NewzIntel.com

Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police operation – Breach of Bail

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is searching for a male youth that breached his bail at Lajamanu yesterday.

    The youth had travelled to the community in the care of NT Department of Children and Families (DCF) personnel to attend a funeral whilst subject to strict bail conditions.

    About 2:45pm, following the funeral, the youth was transported by DCF staff to a residence in the community to collect personal items before returning to Darwin. Whilst at the residence the male youth and another community member fled into thick scrubland at the rear of the property.

    Police were notified a short time later and have deployed a number of resources, including the Fugitive Taskforce, to locate the male youth.

    The youth is yet to be located and officers are continuing their extensive search efforts today with the assistance of the local community. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview – ABC Afternoon Briefing with Patricia Karvelas

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    PATRICIA KARVELAS: To discuss this, and there’s a whole lot more, let’s bring in our panel, Early Childhood Education Minister Anne Aly and Shadow Immigration Minister Dan Tehan. Welcome to both of you.

    MINISTER ANNE ALY: Thank you.

    DAN TEHAN: Thanks, Patricia.

    KARVELAS: We’re going to start on that. Dan, was that just a thought bubble? Because it’s unconstitutional, it’s been tested in the High Court.

    TEHAN: No, it wasn’t. I think there is a real frustration with how the system is currently working at the moment and how the courts are clogged up, how appeal after appeal is used. And I think what the Leader of the Opposition was expressing was that frustration that at some stage we are going to have a look at this.

    Now, the High Court obviously made a decision last year. So, you know, there does need to be a discussion around these issues because it would be good if we had clear rules and clear guidelines and clear laws as to how we can make sure that those people who do come to Australia do and know and understand our values and especially our laws.

    KARVELAS: But after you become a citizen shouldn’t you be dealt with by the law, and the law should deal with if you have a particular view, which, you know, is hate speech, isn’t that the law that should be dealing with it rather than just kicking people out?

    TEHAN: Well, I think what – you know, what we do need to look at is that a lot of these people have dual citizenship. And so we need to look and see, okay, if you’ve got dual citizenship and you breach your trust that the Australian people have given in you with regards to your Australian citizenship, well, if you’re a dual citizen, do you have the right to keep your Australian citizenship?

    KARVELAS: The High Court thinks yes.

    TEHAN: Well, the High Court made a decision last year. Now, obviously we can have a look at the way that they made that and the laws around that and see whether we do need to have a conversation around whether we need to change some of the laws around this and see whether if people do come here – and especially if they are dual citizens – whether we can act.

    KARVELAS: Anne Aly?

    ALY: I’m a bit – I’m a bit angry that this conversation about antisemitism has been conveniently turned into a conversation about immigration as if somehow the two are connected. I think that’s a very deliberate political ploy by Peter Dutton, who, I might add, has said that he wants to re-introduce the “golden ticket” visa, which can be bought by people with money and that we know brought in people from organised crime gangs and people of, frankly, unworthy character into Australia.

    So I would like to see us talking about the substantive issue here about hatred and the growth of hatred and the spread of hatred in our society. And when we have those conversations, not have those conversations hijacked by another conversation about immigration as if it’s only immigrants that are responsible for spreading hatred in this country. That’s what really disturbs me here, Patricia.

    KARVELAS: Anne Aly makes a point about the fact antisemitism is a lot wider than anyone who may have come to this country more recently. It is clearly a big problem. Isn’t that what you really want to deal with?

    TEHAN: Well, we have been dealing with that, and we have been appealing to the government now for a very long period of time to deal with that and deal with it right across this nation. So I don’t think you can say that all of a sudden we’ve just made this about immigration. This is an issue which the Leader of the Opposition has led the nation on in trying to rid this country of antisemitism. And it is about ridding it right across our nation, whether it be Australian citizens, whether it be dual citizens, whether it be those who are here as guests of our nation. And I don’t think that we can say all of a sudden that this has just had a narrow focus to it, because his leadership on this issue has been inspiring and outstanding. And so to just try and narrow cast it like that is completely and utterly wrong.

    KARVELAS: But Peter Dutton even questioned why a male nurse – this male nurse got citizenship. I understand that actually happened when the Morrison government was in power.

    TEHAN: Well, what Peter Dutton has said is that we do need to look as to how this has happened. And there will be –

    KARVELAS: But it did happen under –

    TEHAN: Yeah, yeah. There are incidences where this will have happened under Labor, under Liberal. But what we do need to do is look at it and say, okay, where is the system failing? How are we getting people coming into our country with these views when they’re required to take a citizenship pledge, we should be looking, okay, what do we do to try and fix this system. And that’s the point that he’s trying to make, because there is a frustration.

    KARVELAS: Anne Aly?

    ALY: I want – I just want to make this point. When you say, Dan, people coming into this country with these views, what if people are coming into this country as children – and I’m the Minister for Early Childhood, I see a lot of children, and let me tell you, they don’t – they’re not born with hate. They’re not born hating, right? People who are coming to this country may not be necessarily coming with those views. They may form those views because of this country, right?

    So what are we doing more broadly in this country to ensure that we have a society that is cohesive and that is harmonious and that we don’t tolerate hatred? When we talk about that, we talk about the concrete steps that our government has done to ensure that – the doxing laws, the hate speech laws, standing up against racism in all its forms and expressing our contempt for hatred.

    You know, I think it’s a very simplistic view to say that migrants come into Australia with a particular view and therefore that the whole situation that we’re talking about here around the increase of hatred is somehow linked to immigration.

    TEHAN: But that’s not what we’re saying. We’re saying –

    ALY: But it’s exactly what you just said.

    TEHAN: We’re saying that is one component of it. We’ve also called for a proper National Cabinet meeting to address this issue, so it can be –

    KARVELAS: Well, there was. There was one.

    TEHAN: Yes, but it was one which wasn’t done with all the chief ministers, all the leaders there, you know, everyone coming to Canberra – a proper serious discussion as to how we address this.

    KARVELAS: I have to bring our viewers on Afternoon Briefing here on the ABC News channel some breaking news: a Chinese fighter aircraft has released flares in front of an Australian military plane during what Defence describes as an unsafe and unprofessional interaction in the South China Sea this week. Officials have revealed the encounter occurred on Tuesday during daylight hours with the Peoples Liberation Army J-16 coming within 30 metres of the RAAF P-8 Poseidon. Defence says no personnel were injured and there was no damage to the P-8, but it has lodged formal objections with the PLA, both in Canberra and Beijing. So that’s just breaking news.

    I am aware – and I always think, to be fair, you would just be hearing perhaps that news too. But just quick thoughts from you both. Obviously Defence has sent a pretty strong signal here that this is unacceptable.

    TEHAN: And let’s see what sort of signal now the Prime Minister sends, because that’s what I think the Australian people will be waiting for and wanting to hear, what sort of strong signal and strong message now the Prime Minister sends. So, as we’ve seen, this is not the first time that this has occurred. So I think we will all watch with great interest to see how the Prime Minister responds to this, this act by the Chinese military.

    KARVELAS: Anne Aly?

    ALY: My first thought, of course, is relief that nobody was hurt and nobody was injured, Patricia. That’s my first – my first reaction to this news.

    KARVELAS: Do you expect the Prime Minister will have strong words?

    ALY: Absolutely. Absolutely. This is a pretty serious issue, and I absolutely expect that the Prime Minister will stand up for the Australian people, as he always has done.

    KARVELAS: Now, there is another piece of breaking news, which is that your child care bill has just passed.

    ALY: Yes.

    KARVELAS: You know this?

    ALY: Yes.

    KARVELAS: Okay, what can you tell us?

    ALY: So this is a great bill. It is good policy –

    KARVELAS: This is the three day –

    ALY: This is the Three Day Guarantee, 72 hours a fortnight for every child. What it basically does, Patricia, is it replaces the activity test, and parents out there who have tried to access subsidised care will know that they have to pass an activity test in order to be eligible to subsidise that care. It means that every child in Australia can now access those really transformative benefits of early childhood education and care. And it is good policy. It was recommended by the PC Review, a number of reviews, and has strong, strong support from across the sector. It’s a good day today for Australian children.

    KARVELAS: It didn’t have to pass now, though, did it? I mean, it really could have happened after the election. Was it a political – is it a political play –

    ALY: Well, no.

    KARVELAS: – so you can talk about this at the election and say, “We got this through,” because it doesn’t start till next year, right?

    ALY: That’s right. But, you know, it’s something that had strong support from the sector and it was a recommendation by the PC Review. You know, this is us taking action on things that we know are good policy, part of our reform package in early childhood education and care, getting to that place of a universal system that benefits every child.

    KARVELAS: Dan Tehan, you are actually a former Education Minister so you are across these portfolios. I understand at the end the Liberals were not in favour of this change. But actually it is true that there has been a lot of research to say that this change should happen to get children to have the right to have these three days compulsory. Why didn’t you see it that way?

    TEHAN: So just a question before, Patricia, I answer that question. So, are we talking about it just passing the House? Or –

    KARVELAS: I think it just passed the House –

    ALY: It passed the Senate – it’s in the Senate at the moment. So, I know – but it did pass the House earlier.

    KARVELAS: It’s going back to – yeah.

    TEHAN: Yeah, so it’s – just so your viewers are clear of where we’re at, it’s passed the House. It hasn’t passed the Senate, and it’s actually going to a Senate review which, as I understand it, will report in March. So this legislation –

    ALY: I think they’re actually voting on it in the Senate.

    KARVELAS: Yeah, my understanding is it’s passed the Parliament. But either way –

    TEHAN: Right, okay.

    KARVELAS: – I’ll let you continue with the broad political point.

    ALY: Last I saw was they were voting on it.

    TEHAN: So they are going to now go ahead? So this is sort of –

    KARVELAS: So, you can still apparently do the inquiry even if the Bill’s passed.

    TEHAN: Right, okay. All right. Well, there’s obviously been a change in the approach that the government’s taking as we’re speaking.

    KARVELAS: Let me take you to first principles.

    TEHAN: Yes, let’s go back to the Bill itself. We obviously wanted it to go to an inquiry. And the main concerns that we have with this Bill is that the actions that it’s taking, especially with regards to the activity test, without expanding the number of places, and especially the number of places in regional and rural areas, will basically mean for those people who are working or wanting to work, trying to get access to child care will become harder. And so that is one of the concerns that we have.

    The second concern is that what we’ve seen with regards to costs under this government when it comes to child care is we’ve seen the costs go up by over 20 per cent. We’ve seen out-of-pocket expenses go up by over 10 per cent and nothing around this is addressing that issue, which obviously, with cost of living the number one issue, is of deep concern to us. So for those reasons and others is why we think that this Bill should have gone to a committee.

    KARVELAS: Anne Aly?

    ALY: Well, those figures are just wrong, Dan. The cost has come down. Out-of-pocket costs for families across Australia have come down. And in terms of access, yes, we know that access is one of those key areas of reform. That’s why we have a $1 billion Building Early Education Fund targeting those seats, those areas where there is no child – early childhood education or where there is little access to early childhood education and care.

    So, you know, you’re talking to a government that’s able to chew gum and walk at the same time. We’re very well aware of all the key pieces of reform that are necessary in early childhood education and care, and only our government has that vision to ensure that every child has access and every child has access to quality, affordable early learning.

    KARVELAS: I have to ask –

    TEHAN: Anne, I was just going to say, your track record, sadly, doesn’t show that to be the case. So – and the problem here is that what we’re going to see is basically working people having to compete with new entrants now, and that’s going to cause even more trouble for you.

    KARVELAS: Now, Dan Tehan, I just have to ask you, just to you before we say goodbye – we’ve had a great conversation; it might be the last day of the Parliament of this term. We don’t know. But it’s –

    ALY: Don’t know.

    KARVELAS: Well, you don’t know. We don’t know. So, it’s rather – we’re all on the edge of our seats. But I do have to ask you about – you’re a former Trade Minister as well. You’ve had a few hats, so you’re very helpful here. Was Australia so desperate to hang on to our tariff exemption with the US that we agreed to unofficial quotas?

    TEHAN: No. No.

    KARVELAS: Well, hang on a minute. That’s been reported that that’s what we agreed to. That’s what the US Government thinks.

    TEHAN: So the arrangement was very clear. We were given an exemption, and obviously the US said to us that we wouldn’t want to see you exploit that exemption. And we had no intention of trying to exploit that exemption. The majority of our aluminium exports actually go into Asia, and that’s been a longstanding market for us.

    KARVELAS: But did we agree to these, essentially, quotas that we didn’t publicise?

    TEHAN: No, there was no – no, there was no quotas that weren’t publicised. So –

    KARVELAS: But it was agreed to then?

    TEHAN: Well, the idea – well, after the exemption, what the US wanted to make sure was all of a sudden our exports didn’t go from 10 per cent to 90 per cent. And obviously given that we were given an exemption we said that of course we’re going to make sure that that isn’t exploited, and it was never going to be exploited because the majority of our aluminium goes into our markets in the – in Asia.

    KARVELAS: So that agreement, shouldn’t we know – shouldn’t we have known about it? Shouldn’t you have told the public? Because we didn’t know about it till now.

    TEHAN: Well, it’s – there was no official agreement to tell the public about. I mean, the key thing here and the key thing that I would say to the Albanese Labor government is we worked very hard to be able to put an exemption in place which meant that our aluminium smelters here continued to be profitable and continued to be able to export aluminium into Asia, into the US.

    KARVELAS: Okay.

    TEHAN: My hope is that this government will be able to do exactly the same thing.

    KARVELAS: Anne Aly?

    ALY: Well, I think we’ve already proven as a government that we have the capacity, and we do the necessary actions to rebuild our international standing and rebuild our standing in terms of trade as well as diplomatic efforts, and I think the Australian people can be confident that this is a government that can, you know, deal with these issues. And in a transparent way.

    TEHAN: And we hope so, yes.

    KARVELAS: Well, the country hopes so. Thank you to both of you.

    TEHAN: Pleasure.

    KARVELAS: It’s been a good discussion.

    ALY: Thanks, Patricia.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Light rail Stage 2A construction – March update

    Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

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

    Released 20/02/2025

    The ACT Government is partnering with the Australian Government and Canberra Metro to deliver the next stage of light rail in our city centre.

    The next stage of light rail will include three new stops at Edinburgh Avenue, City South and Commonwealth Park.

    In 2028, workers, residents and visitors to the City Centre will be able to catch a light rail service to easily access City West, the ANU, New Acton, Commonwealth Park and Lake Burley Griffin. 

    This project will transform the southern end of our city to a place that is welcoming and accessible to residents, tourists, commuters, and businesses.

    Major works for light rail to Commonwealth Park are now underway with London Circuit west closed to traffic in February, allowing service relocations to begin in the roadway.

    Further closures will occur in March as construction activity ramps up across the wider project area.

    From the evening of Wednesday 12 March 2025, sections of London Circuit east will also close to motorists between Northbourne Avenue and Theatre Lane. Pedestrian access will be maintained.

    The closure of sections of London Circuit east will allow service relocations to be undertaken in the roadway with streetscape improvements to be completed prior to the road reopening to traffic in late 2026.

    Access to London Circuit east will remain open for buses and for delivery drivers accessing Verity Lane. Access to Theatre Lane and the adjacent theatre car park will also be maintained.

    During March Canberrans can expect to see the following changes:

    • the closure of London Circuit east, between Northbourne Avenue and Theatre Lane to motorists and on-road cyclists, with fencing installed and in place until late 2026
    • Northbourne Avenue reduced to two lanes each way between Alinga Street and Vernon Circle
    • the removal of street assets on London Circuit east and Northbourne Avenue median between Alinga Street and London Circuit in readiness for construction, including trees, park benches, light poles and public art
    • some changes to pedestrian pathways around London Circuit east and Northbourne Avenue, although pedestrian access is maintained to all businesses
    • utilities in the ground starting to be removed and relocated.

    As works are completed across the alignment, sections of London Circuit will be re-opened to support and maintain the local access through the area.

    Access will be maintained to businesses along London Circuit and signage will be in place to assist customers, visitors and residents to navigate the area. Variable Message Signage will also be in place around the city to alert approaching drivers about the closures.

    People can access an online construction impacts map to view current information about road changes and other impacts relating to the construction of light rail and the Raising London Circuit project. View map of project impacts from March.

    With major public and private infrastructure investment shaping our city centre for decades to come, the construction map will be updated with what work is occurring where and by which entity.

    We have committed to providing the community with ongoing and regular updates about the status of the light rail project.

    To view the map and stay up to date visit https://www.builtforcbr.act.gov.au/travel-impacts

    Light rail to Commonwealth Park is a joint investment by the Australian and ACT Governments.

    – Statement ends –

    Infrastructure Canberra | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New lease on life for historic lock up

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 20 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Lands and Property

    A significant heritage building in the historic Lock Up complex in the heart of Newcastle has been given a face-lift thanks to a $70,000 grant from the NSW Government.

    Number 88, located on Hunter Street, is one of the oldest buildings in the city. The historic, stone and painted masonry structure was first constructed in 1861 and served as a telegraph office, gaining a second storey in 1879.

    New flooring was installed, replacing damaged carpet. As workers removed carpet tiles they discovered the original cedar staircase remained intact. The staircase was sanded, resealed and now takes pride of place as a central, period feature in the building. 

