Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI: DMG Blockchain Solutions Reports First Quarter 2025 Results and February Operations Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc. (TSX-V: DMGI) (OTCQB: DMGGF) (FRANKFURT: 6AX) (“DMG” or the “Company”), a vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company, today announces its fiscal first quarter 2025 financial results. All financial references are in Canadian Dollars unless specified otherwise. Readers are encouraged to review the Company’s December 31, 2024 quarterly unaudited financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis thereof for a fulsome assessment of the Company’s performance and applicable risk factors, available at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Q1 2025 Financial Results Highlights

    • Revenue: $11.6 million in Q1 2025, up 97% from $5.9 million in Q4 2024 and up 20% from $9.7 million in Q1 2024.
    • Bitcoin Mined: 97 bitcoin mined in Q1 2025, up 49% from Q4 2024.
    • Cash Flow from Operations: -$2.7 million in Q1 2025, versus +$1.3 million in Q4 2024, as the Company sold $4 million less bitcoin than it earned.
    • Hashrate: 1.62 EH/s for Q1 2025, up 65% sequentially and 68% year-over-year; now operating at 1.8 EH/s with the goal to reach 2.1 EH/s in March 2025.
    • Fleet Efficiency: 22.9 J/TH in Q1 2025, an improvement of 7% from Q4 2024; targeting 21 J/TH when hydro miners are fully energized.
    • Cash and Digital Assets: $58.2 million as of quarter-end Q1 2025, up 62% from Q4 2024 and up 110% from Q1 2024.
    • Net Loss: -$0.02 per share in Q1 2025, versus -$0.05 per share in Q4 2024 and $0.04 in Q1 2024.

    Preliminary February Operational Results

    • Bitcoin Mined: 27 BTC (vs 31 BTC in Jan 2025, in line with 28 days and curtailment)
    • Hashrate: 1.71 EH/s (vs 1.75 EH/s in Jan 2025)
    • Bitcoin Holdings: 443 BTC (vs 431 BTC in Jan 2025)
    • Days non-firm power curtailed: 3 (vs 0 in Jan 2025); average hashrate was 1.81 EH/s for period excluding curtailment

    DMG’s CEO, Sheldon Bennett, commented: “In addition to growing our hashrate, the first part of our financial year 2025 marks a major step forward in our Core+ strategy and Generative Artificial Intelligence ambitions. With Systemic Trust now a Qualified Digital Asset Custodian, we are focused on onboarding new customers and ramping revenue. Our near-term roadmap to offer Systemic Trust custodial wallets that support DMG’s Petra technology along with the integration of both Helm Data Center Infrastructure Management and Reactor into Terra Pool, position us to fully enable our carbon neutral Bitcoin ecosystem. Furthermore, we have expanded our AI initiatives, with a memorandum of understanding for a 10 MW prefabricated data center in addition to our MOU to establish a joint venture with the Malahat Nation for 30 MW of AI compute capacity. We remain committed to growth in areas that can deliver the most long-term value for our shareholders.”

    Financial First Quarter 2025 Financial Results Review

    Revenue increased by $1,942,061 in Q1 2025 from $9,690,764 Q1 2024. The increase in revenue is attributable to increases in digital currency mining revenues of $1,489,833 due to increases in the average bitcoin price in the period of $116,580 versus $49,006 during the same period in the prior year. These increases were offset by increases in network difficulty from the same period last year.

    Operating and maintenance expenses for Q1 2025 was $6,679,843, up from $5,147,651 in Q1 2024. This increase is primarily attributed to a $1,368,217 rise in utilities expenses, driven by expanded digital currency mining operations related to additional operating miners.

    Research costs for Q1 2025 were $553,964, having increased by $115,785 compared to Q1 2024. Research in fiscal 2025 continues to focus on software and relates to work on Systemic Trust, Helm, Reactor and Blockseer Explorer.

    General and administrative costs for Q1 2025 was $1,836,680 in comparison to $886,061 for Q1 2024. General and administrative costs consist mostly of wages, professional fees, consulting fees and interest expense. The overall increase of $950,619 is attributable mainly to an increase of $178,958 in consulting fees, $171,595 in wages and $422,645 in interest expense related to the Company’s credit facility with Sygnum Bank.

    Depreciation for Q1 2025 was $4,349,470 compared to $4,341,782 in Q1 2024.

    Net income decreased by $10,075,491 to a net loss of $3,103,001 for Q1 2025 versus net income of $6,972,490 in Q1 2024. The decrease in net loss is mainly a result of a large unrealized gain on revaluation of digital currencies in the prior year of $8,162,860 in the statement of profit and loss. A gain of $15,319,443 was recorded through other comprehensive income in the current period related to an unrealized gain on the revaluation of the balance held of digital currency. Gains related to the increase in digital currency in the prior year were offset against historical losses incurred in prior periods. Gains are recognized to the extent of any historical losses, after which gains are recognized through other comprehensive income under the accounting policies of IAS 38. Resulting in a large difference in net income between the two periods.

    Total assets as of December 31, 2024 were $137,128,716, an increase of $33,259,735 versus September 30, 2024. The increase is mostly attributable to a net increase in digital currency of $19,615,571, due to the revaluation of digital currency balances at an increased price of bitcoin, $132,949 as of December 31, 2024 as compared to $88,673 as of September 30, 2024.

    In Q1 2025, DMG sold 78 bitcoin, generating $7,305,976 cash, thus selling 81% of the bitcoin mined versus 143% in the prior quarter.

    Future changes in the Bitcoin network-wide mining difficulty or Bitcoin hashrate may materially affect the future performance of DMG’s production of bitcoin, and future operating results could also be materially affected by the price of bitcoin and an increase in hashrate and mining difficulty.

    First Quarter 2025 Results Conference Call Details

    The Company will host a conference call to review its results and provide a corporate update on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 4:30 PM ET. Participants should register for the call via the registration link.

    In addition to a live Q&A session via chat, management will also address pre-submitted questions. Those wishing to submit a question may do so via email at investors@dmgblockchain.com, using the subject line ‘Conference Call Question Submission,’ through 2:00 PM ET on March 4, 2025.

    About DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc.

    DMG is a publicly traded, sustainably-focused and vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company that develops, manages and operates end–to-end digital solutions to monetize the blockchain and generative artificial intelligence compute ecosystems. DMG’s businesses are segmented into two business lines under the Core (data center infrastructure) and Core+ (software and services) strategies and unified through DMG’s vertical integration.

    For more information on DMG Blockchain Solutions visit: www.dmgblockchain.com
    Follow @dmgblockchain on X and subscribe to DMG’s YouTube channel.

    For further information, please contact:

    On behalf of the Board of Directors,

    Sheldon Bennett, CEO & Director
    Tel: +1 (778) 300-5406
    Email: investors@dmgblockchain.com
    Web: www.dmgblockchain.com

    For Investor Relations:
    investors@dmgblockchain.com

    For Media Inquiries:
    Chantelle Borrelli
    Head of Communications
    chantelle@dmgblockchain.com

    DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Financial Position
    (Expressed in Canadian Dollars)
     

    Notes

    As at
    December 31, 2024
    (unaudited)
      As at
    September 30, 2024
    (audited)
     
    ASSETS   $   $  
    Current      
    Cash and cash equivalents   4,273,533   1,679,060  
    Amounts receivable 6 4,802,944   4,910,251  
    Digital currency 5 53,943,274   34,327,703  
    Prepaid expense and other current assets   402,787   337,042  
    Marketable securities 8 359,833   316,803  
    Short-term investment 9 5,516,500    
    Total current assets   69,298,871   41,570,859  
           
    Long-term deposits 10 10,743,511   2,047,682  
    Property and equipment 12 50,194,530   53,798,978  
    Intangible asset   276,040    
    Long-term investments 13 45,000   45,000  
    Amount recoverable 7 6,570,764   6,406,462  
    Total assets   137,128,716   103,868,981  
           
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
    Current      
    Trade and other payables 14 3,748,608   5,183,107  
    Deferred revenue 19 7,355    
    Current portion of lease liability 15 40,071   43,483  
    Current portion of loans payable 16 20,020,520   13,928,462  
    Total current liabilities   23,816,554   19,155,052  
           
    Long-term lease liability 15 41,534   51,842  
    Total liabilities   23,858,088   19,206,894  
           
    Shareholders’ Equity      
    Share capital 17(a) 120,326,738   113,086,455  
    Reserves 17(b)(c) 55,036,328   45,853,100  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income   25,736,645   10,448,614  
    Accumulated deficit   (87,829,083)   (84,726,082)  
    Total shareholders’ equity   113,270,628   84,662,087  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   137,128,716   103,868,981  
           
    DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc.  
    Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss)  
    (Expressed in Canadian Dollars, except for number of shares)  
    (Unaudited)  
        For the three months ended December 31,
     
      Notes 2024   2023  
        $
      $
     
    Revenue 19 11,632,825   9,690,764  
           
    Expenses      
    Operating and maintenance costs 20(a) 6,679,843   5,147,651  
    General and administrative 20(b) 1,836,680   886,061  
    Stock-based compensation 17(b) 678,528   368,494  
    Research 20(c) 553,964   438,179  
    Bad debt (recovery) expense 6 (4,743)   3,764  
    Depreciation 12 4,349,470   4,341,782  
    Total expenses   14,093,742   11,185,931  
           
    Operating loss before other items   (2,460,917)   (1,495,167 )
           
    Other income (expense)      
    Interest and other income 7 164,302   165,781  
    Impairment of non-current assets   37,819    
    Foreign exchange loss   (909,388)   (94,585)  
    Loss on fair value of investments 10   (609,120)  
    Provision of sales tax receivable 6 (307,739)   (253,900)  
    Unrealized revaluation gain on digital currency 5 28,083   8,162,860  
    Realized gain on sale of digital currency   301,809   851,870  
    Gain on change in fair value of marketable securities 8 43,030   244,751  
    Net income (loss)   (3,103,001 ) 6,972,490  
           
    Other comprehensive income      
    Items that may be reclassified subsequently to income or loss:      
    Revaluation gain on digital assets 5 15,319,443    
    Cumulative translation adjustment   (31,412)   10,082  
    Net income and comprehensive income   12,185,030   6,982,572  
           
    Basic earnings (loss) per share 17(d) $(0.02)   $0.04  
    Diluted earnings (loss) per share 17(d) $(0.02)   $0.04  
    Weighted average number of shares outstanding 17(d)    
    – basic   185,799,634   168,147,570  
    – diluted   185,799,634   170,175,939  

                                                                                                                         

    DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc.    
    Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows    
    (Expressed in Canadian Dollars)    
    (Unaudited)    
    For the three months ended December 31, 2024   2023  
      $   $  
    OPERATING ACTIVITIES    
    Net income (loss) for the period (3,103,001)   6,972,490  
    Non-cash items:    
    Accretion 1,867   11,460  
    Depreciation 4,349,472   4,338,369  
    Share-based payments 678,528   368,494  
    Unrealized gain on revaluation of digital currency (28,083)   (8,162,861)  
    Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss 926,984   (16,272)  
    Impairment of non-current assets (37,819)    
    Unrealized gain on marketable securities (43,030)   (244,751)  
    Impairment of investment   609,120  
    Provision for sales tax receivable 307,739   253,900  
    Bad debt (recovery) expense (4,743)   3,764  
    Digital currency related revenue (11,266,187)   (8,744,492)  
    Digital currency sold 7,305,976   9,445,176  
    Realized gain on sale of digital currency (301,809)   (851,870)  
    Non-cash interest income (164,302)   (164,632)  
    Accrued interest 329,604    
         
    Changes in non-cash operating working capital:    
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets (65,745)   30,629  
    Amounts receivable (101,051)   (781,682)  
    Deferred revenue 7,355   14,302  
    Trade and other payables (1,523,145)   668,276  
    Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (2,731,390)   3,749,420  
         
    INVESTING ACTIVITIES    
    Purchase of property and equipment (343,976)   (381,773)  
    Purchase of intangible assets (276,040)    
    Deposits on mining equipment (9,554,087)   (2,570,515)  
    Purchase of short-term investment (5,516,500)   (609,120)  
    Refund of security deposit 457,325    
    Net cash used in investing activities (15,233,278)   (3,561,408)  
         
    FINANCING ACTIVITIES    
    Proceeds from issuance of units 17,254,945    
    Share issuance costs (1,570,875)    
    Proceeds from option exercises 60,913   269,776  
    Principal lease payments (15,356)   (45,276)  
    Repayment of loan payable (1,000,000)    
    Proceeds from secure loan 5,829,013    
    Net cash provided by financing activities 20,558,640   224,500  
         
    Impact of currency translation on cash and cash equivalents 501   (206)  
    Cash and cash equivalents, change 2,594,473   412,306  
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning 1,679,060   1,789,913  
    Cash and cash equivalents, end 4,273,533   2,202,219  
             

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains forward-looking information or statements based on current expectations. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release include statements regarding the planned conference call, DMG’s strategies and plans, increasing hashrate and the anticipated timelines, the expected arrival and operation of the hydro miners and containers, growing the Company’s hashrate to 2.1 EH/s by March 2025, the development of Systemic Trust including generating revenues, the potential for a 10-megawatt prefabricated data center in addition to the MOU to establish a potential joint venture with the Malahat Nation for 30 megawatts of AI compute capacity, improving fleet efficiency and continuing to execute on Core+ software initiatives, onboarding of new clients to Terra Pool, the opportunity and plans to monetize bitcoin transactions, the continued investment in Bitcoin network software infrastructure and applications, developing and executing on the Company’s products and services, increasing self-mining, efforts to improve the operation of its mining fleet, the launch of products and services, events, courses of action, and the potential of the Company’s technology and operations, among others, are all forward-looking information.

    Future changes in the Bitcoin network-wide mining difficulty or Bitcoin hashrate may materially affect the future performance of DMG’s production of bitcoin, and future operating results could also be materially affected by the price of bitcoin and an increase in hashrate and mining difficulty.

    Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as “may”, “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “believe” and “continue” or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, market and other conditions, volatility in the trading price of the common shares of the Company, business, economic and capital market conditions; the ability to manage operating expenses, which may adversely affect the Company’s financial condition; the ability to remain competitive as other better financed competitors develop and release competitive products; regulatory uncertainties; access to equipment; market conditions and the demand and pricing for products; the demand and pricing of bitcoin; security threats, including a loss/theft of DMG’s bitcoin; DMG’s relationships with its customers, distributors and business partners; the inability to add more power to DMG’s facilities; DMG’s ability to successfully define, design and release new products in a timely manner that meet customers’ needs; the ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel; competition in the industry; the impact of technology changes on the products and industry; failure to develop new and innovative products; the ability to successfully maintain and enforce our intellectual property rights and defend third-party claims of infringement of their intellectual property rights; the impact of intellectual property litigation that could materially and adversely affect the business; the ability to manage working capital; and the dependence on key personnel. DMG may not actually achieve its plans, projections, or expectations. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the demand for its products, the ability to successfully develop software, that there will be no regulation or law that will prevent the Company from operating its business, anticipated costs, the ability to secure sufficient capital to complete its business plans, the ability to achieve goals and the price of bitcoin. Given these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The securities of DMG are considered highly speculative due to the nature of DMG’s business. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Company’s filings on www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, DMG’s past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance.

    Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, failure to obtain regulatory approval, the continued availability of capital and financing, equipment failures, lack of supply of equipment, power and infrastructure, failure to obtain any permits required to operate the business, the impact of technology changes on the industry, the impact of viruses and diseases on the Company’s ability to operate, secure equipment, and hire personnel, competition, security threats including stolen bitcoin from DMG or its customers, consumer sentiment towards DMG’s products, services and blockchain technology generally, failure to develop new and innovative products, litigation, adverse weather or climate events, increase in operating costs, increase in equipment and labor costs, equipment failures, decrease in the price of Bitcoin, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, government regulations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of or statements made by third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Energy Tech and VPPs – Flexibility is crucial to maintain grid stability, says GridBeyond latest white paper

    Source: GridBeyond

    In a market with high renewable penetration and unique geographical challenges, flexibility is crucial to maintaining grid stability in Australia. In recent years, the concept of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) has emerged as a transformative solution. By integrating numerous Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) into one network, VPPs are changing the way electricity is generated, managed, and utilised says GridBeyond’s report Virtual power plants in Australia – A bright future ahead.

    Australia is a leader in renewable energy adoption, with solar and wind constituting a significant share of its energy mix. Renewables are becoming an increasingly critical part of the global energy system, but their intermittent nature means there is a need for a significant increase in flexible resources to manage an increased volatility. In addition, adoption of flexible devices such as heat pumps, Electric Vehicles (EVs), and battery storage is accelerating, while regulators and utilities are looking for solutions to reliability and affordability challenges.

    The energy sector is facing major challenges to meet the demands of global warming mitigation and adaptation, which require the decarbonisation of multiple sectors of the economy.  VPPS have emerged as a transformative solution offering a flexible and decentralised approach. By integrating numerous Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) into one network, VPPs are changing the way electricity is generated, managed, and utilised and can offer a wide array of benefits across energy system that can be managed by AI-powered technologies supporting businesses in managing their energy consumption and support grid stability.

    About GridBeyond

    GridBeyond began commercially trading in 2010 and is home to the world’s first hybrid battery and demand network. Now a global player in the energy transition, GridBeyond provides a powerful combination of technological excellence, consultative approach and unrivalled AI expertise that enables its clients to maximize energy services, while supporting the wider electricity grid’s leap to a greener future through renewable generation expansion.

    GridBeyond delivers energy services, new revenues, enhanced savings, strengthened operations and sustainability to over 900 I&C customer sites worldwide, including some of the planet’s most recognized brands in just about every commercial sector.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian Deputy PM: Over $200 million boost to South Tassie roads

    Source: Minister of Infrastructure

    The Albanese Government is building Tasmania’s future, investing nearly $213 million to upgrade critical highways and build active transport routes across the south east of the state.  

