with authoritative sources.

    Cyclone Alfred is a slow-moving cyclone, which means you might be stuck inside for a while. Be prepared to be inside your house for up to 24 hours, even after the worst has passed. This is because there may well be downed powerlines with live electricity, broken glass, falling trees and so on.

    For your children (and yourself), being in the cyclone is frightening. Young kids find the sound chilling. You can play music through headphones to help soothe them. Board games, books and puzzles can help pass the time. You will need distraction. Have a bucket in the corner for emergency toilet needs.

    Keep track of the storm and any emerging dangers through your radio and internet-enabled phone (if still functioning).

    What if I have to evacuate?

    Authorities are working to set up evacuation centres for people whose homes may not be safe. Authorities will go door-to-door to tell affected residents to leave, as well as broadcasting the information on radio and online.

    You’re more likely to have to evacuate if your house is on low-lying land near the sea, as a storm surge is likely. How much water is pushed ashore will depend on the tide, but it could be as high as 70cm above the high tide line if we’re unlucky.

    Evacuations can happen after the cyclone too. Alfred is packing a lot of rain – up to a metre in some areas. That’s very likely to cause flooding, both flash floods and rivers breaking their banks.

    If you are asked to evacuate, you can go to the house of a friend or family member if it’s on higher ground and outside the flood risk zones. Or you can go to a local evacuation centre – check your council website to see where your closest one is. Take as little as possible with you.

    Many people who choose not to evacuate do so because they’re worried about their pets. This is risky. Some evacuation centres do take pets, so check now. If they don’t, look for other options with friends and family. Staying put after an evacuation order is dangerous.

    What will happen after the cyclone?

    Cyclone Alfred brings three threats: intense winds, high seas and heavy rain.

    After the intense winds die down, the seas will be dangerous for days after Alfred. There are coastal hazard warnings for about 1,000km of coastline.

    Cyclones also often decay into tropical low weather systems, which dump heavy rain for days. This is likely.

    As you move into recovery phase, don’t relax your guard. In far north Queensland, 16 people have now died after being infected with melioidosis, a bacterium found in mud. The bug is more prevalent after heavy rainfall.

    Wear protective gear such as gloves and face masks when dealing with water-damaged goods and mud, and pay close attention to the latest advice authorities are giving.

    But remember – don’t panic. We will get through this.

    Yetta Gurtner has received funding in the past from the Bureau of Meteorology. She is a community engagement officer with the Queensland State Emergency Services.

    – ref. ‘Don’t panic, do prepare’: why it’s not too late to plan for Cyclone Alfred – https://theconversation.com/dont-panic-do-prepare-why-its-not-too-late-to-plan-for-cyclone-alfred-251463

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Antarctica swift field tests to speed up avian influenza monitoring

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Sampling and timely testing for avian influenza in remote locations like Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands is now a step closer thanks the development of a portable laboratory, says Minister for Biosecurity Andrew Hoggard.Biosecurity New Zealand recently tested the ground-breaking equipment during a voyage to Antarctica on the icebreaker MV Argus.  
    “This was an incredible opportunity to be able to locate, sample and test for HPAI in the field under extreme conditions,” says Andrew Hoggard.HPAI H5N1 emerged in 2020 and has spread through most of the world. In February 2024, it was detected on the Antarctic peninsula. Affected species include brown skuas, Adélie penguins, snowy sheathbill and Antarctic fur seals.   “The benefit of this is that samples don’t need to be sent to a laboratory for testing, a process which can take weeks from remote locations like Antarctica. Instead, a confirmed result for HPAI H5N1 can be obtained within 48 hours of taking the sample.”The portable laboratory was set up aboard the MV Argus. Samples were collected from a skua carcass on Torgersen Island in the Palmer Archipelago before being tested aboard ship.“I understand that conditions were incredibly challenging to set up complex lab work, with the vessel having very limited space. But it was the ultimate test of the portable lab, and it proved to be a huge success.” Research stations in the area do not have sequencing capability and do not test for HPAI. If samples are taken, they are typically sent back to Australia for testing, which can take weeks.“Having the portable lab for remote locations like this means results can be obtained in the field – allowing faster more informed decisions on any next steps.  While HPAI H5N1 is still some distance from New Zealand, it’s important that we take a cautious approach.“We need to be prepared and have strong biosecurity practices in place. Everyone has a part to play.”Detailed information on how to prepare for HPAI H5N1 is here   

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets US Heritage Foundation founder Dr. Edwin Feulner

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-03-04
    President Lai attends opening ceremony of GCTF Workshop on Whole-of-Society Resilience Building, Preparation, and Response
    On the morning of March 4, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening ceremony of the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) Workshop on Whole-of-Society Resilience Building, Preparation, and Response. In remarks, President Lai stated that global challenges such as extreme weather, pandemics, and energy crises continue to emerge, and growing authoritarianism presents a grave threat to freedom-loving countries. These challenges have no borders, he said, and absolutely no single country can face them alone. The president said that as a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is both willing and able to contribute even more to the democracy, peace, and prosperity of the world, and that the GCTF is an important platform where Taiwan can make those contributions by sharing its experiences with the rest of the world. President Lai indicated that Taiwan will join the forces of the central and local governments to enhance social resilience across the board, enhance disaster response capabilities in the community, and leverage its strengths to make contributions to the international community. He said that we are demonstrating to the world our determination to create an even more resilient Taiwan, and expressed hope to advance mutual assistance and exchanges with all the countries involved, so that we can together promote stability and prosperity around the world. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: To begin, I would like to welcome more than 60 distinguished guests from 30 countries, as well as experts from Taiwan. You are all here for this GCTF workshop to discuss whole-of-society resilience building, preparation, and response. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is both willing and able to contribute even more to the democracy, peace, and prosperity of the world. The GCTF is an important platform where Taiwan can make those contributions by sharing its experiences with the rest of the world. I want to thank our full GCTF partners, the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada. Over the past several years, we have worked with even more countries through this framework and have expanded our exchanges into even more fields. Together, we have met all kinds of new challenges. I am confident that as our cooperation grows stronger, so will our ability to promote global progress. Each of today’s guests is contributing a vital force in that regard. I extend my sincere thanks to you all. Global challenges such as extreme weather, pandemics, and energy crises continue to emerge. And growing authoritarianism presents a grave threat to freedom-loving countries. These challenges have no borders, and absolutely no single country can face them alone. Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, and stands at the very frontline of the defense of democracy. With this joint workshop, we are demonstrating to the world our determination to create an even more resilient Taiwan. We are also aiming to advance our mutual assistance and exchanges with all the countries involved, so that we can make our societies more resilient and together promote stability and prosperity around the world. Moving forward, we will continue advancing the following three initiatives: First, we will join the forces of the central and local governments to enhance social resilience across the board. Just last year, I established the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee at the Presidential Office. Civilian force training, strategic material preparation, and critical infrastructure operation and maintenance are all key discussion areas for our committee. These aim to enhance Taiwan’s resilience in national defense, economic livelihoods, disaster prevention, and democracy. They are also items on the agenda for this GCTF workshop. To cover all the bases, Taiwan must unite and cooperate as a team. Last year, our committee held the very first cross-sector tabletop exercise at the Presidential Office which included central and local government officials as well as civilian observers. We aim to test the government’s emergency response capabilities in high-intensity gray-zone operations and near-conflict situations. We will continue to hold exercises to help the central and local governments work together more efficiently, and strengthen Taiwan’s overall disaster response capabilities. Second is to enhance disaster response capabilities in the community. We fully understand that to build whole-of-society resilience, we must help people increase risk awareness, know how to respond to disasters, and develop abilities to help themselves, help one another, and work together. We are grateful to the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) for collaborating with the Taiwan Development Association for Disaster Medical Teams to host “Take Action” workshops around the country since 2021. A 2.0 version is already in practice, and continues to train the public in first aid skills. Director of the AIT Taipei Office Raymond Greene and I took part in a Take Action event in New Taipei City last year and personally saw the positive outcomes of the training. In addition to the Take Action workshops, the government is also providing Disaster Relief Volunteer training for ages 11 to 89, and is continuing to expand its target audience. We have also set up Taiwan Community Emergency Response Teams at key facilities nationwide, enhancing the ability of these important facilities to respond independently to disasters. Civilian training will continue to be refined and expanded so that members of the public can serve as important partners in government-led disaster prevention and relief. Third, we will leverage Taiwan’s strengths to make contributions to the international community. The inspiration for our Disaster Relief Volunteer training comes from a similar program run by The Nippon Care-Fit Education Institute in Japan. I am confident that through exchanges like this workshop, Taiwan and other countries can also inspire one another in many areas, and enhance whole-of-society resilience in multiple ways. Taiwan also excels in information and communications and advanced technology. We will set up even more robust cybersecurity systems, expand usage of emerging technologies, and improve the ways we maintain domestic security. We hope that by leveraging our capabilities and sharing our experiences, Taiwan can contribute even more to the international community. I want to welcome all our partners once again, and thank AIT for co-hosting this event. Let’s continue down the path of advancing global security and developing resilience together. Because together, we can travel farther, and we can travel longer. Also in attendance at the event were Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Deputy Representative Takaba Yo, Australian Office in Taipei Representative Robert Fergusson, and Canadian Trade Office in Taipei Executive Director Jim Nickel.