    Unoccupied since 2018 due to building deterioration and the COVID, the repairs have assisted the Newcastle Historic Reserve Land Manager to secure a new long-term tenant, which will help the reserve to fund maintenance and improvements in the future.

    Buildings 74, 88 and 90 Hunter Street form a suite of three historic stone and painted masonry buildings. Building 74 was constructed in 1873 and was Newcastle’s original post office. Number 90 was a police station built in 1861 and closed in 1982.

    Building number 90 is known locally as ‘The Lock-Up’ and was originally built to support the Newcastle police station and was used from 1861 until its closure in 1982. The building has been re-imagined as an award-winning contemporary art space that showcases local, national and international artists. An artist in residency program invites artists to respond to the building’s history.  The Lock-Up’s padded cell is acknowledged as one of the best preserved in Australia.

    Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure funded the upgrade work through its Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF).

    Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:  

    “The NSW Government is focused on building better communities, which is why we are committed to helping maintain these three beautiful heritage buildings in the heart of Newcastle’s CBD.

    “Our statewide investments in Crown reserves help ensure they can continue to serve their communities for many years to come.”

    Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:

    “This is fantastic news. These buildings have become an integral hub for our local artists and are an iconic piece of Newcastle’s history dating all the way back to the 19th century.

    “It is vital we continue to care for these buildings, which reflect important parts of our history here in Newcastle. I am very pleased Crown Lands has continued to fund this important maintenance work that will ensure our heritage buildings remain intact for future generations.”

    Newcastle Historic Reserve Land Manager Chairperson Gillean Shaw said: 

    “We are grateful to Crown Lands for their continued support in helping to protect these three historic buildings. This particular round of funding has helped upgrade number 88, keeping it consistent with its grand, mid 19th century character. 

    “Number 88 had been without a commercial tenant since 2018, due to the building’s deterioration over recent years. As a direct result of these upgrades, NHRLM have attracted a long-term tenant, which will bring in a new revenue stream, allowing the land manager to continue to fund important maintenance to preserve these significant buildings for future generations.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW Government launches local council grants to combat hate and strengthen community cohesion

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 20 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Local Government, Minister for Multiculturalism

    The Minns Labor Government has launched the latest round of the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government designed to enhance councils’ ability to prevent and respond to hate.

    The program strengthens local government capability to foster connection and belonging within and between communities, as well as build trust in local institutions.

    Applications for the latest round of grants are now open, with local councils across NSW to share in $500,000 for projects that strengthen social cohesion and deliver stronger and more resilient communities.

    Councils may apply for between $50,000 and $150,000 to address a social cohesion challenge in their community, with the current round focused on preventing and responding to the prevalence of hate.

    Projects should aim to address the impacts of hate, polarisation and the localised impacts from global crises and events that councils are experiencing.

    In previous rounds, the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government program has funded projects to build community cohesion in high density residential neighbourhoods, support community centre activations in areas impacted by bushfire, and intercultural community leadership programs.

    Applications are open until 11:59pm on Friday 28 March and can be made on the grant webpage.

    Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

    “The impact of recent hateful events has been felt across the state.

    “Local governments are at the heart of their communities, and these grants will help councils create meaningful initiatives that foster inclusion and support communities to feel connected.

    “Our strength lies in our unity, our respect for one another and our shared commitment to making NSW a safe and welcoming place for all.”

    Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

    “This funding will assist with projects to help build community cohesion.

    “By supporting Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government, we are investing in the future of our state.

    “These grants will contribute towards protecting our society and supporting the true spirit of our multicultural state.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $10 million Good Neighbours Program to tackle pest and weeds across NSW

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 20 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Agriculture

    The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its election commitment to tackle pest and weed infestations between neighbouring public and private lands across the state through its $10 million investment in new or expanded, on the ground, biosecurity projects.

    The Good Neighbours Program, led by Local Land Services, will undertake 21 initial projects in priority areas across NSW.

    The initiative is part of the Government’s $945 million commitment to addressing biosecurity threats to the state’s $20 billion primary industries sector.

    The Good Neighbours projects will target pest animals and problem weeds, including feral deer, feral pigs, tropical soda apple and hudson pear.

    Improved on-ground outcomes will be achieved through coordinated pest animal and weed control programs, as well as capacity-building workshops, training and education for landholders and land managers.

    The 21 projects will be delivered in partnership with respective public land managers including Forestry Corporation, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and local councils.

    The Good Neighbours Program highlights the importance of public and private land managers working together to prevent the spread of pests and weeds and protect the NSW economy, environment and community.

    Pest animals and weeds impact more than 70 per cent of the state’s threatened species and endangered ecological communities, posing a significant agricultural threat.

    The Good Neighbours Program brings together a range of stakeholders and agencies to combat the issue and educate landholders and land managers about their shared general biosecurity duty under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 to control pests and weeds on their properties.

    The program will run until mid-2026, with additional projects to be funded. Visit nsw.gov.au/good-neighbours to learn more.

    Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

    “Effective pest and weed management are critical to supporting agricultural productivity and biodiversity in NSW, and it’s best achieved by working as a united front.”

    “The Good Neighbours program demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to protecting our natural environment and agricultural industry by focusing our resources on areas where we can work together to achieve the best results.

    “As the saying goes, everybody needs good neighbours. Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and we all have a part to play.”

    Local Land Services Project Manager Good Neighbours Program, Dale Kirby said:

    “When it comes to coordinated pest animal and weed control programs, many hands make light work.”

    “We can achieve far better outcomes when private and public landholders work together, with expert advice and support from Local Land Services, to reduce impacts and limit the spread of pests and weeds across the landscape.”

    MEDIA: Michael Salmon | Minister Moriarty | 0417495018

    Good Neighbours projects

    • Cane Toad Program (North Coast) – Joint efforts between the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Local Land Services, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry Corporation of NSW, Landcare and private landholders to control cane toads on the North Coast.
    • Chinese Violet Program (North Coast) – This program is based in the Tweed Shire, where Rous County Council is targeting Chinese violet on the fringes of the Heritage Wollumbin National Park and Jerusalem National Park.
    • Job’s Tears Eradication Program (North Coast) – Led by Rous County Council, Landcare and landholders, this program aims to eradicate Job’s tears from creek lines in the Kyogle and Lismore shires.
    • Tropical Soda Apple Eradication (TSA) Program (North Coast) – This program targets Tropical soda apple across the Lismore, Kyogle, Ballina, Byron, Richmond Valley and Tweed local government areas, led by Rous County Council, community groups and landholders.
    • Far South Coast Coastal Weeds Program (South East) – Tackling weeds such as coastal bitou bush and sea spurge on the Far South Coast between Tuross and Wonboyn, led by Far South Coast Landcare, local councils, Local Land Services and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
    • Hudson Pear Control Program – Kinchega National Park (Western) – Combating Hudson Pear in the middle reaches of Stephens Creek to the west of Kinchega National Park, led by the managers of Kars and Eureka stations, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Castlereagh Macquarie County Council and Local Land Services.
    • Jumping Cholla Control Program (Western) – Targeting Jumping cholla in the Living Desert State Park and nearby Limestone and Nine Mile stations in the Broken Hill area, with the help of the station owners, Broken Hill City Council, Castlereagh Macquarie County Council and Local Land Services.
    • Parthenium Weed Eradication (North West)  Management and control of Parthenium weed across two Travelling Stock Reserves (TSR) at Croppa Creek, led by North West Local Land Services and supported by local councils, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, TSR users, landholders and Traditional Owners.
    • Mt Stuart Boxing Glove Control Program (Western) – Tackling the spread of Boxing glove cactus in Tibooburra, south of the Sturt National Park, in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Mt Stuart Station neighbours, Castlereagh Macquarie County Council, Crown Lands and Local Land Services.
    • North Coast Branch Pig Control Program (North Coast and Northern Tablelands) – Feral pig control led by the North Coast branch of the National Parks and Wildlife Service across 12 reserves from western Richmond River to the coast, from Ballina in the north to Hat Head in the south.
    • Orange Hawkweed Eradication Program (South East) – A collaboration between Snowy Monaro Council, Snowy Valleys Council, Local Land Services, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and private landholders targeting Hawkweed in the Kosciuszko National Park and surrounding private land.
    • Strategic Weed Management and Control – Blackberry and St John’s Wort (Central West) – Coordinated control of priority weeds within Goobang National Park, led by Parkes Shire Council, Macquarie and Lachlan Valley Weeds Committee, Central West and Central Tablelands regional weeds committees and neighbouring landholders.
    • Wild Horse Cross Tenure Eradication Program (North Coast) – Wild horse control focused on the Barcoongere area, south of Grafton, in conjunction with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, National Parks and Wildlife Service and landholders.
    • Bathurst Joint Weed Program (Central Tablelands) – Working with the Forestry Corporation of NSW and private landholders to control weeds such as broom, gorse and Chilean needle grass between state forest and private land in Bathurst.
    • Bathurst Pest Program – Feral Pig Management Program (Central Tablelands) – Support for a feral pig baiting program involving the Forestry Corporation of NSW, Crown Lands and neighbouring land managers.
    • Feral deer control – Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (Central Tablelands, Hunter, Greater Sydney and South East) – Coordinated efforts between the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Local Land Services, the Invasive Species Council, Crown Lands and public land managers to reduce the impacts of feral deer.
    • Forestry Pest Management Neighbour’s Program (Western, Central West, Central Tablelands, North West, Riverina and Murray) – Targeting feral pig populations on properties with state forest boundaries in the Western NSW region, led by the Forestry Corporation of NSW and state forest neighbours.
    • Koala Habitat Restoration (North Coast) – Protecting and restoring koala habitat in the Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie areas in conjunction with private landholders, Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Landcare groups, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
    • North Coast Feral Deer Management Program (North Coast) – An existing feral deer coordinated control program based in the Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie areas involving local councils, Forestry Corporation of NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Service and private landholders.
    • Red Cestrum Management and Control (North Coast) – This program is focused on controlling Red cestrum infestations on the Dorrigo Plateau, led by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry Corporation of NSW, Bellingen Shire Council and private landholders.
    • Tamworth Peri Urban Pest Species Project (North West) – Targeting feral goats, pigs and deer within the Tamworth Local Government Area, supported by Tamworth Regional Council, Crown Lands and private landholders.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $10 million for new health worker accommodation to attract more paramedics to regional NSW

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 20 February 2025

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

    Regional communities across NSW are set to benefit from new Key Health Worker Accommodation which will help attract more paramedics to the bush.

    The Minns Labor Government will invest $10 million in health worker housing for paramedics in regional NSW as part of the Key Health Worker Accommodation program.

    The $200.1 million Program supports more than 20 projects across rural, regional and remote NSW.

    The $200.1 million funding will secure approximately 120 dwellings across regional NSW, which includes the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters and the purchase of suitable properties such as residential units.

    It is estimated the four-year Program will support the recruitment and retention of more than 500 health workers and their families by providing a range of accommodation options.

    The Program is one of a number of investments the Minns Labor Government is making to strengthen the regional, rural and remote health workforce and builds on the success of the NSW Government’s $73.2 million investment in key health worker accommodation across five regional local health districts (Far West, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, Hunter New England and Western NSW).

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

    “The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in modern, sustainable accommodation options for key health workers who are the backbone of our regional, rural and remote communities.

    “Strengthening our regional ambulance workforce is a key priority for our government and this $10 million investment in accommodation will support attraction of paramedics to the regions.”

    Quote attributable to Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty MLC:

    “Providing modern, sustainable and secure staff accommodation in regional, rural and remote locations will help to attract and retain paramedics.

    “This $10 million boost to accommodation for our paramedic workforce follows the rollout of an additional 500 paramedics for regional and rural NSW and will support NSW Ambulance staff who take on these positions.”

    Quote attributable to Gerard Hayes, HSU NSW Secretary:

    “The housing crisis can become a healthcare crisis for rural and regional towns if we can’t provide safe and secure housing for essential workers, so we welcome more accommodation for our hard-working paramedics.

    “Paramedics are invaluable to regional and rural towns. They deserve to be supported to care for people in those areas. Removing the stress of finding safe, secure and affordable housing is a big part of recognising the value of these essential workers.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Faster water approvals to supercharge housing delivery

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 20 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Housing, Minister for Water

    The Minns Labor Government is slashing red tape to get more homes built faster across the state, unveiling a clear blueprint to speed up approvals and ensure new properties are connected and ready to turn on the tap sooner.

    The Housing Approval Reform Action Plan is a joint initiative between the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), Sydney Water, and WaterNSW to streamline approvals and accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure.

    After more than a decade of underinvestment and stalled approvals, the NSW Government is taking action, establishing a cross-government team to fast-track water and wastewater infrastructure, ensuring developments stay on track and homes are delivered sooner.

    Every new home requires essential infrastructure. From providing drinking water and wastewater management to handling stormwater, a robust water cycle management plan is a key factor in assessing land use and development proposals in NSW.

    Government agencies evaluate a wide range of potential impacts on water quality, including stormwater management, erosion and sediment control during construction and wastewater disposal.

    Beyond accelerating housing construction, the plan will focus on protecting, enhancing, and restoring waterways and water sources to ensure long-term sustainability.

    The Housing Approval Reform Action Plan streamlines housing delivery and eases system pressure through clear actions, including:

    • Expanding risk-based triaging for all referrals to ensure homes that are ready can be connected without delay.
    • Streamlining the removal of groundwater process on building sites to ensure construction can commence quickly and safety.
    • Revising key performance indicators to mitigate inefficiencies.
    • Support developers and Water Servicing Coordinators in getting their applications right from
      the start.
    • Facilitating early engagement for smoother applications.

    Following an industry forum in August 2024, these reforms were shaped with key stakeholders and construction industry leaders, who highlighted real-world obstacles slowing housing development, to break down barriers and get more homes built faster.

    This action plan strengthens the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to building a better NSW, including:

    • $2.2 billion infrastructure investment to fund more housing, critical infrastructure and better planning for housing.
    • Over $250 million to continue the overhaul of the planning system and planning reforms.
    • The development of the NSW Pattern Book and accelerated planning pathway for those who use the pre-approved patterns.
    • $5.1 billion to build 8,400 new public homes, the largest investment in social and affordable housing.
    • Creation of Housing Delivery Authority that recently announced plans to fast-track the delivery of 6,400 new homes.

    To learn more, please visit: https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/plans-and-strategies/housing-approval-reform-action-plan/

    Minister for Housing and Water Rose Jackson said:

    “Drinking water, wastewater and stormwater might not be front of mind, but they’re make-or-break for getting homes built and ready to live in.

    “We’re cutting red tape, speeding up approvals, and pulling every lever we’ve got to get more homes on the ground faster—because NSW can’t afford delays.

    “This plan is about fixing the system. The entire NSW water sector has come together with developers to find solutions that actually work and get things moving.

    “These are practical changes that will slash approval timeframes and address industry concerns—while still doing the right thing by our water sources and environment.”

    NSW Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia Katie Stevenson said:

    “When applications for apartment buildings get the stamp of approval from planning, there are often further strings attached where significant excavations need additional sign-off from water authorities and this adds costly further delays to the delivery of new housing.

    “Today’s announcement effectively declares 2025 as a year of cultural change for the three water authorities involved in the pre-construction approval of new housing – it is the sort of leadership we need to align all aspects of the government’s activities toward the resolution of the housing crisis.

    “We appreciate the priorities outlined in the action plan, along with the specific activities and timelines it includes, which have been created through extensive consultation with the industry.”
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ARENA funds breakthrough battery cathode technology project

    Source: Australian Renewable Energy Agency

    Overview

    • Category

      News

    • Date

      20 February 2025

    • Classification

      Battery storage

    The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has today committed $30 million in conditional funding to VSPC Pty Ltd (VSPC) for its project, which seeks to commercialise a new process for manufacturing cathode powder for lithium-ion batteries. VSPC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Livium Ltd (ASX: LIT). The project will involve VSPC constructing a new 250 tonne per annum demonstration facility, likely to be constructed near VSPC’s existing Brisbane facilities. 

    Through this project, VSPC will provide cathode powder samples to potential offtake partners and investors with the aim of locking in its major customers for a future commercial plant. The project will lead to advancements in cathode powder manufacturing and create significant benefits for lithium-ion battery production. Expected benefits include cost reductions, quality improvements, reduced waste and the diversification of global battery supply chains. 

    VSPC’s new process combines the advantages of solid-state and solution-phase synthesis methods, to produce high-performance lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) and lithium manganese ferro phosphate (LMFP) powders with greater control of product characteristics and quality. This makes the process flexible for use in different battery cell technologies.  

    ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the critical role batteries will play in the clean energy transition, mean that any innovations to make them more effective, cheaper and cleaner should be supported.  

    “This project represents a potential breakthrough in cathode powder technology. If the project is successful, it could help catalyse competitive manufacturing of cathode powders and help diversify supply chains”   

    “As global demand for energy storage rises, domestic advancements in cathode powder could position Australia as a leader in advanced battery manufacturing, giving us opportunities to contribute to global supply chains and create new economic opportunities in renewable energy innovations”, said Mr Miller.   

    Livium Managing Director and CEO Simon Linge said the project seeks to unlock a patented technology and advance diversified LFP supply chains, which will ultimately seek to increase access to high-quality, cathode materials.  

    “The grant from ARENA represents a significant step forward for our battery materials commercialisation. This grant, which follows an extensive process, is expected to facilitate further strategic private capital to complete funding for the project. 