    This includes $204 million to improve the Arthur Highway and widen the Sorell Rivulet Bridge. 

    The Arthur Highway and Sorell Rivulet Bridge form the main access route between Port Arthur, Sorell and Hobart, providing a critical corridor for residents and tourists between some of the state’s most popular and populous destinations. 

    This investment will ease congestion for a growing community, as well as benefit agricultural and water supply businesses, tourists and local residents. 

    Funding will go towards safety upgrades including overtaking lanes, intersection improvements, and road modifications to enhance traffic flow such as shoulder widening and changes to lane configuration. It is expected to also include works to enable active and public transport as well as better signage and tourism pullover areas. 

    The Brooker Highway will also receive a $4 million investment to enable planning for critical safety and efficiency improvements. This will focus on identifying works that are most needed to improve safety, capacity, and resilience, and support active travel on one of Hobart’s major arterial roads.

    An additional $2 million has also been committed to undertake further public transport planning on the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor. This is part of the Albanese Government’s now $40.5 million investment in enhancing public transport infrastructure across Hobart.

    Along with roads and public transport, the Albanese Government is better connecting communities by delivering walking and cycling paths. 

    Almost $3 million will be invested under the Active Transport Fund in two new projects across the south east of the state to build new or upgrade existing bicycle and walking paths:

    • More than $2.2 million for the Tasman Council for a four-kilometre multi-use walking track connecting the towns of Nubeena and White Beach, south-east of Hobart; 
    • Almost $500,000 for Brighton Council to design and build a new shared path connecting to the existing path along the East Derwent Highway and to the new Bridgewater Bridge. This project also includes an extension of the path along Glenstone Road in Brighton, linking it to the pathway network within the Brighton township.

    We have brought forward $15.6 million of funding for the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation – Tranche 4 – Network project, which has a total Australian Government commitment of $81.6 million. This will allow the ongoing delivery of improved network performance and assurance of supply chains for Tasmania’s largest freight producers.

    The Albanese Government is making our cities and regions even better places to live, building social infrastructure, connecting place and designing healthier, more liveable towns. 

    The new Active Transport Fund is one part of this, providing safe and accessible transport options that mean more people have the chance to walk, cycle or push a pram to work, school and anywhere else. 

    More information on the Active Transport Fund is available at Active Transport Fund | Infrastructure Investment Program.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

    “The Albanese Government is investing in the transport projects that matter most to Tasmanians, upgrading the state’s critical highways including the Bass, Tasman, Arthur, Esk and Brooker Highways. 

    “We’re making Tasmania’s roads safer, stronger and more efficient which means convenient commutes and faster freight.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lyons Brian Mitchell: 

    “These projects add to the Albanese Labor Government’s infrastructure investments throughout regional Tasmania.  

    “In Lyons for example, the Albanese Government is also investing $10 million towards improving the resilience of Esk Main Road at St Marys Pass.

    “It is projects like these that are making our roads safer and improving driver experiences.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: National Firearms Register

    Source: Tasmania Police

    We respectfully acknowledge the Tasmanian Aboriginal people as the traditional owners of the land upon which we work and pay our respect to Elders past and present. We recognise the Tasmanian Aboriginal people as the continuing custodians of the rich cultural heritage of lutruwita / Tasmania.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Over $200 million boost to South Tassie roads

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The Albanese Government is building Tasmania’s future, investing nearly $213 million to upgrade critical highways and build active transport routes across the south east of the state.  

    This includes $204 million to improve the Arthur Highway and widen the Sorell Rivulet Bridge. 

    The Arthur Highway and Sorell Rivulet Bridge form the main access route between Port Arthur, Sorell and Hobart, providing a critical corridor for residents and tourists between some of the state’s most popular and populous destinations. 

    This investment will ease congestion for a growing community, as well as benefit agricultural and water supply businesses, tourists and local residents. 

    Funding will go towards safety upgrades including overtaking lanes, intersection improvements, and road modifications to enhance traffic flow such as shoulder widening and changes to lane configuration. It is expected to also include works to enable active and public transport as well as better signage and tourism pullover areas. 

    The Brooker Highway will also receive a $4 million investment to enable planning for critical safety and efficiency improvements. This will focus on identifying works that are most needed to improve safety, capacity, and resilience, and support active travel on one of Hobart’s major arterial roads.

    An additional $2 million has also been committed to undertake further public transport planning on the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor. This is part of the Albanese Government’s now $40.5 million investment in enhancing public transport infrastructure across Hobart.

    Along with roads and public transport, the Albanese Government is better connecting communities by delivering walking and cycling paths. 

    Almost $3 million will be invested under the Active Transport Fund in two new projects across the south east of the state to build new or upgrade existing bicycle and walking paths:

    • More than $2.2 million for the Tasman Council for a four-kilometre multi-use walking track connecting the towns of Nubeena and White Beach, south-east of Hobart; 
    • Almost $500,000 for Brighton Council to design and build a new shared path connecting to the existing path along the East Derwent Highway and to the new Bridgewater Bridge. This project also includes an extension of the path along Glenstone Road in Brighton, linking it to the pathway network within the Brighton township.

    We have brought forward $15.6 million of funding for the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation – Tranche 4 – Network project, which has a total Australian Government commitment of $81.6 million. This will allow the ongoing delivery of improved network performance and assurance of supply chains for Tasmania’s largest freight producers.

    The Albanese Government is making our cities and regions even better places to live, building social infrastructure, connecting place and designing healthier, more liveable towns. 

    The new Active Transport Fund is one part of this, providing safe and accessible transport options that mean more people have the chance to walk, cycle or push a pram to work, school and anywhere else. 

    More information on the Active Transport Fund is available at Active Transport Fund | Infrastructure Investment Program.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

    “The Albanese Government is investing in the transport projects that matter most to Tasmanians, upgrading the state’s critical highways including the Bass, Tasman, Arthur, Esk and Brooker Highways. 

    “We’re making Tasmania’s roads safer, stronger and more efficient which means convenient commutes and faster freight.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lyons Brian Mitchell: 

    “These projects add to the Albanese Labor Government’s infrastructure investments throughout regional Tasmania.  

    “In Lyons for example, the Albanese Government is also investing $10 million towards improving the resilience of Esk Main Road at St Marys Pass.

    “It is projects like these that are making our roads safer and improving driver experiences.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Rishworth interview on the Today Show with Charles Croucher

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

     E&OE TRANSCRIPT

    Topics: Laos methanol poisoning investigation; Rugby League in Las Vegas; Academy Awards.

    CHARLES CROUCHER, HOST:  Welcome back. The parents of Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, who died of methanol poisoning in Laos, are urging travellers to boycott the country until it adequately investigates their daughter’s deaths. Joining us to discuss is Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth and Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie. Good morning to you both. Amanda, I’m going to start with you. There are concerns that are boycott might discourage authorities there from doing the right thing by these families. How do we approach this?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES: Firstly, I would say the Australian Government continues to stand with Holly and Bianca’s family and continues to of course press the Laos Government to fully and transparently investigate these circumstances. Of course, there are warnings on Smartraveller which is an important government resource to look at the risks. But we as a Government will continue to press for a full investigation because it is really important that any issues that emerge from that are addressed to make sure travellers are safe.

    CHARLES CROUCHER: I guess the issue is, is there something more the Government can be doing if the parents are now encouraging travellers to do the lobbying for them?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: We have continued on an ongoing basis to have conversations and to continue to press the Laos Government and we will continue to do that. We’ve been providing consular support to Bianca’s and Holly’s families. We will continue to do everything we can as a Government to push this. But it’s important people are properly informed when they do travel overseas about what the risks are.

    CHARLES CROUCHER: Bridget, can we be doing more?

    BRIDGET MCKENZIE, NATIONALS SENATOR: Well, I think the Government’s outlined that it’s pursuing every diplomatic measure it can. It’s an absolute tragedy what happened to Holly and Bianca. We don’t want any other young Australians who go overseas for a great holiday to suffer the same fate. So, we need to be pushing for a full investigation so that the issues can be made clear. And you know, we back the Government all the way in their efforts to do that.

    CHARLES CROUCHER: And we stay with the parents because it’s such a tough situation they’ve been in, and we’ve been sort of amazed at how brave they’ve been in speaking out as well. Well, we’re going to move on because the NRL’s Vegas gamble well and truly paid off. It reached, we’re told, an audience that was unprecedented and generated more than $100 million. Now the attention turns to the AFL which weather permitting, will kick off on Thursday. Bridget, you’re a Senator from Victoria. It’s the AFL home state. Are they getting beaten when it comes to launching the season by the people from up north.

    BRIDGET MCKENZIE: Look, we know that NRL is a spectator sport that had the most successful seat opening since 2010. And I think what really resonated with the US was no helmets, no pads, all action, no timeout. And I mean, when you compare that to the NFL, the US rocked up in droves to actually see the NRL live. Obviously, Charles, I am from Victoria. We’ve got the G and we pack it out week in, week out to watch our great game. So, you know, I think it’s the difference between the two sports. One is, you know, best live and the other is building that, you know, a sustainable funding base going forward. Because we know if the NRL gets 1 per cent of the US market, it’ll be sustaining funding for them going forward, which is also good news in decades to come.

    CHARLES CROUCHER: A great TV product, of course, and it’s on Nine as well, which shows. Amanda, Gather Round [AFL] is in South Australia. Never ruined that with an election on the same weekend, obviously. But should the AFL be doing more to make this round the number one?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: Well, you know, the Gather Round is an absolutely amazing round, I have to say. It brings a buzz not just to South Australia but to footy fans, to be all in the same place. I think the AFL has been looking at how they engage their audiences and I would say that Gather Round is a great example of that and will continue to do so. But congratulations to the NRL. And hopefully we’ll start seeing people in America wearing those NRL colours. But of course, I would like to see everyone in America wearing some AFL colours as well. And I think we can all work towards that.

    CHARLES CROUCHER: All right, finally, from Conan O’Brien’s opening monologue to Anora’s sweeping success, the Oscars delivered a host of memorable moments. We’re sort of short on time, so I might even just go with a hands up approach here. But did anyone tune in and has anyone seen any of the movies that are nominated this year? 

    BRIDGET MCKENZIE: Too busy fighting Labor. 

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: I’ve seen Wicked.

    BRIDGET MCKENZIE: Charles, I’m halfway through Conclave on a flight.

    CHARLES CROUCHER: That’s probably the way you’re going to do it. And Amanda’s seen Wicked. So that’s a good sign of the way things are going for Conclave and Wicked – two brutal fights of political natures. And that shapes well for whatever’s to come in the next couple of weeks. Really lovely speaking to both you this morning.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: W&T Offshore Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results Including Year-End 2024 Proved Reserves, Provides Guidance for 2025 and Declares Dividend for First Quarter of 2025

    Source: W & T Offshore Inc

    Headline: W&T Offshore Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results Including Year-End 2024 Proved Reserves, Provides Guidance for 2025 and Declares Dividend for First Quarter of 2025

    HOUSTON, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — W&T Offshore, Inc. (NYSE: WTI) (“W&T,” the “Company” or “us”) today reported operational and financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024, including the Company’s year-end 2024 reserve report. Detailed guidance for the first quarter of 2025 and full year 2025 was also provided, and W&T announced its dividend for the first quarter of 2025.

    This press release includes non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted Net Loss, Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow, Net Debt and PV-10 which are described and reconciled to the most comparable GAAP measures below in the accompanying tables under “Non-GAAP Information.”

    Key highlights for the fourth quarter of 2024, the full year 2024 and since year end 2024 include:

    • Delivered production in full year 2024 of 33.3 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (“MBoe/d”) (43% oil), or 12.2 million barrels of oil equivalent (“MMBoe”). This production was within the Company’s guidance range despite impacts from three hurricanes in the Gulf of America (“GOA”) and other downtime which was mainly related to the Cox acquisition (as defined below);
      • Achieved mid-point of the guidance for annual oil production and increased it by 4% year-over-year;
      • Produced 32.1 MBoe/d (43% oil) or 3.0 MMBoe in fourth quarter 2024, within W&T’s guidance range;
      • Announced the Main Pass 108 and 98 fields as well as the West Delta 73 field are expected to come back online in the second quarter of 2025;
    • Increased year-end 2024 proved reserves at SEC pricing to 127.0 MMBoe, with oil reserves increasing 39%;
      • Reported a standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows of $740.1 million and a present value of estimated future oil and natural gas revenues, minus direct expenses, discounted at a 10% annual rate (“PV-10”) of $1.2 billion, a 14% increase compared to PV-10 for year-end 2023, despite lower SEC pricing;
      • Benefited from acquisitions totaling 21.7 MMBoe, along with positive well performance and technical revisions of 5.0 MMBoe, partially offset by 10.5 MMBoe of negative price revisions and 12.2 MMBoe of production for the year, resulting in replacement of 219% of 2024 production with new reserves;
    • Incurred lease operating expenses (“LOE”) of $281.5 million in full year 2024, at the low end of the Company’s full year guidance range and $64.3 million in fourth quarter 2024, 12% below the low end of the Company’s fourth quarter guidance;
    • Acquired six shallow water GOA fields in January 2024 (“the Cox acquisition”), all of which are 100% working interest and located adjacent to existing W&T operations, for $77.3 million, which was funded with cash on hand;
    • Sold a non-core interest in Garden Banks Blocks 385 and 386 in January 2025, which included latest net production of approximately 195 barrels of oil equivalent per day (“Boe/d”) (72% oil) for $11.9 million (the “Garden Banks Disposition”), or over $60,000 per flowing barrel, after customary closing adjustments;
    • Received $58.5 million in cash for an insurance settlement (the “Insurance Settlement”) related to the Mobile Bay 78-1 well, in first quarter of 2025, which further bolsters W&T’s balance sheet;
    • Successfully refinanced the Company’s $275.0 million 11.75% Senior Second Lien Notes due 2026 (the “11.75% Notes”) and $114.2 million outstanding amount under the term loan provided by Munich Re Risk Financing, Inc., as lender (the “MRE Term Loan”) with proceeds from the issuance of new $350.0 million of 10.75% Senior Second Lien Notes due 2029 (the “10.75% Notes”) in January 2025 and available cash on hand;
      • Paid down and effectively reduced gross debt by around $39.0 million;
      • Eliminated principal payments of $27.6 million in 2025, $25.4 million in 2026, $22.9 million in 2027 and $38.3 million in 2028;
      • Lowered interest rate on the Senior Second Lien Notes by 100 basis points;
    • Entered into a new credit agreement in the first quarter 2025 for a $50 million revolving credit facility which matures in July 2028, that is undrawn and replaces the previous credit facility provided by Calculus Lending, LLC;
    • Reported net loss for full year 2024 of $87.1 million, or $(0.59) per diluted share and net loss of $23.4 million, or $(0.16) per diluted share for fourth quarter 2024;
      • Adjusted Net Loss totaled $67.6 million, or $(0.46) per diluted share for full year 2024, and $26.2 million, or $(0.18) per diluted share, for fourth quarter 2024, which primarily excludes the net unrealized gain on outstanding derivative contracts, non-ARO plugging and abandonment (“P&A”) costs, other costs and the related tax effect;
    • Generated Adjusted EBITDA of $153.6 million in full year 2024 and $31.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2024;
    • Produced net cash from operating activities of $59.5 million and Free Cash Flow of $44.9 million in full year 2024;
    • Reported cash and cash equivalents of $109.0 million, lowered total debt to $393.2 million and lowered Net Debt to $284.2 million at December 31, 2024;
    • Added costless collar hedges for 50,000 million British Thermal Units per day (“MMBtu/d”) of natural gas for the period of March through December 2025;
    • Paid fifth consecutive quarterly dividend of $0.01 per common share in November 2024; and
      • Declared first quarter 2025 dividend of $0.01 per share, which will be payable on March 24, 2025 to stockholders of record on March 17, 2025;

    Tracy W. Krohn, W&T’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We delivered solid results in 2024 thanks to our continued commitment to executing on our strategic vision focused on free cash flow generation, maintaining solid production and maximizing margins. We generated strong Adjusted EBITDA of $153.6 million and Free Cash Flow of $44.9 million for full year 2024. This was achieved despite limited contribution from the Cox acquisition as we continued to work on enhancing long-term value for these assets at the expense of deferring some near-term production. Some of this benefit is already reflected in our year-end reserves, which saw a 39% increase in oil reserves, and our PV-10 increased by almost $150 million, despite lower SEC pricing compared to year end 2023. We replaced production by over 200% with our positive revisions and acquisitions. Our focus on cost control and capturing synergies associated with our asset acquisitions contributed to our LOE coming in at the bottom end of our reduced guidance range. In addition, we are expecting further production uplift associated with the remaining fields from the Cox acquisition coming online in the second quarter of 2025 that have been shut in so that we could improve the facilities and transportation of production to enhance safety and efficiency of operations in the future.”

    “In early 2025, we strengthened our balance sheet by closing the new 10.75% Notes, entered into a new revolving credit facility and added material cash through a non-core disposition and an insurance settlement. The new 10.75% Notes have an interest rate 100 basis points lower than our 11.75% Notes and received improved credit ratings from S&P and Moody’s, had a broad distribution including international investors and were significantly oversubscribed. We also received a $58.5 million cash insurance settlement payment related to a well loss event. Finally, we sold our non-core interests for $11.9 million after customary closing adjustments in Garden Banks 385 and 386 at over $60,000 per flowing barrel which is highly accretive to W&T. This further demonstrates the value of our assets and our ability to divest our properties at attractive multiples.”

    Mr. Krohn concluded, “As we progress through 2025 with a stronger balance sheet, we remain poised to take advantage of potential acquisitions that will be accretive to our stakeholders. We remain committed to enhancing shareholder value and returning value to our shareholders through the quarterly dividend in place since November 2023. Our strategy has proven to be sustainable over the past 40 plus years, and we are well-positioned to continue to successfully execute it in the future.”