    Details
    2025-02-24
    President Lai meets Japanese House of Representatives Member Tamaki Yuichiro
    On the afternoon of February 24, President Lai Ching-te met with Japanese House of Representatives Member Tamaki Yuichiro. In remarks, President Lai noted that Taiwan and Japan are important trading partners. The president expressed hope that, in addition to semiconductors, Taiwan and Japan can also bolster cooperation in the fields of hydrogen energy and drones and build non-red supply chains, thus creating economic win-win situations and maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and globally. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I would like to start by warmly welcoming Representative Tamaki on his first trip to Taiwan. Now is a key moment for the cooperative ties between Taiwan and Japan, and the fact that Representative Tamaki has chosen to take time out of his busy schedule to make this trip demonstrates his especially meaningful support for Taiwan. For this I want to express my deepest gratitude. At the beginning of this month, Japan and the United States held a summit meeting. In the post-summit joint leaders’ statement the government of Japan reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion, and expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. I would like to thank the government of Japan for these statements. Taiwan and Japan are both responsible members of the international community. I welcome an even firmer friendship between Japan and the US and hope to see cooperation among Taiwan, Japan, and the US become a solid force in consolidating peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. In addition to complex international conditions, we now also face the threat of China’s red supply chain. More and more countries are becoming increasingly concerned about such issues as economic security and supply chain resilience. As authoritarianism consolidates, democratic nations must also come closer in solidarity. Taiwan and Japan are important trading partners. I hope that, in addition to semiconductors, Taiwan and Japan can also bolster cooperation in the fields of hydrogen energy and drones, and that we can build non-red supply chains, thus creating economic win-win situations and maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and globally. Lastly, I would like once again to welcome Representative Tamaki to Taiwan and wish him a successful visit. I hope he departs Taiwan with a deep impression and that he will visit again. Representative Tamaki then delivered remarks, noting that this was his first visit to Taiwan and thanking President Lai and officials of the Taiwan government for their warm welcome. Pointing out that Taiwan-Japan ties are closer than ever thanks to the major efforts made on this front by President Lai since taking office, Representative Tamaki expressed his admiration and gratitude. Representative Tamaki pointed out that in a changing global landscape, Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region all face major changes, but he firmly believes that Taiwan-Japan relations will develop even further. Recalling President Lai’s previous remarks, the representative said that Japan and the US recently held a summit meeting that yielded important results. In the joint leaders’ statement, he noted, the two sides made a clear commitment regarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and firmly opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion. Representative Tamaki said that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the Komeito did not win a majority in last year’s House of Representatives general elections, while the number of seats held by his own Democratic Party for the People quadrupled. This result, he said, has filled him with a feeling of great responsibility. Moving forward, he intends to continue promoting Taiwan-Japan cooperation and strengthening relations. Also in attendance at the meeting was Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

    Details
    2025-02-21
    President Lai meets Abe Akie, wife of late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo of Japan
    On the morning of February 21, President Lai Ching-te met with Abe Akie, the wife of late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo of Japan. In remarks, President Lai thanked Mrs. Abe for carrying on the legacy of former Prime Minister Abe, being a benevolent and determined force for regional peace and prosperity, and calling on all parties to continue to place attention on peace in the Taiwan Strait. The president stated that Taiwan will carry on the legacy and spirit of former President Lee Teng-hui and former Prime Minister Abe, safeguard the values of freedom and democracy, and deepen the Taiwan-Japan friendship. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Last May, Mrs. Abe came to Taiwan to attend the inauguration ceremony for myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, and we reminisced about the past here at the Presidential Office. I would like to warmly welcome her back today. I am also delighted to be meeting with all guests in attendance. Yesterday, Mrs. Abe and I attended the opening of the very first Halifax Taipei forum, for which Mrs. Abe also delivered a keynote speech earlier today. In her speech, she offered valuable input on global security and democratic development. I would like to thank Mrs. Abe for making this special trip to Taiwan to take part, showing her strong support for Taiwan. Former Prime Minister Abe pioneered the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and called on the international community to pay attention to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific. These have become common strategic goals of democratic countries around the world and will have a far-reaching influence over international developments and Taiwan’s security. They were important contributions that former Prime Minister Abe made in regard to the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region. Recently, current Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and United States President Donald Trump held a meeting and jointly reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, as well as opposed unilateral changes to the status quo by force or coercion. They also expressed support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. This shows that Prime Minister Ishiba is furthering the legacy of former Prime Minister Abe. We are very grateful for the former prime minister’s friendship toward Taiwan, and to Mrs. Abe for carrying on his legacy. Mrs. Abe is a benevolent and determined force for regional peace and prosperity, and has called on all parties at numerous public venues to continue to place attention on peace in the Taiwan Strait. Last December, for instance, she traveled at the invitation of President Trump and his wife to the US, where she addressed cross-strait issues and spoke up for Taiwan. We were deeply moved by this. As authoritarian states continue to expand, Taiwan will keep working alongside like-minded nations such as Japan and the US, as well as the European Union, to jointly contribute to regional and global peace and prosperity. I look forward to continued advancement of regional peace and prosperity with the help of Mrs. Abe’s efforts. Mrs. Abe will also be meeting with daughter of former President Lee and Lee Teng-hui Foundation Chairperson Annie Lee (李安妮) tomorrow. Former President Lee and former Prime Minister Abe were both fully devoted to promoting Taiwan-Japan relations. We will carry on their legacy and spirit, safeguard the values of freedom and democracy, and deepen the Taiwan-Japan friendship. In closing, I wish you all a smooth and successful visit. Mrs. Abe then delivered remarks, first expressing her sincere thanks to President Lai for taking the time to meet. She said that former Prime Minister Abe hailed from Yamaguchi Prefecture, and that accompanying her that day were House of Councillors Member Kitamura Tsuneo, Yamaguchi Prefecture Governor Muraoka Tsugumasa, Yamaguchi Prefectural Assembly Deputy Speaker Shimata Noriaki, and many other important figures from Yamaguchi. If former Prime Minister Abe’s spirit could look upon this scene, she said, he would certainly be very pleased. Mrs. Abe recalled that when the former prime minister passed away, then-Vice President Lai traveled to their official residence to express his condolences and pay tribute. She said that she will never forget such a gesture of deep friendship, heartfelt condolences, and care. The year before last, she indicated, a memorial photo exhibition for former Prime Minister Abe was held in Taiwan, and many Taiwanese people from all walks of life came to view it. Last year, Mrs. Abe continued, she had the privilege of attending President Lai’s inauguration ceremony, where she met with many friends from Taiwan and personally felt the close and beautiful ties that Taiwan and Japan share. Mrs. Abe stated that she will carry out the wishes of former Prime Minister Abe and do her utmost to help raise Taiwan-Japan relations to new heights, saying that she looks forward to hearing the advice that President Lai and all those present have to offer. The delegation also included Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

    Details
    2025-02-20
    President Lai attends opening of 2025 Halifax Taipei forum
    On the afternoon of February 20, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening of the 2025 Halifax Taipei forum. In remarks, President Lai thanked the Halifax International Security Forum for their strong support for Taiwan, and for having chosen Taiwan as the first location outside North America to hold a forum. Noting that we face a complex global landscape, the president called on the international community to take action. He said that as authoritarianism consolidates, democratic nations must also come closer in solidarity, and called on the international community to create non-red global supply chains, as well as unite to usher in peace. President Lai emphasized that Taiwan will work toward maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and collaborate with democratic partners to form a global alliance for the AI chip industry and together greet a bright, new era. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: To begin, I want to give a warm welcome to all the distinguished guests here at the very first Halifax Taipei forum. The Halifax International Security Forum, held every year in Canada, has been an important gathering for freedom-loving nations worldwide. I would like to thank Halifax and President [Peter] Van Praagh for their strong support for Taiwan. Every year since 2018, Taiwan has been invited to participate in the forum. Last year, former President Tsai Ing-wen was invited to speak, and this year, Halifax has chosen Taiwan as the first location outside North America to hold a forum. As President Van Praagh has said, “While the security challenges ahead are too big for any single country to solve alone, there is no challenge that can’t be met when the world’s democracies work together.” Today, we have world leaders and experts who traveled from afar to be here, showing that they value and support Taiwan. It demonstrates solidarity among democracies and the determination to take on challenges as one. I would like to express my gratitude and admiration to all of you for serving as defenders of freedom. At this very moment, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is still ongoing. Authoritarian regimes including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran continue to consolidate. China is hurting economies around the world through its dumping practices. We face grave challenges to global economic order, democracy, freedom, peace, and stability. Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, directly facing an authoritarian threat. But we will not be intimidated. We will stand firm and safeguard our national sovereignty, maintain our free and democratic way of life, and uphold peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan cherishes peace, but we also have no delusions about peace. We will uphold the spirit of peace through strength, using concrete actions to build a stronger Taiwan and bolster the free and democratic community. I sincerely thank the international community for continuing to attach importance to the situation in the Taiwan Strait. Recently, US President Donald Trump and Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru issued a joint leaders’ statement expressing their firm support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and for Taiwan’s participation in international affairs. As we face a complex global landscape, I call on the international community to take the following actions: First, as authoritarianism consolidates, democratic nations must also come closer in solidarity. Just a few days ago, the top diplomats of the US, Japan, and South Korea held talks, underlining the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They also conveyed their stance against “any effort to destabilize democratic institutions, economic independence, and global security.” On these issues, Taiwan will also continue to contribute its utmost. I recently announced that we will prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP.  Soon after I assumed office last year, I formed the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee at the Presidential Office. This committee aims to combine the strengths of government and civil society to enhance our resilience in national defense, economic livelihoods, disaster prevention, and democracy. We will also deepen our strategic partnerships in the democratic community to mutually increase defense resilience, demonstrate deterrence, and achieve our goal of peace throughout the world. Second, let’s create non-red global supply chains.  For the democratic community to deter the expansion of authoritarianism, it must have strong technological capabilities. These can serve as the backbone of national defense, promote industrial development, and enhance economic resilience. So, in addressing China’s red supply chain and the impact of its dumping, Taiwan is willing and able to work with global democracies to maintain the technological strengths among our partners and build resilient non-red supply chains. As a major semiconductor manufacturing nation, Taiwan will introduce an initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies. We will collaborate with our democratic partners to form a global alliance for the AI chip industry and establish democratic supply chains for industries connected to high-end chips. The achievements of today’s semiconductor industry in Taiwan can be attributed to our collective efforts. Government, industry, academia, and research institutions had to overcome various challenges over the last 50 years for us to secure this position.  We hope Taiwan can serve as a base for linking the capabilities of our democratic partners so that each can play a suitable role in the semiconductor industry chain and develop its own strengths, deepening our mutually beneficial cooperation in technology. This benefits all of us. Moreover, it allows us to further enhance deterrence and maintain global security. Third, let’s unite to usher in peace. China has not stopped intimidating Taiwan politically and militarily. Last year, China launched several large-scale military exercises in the Taiwan Strait. Its escalation of gray-zone aggression now poses a grave threat to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will maintain the status quo. We will not seek conflict. Rather, we are willing to engage in dialogue with China, under the principles of parity and dignity, and work toward maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. As the agenda of this forum suggests, democracy and freedom create more than just opportunities; they also bring resilience, justice, partnerships, and security. Taiwan will continue working alongside its democratic partners to greet a bright, new era. Once again, a warm welcome to all of you. I wish this forum every success. Thank you. Also in attendance at the event were Mrs. Abe Akie, wife of the late former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo of Japan, and Halifax International Security Forum President Van Praagh.