    We are thankful to ARENA for their support”, said Mr Linge. 

    ARENA media contact:

    media@arena.gov.au

    Download this media release (PDF 143KB)

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Screen Australia and Stan Announce New Comedy-Horror Series Gnomes

    Source: Australia Government Statements 4

    18 02 2025 – Media release

    Gnomes writers Tegan Higginbotham and Paul Verhoeven, and creator/producer Joel Kohn. 
    Stan and Screen Australia have announced the brand-new Stan Original Series Gnomes, which is slated for production in 2025 in Victoria.
    The series is set in a fading country town that finds itself under siege by an army of murderous garden gnomes on the eve of their first Gnome-a-Palooza festival. At the heart of the story are two police officers, Senior Sergeant Arnold Kipps and his ex-partner from the force (and life) Senior Constable Ellie McKay, who has returned to town with the task of shutting down Arnold’s beloved police station. When the town’s gnome population is brought to life by an ancient evil, all hell breaks loose. Arnold and Ellie must team up with a motley crew of locals to try and save their home from a Gnome-apocalypse.
    Gnomes has been created by award-winning filmmaker Joel Kohn, who will produce alongside Total Fiction producers John Molloy (Barons, The Gloaming) and Richard Kelly (The Tailings, Jones Family Christmas). The series boasts a stellar creative team, with writers Tegan Higginbotham and Paul Verhoeven penning the scripts.
    Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “Gnomes is a thrilling example of the kind of bold, genre-defying storytelling that continues to capture global attention. This series not only showcases the dynamic creativity of Australian talent but also highlights how local and international partnerships can elevate Australian productions to new heights. With a unique blend of horror and comedy, and a stellar creative team, Gnomes has all the ingredients to engage audiences worldwide.”
    Stan Chief Content Officer Cailah Scobie said, “Gnomes is set to deliver a darkly comedic treat unlike anything we’ve seen before. Australian audiences adore horror and genre, and this project typifies the kind of audacious and unique productions that we love to show on Stan. We’re thrilled to be partnering with such an exceptional creative team, along with Happy Accidents on their first Australian series.”
    Co-CEO of Happy Accidents Holly Hines said, “I fell in love with this concept the moment I heard the pitch and the scripts have been just exceptional. Gnomes is a complete gem – wildly imaginative, hilariously offbeat, and unlike anything else in the comedy-drama space. With Paul and Tegan writing, and our wonderful co-producers, we have created a series that truly stands out in the global marketplace. The enthusiasm from our partners is a testament to how universal its appeal truly is, and we can’t wait to introduce this unique adventure to even more audiences.”
    VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, “Nurturing talented Victorians to bring their bold vision and innovation to the global screen is what we do best, and VicScreen is thrilled to support the Victorian creative force bringing the comedy-horror Gnomes to life.” 
    Gnomes is produced by Total Fiction and Screen Invaders alongside co-producers Happy Accidents (USA) and Network Movie (Germany). Happy Accidents will handle international distribution, German pre-sale via Network Movie. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Stan. Produced in association with VicScreen. Post, digital and visual effects supported by Screen Queensland. Developed with assistance of Screen Australia. Stan Executive Producers are Cailah Scobie and Donna Chang.
    The Stan Original Series Gnomes will begin production in 2025.
    Stan Media Enquiries
    [email protected]
    Media enquiries
    Maddie Walsh | Publicist
    + 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]
    Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu)
    + 61 428 767 836  | [email protected]
    All other general/non-media enquiries
    Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Feisty Feminist Murder Mystery He Had It Coming Announced

    Source: Australia Government Statements 4

    18 02 2025 – Media release

    Stars of He Had It Coming, Lydia West, Natasha Liu Bordizzo and Liv Hewson. 
    Stan and Screen Australia have announced the brand-new series He Had It Coming, produced by Jungle Entertainment with major production investment from Screen Australia.
    Starring Lydia West, Natasha Liu Bordizzo and Liv Hewson, the series is an odd couple comedy-drama of two women accidentally entangled in a murder mystery when their spontaneous feminist art activism is co-opted by a killer.
    From Executive Producer Gretel Vella (Totally Completely Fine, The Great), with Chloe Rickard (Population 11, No Activity), Shay Spencer (Wakefield), Bridget Callow-Wright (Population 11), Robert Taylor and Ellie Gibbons. He Had It Coming is a comedic whodunnit following mismatched friends who get caught up in gender politics on campus and murder.
    Created and written by Gretel Vella and Craig Anderson (Double The Fist), with writers Emme Hoy (Renegade Nell), Belinda King (Wellmania), Nicholas Cole (Bump) and Hannah Samuel (The Heights). Directed by Rachel House (Mountain) and Anne Renton (The Good Doctor, The Bold Type).
    He Had It Coming stars Lydia West (Big Mood, It’s a Sin) and Natasha Liu Bordizzo (Ahsoka: Star Wars, The Voyeurs) who are also Executive Producers, and Liv Hewson (Yellowjackets, Bombshell), with ensemble cast Duncan Fellows (Deadloch), Roxie Mohebbi (Critical Incident), Tom Dawson (Total Control), Alex Campion De Crespigny (Heartbreak High) and Miah Madden (The Sapphires).
    Lydia West plays Elise, an awkward English scholarship student (for the bagpipes, she has the shoulders for it) who forms an unlikely alliance with Barbara (Liu Bordizzo), a fashion influencer who posts about girl power all day but is always too busy to attend a protest. After a series of mishaps with men, both decide to take a stand. Barbara spearheads an activist art project in the dead of night and drunk as skunks, the girls deface a statue of the university’s male founder in the University’s Quadrangle.
    When the girls wake to discover that the university’s star athlete has been murdered and displayed at the foot of their political statement, they must urgently erase all ties to the crime. With Detective Shepherd (Hewson) following the breadcrumbs they have been trying to sweep up, Barbara and Elise need to find the real culprit amid rising gender tensions on campus and a growing body count.
    Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “He Had It Coming is a fun, feminist romp that approaches gender equality in a contemporary, innovative and hilarious way. With a standout cast and powerhouse creative and producing teams, this is must-watch TV.”
    Stan Chief Content Officer Cailah Scobie said, “He Had It Coming is a clever and sharp exploration of gender politics led by an extraordinary cast in this vacuum-sealed murder mystery. We celebrate the ongoing collaboration with Gretel Vella who has developed yet another exciting script, attracting an incredible cast to film in Australia. We are also thrilled to continue our ongoing successful collaboration with Jungle Entertainment with support from FIFTH SEASON, Screen Australia and Screen NSW.”
    Ava Knight, Director of Acquisitions at FIFTH SEASON said, “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Jungle Entertainment and creator Gretel Vella on He Had It Coming. Gretel expertly uses humour to explore universal themes around gender politics in a way that feels incredibly fresh and timely. We’re excited to bring this brilliant and bold female-led crime caper to audiences around the world – where nothing is quite as it seems.”
    Jungle partner and Executive Producer Chloe Rickard said, “We have absolutely loved collaborating again with Stan, Screen Australia and Screen NSW and new partners FIFTH SEASON to bring another unique Australian voice and story to the world. Add Lydia West, Natasha Liu Bordizzo and Liv Hewson to the mix and you’ve got the sizzle for a completely original and fun campus caper.”
    Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth said, “Jungle Entertainment continues to produce leading Australian content, and Screen NSW is pleased to support them to bring another first-class project to NSW. With a standout creative team led by NSW-based Gretel Vella and Craig Anderson, the series is a clever and hilarious whodunnit story. I look forward to audiences tuning in when it arrives on Stan.”
    The Stan Original series He Had It Coming is produced by Jungle Entertainment. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Stan. Financed with support from Screen NSW. International sales by FIFTH SEASON. Post, digital, and visual effects supported by Screen NSW. Developed with the assistance of Screen NSW and in association with The Development Partnership. Stan Executive Producers are Cailah Scobie and Alicia Brown.
    The Stan Original Series He Had It Coming has wrapped production and is coming soon, only on Stan.
    Stan Media Enquiries
    [email protected]
    Media enquiries
    Maddie Walsh | Publicist
    + 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]
    Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu)
    + 61 428 767 836  | [email protected]
    All other general/non-media enquiries
    Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Goodwood man charged with drug and firearms offences

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Goodwood man charged with drug and firearms offences

    Thursday, 20 February 2025 – 9:53 am.

    Investigators from the Southern Drugs and Firearms Unit have charged a 45-year-old man with drug and firearms offences, following a targeted search of his Goodwood residence yesterday.
    Police will allege the man was in possession of a quantity of various illicit substances, a loaded shortened single barrel firearm and a small pistol.
    Detective Acting Inspector Felicity Boyd said police know the impact drugs and firearms have on the community.
    “This search is evidence of our continued commitment to community safety and holding offenders to account,” she said.
    The man was detained in custody to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court at 10am today.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZ Tourism and Law – Startling New Zealand travel warning after launch of new tourism campaign

    Source: Carter Capner Law

    As New Zealand launches a major tourism campaign targeted at Aussies with the slogan “Everyone must go”, a leading Australian travel compensation lawyer has warned travellers to “go at your own risk”.

    Director of Carter Capner Law and former national president of the Australian Lawyers Alliance Peter Carter has revealed that unlike Australia and most other developed nations, travellers to New Zealand cannot access compensation for injury or death due to the fault of someone else.

    Victims cannot hold wrongdoers accountable for injuries they encounter anywhere in New Zealand as a result of recklessness or negligence, and court claims for damages against people responsible for injuries or their insurers are prohibited.

    Mr Carter said the country has been a “legal liability free zone” since the protections were removed in the 1970s.

    “As Australians we naturally assume that because at-fault motorists, workplaces and business enterprises carry insurance and can be pursued for losses resulting from major injuries – it would be the same across the ditch.

    “But in New Zealand, careless drivers and businesses are immune from liability for the injuries they cause other people.

    “This applies to everyone and includes road accidents, recreational injuries, domestic aircraft accidents and all other situations,” he explained.

    “You have no right to compensation and no avenue to take legal action, even if you are flattened on a pedestrian crossing by a 10 tonne truck.”

    He said one woman from Queensland who suffered serious spinal injuries when a speeding car crossed on to the wrong side of the road collided with her head-on, “fought the New Zealand legal system for eight years and lost.”

    “Australia’s health system will cover you for some medical expenses on your return but you are on your own if you can’t return to full time work.”

    Mr Carter urged all travellers to New Zealand to have travel insurance but said “this stops when you set foot on the tarmac” in Australia. The only way to protect against loss of earning capacity from a NZ road accident is to take out income protection insurance before you travel.

    He said the absence of accountability in New Zealand means there is no economic incentive – like potential insurance premium hikes or lawsuits – to prevent accidents.

    “There is no safety culture and this means road and other accident rates are much higher than Australia, so Australians must visit New Zealand with that knowledge,” he said.

    About Peter Carter:

    Peter Carter is one of the most experienced lawyers in the Australasian region in the fields of aviation, tourism and travel compensation. He is a former national president of the Australian Lawyers Alliance, and was previously a director of the Civil Justice Foundation of Australia. Peter has also held the roles of Queensland president of the Aviation Law Association of Australia and New Zealand, and governor on the board of the American Association for Justice.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray, Former WA State Federal Workers at VA, Forest Service, Bonneville Power Lay Out How Trump and Musk’s Reckless Mass Layoffs Hurt People Across WA State

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senator Murray on Trump Indiscriminately Firing Workers at Hanford and Bonneville Power Administration, Threatening Energy Security in Washington State

    ***VIDEO FROM PRESS CALL HERE***

    ***NEW FACT SHEET: Impact in Washington State of Trump and Musk’s Reckless Mass Layoffs***

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a virtual press conference with federal workers in Washington state who were recently laid off through no fault of their own and with zero justification, as part of Trump and Musk’s unprecedented assault on the federal workforce. The speakers underscored how the mass firings Trump and Musk have ordered over the last few days will severely jeopardize essential services that families in Washington state rely on—and leave us all worse off. A fact sheet compiled by Senator Murray’s office on some of the impacts in Washington state of these reckless mass layoffs is available HERE.

    Murray was joined for the press call by Gregg Bafundo, Former Lead Wilderness Ranger at the U.S. Forest Service’s Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest and a former U.S. Marine who lives in Okanogan County; Raphael Garcia, a veteran and former Management Analyst for the US. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) who has served as the only management analyst for the Veterans Benefits Administration’s Disability Rating Activity Site at the Seattle Regional Office for the past 7.5 months; and Liz Krumpp, former Washington Constituent Account Executive at the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), who retired from BPA in 2023 and resides in Olympia. Both Gregg and Raphael were let go last week as part of the Trump administration’s mass firings of federal workers.

    “Right now, President Trump, and his co-President Elon Musk are breaking American government. They are firing workers left and right—with no plan, no strategy, and no concern for who gets hurt,” said Senator Murray.“We know Trump’s firing spree isn’t about merit because they are targeting new employees, people who have been recognized for outstanding performance, and people who were recently promoted—who are now getting fired from their newly earned jobs. Trump and Musk are, by design, pushing out, some of our best performers—and fresh blood in the federal workforce. We know Trump’s mass firings aren’t about saving money. Otherwise, there would be no reason for them to fire hundreds of workers at the Bonneville Power Administration. After all, these positions are funded by ratepayers—by all of us in the Northwest—not from federal funding. And these are people who literally help keep the lights on. But no matter—they’re being fired on a whim because two billionaires don’t have a clue about what they do, and don’t care to learn.”

    “I swore an oath to serve our country—first in the U.S. Army and then at the VA—only to be abruptly terminated by the very institution that promised to care for those who have served,” said Raphael Garcia of Seattle, who was laid off through no fault of his own and with zero justification from the VA last week. “My termination isn’t just a personal tragedy; it’s a stark reminder that our federal government is dismantling essential support systems for Veterans and vulnerable communities. When cost-cutting means sacrificing dedicated, disabled service members and committed federal employees, it isn’t about efficiency—it’s about eroding the trust and dignity that our nation owes to those who answer the call to serve.”

    “For 18 years I have faithfully served the American People—eight as a US Marine and ten as a Wilderness Ranger. I have always put myself between the danger and my fellow citizens and now I have been cast aside as the parasite class or some kind of fraud. These heartless and gutless firings will lead to loss of lives and property,” said Gregg Bafundo of Okanogan County, who was laid off through no fault of his own and with zero justification from the Forest Service last week.

    “Bonneville is the source of nearly 50 percent of the electrical power that is consumed in the State of Washington and owns, operates, and maintains over 15,000 circuit miles of high voltage transmission from Montana, across Idaho, Oregon and Washington, extending into Wyoming, Nevada and California. Critically, Bonneville has over a dozen new transmission projects in the planning stages—which its customers are asking for—to serve the increasing demand for electricity and to interconnect new power generators being built. Bonneville is self-funded by selling transmission service or selling electrical power. That’s it. No federal tax revenues fund its work or its employees. Cutting its employees does not save the federal tax payer a dime,” said Liz Krumpp, who worked at BPA for 15 years before retiring in 2023 and resides in Olympia. “These arbitrary lay-offs and hiring freezes will make it increasingly harder for the remaining employees to do their jobs and do them safely. Currently, its customers are asking Bonneville to expand its transmission system, not shrink it. Bonneville helps keep the lights on in the Northwest.  Its work costs taxpayers nothing.”

    Late last week, Senator Murray released a fact sheet detailing how Trump and Musk’s mass firings at all manner of federal agencies will hurt families, veterans, small businesses, farmers, and so many others across the country who need a government that works for them. Senator Murray has spoken out on the Senate floor against this administration’s attacks on federal workers, and recently sent an open letter to federal workers and a newsletter to her constituents in Washington state outlining her concerns with the administration’s so-called “Fork in the Road” offer. Senator Murray has also sent recent oversight letters demanding answers about indiscriminate staffing reductions across federal agencies including to HUD Secretary Scott Turner on reports of massive staff cuts at HUD, Interior Secretary Doug Burham on National Parks Service staffing cuts, and Acting USDA Secretary Gary Washington on the universal hiring pause for USDA firefighters, among others.

    Senator Murray’s full remarks, as delivered on today’s press call, are below and video is HERE:

    “Right now, President Trump, and his co-President Elon Musk are breaking American government. They are firing workers left and right—with no plan, no strategy, and no concern for who gets hurt.

    “And we know there is no plan because they fired hundreds of people in charge of ensuring the security of our nuclear arsenal—only to desperately turn around and try to hire them back.

    “That is the height of incompetence. And these other firings are just as senseless and reckless.

    “In the middle of the bird flu threat—they are firing public health experts.

    “Weeks after the deadliest plane crash in years—they are firing FAA workers.

    “After the devastating wildfires recently—they are firing members of the Forest Service, and we’ll hear from one of them in a minute.

    “They are firing people who work in law enforcement, who do food and drug inspections, who research deadly diseases, and who are cleaning up nuclear waste.

    “I’ve spent years trying to get the Hanford cleanup the resources it needs. We’ve made so much progress—but it has still been understaffed, even before these pointless layoffs last week cut it down to a skeleton crew.

    “We know Trump’s firing spree isn’t about merit because they are targeting new employees, people who have been recognized for outstanding performance, and people who were recently promoted—who are now are getting fired from their newly earned jobs.

    “Trump and Musk are, by design, pushing out, some of our best performers—the fresh blood in the federal workforce.