    Production, Prices and Revenue: Production for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 32.1 MBoe/d, within the Company’s fourth quarter guidance and up 4% compared with 31.0 MBoe/d for the third quarter of 2024 and down compared with 34.1 MBoe/d for the corresponding period in 2023. Production in the second half of 2024 was temporarily reduced mainly due to multiple named storms and third-party downtime. Fourth quarter 2024 production was comprised of 13.7 thousand barrels per day (“MBbl/d”) of oil (43%), 3.0 MBbl/d of natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) (9%), and 92.4 million cubic feet per day (“MMcf/d”) of natural gas (48%).

    W&T’s average realized price per Boe before realized derivative settlements was $39.86 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2024, a decrease of 5% from $41.92 per Boe in the third quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 4% from $41.55 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2023. Fourth quarter 2024 oil, NGL and natural gas prices before realized derivative settlements were $68.71 per barrel of oil, $24.59 per barrel of NGL and $2.85 per Mcf of natural gas.

    Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $120.3 million, which were slightly lower than the third quarter of 2024 revenues of $121.4 million driven by lower realized prices for oil. Fourth quarter 2024 revenues were approximately 9% lower than $132.3 million of revenues in the fourth quarter of 2023 due to lower average realized prices and lower production volumes.

    Lease Operating Expenses: LOE, which includes base lease operating expenses, insurance premiums, workovers and facilities maintenance expenses, was $64.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, which was 12% below the low end of the previously provided guidance range of $73.0 to $81.0 million. LOE came in lower than expected as the Company continued to realize synergies from asset acquisitions in late 2023 and early 2024. LOE for the fourth quarter of 2024 was approximately 11% lower compared to $72.4 million in the third quarter of 2024 primarily due to favorable audit adjustments, an increase in royalty credits and lower repairs and maintenance costs. LOE for the fourth quarter of 2024 was essentially flat compared to $64.6 million for the corresponding period in 2023. On a component basis for the fourth quarter of 2024, base LOE and insurance premiums were $53.5 million, workovers were $0.9 million, and facilities maintenance and other expenses were $9.9 million. On a unit of production basis, LOE was $21.76 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2024. This compares to $25.37 per Boe for the third quarter of 2024 and $20.61 per Boe for the fourth quarter of 2023, reflecting a decrease in production in the periods.

    Gathering, Transportation Costs and Production Taxes: Gathering, transportation costs and production taxes totaled $5.9 million ($2.00 per Boe) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $6.1 million ($2.15 per Boe) in the third quarter of 2024 and $6.6 million ($2.11 per Boe) in the fourth quarter of 2023. Gathering, transportation costs and production taxes decreased in the fourth quarter of 2024 from the prior quarter due to lower processing and transportation fees offset by increased production taxes.

    Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (“DD&A”): DD&A was $12.94 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2024. This compares to $11.99 per Boe and $10.73 per Boe for the third quarter of 2024 and the fourth quarter of 2023, respectively.

    Asset Retirement Obligations Accretion: Asset retirement obligations accretion was $2.76 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2024. This compares to $2.75 per Boe and $2.35 per Boe for the third quarter of 2024 and the fourth quarter of 2023, respectively.

    General & Administrative Expenses (“G&A”): G&A was $20.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, which increased from $19.7 million in the third quarter of 2024 primarily due to higher quarter over quarter accrual for non-cash long-term incentives and increased from $18.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 primarily due to higher quarter over quarter accruals for short-term incentives and non-cash long term incentives. On a unit of production basis, G&A was $7.04 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $6.91 per Boe in the third quarter of 2024 and $5.82 per Boe in the corresponding period of 2023. These differences are primarily related to production variances.

    Derivative (Gain) Loss, net: In the fourth quarter of 2024, W&T recorded a net loss of $2.1 million with commodity derivative contracts comprised of $2.6 million of realized losses and $0.5 million of unrealized gains related to the increase in fair value of open contracts. W&T recognized a net gain of $3.2 million in the third quarter of 2024 and a net gain of $13.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 related to commodity derivative activities.

    To take advantage of the recent uptick in prices for natural gas, W&T recently added Henry Hub costless collars for 50,000 MMBtu/d of natural gas for the period of March through December 2025 with a floor of $3.88 per MMBtu and a ceiling of $5.125 per MMBtu.

    A summary of the Company’s outstanding derivative positions is provided in the investor presentation posted on W&T’s website.

    Interest Expense: Net interest expense in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $10.2 million compared to $10.0 million in the third quarter of 2024 and $9.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Other Expense: During 2021 and 2022, as a result of the declaration of bankruptcy by a third party that is the indirect successor in title to certain offshore interests that were previously divested by the Company, W&T recorded a contingent loss accrual related to anticipated non-ARO P&A costs. During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company reassessed its existing obligations and recorded a $2.8 million decrease in the contingent loss accrual.

    Income Tax (Benefit) Expense: W&T recognized an income tax benefit of $1.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. This compares to the recognition of an income tax benefit of $4.5 million and an income tax expense of $1.9 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

    Capital Expenditures and Asset Retirement Settlements: Capital expenditures on an accrual basis (excluding acquisitions) in the fourth quarter of 2024 were $12.2 million, and asset retirement settlement costs totaled $19.3 million. For the year ended December 31, 2024, capital expenditures on an accrual basis (excluding acquisitions) totaled $28.6 million and asset retirements costs were $39.7 million. Investments related to acquisitions in the year ended December 31, 2024 totaled $80.6 million, which included $77.3 million for the Cox acquisition and $3.3 million of final purchase price adjustments related to W&T’s acquisition of properties in September 2023.

    Balance Sheet and Liquidity: As of December 31, 2024, W&T had available liquidity of $159.0 million comprised of $109.0 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $50.0 million of borrowing availability under W&T’s first priority secured revolving facility provided by Calculus Lending LLC. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had total debt of $393.2 million and Net Debt of $284.2 million. As of December 31, 2024, Net Debt to trailing twelve months (“TTM”) Adjusted EBITDA was 1.8x.

    Debt Refinance: On January 28, 2025 W&T closed an offering of the 10.75% Notes at par in a private offering that was exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company used a portion of the proceeds from the 10.75% Notes offering, along with cash on hand to, (i) purchase for cash pursuant to a tender offer, such of the Company’s outstanding 11.75% Notes that were validly tendered pursuant to the terms thereof, (ii) repay $114.2 million outstanding under the Term Loan, (iii) fund the full redemption amount for an August 1, 2025 redemption of the remaining 11.75% Notes not validly tendered and accepted for purchase in the tender offer, and (iv) pay premiums, fees and expenses related to these transactions. On the closing date of the offering of the 10.75% Notes, the Company completed all actions necessary to satisfy and discharge the indenture governing the 11.75% Notes.

    Pro forma for the debt refinance, the Garden Banks Disposition and the Insurance Settlement, as of December 31, 2024, W&T’s cash and cash equivalents would have been approximately $104.3 million, total debt would have been approximately $349.5 million and Net Debt would have been approximately $245.2 million. As of December 31, 2024, the pro forma Net Debt to TTM Adjusted EBITDA would have been 1.6x.

    In conjunction with the issuance of the 10.75% Notes, the Company entered into a new credit agreement which provides the Company with a revolving credit and letter of credit facility, with initial lending commitments of $50 million with a letter of credit sublimit of $10 million. The Credit Facility matures on July 28, 2028.

    Accretive Acquisition of Producing Properties in the GOA: In January 2024, W&T was the successful bidder for six fields in the GOA, including Eugene Island 64, Main Pass 61, Mobile 904, Mobile 916, South Pass 49 and West Delta 73, all of which include a 100% working interest and an average 82% net revenue interest. They are located in water depths ranging between approximately 15 and 400 feet. Their proximity to W&T’s areas of existing operations provides the ability for W&T to capture synergies regarding personnel, well optimization, gathering and transport. The final purchase price for the assets was $77.3 million, after closing costs and other transaction costs, which were funded from the Company’s cash on hand. Key highlights of the transaction included:

    • Added significant year-end 2024 reserves of 21.7 MMBoe (62% liquids), even after excluding 1.3 MMBoe of production during 2024;
    • Based on the cash consideration paid of $77.3 million, this equates to a price of $3.38 per Boe of 2024 SEC reserves booked, when adding back 2024 production of 1.3 MMBoe;
    • Multiple fields were immediately shut-in while improvements were made to bring them up to W&T’s standards for safety and efficiency. Those fields are expected to come back online in the first half of 2025;
      • The Main Pass 108 and 98 fields as well as the West Delta 73 field are expected to return to production in the second quarter of 2025; and
    • The Company believes that it can further increase production on these properties through workovers, recompletions and ongoing facility upgrades.

    Non-Core Asset Disposition

    In early 2025, W&T sold a non-core interest in Garden Banks Blocks 385 and 386, which included net production of approximately 195 Boe/d, for $11.9 million after normal purchase price adjustments. The effective date of the sale was December 1, 2024, and the transaction closed in January 2025. The impact to W&T’s reserves for year-end 2024 were minimal at about 0.12 MMBoe.

    Full Year-End 2024 Financial Review

    W&T reported a net loss for the full year 2024 of $87.1 million, or $(0.59) per diluted share, and Adjusted Net Loss of $67.6 million, or $(0.46) per diluted share. For the full year 2023, the Company reported net income of $15.6 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, and Adjusted Net Loss of $21.7 million, or $(0.15) per diluted share. W&T generated Adjusted EBITDA of $153.6 million for the full year 2024 compared to $183.2 million in 2023. The year-over-year decrease was primarily driven by lower oil and natural gas prices and decreased production. Revenues totaled $525.3 million for 2024 compared with $532.7 million in 2023. Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $59.5 million compared with $115.3 million for the same period in 2023. Free Cash Flow totaled $44.9 million in 2024 compared with $63.3 million in 2023.

    Production for 2024 averaged 33.3 MBoe/d for a total of 12.2 MMBoe, comprised of 5.3 MMBbl of oil, 1.2 MMBbl of NGLs and 34.3 Bcf of natural gas. Full year 2023 production averaged 34.9 MBoe/d or 12.7 MMBoe in total and was comprised of 5.1 MMBbl of oil, 1.4 MMBbl of NGLs and 37.6 Bcf of natural gas.  

    For the full year 2024, W&T’s average realized sales price per barrel of crude oil was $75.28 and $23.08 per barrel of NGLs and $2.65 per Mcf of natural gas. While the realized pricing for oil and natural gas were down year-over-year, the production mix was more weighted toward oil in 2024, thus the equivalent sales price for 2024 was $42.23 per Boe, which was 3% higher than the equivalent price of $41.16 per Boe realized in 2023.  For 2023, the Company’s realized crude oil sales price was $75.52 per barrel, NGL sales price was $22.93 per barrel, and natural gas price was $2.93 per Mcf.

    For the full year 2024, LOE was $281.5 million compared to $257.7 million in 2023. While LOE increased year-over-year in 2024 due to increased workover and facility investments, higher oil production and costs from the acquisition of additional properties in January 2024 and September 2023, W&T’s LOE for 2024 was 10% below the midpoint guidance for LOE as the Company was able to mitigate some of these increased costs through synergies from the asset acquisitions.

    Gathering, transportation, and production taxes totaled $28.2 million in 2024, an increase from the $26.3 million in 2023.

    For the full year 2024, G&A was $82.4 million, which was a 9% increase over the $75.5 million reported in 2023. The increase year-over-year is primarily due to increased salary and benefits costs and non-recurring legal fees that were somewhat offset by lower accruals for short-term incentives. On a per unit basis, G&A per Boe was $6.76 in 2024, up from $5.93 per Boe in 2023.  G&A increased on a per Boe basis primarily due to lower production.  

    OPERATIONS UPDATE

    Well Recompletions and Workovers

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company performed two workovers and two recompletions that positively impacted production for the quarter. W&T plans to continue performing these low cost and low risk short payout operations that impact both production and revenue.

    Year-End 2024 Proved Reserves

    The Company’s year-end 2024 SEC proved reserves were 127.0 MMBoe, compared with 123.0 MMBoe at year-end 2023. In 2024, W&T recorded positive performance revisions of 5.0 MMBoe, and acquisitions of reserves of 21.7 MMBoe, which were offset by 10.5 MMBoe of negative price revisions and 12.2 MMBoe of production for the year.  During 2024, W&T continued to focus on reducing Net Debt while identifying and executing attractive acquisitions.  Successful workovers, operational excellence and acquisitions allowed W&T to replace 219% of production with new reserves.  

    The SEC twelve-month first day of the month average spot prices used in the preparation of the report for year-end 2024 were $76.32 per barrel of oil and $2.13 per MMBtu of natural gas. Comparable prices used for the prior year report were $78.21 per barrel of oil and $2.64 per MMBtu of natural gas. The PV-10 of W&T’s proved reserves at year-end 2024 increased 14% to $1.2 billion from $1.1 billion at year-end 2023, driven primarily by an increase in oil reserves due to the acquisition in January 2024 and by positive reserve performance revisions which were somewhat offset by lower SEC pricing.

    Approximately 51% of year-end 2024 proved reserves were liquids (41% crude oil and 10% NGLs) and 49% natural gas. The reserves were classified as 52% proved developed producing, 31% proved developed non-producing, and 17% proved undeveloped. W&T’s reserve life ratio at year-end 2024, based on year-end 2024 proved reserves and 2024 production, was 10.4 years.

                           
        Oil   NGLs   Natural Gas       PV-101
        (MMBbls)   (MMBbls)   (Bcf)   MMBoe   ($MM)
    Proved reserves as of December 31, 2023   37.0     13.7     434.0     123.0     $ 1,080.9
    Revisions of previous estimates   7.4     1.8     (26.1 )   5.0        
    Revisions due to change in SEC prices   (0.4 )   (1.6 )   (51.0 )   (10.5 )      
    Purchase of minerals in place   12.9     0.3     51.8     21.7        
    Production   (5.3 )   (1.2 )   (34.3 )   (12.2 )      
    Proved reserves as of December 31, 2024   51.6     13.0     374.4     127.0     $ 1,229.5

    (1)   PV-10 for this presentation excludes any provisions for asset retirement obligations or income taxes.

    In accordance with guidelines established by the SEC, estimated proved reserves as of December 31, 2024 were determined to be economically producible under existing economic conditions, which requires the use of the 12-month average of the first-day-of-the-month price for the year ended December 31, 2024. The WTI spot price and the Henry Hub spot price were utilized as the reference prices and after adjusting for quality, transportation, fees, energy content, and regional price differentials, the average realized prices were $74.69 per barrel for oil, $22.98 per barrel for NGLs, and $2.58 per Mcf for natural gas. In determining the estimated realized price for NGLs, a ratio was computed for each field of the NGLs realized price compared to the crude oil realized price. This ratio was then applied to the crude price using SEC guidance. Such prices were held constant throughout the estimated lives of the reserves. Future estimated production and development costs are based on year-end costs with no escalations.

    The standardized measure of future net cash flows was $740.1 million at December 31, 2024, which is calculated as the PV-10 of $1,229.5 million less discounted cash outflows of $334.6 million associated with asset retirement obligations and $154.8 million associated with income taxes. At December 31, 2023, the standardized measure was $683.2 million, which is calculated as the PV-10 of $1,080.9 million less discounted cash outflows of $246.7 million associated with asset retirement obligations and $151.0 million associated with income taxes.

    First Quarter and Full Year 2025 Production and Expense Guidance

    The guidance for the first quarter and full year 2025 in the table below represents the Company’s current expectations. Please refer to the section entitled “Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements” below for risk factors that could impact guidance.

    In the first quarter of 2025, there have been several planned facility and pipeline maintenance projects as well as unplanned downtime at several fields due to multiple winter freezes in the first quarter of 2025 that temporarily reduced production. Full year 2025 production reflects the West Delta 73 field returning to production in the second quarter as well as the other fields that were temporarily shut-in during the first quarter of 2025. First quarter 2025 LOE is expected to be higher than the prior quarter due to increased maintenance and repair costs and facility upgrades; full year 2025 LOE is expected to be modestly higher than 2024.

         
    Production First Quarter 2025 Full Year 2025
    Oil (MBbl) 1,130 – 1,250 5,150 – 5,690
    NGLs (MBbl) 205 – 235 1,020 – 1,140
    Natural gas (MMcf) 7,220 – 7,980 34,880 – 38,560
    Total equivalents (MBoe) 2,538 – 2,815 11,983 – 13,257
    Average daily equivalents (MBoe/d) 27.6 – 30.6 32.8 – 36.3
    Expenses First Quarter 2025 Full Year 2025
    Lease operating expense ($MM) 72.5 – 80.5 280.0 – 310.0
    Gathering, transportation & production taxes ($MM) 6.1 – 6.9 27.1 – 30.1
    General & administrative – cash ($MM) 17.8 – 19.8 62.0 – 69.0
    General & administrative – non-cash ($MM) 2.1 – 2.5 10.1 – 11.3
    DD&A ($ per Boe)   13.40 – 14.90

    W&T expects substantially all income taxes in 2025 to be deferred. 

    2025 Capital Investment Program

    W&T’s capital expenditure budget for 2025 is expected to be in the range of $34.0 million to $42.0 million, which excludes potential acquisition opportunities.  Included in this range are planned expenditures related to asset integrations as well as ongoing costs related to the acquisitions for facilities, leasehold, seismic, and recompletions. 

    Plugging and abandonment expenditures are expected to be in the range of $27.0 million to $37.0 million.  The Company spent approximately $40 million on these costs in 2024.

    Conference Call Information: W&T will hold a conference call to discuss its financial and operational results on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Central Time (10:00 a.m. Eastern Time). Interested parties may dial 1-844-739-3797. International parties may dial 1-412-317-5713. Participants should request to connect to the “W&T Offshore Conference Call.” This call will also be webcast and available on W&T’s website at www.wtoffshore.com under “Investors.” An audio replay will be available on the Company’s website following the call.