    Details
    2025-02-18
    President Lai meets British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group delegation
    On the morning of February 18, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). In remarks, President Lai thanked the delegation members, the Parliament of the United Kingdom, and the UK government for continuing to demonstrate support for Taiwan through a variety of means. He also stated that Taiwan-UK relations have advanced significantly in recent years, noting that the Taiwan-UK Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) is the first institutionalized economic and trade framework signed between Taiwan and any European country. The president said he looks forward to continuing to deepen Taiwan-UK relations and jointly maintaining regional and global peace and stability, and indicated that together, we can create win-win developments for both Taiwan and the UK and Taiwan and European nations. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: This is the first UK parliamentary delegation of the current session to visit Taiwan. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincerest welcome to you all. APPG Chair Sarah Champion visited Taiwan last May to attend the inauguration ceremony of myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao. In July, she also attended the annual summit of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), which was held in Taipei. I am delighted that we are meeting once again. Taiwan-UK relations have advanced significantly in recent years. I would especially like to thank our distinguished guests, as well as the UK Parliament and government, for continuing to demonstrate support for Taiwan through a variety of means. For example, the House of Commons held a debate on Taiwan’s international status last November. After the debate, a motion was unanimously passed affirming that United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 does not mention Taiwan. Responding to the motion, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Catherine West stated that the UK opposes any attempt to broaden the interpretation of the resolution to rewrite history. This highlighted concrete progress in Taiwan-UK bilateral relations. I would also like to thank the UK Parliament and government for openly opposing on multiple occasions any unilateral change to the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, and for emphasizing that the security of the Indo-Pacific and transatlantic regions is closely intertwined. We look forward to continuing to deepen Taiwan-UK relations and jointly maintaining regional and global peace and stability. Together, we can create win-win developments for both Taiwan and the UK and Taiwan and European nations. For example, the Taiwan-UK ETP is the first institutionalized economic and trade framework signed between Taiwan and any European country. We hope to swiftly conclude negotiations on signing sub-arrangements on investment, digital trade, and energy and net-zero transition. This will facilitate even more exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and the UK. We also hope that the UK will continue to support Taiwan’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Together, we can build even more resilient global supply chains and further contribute to global prosperity and development. I believe that this visit adds to a strong and solid foundation for future Taiwan-UK cooperation. Thank you once again for backing Taiwan. I wish you a fruitful and successful visit. Chair Champion then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for his warm welcome and for the hospitality he has shown to her and the delegation, and thanking Taiwan’s excellent team of officials for their care and attention. Chair Champion expressed that she thinks the IPAC conference held in Taiwan at the end of July last year was very significant, with legislators from 23 countries coming to show support for Taiwan, adding that that is something they have built on since the conference. She stated that she is also very proud that the UK Parliament supported the motion which made very clear that UNGA Resolution 2758 is specific to China and only to China, expressing that it was important and powerful that they recognize that. The chair went on to say that after the UK’s general election, more than half of the members of parliament are now new. She said she is very proud that there are new MPs as part of the delegation, and that she hopes it gives President Lai reassurance that their commitment to Taiwan is still there.  Chair Champion emphasized that the all-party group is important because it is indeed all-party, and that they work together for their common interests, stating that the common interest for the UK and for the world is to maintain Taiwan’s sovereignty. She also noted that the United States has now come out very much in support of Taiwan, which she said she hopes encourages other countries around the world to do the same. Chair Champion said that the UK will be going into the 27th trade negotiation with Taiwan, and that they hope the partnership that develops is very fruitful. The chair closed by saying that it is wonderful for the delegation to be meeting President Lai, as well as legislators and ministers, and to be understanding more about the culture of Taiwan so that they can build a deeper, longer-lasting friendship. The delegation also included Lord Purvis of Tweed of the House of Lords and Members of Parliament Ben Spencer, Helena Dollimore, Noah Law, and David Reed. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Political and Communications Director at the British Office in Taipei Natasha Harrington.  

    Details
    2025-02-14
    President Lai holds press conference following high-level national security meeting
    On the morning of February 14, President Lai Ching-te convened the first high-level national security meeting of the year, following which he held a press conference. In remarks, President Lai announced that in this new year, the government will prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that Taiwan’s defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. He stated that the government will also continue to reform national defense, reform our legal framework for national security, and advance our economic and trade strategy of being rooted in Taiwan while expanding globally. The president also proposed clear-cut national strategies for Taiwan-US relations, semiconductor industry development, and cross-strait relations. President Lai indicated that he instructed the national security and administrative teams to take swift action and deliver results, working within a stable strategic framework and according to the various policies and approaches outlined. He also instructed them to keep a close watch on changes in the international situation, seize opportunities whenever they arise, and address the concerns and hope of the citizens with concrete actions. He expressed hope that as long as citizens remain steadfast in their convictions, are willing to work hand in hand, stand firm amidst uncertainty, and look for ways to win within changing circumstances, Taiwan is certain to prevail in the test of time yet again. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, I would like to convey my condolences for the tragic incident which occurred at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung, which resulted in numerous casualties. I have instructed Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) to lead the relevant central government agencies in assisting Taichung’s municipal government with actively resolving various issues regarding the incident. It is my hope that these issues can be resolved efficiently. Earlier today, I convened this year’s first high-level national security meeting. I will now report on the discussions from the meeting to all citizens. 2025 is a year full of challenges, but also a year full of hope. In today’s global landscape, the democratic world faces common threats posed by the convergence of authoritarian regimes, while dumping and unfair competition from China undermine the global economic order. A new United States administration was formed at the beginning of the year, adopting all-new strategies and policies to address challenges both domestic and from overseas. Every nation worldwide, including ours, is facing a new phase of changes and challenges. In face of such changes, ensuring national security, ensuring Taiwan’s indispensability in global supply chains, and ensuring that our nation continues to make progress amidst challenges are our top priorities this year. They are also why we convened a high-level national security meeting today. At the meeting, the national security team, the administrative team led by Premier Cho, and I held an in-depth discussion based on the overall state of affairs at home and abroad and the strategies the teams had prepared in response. We summed up the following points as an overall strategy for the next stage of advancing national security and development. First, for overall national security, so that we can ensure the freedom, democracy, and human rights of the Taiwanese people, as well as the progress and development of the nation as we face various threats from authoritarian regimes, Taiwan must resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, strengthen self-sufficiency in national defense, and consolidate national defense. Taiwan must enhance economic resilience, maintain economic autonomy, and stand firm with other democracies as we deepen our strategic partnerships with like-minded countries. As I have said, “As authoritarianism consolidates, democratic nations must come closer in solidarity!” And so, in this new year, we will focus on the following three priorities: First, to demonstrate our resolve for national defense, we will continue to reform national defense, implement whole-of-society defense resilience, and prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. Second, to counter the threats to our national security from China’s united front tactics, attempts at infiltration, and cognitive warfare, we will continue with the reform of our legal framework for national security and expand the national security framework to boost societal resilience and foster unity within. Third, to seize opportunities in the restructuring of global supply chains and realignment of the economic order, we will continue advancing our economic and trade strategy of being rooted in Taiwan while expanding globally, strengthening protections for high-tech, and collaborating with our friends and allies to build supply chains for global democracies. Everyone shares concern regarding Taiwan-US relations, semiconductor industry development, and cross-strait relations. For these issues, I am proposing clear-cut national strategies. First, I will touch on Taiwan-US relations. Taiwan and the US have shared ideals and values, and are staunch partners within the democratic, free community. We are very grateful to President Donald Trump’s administration for their continued support for Taiwan after taking office. We are especially grateful for the US and Japan’s joint leaders’ statement reiterating “the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity for the international community,” as well as their high level of concern regarding China’s threat to regional security. In fact, the Democratic Progressive Party government has worked very closely with President Trump ever since his first term in office, and has remained an international partner. The procurement of numerous key advanced arms, freedom of navigation critical for security and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and many assisted breakthroughs in international diplomacy were made possible during this time. Positioned in the first island chain and on the democratic world’s frontline countering authoritarianism, Taiwan is willing and will continue to work with the US at all levels as we pursue regional stability and prosperity, helping realize our vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Although changes in policy may occur these next few years, the mutual trust and close cooperation between Taiwan and Washington will steadfastly endure. On that, our citizens can rest assured. In accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, the US announced a total of 48 military sales to Taiwan over the past eight years amounting to US$26.265 billion. During President Trump’s first term, 22 sales were announced totaling US$18.763 billion. This greatly supported Taiwan’s defensive capabilities. On the foundation of our close cooperation with the past eight years’ two US administrations, Taiwan will continue to demonstrate our determination for self-defense, accelerate the bolstering of our national defense, and keep enhancing the depth and breadth of Taiwan-US security cooperation, along with all manner of institutional cooperation. In terms of bilateral economic cooperation, Taiwan has always been one of the US’s most reliable trade partners, as well as one of the most important cooperative partners of US companies in the global semiconductor industry. In the past few years, Taiwan has greatly increased both direct and indirect investment in the US. By 2024, investment surpassed US$100 billion, creating nearly 400,000 job opportunities. In 2023 and 2024, investment in the US accounted for over 40 percent of Taiwan’s overall foreign investment, far surpassing our investment in China. In fact, in 2023 and 2024, Taiwanese investment in China fell to 11 percent and 8 percent, respectively. The US is now Taiwan’s biggest investment target. Our government is now launching relevant plans in accordance with national development needs and the need to establish secure supply systems, and the Executive Yuan is taking comprehensive inventory of opportunities for Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation. Moving forward, close bilateral cooperation will allow us to expand US investment and procurement, facilitating balanced trade. Our government will also strengthen guidance and support for Taiwanese enterprises on increasing US investment, and promote the global expansion and growth of Taiwan’s industries. We will also boost Taiwan-US cooperation in tech development and manufacturing for AI and advanced semiconductors, and work together to maintain order in the semiconductor market, shaping a new era for our strategic economic partnership. Second, the development of our semiconductor industry. I want to emphasize that Taiwan, as one of the world’s most capable semiconductor manufacturing nations, is both willing and able to address new situations. With respect to President Trump’s concerns about our semiconductor industry, the government will act prudently, strengthen communications between Taiwan and the US, and promote greater mutual understanding. We will pay attention to the challenges arising from the situation and assist businesses in navigating them. In addition, we will introduce an initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies. We are willing to collaborate with the US and our other democratic partners to develop more resilient and diversified semiconductor supply chains. Leveraging our strengths in cutting-edge semiconductors, we will form a global alliance for the AI chip industry and establish democratic supply chains for industries connected to high-end chips. Through international cooperation, we will open up an entirely new era of growth in the semiconductor industry. As we face the various new policies of the Trump administration, we will continue to uphold a spirit of mutual benefit, and we will continue to communicate and negotiate closely with the US government. This will help the new administration’s team to better understand how Taiwan is an indispensable partner in the process of rebuilding American manufacturing and consolidating its leadership in high-tech, and that Taiwan-US cooperation will benefit us both. Third, cross-strait relations. Regarding the regional and cross-strait situation, Taiwan-US relations, US-China relations, and interactions among Taiwan, the US, and China are a focus of global attention. As a member of the international democratic community and a responsible member of the region, Taiwan hopes to see Taiwan-US relations continue to strengthen and, alongside US-China relations, form a virtuous cycle rather than a zero-sum game where one side’s gain is another side’s loss. In facing China, Taiwan will always be a responsible actor. We will neither yield nor provoke. We will remain resilient and composed, maintaining our consistent position on cross-strait relations: Our determination to safeguard our national sovereignty and protect our free and democratic way of life remains unchanged. Our efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, as well as our willingness to work alongside China in the pursuit of peace and mutual prosperity across the strait, remain unchanged. Our commitment to promoting healthy and orderly exchanges across the strait, choosing dialogue over confrontation, and advancing well-being for the peoples on both sides of the strait, under the principles of parity and dignity, remains unchanged. Regarding the matters I reported to the public today, I have instructed our national security and administrative teams to take swift action and deliver results, working within a stable strategic framework and according to the various policies and approaches I just outlined. I have also instructed them to keep a close watch on changes in the international situation, seize opportunities whenever they arise, and address the concerns and hope of the citizens with concrete actions. My fellow citizens, over the past several years, Taiwan has weathered a global pandemic and faced global challenges, both political and economic, arising from the US-China trade war and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Through it all, Taiwan has persevered; we have continued to develop our economy, bolster our national strength, and raise our international profile while garnering more support – all unprecedented achievements. This is all because Taiwan’s fate has never been decided by the external environment, but by the unity of the Taiwanese people and the resolve to never give up. A one-of-a-kind global situation is creating new strategic opportunities for our one-of-a-kind Taiwanese people, bringing new hope. Taiwan’s foundation is solid; its strength is great. So as long as everyone remains steadfast in their convictions, is willing to work hand in hand, stands firm amidst uncertainty, and looks for ways to win within changing circumstances, Taiwan is certain to prevail in the test of our time yet again, for I am confident that there are no difficulties that Taiwan cannot overcome. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Concern for welfare – Missing person – Tiwi Islands