    “We know Trump’s mass firings aren’t about saving money. Otherwise, there would be no reason for them to fire hundreds of workers at Bonneville Power. After all, these positions are funded by ratepayers—by all of us in the Northwest—not from federal funding. And these are people who literally help keep the lights on.

    “But no matter—they’re being fired on a whim because two billionaires don’t have a clue about what they do, and don’t care to learn.

    “And Trump is not tossing workers out on the street to make government more efficient.

    “VA researchers are being fired as well—VA Puget Sound workers are being fired despite doing lifesaving research to prevent veteran suicide, build lifechanging prosthetics, address opioid addiction, and more.

    “That is not just a betrayal of these public workers—it is a betrayal of our women and men in uniform who trust we will take care of them when they come home.

    “Especially considering they have laid off many veterans as well—people who served their country and wanted to keep serving their country. And that really underscores an important point about exactly who Trump is firing.

    “These are people who love their country and love their communities. They are people who work hard, make an honest living, and have families to support. And I’m so grateful to be joined by some of them today, who will speak about what they have been through.

    “And I’d like to say to them all—thank you for the work you’ve done for our country. You deserve so much better than how you’ve been treated.

    “What Elon and Trump are doing is going to set our country back. But we are not powerless—and your decision to share your stories today is proof of that.

    “We each have a voice, and we can all speak out for a government that works for middle-class families, regular people—not just billionaires who will never need to call about their Social Security benefits or file a disability claim at VA.

    “So I want to thank everyone for joining this call today—and now I’ll turn it over to Gregg.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: W&T Offshore Announces Timing of Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: W & T Offshore Inc

    Headline: W&T Offshore Announces Timing of Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    HOUSTON, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — W&T Offshore, Inc. (“W&T” or the “Company”) (NYSE: WTI) today announced the timing of its fourth quarter and full year 2024 earnings release and conference call.

    The Company will issue its fourth quarter and full year 2024 earnings release on Monday, March 3, 2025, after the close of trading on the NYSE and host a conference call to discuss financial and operational results on Tuesday morning, March 4, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Central Time (10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.)

    Interested parties may participate by dialing (844) 739-3797. International parties may dial (412) 317-5713. Participants should request to be joined to the “W&T Offshore, Inc. Conference Call.” This call will also be webcast and available on W&T Offshore’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 September 30, 2024, the Company had working interests in 53 fields in federal and state waters (which include 46 fields in federal waters and 7 in state waters). The Company has under lease approximately 673,100 gross acres (515,400 net acres) spanning across the outer continental shelf off the coasts of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama, with approximately 514,000 gross acres on the conventional shelf, approximately 153,500 gross acres in the deepwater and 5,600 gross acres in Alabama state waters. A majority of the Company’s daily production is derived from wells it operates.

    CONTACT:

    Al Petrie
    Investor Relations Coordinator
    investorrelations@wtoffshore.com
    713-297-8024

    Sameer Parasnis
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    sparasnis@wtoffshore.com 
    713-513-8654

    Source: W&T Offshore, Inc.

    Source: W&T Offshore, Inc.

    Released February 19, 2025

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Angle Vale

    Source: South Australia Police

    Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Angle Vale.

    The collision occurred at the intersection of Angle Vale Road and Riverbanks Road, Angle Vale.

    Riverbanks Road is closed in both directions.  Angle Vale Road is also closed for eastbound traffic, however, westbound is open.

    Motorists are asked to avoid the area if possible.

    Major Crash officers are attending the scene to assist with the investigation into the crash.

    Anyone who witnessed this incident or has dashcam footage that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Bill introduced to extend term of acting conflict of interest commissioner

    Legislation has been introduced to extend the appointment term of the acting conflict of interest commissioner until the next conflict of interest commissioner can be appointed.

    Without the proposed legislation, the office will become vacant before the next commissioner can be appointed. Victoria Gray, KC, was appointed to the acting role on Jan. 6, 2025. The term expires 20 sitting days of legislative assembly after the appointment date, on April 7, 2025, as per the Member’s Conflict of Interest Act.

    The search for a commissioner is carried out by a special committee of the legislature through a process that takes approximately six to eight months. Typically, this process would have been already underway, but it has been delayed due to the 2024 provincial general election and interregnum period. Government anticipates that the special committee will be struck imminently and will begin its work shortly.

    The commissioner is an independent officer of the legislative assembly of British Columbia. The commissioner serves five-year terms and provides advice to members of the legislative assembly concerning their obligations under the Members’ Conflict of Interest Act. The commissioner’s primary roles are:

    • to provide confidential advice to members about their obligations under the act;
    • to oversee the disclosure process, including meeting with each member at least annually to review the disclosure of the member’s financial interests; and
    • to respond to allegations that a member has contravened the act and conduct an inquiry if needed.

    Gray completed a five-year term as commissioner from Jan. 6, 2020, to Jan. 5, 2025. She sat on the B.C. Supreme Court from 2001 until 2017, after 19 years of practicing as a commercial litigator in Vancouver and teaching civil litigation at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia.

    Learn More:

    For information about the conflict of interest commissioner, visit: https://coibc.ca/

    To read about the appointment of Gray as acting commissioner, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/31886

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Nursing Alumna Honored with Nursing Leadership Award

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    UConn Nursing graduated its largest Accelerated Second Degree BS/CEIN class to date. In celebrating this milestone, the School also awarded the Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award to Lucinda Canty.  

    Students in this accelerated program receive their second bachelor’s in nursing in just one year. Faculty, student, and alumni awards were announced by the School of Nursing’s Dean Victoria Vaughan Dickson, Ph.D, RN, FAHA, FHFSA, FAAN.  

    Canty first received her BSN at Columbia University, then went on to obtain her MSN from Yale. She joined UConn Nursing alum in 2020 when she completed her Ph.D. “It was a life-changing experience for me,” said Canty. “When I graduated from my undergraduate program, I would not have believed if you told me I would return to school for a doctorate.” 

    Lucinda Canty giving a speech to graduating BS/CEIN students (photo provided by Defining Studios)

    She now works as an associate professor and is the director of the Health Equity in Nursing Program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Elaine Marieb College of Nursing. She is a certified nurse-midwife and in 2022 created Lucinda’s House, a maternal health collective that aims to reduce racial disparities in maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity in Black mothers and mothers of color – dismantling systemic barriers to care through community, education, and research. 

    Canty was heavily involved and featured in the SHIFT Films documentary “Everybody’s Work: Healing What Hurts Us All”. Along with other UConn alumna Krystal Myers, DNP-c, MSN, BSN, RN, and Professor Emerita Peggy Chinn, RN, Ph.D., DS.c.(Hon), FAAN, Canty hosts critical conversations about racism in health care in this impactful film. In 2020, she and Christina Nyirati, Ph.D., RN, co-founded “Overdue Reckoning on Racism in Nursing”, a series of discussions amplifying the voices of nurses of color. 

    Lucinda Canty giving a speech to graduating BS/CEIN students (photo provided by Defining Studios)

    Canty is co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Taskforce, serves as a member of the National Black Nurses Association, and is a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and the American College of Nurse Midwives. 

    Preceding the 2024 Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award from the UConn School of Nursing, she was named recipient of the 2023 Yale School of Nursing Alumni Association (YSNAA) Distinguished Alumni Award and the 2023 Florence S. Wald Award awardee from the Connecticut Nurses’ Association. Most recently, she received the 2024 School of Nursing Distinguished Alumni Award for Nursing Practice at Columbia University. 

    The Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award is given to a UConn Nursing graduate for impactful contributions to practice, education, research, and service. Dean Dickson attributes this award to Canty’s outstanding contributions to the profession of nursing, exceptional leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing health equity. 

    “Dr. Canty’s three-decade nursing career is driven by her vision for a more equitable future for new mothers, nurses, and midwives, achieved by fusing science with creativity and care delivery with compassion,” said Dean Vaughan Dickson. 

    “Her research focus on maternal health has led to an increased awareness of health disparities in maternal health outcomes and uses a Black feminist approach to center on the experiences, perceptions, and voices of Black women to understand the issues and challenges they face and develop solutions to promote health equity.” 

    Lucinda Canty and Dean Dickson together on stage in Jorgensen Theater (photo provided by Defining Studios)

    Addressing the CEIN students, Canty said, “I graduated from my nursing program 33 years ago and remember it like yesterday.” 

    “Be open to continued growth and a journey that you will continue to learn about who you are,” she continued. “There will be things that will test you and challenge you.” She urged students to stay true to themselves and to remember that they will find support when they look for it. 

    “Understand that nursing is a foundation for many things you can do in your career,” she said. “This is only the beginning.” 

    She concluded, “As you step into your new nursing roles, remember that your backgrounds, history, experiences, and varied paths have uniquely prepared you for this journey. You are not just nursing program graduates; you are the future of health care – innovative, compassionate, and driven to make a difference.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Trupanion Reports Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trupanion, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRUP), a leading provider of medical insurance for cats and dogs, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    “2024 was a milestone year for Trupanion. Strong execution drove 20% subscription revenue growth, the doubling of our subscription margin in Q4 from its quarterly low in 2023, and a record $39 million in free cash flow,” said Margi Tooth, Chief Executive Officer and President of Trupanion. “As we look to 2025, our focus remains on sustainable, measured growth while enhancing the member experience and improving retention.”

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial and Business Highlights

    • Total revenue was $337.3 million, an increase of 14% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Total enrolled pets (including pets from our other business segment) was 1,677,570 at December 31, 2024, a decrease of 2% over December 31, 2023.
    • Subscription business revenue was $227.8 million, an increase of 19% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Subscription enrolled pets was 1,041,212 at December 31, 2024, an increase of 5% over December 31, 2023.
    • Net income was $1.7 million, or $0.04 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $(2.2) million, or $(0.05) per basic and diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $19.4 million, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $8.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Operating cash flow was $23.7 million and free cash flow was $21.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. This compared to operating cash flow of $17.5 million and free cash flow of $13.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Full Year 2024 Financial and Business Highlights

    • Total revenue was $1,286 million, an increase of 16% compared to 2023.
    • Subscription business revenue was $856.5 million, an increase of 20% compared to 2023.
    • Net loss was $(9.6) million, or $(0.23) per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $(44.7) million, or $(1.08) per basic and diluted share, in 2023.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $46.1 million, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $6.4 million in 2023.
    • Operating cash flow was $48.3 million and free cash flow was $38.6 million in 2024. This compared to operating cash flow of $18.6 million and free cash flow of $0.4 million in 2023.
    • At December 31, 2024, the Company held $307.4 million in cash and short-term investments, including $35.4 million held outside the insurance entities, with an additional $15 million available under its credit facility.
    • The Company maintained $288.0 million of capital surplus at its insurance subsidiaries. The largest insurance subsidiary, APIC, maintained $245.5 million of capital surplus, which was $140.2 million more than the company action level risk-based capital requirement.

    Conference Call
    Trupanion’s management will host a conference call today to review its fourth quarter and full year 2024 results. The call is scheduled to begin shortly after 1:30 p.m. PT/ 4:30 p.m. ET. A live webcast will be accessible through the Investor Relations section of Trupanion’s website at https://investors.trupanion.com/ and will be archived online for 3 months upon completion of the conference call. Participants can access the conference call by dialing 1-877-300-8521 (United States) or 1-412-317-6026 (International). A telephonic replay of the call will also be available after the completion of the call, by dialing 1-844-512-2921 (United States) or 1-412-317-6671 (International) and entering the replay pin number: 10194900.

    About Trupanion
    Trupanion is a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the United States, Canada, certain countries in Continental Europe, and Australia with over 1,000,000 pets currently enrolled. For over two decades, Trupanion has given pet owners peace of mind so they can focus on their pet’s recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is committed to providing pet parents with the highest value in pet medical insurance with unlimited payouts for the life of their pets. With its patented process, Trupanion is the only North American provider with the technology to pay veterinarians directly in seconds at the time of checkout. Trupanion is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “TRUP”. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Seattle, WA. Trupanion policies are issued, in the United States, by its wholly-owned insurance entity American Pet Insurance Company and, in Canada, by Accelerant Insurance Company of Canada. Trupanion Australia is a partnership between Trupanion and Hollard Insurance Company. Policies are sold and administered in Canada by Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. dba Trupanion 309-1277 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, BC V7J 0A2 and in the United States by Trupanion Managers USA, Inc. (CA license No. 0G22803, NPN 9588590). Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. is a registered damage insurance agency and claims adjuster in Quebec #603927. Trupanion Australia is a partnership between Trupanion and Hollard Insurance Company. For more information, please visit trupanion.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 relating to, among other things, expectations, plans, prospects and financial results for Trupanion, including, but not limited to, its expectations regarding its ability to continue to grow its enrollments and revenue, and otherwise execute its business plan. These forward-looking statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of Trupanion’s management as of the date of this press release, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made in this press release are based on information available to Trupanion as of the date hereof, and Trupanion has no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

    In particular, the following factors, among others, could cause results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements: the ability to achieve or maintain profitability and/or appropriate levels of cash flow in future periods; the ability to keep growing our membership base and revenue; the accuracy of assumptions used in determining appropriate member acquisition expenditures; the severity and frequency of claims; the ability to maintain high retention rates; the accuracy of assumptions used in pricing medical plan subscriptions and the ability to accurately estimate the impact of new products or offerings on claims frequency; actual claims expense exceeding estimates; regulatory and other constraints on the ability to institute, or the decision to otherwise delay, pricing modifications in response to changes in actual or estimated claims expense; the effectiveness and statutory or regulatory compliance of our Territory Partner model and of our Territory Partners, veterinarians and other third parties in recommending medical plan subscriptions to potential members; the ability to retain existing Territory Partners and increase the number of Territory Partners and active hospitals; compliance by us and those referring us members with laws and regulations that apply to our business, including the sale of a pet medical plan; the ability to maintain the security of our data; fluctuations in the Canadian currency exchange rate; the ability to protect our proprietary and member information; the ability to maintain our culture and team; the ability to maintain the requisite amount of risk-based capital; our ability to implement and maintain effective controls, including to remediate material weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting; the ability to protect and enforce Trupanion’s intellectual property rights; the ability to successfully implement our alliance with Aflac; the ability to continue key contractual relationships with third parties; third-party claims including litigation and regulatory actions; the ability to recognize benefits from investments in new solutions and enhancements to Trupanion’s technology platform and website; our ability to retain key personnel; and deliberations and determinations by the Trupanion board based on the future performance of the company or otherwise.

    For a detailed discussion of these and other cautionary statements, please refer to the risk factors discussed in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including but not limited to, Trupanion’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and any subsequently filed reports on Forms 10-Q, 10-K and 8-K. All documents are available through the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval system at https://www.sec.gov or the Investor Relations section of Trupanion’s website at https://investors.trupanion.com.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    Trupanion’s stated results may include certain non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures may not provide information that is directly comparable to that provided by other companies in its industry as other companies in its industry may calculate or use non-GAAP financial measures differently. In addition, there are limitations in using non-GAAP financial measures because the non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP, may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies and exclude expenses that may have a material impact on Trupanion’s reported financial results. The presentation and utilization of non-GAAP financial measures is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Trupanion urges its investors to review the reconciliation of its non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in its consolidated financial statements, and not to rely on any single financial or operating measure to evaluate its business. These reconciliations are included below and on Trupanion’s Investor Relations website.

    Because of varying available valuation methodologies, subjective assumptions and the variety of equity instruments that can impact a company’s non-cash expenses, Trupanion believes that providing various non-GAAP financial measures that exclude stock-based compensation expense and depreciation and amortization expense allows for more meaningful comparisons between its operating results from period to period. Trupanion offsets new pet acquisition expense with sign-up fee revenue in the calculation of net acquisition cost because it collects sign-up fee revenue from new members at the time of enrollment and considers it to be an offset to a portion of Trupanion’s new pet acquisition expense. Trupanion believes this allows it to calculate and present financial measures in a consistent manner across periods. Trupanion’s management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures and the related financial measures derived from them are important tools for financial and operational decision-making and for evaluating operating results over different periods of time.