    About W&T Offshore

    W&T Offshore, Inc. is an independent oil and natural gas producer with operations offshore in the Gulf of America and has grown through acquisitions, exploration and development. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had working interests in 52 fields in federal and state waters (which include 45 fields in federal waters and seven in state waters). The Company has under lease approximately 646,200 gross acres (502,300 net acres) spanning across the outer continental shelf off the coasts of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama, with approximately 493,000 gross acres on the conventional shelf, approximately 147,700 gross acres in the deepwater and 5,500 gross acres in Alabama state waters. A majority of the Company’s daily production is derived from wells it operates. For more information on W&T, please visit the Company’s website at www.wtoffshore.com.

    Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this release, including those regarding the Company’s financial position, operating and financial performance, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations, projected costs, industry conditions, potential acquisitions, sustainability initiatives, the impact of and integration of acquired assets, and indebtedness are forward-looking statements. When used in this release, forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “target,” “could,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “goal,” “will,” “should,” “may” or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Items contemplating or making assumptions about actual or potential future production and sales, prices, market size, and trends or operating results also constitute such forward-looking statements.

    These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and assumptions about future events and speak only as of the date of this release. While management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as results actually achieved may differ materially from expected results described in these statements. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of such statements, unless required by law.

    Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially including, among other things, the regulatory environment, including availability or timing of, and conditions imposed on, obtaining and/or maintaining permits and approvals, including those necessary for drilling and/or development projects; the impact of current, pending and/or future laws and regulations, and of legislative and regulatory changes and other government activities, including those related to permitting, drilling, completion, well stimulation, operation, maintenance or abandonment of wells or facilities, managing energy, water, land, greenhouse gases or other emissions, protection of health, safety and the environment, or transportation, marketing and sale of the Company’s products; inflation levels; global economic trends, geopolitical risks and general economic and industry conditions, such as the global supply chain disruptions and the government interventions into the financial markets and economy in response to inflation levels and world health events; volatility of oil, NGL and natural gas prices; the global energy future, including the factors and trends that are expected to shape it, such as concerns about climate change and other air quality issues, the transition to a low-emission economy and the expected role of different energy sources; supply of and demand for oil, natural gas and NGLs, including due to the actions of foreign producers, importantly including OPEC and other major oil producing companies (“OPEC+”) and change in OPEC+’s production levels; disruptions to, capacity constraints in, or other limitations on the pipeline systems that deliver the Company’s oil and natural gas and other processing and transportation considerations; inability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or to obtain adequate financing to fund capital expenditures, meet the Company’s working capital requirements or fund planned investments; price fluctuations and availability of natural gas and electricity; the Company’s ability to use derivative instruments to manage commodity price risk; the Company’s ability to meet the Company’s planned drilling schedule, including due to the Company’s ability to obtain permits on a timely basis or at all, and to successfully drill wells that produce oil and natural gas in commercially viable quantities; uncertainties associated with estimating proved reserves and related future cash flows; the Company’s ability to replace the Company’s reserves through exploration and development activities; drilling and production results, lower–than–expected production, reserves or resources from development projects or higher–than–expected decline rates; the Company’s ability to obtain timely and available drilling and completion equipment and crew availability and access to necessary resources for drilling, completing and operating wells; changes in tax laws; effects of competition; uncertainties and liabilities associated with acquired and divested assets; the Company’s ability to make acquisitions and successfully integrate any acquired businesses; asset impairments from commodity price declines; large or multiple customer defaults on contractual obligations, including defaults resulting from actual or potential insolvencies; geographical concentration of the Company’s operations; the creditworthiness and performance of the Company’s counterparties with respect to its hedges; impact of derivatives legislation affecting the Company’s ability to hedge; failure of risk management and ineffectiveness of internal controls; catastrophic events, including tropical storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, pandemics and other world health events; environmental risks and liabilities under U.S. federal, state, tribal and local laws and regulations (including remedial actions); potential liability resulting from pending or future litigation; the Company’s ability to recruit and/or retain key members of the Company’s senior management and key technical employees; information technology failures or cyberattacks; and governmental actions and political conditions, as well as the actions by other third parties that are beyond the Company’s control, and other factors discussed in W&T Offshore’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q found at www.sec.gov or at the Company’s website at www.wtoffshore.com under the Investor Relations section.

                                   
    W&T OFFSHORE, INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (In thousands, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)
                                   
        Three Months Ended    
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    Year Ended December 31, 
           2024        2024        2023     2024        2023  
    Revenues:                              
    Oil   $ 86,778     $ 90,862     $ 94,076     $ 395,620     $ 381,389  
    NGLs     6,713       5,636       6,851       27,978       32,446  
    Natural gas     24,203       23,148       29,401       90,877       110,158  
    Other     2,651       1,726       2,012       10,786       8,663  
    Total revenues     120,345       121,372       132,340       525,261       532,656  
                                   
    Operating expenses:                              
    Lease operating expenses     64,259       72,412       64,643       281,488       257,676  
    Gathering, transportation and production taxes     5,912       6,147       6,620       28,177       26,250  
    Depreciation, depletion, and amortization     38,208       34,206       33,658       143,025       114,677  
    Asset retirement obligations accretion     8,157       7,848       7,377       32,374       29,018  
    General and administrative expenses     20,799       19,723       18,251       82,391       75,541  
    Total operating expenses     137,335       140,336       130,549       567,455       503,162  
                                   
    Operating (loss) income     (16,990 )     (18,964 )     1,791       (42,194 )     29,494  
                                   
    Interest expense, net     10,226       9,992       9,729       40,454       44,689  
    Derivative (gain) loss, net     2,113       (3,199 )     (13,199 )     (3,589 )     (54,759 )
    Other (income) expense, net     (4,118 )     15,709       3,772       18,071       5,621  
    (Loss) income before income taxes     (25,211 )     (41,466 )     1,489       (97,130 )     33,943  
    Income tax (benefit) expense     (1,849 )     (4,545 )     1,932       (9,985 )     18,345  
    Net (loss) income   $ (23,362 )   $ (36,921 )   $ (443 )   $ (87,145 )   $ 15,598  
                                   
    Net (loss) income per share:                              
    Basic   $ (0.16 )   $ (0.25 )   $     $ (0.59 )   $ 0.11  
    Diluted     (0.16 )     (0.25 )           (0.59 )     0.11  
                                   
    Weighted average common shares outstanding                              
    Basic     147,365       147,206       146,578       147,133       146,483  
    Diluted     147,365       147,206       146,578       147,133       148,302  
                                   
    W&T OFFSHORE, INC.
    Condensed Operating Data
    (Unaudited)
                                   
        Three Months Ended    
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    Year Ended December 31, 
        2024   2024      2023   2024      2023
    Net sales volumes:                              
    Oil (MBbls)     1,263     1,210     1,219     5,255     5,050
    NGLs (MBbls)     273     262     329     1,212     1,415
    Natural gas (MMcf)     8,505     8,289     9,533     34,296     37,591
    Total oil and natural gas (MBoe) (1)     2,953     2,854     3,136     12,183     12,730
                                   
    Average daily equivalent sales (MBoe/d)     32.1     31.0     34.1     33.3     34.9
                                   
    Average realized sales prices (before the impact of derivative settlements):                              
    Oil ($/Bbl)   $ 68.71   $ 75.09   $ 77.17   $ 75.28   $ 75.52
    NGLs ($/Bbl)     24.59     21.51     20.82     23.08     22.93
    Natural gas ($/Mcf)     2.85     2.79     3.08     2.65     2.93
    Barrel of oil equivalent ($/Boe)     39.86     41.92     41.55     42.23     41.16
                                   
    Average operating expenses per Boe ($/Boe):                              
    Lease operating expenses   $ 21.76   $ 25.37   $ 20.61   $ 23.10   $ 20.24
    Gathering, transportation and production taxes     2.00     2.15     2.11     2.31     2.06
    Depreciation, depletion, and amortization     12.94     11.99     10.73     11.74     9.01
    Asset retirement obligations accretion     2.76     2.75     2.35     2.66     2.28
    General and administrative expenses     7.04     6.91     5.82     6.76     5.93

    (1)   MBoe is determined using the ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one Bbl of crude oil, condensate or NGLs (totals may not compute due to rounding). The conversion ratio does not assume price equivalency and the price on an equivalent basis for oil, NGLs and natural gas may differ significantly. The realized prices presented above are volume-weighted for production in the respective period.

                 
    W&T OFFSHORE, INC.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In thousands)
    (Unaudited)
                 
           December 31,    December 31, 
        2024     2023  
    Assets            
    Current assets:            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 109,003     $ 173,338  
    Restricted cash     1,552       4,417  
    Receivables:            
    Oil and natural gas sales     63,558       52,080  
    Joint interest, net     25,841       15,480  
    Other           2,218  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     18,504       17,447  
    Total current assets     218,458       264,980  
                 
    Oil and natural gas properties, net     777,741       749,056  
    Restricted deposits for asset retirement obligations     22,730       22,272  
    Deferred income taxes     48,808       38,774  
    Other assets     31,193       38,923  
    Total assets   $ 1,098,930     $ 1,114,005  
                 
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity            
    Current liabilities:            
    Accounts payable   $ 83,625     $ 78,857  
    Accrued liabilities     33,271       31,978  
    Undistributed oil and natural gas proceeds     53,131       42,134  
    Advances from joint interest partners     2,443       2,962  
    Current portion of asset retirement obligations     46,326       31,553  
    Current portion of long-term debt, net     27,288       29,368  
    Total current liabilities     246,084       216,852  
                 
    Asset retirement obligations     502,506       467,262  
    Long-term debt, net     365,935       361,236  
    Other liabilities     16,182       19,420  
                 
    Commitments and contingencies     20,800       18,043  
                 
    Shareholders’ (deficit) equity:            
    Preferred stock            
    Common stock     2       1  
    Additional paid-in capital     595,407       586,014  
    Retained deficit     (623,819 )     (530,656 )
    Treasury stock     (24,167 )     (24,167 )
    Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity     (52,577 )     31,192  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ (deficit) equity   $ 1,098,930     $ 1,114,005  
                                   
    W&T OFFSHORE, INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (In thousands)
    (Unaudited)
                                   
        Three Months Ended    
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    Year Ended December 31, 
        2024     2024        2023     2024        2023  
    Operating activities:                              
    Net (loss) income   $ (23,362 )   $ (36,921 )   $ (443 )   $ (87,145 )   $ 15,598  
    Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:                              
    Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion     46,365       42,054       41,035       175,399       143,695  
    Share-based compensation     3,818       1,956       3,124       10,192       10,383  
    Amortization and write off of debt issuance costs     1,117       1,109       1,266       4,562       6,980  
    Derivative loss (gain), net     2,113       (3,199 )     (13,199 )     (3,589 )     (54,759 )
    Derivative cash (settlements) receipts, net     (1,638 )     1,208       (2,809 )     4,527       (8,932 )
    Deferred income (benefit) taxes     (1,941 )     (4,545 )     3,838       (10,077 )     18,485  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                              
    Accounts receivable     (17,064 )     21,913       (2,989 )     (19,621 )     12,586  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     1,792       2,502       (28,262 )     (1,450 )     (2,712 )
    Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other     3,831       (2,962 )     43,155       26,433       7,972  
    Asset retirement obligation settlements     (19,348 )     (8,347 )     (9,052 )     (39,692 )     (33,970 )
    Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities     (4,317 )     14,768       35,664       59,539       115,326  
                                   
    Investing activities:                              
    Investment in oil and natural gas properties and equipment     (14,124 )     (9,577 )     (12,139 )     (37,357 )     (41,813 )
    Acquisition of property interests                 1,479       (80,635 )     (27,384 )
    Deposit related to acquisition of property interests                 8,850              
    Purchase of corporate aircraft                             (8,983 )
    Purchases of furniture, fixtures and other     (19 )     (69 )     (347 )     (185 )     (3,428 )
    Net cash used in investing activities     (14,143 )     (9,646 )     (2,157 )     (118,177 )     (81,608 )
                                   
    Financing activities:                              
    Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                             275,000  
    Repayments of long-term debt     (275 )     (275 )     (7,687 )     (1,100 )     (586,934 )
    Debt issuance costs     (183 )     (174 )           (762 )     (7,380 )
    Payment of dividends     (1,475 )     (1,473 )     (1,466 )     (5,902 )     (1,466 )
    Other     (13 )     (31 )     (9 )     (798 )     (957 )
    Net cash used in financing activities     (1,946 )     (1,953 )     (9,162 )     (8,562 )     (321,737 )
    Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash     (20,406 )     3,169       24,345       (67,200 )     (288,019 )
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period     130,961       127,792       153,410       177,755       465,774  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period   $ 110,555     $ 130,961     $ 177,755     $ 110,555     $ 177,755  


    W&T OFFSHORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

    Non-GAAP Information

    Certain financial information included in W&T’s financial results are not measures of financial performance recognized by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures are “Net Debt,” “Adjusted Net Loss,” “Adjusted EBITDA,” “Free Cash Flow” and “PV-10” or are derivable from a combination of these measures. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in its analysis of performance. These disclosures may not be viewed as a substitute for results determined in accordance with GAAP and are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures which may be reported by other companies. Prior period amounts have been conformed to the methodology and presentation of the current period.

    We calculate Net Debt as total debt (current and long-term portions), less cash and cash equivalents. Management uses Net Debt to evaluate the Company’s financial position, including its ability to service its debt obligations.

    Reconciliation of Net (Loss) Income to Adjusted Net Loss

    Adjusted Net Loss adjusts for certain items that the Company believes affect comparability of operating results, including items that are generally non-recurring in nature or whose timing and/or amount cannot be reasonably estimated. These items include unrealized commodity derivative gain, net, allowance for credit losses, write-off of debt issuance costs, non-recurring legal and IT-related costs, non-ARO P&A costs, and other which are then tax effected using the Federal Statutory Rate. Company management believes that this presentation is relevant and useful because it helps investors to understand the net (loss) income of the Company without the effects of certain non-recurring or unusual expenses and certain income or loss that is not realized by the Company.

                                   
        Three Months Ended    
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    Year Ended December 31, 
        2024     2024     2023     2024     2023  
          (in thousands)
          (Unaudited)
    Net (loss) income   $ (23,362 )   $ (36,921 )   $ (443 )   $ (87,145 )   $ 15,598  
    Unrealized commodity derivative gain, net     (497 )     (1,829 )     (14,785 )     (710 )     (58,846 )
    Allowance for credit losses     118       10       28       558       37  
    Write-off debt issuance costs                             2,330  
    Non-recurring legal and IT-related costs     860       (22 )     413       5,798       3,044  
    Non-ARO P&A costs     (2,763 )     16,627       4,137       20,925       6,246  
    Other     (1,302 )     (633 )     (240 )     (1,845 )     31  
    Tax effect of selected items (1)     753       (2,972 )     2,194       (5,192 )     9,903  
    Adjusted net loss   $ (26,193 )   $ (25,740 )   $ (8,696 )   $ (67,611 )   $ (21,657 )
                                   
    Adjusted net loss per common share:                              
    Basic   $ (0.18 )   $ (0.17 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.46 )   $ (0.15 )
    Diluted   $ (0.18 )   $ (0.17 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.46 )   $ (0.15 )
                                   
    Weighted average shares outstanding:                              
    Basic     147,365       147,206       146,578       147,133       146,483  
    Diluted     147,365       147,206       146,578       147,133       146,483  

    (1)   Selected items were tax effected with the Federal Statutory Rate of 21% for each respective period.


    W&T OFFSHORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

    Non-GAAP Information

    Adjusted EBITDA/ Free Cash Flow Reconciliations

    The Company also presents non-GAAP financial measures of Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net (loss) income plus net interest expense, income tax (benefit) expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization, ARO accretion, excluding the unrealized commodity derivative gain, allowance for credit losses, non-cash incentive compensation, non-recurring legal and IT-related costs, non-ARO P&A costs, and other. Company management believes this presentation is relevant and useful because it helps investors understand W&T’s operating performance and makes it easier to compare its results with those of other companies that have different financing, capital and tax structures. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for net income, as an indication of operating performance or cash flows from operating activities or as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA, as W&T calculates it, may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA measures reported by other companies. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA does not represent funds available for discretionary use.

    The Company defines Free Cash Flow as Adjusted EBITDA (defined above), less capital expenditures, P&A costs and net interest expense (all on an accrual basis). For this purpose, the Company’s definition of capital expenditures includes costs incurred related to oil and natural gas properties (such as drilling and infrastructure costs and the lease maintenance costs) and equipment but excludes acquisition costs of oil and gas properties from third parties that are not included in the Company’s capital expenditures guidance provided to investors. Company management believes that Free Cash Flow is an important financial performance measure for use in evaluating the performance and efficiency of its current operating activities after the impact of accrued capital expenditures, P&A costs and net interest expense and without being impacted by items such as changes associated with working capital, which can vary substantially from one period to another. There is no commonly accepted definition of Free Cash Flow within the industry. Accordingly, Free Cash Flow, as defined and calculated by the Company, may not be comparable to Free Cash Flow or other similarly named non-GAAP measures reported by other companies. While the Company includes net interest expense in the calculation of Free Cash Flow, other mandatory debt service requirements of future payments of principal at maturity (if such debt is not refinanced) are excluded from the calculation of Free Cash Flow. These and other non-discretionary expenditures that are not deducted from Free Cash Flow would reduce cash available for other uses.