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force holds concerns for a 59-year-old man, Barry Kantilla who went missing near Tarntipi Bush Camp on Bathurst Island yesterday afternoon.

    Around 3pm, police received reports of the man who went missing nearby Tarntipi Bush Camp. He was travelling with a group who were collecting wood for carving at a local art centre in Wurrumiyanga and did not return.

    Police hold concerns due to his medical conditions.

    He is described as of Aboriginal appearance, slight build and was last seen wearing a grey shirt, blue shorts and tan coloured boots.

    The local members have continued searching overnight whilst resourcing from the Search and Rescue Section deployed overnight to coordinate further resources. This includes aerial and land based assets to locate the man.

    If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of the man police urge you to contact 131 444.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 23

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 23
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    925 PM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Eastern Alabama
    Western Georgia

    * Effective this Tuesday night and Wednesday morning from 925 PM
    until 300 AM CST.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
    A tornado or two possible

    SUMMARY…A line of storms will continue to pose a risk for wind
    damage, and possibly a brief tornado risk, from eastern Alabama into
    western Georgia.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 45
    statute miles east and west of a line from 50 miles northwest of
    Rome GA to 20 miles east southeast of Troy AL. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU3).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 22…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    0.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 450. Mean storm motion vector
    24040.

    …Guyer

    SEL3

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 23
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    925 PM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Eastern Alabama
    Western Georgia

    * Effective this Tuesday night and Wednesday morning from 925 PM
    until 300 AM CST.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
    A tornado or two possible

    SUMMARY…A line of storms will continue to pose a risk for wind
    damage, and possibly a brief tornado risk, from eastern Alabama into
    western Georgia.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 45
    statute miles east and west of a line from 50 miles northwest of
    Rome GA to 20 miles east southeast of Troy AL. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU3).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 22…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    0.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 450. Mean storm motion vector
    24040.

    …Guyer

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW3
    WW 23 SEVERE TSTM AL GA 050325Z – 050900Z
    AXIS..45 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    50NW RMG/ROME GA/ – 20ESE TOI/TROY AL/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 40NM E/W /32W GQO – 42SE MGM/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..0.5 INCH. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 450. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24040.

    LAT…LON 34868500 31768494 31768647 34868659

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

    Watch 23 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (20%)

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

    Low (5%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (10%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Low ( 2 inches

    Low (

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Cyclone Alfred is bearing down. Here’s how it grew so fierce – and where it’s expected to hit

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steve Turton, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography, CQUniversity Australia

    Bureau of Meteorology, Himawari-9 satellite, CC BY-SA

    Tropical Cyclone Alfred is strengthening as it bears down on the coast of southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, prompting fears it may become a destructive category 3 cyclone before it makes landfall.

    As of Wednesday, the cyclone was a category 2 and had begun moving west towards land. It is forecast to maintain intensity on Thursday and cross the coast early on Friday morning, probably between Maroochydore and Coolangatta.

    According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the possibility of the system reaching a low-end category 3 was a low risk but “cannot be ruled out”.

    The bureau has issued warnings from Double Island Point in Queensland to Grafton in NSW. The area includes Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay and Ballina.

    Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says modelling shows 20,000 properties in Brisbane could be affected by storm surge or flooding.

    The intensifying cyclone is a major concern, and makes Cyclone Alfred an unusual phenomenon. Cyclones typically lose strength as they approach the coast – especially this far south. It means Alfred may cause extensive damage, including to inland areas. We can expect it to last well into Friday before petering out and heading south on Saturday.

    What to expect in the next few days

    From Wednesday afternoon and into Thursday, the bureau forecasts gales, with damaging wind gusts to 120km an hour, along the coast from southeast Queensland to northeast NSW.

    From Thursday afternoon, destructive wind gusts of up to 155km an hour may develop around the coast and islands as Alfred’s “destructive core” approaches and crosses the coast, the bureau says.

    If Alfred crosses the coast on Friday morning during high tide, it may cause a dangerous storm surge along the coast, especially in waterfront suburbs near and south of the cyclone’s centre. This may inundate low-lying areas, such as canal communities of the Gold Coast.

    In Brisbane, peak storm surges are expected from Thursday onwards. Some 20,000 properties have been warned of impacts ranging from minor inundation in yards to significant flooding inside homes. Areas most at risk include Nudgee Beach, Brighton, Windsor, Ashgrove, Morningside and Rocklea.

    Damaging surf may also cause serious erosion at open beaches between Sandy Cape and Grafton, and further south into NSW.

    From Thursday, residents in southeastern Queensland and northeastern NSW have been told to expect heavy to intense rain. It may lead to life-threatening flash flooding – again, near and south of the cyclone centre.

    Northern NSW has already been hit by devastating flooding in recent years, most recently in February 2022. Many of its settlements, including Lismore, are along or close to major river courses. Residents are understandably anxious about what the next few days may bring.

    The bureau released the below map on Wednesday morning. It shows the bureau’s best estimate of the cyclone’s future movement and intensity.

    The grey zone indicates the range of tracks the cyclone centre may follow. The bureau says winds will almost certainly extend to regions outside the rings on this map.

    Cyclone Alfred tracking map released by the Bureau of Meteorology on Wednesday morning shows it circling of the coast of southeast Queensland.
    BoM

    Why is Alfred so fired up?

    Cyclone Alfred has been meandering off Queensland’s coast for almost two weeks. Unusually, it has maintained its cyclonic structure and intensity much further south than is typical.