     
    Trupanion, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (in thousands, except share data)
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
      (unaudited)        
    Revenue:              
    Subscription business $ 227,783     $ 191,537     $ 856,521     $ 712,906  
    Other business   109,524       104,320       429,163       395,699  
    Total revenue   337,307       295,857       1,285,684       1,108,605  
    Cost of revenue:              
    Subscription business   181,614       158,631       706,851       613,686  
    Other business   102,770       97,162       400,035       363,903  
    Total cost of revenue(1), (2)   284,384       255,793       1,106,886       977,589  
    Operating expenses:              
    Technology and development(1)   8,172       5,969       31,255       21,403  
    General and administrative(1)   16,828       13,390       63,731       60,207  
    New pet acquisition expense(1)   18,354       17,189       71,379       77,372  
    Goodwill impairment charges   5,299       —       5,299       —  
    Depreciation and amortization   3,924       3,029       16,466       12,474  
    Total operating expenses   52,577       39,577       188,130       171,456  
    Gain (loss) from investment in joint venture   2       (79 )     (182 )     (219 )
    Operating income (loss)   348       408       (9,514 )     (40,659 )
    Interest expense   3,427       3,697       14,498       12,077  
    Other expense (income), net   (4,773 )     (1,256 )     (14,374 )     (7,701 )
    Income (loss) before income taxes   1,694       (2,033 )     (9,638 )     (45,035 )
    Income tax expense (benefit)   38       130       (5 )     (342 )
    Net income (loss) $ 1,656     $ (2,163 )   $ (9,633 )   $ (44,693 )
                   
    Net income (loss) per share:              
    Basic $ 0.04     $ (0.05 )   $ (0.23 )   $ (1.08 )
    Diluted $ 0.04     $ (0.05 )   $ (0.23 )   $ (1.08 )
    Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding:              
    Basic   42,402,323       41,716,527       42,158,773       41,436,882  
    Diluted   42,903,536       41,716,527       42,158,773       41,436,882  
                   
    (1)Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows: Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Cost of revenue $ 1,337     $ 1,478     $ 5,523     $ 5,279  
    Technology and development   1,160       861       4,934       2,846  
    General and administrative   4,261       3,269       15,696       17,717  
    New pet acquisition expense   1,536       1,693       7,279       7,319  
    Total stock-based compensation expense $ 8,294     $ 7,301     $ 33,432     $ 33,161  
                   
    (2)The breakout of cost of revenue between veterinary invoice expense and other cost of revenue is as follows:
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Veterinary invoice expense $ 245,663     $ 217,739     $ 949,148     $ 831,055  
    Other cost of revenue   38,721       38,054       157,738       146,534  
    Total cost of revenue $ 284,384     $ 255,793     $ 1,106,886     $ 977,589  
                                   
     
    Trupanion, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (in thousands, except share data)
      December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
           
    Assets      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 160,295     $ 147,501  
    Short-term investments   147,089       129,667  
    Accounts and other receivables, net of allowance for credit losses of $1,117 at December 31, 2024 and $1,085 at December 31, 2023   274,031       267,899  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets   15,912       17,022  
    Total current assets   597,327       562,089  
    Restricted cash   39,235       22,963  
    Long-term investments   373       12,866  
    Property, equipment and internal-use software, net   102,191       103,650  
    Intangible assets, net   13,177       18,745  
    Other long-term assets   17,579       18,922  
    Goodwill   36,971       43,713  
    Total assets $ 806,853     $ 782,948  
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity      
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable $ 11,532     $ 10,505  
    Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities   33,469       34,052  
    Reserve for veterinary invoices   51,635       63,238  
    Deferred revenue   251,640       235,329  
    Long-term debt – current portion   1,350       1,350  
    Total current liabilities   349,626       344,474  
    Long-term debt   127,537       127,580  
    Deferred tax liabilities   1,946       2,685  
    Other liabilities   4,476       4,487  
    Total liabilities   483,585       479,226  
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    Common stock: $0.00001 par value per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 43,516,631 and 42,488,445 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024 and 42,887,052 and 41,858,866 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023   —       —  
    Preferred stock: $0.00001 par value per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding   —       —  
    Additional paid-in capital   568,302       536,108  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (2,612 )     403  
    Accumulated deficit   (225,888 )     (216,255 )
    Treasury stock, at cost: 1,028,186 shares at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023   (16,534 )     (16,534 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   323,268       303,722  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 806,853     $ 782,948  
                   
     
    Trupanion, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (in thousands)
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
      (unaudited)        
    Operating activities              
    Net income (loss) $ 1,656     $ (2,163 )   $ (9,633 )   $ (44,693 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:              
    Depreciation and amortization   3,924       3,029       16,466       12,474  
    Stock-based compensation expense   8,294       7,301       33,432       33,161  
    Goodwill impairment charges   5,299       —       5,299       —  
    Other, net   (1,294 )     2,481       (1,748 )     1,347  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:              
    Accounts and other receivables   15,303       10,153       (6,717 )     (35,440 )
    Prepaid expenses and other assets   817       854       3,215       (1,907 )
    Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and other liabilities   2,433       5,476       2,084       1,644  
    Reserve for veterinary invoices   (4,841 )     1,788       (11,310 )     19,485  
    Deferred revenue   (7,890 )     (11,412 )     17,199       32,567  
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   23,701       17,507       48,287       18,638  
    Investing activities              
    Purchases of investment securities   (26,118 )     (56,547 )     (133,493 )     (165,936 )
    Maturities and sales of investment securities   45,886       42,905       127,653       190,270  
    Purchases of property, equipment, and internal-use software   (1,858 )     (3,970 )     (9,716 )     (18,280 )
    Other   548       165       2,099       1,585  
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   18,458       (17,447 )     (13,457 )     7,639  
    Financing activities              
    Proceeds from debt financing, net of financing fees   —       —       —       60,102  
    Repayments of debt financing   (338 )     (337 )     (1,350 )     (1,717 )
    Proceeds from exercise of stock options   36       1,374       752       2,655  
    Shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding   (1,142 )     (240 )     (2,519 )     (1,536 )
    Other   (230 )     (228 )     (840 )     (378 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   (1,674 )     569       (3,957 )     59,126  
    Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, net   (1,826 )     1,254       (1,807 )     424  
    Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash   38,659       1,883       29,066       85,827  
    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period   160,871       168,581       170,464       84,637  
    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 199,530     $ 170,464     $ 199,530     $ 170,464  
                                   
     
    The following tables set forth our key operating metrics.
                                   
      Year Ended
    December 31,    		                        
        2024       2023                          
    Total Business:                              
    Total pets enrolled (at period end)   1,677,570       1,714,473                          
    Subscription Business:                              
    Total subscription pets enrolled (at period end)   1,041,212       991,426                          
    Monthly average revenue per pet $ 72.98     $ 65.26                          
    Average pet acquisition cost (PAC) $ 235     $ 228                          
    Average monthly retention   98.25 %     98.49 %                        
                                   
                                   
      Three Months Ended
      Dec. 31,
    2024    		   Sep. 30,
    2024    		   Jun. 30,
    2024    		   Mar. 31,
    2024    		   Dec. 31,
    2023    		   Sep. 30,
    2023    		   Jun. 30,
    2023    		   Mar. 31,
    2023
    Total Business:                              
    Total pets enrolled (at period end)   1,677,570       1,688,903       1,699,643       1,708,017       1,714,473       1,712,177       1,679,659       1,616,865  
    Subscription Business:                              
    Total subscription pets enrolled (at period end)   1,041,212       1,032,042       1,020,934       1,006,168       991,426       969,322       943,958       906,369  
    Monthly average revenue per pet $ 76.02     $ 74.27     $ 71.72     $ 69.79     $ 67.07     $ 65.82     $ 64.41     $ 63.58  
    Average pet acquisition cost (PAC) $ 261     $ 243     $ 231     $ 207     $ 217     $ 212     $ 236     $ 247  
    Average monthly retention   98.25 %     98.29 %     98.34 %     98.41 %     98.49 %     98.55 %     98.61 %     98.65 %
                                                                   
     
    The following table reflects the reconciliation of cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow (in thousands):
                   
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 23,701     $ 17,507     $ 48,287     $ 18,638  
    Purchases of property, equipment, and internal-use software   (1,858 )     (3,970 )     (9,716 )     (18,280 )
    Free cash flow $ 21,843     $ 13,537     $ 38,571     $ 358  
                                   
     
    The following table reflects the reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP measures (in thousands except percentages):
        Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Veterinary invoice expense   $ 245,663     $ 217,739     $ 949,148     $ 831,055  
    Less:                
    Stock-based compensation expense(1)     (800 )     (885 )     (3,335 )     (3,450 )
    Other business cost of paying veterinary invoices(4)     (85,378 )     (77,572 )     (324,720 )     (287,858 )
    Subscription cost of paying veterinary invoices (non-GAAP)   $ 159,485     $ 139,282     $ 621,093     $ 539,747  
    % of subscription revenue     70.0 %     72.7 %     72.5 %     75.7 %
                     
    Other cost of revenue   $ 38,721     $ 38,054     $ 157,738     $ 146,534  
    Less:                
    Stock-based compensation expense(1)     (476 )     (386 )     (1,955 )     (1,544 )
    Other business variable expenses(4)     (17,336 )     (19,301 )     (75,050 )     (75,756 )
    Subscription variable expenses (non-GAAP)   $ 20,909     $ 18,367     $ 80,733     $ 69,234  
    % of subscription revenue     9.2 %     9.6 %     9.4 %     9.7 %
                     
    Technology and development expense   $ 8,172     $ 5,969     $ 31,255     $ 21,403  
    General and administrative expense     16,828       13,390       63,731       60,207  
    Less:                
    Stock-based compensation expense(1)     (5,277 )     (3,797 )     (19,742 )     (19,869 )
    Non-recurring transaction or restructuring expenses(2)     —       —       —       (4,175 )
    Development expenses(3)     (1,322 )     (1,683 )     (5,624 )     (5,100 )
    Fixed expenses (non-GAAP)   $ 18,401     $ 13,879     $ 69,620     $ 52,466  
    % of total revenue     5.5 %     4.7 %     5.4 %     4.7 %
                     
    New pet acquisition expense   $ 18,354     $ 17,189     $ 71,379     $ 77,372  
    Less:                
    Stock-based compensation expense(1)     (1,482 )     (1,567 )     (6,908 )     (7,000 )
    Other business pet acquisition expense(4)     (8 )     (77 )     (39 )     (200 )
    Subscription acquisition cost (non-GAAP)   $ 16,864     $ 15,545     $ 64,432     $ 70,172  
    % of subscription revenue     7.4 %     8.1 %     7.5 %     9.8 %
                     
    (1) Trupanion employees may elect to take restricted stock units in lieu of cash payment for their bonuses. We account for such expense as stock-based compensation according to GAAP, but we do not include it in any non-GAAP adjustments. Stock-based compensation associated with bonuses was approximately $0.3 million and $1.5 million for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, respectively.
    (2) Consists of business acquisition transaction expenses, severance and legal costs due to certain executive departures, and a $3.8 million non-recurring settlement of accounts receivable in the first quarter of 2023 related to uncollected premiums in connection with the transition of underwriting a third-party business to other insurers.
    (3) Consists of costs related to product exploration and development that are pre-revenue and historically have been insignificant.
    (4) Excludes the portion of stock-based compensation expense attributable to the other business segment.
     
     
    The following table reflects the reconciliation of GAAP measures to non-GAAP measures (in thousands, except percentages):
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Operating income (loss) $ 348     $ 408     $ (9,514 )   $ (40,659 )
    Non-GAAP expense adjustments              
    Acquisition cost   16,872       15,622       64,471       70,372  
    Stock-based compensation expense(1)   8,035       6,636       31,940       31,864  
    Development expenses(3)   1,322       1,683       5,624       5,100  
    Depreciation and amortization   3,924       3,029       16,466       12,474  
    Goodwill impairment charges   5,299       —       5,299       —  
    Non-recurring transaction or restructuring expenses(2)   —       —       —       4,175  
    Gain (loss) from investment in joint venture   2       (79 )     (182 )     (219 )
    Total adjusted operating income (non-GAAP) $ 35,798     $ 27,457     $ 114,468     $ 83,545  
                   
    Subscription Business:              
    Subscription operating income (loss) $ 2,995     $ 1,300     $ (1,118 )   $ (35,994 )
    Non-GAAP expense adjustments              
    Acquisition cost   16,864       15,545       64,432       70,172  
    Stock-based compensation expense(1)   6,263       5,006       24,985       24,488  
    Development expenses(3)   893       1,090       3,745       3,281  
    Depreciation and amortization   2,650       1,961       10,970       8,021  
    Goodwill impairment charges   5,299       —       5,299       —  
    Non-recurring transaction or restructuring expenses(2)   —       —       —       218  
    Subscription adjusted operating income (non-GAAP) $ 34,964     $ 24,902     $ 108,313     $ 70,186  
                   
    Other Business:      
    Other business operating income (loss) $ (2,649 )   $ (813 )   $ (8,214 )   $ (4,446 )
    Non-GAAP expense adjustments              
    Acquisition cost   8       77       39       200  
    Stock-based compensation expense(1)   1,772       1,630       6,955       7,376  
    Development expenses(3)   429       593       1,879       1,819  
    Depreciation and amortization   1,274       1,068       5,496       4,453  
    Non-recurring transaction or restructuring expenses(2)   —       —       —       3,957  
    Other business adjusted operating income (non-GAAP) $ 834     $ 2,555     $ 6,155     $ 13,359  
                   
    (1) Trupanion employees may elect to take restricted stock units in lieu of cash payment for their bonuses. We account for such expense as stock-based compensation in accordance with GAAP, but we do not include it in any non-GAAP adjustments. Stock-based compensation associated with bonuses was approximately $0.3 million and $1.5 million for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, respectively.
    (2) Consists of business acquisition transaction expenses, severance and legal costs due to certain executive departures, and a $3.8 million non-recurring settlement of accounts receivable in the first quarter of 2023 related to uncollected premiums in connection with the transition of underwriting a third-party business to other insurers.
    (3) Consists of costs related to product exploration and development that are pre-revenue and historically have been insignificant.
     
     
    The following table reflects the reconciliation of GAAP measures to non-GAAP measures (in thousands, except percentages):
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Subscription revenue $ 227,783     $ 191,537     $ 856,521     $ 712,906  
    Subscription cost of paying veterinary invoices   159,485       139,281       621,093       539,746  
    Subscription variable expenses   20,909       18,367       80,733       69,234  
    Subscription fixed expenses*   12,425       8,987       46,382       33,740  
    Subscription adjusted operating income (non-GAAP) $ 34,964     $ 24,902     $ 108,313     $ 70,186  
    Other business revenue   109,524       104,320       429,163       395,699  
    Other business cost of paying veterinary invoices   85,378       77,572       324,720       287,858  
    Other business variable expenses   17,336       19,301       75,050       75,756  
    Other business fixed expenses*   5,976       4,892       23,238       18,726  
    Other business adjusted operating income (non-GAAP) $ 834     $ 2,555     $ 6,155     $ 13,359  
    Revenue   337,307       295,857       1,285,684       1,108,605  
    Cost of paying veterinary invoices   244,863       216,854       945,813       827,605  
    Variable expenses   38,245       37,668       155,783       144,990  
    Fixed expenses*   18,401       13,879       69,620       52,466  
    Total business adjusted operating income (non-GAAP) $ 35,798     $ 27,457     $ 114,468     $ 83,545  
                   
    As a percentage of revenue: Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Subscription revenue   100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
    Subscription cost of paying veterinary invoices   70.0 %     72.7 %     72.5 %     75.7 %
    Subscription variable expenses   9.2 %     9.6 %     9.4 %     9.7 %
    Subscription fixed expenses*   5.5 %     4.7 %     5.4 %     4.7 %
    Subscription adjusted operating income (non-GAAP)   15.3 %     13.0 %     12.6 %     9.8 %
                   
    Other business revenue   100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
    Other business cost of paying veterinary invoices   78.0 %     74.4 %     75.7 %     72.7 %
    Other business variable expenses   15.8 %     18.5 %     17.5 %     19.1 %
    Other business fixed expenses*   5.5 %     4.7 %     5.4 %     4.7 %
    Other business adjusted operating income (non-GAAP)   0.8 %     2.4 %     1.4 %     3.4 %
                   
    Revenue   100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
    Cost of paying veterinary invoices   72.6 %     73.3 %     73.6 %     74.7 %
    Variable expenses   11.3 %     12.7 %     12.1 %     13.1 %
    Fixed expenses*   5.5 %     4.7 %     5.4 %     4.7 %
    Total business adjusted operating income (non-GAAP)   10.6 %     9.3 %     8.9 %     7.5 %
                   
    *Fixed expenses represent shared services that support both our subscription and other business segments and, as such, are generally allocated to each segment pro-rata based on revenues.
     

    Adjusted operating income is a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts operating income (loss) to remove the effect of acquisition cost, development expenses, non-recurring transaction or restructuring expenses, and gain (loss) from investment in joint venture. Non-cash items, such as goodwill impairment charges, stock-based compensation expense and depreciation and amortization, are also excluded. Acquisition cost, development expenses, gain (loss) from investment in joint venture, stock-based compensation expense, and depreciation and amortization are expected to remain recurring expenses for the foreseeable future, but are excluded from this metric to measure scale in other areas of the business. Management believes acquisition costs primarily represent the cost to acquire new subscribers and are driven by the amount of growth we choose to pursue based primarily on the amount of our adjusted operating income period over period. Accordingly, this measure is not indicative of our core operating income performance. We also exclude development expenses, gain (loss) from investment in joint venture, stock-based compensation expense, and depreciation and amortization because some investors may not view those items as reflective of our core operating income performance.

    Management uses adjusted operating income and the margin on adjusted operating income to understand the effects of scale in its non-acquisition cost and development expenses and to plan future advertising expenditures, which are designed to acquire new pets. Management uses this measure as a principal way of understanding the operating performance of its business exclusive of acquisition cost and new product exploration and development initiatives. Management believes disclosure of this metric provides investors with the same data that the Company employs in assessing its overall operations and that disclosure of this measure may provide useful information regarding the efficiency of our utilization of revenues, return on advertising dollars in the form of new subscribers and future use of available cash to support the continued growth of our business.