    The following table presents a reconciliation of the Company’s net (loss) income, a GAAP measure, to Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow, as such terms are defined by the Company:

                                   
        Three Months Ended    
        December 31,      September 30,    December 31,   Year Ended December 31, 
        2024       2024     2023     2024     2023  
        (in thousands)
        (Unaudited)
    Net (loss) income   $ (23,362 )   $ (36,921 )   $ (443 )   $ (87,145 )   $ 15,598  
    Interest expense, net     10,226       9,992       9,729       40,454       44,689  
    Income tax (benefit) expense     (1,849 )     (4,545 )     1,932       (9,985 )     18,345  
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization     38,208       34,206       33,658       143,025       114,677  
    Asset retirement obligations accretion     8,157       7,848       7,377       32,374       29,018  
    Unrealized commodity derivative gain, net     (497 )     (1,829 )     (14,785 )     (710 )     (58,846 )
    Allowance for credit losses     118       10       28       558       37  
    Non-cash incentive compensation     3,818       1,956       3,124       10,192       10,383  
    Non-recurring legal and IT-related costs     860       (22 )     413       5,798       3,044  
    Non-ARO P&A costs     (2,763 )     16,627       4,137       20,925       6,246  
    Other     (1,302 )     (633 )     (240 )     (1,845 )     31  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 31,614     $ 26,689     $ 44,930     $ 153,641     $ 183,222  
                                   
    Capital expenditures, accrual basis (1)   $ (12,228 )   $ (4,461 )   $ (10,319 )   $ (28,626 )   $ (41,278 )
    Asset retirement obligation settlements     (19,348 )     (8,347 )     (9,052 )     (39,692 )     (33,970 )
    Interest expense, net     (10,226 )     (9,992 )     (9,729 )     (40,454 )     (44,689 )
    Free Cash Flow   $ (10,188 )   $ 3,889     $ 15,830     $ 44,869     $ 63,285  

    (1) A reconciliation of the adjustment used to calculate Free Cash Flow to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements is included below:

                                   
    Capital expenditures, accrual basis reconciliation                              
    Investment in oil and natural gas properties and equipment   $ (14,124 )   $ (9,577 )   $ (12,139 )   $ (37,357 )   $ (41,813 )
    Less: acquisition related expenditures included in investment in oil and natural gas properties and equipment           (4,929 )           (4,929 )      
    Less: changes in operating assets and liabilities associated with investing activities     (1,896 )     (187 )     (1,820 )     (3,802 )     (535 )
    Capital expenditures, accrual basis   $ (12,228 )   $ (4,461 )   $ (10,319 )   $ (28,626 )   $ (41,278 )

    The following table presents a reconciliation of cash flow from operating activities, a GAAP measure, to Free Cash Flow, as defined by the Company:

                                   
        Three Months Ended    
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,   Year Ended December 31, 
        2024     2024     2023     2024     2023  
        (in thousands)
        (Unaudited)
    Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities   $ (4,317 )   $ 14,768     $ 35,664     $ 59,539     $ 115,326  
    Allowance for credit losses     118       10       28       558       37  
    Amortization of debt items and other items     (1,117 )     (1,109 )     (1,266 )     (4,562 )     (6,980 )
    Non-recurring legal and IT-related costs     860       (22 )     413       5,798       3,044  
    Current tax (benefit) expense (1)     92             (1,906 )     92       (140 )
    Change in derivatives (payable) receivable (1)     (972 )     162       1,223       (1,648 )     4,845  
    Non-ARO P&A costs     (2,763 )     16,627       4,137       20,925       6,246  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding asset retirement obligation settlements     11,441       (21,453 )     (11,904 )     (5,362 )     (17,846 )
    Capital expenditures, accrual basis     (12,228 )     (4,461 )     (10,319 )     (28,626 )     (41,278 )
    Other     (1,302 )     (633 )     (240 )     (1,845 )     31  
    Free Cash Flow   $ (10,188 )   $ 3,889     $ 15,830     $ 44,869     $ 63,285  

    (1) A reconciliation of the adjustments used to calculate Free Cash Flow to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements is included below:

                                   
    Current tax (benefit) expense:                              
    Income tax (benefit) expense   $ (1,849 )   $ (4,545 )   $ 1,932     $ (9,985 )   $ 18,345  
    Less: Deferred income (benefit) taxes     (1,941 )     (4,545 )     3,838       (10,077 )     18,485  
    Current tax (benefit) expense   $ 92     $     $ (1,906 )   $ 92     $ (140 )
                                   
    Changes in derivatives receivable (payable)                              
    Derivatives (payable) receivable, end of period   $ (1,377 )   $ (405 )   $ 271     $ (1,377 )   $ 271  
    Derivatives payable (receivable), beginning of period     405       567       952       (271 )     4,574  
    Change in derivatives (payable) receivable   $ (972 )   $ 162     $ 1,223     $ (1,648 )   $ 4,845  


    W&T OFFSHORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

    Non-GAAP Information

    Reconciliation of PV-10 to Standardized Measure

    The Company also discloses PV-10, which is not a financial measure defined under GAAP. The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure for proved reserves calculated using SEC pricing. Company management believes that the non-GAAP financial measure of PV-10 is relevant and useful for evaluating the relative monetary significance of oil and natural gas properties. PV-10 is also used internally when assessing the potential return on investment related to oil and natural gas properties and in evaluating acquisition opportunities. Company management believes that the use of PV-10 is valuable because there are many unique factors that can impact an individual company when estimating the amount of future income taxes to be paid. Additionally, Company management believes that the presentation of PV-10 provides useful information to investors because it is widely used by professional analysts and sophisticated investors in evaluating oil and natural gas companies. PV-10 is not a measure of financial or operating performance under GAAP, nor is it intended to represent the current market value of the Company’s estimated oil and natural gas reserves. PV-10 should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows as defined under GAAP. Investors should not assume that PV-10 of the Company’s proved oil and natural gas reserves represents a current market value of the Company’s estimated oil and natural gas reserves.

    The following table presents a reconciliation of the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to the Company’s estimated proved oil and natural gas reserves, a GAAP measure, to PV-10, as defined by the Company.

                 
           December 31, 
        2024     2023  
    PV-10   $ 1,229.5     $ 1,080.9  
    Future income taxes, discounted at 10%     (154.8 )     (151.0 )
    PV-10 before ARO     1,074.7       929.9  
    Present value of estimated ARO, discounted at 10%     (334.6 )     (246.7 )
    Standardized measure   $ 740.1     $ 683.2  
         
    CONTACT: Al Petrie Sameer Parasnis
      Investor Relations Coordinator Executive VP and CFO
      investorrelations@wtoffshore.com sparasnis@wtoffshore.com
      713-297-8024 713-513-8654

    Source: W&T Offshore, Inc.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: NBC: ‘L.A. fire captain who fought California wildfires to attend joint address to Congress’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    ICYMI: NBC: ‘L.A. fire captain who fought California wildfires to attend joint address to Congress’

    Padilla and Líma survey the devastation of the Los Angeles fires [January 8, 2025] Additional photos of Senator Padilla and Captain Líma are available here.WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, NBC recently highlighted U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s (D-Calif.) announcement that Frank Líma, a longtime Los Angeles City fire captain and firefighter union leader, will be his guest at President Trump’s 2025 Address to a Joint Session of Congress. Captain Líma was on the frontlines in the fight against the devastating Los Angeles fires in January, including defending the Pacific Palisades fire station.
    The article focuses on Padilla and Líma’s push for a fully supported firefighting workforce as well as federal disaster relief for Southern California communities with no strings attached — as has always been the case for disaster aid from the federal government.
    Key Excerpts:
    Palisades and Eaton fire survivors still need help. That’s the message Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., hopes to send to Congress next week at first joint address of President Donald Trump’s second term.
    Joining him at the address Tuesday will be union leader Frank Lima, a Los Angeles fire captain who helped defend the Pacific Palisades fire station when flames and scorching embers surrounded it on Jan. 7.
    “As President Trump outlines his priorities for our country, we want to make clear that Los Angeles County cannot be forgotten,” Padilla said in a statement. “The community faces a long road to recovery and we need a fully staffed and supported firefighting workforce and federal support without conditions.”
    Lima described the nearly weeklong siege “as a once-in-a-generation, biblical fire.” … Among the difficulties that week was persistent lack of resources, including water and staffing, within the overwhelmed fire department, whose ranks have dwindled in recent years. “We had more firefighters on duty in 1971 than we do today, yet our population doubled,” Lima told NBC News. “Our call load has increased fivefold per day. Our members are being run into the ground.”
    Padilla has repeatedly questioned the Trump administration’s approach to distributing disaster aid. He pushed Doug Burgum, who is now the interior secretary, at his confirmation hearing on the question of whether conditions should be placed on aid. “Each situation is different,” Burgum said. Padilla countered that there had never been strings attached to disaster relief. “And I certainly hope this is not the first case,” he said.
    Full text of the article is available here and below:
    L.A. fire captain who fought California wildfires to attend joint address to Congress
    By Alicia Victoria Lozano
    Palisades and Eaton fire survivors still need help.
    That’s the message Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., hopes to send to Congress next week at first joint address of President Donald Trump’s second term.
    Joining him at the address Tuesday will be union leader Frank Lima, a Los Angeles fire captain who helped defend the Pacific Palisades fire station when flames and scorching embers surrounded it on Jan. 7.
    Attendees often bring guests who represent causes important to lawmakers.
    “As President Trump outlines his priorities for our country, we want to make clear that Los Angeles County cannot be forgotten,” Padilla said in a statement. “The community faces a long road to recovery and we need a fully staffed and supported firefighting workforce and federal support without conditions.”
    It has been nearly two months since deadly wildfires devastated the Los Angeles neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, the city of Altadena and surrounding communities in what is likely to be the costliest disaster in California’s history.
    At least 29 people died, and more than 16,000 structures were destroyed.
    Lima described the nearly weeklong siege “as a once-in-a-generation, biblical fire.” Hurricane-force winds ripped through large swaths of Los Angeles County, toppling trees and utility wires and sending thick smoke, ash and soot whirling across the county.
    Among the difficulties that week was persistent lack of resources, including water and staffing, within the overwhelmed fire department, whose ranks have dwindled in recent years.
    “We had more firefighters on duty in 1971 than we do today, yet our population doubled,” Lima told NBC News. “Our call load has increased fivefold per day. Our members are being run into the ground.”
    Amid ongoing tensions over how the fires were handled, Mayor Karen Bass ousted Fire Chief Kristin Crowley last week.
    The decision was made “in the best interests of Los Angeles’ public safety, and for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department,” Bass said in a statement.
    “We know that 1,000 firefighters that could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke out were instead sent home on Chief Crowley’s watch,” Bass said.
    On Thursday, Crowley appealed the decision, she said in a statement obtained by NBC Los Angeles.
    The blame game has been constant since January.
    When Trump viewed the destruction two weeks after the fires, he initially expressed shock and then pointed the finger at California Democratic leaders for failing to address the state’s ongoing wildfire threat.
    Trump argued that wildlife protections have impeded access to water in California and then suggested he could withhold disaster aid over disagreements about voter ID laws and water policies.
    Lima said Thursday: “Federal aid should not come with strings attached. Our firefighters and this community and the state need federal support.”
    A recent economic impact study estimated total damages of the Palisades and Eaton fires will top $53 billion. The study, released by the nonprofit Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, listed “federal funding uncertainty” as a primary recovery challenge.
    Padilla has repeatedly questioned the Trump administration’s approach to distributing disaster aid. He pushed Doug Burgum, who is now the interior secretary, at his confirmation hearing on the question of whether conditions should be placed on aid.
    “Each situation is different,” Burgum said.
    Padilla countered that there had never been strings attached to disaster relief.
    “And I certainly hope this is not the first case,” he said.
    Background:
    Senator Padilla has fought relentlessly to secure and protect Southern Californians’ access to desperately needed disaster relief aid. In the immediate aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, Padilla and Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) led 47 bipartisan members of the California Congressional delegation in successfully urging President Biden to grant Governor Gavin Newsom’s request for a major disaster declaration to expedite timely relief to Los Angeles County residents impacted by these disasters. Padilla also delivered remarks on the Senate floor urging his Republican colleagues and President Trump to provide essential disaster recovery aid to California without conditioning it on the passage of partisan legislation.
    Last month, Padilla introduced bipartisan legislation to create a national Wildfire Intelligence Center to streamline federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combat wildfires. He also announced a package of three bipartisan bills to bolster fire resilience and proactive mitigation efforts, including the Wildfire Emergency Act, the Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act, and the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act. In January, Padilla introduced another suite of bipartisan bills to strengthen wildfire recovery and resilience, including the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act to protect firefighter pay.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Calls to ditch NCEA tests expose a deficit in school leadership

    Source: ACT Party

    Responding to principals calling for an end to new online NCEA tests due to low pass rates, ACT Education spokesperson Laura McClure says:

    “We’ve tested literacy and numeracy and discovered big problems. A normal response would be to look at how our schools are equipping kids with these basic skills. Instead, we’ve got principals wanting to hide from reality and ditch the tests that expose the problem.

    “What kind of leadership are kids getting when the message from their principals is, ‘this is too hard for you and we need to make the test easier‘?

    “As a country we cannot afford to lower expectations and create a workforce defined by mediocrity. We must aim higher and empower every student to reach their potential.

    “NCEA exists to offer real knowledge and skills, and set real standards – not to give qualifications to everyone. Testing against real standards makes the system accountable.

    “We need to lift our aspirations and ensure school leavers have basic competencies – such as being able to understand the employment contracts they’re signing.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Screen Australia announces $2.3 million for documentaries, supporting a new wave of world-class Australian projects

    Source: Screen Australia

    04 03 2025 – Media release

    Crowded House
    Screen Australia has announced support for eight documentaries that will share in $2.3 million of direct production funding. These projects reflect the incredible tenacity of local documentary makers to uncover stories in Australia and around the globe, from Western Sydney to Ecuador. The documentaries deep-dive into a wide array of topics, from the defining issues of our time to celebrating cultural icons and shining a light on marginalised or misunderstood communities.
    Among the projects are Robodebt (working title), a three-part series for SBS that combines documentary storytelling with drama to reveal how ordinary Australians fought back against the notorious Robodebt scandal; Crowded House, which unravels the psychological complexities the iconic band faced in their extraordinary journey; End Game, following Tony Armstrong on a mission to tackle racism in Australian sports; and RISE, from writer/director Patrick Abboud, about participants preparing to compete on Western Sydney’s spectacular LGBTQIA+ ballroom scene.
    Screen Australia Head of Documentary Richard Huddleston said, “These stories, spanning numerous genres and disciplines, are a reflection of the ambition, sophistication and creativity of the current Australian documentary sector. These projects will grow Australia’s reputation for innovative, premium storytelling and point to an exciting future of global partnerships.”
    Projects supported:

    Crowded House: A feature-length documentary that dives deep into the Crowded House journey, unravelling the psychological complexities they faced in the wake of their meteoric rise, and spotlighting the evolution of the current line-up that includes Neil’s two sons, Liam and Elroy Finn. Woven from a treasure-trove of never-before-seen family and band archive, candid interviews, and more, the narrative moves between the past, present and a dream-like place of investigation and analysis that has the genius of Neil Finn’s song writing at its core. Crowded House is a co-production between Ghost Pictures (Mystify: Michael Hutchence, Autoluminescent, In Bob We Trust) and Academy Award-nominated producer, Carthew Neal (Jojo Rabbit, Tickled) and his production company Fumes. Financed by the New Zealand Film Commission in association with the ABC and VicScreen. Produced with the support of Primary Wave and Nude Run. An Australian-New Zealand Co-production. Australia and New Zealand territories distributed by Madman.
    RISE: With exclusive access into Western Sydney’s underground LGBTQIA+ ballroom scene, the documentary RISE follows participants as they prepare to compete at the iconic West Ball. In a world seeking to erase them, RISE will portray which of these queer rebels will finally have their moment on the cutthroat stage and transform their life. It is written and directed by Patrick (Pat) Abboud (Australia Uncovered: Kids Raising Kids), with Monique Keller and Billy Russell (The Role of a Lifetime) executive producing, and West Ball community leaders, Xander Khoury and Jamaica Moana co-executive producing.
    Death of a Shaman: In the depths of the Ecuadorian Amazon, a renowned Shuar shaman selects his reluctant grandson as his apprentice in an attempt to preserve their tribe’s ancestral wisdom for another generation. Meanwhile, the shaman’s son leads an Indigenous uprising that seeks to overthrow the Ecuadorian president. What transpires next will foreshadow either the preservation or destruction of a people. The feature-length documentary Death of a Shaman is from writer/director/producer Dan Jackson (In the Shadow of the Hill) and executive producers Robert Fernandez (The Fog of War) and Dan Levinson. It is financed in association with Soundfirm, with Umbrella Entertainment distributing locally.
    Silenced: A feature film from Stranger Than Fiction that follows internationally renowned human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson as she goes inside courtrooms and behind the headlines, to reveal the tricks and tropes used to silence women all over the world. Silenced is from writer/director Selina Miles and producer Blayke Hoffman, whose credits include the acclaimed Harley & Katya. Jennifer Peedom (Sherpa, Mountain) is executive producing. It is financed in association with Minderoo Pictures and the ABC, with support from Screen NSW, the Shark Island Foundation and Soundfirm. Local distribution by Sharmill Films and international sales by Together Films.
    Troublemaker: This feature film follows massacre survivor Wendy Scurr and South Australian writer/director Jared Nicholson (Starting from Scratch), as they slip down the rabbit hole of paranoia in a desperate search for solace and truth. Directing alongside Nicholson is Ben Lawrence, with Rebecca Barry, Scott Baskett, Madeleine Hetherton-Miau and Chris Kamen producing and Deanne Weir executive producing. It is financed in association with the Shark Island Foundation, with support from the Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund, the South Australian Film Corporation, Screen NSW and WeirAnderson Films. Post, digital and visual effects are supported by the South Australian Film Corporation.
    Digby & Camille: This feature film is an eight-year love story about Sydney artist and the documentary’s co-director Digby Webster and his girlfriend, trainee chef Camille Collins, who both live with Down Syndrome. Looking to take the next step in their relationship, the couple fervently wish to live together and marry. But complicating their dream of wedded bliss are the very real concerns and questions from those who love and support them most, their parents. Directing alongside Digby is Trevor Graham (Chef Antonio’s Recipes for Revolution), who is also producing with Lisa Wang (White Fever). It is written by Rose Hesp (Who Do You Think You Are?), with Mitzi Goldman (Knowing the Score), Roger Savage and Jenny Lalor executive producing. It is financed in association with the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) Premiere Fund, with support from Screen NSW, the Shark Island Foundation, Soundfirm, the Andy Inc Foundation and Philanthropy via Documentary Australia. Local distribution by Bonsai Films.
    Robodebt (working title): A three-part series for SBS that combines documentary storytelling with drama to reveal how ordinary Australians fought back against the notorious Robodebt scandal that struck at the heart of inequality and social cohesion in Australia. It is from director Ben Lawrence (Hearts and Bones) and writer Jane Allen (Troppo, In Our Blood). Executive producing is Paula Bycroft (Con Girl), Michael Cordell (Go Back to Where You Came From) and Andrew Farrell (Murder in the Outback, Undercurrent). It has received major production investment from SBS with support from Screen NSW.
    End Game: This three-part series for the ABC follows Tony Armstrong on a global mission to find solutions to combat the rising tide of racism in Australian sports to create real change for future generations — unpicking his own experiences on a personal journey of discovery, surprise, passion and understanding. End Game is executive produced by Daniel Brown (The Hospital: In the Deep End), Steve Bibb (Matildas: The World at Our Feet) and Dean Gibson (First Weapons). It has received major production investment from the ABC, with support from Screenwest and Lotterywest. International sales by ABC Commercial.