    Over the past two days, unique atmospheric and oceanic conditions have allowed Cyclone Alfred to intensify.

    It moved towards an area of warmer coastal water (around 27°C), which caused it to strengthen. It also moved into an area of reduced “vertical wind shear” – a variation in wind speed running at right angles to prevailing winds, which often acts to weaken a cyclone.

    Image showing high sea surface temperatures which are fuelling the cyclone.
    BoM

    Usually, cyclones in this part of Australian waters may brush the coast, but are soon pulled south or east by an upper trough of cold air and then flicked away into the cooler waters of the Tasman Sea – to an area known as the “cyclone graveyard”.

    The current situation is unusual because that upper trough is absent. At the same time, a high pressure system in the Tasman Sea is steering the cyclone towards the coast.

    The big question now is whether Alfred reaches category 3 – that is, very destructive winds of 165–224km per hour.

    Should the cyclone’s forward motion towards the coast slow, it raises the chances of becoming a category 3 storm. That’s because it would spend more time passing over the warm area of coastal water.

    Category 3 winds are likely to cause significant structural damage to some buildings. Brisbane is, to some extent, sheltered from the winds by offshore islands. Other areas, such as the Gold Coast, do not have such protections.

    How long will the cyclone last?

    As I write, gales are starting to rake the coast – including where I live, on the Sunshine Coast. Conditions will continue to deteriorate this afternoon and into tonight.

    The cyclone will bring gale-force winds to a large area of coastline – from Double Island Point in the north to potentially as far south as Coffs Harbour.

    By Thursday afternoon, conditions on land and just offshore will be pretty rough. If the cyclone keeps travelling at a constant speed, it will cross the coast in the early hours of Friday morning.

    This is less than ideal. It will be dark and people can’t see what’s going on. But there is much affected communities can do to prepare, as outlined here.

    For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, go to Get Ready Queensland. For emergency assistance call the State Emergency Service (SES) in NSW or Queensland on 132 500.

    A Bureau of Meteorology update on Cyclone Alfred dated March 5.

    Steve Turton has previously received funding from the federal government.

    – ref. Cyclone Alfred is bearing down. Here’s how it grew so fierce – and where it’s expected to hit – https://theconversation.com/cyclone-alfred-is-bearing-down-heres-how-it-grew-so-fierce-and-where-its-expected-to-hit-251358

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Boosting job opportunities for people with disability – New grants under the Structural Adjustment Fund

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    Good morning. It’s great to be with you all today and thank you for showing me around this incredible workplace. 

    I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we meet, the Kaurna peoples, and pay my respects to elders past and present. 

    I extend that acknowledgement to all First Nations people here today.

    I would also like to acknowledge today:

    • Myron Mann, Bedford CEO
    • Janet Miller, Bedford Board Chair
    • Erin McCarthy, Bedford Deputy Board Chair, and
    • the executive, staff and employees at Bedford.

    The Albanese Labor Government is deeply committed to creating a more inclusive society where all Australians with disability have the chance to fully participate and thrive in all aspects of community life – and this includes employment.

    Australians with disability can and want to work. 

    They bring talent, curiosity, and fresh perspectives to our workplaces. 

    But we also know that people with disability with high support needs face many barriers to finding and keeping employment.  

    My focus as Minister for Social Services and the NDIS is to break down these barriers and create real opportunities – because when we provide the right support, everyone benefits. 

    Organisations like Bedford have a huge role in opening up the world of work to people with disability.

    By transforming business models and providing opportunities for employees to upskill, try different types of work, get promoted or move into open employment – outcomes for people with disability can be improved.

    And that’s why evolving the supported employment sector is so important. 

    We need to move away from static models of service delivery – to approaches that are inclusive, collaborative, and evolve to provide more opportunities and pathways to open employment for people with disability.

    We need organisations that make sure people with high support needs are empowered to forge their own paths in life. 

    I see that in action here today at Cultivate, backed by Bedford, which is providing jobs and pathways for people with barriers to employment, including disability. 

    We need more of these integrated workplaces in Australia. 

    And that’s what our Albanese Labor Government’s Structural Adjustment Fund is all about. It is about directly improving employment options available to people with disability with high support needs and helping supported employment providers to adjust their services so they are better at what they do. 

    Better at:

    • boosting training and skills for people with disability
    • creating and expanding pathways to open employment
    • creating new sustainable employment opportunities
    • building skills and training and coaching
    • tailoring plans to meet employees’ goals and aspirations, and
    • connecting with the community.

    Last year, I announced 30 supported employment organisations would benefit from a $14.5 million investment under round one of the Fund.

    Today, I am very proud to announce the second round of grants. Another 33 organisations will share an additional $14.6 million in funding. 

    Over in Lismore in NSW, we’re funding an accessible café that will be a training hub for people with disability. 

    In the Kimberley region of WA, we are funding a social enterprise that creates sustainable employment and training in horticulture and farming for people with high support needs. 

    And here in South Australia, we’re proud to provide Bedford with funding to deliver their Bedford Rangers program. 

    They will build on a trial they delivered with RM Williams to host employment in mainstream workplaces, with an employment coach to create individualised pathways to open employment for supported employees.

    This is a really wonderful program – delivering real results.

    And Bedford are also receiving funding for the Pathways Hub – which will offer discovery and customised employment, vocational assessment, career navigation and transition support for supported employees wanting to take on different employment opportunities.

    This project will feed into resources that will be made available through our new Centre for Inclusive Employment. 

    The Centre, previously known as the Disability Employment Centre of Excellence, will be an evidence-informed, best-practice hub that provides resources, tools, and training to help providers deliver quality employment services for people with disability.

    Thank you to all of Bedford’s leadership and staff for your innovation and commitment to Australians with disability. 

    There’s about 16,000 Australians with disability who currently participate in supported employment; supported by organisations like Bedford.

    And our targeted funding is about helping this sector thrive – so that Australians with disability thrive and participate fully in our communities.

    Round 2 of the Structural Adjustment Funding is really exciting and will complement our Government’s new specialist disability employment program – Inclusive Employment Australia. 

    Inclusive Employment Australia will start later this year and has been designed to shift relationships between providers and participants from administrative and compliance based to one that is built on mutual respect and trust.

    The new program recognises that people with disability may be at different stages of their employment journey – and that a one size fits all approach doesn’t work.

    It rightly puts the needs of people with disability at the centre of disability employment services and employers as key partners.

    Our Government believes that if a person with disability needs help to find employment – support should be available.

    And that’s why we will also expand eligibility to volunteers and people with disability with a work capacity of less than 8 hours per week.

    And this change to eligibility will help to create more pathways from supported to open employment – and complement the important work of projects under this Fund.

    Like you – my focus is on boosting disability employment and opening more opportunities for people with disability who can and want to work.

    And only by working with the disability community, and providers like Bedford, will we ensure that people with disability have opportunities to work like other Australians. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Councils should apply flexibility to keep shelves stocked as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Councils should apply flexibility to keep shelves stocked as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches

    Published: 5 March 2025

    Statement by: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

    The Minns Government is asking councils to take into consideration the need for additional supply chain support when responding to any complaints about operations at warehouses and distribution centres, wholesale and retail centres.

    As the community prepares for the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the NSW Government is asking councils to be considerate of the exceptional circumstances and support supermarkets and other essential retailers to help keep their shelves stocked.

    The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and its regulation authorises councils to take compliance action in response to breaches of conditions of a development consent relating to operating hours, noise limits and vehicle movement caps.

    We are reminding councils they also have discretion in choosing whether to exercise their enforcement powers. This includes considering the temporary nature of any breach, the low level of harm caused and the broader public interest in restoring supply chains.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Next steps toward a sustainable community broadcasting sector

    Source: Australian Ministers for Infrastructure and Transport

    The Albanese Government today welcomes the report of the Community Broadcasting Sector Sustainability Review, which provides findings and recommendations to government and industry on supporting this vital media sector into the future.
     
    An election commitment, the Sustainability Review forms part of the Government’s efforts to work with the sector to identify a sustainable funding basis – recognising the important role of community broadcasters in contributing to local stories and media diversity.
     
    The review was undertaken in two phases, commencing in March 2023 with an independent evaluation of the Government’s Community Broadcasting Program (CBP), followed by the release of a discussion paper in June 2024 and extensive public consultation, including with industry and sector peak bodies.
     
    The report outlines four recommendations for Government consideration across the three priority areas of CBP funding, structure and outcomes; legislative and regulatory changes; and First Nations funding and licensing.
     
    The review found a reliance on CBP funding by some community broadcasters in the face of decreasing revenue and increasing operational costs. The report identifies opportunities to make the program more effective through reconsideration of funding priorities, processes and outcomes.
     
    The report also examines potential reforms to support the sector to modernise its operations, as well as outlining specific issues and potential solutions in relation to the First Nations broadcasting and media sector.
     
    A further three recommendations are directed at industry, highlighting scope for peak bodies to offer additional assistance and reflecting the shared responsibility of government, funding bodies, sector peak bodies and community broadcasters to support the sustainability of the sector.
     
    The Government is firmly committed to ensuring Australians continue to benefit from a strong and sustainable community broadcasting sector, recently announcing an additional $27 million investment. This comprises $15 million through the CBP, including $3 million to support community television, and $12 million for the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Program.
     
    The Government will consider the report and work with stakeholders to progress the findings.
     
    To read the Community Broadcasting Sector Sustainability Review report, visit Community Broadcasting Sector Sustainability Review.
     
    Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
     
    “Community broadcasting is at the heart of local communities, providing millions of Australians with localised and diverse news, information and entertainment. It’s vital to a strong and healthy media landscape.
     
    “That’s why we committed to undertaking this review, working closely with industry to identify the best way forward to ensure the community broadcasting sector is sustainable into the future.
     
    “We will now consider the report findings as we continue to support community broadcasting and First Nations media, delivering $27 million in additional funding over the next three years.”
     
    Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy:
     
    “The First Nations broadcasting and media sector is a vital community resource, promoting connection to culture and language and supporting access to important information and services.
     
    “We will closely consider the report’s recommendations with a view to ensuring First Nations journalists, broadcasters and media get the support they need – now and in the years to come.
     
    “These efforts build on our $12 million investment through the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Program, which recognises and supports the important work of First Nations media.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Pygmy rhino, elephants and endangered species come to life in Canberra’s City Centre

    Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory



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

    Released 03/03/2025

    The City Renewal Authority invites Canberrans and visitors to immerse themselves in a new, free, serene, and sensory experience titled ‘The Nature of Things’.

    Glebe Park has been transformed into an enchanted woodland for an outdoor, family-friendly event designed to reconnect us with the natural world. The wonders of nature will come to life through unique soundscapes, illuminations, and interactive life-sized puppet performances by renowned storytellers, Erth Visual and Physical Inc.

    “The Nature of Things will entertain and educate audiences about the fascinating natural world around us,” said Scott Wright, Artistic Director of Erth Visual and Physical Inc.

    “Erth has created ‘Fauna’, a beautiful new illuminated puppet specially for this year’s event. Three times each night she will invite audiences to join her in awakening the other animals secretly inhabiting the park – a Sumatran pygmy rhino, an elephant and her calf, a Himalayan white tiger, koalas, sharks and more.

    “Audiences are encouraged to raise their voices to help sing these animals to life, but you’ll also need to listen closely. We’ve been recording the sounds of trees as they draw nutrients from the earth, and you’ll have the chance to tap into the secret sounds of the forest.

    “We’re thrilled to be working with emerging young artists from the Canberra Youth Theatre for our third consecutive year and can’t wait to share this experience.”

    Event details: The Nature of Things

    • What: A free outdoor experience featuring interactive life-sized puppet performances, sounds and illuminations that tells the story of nature, animals, and endangered creatures.
    • Where: Glebe Park (Corner of Akuna and Bunda Street).
    • When: Nightly, 5pm-10pm, until Monday, 10 March 2025.
    • Cost: Free, with food and beverage vendors trading.

    The free Enlighten shuttle bus runs every twenty minutes to connect the Festival Hub in the National Triangle with Canberra’s City Centre and Glebe Park.

    The City Renewal Authority is collaborating with Events ACT to expand the Enlighten Festival into the City Centre as part of Enlighten: Beyond.

    Free and low-cost activities encourage people to shop, eat and get out and about which provide social and economic benefits to the community. Events such as these create a great experience for Canberrans and visitors and contribute to a more exciting City Centre.

    – Statement ends –

    | Media Releases

    Media Contacts

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Taskforce Raven charge man with 26 offences

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Taskforce Raven charge man with 26 offences

    Wednesday, 5 March 2025 – 1:17 pm.

    A 40 year old Hadspen man has been charged with 26 offences following a targeted operation involving Taskforce Raven yesterday.
    Taskforce members, with the support of specialist police resources and Westbury Uniform officers, located and arrested the man at an address in Moltema on Tuesday 4 March.
    The man has since been charged with multiple offences including evade police (aggravated circumstances), reckless driving, burglary, stealing, breach of bail, possess counterfeit money, drive whilst disqualified, and minor drug offences.
    He was detained to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court last night.
    Taskforce Raven will continue to target recidivist offenders across the Northern District.
    If you have information for the taskforce, you can contact 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What’s the difference between wholemeal and wholegrain bread? Not a whole lot

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Margaret Murray, Senior Lecturer, Nutrition, Swinburne University of Technology

    Phish Photography/Shutterstock

    If you head to the shops to buy bread, you’ll face a variety of different options.

    But it can be hard to work out the difference between all the types on sale.

    For instance, you might have a vague idea that wholemeal or wholegrain bread is healthy. But what’s the difference?

    Here’s what we know and what this means for shoppers in Australia and New Zealand.

    Let’s start with wholemeal bread

    According to Australian and New Zealand food standards, wholemeal bread is made from flour containing all parts of the original grain (endosperm, germ and bran) in their original proportions.

    Because it contains all parts of the grain, wholemeal bread is typically darker in colour and slightly more brown than white bread, which is made using only the endosperm.

    Wholemeal flour is made from all parts of the grain.
    Rerikh/Shutterstock

    How about wholegrain bread?

    Australian and New Zealand food standards define wholegrain bread as something that contains either the intact grain (for instance, visible grains) or is made from processed grains (flour) where all the parts of the grain are present in their original proportions.

    That last part may sound familiar. That’s because wholegrain is an umbrella term that encompasses both bread made with intact grains and bread made with wholemeal flour. In other words, wholemeal bread is a type of wholegrain bread, just like an apple is a type of fruit.

    Don’t be confused by labels such as “with added grains”, “grainy” or “multigrain”. Australian and New Zealand food standards don’t define these so manufacturers can legally add a small amount of intact grains to white bread to make the product appear healthier. This doesn’t necessarily make these products wholegrain breads.

    So unless a product is specifically called wholegrain bread, wholemeal bread or indicates it “contains whole grain”, it is likely to be made from more refined ingredients.

    Which one’s healthier?

    So when thinking about which bread to choose, both wholemeal and wholegrain breads are rich in beneficial compounds including nutrients and fibre, more so than breads made from further-refined flour, such as white bread.

    The presence of these compounds is what makes eating wholegrains (including wholemeal bread) beneficial for our overall health. Research has also shown eating wholegrains helps reduce the risk of common chronic diseases, such as heart disease.

    The table below gives us a closer look at the nutritional composition of these breads, and shows some slight differences.

    Wholegrain bread is slightly higher in fibre, protein, niacin (vitamin B3), iron, zinc, phosphorus and magnesium than wholemeal bread. But wholegrain bread is lower in carbohydrates, thiamin (vitamin B1) and folate (vitamin B9).

    However the differences are relatively small when considering how these contribute to your overall dietary intake.

    Which one should I buy?

    Next time you’re shopping, look for a wholegrain bread (one made from wholemeal flour that has intact grains and seeds throughout) as your number one choice for fibre and protein, and to support overall health.

    If you can’t find wholegrain bread, wholemeal bread comes in a very close second.

    Wholegrain and wholemeal bread tend to cost the same, but both tend to be more expensive than white bread.

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

    – ref. What’s the difference between wholemeal and wholegrain bread? Not a whole lot – https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-wholemeal-and-wholegrain-bread-not-a-whole-lot-249156

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s inbound cruise tourism sets sail in 2025

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Tianjin and Qingdao, two major port cities in China, kicked off the new year with their first inbound international cruise ship of 2025 — the Malta-registered Europa 2, a clear signal of the steady revival of China’s cruise tourism industry.

    The luxury liner, carrying hundreds of passengers from countries including Germany, Austria and Switzerland is on a global voyage. During its China leg, the tour group headed to major destinations including Xiamen, Shanghai and Tianjin.

    After a brief stop in Qingdao in Shandong Province, east China, on March 1, the ship would head to Japan and the Republic of Korea, according to Kristina Jurgawka, a crew member aboard the ship.

    An avid history enthusiast, she was deeply impressed by the Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enchanted by the skyline of Shanghai. “I’m truly grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she said.

    For German tourist Joachin Dopp, the ease of entry into China left the strongest impression. “It’s simple to enter, no need for a visa or all those formalities. It’s great that you can just enter the country and enjoy it [your trip],” he told Xinhua.

    His experience reflects well on China’s effort to rejuvenate the cruise tourism sector. In May last year, a policy was rolled out allowing visa-free entry for foreign tourist groups arriving on cruise ships at any of the country’s cruise ports along the coastline.

    With a coastline stretching 18,000 km, China has seen steady improvements in its port infrastructure. The country boasts abundant tourism resources and is experiencing rapid growth in the service industry, making it a major destination for international cruise liners.

    Wang Hong, president of China Europe International Business School, said in a media interview that the visa-free entry policy for cruise passengers will bring unprecedented development opportunities to China’s tourism and cruise industries. It is expected to attract more foreign visitors to choose cruises as a means of traveling to China, thereby boosting inbound tourism.

    Industry leaders predict a strong rebound in international cruise tourism in China this year.

    On Jan. 3, an international cruise ship carrying 456 passengers docked at Phoenix Island International Cruise Port in Sanya, a popular tropical destination. From 2006 to the end of 2024, the port handled over 1,600 cruise ship voyages and over 2 million passenger trips.

    Days later, the Silver Dawn became the first international cruise ship to arrive in Shanghai this year, bringing over 400 tourists from more than 20 countries, including the United States, Britain, and Australia. During the eight-day Spring Festival holiday, the border inspection authorities in Shanghai reported 22 cruise ship entries and exits, with 72,000 cruise passenger trips.

    Tang Ming, head of a Shanghai-based travel agency, noted that since February 2024, the market has steadily recovered. “We expect to see a 20 to 30 percent increase in international cruise tourists this year,” he said.

    Cruise ports in Qingdao are expected to receive over 40 cruise ship visits in 2025, twice the number recorded in 2024, according to the city’s culture and tourism bureau. Meanwhile, Tianjin International Cruise Home Port is preparing for increased activities, with more than 40 inbound and outbound cruise ship visits anticipated at Dongjiang Port in the first quarter alone.

    Globally, the Cruise Lines International Association estimates that the number of ocean-going cruise passengers will reach 39.5 million by 2027, reflecting sustained demand for cruise voyages.

    By 2035, China’s cruise market is expected to welcome 4.2 million inbound foreign tourist trips annually, with total economic output projected to reach 531.7 billion yuan (about 74.12 billion U.S. dollars), according to a report by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, as cited by Liao Minsheng, a marine tourism expert from Hainan Tropical Ocean University.

    China’s market, Liao said in a media interview, presents unprecedented opportunities for the global cruise and yacht economy.