     
    The following tables reflect the reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) (in thousands):
                                   
      Year Ended December 31,                        
        2024       2023                          
    Net loss $ (9,633 )   $ (44,693 )                        
    Excluding:                              
    Stock-based compensation expense   31,942       31,864                          
    Depreciation and amortization expense   16,466       12,474                          
    Interest income   (12,411 )     (9,011 )                        
    Interest expense   14,498       12,077                          
    Income tax benefit   (5 )     (342 )                        
    Goodwill impairment charges   5,299       —                          
    Non-recurring transaction or restructuring expenses   —       4,175                          
    Gain from equity method investment   (33 )     (110 )                        
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 46,123     $ 6,434                          
                                   
      Three Months Ended
      Dec. 31,
    2024    		   Sep. 30,
    2024    		   Jun. 30,
    2024    		   Mar. 31,
    2024    		   Dec. 31,
    2023    		   Sep. 30,
    2023    		   Jun. 30,
    2023    		   Mar. 31,
    2023
    Net income (loss) $ 1,656     $ 1,425     $ (5,862 )   $ (6,852 )   $ (2,163 )   $ (4,036 )   $ (13,714 )   $ (24,780 )
    Excluding:                              
    Stock-based compensation expense   8,036       8,127       8,381       7,398       6,636       6,585       6,503       12,140  
    Depreciation and amortization expense   3,924       4,381       4,376       3,785       3,029       2,990       3,253       3,202  
    Interest income   (2,999 )     (3,232 )     (3,135 )     (3,045 )     (2,842 )     (2,389 )     (2,051 )     (1,729 )
    Interest expense   3,427       3,820       3,655       3,596       3,697       3,053       2,940       2,387  
    Income tax expense (benefit)   38       39       (44 )     (38 )     130       (43 )     (238 )     (191 )
    Goodwill impairment charges   5,299       —       —       —       —       —       —       —  
    Non-recurring transaction or restructuring expenses   —       —       —       —       —       8       65       4,102  
    Gain from equity method investment   —       (33 )     —       —       —       (110 )     —       —  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 19,381     $ 14,527     $ 7,371     $ 4,844     $ 8,487     $ 6,058     $ (3,242 )   $ (4,869 )
     

    Contacts:

    Investors:
    Laura Bainbridge, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications
    Gil Melchior, Director, Investor Relations
    Investor.Relations@trupanion.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1313fc50-df34-432e-8f6b-7dd236de3476

    PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/361c6270-7516-4b4f-a8b7-51c217d753c3

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Regional Tourism Boost to attract international visitors

    Source: New Zealand Government

    A new $3 million fund from the International Conservation and Tourism Visitor Levy will be used to attract more international visitors to regional destinations this autumn and winter, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.  

    “The Government has a clear priority to unleash economic growth and getting our visitor numbers back to 2019 levels will be critical to our economic growth goals.

    “The Regional Tourism Boost contestable fund will open at the end of February for activity in the April to July period.”

    Speaking to the Regional Tourism New Zealand members’ meeting in Auckland, Louise Upston said collaboration between tourism organisations would be essential. Regions applying would also need to promote travel opportunities outside main tourism hotspots. 

    “I expect regions to join up to accelerate work to promote their wider region, so visitors have opportunities to explore multiple parts of our wonderful country.

    “Quality is also part of the process. Regions will demonstrate they have the capacity to host an increased number of visitors, ensuring a smooth and special experience once they arrive.

    “This initiative is another push in our Tourism Boost, developed by the Government in partnership with industry to support immediate growth in visitor numbers, drive export activity and deliver economic growth. 

    “Tourism is a crucial part of our focus on economic growth, with domestic and international tourism expenditure at almost $38 billion and supporting nearly 200,000 jobs.

    “We’re ramping up marketing activity and this fund, plus my recent announcement for additional Australia campaign activity, will start to give tourism the boost it needs.

    “We know it will be supported by New Zealanders – 93 per cent of New Zealanders surveyed last year agreed that tourism is good for the country. 

    “This is a year of opportunity. 2025 is our chance to reinforce the value of tourism to a humming, vibrant country, where we welcome anyone, from anywhere, anytime,” Louise Upston says.

    Notes to the editor:

    • The Fund is open to groups of collaborating organisations, but each group must include at least two Regional Tourism Organisations (RTO) and have an RTO as a lead organisation.
    • Funding is available for existing or new activities that can be delivered between April and July 2025, in order to increase visitation over the Autumn/Winter season.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The desert among the snow: how Anmatyerr ceremony men came to create ground paintings in Switzerland

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jason M. Gibson, DECRA Senior Research Fellow, Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies, Deakin University

    Cliffy Tommy working on the _rrpwamper_ (common brushtail possum) ground painting sculpture. Georges Petitjean, CC BY

    A ground painting is known in Anmatyerr as Ahelh Anety-irrem, meaning “broken” or perhaps even “transformed ground”. The name refers to the process of clearing an even surface on the red earth, building a sculpture and then deconstructing it.

    Anmatyerr people live in the desert community of Laramba, 200 kilometres northwest of Alice Springs. Now, the work of Anmatyerr artists has been shown in Switzerland for the first time.

    In December, four men from Laramba travelled to the Canton of Valais, just east of Geneva.

    Anmatyerr men Morris Wako, Martin Hagan, Cliffy Tommy and Michael Tommy with the ground paintings.
    Jason M. Gibson, CC BY

    Elder Michael Tommy, Morris Wako, Cliffy Tommy and Martin Mpetyan/Kemarr Hagan (one of the authors of this piece) were invited to create three ground paintings for the international exhibition Rien de Trop Beau pour les Dieux (Nothing Too Beautiful for The Gods).

    Working alongside artists from Cameroon, Tibet, Cuba and Aotearoa New Zealand, the Anmatyerr group represented a uniquely Australian culture.

    Creating the paintings

    Along with body and artefact designs, ground paintings were an important cultural source for the emergence of contemporary desert art in the early 1970s.

    During that decade, Anmatyerr, Warlpiri, Luritja and Pintupi men began experimenting with representing ceremonial designs and stories using acrylic paint.

    Drawing largely on designs and stories embedded in central Australian religious activities the men developed the style of “dot” painting now known across the world.

    Two of the ground paintings shown in Switzerland were principally made from a native daisy (Chrysocephalum apiculatum), or anteth mpay-mpay in the Anmatyerr language.

    The plant was harvested from Anmatyerr lands, chopped finely and coloured with red or white ochres before being shipped to Switzerland.

    A bunch of cockatoo feathers along with an alkwert (beanwood shield) and an atnartenty (ceremonial pole) made by Anmatyerr artist Wayne Scrutton also made the journey.

    Michael Tommy, a ceremonial expert amongst the Anmatyerr people, oversaw the making of the ceremonial designs.

    Each of the men possessed personal connections to different designs. Martin created the rrpwamper (common brushtail possum) ground sculpture belonging to his mother’s father.

    Martin Hagan and his possum ground painting.
    Jason Gibson., CC BY

    Morris painted the atwerneng (flying ant) and rrwerleng (honey grevillea) Dreamings of his father.

    Michael and Cliffy constructed their father and grandfather’s yerramp (honey-ant) ground painting.

    The works were created in the gallery over three days with artists from other parts of the globe regularly coming by to chat and share ideas.

    As the men worked, they sang the songs for each of the designs. These voices reverberated across the room and brought life to works that were steeped in old traditions but also very much part of the present.

    On opening night, the men painted their bodies with the correct designs and explained how their art stemmed from Anengekerr (Dreaming), Country and family inheritance. The exchange was translated into French for the local audience.

    Recording culture

    In 2023 the Laramba men began recording their ceremonial traditions, recognising these practices were vulnerable in a rapidly changing world.

    One of the writers of this piece, Jason Gibson, has worked closely with the community over the last 15 years on the repatriation of relevant recordings of ceremonies from the Strehlow and other collections. The Strehlow collection is made up of recordings of Aboriginal ceremony, ritual and song from central Australia collected by the anthropologist TGH Strehlow between 1932 and 1972. It is now held at the Strehlow Research Centre in Alice Springs.

    Museum collections like this were made by anthropologists over the last 130 years and hold important information about ceremonial practices, family histories and stories for Country. Having access to this material has enabled the community to think deeply about how art and museum collections might be used to their advantage.

    The men have now decided to build a collection of their own, serving their cultural future.

    Morris Wako, Jason Gibson and Cliffy Tommy with Morris Wako’s painting.
    Arthur Gibson (Kemarr), CC BY

    A part of this strategy has been to reach out to galleries and museums in search of collaborations.

    Through giving and showing, they are striving to establish better relationships and wider recognition.

    Aboriginal art in Europe

    Established in 2018, by collector Bérengère Primat, Fondation Opale is the sole contemporary art centre dedicated to the promotion of Australian Aboriginal art in Europe.

    The building’s architecture and décor showcase Australian Aboriginal themes. An Aboriginal flag flies from the rooftop and sculptures of boomerangs and shields adorn the grounds. This desert culture stands against a contrasting backdrop of alpine snow and ice.

    Fondation Opale in Lens, Switzerland.
    Isabelle dlC/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY

    Though unusual, the setting created a familiar and comforting place from which to work.

    The men were hand-picked because of their expertise in ceremony. Michael Tommy had made acrylic paintings alongside Clifford Possum and Tim Leura, founders of desert acrylic painting, but none of the men had invited or sought fame as painters. Their focus has been on the retention of song and ceremony.

    The knowledge encrypted in the works created by these men in Switzerland is known to only a small group of people in Laramba and nearby communities. The ground paintings are usually only made as a part of local ceremonial events.

    Only on a few other occasions have men from Anmatyerr and Warlpiri men created ground paintings for international audiences, notably at the Asia Society in New York in 1988, and the Magiciens de la Terre (Magicians of the Earth) exhibition in Paris in 1989.

    Magicians of the Earth, curated by Jean-Hubert Martin, was controversial for presenting non-Western artistic practice on an equal footing with the artistic traditions of Western Europe and North America. The show significantly influenced the way contemporary art is understood and presented on a global scale, and remains a touchstone for discussions about cultural representation and inclusion in the art world.

    Nothing Too Beautiful for the Gods was also curated by Martin, and shines a light on the relationship between culturally diverse forms of spirituality and artistic practices. It was the perfect context for the men to demonstrate how their art and religious practices are intertwined. It also showed how traditions rooted in place, can also be part of a contemporary, global conversation.

    The three works will now stay on permanent exhibition at Fondation Opale. Culture practiced and shared is culture sustained.

    Jason M. Gibson receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

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

    – ref. The desert among the snow: how Anmatyerr ceremony men came to create ground paintings in Switzerland – https://theconversation.com/the-desert-among-the-snow-how-anmatyerr-ceremony-men-came-to-create-ground-paintings-in-switzerland-246985

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Collateral damage: how the war on ‘woke banking’ could backfire on New Zealand

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Martien Lubberink, Associate Professor of Accounting and Capital, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

    Getty Images

    It would be hard to think of an industry less obviously “woke” than banking, but that’s how coalition partner NZ First has characterised certain practices within the finance sector.

    The party’s tortuously titled Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment (Duty to Provide) Amendment Bill – dubbed the “woke banking” bill – takes aim at efforts to build sustainability concepts into investment practices.

    Known as the “environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework”, such policies are designed to guide how a bank manages risks and opportunities beyond basic profit and loss.

    NZ First’s bill seeks to ensure no New Zealand business can be denied banking services unless the decision is grounded in law. Its proponents argue it will prevent ESG standards from perpetuating “woke ideology” in the banking sector, driven by what they describe as “unelected, globalist, climate radicals”.

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has supported the bill’s aims, recently calling it “utterly unacceptable” that petrol stations and mines were being denied banking services due to banks’ commitment to climate change goals.

    Coalition partner ACT similarly called for the end of “banking wokery”. And last week the Finance and Expenditure Committee announced an extension of its inquiry into banking competition to include, among other issues, the “debanking of legitimate sectors”.

    Risk management isn’t ‘woke’

    Much of this is largely politically performative, however. A broader international trend has for, some time now, seen financial institutions increasingly aligning their lending practices with ESG criteria.

    In Europe, for example, data from the European Banking Authority show banks have halved their exposures to mining firms since 2020, reflecting that global shift towards sustainability and risk management.

    This is about more than “woke” agendas and is unlikely to reverse, given current global efforts to decarbonise. Encouraging or forcing banks to invest in carbon-emitting industries introduces financial risk. If those assets lose value, it constitutes irresponsible lending.

    While the current US administration may be embracing fossil fuel industries, consumer and investor demand for sustainable policies is still strong. When banks such as the BNZ prepare for an orderly exit from declining industries, they are simply engaging in risk management.

    Banks also manage regulatory risk. While the current government may enact the bill and force banks to invest in carbon-emitting industries, a future government could reverse that policy. This undermines long-term investment strategies.

    Regulatory uncertainty

    There is also a danger New Zealand is perceived internationally as not being serious about business and investment. In particular, the prime minister’s pressure on bank lending policies cuts across his stated commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change.

    The resulting regulatory uncertainty is counterproductive: it potentially deters international investors at a time when the government aims to attract foreign investment.

    Ultimately, if bank lending policies lead to poor outcomes, it is ordinary New Zealanders who will likely bear the costs through higher interest rates or even bank failures.

    In its eagerness to boost lending, the government is also encroaching on the Reserve Bank’s territory by directing it to prioritise competition, including reviewing risk weightings and capital thresholds (designed to build buffers against failure) for new entrants to the market.

    But history shows that before the 2007-2009 global financial crisis, similar bank-friendly initiatives – often labelled “principles-based” – led to bad debt accumulation and increased economic vulnerability.

    Institutional failure

    The shift towards what we might call populist banking policies is not confined to New Zealand. Globally, there is a declining political interest in financial stability and prudential regulation.

    For example, agreement on the “Basel III” reforms – developed in response to the global financial crisis and aimed at strengthening the regulation, supervision and risk management of banks – will likely be delayed by the Trump administration.

    This will have ripple effects in Europe, Britain and the rest of the world, signalling a softening of global capital requirements. As Erik Thedéen, chair of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, described this:

    Shaving off a few basis points of capital will not unlock a wave of new lending, but it will weaken your resilience. More generally, being well capitalised is a competitive advantage for banks and their shareholders. It ensures they can continue to grow and invest in profitable projects across the financial cycle.

    Politicians need to be very careful when interfering with bank supervision policies in general. They risk undermining the independence of crucial institutions, with real consequences.

    Last year’s Nobel Prize for economics went to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James A. Robinson for their “studies of how institutions are formed and affect prosperity”. Their warning is that institutional failure can lead to the failure of nations.

    A resilient banking system

    While New Zealand isn’t in such imminent danger, political leaders need to be aware that populist appeals to certain voter segments can lead to policies that undermine the banking system and economic growth, and disproportionately affect the most vulnerable.

    As Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of low-cost airline EasyJet, once remarked: “if you think safety is expensive, try an accident”.

    New Zealand needs to focus on policies that promote long-term financial stability, enhance productivity and sustainable economic growth. Globally, there needs to be a recommitment to prudential regulation to ensure the lessons of the global financial crisis are not forgotten.

    Only by doing so can we build a resilient banking system that serves the interests of all, not just a privileged few.

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

    – ref. Collateral damage: how the war on ‘woke banking’ could backfire on New Zealand – https://theconversation.com/collateral-damage-how-the-war-on-woke-banking-could-backfire-on-new-zealand-249930

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Can you afford a private school? Average fees for Year 12 are at least $15,000

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Rowe, Associate Professor in Education, Deakin University

    Monkey Business Images/ Shutterstock

    This week, updated figures once again showed an increasing number of Australian families are choosing to send their children to private schools.

    Just over 63% of Australian students are enrolled in government schools. Almost 20% are in Catholic schools and almost 17% go to independent schools, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics.

    How much is it costing parents?

    While headlines often focus on the most expensive schools, there is a huge range of private schools operating in Australia.

    In our new analysis, which is not peer-reviewed, we looked at private school fees in New South Wales and Victoria (the two most populous states).



    Read more:
    More Australian families are choosing private schools – we need to understand why

    Fees for Year 12

    We looked only at independent schools. The non-government school sector is made up of Catholic and independent schools, but Catholic private schools typically charge lower fees and this can skew the data on the sector.

    The tuition fees we refer to are based on what is publicly available through each school’s website.

    We collected all available data for Year 12 tuition fees in every independent school in NSW and Victoria in 2021 and 2024. We chose to focus on Year 12, as this is typically the most expensive year at school.

    • In NSW, we found fee information for 369 schools (77% of independent schools).

    • In Victoria we found fee information for 138 schools (92% of independent schools).

    Private school fees don’t necessarily include other expenses such as music or sport.
    DGLimages/Shutterstock



    Read more:
    Are public schools really ‘free’? Families can pay hundreds of dollars in voluntary fees

    What is the average tuition fee?

    In 2024, the average tuition fee for a Year 12 student in NSW was A$15,674 and in Victoria it was $20,923.

    This is in keeping with other analyses showing Victoria is the most expensive state for school fees in Australia.

    These figures suggest while many schools are far from the headlines of “$50,000 fees”, many families are still paying substantial amounts for a private education – particularly if they have more than one child.

    However, there were significant variations in tuition fees between schools. In NSW, 12% of schools in our sample charged under $5,000 per year per student. In Victoria, 9% charged less than $5,000.

    One alternative school in NSW charged just $100 per student per year. This is less than parents typically pay out of their own pocket at the average public school.

    This shows us there some cheaper options available, depending on where families live although they are certainly not the majority.