    Documentaries also announced and recently supported by Screen Australia include Stan Originals Death Cap, Into the Night and Zyzz & Chestbrah: The Poster Boys, as well as ABC’s Ages of Ice, and feature film The Golden Spurtle.
    The full list of documentary blocklines is available here. The latest projects funded for documentary development are available here. For more information about Documentary funding at Screen Australia and to apply, click here.

    Digby & Camille
    Download PDF
    Media enquiries
    Maddie Walsh | Publicist
    + 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]
    Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu)
    + 61 428 767 836  | [email protected]
    All other general/non-media enquiries
    Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI: Petrus Resources Declares Monthly Dividend for March 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Petrus Resources Ltd. (“Petrus” or the “Company”) (TSX: PRQ) is pleased to confirm that its Board of Directors has declared a monthly dividend in the amount of $0.01 per share payable March 31, 2025, to shareholders of record on March 17, 2025. The dividend is designated as an eligible dividend for Canadian income tax purposes.

    Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”)
    Petrus’ DRIP enables eligible shareholders to reinvest all or part of their cash dividends into additional common shares of the Company. Participation in the DRIP is optional. Eligible shareholders who elect to reinvest their cash dividends under the DRIP will receive common shares issued from treasury at a discount of 3% from the market price of the common shares.

    To participate in the DRIP, registered shareholders must deliver a properly completed enrollment form to Odyssey Trust Company (“Odyssey”) before 4:00 p.m. (Calgary time) on the 5th business day immediately preceding a dividend record date. Beneficial shareholders who wish to participate in the DRIP should contact their broker or other nominee through which their Common Shares are held to determine their eligibility and provide appropriate enrollment instructions. Participation by shareholders that are not resident in Canada may be restricted.

    A complete copy of the DRIP is available on the Company’s website at www.petrusresources.com and on Odyssey’s website at https://odysseytrust.com/faq/. A copy of the enrollment form for use by registered shareholders is available on Odyssey’s website at https://odysseytrust.com/faq/. For further information regarding the DRIP, please contact Odyssey at 1-888-290-1175 (Toll free in North America) or 1-587-885-0960.

    ABOUT PETRUS
    Petrus is a public Canadian oil and gas company focused on property exploitation, strategic acquisitions and risk-managed exploration in Alberta.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
    Ken Gray
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    T: 403-930-0889
    E: kgray@petrusresources.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Federal funding set to improve Queensland’s regional airports

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    The Albanese Government will invest over $6 million to bring 11 regional airport projects to life across Queensland, under Round 4 of the Regional Airports Program

    Airports are vital for regional communities, providing critical access to emergency healthcare, as well as commerce, industry, tourism and education. 

    These projects will include runway, apron and taxiway upgrades, lighting installation, generator replacements and drainage works – which will improve airport safety and enhance accessibility. 

    In Hervey Bay, $234,631 will support Fraser Coast Regional Council to replace the perimeter fencing and emergency generator at Hervey Bay Airport

    This will ensure the airport’s ongoing safety and security, which provides vital aviation access for the community, tourism, essential workers and medical flights.

    In Roma, nearly $1.16 million will flow to Maranoa Regional Council to upgrade the general aviation apron at Roma Airport, to support reliable and safer access for aero‑medical, firefighting, charter, freight, tourism and other general aviation services.  

    Other works to be funded under Round 4 in Queensland include: 

    • More than $1 million for the Gladstone Airport Corporation to construct a fit-for-purpose patient transfer facility at Gladstone Airport, primarily to be used by the Royal Flying Doctor Service

    • $795,097 for Gympie Regional Council to reseal the runway and taxiway, strengthen the apron, and do line marking and drainage works at Gympie Aerodrome, to improve pilot and aircraft safety while ensuring reliable access to the airstrip. 

    • $426,196 for Southern Downs Regional Council to upgrade the lighting system at Stanthorpe Aerodrome, to meet safety standards and improve usability by aircraft – especially during low visibility conditions and night operations.

    More information on the Regional Airports Program, including a full list of Round 4 projects in Queensland, can be found here

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:

    “We know how vital regional airports are to the communities they service, ensuring access to other towns, to markets, and to vital services such as emergency health care. 

    “That’s why we are investing in safety and other upgrades at regional airports across Queensland, to ensure they can continue to service communities for years to come.” 

    Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:

    “Regional airports are critical for a decentralised state like Queensland. They’re a gateway for tourism and help connect locals with the rest of the country. 

    “Our funding to replace the perimeter fencing and emergency generator here Hervey Bay Airport will back the airport’s ongoing operations by boosting safety and security. 

    “This is just one of 11 projects we’re investing in across Queensland under Round 4 of the Regional Airports Program, which will make a real difference for communities.”

    Quotes attributable to Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor, George Seymour: 

    “The Hervey Bay Airport is an essential link for our region, providing essential services for tourism, business, and emergency medical flights. 

    “This funding will allow Council to replace the aging emergency generator, ensuring the airport remains operational during power outages and severe weather events. Upgrading the security fencing will also strengthen safety and compliance, helping to protect passengers, staff, and aircraft operations. 

    “These improvements will enhance the airport’s long-term sustainability and ensure it continues to serve our growing community well into the future.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New AI model detects toxic online comments with 87% accuracy

    Source: University of South Australia

    04 March 2025

    Computer scientists have developed a powerful machine learning model that can detect toxic social media comments with remarkable accuracy, paving the way for safer digital interactions.

    A team of researchers from Australia and Bangladesh has built a model that is 87% accurate in classifying toxic and non-toxic text without relying on manual identification.

    Researchers from East West University in Bangladesh and the University of South Australia say their model is an improvement on existing automated detection systems, many of which produce false positives.

    Lead author, data science expert Ms Afia Ahsan, says the massive increase in cyberbullying and hate speech in recent years is leading to serious mental health issues, self-harm and – in extreme cases – suicide.

    “Despite efforts by social media platforms to limit toxic content, manually identifying harmful comments is impractical due to the sheer volume of online interactions, with 5.56 billion internet users in the world today,” she says.

    “Removing toxic comments from online network platforms is vital to curbing the escalating abuse and ensuring respectful interactions in the social media space.”

    UniSA IT and AI researcher, Dr Abdullahi Chowdhury, says the team tested three machine learning models on a dataset of English and Bangla comments collected from social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

    Their optimised algorithm achieved an accuracy of 87.6%, outperforming the other models which achieved accuracy rates of 69.9% (baseline Support Vector Machine) and 83.4% (Stochastic Gradient Descent model).

    “Our optimised SVM model was the most reliable and effective among all three, making it the preferred choice for deployment in real-world scenarios where accurate classification of toxic comments is critical,” Dr Chowdhury says.

    Future research will focus on improving the model by integrating deep learning techniques and expanding the dataset to include more languages and regional dialects. The team is now exploring partnerships with social media companies and online platforms to implement this technology.

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Murkowski, colleagues introduce Justice for ALS Veterans Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Co-Chairs of the ALS Caucus, announced the introduction of the Justice for ALS Veterans Act. This bill, first introduced in January 2022, would guarantee that the surviving spouses of veterans receive all benefits due to them. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) introduced the legislation in the House.

    “Every year, ALS robs thousands more Americans of their ability to speak, move, and eventually to live,” said Senator Coons. “Veterans who have fiercely served our nation are twice as likely to receive an ALS diagnosis, and yet, despite our efforts to support them and their families, they do not receive the full benefits they have earned in death. I’m working with Senator Murkowski to right this wrong and take better care of military families impacted by ALS.”

    “ALS is a horrible disease that indiscriminately wreaks havoc on families across the country – mine included,” said Senator Murkowski. “I am proud to lead this bipartisan group of senators who are partnering with healthcare and advocacy groups to support those affected and their families. Our first reintroduction, the Justice for ALS Veterans Act, is an important first step that will aid the families of veterans who have been devastated by ALS. It’s not clear why veterans develop ALS at a such a high rate, but it is clear that we should close the loophole that has prevented surviving families from receiving the full benefits that they are entitled to.” 

    “Our veterans fought for us, and when they face ALS—a devastating, fast-moving disease—we must fight for them and their families. Denying a surviving spouse benefits because their loved one didn’t live long enough to meet an arbitrary requirement is not just unfair—it is a betrayal of our commitment to those who served. The Justice for ALS Veterans Act will right this wrong and ensure that the families of our brave service members receive the support they have earned and deserve,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan House ALS Caucus.  

    “Studies show our nation’s veterans have a higher likelihood of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis compared to non-veterans. Veterans with ALS and their families experience rapid life changes in addition to significant financial stress,” said Calaneet Balas, President and CEO of The ALS Association. “We express our gratitude to veterans and their families, as well as to the U.S. Senators who are championing the passage of the Justice for ALS Veterans Act. This legislation aims to guarantee that the families of veterans receive the benefits they rightfully deserve, without being penalized due to the rapid progression of ALS.”

    “We are grateful to Senators Coons and Murkowski for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to veteran families impacted by ALS,” said Andrea Goodman, CEO of I AM ALS. “Veterans with ALS are a vital part of our community of advocates, and we are dedicated to ensuring those who bravely served our country receive the benefits they need. This legislation is critical to our effort to ensure survivors of veterans with ALS receive the benefits they deserve.”

    “PVA thanks Senators Murkowski and Coons, Representatives Fitzpatrick and Pappas, and other Members of Congress who have prioritized the reintroduction of the Justice for ALS Veterans Act. Denying benefits for surviving spouses of ALS veterans due to the aggressive nature of this service-connected disability does a disservice to them. The Justice for ALS Veterans Act will ensure these survivors receive the additional financial support that is afforded to other veterans’ survivors,” said Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer of Paralyzed Veterans of America.

    Background:

    • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that renders the body unable to control muscle movement. There is no effective treatment for the disease, no known cause, and currently no cure. At present, ALS has a fatality rate of 100%. Veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS as the general public.
    • Current policy states that a surviving spouse and family of a deceased veteran who had a service-connected disability deemed fully debilitating for a continuous period of at least eight years prior to death receive an additional monthly stipend from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). While ALS is deemed a service-connected disability, the average life expectancy for an individual diagnosed with ALS is just two to five years after diagnosis, which means that many families of an ALS-diagnosed veteran are not able to access this benefit. The Justice for ALS Veterans Act ensures that surviving spouses and families of veterans who pass away from ALS receive this additional benefit, regardless of how long an individual was living with ALS prior to their death.
    • The ALS Caucus remains committed to improving the lives of those living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and accelerating efforts toward a cure. The previous work of the Senate ALS Caucus includes:
      • Advocating for Continued Federal Funding: Securing resources for ALS research at the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense.
      • ACT for ALS Act Implementation: Ensuring the continued rollout of the legislation, which expands access to investigational therapies for those with ALS and strengthens research into effective treatments.
      • Community Engagement: Working with ALS patients, caregivers, and advocates to inform and shape federal policy.

    A co-chair of the Senate ALS Caucus, Senator Coons has long been a proud advocate for ALS patients in the Senate. He has introduced several bipartisan bills to address ALS, including the ACT for ALS Act, which funds essential research into rare, neurodegenerative illnesses such as ALS. The bill was signed into law by President Biden in 2021.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Five best articles in Russian for 03.03.2025

    MIL Analysis: Here are the top five Russian language articles published today. The analysis includes five key articles prioritized at the moment.

    Today’s analysis provides us with new opportunities in the economic and social spheres. Cybersecurity remains a hot topic, and citizens can now self-ban loans to ensure safety.

    Education: The finals of space profiles of the “National Technological Olympiad” were solemnly closed at the Higher School of Economics. In addition, the XIII Rosneft Winter Sports Games ended in the city of Krasnoyarsk.

    Below you can read one of the articles.

    1. Financial news: Citizens can set a self-imposed ban on loans.

    Since March 1, a person can through Gosusgoservices voluntarily refuse the opportunity to enter into loan or credit agreements and thus protect themselves from the situation when fraudsters draw up a loan in his name.

    2. NTO and “Roscosmos” determined the best schoolchildren in space technologies.

    “Higher School of Economics” -.

    On March 1, Moscow hosted the closing ceremony of the finals of space profiles of the National Technological Olympiad (NTO), the project office of which works at the Higher School of Economics. The names of winners and prize-winners in three areas at once were announced: “Aerospace Systems”, ‘Analysis of Space Images and Geospatial Data’ and ‘Satellite Systems’. The best were 21 schoolchildren from 13 regions of Russia. The competitions were traditionally held with the support of Roscosmos State Corporation.

    3. Congratulations on the 100th anniversary of Professor Mikhail Makarenko of the State University of Management!

    On March 3, 2025, Mikhail Makarenko, Professor of the State University of Management, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Honorary Chemist of the USSR, Veteran of Labor, Veteran of the Great Patriotic War, turns 100 years old!

    4. The XIII Rosneft Winter Sports Games ended in Krasnoyarsk.

    A solemn awarding ceremony was held for the winners of the XIII Rosneft Winter Sports Games, which took place in Krasnoyarsk over five days. The Company dedicated the competition to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, which the whole country is celebrating this year.

    5. Echo of the Big Bang.

    As part of this year’s popular science marathon “Darwin’s Week”, the dean of the Physics Department of Novosibirsk State University, Dr. Vladimir Blinov, gave a lecture on how people’s ideas about the origin and structure of the Universe have changed and what role relic radiation plays in this.

    Learn more about MIL’s content and data services by visiting milnz.co.nz.

    Regards MIL!

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Active Transport Boost for the ACT

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    Canberrans will have more opportunities to walk, cycle and actively move through their communities thanks to funding from the Albanese Labor Government.  

    Two projects will share in $8.5 million to build new or upgrade existing pedestrian and cycle paths – from Dickson to Watson and from Gold Creek to Hall. 

    $5 million will go to the Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate to further extend the Garden City Cycleway through the inner north.  

    This will be built between North Ainslie Primary School and Majura Primary School via the Dickson District playing fields, Downer shops, Academy of Interactive Entertainment and Mount Majura Walking and Riding Trail.

    The Albanese and Barr Governments have already invested $5 million each into the Garden City Cycleway, with work nearing completion on the first stage connecting Braddon to Ainslie. 

    This additional funding will ensure a further 3.15 kilometres can be enjoyed by cyclists and pedestrians. 

    Further north, almost $3.5 million will go to the directorate for a new community path to be built between Hall Village and Gold Creek known as the Hall Village Main Route. 

    At about 2.3 kilometres long with a width of three metres, it’ll provide safer and more accessible transport options for visitors and locals.

    This is part of the Albanese Government’s new Active Transport Fund which supports our commitment to invest in infrastructure planning, design and construction that improves safety outcomes for vulnerable road users under the National Road and Safety Strategy 2021-2030.

    For more information visit Active Transport Fund | Infrastructure Investment Program.  

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

    “Canberra is a beautiful city for walking, cycling and getting outdoors, which is why we’re making it easier to do so by investing in active transport options to better connect the territory. 

    “We’re linking the city, changing the way locals move and visitors explore; Whether you’re on a motor scooter, pushing a pram, walking or cycling, we’re making it easier and safer to walk and cycle to school, work, and anywhere else.”

    Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne 

    “The ACT Government welcomes this investment from the Albanese Government which will strengthen our walking and cycling network.

    “The completion of the Garden City Cycleway will mean that both sides of this busy transport corridor have good connections helping people get in and out of the city. 

    “This investment will go some way in delivering our long-standing active travel plan, which is an ambitious proposal to build quality walking and cycling infrastructure right across Canberra.” 

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Canberra Alicia Payne: 

    “Canberrans love active travel, and I’m proud our Government is investing in making it a safer and more viable option. By improving active travel connections in community centres, we are creating more opportunities for people to travel by using physical activity, making our communities healthier and more liveable.

    “We are now providing a far safer way to get around for students, pedestrians and cyclists across Canberra.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Press Release: FDIC Board of Directors Withdraws Four Outstanding Proposed Rules

    Source: US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC

    CategoriesBusiness, Commerce, MIL-OSI, United States Federal Government, United States Government, United States of America, US Commerce, US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC, US Federal Government, US Insurance Sector, USA

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Press Release: FDIC Board of Directors Approves Delay of Compliance Date For Certain Provisions in Sign and Advertising Rule

    Source: US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC

    CategoriesBusiness, Commerce, MIL-OSI, United States Federal Government, United States Government, United States of America, US Commerce, US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC, US Federal Government, US Insurance Sector, USA

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Astera Labs Appoints Dr. Craig Barratt to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Astera Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALAB), a global leader in semiconductor-based connectivity solutions for AI and cloud infrastructure, today announced the appointment of Dr. Craig Barratt to its Board of Directors. Dr. Barratt is a seasoned technology industry veteran with decades of experience as an impactful leader and board member at networking, semiconductor, and medical device companies.