    “China’s vast market size and growing demand for cruise tourism provide international cruise and yacht companies with ample room for expansion,” he added. “The sector’s growth is expected to drive the development in areas such as ship design and manufacturing, foreign trade, tourism services, port construction and modern maritime services.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Good Riddance: Prebble Resigns from Waitangi Tribunal

    Source: Te Pati Maori

    Te Pāti Māori welcomes the resignation of Richard Prebble from the Waitangi Tribunal. His appointment in October 2024 was a disgrace- another example of this government undermining Te Tiriti o Waitangi by appointing a former ACT leader who has spent his career attacking Māori rights.

    “Regardless of the reason for his exit, Prebble was never fit to sit on the Waitangi Tribunal. His record speaks for itself- decades of bigotry and opposition to Māori self-determination,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Rawiri Waititi.

    “Prebble thinks that Hobson’s pledge has more mana than the Māori text of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, he apparently did not read any tribunal reports until after he was appointed, and he was surprised to find out that Māori did not cede sovereignty.

    “His resignation was inevitable- he was always going to leave because he lacked the values and commitment necessary to serve effectively in this position.”

    “This was clearly a political stunt, driven by the ACT Party, so they can tell all their followers that the Waitangi Tribunal has gone ‘woke’,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

    “The Waitangi Tribunal was created to investigate breaches of Te Tiriti and uphold Māori justice. Yet this government installed someone who was a key architect of Rogernomics—the policies that sold off our whenua, slashed Māori jobs, and entrenched poverty in our communities. His appointment was an insult, and his departure is overdue.

    “His resignation presents an opportunity. The Crown must do the right thing and appoint more Māori to the Tribunal. This is not a space for stale old politicians who have worked against Māori—it is for those steeped in tikanga, whakapapa, and a lifelong commitment to Te Tiriti justice,” said Ngarewa-Packer.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Lives lost amended for 2024

    Source: South Australia Police

    The number of lives lost on South Australia roads for 2024 have been revised.

    The death of an 84-year-old local man involved in a crash on Laught Street, Whyalla Stuart on 17 June will not be counted in the number of lives lost. The final number of lives lost for 2024 is 90.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What’s the difference between wholemeal and wholegrain bread? Not a whole lot

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Margaret Murray, Senior Lecturer, Nutrition, Swinburne University of Technology

    Phish Photography/Shutterstock

    If you head to the shops to buy bread, you’ll face a variety of different options.

    But it can be hard to work out the difference between all the types on sale.

    For instance, you might have a vague idea that wholemeal or wholegrain bread is healthy. But what’s the difference?

    Here’s what we know and what this means for shoppers in Australia and New Zealand.

    Let’s start with wholemeal bread

    According to Australian and New Zealand food standards, wholemeal bread is made from flour containing all parts of the original grain (endosperm, germ and bran) in their original proportions.

    Because it contains all parts of the grain, wholemeal bread is typically darker in colour and slightly more brown than white bread, which is made using only the endosperm.

    Wholemeal flour is made from all parts of the grain.
    Rerikh/Shutterstock

    How about wholegrain bread?

    Australian and New Zealand food standards define wholegrain bread as something that contains either the intact grain (for instance, visible grains) or is made from processed grains (flour) where all the parts of the grain are present in their original proportions.

    That last part may sound familiar. That’s because wholegrain is an umbrella term that encompasses both bread made with intact grains and bread made with wholemeal flour. In other words, wholemeal bread is a type of wholegrain bread, just like an apple is a type of fruit.

    Don’t be confused by labels such as “with added grains”, “grainy” or “multigrain”. Australian and New Zealand food standards don’t define these so manufacturers can legally add a small amount of intact grains to white bread to make the product appear healthier. This doesn’t necessarily make these products wholegrain breads.

    So unless a product is specifically called wholegrain bread, wholemeal bread or indicates it “contains whole grain”, it is likely to be made from more refined ingredients.

    Which one’s healthier?

    So when thinking about which bread to choose, both wholemeal and wholegrain breads are rich in beneficial compounds including nutrients and fibre, more so than breads made from further-refined flour, such as white bread.

    The presence of these compounds is what makes eating wholegrains (including wholemeal bread) beneficial for our overall health. Research has also shown eating wholegrains helps reduce the risk of common chronic diseases, such as heart disease.

    The table below gives us a closer look at the nutritional composition of these breads, and shows some slight differences.

    Wholegrain bread is slightly higher in fibre, protein, niacin (vitamin B3), iron, zinc, phosphorus and magnesium than wholemeal bread. But wholegrain bread is lower in carbohydrates, thiamin (vitamin B1) and folate (vitamin B9).

    However the differences are relatively small when considering how these contribute to your overall dietary intake.

    Which one should I buy?

    Next time you’re shopping, look for a wholegrain bread (one made from wholemeal flour that has intact grains and seeds throughout) as your number one choice for fibre and protein, and to support overall health.

    If you can’t find wholegrain bread, wholemeal bread comes in a very close second.

    Wholegrain and wholemeal bread tend to cost the same, but both tend to be more expensive than white bread.

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

    – ref. What’s the difference between wholemeal and wholegrain bread? Not a whole lot – https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-wholemeal-and-wholegrain-bread-not-a-whole-lot-249156

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: AI deepfakes threaten democracy and people’s identities. ‘Personality rights’ could help

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wellett Potter, Lecturer in Law, University of New England

    Ray Bond/Shutterstock

    How much is your voice worth?

    It could be as little as roughly A$100. That was how much ABC News Verify recently spent to clone federal senator Jacqui Lambie’s voice – with her permission – using an easily accessible online platform.

    This example highlights how artificial intelligence (AI) apps which create a synthetic replica of a person’s image and/or voice in the form of deepfakes or voice cloning are becoming cheaper and easier to use.

    This poses a serious threat not only to the functioning of democracy (especially around elections), but also to a person’s identity.

    Current copyright laws in Australia are inadequate when it comes to protecting people if their image or voice is digitally cloned without their permission. Establishing “personality rights” could help.

    Detecting what’s fake is difficult

    Deepfake technology is able to produce content which seems increasingly real. This makes it harder to detect what is fake and what is not. Indeed, several people for whom the ABC played the voice clone of Senator Lambie did not initially realise it was fake.

    This shows how unauthorised deepfakes and voice cloning can be easily used to generate misinformation. They can also be extremely damaging to individuals.

    This was highlighted back in 2020, when one of Australia’s first political deepfake videos was released. It featured the then Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk claiming the state was “cooked” and in “massive debt”.

    The video received around 1 million views on social media.

    What laws cover this?

    In Australia, defamation, privacy, image-based abuse laws, passing off and consumer protection laws might be applicable to situations involving deepfake video or audio clips. You may also be able to lodge a complaint with the eSafety commissioner.

    In theory copyright law can also protect a person’s image and voice. However, its application is more nuanced.

    First, a person whose likeness has been cloned by an AI platform often does not own the source material. This material could be an image, video or voice recording which has been copied and uploaded. Even if your image and voice is depicted, if you are not the owner of the source material, you cannot sue for infringement.

    Using Senator Lambie as an example, the ABC only needed 90 seconds of original voice recording to create the AI clone. Senator Lambie’s voice itself is not able to be copyright-protected. That’s because copyright can only attach to a tangible expression, say in written or recorded form. It cannot attach to speech or unexpressed ideas.

    As the ABC arranged, recorded and produced the original 90-second recording, the broadcaster could hold copyright in it as a sound recording. It is a fixed, tangible expression of Senator Lambie’s voice. However, unless the senator and the ABC made an agreement, Senator Lambie would have no economic rights, such as the right to reproduction, to the original voice recording. Nor would she have any rights to the clone of her voice.

    In fact, the AI-generated clone itself is unlikely to be protected by copyright, as it is considered authorless under Australian copyright law. Many AI-generated creations are currently unable to be protected under Australian copyright, due to a lack of original, identifiable human authorship.

    Moral rights – including the right of attribution (to be credited as the performer), the right against false attribution and the right of integrity – are also limited in scope. They could apply to the original audio clip, but not to a deepfake.

    What are ‘personality rights’?

    In most jurisdictions in the United States, there exist what are commonly known as “personality rights”. These rights include the right of publicity, which acknowledges that an individual’s name, likeness, voice and other attributes are commercially valuable.

    Celebrities such as Bette Midler and Johnny Carson have successfully exercised this right to prevent companies using elements of their identity for commercial purposes without permission.

    However, personality rights might not always apply to AI voice clones, with some lawyers arguing that only actual recorded voices are protectable, not clones of voices. This has led to states such as Tennessee introducing legislation to specifically address AI-generated content. The Ensuring Likeness, Voice, and Image Security Act, introduced in 2024, addresses the misappropriation of an individual’s voice through generative AI use.

    Urgent steps are needed

    There has been longstanding scholarly debate about whether Australia should introduce statutory publicity rights.

    One of the challenges is overlap with pre-existing laws, such as Australian consumer law and tort law. Policymakers might be hesitant to introduce a new right, as these other areas of the law may provide partial protection. Another challenge is how to enforce these rights if an AI-generated deepfake is created overseas.

    Australia could also consider introducing a similar law to the “No Fakes Bill” currently being debated in the US. If passed, this bill would allow people to protect their image and voice through intellectual property rights. This should be given serious consideration in Australia too.

    Deepfakes are becoming more and more common, and are now widespread during elections. Because of this, it’s important that Australians remain vigilant to them in the lead up to this year’s federal election.

    And let’s hope that whoever wins that election takes urgent steps to better protect everyone’s image and voice.

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

    – ref. AI deepfakes threaten democracy and people’s identities. ‘Personality rights’ could help – https://theconversation.com/ai-deepfakes-threaten-democracy-and-peoples-identities-personality-rights-could-help-251267

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australia’s newest city starting to take shape

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 5 March 2025

    Released by: The Premier, Deputy Premier, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

    The Western Sydney Aerotropolis is set to take-off, with the official opening of the first building at Bradfield City Centre and the release of the Minns Labor Government’s infrastructure delivery plan which will drive further investment into the region.

    The Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) – is the first step in delivering the new city of Bradfield at the heart of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and the start of an innovation ecosystem that will boost the NSW manufacturing industry.

    A landmark partnership agreement between the AMRF and 11 NSW and ACT universities will see this ecosystem rapidly evolve with the world class research capabilities of the universities combined with the AMRF’s industrial expertise and infrastructure.

    Under the agreement, the parties will work together to translate research into production and develop the next generation of advanced manufacturing experts through a paid internship program.

    Critical to facilitating further growth in the precinct, the NSW Government has released the Aerotropolis Sector Plan, which sets out how essential government infrastructure will be delivered quickly and efficiently to service the development of thousands of hectares of employment land.

    The Sector Plan, developed by Infrastructure NSW, provides certainty to industry, the community, and all levels of government around how infrastructure will be sequenced and prioritised in the Aerotropolis.

    This will enhance the State’s competitiveness and boost the supply of serviced land to combat the critical shortage across NSW. It will also assist planning assessment authorities to align development with infrastructure capacity in the region.

    This is the first time the Aerotropolis has had a concrete road map that brings together planning and infrastructure coordination.

    With the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport due to open by the end of 2026, investment in Bradfield City Centre and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis capitalises on the opportunity to deliver more than 120,000 high-quality jobs and new industries that will see the Western Sydney economy boom.

    This work builds on the Minns Labor Government’s historic investment in Western Sydney to deliver more homes, jobs and investment to the region.     

    To find out more about Bradfield City Centre, First Building and AMRF collaboration with NSW VCC visit: Bradfield Development Authority | NSW Government

    To find out more and read the Aerotropolis Sector Plan, visit: Aerotropolis Sector Plan  | NSW Government

    Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

    “The Aerotropolis is almost 40 times the size of Sydney CBD and provides an unprecedented economic opportunity for Western Sydney.

    “We’re backing the region with over $25 billion of infrastructure investment that is going to ensure the critical roads and services are delivered as quickly as possible to give industry certainty and confidence to invest in the area.

    “We asked Infrastructure NSW to develop the Aerotropolis Sector Plan to identify how and when we will do this. Today’s announcement demonstrates the value in utilising whole-of-government coordination to deliver on our commitments.

    “With Bradfield and the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF), we’re showcasing the NSW Government’s commitment to rebuilding the state’s critical manufacturing capability and delivering economic growth in the region.”

    Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

    “Western Sydney is a rich and diverse region set to boom with the opening of the new Airport. We’re building better communities by investing in the region.

    “With Bradfield and the Aerotropolis, we’re giving kids in Western Sydney the opportunity to dream about a future with high quality jobs close to home.”

    Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

    “The First Building opening is another example of the genuine momentum building around Australia’s first new city in over 100 years.

    “This is just the beginning of Bradfield’s future growth as it evolves into a world class city with 10,000 homes, 20,000 high quality jobs, and critical green open spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Work ramping up to rebuild Hume Highway at Marulan

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Work ramping up to rebuild Hume Highway at Marulan

    Published: 5 March 2025

    Released by: Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

    The Minns Labor Government is ramping up work to build a better Hume Highway at Marulan as part of a $35 million investment into rebuilding a key section of highway corridor.

    To improve safety and provide a smoother journey for motorists, crews will carry out the next stage of repair work on a 1.1 kilometre stretch of the northbound carriageway from the Marulan South Road intersection.

    The work, starting from March 17, will include the use of a high-strength asphalt road pavement to replace 500 damaged concrete slabs on a 600-metre section the highway.

    This change from the concrete base to asphalt pavement is expected to mean less disruptions to motorists while repairs are carried out.

    Once the work has been completed around mid-April, weather permitting, Transport for NSW will evaluate the impact of the change and determine if the new approach should be rolled out on other sections of the highway.

    More details of staged future upgrade work will be announced progressively by Transport for NSW.

    Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

    “The Hume Highway is the second largest freight route in Australia, linking Sydney and Melbourne and used by more than 37,000 vehicles daily.

    “The Marulan bypass was built in 1986 as part of the Hume Highway upgrade program and since that time the large growth in traffic volumes have put extra pressure on the existing road surface.

    “We understand motorists are frustrated by the quality of this section of road and that’s why we have invested $35 million in rebuilding and improvement work.

    “We thank the community for its ongoing patience while this essential repair work is carried out.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: BRISTOW SMITH AVENUE, GOOLWA SOUTH (Assist Agency)

    Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia

    Advice – Reduced Threat

    We will issue a Reduced Threat message when the threat to the community has reduced.

    All bushfire incidents that have had an Advice, Watch and Act or Emergency Warning message issued will be finalised with an Advice – Reduced Threat message.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TECO Sydney Donates 60 books of Taiwan Literature Award Winning Titles to City of Ryde Library

    Source: Republic Of China Taiwan 2

    Mayor Brown of the City of Ryde, the Council’s Executive Team and Councillors Keanu Arya, Tina Kordrostami and TECO Sydney attended a book donation ceremony this morning.
    Mayor Brown said multiculturalism has been deeply rooted as the way of living in Ryde. Thanks for the generosity from Taiwan, so the Mandarin speaking communities in Ryde can enjoy the top-tier Taiwanese literature works, and the city’s diverse heritages are further enriched.
    Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu said that he is also a City of Ryde Library member and honored to represent the National Taiwan Museum of Literature in donating 60 books of 2023 and 2024 Taiwan Literature Awards Finalists and Award-Winning Titles, for the very first time in history.
    The Awards recognize outstanding work across all literary categories, including fiction, nonfiction, prose, poetry and also provide a window into the richness and diversity of Taiwanese society and culture. This is the pilot program that the National Museum of Taiwan Literature donates books to Australia, and we hope residents of this community can know more about Taiwan through reading them, and most importantly, enhance the connection between our two peoples.
    The plan is for the books to start touring the libraries from the week commencing Monday, 9 March. The books will be available at our Ryde Library (Top Ryde) for a week, before being taken to West Ryde Library for another week, before Eastwood for the final week.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Building the allied health workforce in Hunter New England Local Health District

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 5 March 2025

    Released by: Minister for the Hunter, Minister for Regional Health, Minister for Regional NSW

    The Rural Allied Health Educator Pilot Program, a joint venture between NSW Health and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), is building a pipeline of allied health clinicians in rural, regional and remote communities, by boosting the number of student placements in Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD).

    A cohort of 50 university students and early career clinicians have been supported since the introduction of the Rural Allied Health Educator Pilot Program in HNELHD.

    Allied health educators have also established a Year 10 Rural Allied Health Work Experience initiative, providing local high school students with hands-on exposure to careers in allied health. So far, 89 students from the New England region have participated.

    The program is enticing allied health students to stay and take up full time roles in rural, regional and remote locations.

    A survey of participating university students found before commencing placement, only 56.2 per cent were interested in working for NSW Health in a rural area as a graduate.

    Following completion of placement, 85 per cent were more interested in working for NSW Health in a rural area as an allied health graduate and 95 per cent of students were satisfied with their placement experience and would recommend a rural placement to other students.

    Allied health clinical placements typically take 4-6 weeks and give students experience across various clinical areas relevant to their profession.

    Allied health educators supervise students directly and work with universities to coordinate placements.

    Omara De Carlos completed her final adult clinical placement at Tamworth Hospital in September 2024, where she gained valuable experience in speech pathology and rural practice, prompting her to apply for a permanent role in HNELHD.

    In February 2025, Omara started at Gunnedah Community Health as a generalist speech pathologist; a position which had been vacant for more than two years. Omara, along with other speech pathology and occupational therapy early career clinicians, will continue to be supported by the district’s rural allied health educators as they progress their careers.

    The $1 million Rural Allied Health Educator Pilot Program is a joint venture between NSW Health and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, operating across Hunter New England, Western NSW, Far West, Murrumbidgee, and Southern NSW Local Health Districts.

    DPIRD has invested $1 million per year over three years into the Rural Allied Health Educator Pilot Program. 

    For further information visit the Allied health professions in NSW Health webpage. 

    Quotes attributable to Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:

    “Staffing is one of the most critical issues we face in the healthcare system, and in regional, rural and remote locations that problem is amplified.

    “I am really proud a program like this is having great results at encouraging students to take up a rewarding role in the bush.

    “The Minns Labor Government is committed to boosting our allied health workforce by increasing training and education pathways for students in rural and regional NSW.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

    “The Hunter is a fantastic place to work and live and it’s great to see this program is having a real impact on encouraging more healthcare workers and young people to consider a career here.

    “Everyone deserves accessible, quality healthcare and only the NSW Labor Government is delivering this.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

    “We support the Rural Allied Health Educator Program through funding these important regional allied health workforces.   

    “Getting essential workers into regional NSW is a major focus of the Government and this program plays a role in that plan. 

    “The students also have the opportunity to participate in The Welcome Experience while on placement. 

    “The Welcome Experience is a service which provides essential workers the support they need to make the move into live and work in regional communities by assisting them to get to know the local area and people first.”  

    Quotes attributable to Allied Health Educator Patricia Webb:

    “The Rural Allied Health Educator Pilot Program is making a real difference in the Hunter New England region.

    “The increase in student placements and the positive feedback from staff and students is incredibly encouraging. We are working hard to create opportunities for students to pursue allied health careers and develop our rural the workforce pipeline.”

    Quotes attributable to Allied Health Student Omara De Carlos:

    “My placement at Tamworth Hospital last year opened my eyes to the unique rewards of working in a rural community.

    “I gained practical skills and confidence in speech pathology, and I received incredible support from the allied health educators. I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned at Gunnedah Community Health.”

    MIL OSI News –