    At the other end of the sample, The Scots College in NSW and Geelong Grammar School in Victoria charged the highest tuition fees in their respective states for 2024. Geelong Grammar charged $49,720 for Year 12; Scots charged $46,920.

    There are other costs

    While we only looked at tuition fees, families might also have to pay levies for infrastructure or technology.

    There are also extra charges for activities such as camps, excursions and incursions, as well as fees for uniforms, school buses, and special subjects such as music and sport.

    For the majority of independent schools, parents are asked to pay to enrol or go on the waiting list. The average application fee in Victoria was $156 and in NSW was $197. These fees widely differed between schools, ranging from zero to $650.

    How much are fees growing?

    Fees keep climbing each year, and media reports tell us some school fees have already increased for 2025.

    Our analysis found in Victoria, tuition fees in independent schools increased by an average of 15% from 2021 to 2024 – roughly 3.75% each year. In NSW, fees increased by 13% from 2021 to 2024, or about 3.25% per year.

    In media coverage, individual schools have blamed fee increases on inflation, “operational costs”, rising staff costs, and a drop in federal funding.

    Will fees keep rising?

    In some OECD countries, if private schools receive government funding, there are conditions placed on what they can charge for tuition.

    This is not the case in Australia, where the system is unregulated and uncapped.

    Unless this policy approach changes, we can expect private schools to keep increasing fees, as long as there are families willing and able to pay them.

    Emma Rowe receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

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

    – ref. Can you afford a private school? Average fees for Year 12 are at least $15,000 – https://theconversation.com/can-you-afford-a-private-school-average-fees-for-year-12-are-at-least-15-000-248769

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Two in five scientists report harassment and intimidation. Often, the perpetrators are inside the institution

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Hales, Director, Centre for Sustainable Enterprise, Griffith University

    Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock

    The goal of science is to uncover truths and create new knowledge. But this is not always welcome. Increasingly, scientific findings are being attacked or downplayed. And scientists themselves face intimidation or harassment.

    In our global study of more than 2,000 scientists across six areas of science, two-fifths (41%) of respondents had, as a result of their work, been harassed or intimidated at least once over a five-year period.

    Intimidation efforts included online abuse, physical threats, and threats to budgets or employment. Harassment, while personal, could be meted out by superiors, colleagues or outsiders. Some scientists felt their leaders had thrown them under the bus to protect the institution’s reputation.

    Who’s doing the intimidation? Strikingly, a majority of cases of intimidation and harassment actually came from inside the institution for most fields. That is, it was perpetrated by senior colleagues or managers. But for climate scientists, most intimidation efforts came from outside.

    Intimidation of scientists doesn’t happen in a vacuum. In recent years, there has been a rise in populist leaders who pour scorn on “elites” and evidence. Scientific issues are increasingly politicised. Disinformation is rampant. This atmosphere adds to the pressure faced by scientists, especially those working in politically sensitive areas such as climate science or COVID.

    Harassment and intimidation can silence or isolate scientists.
    Hayk_Shalunts/Shutterstock

    What did we find?

    We used an online database of scientists to find and contact experts publishing in six fields: climate science, medical health, humanities and social science, food and plant science, astronomy, and other STEM areas.

    More than 2,000 responded to our survey on whether they had experienced various types of intimidation or harassment. We asked respondents for more detail on the perpetrators, what triggered the incident, and what effect it had on them.

    Many respondents had a clear view as to what the intimidation or harassment was meant to do. The motivations of perpetrators varied greatly. But the most common reasons were to damage their reputation, to stop them from publishing certain types of research, or to “put me in my place”.

    Specific fields of science were more prone to harassment and intimidation – in particular climate science, and humanities and social science.

    Among those scientists who had been intimidated, climate scientists reported online abuse three times more often than astronomers. Climate science is politically charged, because climate change is clearly linked to pollution from some of the world’s largest industries – oil, gas and coal. Astronomy is not. Half of the climate scientist respondents experiencing intimidation saw the bad behaviour as a way to discourage them from undertaking specific research and speaking about it.

    Researchers from humanities and social sciences faced similar levels of online abuse to climate scientists.

    When it came to personal harassment, there was a clear gender dimension. Among those who reported experiencing harassment, female scientists were more than four times more likely to report “unwelcome or inappropriate behaviour of a sexual nature” than their male counterparts. Women were affected almost twice as much as men by non-sexual forms of personal harassment.

    Our findings follow earlier research finding similar rates of intimidation. For instance, a 2021 survey of 321 scientists working on COVID-19 found 15% had received death threats and 22% received threats of sexual violence.

    Intimidation and harassment are damaging

    The consequences of intimidation are profound and far-reaching. Many scientists told us the experience had caused lasting damage, whether to wellbeing, career prospects or research activities.

    More than 40% of those affected said their career prospects had worsened following incidents of harassment. Just over a third (34%) reported a decline in their desire to work in science. Scientists who experienced intimidation often cut back their collaboration with colleagues (35%), leaving them more isolated.

    Many of our respondents described flow-on effects such as decreased access to funding (35% of respondents) and less public communication from their institution about their work (23%).

    Scientists targeted with multiple types of harassment reported very damaging effects, from difficulty finding their next job to poor mental health.

    Intimidation slows progress

    Intimidation and harassment have a chilling effect on science. This, in turn, could hinder progress on crucial issues such as climate change, public health and technological advancements.

    The disproportionate impact on women and researchers in politically sensitive fields threatens to undermine diversity and inclusivity in science.

    Without targeted interventions, women in science may continue to suffer disproportionate levels of harassment and intimidation. This will have long-term implications for gender diversity in scientific leadership and the direction of research in various fields.

    In the United States, the Trump administration’s withdrawals from the Paris climate agreement and the World Health Organization are likely to further embolden anti-science movements. Many American scientific institutions are engaged in anticipatory obedience of the Trump administration’s demands that diversity and anti-discrimination programs be abolished, or climate change stop being mentioned. Many even go beyond what is explicitly sought.

    Female scientists are targeted in different ways.
    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    What can be done?

    Science and academia is often seen as a bastion of free inquiry and open discussion. One of our most surprising findings was how common intimidation was within scientific institutions.

    The key to beating intimidation is organisational support and clear strategies, not obedience. These include:

    • genuine commitment to institutional policies protecting scientists from both internal and external intimidation

    • formal, well-resourced support systems for researchers facing harassment or pressure (not the HR office)

    • programs to increase public understanding of the scientific process to build trust and resilience to misinformation

    • boosting international collaboration between scientists and policymakers to ensure resilience against country-specific efforts to undermine science

    • educating the public on the importance of scientific independence and of fostering respectful dialogue around contentious topics.

    As populist movements gain traction in many countries, scientists working on controversial issues will face heightened scrutiny – and potentially more intimidation.

    Climate science is likely to remain a particularly contested field. As the damage wrought by climate change becomes more and more apparent, it will get even more contentious.

    Over the last few centuries, science has produced breakthroughs in many areas. But the integrity of science is not guaranteed. Harassment and intimidation from both inside and outside institutions has a very real effect on scientists.

    The future of evidence-based decision-making and ability to tackle global challenges depends on fostering an environment where scientists can work free from fear and undue pressure.

    Robert Hale receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    David Peetz undertook research over many years with occasional financial support from governments from both sides of politics, employers and unions. He has been and is involved in several Australian Research Council-funded projects, including this one.

    Ian Lowe was president of the Australian Conservation Foundation from 2004 to 2014.

    Carolyn Troup and Georgina Murray do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Two in five scientists report harassment and intimidation. Often, the perpetrators are inside the institution – https://theconversation.com/two-in-five-scientists-report-harassment-and-intimidation-often-the-perpetrators-are-inside-the-institution-248013

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: More people are asking generative AI questions about their health. But the wrong answer can be risky

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julie Ayre, Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Sydney Health Literacy Lab, University of Sydney

    Shvets Production/Pexels

    More people are turning to generative artificial intelligence (AI) to help them in their daily and professional lives. ChatGPT is one of the most well-known and widely available generative AI tools. It gives tailored, plausible answers to any question for free.

    There is so much potential for generative AI tools to help people learn about their health. But the answers are not always correct. Relying solely on ChatGPT for health advice can be risky and cause unnecessary concern.

    Generative AI is still a relatively new technology, and is constantly changing. Our new study provides the first Australian data about who is using ChatGPT to answer health questions, for what purposes.

    The results can help tell people how to use this new technology for their health, and the new skills needed to use it safely – in other words, to build “AI health literacy”.

    Who uses ChatGPT for health? What do they ask?

    In June 2024 we asked a nationally representative sample of more than 2,000 Australians if they had used ChatGPT to answer health questions.

    One in ten (9.9%) had asked ChatGPT a health question in the first half of 2024.

    On average they reported that they “somewhat” trusted ChatGPT (3.1 out of 5).

    We also found the proportion of people using ChatGPT for health was higher for people who had low health literacy, were born in a non-English speaking country, or spoke another language at home.

    This suggests ChatGPT may be supporting people who find it hard to engage with traditional forms of health information in Australia.

    One in ten Australians asked ChatGPT a health question in the first half of last year.
    Kampus Productions/Pexels

    The most common questions that people asked ChatGPT related to:

    • learning about a health condition (48%)
    • finding out what symptoms mean (37%)
    • asking about actions (36%)
    • or understanding medical terms (35%).

    More than half (61%) had asked at least one question that would usually require clinical advice. We classified these questions as “riskier”. Asking ChatGPT what your symptoms mean can give you a rough idea, but cannot substitute clinical advice.

    People who were born in a non-English speaking country or who spoke another language at home were more likely to ask these types of questions.

    Why does this matter?

    The number of people using generative AI for health information is likely to grow. In our study, 39% of people who had not yet used ChatGPT for health would consider doing so in the next six months.

    The overall number of people using generative AI tools for health information is even higher if we consider other tools such as Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Meta AI.

    Notably, in our study we saw that people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities may be more likely to use ChatGPT for health information.

    If they were asking ChatGPT to translate health information, this adds another layer of complexity. Generative AI tools are generally less accurate in other languages.

    We need investment in services (whether human or machine) to ensure speaking another language is not a barrier to high quality health information.

    What does ‘AI health literacy’ look like?

    Generative AI is here to stay, presenting both opportunities and risks to people who use it for health information.

    On the one hand, this technology appeals to people who already face significant barriers accessing health care and health information. One of its key benefits is its ability to instantly provide health information that is easy to understand.

    A recent review of studies showed generative AI tools are increasingly capable of answering general health questions using plain language, although they were less accurate for complex health topics.

    This has clear benefits as most health information is written at a level that is too complex for the general population, including during the pandemic.

    On the other hand, people are turning to general-purpose AI tools for health advice. This is riskier for questions that require clinical judgment and a broader understanding of the patient.

    There have already been case studies showing the dangers of using general purpose AI tools to decide whether to go to hospital or not.

    Where else can you go for this information?

    We need to help people think carefully about the kinds of questions they’re asking AI tools, and connect them with appropriate services that can answer these riskier questions.

    Organisations such as HealthDirect provide a national free helpline where you can speak with a registered nurse about whether to go to hospital or see a doctor. HealthDirect also provides an online SymptomChecker tool to help you figure out your next steps.

    While many Australian health agencies are developing AI policies, most are focused on how health services and staff engage with this technology.

    We urgently need to equip our community with AI health literacy skills. This need will grow as more people use AI tools for health, and it will also change as the AI tools evolve.

    Julie Ayre receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (APP2017278). The Health Literacy Editor is a research tool owned by the University of Sydney. It is sublicensed to Health Literacy Solutions PTY Ltd to enable wider public use. Julie Ayre (study author) is a co-director of Health Literacy Solutions PTY Ltd. She takes no personal income from Health Literacy Solutions PTY Ltd or the Health Literacy Editor.

    Kirsten McCaffery receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (APP2016719). The Health Literacy Editor is a research tool owned by the University of Sydney. It is sub-licensed to Health Literacy Solutions PTY Ltd to enable wider public use. Kirsten McCaffery is a co-director of Health Literacy Solutions PTY Ltd. She takes no personal income from Health Literacy Solutions PTY Ltd or the Health Literacy Editor.

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

    – ref. More people are asking generative AI questions about their health. But the wrong answer can be risky – https://theconversation.com/more-people-are-asking-generative-ai-questions-about-their-health-but-the-wrong-answer-can-be-risky-249383

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The prime minister earns $607,000 a year. Why does his top public servant earn more than $1 million?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Wallace, Professor, School of Politics Economics & Society, Faculty of Business Government & Law, University of Canberra

    Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie represents the lowest-income Australians, with median weekly earnings of $1,208 a week. In the Australian Capital Territory, where the nation’s highest median weekly earners live, including the brains trust of the Australian Public Service, it’s $1,688 a week – 40% higher.

    As a federal politician, Lambie shuttles between these two starkly different earnings worlds and is not happy about the disparity.

    Of course, Lambie herself is on a reasonable wicket. Parliamentarians’ base salaries are $233,660 a year, according to an Instagram post she made this month drawing attention to the issue.

    At a time of considerable financial stress for Australians hit by the combination of inflation, high interest rates and housing shortages, Lambie struck a nerve with her post, which listed a range of public roles drawing big six figure-plus annual salaries.

    In doing so, Lambie underlined the far higher salaries paid to senior public servants compared to the ministers to whom they’re responsible.

    Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary Glyn Davis earns $1,011,410 a year, 66% more than the man he serves, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who earns $607,516.

    Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy’s salary is more than double that of Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who is paid $438,112. Another three departmental secretaries each earn $960,840.

    Lambie’s Instagram post drew hundreds of comments including:

    How does a public servant earn more than the prime minister? That’s wrong!!

    Politicians get flak about their salaries from belligerent constituents, but also keenly feel the injustice of earning far less than senior public servants.

    Higher pay for higher risk

    The salaries of both politicians and public servants have long and specific histories. Without an income, only the rich could afford to be politicians, so publicly paid allowances and salaries have historically been an important equity and inclusion measure. They remain so today.

    The original framers of the public service component of our Westminster system of government believed that to prevent conflicts of interest that drive corruption, the bureaucracy ought to be staffed by “permanent officers” with job security. In exchange for what, barring wrongdoing, was going to be a lifetime career, public service pay was historically adequate but not extravagant.

    This nexus was broken when, in exchange for higher pay, the Keating government introduced five-year contracts for departmental secretaries in March 1994. Three departmental secretaries refused contracts and continued as “permanent officers”. The rest took the money and the increased employment risk that went with it.

    Two years later, the Keating government lost office and incoming Prime Minister John Howard summarily fired nearly a third of departmental secretaries, fatally eroding the “frank and fearless” tradition of public service advice underpinned by security of employment.

    Compromised advice

    Contract employment for secretaries, who effectively can now be fired at will, not only created pressure for public servants to tell ministers what they wanted to hear, but also untethered their salaries from historical norms. Higher pay reflected that insecurity. The flow-on effect meant other salaries in the senior executive service also floated upwards.

    Contracts for secretaries have also been central to the revolving door that’s developed between the top of the public service and large consulting firms, creating conflicts of interest unknown in the traditional Westminster public service.

    The big four consulting firms are attractive alternative employers for highly paid and insecure departmental secretaries.

    Little wonder, then, that a quasi-privatisation of public service advice through consultancy contracts to those firms occurred, at vast expense to taxpayers – something Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has made strong efforts to reverse.

    Lambie’s push for answers

    Lambie has introduced the Remuneration Tribunal Amendment (There for the Public Service, Not Profit) Bill 2025 to cap senior APS pay at $430,000. It’s a bid to address remuneration which has raced far beyond ministerial salaries, and well beyond reasonable public expectations.

    The Lambie bill has been referred to a Senate committee, which presents an opportunity to evolve debate on the deeper reasons for what has gone awry in the public service and to devise a response that gets to the root of the problem.

    The precarity of contract employment for departmental secretaries, which is used to justify high salaries, is both unnecessary and harmful to the quality of public policy and administration in Australia.

    The intrinsic interest and challenge of working for the nation and the betterment of its citizens has always paid well in terms of a “psychic wage” on top of senior public servants’ actual salaries. If the complaint is that an executive could make much more in the private sector, they’re probably not the right person to work in the public service anyway.

    One reply to Lambie’s Insta post summed up the situation:

    It’s the pollies that made this mess.

    Politicians are the ones who are going to have to clean it up.

    It is neither likely nor plausible that highly paid public service leaders will cut their own salaries in return for an end to the five year contract system for secretaries.

    But that is what a return to good public service governance – and to frank and fearless advice in the national interest – now requires.

    Chris Wallace has received funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. The prime minister earns $607,000 a year. Why does his top public servant earn more than $1 million? – https://theconversation.com/the-prime-minister-earns-607-000-a-year-why-does-his-top-public-servant-earn-more-than-1-million-250045

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Will the government’s online gambling advertising legislation ever eventuate? Don’t bet on it

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Rowe, Emeritus Professor of Cultural Research, Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University

    Lukas Coch/AAP, Shutterstock, X.com, The Conversation

    As the next federal election came into view before the summer break, concern increased that Labor wouldn’t be honouring its commitment to introduce new restrictions on online (especially sport) gambling advertising during the current parliamentary sitting.

    Those fears were well-founded, despite pressure from many sides and broad bipartisan political support.

    The Greens made a last-ditch attempt to cooperate with the government to pass some reforms in the February 2025 sitting, but were rebuffed.