    “Craig’s proven track record of scaling high-growth technology companies and driving breakthrough innovations at industry leaders like Atheros, Google, and Qualcomm makes him an invaluable addition to Astera Labs’ Board of Directors,” said Jitendra Mohan, CEO and Co-founder, Astera Labs. “His strategic insight and deep technical expertise will provide critical guidance as we continue to expand our leadership in connectivity solutions for AI and cloud infrastructure.”

    Dr. Barratt served as President, CEO, and a Director of Atheros Communications, Inc., a fabless semiconductor company and Silicon Valley success story that developed wireless and wired communication technologies. During his tenure, he led the company through an IPO until its acquisition by Qualcomm, when he then took up the position of President at Qualcomm Atheros, the networking and connectivity subsidiary of Qualcomm.

    Dr. Barratt is also the former Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Connectivity Group at Intel Corporation, since its acquisition of Barefoot Networks, Inc., where he led the computer networking company as President and CEO. Prior to Barefoot Networks, he held several roles at Google, Inc., including Senior Vice President, Access and Energy.

    Dr. Barratt currently chairs the board of Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (Nasdaq: ISRG) – a medical device technology market leader – and previously served on the board of IonQ Inc. He holds doctorate and Master of Science degrees in electrical engineering from Stanford University, as well as undergraduate degrees in electrical engineering and in pure mathematics and physics from the University of Sydney.

    “Craig is a highly accomplished leader with deep expertise in scaling innovative technology companies and shaping transformative products in the semiconductor and networking industries,” said Manuel Alba, Chairman of the Board, Astera Labs. “His extensive board and executive experience, combined with his strategic vision, will be instrumental in helping to steer Astera Labs as we continue our rapid growth and innovation in AI connectivity.”

    “Astera Labs is at the forefront of enabling the next generation of AI and cloud infrastructure with its unmatched execution in addressing the industry’s most critical connectivity bottlenecks,” said Dr. Craig Barratt. “I am excited to join the Board and collaborate with the team to support the company’s strong momentum and strengthen its industry leadership.”

    About Astera Labs
    Astera Labs is a global leader in purpose-built connectivity solutions that unlock the full potential of AI and cloud infrastructure. Our Intelligent Connectivity Platform integrates PCIe®, CXL®, and Ethernet semiconductor-based solutions and the COSMOS software suite of system management and optimization tools to deliver a software-defined architecture that is both scalable and customizable. Inspired by trusted relationships with hyperscalers and the data center ecosystem, we are an innovation leader delivering products that are flexible and interoperable. Discover how we are transforming modern data-driven applications at www.asteralabs.com.

    © Astera Labs, Inc. Astera Labs, and its stylized logo, are trademarks of Astera Labs, Inc. or its affiliates. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

    CONTACT: Joe Balich
    Joe.balich@asteralabs.com

    INVESTOR CONTACT: Leslie Green
    ir@asteralabs.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Microchip Technology to Present at the Raymond James 46th Annual Investors Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHANDLER, Ariz., March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Microchip Technology Incorporated, a leading provider of smart, connected, and secure embedded control solutions, today announced that the Company will present at the Raymond James 46th Annual Investors Conference on Wednesday, March 6, 2025 at 9:50 a.m. (Eastern Time). Presenting for the Company will be Mr. Eric Bjornholt, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. Sajid Daudi, Head of Investor Relations. A live webcast of the presentation will be made available by Raymond James, and can be accessed on the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.

    Any forward looking statements made during the presentation are qualified in their entirety by the discussion of risks set forth in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Copies of SEC filings can be obtained for free at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov) or from commercial document retrieval services.

    Microchip Technology Incorporated is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs, which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. The company’s solutions serve approximately 112,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.

    Note: The Microchip name and logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries.

    INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT:

    Deborah Wussler ……… (480) 792-7373

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Science – Seafloor of New Zealand’s most important fishing grounds shows resilience – NIWA

    Source: NIWA

    Sea life in the seafloor of New Zealand’s most productive and important commercial fishing ground shows resilience to disturbance, according to a new study published in the New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research.
    The research found that some aspects of seafloor ecosystems on the Chatham Rise showed an ability to recover relatively quickly from physical disturbances, such as those caused by seafloor mining and trawling.
    The research suggests that the seafloor ecosystem of the Chatham Rise may be more resilient to disturbances than previously thought, says NIWA marine ecologist Dr Rachel Hale, lead author for the study. “This resilience may be due to the region’s history of natural and human disturbances, which has led to the dominance of opportunistic species. While our results are encouraging, it’s important to note that there were some post-disturbance changes in the environmental characteristics that were measured. These changes, particularly in the composition of seafloor communities, may have longer-term repercussions for ecosystem processes.”
    Researchers disturbed an area of seafloor on the Chatham Rise and monitored the impacts on sediment, seafloor-dwelling aquatic animals, and took measurements of oxygen and nutrient fluxes, and bacterial abundance. They found disturbance changed the sediment composition, reducing food quality, and initially reducing the diversity of seafloor-dwelling aquatic life, though after a year some of the aquatic life had bounced back. Contrary to expectation, the disturbance didn’t result in significant changes to the nutrient levels, and the rapid recolonization of the seabed saw bacteria levels recover.
    The study revealed the resilience of the sea floor to disturbance, but also highlights potential long-term changes that need more investigation, says Dr Hale. “Expansion of extractive industries to deep-sea environments will lead to increased stresses on seafloor ecosystems. Further long-term studies are required to fully understand the potential impacts of disturbance on sediment processes, nutrient cycling, and the overall health of the Chatham Rise ecosystem.”
    The Chatham Rise is a large area of ocean floor around 1,400km east of New Zealand which stretches some 1,000 km long. The underwater plateau, accessible to trawling, provides about 60% of New Zealand’s fish catch, including hoki, hake, ling, warehou, squid, orange roughy and deep-sea dory. Data from research has enriched models and enabled long-term monitoring, with NIWA undertaking surveys since 1992 on fisheries and ecosystems.
    The research was a NIWA collaboration with Victoria University of Wellington and Waikato University.
    This research was undertaken as part of the Resilience of benthic communities to the effects of sedimentation (ROBES) programme funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (contract CO1X1614).

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Drug Detection – TDDA Adds Tramadol and Fentanyl Testing Amid Rising Workplace Detections

    Source: Botica Butler Raudon Partners

    AUCKLAND – 3 March 2025 – The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), New Zealand’s largest workplace drug testing provider, is announcing new drug testing capabilities for New Zealand workplaces.

    Beginning in March, TDDA will make it easier for New Zealand workplaces to screen for tramadol and fentanyl, two high-risk opioids that pose significant safety concerns in workplaces worldwide. This is the first time in New Zealand that these tests will be incorporated into enhanced oral fluid and urine screening devices instead of needing independent testing strips or other costly devices.

    This industry-leading innovation expands TDDA’s screening panel from seven to nine drug types without any additional cost. The updated devices, independently verified by an AS/NZS 4760:2019 & AS/NZS 4308:2008 accredited laboratory, will help businesses proactively mitigate risks associated with these potent, and widely abused, substances.

    A rise in opioid detections

    Globally, the use of opioids like tramadol and fentanyl poses a serious safety risk and New Zealand is now seeing an uptick in workplace detections. The 2024 New Zealand Drugs Trends Survey found that 27 percent of respondents reported non-medical use of pharmaceuticals in the previous six months.

    While the opioid issue was shown affects all regions, the survey found that non-medical use of prescription opioids was highest in Southland and West Coast, signaling that employers may need to take action.

    Additionally, TDDA’s latest Imperans Report highlighted that during October – December 2024, opioid use in workplaces in New Zealand accounted for 12.1 percent of positive workplace drug tests, up from 11.9 percent in the same quarter of 2023.

    “Any increase in detection rates represents a significant workplace threat, regardless of opioids being used while legally prescribed or in a non-medical setting. The emerging trend of abusing pharmaceuticals like tramadol and fentanyl is what keeps me up at night,” says Glenn Dobson, CEO, TDDA.

    “Until now, New Zealand largely avoided the opioid epidemic seen overseas, but there are indicators now saying otherwise. Any rise in detection rates is worth examination. As a workplace risk, opioids are at the top. Legally prescribed or illegally procured, they can cause workplace accidents, long-term addiction and lead to the loss of life in more way than one.”

    TDDA’s 9-panel testing device rollout

    TDDA is reinforcing its commitment to workplace safety with the addition of tramadol and fentanyl to its screening capabilities. These newly introduced screening strips are part of TDDA’s ongoing innovation, ensuring businesses have access to the most advanced substance detection tools available. TDDA is helping workplaces mitigate health and safety risks by incorporating these substances into standard testing, and in doing so, helping businesses achieve workplace health and safety compliance.

    “TDDA follows and acts on global drug trends to provide cutting-edge solutions for workplace safety. As New Zealand faces evolving drug trends, including the rising threat of opioids, no industry or region is immune. We have been carefully tracking the issues that both tramadol and fentanyl have created globally and have developed these new screening devices to help our clients manage business risks,” says Dobson.

    “By integrating tramadol and fentanyl into our screening devices, we’re helping businesses stay ahead of the curve and protect their people. These will now become our standard devices, ensuring companies can take decisive action to protect their workforce.”

    To provide flexibility, TDDA has implemented an opt-in/opt-out process, allowing businesses to determine whether these new drug tests align with their workplace policies and risk assessments.

    TDDA recommends that businesses take a proactive approach to workplace safety by implementing comprehensive drug testing programmes, including pre-employment, reasonable cause, and random drug and alcohol testing. Every worker has a right to a safe environment, and business owners, managers, and supervisors have a legal duty to ensure they’ve created a drug and alcohol-free culture of safety.

    Failing to act not only risks legal consequences but can also erode workplace culture. As a leader in workplace drug detection, TDDA is committed to helping businesses stay ahead of these challenges, fostering safer and more productive workplaces.

    About The Drug Detection Agency
    The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) is a leader in workplace substance testing with more than 300 staff, 90 mobile health clinics, 65 locations throughout Australasia, and processing more than 250,000 tests annually. TDDA was established in 2005 to provide New Zealand and Australian businesses with end-to-end workplace substance testing, education and policy services. TDDA holds ISO17025 accreditation for workplace substance testing in both AU and NZ. Refer to the IANZ and NATA websites for TDDA’s full accreditation details. Learn more about TDDA at https://tdda.com/.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Press Release: FDIC Board of Directors Approves Proposal to Rescind 2024 Bank Merger Policy Statement

    Source: US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC

    CategoriesBusiness, Commerce, MIL-OSI, United States Federal Government, United States Government, United States of America, US Commerce, US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC, US Federal Government, US Insurance Sector, USA

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: B.C. appoints four new Provincial Court judges

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Government of British Columbia has appointed four new Provincial Court judges to support access to justice.

    The new judges are:

    • Ariana Ward (effective March 28, 2025);
    • James Henry (effective March 21, 2025);
    • Brian Dybwad (effective March 21, 2025); and
    • Mylene de Guzman (effective March 28, 2025).

    Ariana Ward has practised law for 27 years. Born in Iran, Ward moved to the United States before immigrating to Canada. After completing law school, she became Crown counsel. Since 1996, Ward has worked in almost every area of the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS). From 2008-17, she worked for the BCPS as weekend bail Crown. Since 2018, she has worked as trial counsel. Committed to Indigenous reconciliation, she has been counsel in North Vancouver’s Indigenous sentencing court. Ward’s contributions to the legal community include judging in the UBC Moot Court program and working as a sessional instructor at Douglas College where she taught an Introduction to Criminal Justice, Indigenous People and the Law course.

    James Henry was called to the B.C. bar in May 1996. He has been working as Crown counsel since 2017. For 20 years before that, he worked as defence counsel in Surrey and the Fraser Valley. He is Métis on his grandfather’s side of the family, and is a member of and served on the board of directors of the Nova Metis Heritage Association. In 2020, he joined the Indigenous Prosecution Service Resource Group. In 2022, he was appointed as administrative Crown counsel overseeing the scheduling of more than 50 prosecutors in the Surrey office.

    Brian Dybwad is a member of the Tsetault-Gitxsan Nation on his mother’s side, and his father is Norwegian. He is a hereditary Chief, with the name Skawill, which translates to big rock in the middle of the river. He graduated from University of Victoria in 1998 and was called to the B.C. bar in 2010.  He has primarily practised as a lawyer on north Vancouver Island. In private practice, between 2010 and 2018, he focused on criminal defence, family law and child-protection matters. Between 2018 and 2022, he was the managing lawyer for the Parents Legal Centre in Campbell River. From July 2022, he has held managing lawyer positions at Legal Aid BC. From 2015-17, he was the president of the Campbell River Bar Association, member at large at the British Columbia Law Institute, and in 2022 and 2024 was elected as a bencher of the Law Society of British Columbia.

    Mylene de Guzman was born in the Philippines. She immigrated to Ontario where she attended the University of Windsor and obtained her law degree in 1995. Articling at Greig, Skagen & Kennedy, she has worked as a family law lawyer in New Westminster and the Fraser Valley for most of her career. She obtained her accreditation as a family law mediator and arbitrator in 2015. She devotes 20% of her practice to alternative dispute resolutions. She is on the roster of Access Pro Bono lawyers, participating in legal clinics and conducting mediations. De Guzman is also a member of Amici Curiae Friendship Society, participating as a guest speaker and lecturer for legal clinics. She has worked as a volunteer in the legal community, taking on executive roles, including president of the New West Bar Association in 2022. She is the first vice-president of the Canadian Bar Association.

    These judicial appointments are made by considering various factors, such as the court’s requirements, the diversity of the judiciary and the candidates’ areas of expertise. The appointments show the Province’s continued dedication to ensuring fair access to justice for everyone in British Columbia.

    Quick Facts:

    • The process to appoint judges involves the following steps:
      • Interested lawyers apply, and the Judicial Council of B.C. reviews the candidates.
      • The council is a statutory body made up of the chief judge, an associate chief judge, other judges, lawyers and members from outside the legal profession.
      • The council recommends potential judges to the attorney general, with the final appointment made through a cabinet order-in-council.
    • Although judges and judicial justices are located in a judicial region, many use technology, such as videoconferencing, for court proceedings.
    • Judges travel regularly throughout the province to meet changing demands.

    Learn More:

    For information about the judicial appointment process, visit: https://provincialcourt.bc.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: MEDIA RELEASE: WGEA publishes new employer gender pay gaps

    Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

    WGEA publishes new employer gender pay gaps

    — 56% of employers improved their gender pay gap in the last 12 months —

    — 79% of employers still have a gender pay gap outside the target range of +/-5% —

    Just 1 in 5 (21%) Australian employers have an average gender pay gap in the target range of -5% and +5%, according to new results released today by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).

    But progress to end the gender pay gap is happening.

    The second publication of employer gender pay gaps provides new, more detailed insights into workplace gender equality for more than 5.3 million Australians.

    This year WGEA has published the results for 7,800 individual employers and 1,700 corporate groups. This expansion means that Australians working for a company that’s part of a bigger corporate group can access both the group and individual employer’s gender pay gap for the first time.

    This enhances the understanding of women and men’s experience in Australian workplaces and provides employers with deeper insights to enable more targeted, evidence-informed action to address and correct differences.

    WGEA has also published an analysis of the results in the Employer Gender Pay Gaps Report.

    In the 2023-24 gender pay gap results, nearly 3 in 4 (72%) of all employers have a gender pay gap in favour of men. High-paying employers are the most likely to have a gender pay gap in favour of men and a larger gender pay gap.

    WGEA has published employer’s average gender pay gaps, as well as results for the median. These measures can provide important indications of the different drivers of an employer’s gender pay gap.

    WGEA CEO Mary Wooldridge said it was encouraging that an analysis of both indicators shows that more than 1,100 employers (15%) are already in the target range of +/-5% for both measures.

    “Each employer has a unique set of circumstances that impacts the size of their gender pay gap,” Ms Wooldridge said.

    “Where an employer’s gender pay gap is beyond the target range of +/-5%, it indicates one gender is more likely to be over-represented in higher paying roles compared to the other. This can be a sign of structural or cultural differences for one gender within an occupation, organisation, or broader industry.

    “For employers that haven’t made progress, it’s time to ask why – dig into the data to find out what’s causing any gender differences and use evidence-based solutions to address them.

    “The new results, which use information reported by employers covering the time period immediately leading up to WGEA’s first release of gender pay gaps, suggests anticipation of publication generated positive flow on effects.”

    WGEA’s analysis shows 56% of employers reduced their gender pay gap in the last year.

    There was also a significant increase in employers conducting a gender pay gap analysis on their pay and composition to find out what’s driving their gaps and consultation with employees rose significantly.

    “It’s promising to see the big increase in the number of employers working to understand what is driving their gender pay gap, beyond unequal pay,” Ms Wooldridge said.

    “Over the past year, employers have told us that publication of employer gender pay gaps is a catalyst to assess gender-based differences in all areas of their workplace.

    “For men, a more equal experience could mean their employer is providing access to paid parental leave, paying superannuation on that leave and actively supporting a flexible return to work from parental leave.  

    “For women, it could mean their employer is redesigning manager roles that will enable those roles to be undertaken on a part-time basis or as a job share. This action can create new pathways to career progression for employees with caring or other responsibilities outside of work, or by actively broadening the pipeline of talent across occupations and job roles.

    “What is common to each is purposeful action that breaks down traditional notions of what it means to be a worker and carer in the contemporary workplace.”