    Instead, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland blamed the delay on the complexity of advertising reform and the need to continue consultation.

    This is despite a House of Representatives inquiry into the harmful impacts of online gambling, led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, concluding in June 2023.

    In the meantime, much less well-researched but wider-ranging legislation banning children under 16 from using social media was introduced and passed in just eight days in November 2024.

    There are both deep historical and immediate political reasons why this legislation has been bogged down.

    A nation of sporting gamblers

    Professional sport in Australia has an inglorious history of promoting unhealthy goods and services, including cigarettes, sugary drinks, fast food, alcohol and gambling.

    Television and, later, online advertisements have been particularly effective vehicles for connecting sport gambling with potential consumers.

    This has prompted widespread objections to the health and social consequences and intrusiveness of gambling advertising.

    There is convincing evidence that Australia’s world-leading per capita expenditure on gambling and the integral role of sport gambling ads cause harm to a considerable number of people, families and communities.

    Such harm includes negative effects on relationships, health, psychological wellbeing, finances, work and study.

    The gamblification of sport

    Although sport comes third among the main areas of gambling in Australia, it is by far the most prominent, especially in homes.



    Read more:
    Pokies? Lotto? Sports betting? Which forms of problem gambling affect Australians the most?

    The so-called gamblification of sport, accelerated by digitisation, normalises the concept of betting odds among children and young people.

    Sport and media’s enthusiasm for gambling money has provoked strong pushback over its negative social consequences, with mounting public pressure for greater controls on gambling advertising.

    A recent poll found about 72% of those surveyed wanted to ban online gambling ads, while another of AFL fans reported 76% supported television and radio ad bans.

    The response of and to the Murphy Report

    The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs was charged with investigating online gambling and its impacts.

    It made 31 recommendations, with rare cross-party support, in its “you win some, you lose more” report (which was not only about sport).

    Contrary to most public debate and media reporting, it did not formally recommend a blanket ban on all gambling advertising. Its terms of reference only covered online gambling.

    But Murphy’s foreword – calling for a “phased, comprehensive ban on all gambling advertising on all media; broadcast and online, that leaves no room for circumvention” – caught the most attention.

    The main recommendation was for a three-year, four-phase ban on all forms of online gambling advertising. Dedicated racing channels and programming were exempted and small community radio broadcasters given extra time to comply.

    After further consultation lasting almost 18 months, it’s clear this calibrated proposal is not favoured by the government.

    Journalists were backgrounded about a watered down law capping ads for gambling at two per hour per TV channel before 10pm, and banning them for an hour either side of a live sport event. A blanket ban would apply only to betting ads on social media and other digital platforms.

    Yet even these more modest reforms did not proceed as anticipated.

    The reason, it has been widely reported, was heavy lobbying by the sport, media and gambling industries.

    High-stakes horse trading

    The privileged access to government gained by these sectional interests has had a powerful impact on gambling legislation.

    The Coalition of Major Professional and Participation Sports has continually resisted tightening regulations on sport sponsorship and gambling ads.

    It claims their reduction or loss would damage the financial viability of its members and their support for grassroots sport.

    However, Australia’s major sports leagues derive significant gambling revenue from direct sources (sponsorship, product fees) and indirectly from the value of media rights.

    The AFL and NRL generated cumulative revenues of $1.06 billion and $701 million respectively in 2023.

    So while sport leagues would have less capacity to monetise their media rights if gambling ads were reduced, it would neither threaten professional sport in general nor seriously jeopardise funding of junior participation.

    Follow the money

    An Australian Communications and Media Authority report discovered capital city free-to-air television featured 1,381 gambling spots per day between May 2022 and April 2023.

    Gambling companies spent $162 million on free-to-air television advertising during this period, not including further investment on subscription platforms.

    As free-to-air commercial TV is already losing advertising income to digital media platforms, restrictions on this lucrative advertiser category would not be as easily absorbed today as the tobacco advertising bans in the 1970s.

    This is why sports and their media and betting partners are fighting so hard against the legislation.

    And all this capital flowing to and through sport, gambling, and media has created the potential to inflict political harm on gambling reforming governments.

    Negotiations behind closed doors can easily break out into public campaigns, akin to the infamous “axe the (carbon) tax” agitation, if powerful organisations are not satisfied.

    Gambling and the young voter

    Sport gambling ads in Australia have especially targeted young men in a jocular larrikin style. But young women are now also being induced to gamble in greater numbers.



    Read more:
    9 out of 10 Australian sports bettors are men. Here’s why that might change

    Those who want curbs on sport gambling advertisements have been cast by some as “wowsers” and “puritans”.

    State intervention in the sport-media-gambling nexus may provoke a backlash that working-class men are under attack for engaging in their favourite pastimes.

    Like the latest reforms to sport TV anti-siphoning laws, new policies are the product of high-stakes horse trading between nervous governments and pressure groups with manifestly variable degrees of influence.

    As in the gambling world, evidence-based policy can confront very uneven odds.

    David Rowe has received funding from the Australian Research Council to support research relating to this article: Struggling for Possession: The Control and Use of Online Media Sport (with Brett Hutchins, DP0877777); ‘A Nation of “Good Sports”? Cultural Citizenship and Sport in Contemporary Australia’ (DP130104502), and ‘Australian Cultural Fields: National and Transnational Dynamics’ (with Tony Bennett et al, DP140101970).

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

    – ref. Will the government’s online gambling advertising legislation ever eventuate? Don’t bet on it – https://theconversation.com/will-the-governments-online-gambling-advertising-legislation-ever-eventuate-dont-bet-on-it-238084

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Humans generate 62 million tonnes of e-waste each year. Here’s what happens when it’s recycled

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sukhbir Sandhu, Associate Professor in Sustainability, University of South Australia

    Huguette Roe/Shutterstock

    In 2022, humans generated roughly 62 million tonnes of electronic waste – or e-waste. That’s enough to fill more than 1.5 million garbage trucks. And by 2030, that figure is expected to rise to 82 million tonnes.

    Australia is a huge contributor to this problem. Every year each Australian, on average, generates 20kg of e-waste, compared with the global average of 7kg per person.

    Less than one quarter of the world’s e-waste – which includes desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, televisions, kitchen appliances, batteries and solar panels – is recycled. That means most of it ends up in landfill, which can result in major accidents. For example, earlier this month, a rubbish truck in Melbourne caught fire after a laptop battery that had been thrown in the garbage bin exploded.

    So what can be done to increase the amount of e-waste that’s recycled? And what actually happens during the e-waste recycling process?

    From breakdown to planned obsolescence

    The growing problem of e-waste is fuelled by both perceived and planned obsolescence.

    Perceived obsolescence happens when we discard functioning products in favour of newer models. For example, we buy the latest iPhone even though our current phone works fine.

    Planned obsolescence is when manufacturers “build in” a use-by date. One way they do this is by not offering software updates, which then renders an existing product incompatible with other, newer devices or presents cybersecurity risks.

    Of course, sometimes existing electronic products simply stop working, which forces us to buy a replacement.

    A multi-step process

    In Australia, the process of recycling e-waste starts with consumers delivering their e-waste to a designated collection centre.

    Some manufacturers offer trade-in programs where people can drop off their old phones and laptops at retail shops and get a small discount on a new product. Some councils also run services for periodic collection and offer drop-off centres for e-waste.

    The collection is followed by sorting and inspection of the discarded items.

    At this stage, the discarded electronic items are sorted based on the type of devices. Some devices can be refurbished and reused if they are still functional.

    Those that cannot be refurbished are dismantled.

    This involves separating the various components, such as circuit boards, batteries and wiring. Hazardous materials such as mercury and lead are removed, before recyclable and valuable materials are recovered. These include plastic and glass, as well as precious metals like gold and silver from the circuit boards.

    After purifying and refining, the recycled materials can be used in new electronics or put to other uses.

    According to the national waste report there are 535 facilities in Australia that accept e-waste. But only 20 facilities reprocess these for further recycling.

    This means much of Australia’s e-waste is exported to China, India and other Asian countries to be recycled.

    Less than one quarter of the world’s e-waste is recycled.
    SibFilm/Shutterstock

    Significant challenges

    There are significant challenges when it comes to recycling e-waste.

    Some are associated with consumer behaviour. For example, unlike kerbside recycling services for paper, glass and cardboard, recycling e-waste generally involves consumers making a special trip to a designated drop-off location. Accessing these locations involves extra effort and can be an inconvenience which deters people from recycling their e-waste.

    Also, compared to container deposit schemes, where people get paid to recycle their glass bottles and cans, there are generally no monetary incentives available for recycling e-waste.

    Concerns about data security also prevent some people from recycling their e-waste. People are often reluctant to recycle their computer, phones and other electronic items as they are worried their data could be stolen during the recycling process, even after they have deleted the files.

    The other set of challenges with recycling e-waste comes from the economic incentives for recycling. Recycling e-waste is complex and costly. The costs involved in recycling can often be higher than the price of raw materials. Hazardous wastes must also be disposed safely, which adds extra costs to the process.

    All of this makes it less attractive for businesses to recycle e-waste.

    The way forward

    Australia’s new circular economy framework is expected to provide a way forward for businesses to address some of these challenges.

    The framework seeks to double the rate at which Australia recovers, recycles and reuses materials by 2035, partly by providing direction and designing policies for businesses that encourage recycling.

    It’s also important for local governments to make it easier for people to recycle their e-waste.

    While it may not be cost effective for councils to have kerbside recycling for e- waste, they could place e-waste collection centres in local areas.

    Councils can also explore offering consumers incentives for e-waste recycling. These incentives can be monetary. But even non-monetary incentives, such as letting people know how their recycled e-waste contributes to addressing the bigger problem, can be a motivation.

    And finally, as consumers, it would help to remember that the best way to contribute to decreasing e-waste is to repair and reuse our existing products.

    Sukhbir Sandhu has received funding from Australian Research Council, European Union, and Green Industries SA.

    – ref. Humans generate 62 million tonnes of e-waste each year. Here’s what happens when it’s recycled – https://theconversation.com/humans-generate-62-million-tonnes-of-e-waste-each-year-heres-what-happens-when-its-recycled-249842

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Carnivorous dinosaurs thrived in Australia 120 million years ago, new fossils show

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jake Kotevski, PhD Candidate, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University and PhD Candidate, Museums Victoria Research Institute

    The shinbone of a megaraptorid. Nadir Kinani/Museums Victoria

    Between 122 and 108 million years ago, the Australian landmass was much farther south than today. Victoria was positioned within the Antarctic Circle, separated from Tasmania by a vast rift valley rather than open sea.

    This was the Early Cretaceous, and lush forests filled with dinosaurs dominated the landscape. We still find traces of these animals in Victoria’s fossil record.

    Most of the dinosaur fossils found in Victoria belong to small plant-eaters called ornithopods. But there are also a few theropod fossils — a diverse group that includes all known carnivorous dinosaurs, as well as modern birds.

    More than 250 theropod bones have been found in the Victorian Cretaceous. In the palaeontology collections of Museums Victoria, we have now identified five theropod fossils of particular importance. Our work on these bones has been published today in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

    Artist’s interpretation of the Cretaceous Bass Coast, 121.4 million years ago. From left to right: carcharodontosaur, unenlagiine and megaraptorid.
    Jonathan Metzger for Museums Victoria

    Shinbones and tail bones

    Research over the past decade has revealed striking similarities between Australian and South American dinosaurs. These include megaraptorids with claws shaped like scythes, and small, fleet-footed elasmarian ornithopods. There were also armoured parankylosaurians and colossal sauropods with long necks and small heads.

    These parallels may seem surprising at first, but both continents retained a connection to Antarctica throughout much of the Cretaceous Period.

    Our newly described fossils show that a bunch of different carnivorous dinosaurs seen in South America also thrived in the Cretaceous of southeastern Australia.

    Two shinbones provide the first evidence of carcharodontosaurs (“shark-toothed lizards”) in Australia. A third shinbone provides strong evidence for the presence of unenlagiines, a southern group of dromaeosaurs (“running lizards”).

    A fourth shinbone and two tail vertebrae with their chevrons, which are from a megaraptorid, represent one of Australia’s largest-known carnivorous dinosaurs.

    A first for Australia

    Carcharodontosaurs were apex predators in South America and Africa for much of the mid-Cretaceous. This group of theropods had large skulls, massive teeth and small arms. They were some of the largest predators to ever walk the Earth.

    Despite their success in South America and Africa, carcharodontosaur fossils had never been found in Australia – until now. With the two shinbones, we now have the first evidence of the group on this continent.

    Curiously, these Australian carcharodontosaurs are much smaller than their African and South American cousins, and the bones we have most closely resemble a carcharodontosaur from Thailand.

    One of the Victorian carcharodontosaur shinbones was found on the Otway Coast. The other was found on the Bass Coast, in rocks nearly 10 million years older. This demonstrates these predators were successful in this area for at least 10 million years. It’s a notable find.

    The large-bodied carcharodontosaurs of Africa and South America were seemingly specialised for hunting long-necked sauropods. However, this food source was likely not available to the Victorian polar carcharodontosaurs: sauropod fossils have never been found in Victoria.

    A cliff face at Twin Reefs Bunurong Coastal Reserve, the area where some of the dinosaur fossils were found.
    John Broomfield/Museums Victoria

    The Australian ‘raptors’

    Unenlagiines were lightly built (and likely feathered) predatory dinosaurs, related to Velociraptor of Jurassic Park fame.

    Most unenlagiine fossil remains have been found in South America. Historically, Australia had limited evidence for their presence, as well.

    Our description of a new unenlagiine shinbone from Victoria provides robust evidence for their success in polar Australia during the Early Cretaceous.

    The snouts of unenlagiines were relatively longer, and their arms relatively shorter than those of their dromaeosaur cousins from the Northern Hemisphere. This implies they had a rather different diet. The Victorian unenlagiine presumably ate fish or small land-dwelling animals. One possibility is the small mammals for which the Victorian Cretaceous is perhaps most famous – more than 50 mammal jaws have been found to date, and some are from ancient relatives of platypus and echidna.

    Theropod shin bones from the Bass Coast. From left to right: unenlagiine, carcharodontosaur and megaraptorid.
    Nadir Kinani/Museums Victoria

    The apex predators of Victoria

    Large predatory dinosaurs – on the scale of Tyrannosaurus – are notably absent from the Australian fossil record. Instead, Australian dinosaur populations seem to have been dominated by medium-sized carnivores called megaraptorids.

    Megaraptorid fossils are only known from South America and Australia. The most complete skeletons are from South America, including a relatively large one – roughly nine metres long. Australia’s only reasonably complete megaraptorid is Australovenator wintonensis from Winton, central Queensland.

    The shinbone and tail vertebrae we describe provide evidence for a large megaraptorid in southeast Australia. Despite being almost 30 million years older than the roughly five- to six-metre-long Australovenator, the Bass Coast megaraptorid was at least 5% larger: approaching the size of its South American relatives.

    The large, muscular arms and fingers tipped with fearsome scythe-like claws were presumably the primary weapons of megaraptorids. In contrast to almost every other group of medium-sized carnivorous dinosaurs, megaraptorids had elongated snouts with small teeth.

    The abundance of ornithopods in Victoria presumably made this region more suited to smaller prey specialists like megaraptorids, rather than sauropod-stalking carcharodontosaurs.

    Back row: two megaraptor fossils. Front row: the shinbone of a unenlagiine; two shinbones of carcharodontosaurs; the shinbone of a megaraptor.
    Nadir Kinani/Museums Victoria

    More discoveries yet to come

    We have much to learn about Australia’s Cretaceous dinosaurs. Our study shows how even five isolated and incomplete bones can improve our understanding of our continent’s fossil heritage.

    Carcharodontosaurs might have been the apex predators in South America, but megaraptorids ruled the roost in the land down under.

    The fantastic dinosaur fossil record of Victoria has grown over nearly 40 years thanks to the efforts of Dinosaur Dreaming, an ongoing volunteer palaeontology project, and citizen scientists like Melissa Lowery. Thanks to their efforts, our window into Victoria’s ancient past continues to become ever clearer.

    Jake Kotevski receives funding from an Australian Government Research Training Stipend and Monash University – Museums Victoria scholarship.

    Stephen Poropat received funding from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust to observe fossil specimens relevant to this paper.

    – ref. Carnivorous dinosaurs thrived in Australia 120 million years ago, new fossils show – https://theconversation.com/carnivorous-dinosaurs-thrived-in-australia-120-million-years-ago-new-fossils-show-242290

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Deputy ferries commissioner appointed to BC Ferry Commission

    Carol Bellinger has been appointed deputy ferries commissioner of the BC Ferry Commission.

    The commission sets price caps on the maximum allowable annual increase in fares and approves major capital expenditures for BC Ferries.

    Bellringer has been appointed for a six-year term, effective Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, following a competitive and public application process. She is a full-time governance professional who chairs the University of Victoria Foundation board and sits on boards and audit committees of organizations in the energy, transportation and public sectors.  

    Bellringer is retired from a career in auditing, having worked as the president and CEO of the Canadian Audit and Accountability foundation. Her previous experience includes serving the legislature as the auditor general for the provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba.

    The BC Ferry Commission is a quasi-judicial regulatory agency operating under the Coastal Ferry Act, and is independent of the provincial government and BC Ferry Services Inc.

    MIL OSI Canada News –