    The gender pay gap is different to equal pay for equal or comparable work – which has been a legal requirement for employers since 1969.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER WILL BRING FIRED WESTERN NY VETERAN & BUFFALO VA WORKER AS HIS PERSONAL GUEST TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S JOINT ADDRESS TO CONGRESS THIS WEEK

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    DOGE & New Admin Have Fired Thousands Of Federal Workers In Past Month, Disproportionally Impacting Vets, Who Make Up 30% Fed Workforce, Uprooting Lives And Directly Impacting Care For Veterans Across Upstate NY
    Alissa Ellman, An Army Veteran Who Is Disabled From Burn Pit Exposure In Afghanistan, Dedicated Her Life To Service And Worked For The Buffalo VA To Help Her Fellow Veterans, But Like Thousands Of Others Found Out She Was Callously Fired Without Warning This Past Week – Now She Is Joining Schumer In Calling For Better Treatment For Our Vets
    Schumer: We Need To Be Increasing Care For Our Veterans In Western NY, Not Firing Them
    U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer today announced he will bring Western NY’s Alissa Ellman, a disabled Army veteran who served in Afghanistan who was suddenly fired this past week from her job working for the Buffalo VA, as his personal guest to attend President Trump’s Joint Session of Congress. Under new DOGE directive and President Trump, hundreds of thousands of federal workers, of which 30% are veterans, have been fired in the past month, including 2,400 VA employees, like Alissa.
    “Alissa Ellman dedicated her life to service for our country, both in the Army, where she suffered injuries, and here in Western NY helping her fellow veterans while working at the Buffalo VA. Firing her, firing veterans and slashing thousands from the VA workforce is outrageous and should be reversed. This is not how you treat our veterans – it’s not just unacceptable, it’s un-American,” said Senator Schumer. “DOGE cuts and Trump’s funding freeze have created chaos in Western NY and kneecapped far too many vets. I am all for cutting out inefficiency, but you use a scalpel, not a chainsaw. Jobs and care for our veterans in Upstate NY is not government waste. Even funding to help vets suffering from toxic burn pit exposure, like Alissa, was put on the chopping block. Our nation told our veterans that if they put their lives and health on the line to protect our freedoms, we would take care of them, and now we need the Trump administration to uphold that promise. I look forward to welcoming Alissa Ellman as my personal guest to President Trump’s address to a Joint Session of Congress as we fight for better treatment of our veterans here in Western NY and across the country.”
    Alissa Ellman said, “I am speaking out because I cannot see how employing veterans in the federal government is fraud, waste, or abuse. Veterans are some of the best people I know. Veterans have sacrificed for this country; they are the ones who have been defrauded – their talents wasted and service abused. For many of us these jobs are more than a job, they are how we continue our service, continue our devotion to make America a better place. I’m not telling you my story for pity; my life will be fine. But we need to be making more thoughtful cuts to the federal workforce, not our vets.”
    Schumer said this fire first, ask questions later approach towards cutting jobs and funding is unacceptable, especially when caring for our veterans. Federal jobs give preference to veterans, allowing them to continue serving our country in what was previously a stable government career, which is why approximately 30 percent of the federal workforce are veterans.
    Schumer in 2022 led the PACT Act to passage in the Senate. The PACT Act extends health coverage for veterans like Alissa who were exposed to burn pit smoke and other environmental hazards that caused cancers and other illnesses during their service. However, in the past month President Trump’s funding & hiring freeze has also led to hundreds of cuts for VA health research, including projects to study burn pit exposure and most recently contracts with VA to help vets with toxic exposure were temporarily suspended. Schumer said this horrific pattern of cuts and firings that is directly impacting our veterans cannot continue, and he is looking forward to welcoming Alissa to demand better treatment for veterans across America.
    These funding cuts have also directly hit care for veterans in Upstate NY, with VA workers being laid off in Rochester, Canandaigua, Buffalo, and just last week in Steuben County at the Bath VA facility impacting treatment for veterans suffering from addiction and substance use disorder. Schumer said now more than ever veterans are concerned about their benefits, and VA staffers are concerned about their jobs especially with the Trump administration saying more mass firings are coming soon. Schumer has been leading the charge to stop this in the Senate, most recently demanding VA Secretary Collins demanding they reverse the mass terminations of VA employees and reinstate the workers ensuring our nation’s veterans receive quality healthcare.
    Biography for Alissa Ellman:
    Alissa Ellman joined the Army National Guard at the age of 17, and she returned from basic training to high school ten days before the September 11th attack which further spurred her desire to serve her country. She deployed to Afghanistan voluntarily from January 2003 to June 2004 as a flight operation specialist. She returned to the Afghanistan with Halliburton from 2005-2008 managing flight line operations in Kandahar. In 2008, Alissa returned to Western New York, started a family and later graduate Magnum Cum Laude from Niagara University with a degree in Special Education.
    In 2018, Alissa was diagnosed with a rare adrenal cancer, pheochromocytoma, associated with toxic burn pit exposure during her service in Afghanistan. After 5 years of treatment at the VA, she was deemed 100% disabled, a diagnosis she never envisioned, but knew that she continued to want to serve her community.
    In December 2023, she began to apply to work at the Buffalo VA working for the education department to help fellow veterans as that means to give back. Not taking the job for the money, receiving only a few dollars more per month on top of her VA disability payments, but to continue to help the community she cared so deeply about, eventually being hired in April 2024.
    She met all the training and meeting production numbers, and in January had a 200% daily production average. When the VA began announcing the cuts under the new administration, she told her friends she was safe because she always exceeded work goals, but she was wrong.
    Last week, Alissa found herself locked out of her computer, with both her and her boss thinking at first it was an error, only to later find out she had been fired. Alissa said she never felt so disrespected after giving so much.
    She will attend President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress Tuesday evening, March 4th as Senator Schumer’s honored guest.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Serious crash at Port Adelaide

    Source: South Australia Police

    A man has been seriously injured in a crash at Port Adelaide.

    About 6.15pm on Monday 3 March, police were called to the intersection of Grand Junction Road and Commercial Road following a crash between a Hyundai sedan and a motor scooter.

    The scooter rider, a 30-year-old man from Alberton, was seriously injured in the crash. His injuries are considered life threatening.

    The Hyundai driver, a 29-year-old woman from Semaphore South was not injured.

    Major Crash Investigators attended the scene.

    There were traffic restrictions in place for several hours surrounding the intersection and for eastbound lanes on Grand Junction Road but was cleared just after midnight.

    Anyone who witnessed the crash who hasn’t yet spoken to police is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man arrested after Adelaide stabbing

    Source: South Australia Police

    Off-duty police have assisted with apprehending a man after an incident in the CBD.

    About 11pm on Monday 3 March, police and ambulance crews were called to Hurtle Square after reports a man had been stabbed.

    The victim a 41-year-old man from Adelaide did not receive serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

    Two off-duty police officers were on scene and apprehended the suspect, a 58 -year-old man from Adelaide until patrols arrived.

    The man was charged with assault cause harm and refused bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court later today.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-Evening Report: Women’s annual salaries are narrowing the gap. But men still out-earn women by an average $547 a week

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leonora Risse, Associate Professor in Economics, University of Canberra

    Hyejin Kang/Shutterstock

    Women’s annual earnings are closing in on men’s, with the gender pay gap in Australia’s private sector shrinking from 14.5% to 13.6% in the past year.

    It’s a steady improvement, down from a 15.4% gap two years ago.

    While women are working and earning more than ever before, they are now empowered with even more information to take into salary negotiations and to decide which companies to work for.

    This information is especially valuable in a tight labour market, with the unemployment rate at just 4.1%, as companies fight for top talent.

    This is the second year the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has published company gender pay gaps, responding to concerns that progress on gender equality had been stalling.

    Pay gap transparency tackles the problem of “asymmetric information” where employers know where each worker sits on the pay scale, but employees don’t.

    Data from 7,800 private companies

    Women’s typical full-time annual salaries sat at A$72,638 in 2023–24, compared to men’s $84,048.

    Though narrowing, that’s still a gap of $11,410 a year, or around $220 a week.

    The gap is much larger once bonuses, overtime and superannuation are included: $18,835 or a total remuneration gap of 18.3%.

    All private companies in Australia with at least 100 employees must report their data to the federal agency. This covers 5.3 million employees across 7,800 companies, a big expansion from last year’s 5,000 companies as more companies improve their data reporting.

    Employees can look at the agency’s website to find the gender pay gap of their private sector employer – or one they are thinking of joining.

    This year’s calculations of company gender pay gaps also incorporate the salaries of top executives.

    When CEOs and heads of business are factored in, the difference in men’s and women’s average total remuneration swells to $28,435, or 21.8%.

    This all adds up to men out-earning women by an average of $547 per week.



    A closer look at company-level gender pay gaps

    Across all companies, the average gender gap in total remuneration is 13.0%. But the magnitude varies widely across different companies.

    Around 2,200 companies (around one-quarter) have a gap exceeding 20%. Of these, around 250 companies have a gap stretching beyond 40%.

    At the other end, around one-quarter of companies have a gap that is either zero or negative, meaning in favour of women.

    The agency considers a gender pay gap within the range of negative 5% to positive 5% to be a reasonable measure to aim for.



    Of the largest organisations (with 5,000 or more employees), airlines are among the worst performers. Virgin has an average gender gap in total remuneration of 41.7% while Qantas reports a gap of 39.2%.

    Among the banks, Commonwealth Bank and Westpac both report an average gender pay gap of 22.4%. Suncorp’s gap sits at 19.3%, NAB’s is at 19.0%, and ANZ has a gap of 18.8%.

    Progress is happening

    The purpose of publishing company pay gap data is to propel progress on gender equality in Australian workplaces.

    It follows legislated reforms designed to motivate employers to pay closer attention to their gender pay gap and take more action.

    Comparisons to last year’s data suggest this is happening. The agency reports that just over half of all employers (56%) reduced their gender pay gap. And 68% conducted an analysis of their gender pay gap, which is an important first step in making progress.

    Greater transparency makes employers more accountable for improving working conditions.

    It is also a way to recognise the companies that are improving over time and learn from their success.



    Correct interpretation is critical

    The gender pay gap, measured as the difference between men’s and women’s earnings, is not the same as equal pay for equal or comparable work. For over 50 years, it has been against the law in Australia to pay men and women differently for doing work of equal value.

    Employer-level gaps in earnings reflects a combination of factors, including gender patterns in the different types of occupations that men and women tend to be in within a company. But these gender patterns in job types do not explain the whole picture.

    Biases and barriers persist, including unconscious favouritism, gender imbalances in care-giving responsibilities and the perpetuation of gender stereotypes.

    This is also not a gap that can be explained by women working fewer hours than men. The calculations include part-time employees, whose pay is converted into an annualised full-time equivalent.

    Each employer has the chance to provide deeper analysis and explanation of their gender pay gap, and the actions they are taking, in their official employer statements which are also available on the agnecy’s website.

    This information will empower not just current employees but also prospective employees, customers, business partners and the wider community in their choices of which companies to work for, do business with, and endorse – and which ones not to.




    Read more:
    Now you’re able to look up individual companies’ gender pay gaps


    Leonora Risse receives research funding from the Trawalla Foundation and the Women’s Leadership Institute Australia. She has previously undertaken commissioned research for the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. She is a member of the Economic Society of Australia and the Women in Economics Network. She serves as an Expert Panel Member on gender pay equity for the Fair Work Commission.

    ref. Women’s annual salaries are narrowing the gap. But men still out-earn women by an average $547 a week – https://theconversation.com/womens-annual-salaries-are-narrowing-the-gap-but-men-still-out-earn-women-by-an-average-547-a-week-251034

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: We looked at what supermarkets in 97 countries are doing to our waistlines. Here’s what we found

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tailane Scapin, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Deakin University

    World Obesity Federation

    In many countries, buying food at supermarkets, convenience stores and online has become the norm. But what’s the convenience of modern food shopping doing to our health?

    Our study, published today with colleagues from UNICEF, looked at how people in 97 countries shopped for groceries over 15 years.

    Globally, we found a huge increase in the number of supermarkets and convenience stores (which we’ll shorten to chain grocery stores in this article). We also found people are spending more money in these stores and on their online platforms.

    But this has come at a cost to our health. People in countries with the most chain grocery stores per person buy more unhealthy food and are more likely to be obese.

    Here’s why we’re so concerned about this public health disaster.

    The rise of chain grocery stores

    Our study analysed food industry data from a business database to understand how the food retail sector has changed worldwide over time. We looked at the kinds of stores, how much people spend there, and how much unhealthy processed food is sold. We linked these trends with changes in obesity rates using data from a large global initiative.

    We found the density of chain grocery stores (number of stores per 10,000 people) has increased globally by 23.6% over 15 years (from 2009 to 2023).

    We found far more of these stores per person in high-income countries, as you may expect. However, it’s in low- and middle-income countries where numbers are increasing the fastest.

    Rapid urbanisation, rising incomes and customer demand mean large retail companies see these countries as new potential markets.

    For example, the density of chain grocery stores increased by about 21% a year in Myanmar, about 18% a year in Vietnam and about 12% a year in Cambodia.

    In Vietnam, the number of chain grocery stores increased by about 18% a year.
    Nature-Andy/Shutterstock

    We’re shopping online too

    The data in our study also covers the rise of online food shopping. For instance, the worldwide spend on online grocery shopping was 325% more in 2023 compared with 2014.

    Out of the 27 countries we looked at for online food shopping, people in the United Arab Emirates and the United States were the top spenders. In 2023, the average person in the United Arab Emirates spent about US$617 that year, 570% more than in 2014. In the US, the average person spent US$387 in 2023. That’s about 125% more than in 2014.

    It seems many of us took to online shopping during the early days of the COVID pandemic, a habit that appears to have stuck.

    More chain stores, more junk food, more obesity

    The rise of chain grocery stores, including their online platforms, is also changing what we eat.

    Over the 15 years of our study, there has been a 10.9% increase in the sales of unhealthy processed food from those chain grocery stores.

    In South Asia, the increase has been particularly rapid. People in Pakistan have been buying 5% more unhealthy processed foods from chain grocery stores every year for the past 15 years. In India, it’s 4% more and in Bangladesh 3% more.

    Over 15 years, our study also showed the percentage of people with obesity across all countries rose from 18.2% to 23.7%. It was the countries with the biggest increases in chain grocery stores where we saw the sharpest increases in obesity.

    Laos is a good example. The number of chain grocery stores per person in the country has been increasing by 15% each year since 2009, while the percentage of people with obesity has doubled from 2009 to 2023.

    In almost all countries, obesity is on the rise. In Australia, overweight and obesity have recently officially overtaken tobacco as the biggest burden on our health.

    Over 15 years, there has been a 10.9% increase in the sales of unhealthy processed food globally.
    Pratiwi Ambarwati/Shutterstock

    Why do we think supermarkets are to blame?

    Supermarkets and hypermarkets sell healthy foods, such as fruit and vegetables. Yet, there are good reasons to think our retail environment might be to blame for the rise in obesity.

    Highly processed foods

    Chain grocery stores typically sell an enormous array of highly processed packaged foods high in sugar, fat and salt that can harm our health. One study of the food and drinks available in supermarkets from 12 countries showed the majority are classified as unhealthy. Given our findings of rapid increases in chain grocery in low- and middle-income countries, it was alarming in this study that the least healthy products were typically seen in supermarkets from countries like India, China and Chile.

    Heavy promotion

    Chain grocery stores often aggressively promote unhealthy foods. This includes through price discounting; advertising in circulars, on TV and social media; and by being placed in prominent displays at checkouts and the ends of aisles. Studies have shown this to be true in Belgium, Ireland and another 12 countries.

    Online, we see unhealthy foods promoted more often (with discounts and displayed more prominently) than healthy options. For instance, on average at least one-third of products prominently displayed on Australian supermarket websites are unhealthy.

    More buying power

    Compared to small independent grocers, large chain grocery stores globally have a far larger influence on decisions around product assortment and price. Because of this, they can control supply chains, often in partnership with national and multi-national food manufacturers of ultra processed, unhealthy packaged foods.

    What can we do about it?

    There are many social, political, cultural and economic factors that contribute to the rise in obesity globally. Many of these relate to the price, availability and promotion of food in retail settings and the way the retail industry is structured.

    Because of this, we think it’s time for governments and retailers to step up and start making changes to where and how we shop for food.

    Some countries are already beginning to act. In the United Kingdom for example, government legislation now prevents placing unhealthy foods in prominent places such as the checkout counter and at the ends of aisles close to checkouts. From October this year, further restrictions on the price promotion of unhealthy foods (such as “buy one, get one free”) will also come into force in the UK.

    There is also plenty that retailers can do. In Norway, for example, one major grocery chain launched a comprehensive healthy eating campaign several years ago, including by increasing the size and prominence of healthy food displays and offering discounts on fruits and vegetables. This led to a 42% increase in vegetable sales and a 25% rise in fruit sales from 2012 until 2020.

    But most grocery chains are still not doing enough to prioritise their customers’ health and nutrition. In the US, we see this in particular for supermarkets catering to people on low-incomes. And in the UK, although there has been some promising progress by some supermarket retailers, all those assessed have considerable scope for improvement.

    Now more than ever, it is time to create healthier retail food environments that support nutritious diets and help reverse the rising rates of obesity.

    Tailane Scapin receives funding from UNICEF.

    Adrian Cameron receives funding from the National Heart Foundation of Australia, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and UNICEF. He is affiliated with INFORMAS (International Network for Food and Obesity / Non-communicable Diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support) and is the Director of the RE-FRESH: Next Generation NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Food Retail Environments for Health.

    ref. We looked at what supermarkets in 97 countries are doing to our waistlines. Here’s what we found – https://theconversation.com/we-looked-at-what-supermarkets-in-97-countries-are-doing-to-our-waistlines-heres-what-we-found-246412

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz