NewzIntel.com

Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Key investment priorities for the Energy Security Corporation

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Key investment priorities for the Energy Security Corporation

    Published: 14 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Energy and Climate Change

    The Minns Labor Government has announced the Energy Security Corporation’s first Investment Mandate, which outlines how the corporation will co-invest with the private sector in renewable energy projects for our state.

    The Energy Security Corporation is seeded with $1 billion to help build a more reliable energy system. It will work with the private sector to plug investment gaps in the market, ensuring NSW homes and businesses can enjoy the benefits of renewable energy.

    The key priorities for investment include short to long-duration storage projects that capture excess renewable energy, to maximise use of electricity generated from solar and wind.

    It will also cover projects that will upgrade infrastructure to ensure smooth operation of the grid coordinate and consumer energy resources in households, businesses and the community (such as virtual power plants).

    The Investment Mandate is a key milestone in establishing the Energy Security Corporation, allowing it to begin investigating investment opportunities throughout NSW.

    Mr Paul Peters has been appointed as interim Chief Executive Officer to kick-off the Energy Security Corporation’s activities. Mr Peters brings significant experience in investment and financing, as well as developing energy and infrastructure assets and industrial decarbonisation projects.

    The NSW Government will shortly appoint the inaugural Board.

    Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe:

    “NSW will invest $1 billion in critical projects to deliver more affordable, clean and reliable energy to homes and businesses across the state.

    “After a decade of privatisation, the Energy Security Corporation gives the people of NSW the chance to invest in their energy system.

    “I congratulate Mr Peters on his appointment, and I am looking forward to the Energy Security Corporation supporting projects throughout NSW.”

    Further information:

    The Energy Security Corporation will co-invest with the private sector on energy storage projects such as:

    • Large-scale batteries

    Large-scale batteries store surplus energy generated by renewable sources like wind and solar, and release it when renewable generation is low or when demand for energy peaks.

    • Community batteries

    A community battery is a shared battery installed in a central location within a neighbourhood that can store excess solar energy generated from homes in a community.

    The stored energy can then be shared with other homes in the community when demand is high, like in the evening or when its cloudy.

    • Pumped hydro

    Hydro energy uses the force of moving water to create electricity. Hydro energy is capable of rapidly providing power on-demand, to supply electricity to consumers when it is needed.

    • Virtual Power Plant (VPP)

    A Virtual Power Plant is a network that can connect your rooftop solar and battery to other participating homes and coordinate them, allowing them to work together.

    This means that if there’s a shortage of energy supply in the grid, the virtual power plant can draw on the collective energy to fill the gap. This can earn participating homes a profit from their excess energy.

    Many small projects, when connected and coordinated, can be as impactful as a whole power station.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: $TOCKHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Encourages Shareholders of EMKR, CCRN, WMPN, ALVR to Act Now

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm by ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:

    • EMCORE Corporation (NASDAQ: EMKR), relating to its proposed merger with Velocity One Holdings, LP. Under the terms of the agreement, EMCORE stockholders will receive $3.10 per share of EMCORE common stock they own.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for February 27, 2025.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/emcore-corporation-emkr/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (NASDAQ: CCRN), relating to the proposed merger with Aya Healthcare. Under the terms of the agreement, shares of Cross Country will be converted into the right to receive $18.61 in cash.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for February 28, 2025.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/cross-country-healthcare-inc-ccrn/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • William Penn Bancorporation (Nasdaq: WMPN), relating to its proposed merger with Mid Penn Bancorp, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders of William Penn will receive 0.4260 shares of Mid Penn common stock for each share of William Penn common stock. Additionally, all options of William Penn will be rolled into Mid Penn equivalent options. The implied transaction value is approximately $13.58 per William Penn share.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for April 2, 2025.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/william-penn-bancorporation-wmpn/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • AlloVir, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALVR), relating to its proposed merger with Kalaris Therapeutics. Under the terms of the agreement, AlloVir will acquire 100% of the outstanding equity interest of Kalaris. Upon completion, pre-Merger AlloVir stockholders are expected to own approximately 25.05% of the combined company.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for March 12, 2025.

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

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    About Monteverde & Associates PC

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

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ depends on the rules-based world Trump is dismantling – why the silence?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Gillespie, Professor of Law, University of Waikato

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ 2023 strategic foreign policy assessment, “Navigating a shifting world”, accurately foresaw a more uncertain and complex time ahead for New Zealand. But already it feels out of date.

    The Trump administration’s extreme disruption of the international order (which New Zealand helped construct) is going further and faster than foreseen in the assessment. Were another nation responsible, the government would have been quick to condemn it.

    But New Zealand has so far been largely mute while Trump has quit the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accord, attacked foreign assistance programs and withdrawn funding from key United Nations organisations.

    Had Russia or China threatened the annexation or acquisition of Canada, Panama and Greenland, New Zealand would have reacted strongly. But it has said nothing substantive.

    The United States still belongs to the World Trade Organization and various regional trade agreements. But Trump’s use of tariffs threatens havoc throughout the multilateral trade system.

    Similarly, Trump has not quit the International Court of Justice. But his proposal to remove two million Palestinians from Gaza amounts to an unequivocal rejection of the court’s recent ruling on Israeli policies and practices in the Occupied Territories – as well as international law.

    On all these fronts, New Zealand has preferred not to make a stand.

    The coming Russia-Ukraine test

    While other countries have been quick to criticise Trump’s Gaza plan, New Zealand has opted not to comment until greater clarity is available, other than to reiterate its support for a two-state solution for Palestine.

    When Trump imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court, New Zealand (along with Australia and Japan) failed to join a statement from 79 other countries expressing unwavering support for the court.

    The next likely test will be Trump’s attempt to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. While the goal is undoubtedly worthy, the question will be at what cost.

    If the price is ignoring the UN Charter, and if European supporters of Ukraine find the illegal annexations of its sovereign territory unpalatable, New Zealand will face a stark choice.

    For Australia, with its special trade relationship with the US and membership of the AUKUS security pact, this may be simple politics. For New Zealand, without a special free trade agreement with the US, frozen out of ANZUS and not part of AUKUS, the equation is more complex.

    Discord in the Pacific

    Last year, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said New Zealand must “stand up for this international rules-based system that has actually served New Zealand incredibly well”. Quietly sitting down will not be an option forever.

    Furthermore, all this is happening against the backdrop of New Zealand’s apparently waning influence in its own back yard, the South Pacific.

    While China seeks to expand its own influence, cuts and possible retrenchment in New Zealand’s aid budget suggest little appetite for tangible counteraction.

    The loss of influence was first apparent with Kiribati, which has steered towards a much closer relationship with China since 2022. More recently, China has made inroads into other Pacific countries, including the Solomons and East Timor, working in an increasingly grey zone with support for civilian and military security.

    But the recent fracture with the Cook Islands takes things to a new level.

    Struggling to find a voice

    While no longer a dependency, the Cooks’ free association agreement with New Zealand gives its people immense benefits, including citizenship and the right to work and live in New Zealand.

    In return, the Cooks undertakes to consult over foreign affairs matters, including any policy or initiative that might affect the interests of the other signatory.

    But the development of a somewhat opaque “comprehensive strategic partnership” with China blindsided New Zealand, and has strained what is meant to be a good-faith relationship. Again, however, New Zealand has struggled to find its voice.

    If it speaks too loudly, it risks further undermining that special Pacific relationship, as well as irritating its largest trade partner, China. If it speaks too softly, the respect and influence the country deserves will fade.

    New Zealand’s vaunted independent foreign policy is a fine ideal and has been a workable mechanism to navigate the challenges facing a small trading nation reliant on a rules-based global order.

    This has worked well for the past few decades. But as the old world order erodes, losing its voice for fear of offending bigger powers cannot become the country’s default position.

    Alexander Gillespie 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. NZ depends on the rules-based world Trump is dismantling – why the silence? – https://theconversation.com/nz-depends-on-the-rules-based-world-trump-is-dismantling-why-the-silence-249857

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Two teens arrested over attempted robbery of pizza delivery driver

    Source: South Australia Police

    Two teenagers were arrested yesterday in connection with the attempted robbery of a pizza delivery driver at Port Augusta earlier this week.

    Just before 6pm on Sunday 9 February, police were called to Hicks Street, Port Augusta after a pizza delivery driver was allegedly approached and assaulted by two males who demanded money.

    Fortunately, the victim was not seriously injured.

    Following investigations, on Thursday 13 February, Far North CIB detectives and Port Augusta Police attended two addresses in Port Augusta and arrested two teens.

    A 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy were charged with attempted aggravated robbery and breach of bail.

    They were refused police bail and appeared in the Port Augusta Youth Court yesterday, where they were remanded in custody to reappear in the youth court on 25 February.

    CO2500006425

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Albanese Government delivers faster broadband to the regions with completion of $480 million NBN upgrades

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    Households and businesses in regional, remote and outer-urban areas are benefiting from faster broadband and increased data with the completion of the Albanese Government’s $480 million upgrades to NBN Co’s Fixed Wireless and Satellite services.
     
    Around 800,000 premises can now access broadband speeds of at least 100/20 Mbps. These increased speeds allow for smoother streaming, faster downloads and uploads, and stronger connections – even with multiple devices online at the same time.
     
    The fixed wireless upgrades have already delivered increased average end-user download speeds for households from around 48Mbps in 2022 to over 100 Mbps today. 
     
    Using the latest 4G and 5G wireless technology has also enabled an additional 120,000 premises to access fixed wireless for the first time.
     
    NBN Co has launched two faster speed tiers: around 90% of premises in the fixed wireless footprint can now access speeds of up to 200-250 Mbps download. Around 80% of premises can access speeds of up to 400 Mbps.
     
    These upgraded services are helping to meet Australia’s growing demand for data.
     
    The average Australian household is using more than 450GB of data per month with around 22 connected devices. This is forecast to increase to 1 Terabyte and more than 40 devices by the end of the decade.
     
    In addition to fixed wireless upgrades, the program has also improved NBN’s Sky Muster satellite service, which provides much-needed connectivity options for more than 200,000 households and businesses in regional and remote Australia.
     
    Thanks to the Albanese Government, customers now have unlimited data through NBN Co’s Sky Muster Plus Premium, providing download speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
     
    The $480 million upgrade complements the Albanese Government’s nation-building investment to deliver a world-class NBN fibre network, backed by an additional $3 billion equity investment.
     
    Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
     
    “Fast, reliable, affordable internet is an essential building block of any modern economy, boosting productivity, enabling innovation and creating jobs.
     
    “Families and businesses in our regions and suburbs should have equal access to the opportunities the NBN delivers. Labor founded the NBN on this principle. 
     
    “Faster, more reliable internet allows smoother streaming, faster downloads and uploads, and stronger connections – even with multiple devices online at the same time.
     
    “It enables access to essential government services, banking and telehealth, and learning and working online.
     
    “The completion of these upgrades demonstrates what can be done with a publicly-owned NBN Co.
     
    “In contrast, Peter Dutton wants to privatise the NBN, reducing services and making high speed internet more expensive for all Australians.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Lives lost revised – Ardrossan

    Source: South Australia Police

    The number of lives lost on South Australian roads has been revised following an investigation into the death of a man at Ardrossan earlier this month.

    Emergency services were called to Maitland Road, Ardrossan, between Main Coast Road and Old Pump Road about 9.50am on Sunday 9 February, by reports a car had left the road and collided with a tree.

    Sadly, the driver, a 74-year-old local man, died at the scene.

    The man’s death has been determined to be due to other issues.

    As a result, the man’s death will not be counted in the number of ‘Lives Lost’ on SA roads.

    The current number of lives lost is 15.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Press Conference Following NATO Ministers of Defense Meeting in Brussels, Belgium

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    UNKNOWN:  Good afternoon, everyone. We’re going to start with the US press. We’re going to take two from the US, we’ll take two from international, and then we’ll go from there depending on the secretary. So, let us start with —

    DEFENSE SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH:  Now, hold on, John.

    UNKNOWN:  Sir?

    DEFENSE SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH:  I’m going to talk first.

    UNKNOWN:  Roger that.

    DEFENSE SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH:  It is great to be here at NATO with 31 allies, also with my wife Jenny, who’s been meeting with families of US troops both here, in Germany, and we’re heading to Poland right after this as well. That’s what this is all about for me, for President Trump and the Defense Department.

    I also want to express a special thanks to the secretary general, Secretary General Rutte, for your boldness, for your friendship, for your leadership and most especially for your urgency — your urgency of the matter at hand, which is great to see from the leader of NATO. Look forward to working very closely with him and his team.

    And before we’re talking about what we’ve done at the ministerial, I want to reaffirm a few things from this podium. First, as we see it, NATO’s strategic objectives are to prevent great power conflict in Europe, deter nuclear and non-nuclear aggression, and defeat threats to treaty allies should deterrence fail.

    Second, the US is committed to building a stronger more lethal NATO. However, we must ensure that European and Canadian commitment to article three of this treaty is just as strong. Article three says that allies, and I quote, “By means of continuous and effective self-help and mutual aid will maintain and develop their individual and collective capacity to resist armed attack.”

    Leaders of our European allies should take primary responsibility for defense of the continent, which means security ownership by all allies guided by a clear understanding of strategic realities and it’s an imperative given the strategic realities that we face. And that begins with increasing defense spending. 2 percent is a start, as President Trump has Trump has said, but it’s not enough, nor is 3 percent, nor is 4 percent. More like 5 percent. Real investment. Real urgency.

    We can talk all we want about values. Values are important. But you can’t shoot values. You can’t shoot flags and you can’t shoot strong speeches. There is no replacement for hard power. As much as we may not want to like the world we live in, in some cases, there’s nothing like hard power. It should be obvious that increasing allied European defense spending is critical as the President of the United States has said.

    Also critical is expanding our defense industrial base capacity on both sides of the Atlantic. Our dollars, our euros, our pounds must become real capabilities.  The US is fully committed under President Trump’s leadership to pursue these objectives in face — in the face of today’s threats.

    Yesterday, I had a chance to attend the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. Today, participated in both the NATO ministerial and the Ukraine Council. In both, we discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. I had the chance to brief allies on President Trump’s top priority; a diplomatic peaceful end to this war as quickly as possible in a manner that creates enduring and durable peace.

    The American Defense Department fully supports the efforts of the Trump administration and we look to allies to support this important work with leading on Ukraine security assistance now through increased contributions and greater ownership of future security assistance to Ukraine. To that end, I want to thank my UK counterpart, Defense Secretary John Healey, for hosting this Ukraine Defense Contact Group and for his leadership on support of Ukraine.

    President Trump gave me a clear mission, achieve peace through strength as well as put America first, our people, our taxpayers, our borders, and our security. We are doing this by reviving the warrior ethos, rebuilding our military and reestablishing deterrence. NATO should pursue these goals as well. NATO is a great alliance, the most successful defense alliance in history.

    But to endure for the future, our partners must do far more for Europe’s defense. We must make NATO great again. It begins with defense spending, but must also include reviving the transatlantic defense industrial base, rapidly fielding emerging technologies, prioritizing readiness and lethality, and establishing real deterrence.

    Finally, I want to close with this. After World War II first General and then President Eisenhower was one of NATO’s strongest supporters. He believed in a strong relationship with Europe. However, by the end of Eisenhower’s presidency, even he was concerned that Europe was not shouldering enough of its own defense, nearly making, in Eisenhower’s words, “A sucker out of Uncle Sam.” Well, like President Eisenhower, this administration believes in alliances. Deeply believes in alliances. But make no mistake, President Trump will not allow anyone to turn Uncle Sam into Uncle Sucker. Thank you, and we’re glad to take some questions.

    UNKNOWN:  Thanks very much. Let’s start with the US traveling TV pool with Liz Frieden.

    Q:  Thank you, Secretary Hegseth. You have focused on what Ukraine is giving up. What concessions will Putin be asked to make?

    DEFENSE SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH:  Well, that’s — I would start by saying the arguments that have been made that somehow coming to the table right now is making concessions to Vladimir Putin outright, that we otherwise — or that the President of the United States shouldn’t otherwise make, I just reject that at its face.

    There’s a reason why negotiations are happening right now, just a few weeks after President Trump was sworn in as President United States. Vladimir Putin responds to strength. In 2014 he invaded Crimea, not during the presidency of Donald Trump. Over four years, there was no Russian aggression from 2016 to 2020. In 2022, Vladimir Putin took aggression on Ukraine. Once again, not while President Trump was President of the United States.

    So any suggestion that President Trump is doing anything other than negotiating from a position of strength is on its face a historical and false. So when you look at what he may have to give or take, what’s in or what’s out in those negotiations, we have the perfect dealmaker at the table from a position of strength to deal with both Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy.

    No one’s going to get everything that they want, understanding who committed the aggression in the first place. But I challenge anyone else to think of a world leader at this moment who, with credibility and strength, could bring those two leaders to the table and forge a durable peace that ultimately serves the interests of Ukraine, stops the killing and the death, which president has been — Trump has been clear he wants to do and hopefully ultimately is guaranteed — or guaranteed by strength of Europeans who are there prepared to back it up.

    Q:  To follow up on that — follow up. Thank you, sir. Why not invoke article five then for the NATO peacekeeping forces that could potentially be deployed? Like, how does that deter President Putin?

    DEFENSE SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH:  Well, I would say I want to be clear about something as it pertains to NATO membership not being realistic outcome for negotiations. That’s something that was stated as part of my remarks here as part of a coordination with how we’re executing these ongoing negotiations, which are led by President Trump.

    All of that said, these negotiations are led by President Trump. Everything is on the table in his conversations with Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy. What he decides to allow or not allow is at the purview of the leader of the free world of President Trump. So I’m not going to stand at this podium and declare what President Trump will do or won’t do, what will be in or what will be out, what concessions will be made or what concessions are not made.

    I can look as our team has of what’s realistic, likely on an outcome. I think realism is an important part of the conversation that hasn’t existed enough inside conversations amongst friends. But simply pointing out realism, like the borders won’t be rolled back to what everybody would like them to be in 2014, is not a concession to Vladimir Putin. It’s a recognition of hard power realities on the ground after a lot of investment and sacrifice first by the Ukrainians and then by allies and then a realization that a negotiated peace is going to be some sort of demarcation that neither side wants. But it’s not my job as the Secretary of Defense to define the parameters of the President of the United States as he leads some of the most complex and consequential negotiations in the world.

    UNKNOWN:  Sticking with the US press, let us go with Axios’ Zach Basu right in the far right.

    Q:  Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Given the position you’ve now staked out, what leverage exactly is Ukraine being left with, especially if the US also plans to wind down its military aid? And then quickly, if a NATO ally is attacked by Russia or any country, will the US unequivocally uphold its obligations under article five regardless of that country’s —

    DEFENSE SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH:  — We’ve said we’re committed to the alliance and that’s part of the alliance, right? You pointed out article five. You point out article three — it’s just a cheap — I’m not saying it’s cheap coming from you — but it’s just a cheap political point to say, oh, we’ve left all the negotiating cards off the table by recognizing some realities that exist on the ground. President Zelenskyy understands the realities on the ground. President Putin understands the realities on the ground. And President Trump, as a dealmaker, as a negotiator, understands those dynamics as well.

    By no means is anything that I state here, even though we lead the most powerful military in the world, hemming in the commander in chief, in his negotiations, to ultimately decide where it goes or does not go. Well, he’s got all the cards he would like.

    And the interesting part is oftentimes while the conventional status quo mindset or the legacy media wants to play checkers, the same checkers game we’ve been playing for decades, President Trump time and time again finds a way to play chess — as a dealmaker, as a businessman who understands how to create realities and opportunities where they otherwise may not exist.

    Take for example, the conversations that our treasury secretary had in Kyiv recently with President Zelenskyy, which will continue in Munich with our vice president and secretary of state, around investments and resources inside Ukraine. I don’t want to get ahead of any decision or announcement that could be made there, it could be any number of parameters.

    But President Trump as a dealmaker and a businessman recognizes that an investment relationship with Ukraine, ultimately in the long term for the United States, is a lot more tangible than any promises or shared values we might have, even though we have them. There is something to relationships and deals in real ways, whether militarily or economically or diplomatically, that he sees that are possibilities that could forge together a lot of opportunities to show that solidarity that Vladimir Putin will clearly recognize.

    That’s one of any number of other opportunities that this president will leverage in these high-stake negotiations. So, I just reject on its face the premise that somehow President Trump isn’t dealing with a full set of cards when he’s the one that can determine ultimately what cards he holds.

    UNKNOWN:  Great. Now shifting to the international press, we’ll take the French wire service Agence France Presse with Max Delaney.

    Q:  Thank you very much, Secretary of Defense. Can you — you’ve spoken about trying to force both Putin and Zelenskyy to the table. Can you give a guarantee that no deal will be forced on Ukraine that they do not want to accept? And also, that you will include Europe in the negotiations about their own — about an issue that concerns European security? And can you tell us whether the US will continue to supply arms to Ukraine during any negotiations?

    DEFENSE SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH:  Well, to the first part of your question, that’s not ultimately my decision. The president will lead these negotiations alongside our secretary of state, our national security advisor, and numerous other officials that will be involved. And ultimately, we’ve played our role in talking to our NATO allies about what that would look like.

    President Trump, I want to point out, I’ve got the truth’s right here that he posted, called both, in case we missed it, Vladimir Putin and President Zelenskyy, called them both. Any negotiation that’s had will be had with both.

    I also am very encouraged by what the secretary general has said here. Clearly attuned to the realities of the moment, the need for peace, and that the NATO alliance and European members will play a role in that.

    Ultimately, President Trump speaking to those two countries is central to the deal being made. But it affects a lot of people, of course. So, I’m not going to be involved in those intimate diplomatic negotiations. That’s for the pros atop the Trump administration who do diplomacy and negotiations. Ultimately as security assistance, we have continued to provide what has been allocated.

    I think it would be fair to say that things like future funding, either less or more, could be on the table in negotiations as well. Whatever the president determines is the most robust carrot or stick on either side to induce a durable peace, understanding, obviously, the motivations that Vladimir Putin has had on Ukraine for quite some time. Thank you.

    UNKNOWN:  We’ll have a second international press outlet. We’ll go with the German paper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung with Dr. Thomas Gutschker.

    Q:  Thanks a lot. Thomas Gutschker of Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Good afternoon. Mr. Secretary, two questions, please. The first one regarding the new Defense Investment Pledge.

    When you and President Trump speak about raising it to 5 percent, do you mean European allies only, or do you mean the US as well, which is currently at 3.4 percent according to NATO statistics? And if the latter is true, when do you think the US could possibly reach the goal of spending 5 percent on defense? That’s number one.

    Number two, you said yesterday that Europeans need to take ownership of their own conventional security. So, should Europeans expect that ultimately the US would withdraw the bulk of their forces from Europe and just leave in place what is necessary for nuclear deterrence? I know there’s a revision going on. I don’t expect you to name any numbers but maybe give us an outlook of what we should expect. Thank you.

    DEFENSE SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH:  Thank you. I think nobody can or should contest the extent of America’s willingness to invest in national security. We have a budget of $850 billion spent on defense. I’m in the business of ensuring that every dollar of that is used wisely, which is why we’re pushing a Pentagon audit and making sure that we’re cutting fat so that we’ve got more at the tip of the spear.

    3.4 percent is a very robust investment, larger than most of our allies within NATO. Any defense minister or secretary of defense that tells you they wouldn’t want more would be lying to you, I understand that. Ultimately, we have our own budgetary considerations to be had, but I don’t think an unwillingness of NATO allies to invest in their own defense spending can be dismissed away by trying to point at the $900 billion that America has invested around the globe to include the NATO alliance and saying that’s not enough.

    So, ultimately, we are very much committed to the NATO alliance and to our allies. But without burden sharing, without creating the right set of incentives for European countries to invest, then we would be forced to attempt to be everywhere for everybody all the time, which in a world of fiscal restraints is, again, to get back to that word reality, just not reality.

    So, yes, we will continue to spend robustly. Our expectation of our friends, and we say this in solidarity, is you have to spend more on your defense, for your country, on that continent, understanding that the American military and the American people stand beside you as we have in NATO, but can’t have the expectation of expectation of being the permanent guarantor, as I alluded to, from what even Eisenhower observed post-World War II.

    That shift has to happen. The peace dividend has to end. There are autocrats with ambitions around the globe from Russia to the communist Chinese. Either the West awakens to that reality and creates combat multipliers with their allies and partners to include NATO, or we will abdicate that responsibility to somebody else with all the wrong values.

    You mentioned Europe, we have not said in any way that we’re abandoning our allies in Europe. There have been no decisions based on troop levels. Again, that’s a discussion to be had by the commander in chief in these high-stake negotiations. And that would most likely come later on. But there is a recognition that the ambitions of the communist Chinese are a threat to free people everywhere, to include America’s interests in the Pacific.

    And it makes a lot of sense, just in a commonsense way, to use our comparative advantages. European countries spending here in defense of this continent, in defense of allies here against an aggressor on this continent with ambitions. That strikes me as the right place to — and I don’t say that in a condescending way. I say that in a common sense, practical way.

    Investing in defense on the continent makes sense. We support that as well. It also makes sense comparatively and geographically for the United States, along with allies in the Pacific like Japan and South Korea and the Philippines and Australia and others, to also invest in allies and partners and capabilities in the Pacific to project power there in service of deterrence. That deterrent effect in the Pacific is one that really can only be led by the United States.

    We wish we could lead everywhere at all times. We will stand in solidarity with allies and partners and encourage everyone to invest in order to have forced multiplication of what we represent, but it requires realistic conversations. Those with disingenuous motives in the media, I don’t mean to look at you, just saying anyone, that suggests it’s abandonment are trying to drive a wedge between allies that does not exist.

    We are committed to that NATO alliance. We understand the importance of that partnership, but it can’t endure on the status quo forever in light of the threats we face and fiscal realities. Europe has to spend more. NATO has to spend more. Has to invest more. And we’re very encouraged by what the secretary general has said and frankly, by — behind closed doors, what a lot of our allies have said as well acknowledging that reality.

    And that’s why when I say make NATO great again, it’s what President Trump set out to do in 2017. The press said President Trump is abandoning NATO. He’s turning his back on our NATO allies. That’s what is — that’s what the headlines read in 2017 and 2018. What actually happened? That tough conversation created even more investment to the point where now almost every NATO country is meeting the 2 percent goal that was said to be egregious when he first said it. Now European countries are stepping up and President Trump continues to ring the alarm bell that even more investment is required considering where we are.

    So suggestions of abandonment otherwise continue to be disingenuous and we are — we are proud to be part of this alliance and stand by it.

    UNKNOWN:  Sir —

    DEFENSE SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH:  — I’ll take a couple more.

    UNKNOWN:  Sure. Why don’t we take one from a US outlet and one from an international outlet. With the US outlet — pardon me, sir, what we’re going to take from the US is Logan Rateck from Newsmax, please.

    Q:  Mr. Secretary, you talked about what — you talked about expanding the defense industrial base and also expediting foreign military sales. Can you expand on that a little bit and how important that is to NATO?

    DEFENSE SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH:  Well, one of the self-evident conclusions of the — of the war in Ukraine was the underinvestment that both the European continent and America has had, unfortunately, in the defense industrial base, the ability to produce munitions, emerging technologies rapidly and field them was a blind spot exposed through the aggression against Ukraine.

    Ukraine has responded to that, as we’ve had a chance to listen to a great deal. Europe is responding to that, and so is America. We have to do more to ensure — whether you call it the arsenal for democracy or defending the free world, if America can’t build and export and build and provide rapid capabilities because we’re too stale or static or bureaucratic or the Pentagon is bloated, then we’re not able to field the systems we need in the future.

    So deep and dramatic reforms are coming at the Defense Department with the leadership of President Trump to ensure that we’re investing robustly in our defense industrial base. A great example is shipbuilding. We need to vastly increase our ability to build ships and submarines, not just for ourselves, but to honor our obligations to our allies as well.

    And we will do that. Foreign military sales is another thing I mentioned this morning with the secretary general. We have for a long time been the country by with and through that our allies are able to supply major platforms and weapon systems like the F-35 and the Patriots and others. Whatever the system is, we need to reform that process so it’s quicker, so a request today isn’t delivered seven years from now, but three years from now with less red tape and with the most efficient and effective technology possible.

    We hear that from our allies, and that’s part of being a good faith partner is we’re going to invest in our defense industrial base. We’re going to make sure foreign military sales are as rapid as possible, which again is a force multiplier for American power, which is something we want to do in a contested world.

    UNKNOWN:  For our final question, we’ll go to an international outlet. The Japanese service NHK with Tsuchiya Tsujita, please.

    Q:  Tsuchiya from NHK, the Japanese TV station, thank you very much. I would like to ask about China. As you mentioned that the US will be prioritizing and deterring China, what role will you be expecting Japan and IPv4 countries to play in this context?

    DEFENSE SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH:  Sure. I mean, first of all, I would point out that President Trump has expressed a strong relationship with Xi Jinping. We don’t have an inevitable desire to clash with China. There’s a recognition that there are divergent interests which lead to a need for strength on the American side to ensure our interests are advanced and that ultimately any aggression is deterred. That’s a real thing, but we don’t feel like conflict is inevitable and certainly don’t seek conflict with China. And that’s why President Trump has that good relationship with Xi Jinping.

    But it was prudent for us to work with allies and partners in the Pacific to ensure that that deterrence, hard power deterrence, not just reputational, but reality exists. And that’s why a lot of my first phone calls as Secretary of Defense were to Pacific allies, to Australia, to Japan, to South Korea, to the Philippines and others and will continue because that, just as this alliance in Europe is critical, working by with and through allies and partners in that region who understand the reality of the ascendant Chinese threat will be critical.

    It can’t be America alone. It won’t be America alone if we are to deter that. So it’s — it is a focus. I’ve articulated that from day one. America achieves strength, whether it’s in this — in the — in the — in peace through the Ukrainian conflict or deterring it in the Pacific through strength. There’s a reason why Donald Trump emphasizes peace through strength at every moment.

    My job, my job alone as the Secretary of Defense is to ensure he has the strongest, most capable, most lethal military possible. Heaven forbid we have to use it. It’s meant and built for deterrence. But if we have to, we can close with and destroy our enemies and bring our men and women home with success as quickly as possible. Thank you very much for being here.

    UNKNOWN:  Thank you, everyone.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: South Coast Build to Rent homes construction to start

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 14 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

    Landcom’s build to rent project on the South Coast will start construction in the coming months to deliver much needed housing supply and security for the region’s renters.

    The NSW Government developer Landcom has signed with Ulladulla based Zauner Construction Pty Ltd to deliver the construction of 60 new homes in Bomaderry.

    The 48 new homes will be provided at market rates for long term rental, with the remaining twelve set aside for affordable housing for households on low to moderate incomes.

    The building will demonstrate best practice sustainable design to maximise energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and provide a healthy environment for residents with fresh air and natural light.

    There will be a mix of apartment sizes to suit the needs, lifestyles and budgets of the local community.  Future residents will be close to Bomaderry railway station and have easy access to shops, open space and other amenities.

    Construction will take around 18 months with new residents expected to move in by late 2026.

    This week the NSW Government announced Landcom’s plans to transform the former WestConnex dive site at Camperdown into 500 new apartments including 200 Build to Rent apartments with discounted rents for essential workers like nurses, paramedics, teachers, police officers and firefighters.

    Landcom is also leading the development of 50 new apartments in the NSW Northern Rivers as part of its Build to Rent Program in regional NSW.

    For more information about the project visit Landcom: Bomaderry | Landcom

    Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

    “Landcom was formed by the Wran Labor Government and under a Minns Labor Government we are seeing a new level of investment and is supporting the delivery of new homes.

    “From the regions to our city centres, the NSW Government is getting on with the job of delivering more affordable, well-built and connected homes to those that need it.

    “The Minns Labor Government’s program is boosting housing supply in areas where we know people are struggling with the rising cost of rent.

    “This will provide a boost to jobs and the local economy in the Shoalhaven region.”

    Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

    “The injection of housing is welcome news and will be of great benefit to many families in the area. It is developments such as this that has been the missing link for Bomaderry and the South Coast.

    “Long term, secure rental housing is important now, more than ever. I am proud to be part of the Minns Labor Government that is taking action to address the housing crisis in NSW.”

    Duty MLC for Kiama Sarah Kaine MLC said:

    “This is a great development, backed by responsible investment of government money, to boost housing supply, and tackle the housing crisis head on.

    “It’s great to be part of a Government that is investing in affordable housing in our regional communitites and supporting local jobs.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Thousands of Central Coast first home buyers in their happy places thanks to stamp duty leg up

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 14 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for the Central Coast, Minister for the Hunter

    More than 2,000 first home buyers have found their dream home on the Central Coast thanks to the Minns Labor Government’s signature stamp duty assistance program.

    The 2,145 new homeowners on the Central Coast have saved a combined $47.6 million in stamp duty since July 2023.

    The popular initiative has seen first home buyers across the Coast save an average of $22,185, significantly easing the pressure for people saving for a deposit.

    The First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme provides a full exemption from stamp duty for eligible buyers purchasing up to $800,000, and a concession for purchases between $800,000 and $1 million.

    In Gosford, 628 buyers have saved a combined $13.5 million, while 522 new home owners in Wyong saved $11.3 million.

    In The Entrance, 307 buyers shared in $6.9 million in savings, and 65 buyers at Avoca Beach benefited by $1.3 million.

    Statewide, total savings for more than 50,000 first home buyers across NSW have topped $1 billion.

    The 50,000 families milestone coincides with the release of a helpful dashboard detailing the program’s impact suburb-by-suburb.

    The First Home Buyers Assistance Dashboard also provides program statistics Central Coast wide – as it does for every Local Government Area and regional classification in the state. It will be updated regularly and can be viewed here: First home buyers assistance dashboard | Revenue NSW

    First home buyers can learn more about the program and calculate their potential stamp duty savings here: First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme – how to apply | NSW Government

    This program is just one part of a suite of reforms from the Minns Government to help address the housing crisis and ease cost of living pressures.

    This includes sweeping reforms of the planning system to deliver more housing, including establishing the Housing Delivery Authority to speed up approvals.

    Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

    “This Minns Government program is fantastic news for the more than 2,000 families, couples and singles able to get into their first home sooner in our beautiful region.

    “The more than $22,000 in average savings per homeowner is making a big difference for people saving up for a deposit.

    “Home is where the heart is, and there’s nothing better for Coasties to have a place to call their own in a region they love.”

    Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:

    “Buying your first home is a major achievement and I’m thrilled the Minns Labor Government is helping so many first home buyers reach this milestone.

    “Our community is a great place to live, work and play and this scheme is allowing people to build their dream life in one of the best places in NSW.”

    Member for The Entrance David Mehan said:

    “The Minns Labor Government’s stamp duty assistance program is making home ownership more accessible, providing real relief for local families entering the housing market.

    “It’s great to see that local residents are benefiting from this fantastic initiative” 

    Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

    “With over 628 first home buyers in Gosford alone saving a combined $13.5 million dollars under this scheme, the Minns Labor Government is ensuring that families across NSW can achieve their dream of home ownership.

    “I want the students that I taught to be able to make a home on the Central Coast, not be forced to leave their hometowns because they can’t afford a deposit to get into the housing market.

    “This program is making home ownership a reality again for thousands of Coasties.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Celebs, polis feature in new book about migrant journeys – AMES

    Source: AMES

    SA Premier Peter Malinauskas, former Socceroo Archie Thompson and leading contemporary artist Saidin Salkic feature in a new book that tells the stories of second-generation migrant Australians.

    Titled ‘At the Heart of Identity’, the book is a collection of reflections from Australians who share their families’ settlement journeys and their own search for identity.

    It includes inspirational and heart-wrenching stories of migrant families as well as the sense of hope and opportunity that characterises Australia’s migration history.

    Contributors include South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, whose family hails from Lithuania, and former Socceroo Archie Thompson, who has a New Zealand-born father and mother from Papua New Guinea.

    Also sharing their stories are federal MP Cassandra Fernando, whose parents are from Sri Lanka, and Victorian state MP Lee Tarlamis, who has Greek heritage.

    Artist Saidin Salkic, whose father was victim of the Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia, is also a contributor, along with others from Africa, Kurdistan, Vietnam, Malta, Yugoslavia, Burma, Italy and Ukraine.

    Launched in Parliament House, Canberra, this week as part of migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia’s annual ‘Heartlands’ cultural project, the book is a reflection of Australia’s long and diverse history as a nation of migrants.

    AMES CEO Cath Scarth said the book was timely at a point in history when polarisation and divisiveness are on the rise across the globe.

    “Stories of settlement in Australia, no matter where you have come from, are things that unite us,” Ms Scarth said.

    “These stories are reflection of how migrants have helped to build Australia and helped to create the successful brand of multiculturalism we enjoy along with the high levels of social cohesion that we have built,” she said.

    One of the contributors is Carmen Capp-Calleya, who came to Australia from Malta with her parents in 1958 – surviving a shipwreck along the way.

    “The tragic incident, the first major shipping disaster since the end of WW11, had an enduring impact on me and my family. It left us with an indelible sense that we were indeed migrants who had crossed the seas to make a new life,” she says in the book.

    Former Socceroo Archie Thompson tells of his trouble childhood.

    “I grew up in country town in NSW and I was pretty much the only dark-skinned kid in town. That made things difficult at times, but I was able to find a community through football,” he says.

     

    SA Premier Peter Malinauskas’ family came to Australia in 1949 escaping war-torn Europe.

    “When my grandparents got married, they bought a block of land on Trimmer Parade, Seaton, where they built their home and, for many years, operated a fish and chip shop. I distinctly remember as a young boy standing at that fish and chip shop my grandfather built with his own bare hands as he told me about the importance of taking opportunities,” he says.

    Federal MP Cassandra Fernando tells of growing up in a vibrant multicultural community.

     

    “I loved the diversity in South-East Melbourne, a cultural melting pot of Greeks, Italians, Vietnamese, and more. Here, I learned the true meaning of community as people from

    different backgrounds came together,” she says.

     

    Victorian MP Lee Tarlamis tells of reconnecting with his heritage.

     

    “I became determined to reconnect with Greek culture. Embracing both the Greek community and my wife’s Vietnamese culture helped me value diversity and the importance of preserving it,” he says in the book.

     

    Park Ranger James Brincat, whose parts came from Malta in the 1950s, says racism was part of his childhood.

     

    “Growing up in a migrant family was challenging due to racism and being unsure of my identity because of the media’s mixed messages. These experiences strengthened me and now guide my work with refugee communities,” he says.

               

    Architect and artist Maru Jarockyj’s parents fled Ukraine after WWII and settled in the UK. She came to Australia as a young woman.

     

    “Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent devastating war has sparked some deep latent emotions in me and reignited a sense of patriotism. Ukrainian culture

    has always been important to me, and I’ve been involved in folk music and art throughout my life,” she says.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – SA Premier features in book of migrant stories – AMES

    Source: AMES

    South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas features in new book that tells the stories of second-generation migrant Australians.

    Titled ‘At the Heart of Identity’, the book is a series of reflections from people sharing their families’ settlement journeys and their own search for identity.

    Premier Malinauskas shares his family’s post war journey to Australia and his own childhood growing up in a migrant community.

    He tells in the book how his family came to Australia in 1949 escaping war-torn Europe.

    “At some point in the late 1930s in regional Hungary a 20-year-old widowed mother named Eta was left little choice but to temporarily leave her daughter with extended family while she sought work at a nearby town. It was a fateful moment. As World War II mercilessly engulfed Europe, Eta quickly found herself caught in the web of the war,” Premier Malinauskas says.

    “Moved from camp to camp as forced labour for the Nazis, no parent could bear to imagine the pain, frustration and sense of desperation that Eta must have felt as every avenue to get back to her daughter was closed. Despite multiple efforts to return to Hungary, by the war’s end Eta had been stuck in a German munitions factory.

    “As the Nazi regime collapsed and Eta closed that chapter of her life, her ambition for reunification with her daughter was again thwarted, this time by another peril in the form of communism. Having had her sole possession, a single bike, confiscated by the Russians at a key roadblock, Eta was again turned around and sent back to Germany,” he says.

    Premier Malinauskas tells how his grandparents met after separately coming to Australia as refugees from the aftermath of WWII.

    “When my grandparents got married, they bought a block of land on Trimmer Parade, Seaton, where they built their home and, for many years, operated a fish and chip shop. I distinctly remember as a young boy standing at that fish and chip shop my grandfather built with his own bare hands as he told me about the importance of taking opportunities,” he says.

    I distinctly remember as a young boy standing at that fish and chip shop my grandfather built with his own bare hands as he told me about the importance of taking opportunities. He was always talking about opportunity – every opportunity you’ve got to grab.

    “An equally clear memory is of the time I inquired about him becoming an Australian citizen and grandpa quickly rushing off to retrieve his naturalisation certificate. I cannot picture the certificate, but I can still feel the depth of meaning it had to him as a symbol of the opportunity this nation and this state had afforded Eta and himself.

     

    “The desire of my grandparents, including Bob and Ursula May from my mum’s side, to seek, seize and share opportunity, even in the face of real hardship, has undoubtedly influenced my politics,” he says.

    Premier Malinauskas says his family’s story is emblematic of Australia’s migration story.

    “…this is a story about a young state in an even younger nation whose infectious optimism about the future gave it the courage to be open to new people looking for one thing above all else: opportunity, the same sort of opportunity our first re-settlers sought 112 years earlier and the exact same sort of opportunity new arrivals to our shores seek today,” he says.

    Other contributors to the book are: former Socceroo Archie Thompson, who has a New Zealand-born father and mother from Papua New Guinea; federal MP Cassandra Fernando, whose parents are from Sri Lanka; leading contemporary artist Saidin Salkic; and architect Maru Jarockyj, whose parent were born in Ukraine.

    Launched at Parliament House, in Canberra this week, as part of migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia’s annual ‘Heartlands’ cultural project, the book is a reflection of Australia’s long and diverse history as a nation of migrants.

    AMES CEO Cath Scarth said the book was timely at a point in history when polarisation and divisiveness are on the rise across the globe.

    “Stories of settlement in Australia, no matter where you have come from, are things that unite us,” Ms Scarth said.

    “These stories are reflection of how migrants have helped to build Australia and helped to create the successful brand of multiculturalism we enjoy along with the high levels of social cohesion that we have built,” she said.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan Legislation Strengthens U.S./Israel Alliance, Reinstates “Peace Through Strength” Policies in the Middle East

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
    02.13.25
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), introduced a package of three bills focused on promoting stability and security in the Middle East: the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act, the United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025, and the Stop the ICC. These bills work to strengthen the U.S.-Israel military alliance, bolster the U.S. sanctions regime against Iran—the architect of chaos in the Middle East—and prohibit U.S. funding of or cooperation with the antisemitic International Criminal Court (ICC). Much of Sullivan’s Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act dovetails with President Trump’s recent executive orders on Iran and Israel.
    “Taken together, this suite of bills sends a clear message that the United States stands firmly with Israel,” said Senator Sullivan. “The Biden administration refused to enforce the comprehensive Iran sanctions that President Trump enacted during his first term. As a result, Iran was given more than $70 billion and used this windfall to spread terror across the Middle East and in Israel. Congress needs to send a clear message that this must stop. Further, to better protect our interests at home and strengthen our alliance with Israel, we must strengthen the U.S.-Israel security partnership and stand with Israel against antisemitic institutions that threaten the existence of our closest ally in the Middle East. It’s time to return to ‘peace through strength’ in the Middle East and stand stronger than ever against the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies that are threatening Israel and American interests throughout the region.” 
    See below for summaries of Senator Sullivan’s legislation.
    Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act
    This legislation supports the return to a maximum pressure posture toward Iran by strengthening the U.S. sanctions regime against Iran by filling the gaps on existing sanctions legislation and mandating rigorous enforcement of sanctions. Specifically, the legislation expands the range of sanctions to encompass the full logistical chain of Iranian energy exports, it creates an interagency task force to constantly track Iranian illicit activities, and it sunsets the timeline to issue sanctions waivers. It also includes provisions to encourage a new multilateral contact group with like-minded nations to coordinate international sanctions enforcement efforts.
    Specifically, the bill takes several important measures:
    Imposes secondary sanctions on the entire logistical chain of foreign entities supporting Iran’s illicit oil sales, including Chinese banks, maritime insurance providers, and flagging registries, as well as the executive-level leadership in those corporations and their immediate family members. It also imposes sanctions on family members of individuals in Iran sanctioned for terrorism, ballistic missile production, or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) facilities.
    Creates an interagency Iran sanctions working group tasked with constantly tracking illicit transfers of Iranian oil, gas, and related products, with a periodic reporting plan to outline efforts to keep abreast of the evolving sanctions-evasion efforts, and identify new sanctions designations packages.
    Creates a multilateral contact group for harmonizing and enforcing international sanctions on Iran.
    Directs the provision of a private sector reporting mechanism, which financially incentivizes private sector counterparts to share information about illicit Iranian transfer operations.
    Initiates a periodic (180-day) review by the President to justify maintaining existing waivers on eligible nations’ purchase of Iranian oil, accompanied by a detailed, credible plan to phase out the need for waivers for each applicable country. This would include sunset waiver authority on Iran sanctions, following a periodic congressional review.
    Sunsets the presidential sanctions waiver authority in February 1, 2029.
    This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).
    The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025
    This bill strengthens the U.S.-Israel security partnership by extending and expanding existing bilateral security initiatives. It also establishes new cooperative programs, including a broader initiative on unmanned systems, establishing a Defense Innovation Unit in Israel, and advocating for consideration of Israel’s inclusion in the National Technology Industrial Base (NTIB). Finally, it calls for greater cooperation between Israel and regional countries in advancing work on Integrated Air and Missile Defense.
    Specifically, this bill takes several important measures:
    Establishes a program between the United States and Israel on Countering Unmanned Systems (C-UxS). This entails a program of cooperation to develop, test, and deploy advanced C-UxS technologies to address threats posed by UAS, funded at $150 million per year.
    Extension and expansion of the U.S.-Israel Counter-UAS Cooperative Program. This would increase funding for the current initiative from $55 million to $75 million annually.
    Extension and expansion of the United States-Israel Anti-Tunneling Cooperative Program. Extends the authorization of the U.S.-Israel Anti-Tunneling Cooperative Program to Dec 31, 2028 and increases the authorization to $80 million per year.
    Authorizes cooperation between the United States and Israel on emerging defense technologies for 5 years (United States-Israel Future of Warfare Act).  Provides $47.5 million a year to encourage further defense collaboration with Israel in areas of emerging technologies, including autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum, and biotechnology.
    Reauthorizes the War Reserves Stockpile Authority – Israel (WRSA-I); extends the authorization of WRSA-I, which expires at the end of 2026, through January 1, 2029.
    Establishes a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) office in Israel. A DIU office in Israel will work with the Israeli Minister of Defense and private sector to counter Iran’s development of dual-use defense technologies.
    Israel-National Technology Industrial Base (NTIB) Engagement. This requires the Secretary of Defense to engage with his or her Israeli counterpart to initiate a discussion on the process of Israeli ascension into NTIB. 
    Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD). This requires the Secretary of Defense to provide a report on strengthening IAMD in the Middle East.
    This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).
    Stop the ICC Act
    This bill prohibits funding for and cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC), based on its antisemitic efforts to prosecute top Israeli officials and create a false equivalence between Israel and Hamas, a terrorist organization. It also prohibits U.S. economic support for the Palestinian Authority (PA) based on its cooperation with the ICC’s investigations against Israeli officials. Specifically, it instructs the President to freeze property assets and deny visas to any foreigners who materially or financially contributed to the ICC’s efforts to “investigate, arrest, detain or prosecute a protected person.” Protected persons are defined as all current and former military and government officials of the U.S. and allies that have not consented to the court’s jurisdiction, such as Israel.  The legislation covers the 32-member NATO and the 19 major non-NATO countries, which include Israel, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, South Korea, the Philippines, and Egypt. It would also rescind any funds the U.S. has designated for the ICC and prohibit any future money for the court.
    Background:  In May 2024, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan announced that he was seeking warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as Hamas leadership. In November 2024, the court issued warrants for Mr. Netanyahu, Mr. Gallant and Hamas leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
    This legislation is cosponsored by Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – CBA partners with NSW Government to deliver banking services, building a brighter future for people, businesses and communities – CBA

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

    CBA to deliver innovative payments and transaction banking services at scale, to shape the State’s digital future.

    NSW Government today announced that Commonwealth Bank has been selected to provide banking services and support to benefit the people, businesses and communities of the State.

    As part of the agreement, CBA will deliver liquidity management, transaction banking, merchant acquiring, FX, cross-border payments and transit payments services, to increase efficiency and make transacting with the government seamless for the people of New South Wales.

    CBA will help shape the State’s digital future by deploying the bank’s innovative payments technologies and transaction banking expertise, including globally recognised responsible AI capabilities, specialised government payment solutions and market leading merchant technologies.

    CBA has been retained to provide transit ticketing services for the NSW Government and will support the State to deliver new technologies for improved journey planning, payment and information access.

    As part of the long-term partnership, CBA is committed to delivering a number of benefits for the broader community and citizens of New South Wales, including investments to support small business, innovation and data insights.

    Approximately 40 per cent of all payments across Australia are processed through CBA’s network, and this rich data and insight will be leveraged to enable the government to make timely and informed data-driven decisions to help build a brighter future for the State.

    The agreement will also help to ensure the safety and security of payments through the implementation of CBA’s leading cyber and fraud management technologies, such as Namecheck, an Australian banking first that has saved the bank’s customers more than $400 million in mistaken payments and scams to date.

    Sinead Taylor, incoming CBA Group Executive, Institutional Banking and Markets, said CBA would bring the bank’s full breadth of transaction banking capabilities to drive better outcomes for New South Wales.

    “We are thrilled to have been given the opportunity by the New South Wales Government to harness our scale, digital innovation and government credentials to support a thriving, resilient and sustainable New South Wales.”

    “CBA is at the forefront of payments modernisation and our secure, resilient and innovative payments technologies, combined with our sophisticated scams and fraud mitigation tools, will drive efficiencies and deliver a better experience for people across the State.”

    “The New South Wales Government and CBA have a history of working together to drive innovation, with our long-standing partnership with Transport for NSW as just one example, and we look forward to broadening our partnership to benefit the people, businesses and communities of New South Wales.”

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs

    Source: The White House

    MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY

    THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

    THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY

    THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET

    THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

    THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR ECONOMIC POLICY

    THE SENIOR COUNSELOR TO THE PRESIDENT FOR TRADE AND MANUFACTURING

    SUBJECT: Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs

    Section 1.  Background.  The United States has one of the most open economies and has among the lowest average weighted tariff rates in the world.  The United States imposes fewer barriers to imports than other major world economies, including those with similar political and economic systems.  For many years, the United States has been treated unfairly by trading partners, both friend and foe.  This lack of reciprocity is one source of our country’s large and persistent annual trade deficit in goods — closed markets abroad reduce United States exports and open markets at home result in significant imports.  

         Our workers and industries bear the brunt of unfair practices and limited access to foreign markets.  As noted in the Presidential Memorandum of January 20, 2025 (America First Trade Policy Memorandum), this situation is untenable.  The trade deficit of the United States threatens our economic and national security, has hollowed out our industrial base, has reduced our overall national competitiveness, and has made our Nation dependent on other countries to meet our key security needs.  By making trade more reciprocal and balanced, we can reduce the trade deficit; grow the United States economy; and improve our trade relationships with trading partners to the benefit of American workers, manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, entrepreneurs, and businesses.  

         Sec. 2.  Policy.  It is the policy of the United States to reduce our large and persistent annual trade deficit in goods and to address other unfair and unbalanced aspects of our trade with foreign trading partners.  In pursuit of this policy, I will introduce the “Fair and Reciprocal Plan”(Plan).  Under the Plan, my Administration will work strenuously to counter non-reciprocal trading arrangements with trading partners by determining the equivalent of a reciprocal tariff with respect to each foreign trading partner.  This approach will be of comprehensive scope, examining non-reciprocal trade relationships with all United States trading partners, including any: 

         (a)  tariffs imposed on United States products; 

         (b)  unfair, discriminatory, or extraterritorial taxes imposed by our trading partners on United States businesses, workers, and consumers, including a value-added tax; 

         (c)  costs to United States businesses, workers, and consumers arising from nontariff barriers or measures and unfair or harmful acts, policies, or practices, including subsidies, and burdensome regulatory requirements on United States businesses operating in other countries; 

         (d)  policies and practices that cause exchange rates to deviate from their market value, to the detriment of Americans; wage suppression; and other mercantilist policies that make United States businesses and workers less competitive; and  

         (e)  any other practice that, in the judgment of the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Senior Counselor to the President for Trade and Manufacturing, imposes any unfair limitation on market access or any structural impediment to fair competition with the market economy of the United States. 

         The Plan shall ensure comprehensive fairness and balance across the international trading system by factoring in losses as a result of measures that disadvantage the United States as applied, regardless of what they are called or whether they are written or unwritten.  

         Sec. 3.  Taking Action.  (a)  After the submission of the specified agency reports due under the America First Trade Policy Memorandum, the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, the Senior Counselor to the President for Trade and Manufacturing, and the heads of such other executive departments and agencies as the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative deem relevant, shall initiate, pursuant to their respective legal authorities, all necessary actions to investigate the harm to the United States from any non-reciprocal trade arrangements adopted by any trading partners.  Upon completion of such necessary actions, they shall submit to me a report detailing proposed remedies in pursuit of reciprocal trade relations with each trading partner.

         (b)  Within 180 days of the date of this memorandum, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall assess all fiscal impacts on the Federal Government and the impacts of any information collection requests on the public, and shall deliver an assessment in writing to the President.

         Sec. 4.  Definitions.  For the purposes of this memorandum:

        (a)  “Value-added tax” means a type of consumption tax that is levied on the incremental increase in value of a good or service at each stage of the supply chain.

         (b)  “Nontariff barrier” or “measure” means any government-imposed measure or policy or nonmonetary barrier that restricts, prevents, or impedes international trade in goods, including import policies, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, government procurement, export subsidies, lack of intellectual property protection, digital trade barriers, and government-tolerated anticompetitive conduct of state-owned or private firms.

         Sec. 5.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

              (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

              (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

         (b)  This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

         (c)  This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

         (d)  The United States Trade Representative is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Announces “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” on Trade

    Source: The White House

    THE “FAIR AND RECIPROCAL PLAN”: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum ordering the development of a comprehensive plan for restoring fairness in U.S. trade relationships and countering non-reciprocal trading arrangements.

    • The “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” will seek to correct longstanding imbalances in international trade and ensure fairness across the board.
    • Gone are the days of America being taken advantage of: this plan will put the American worker first, improve our competitiveness in every area of industry, reduce our trade deficit, and bolster our economic and national security. 

    AMERICA WILL NO LONGER TOLERATE UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES: The United States is one of the most open economies in the world, yet our trading partners keep their markets closed to our exports. This lack of reciprocity is unfair and contributes to our large and persistent annual trade deficit.

    • There are endless examples where our trading partners do not give the United States reciprocal treatment.
      • The U.S. tariff on ethanol is a mere 2.5%. Yet Brazil charges the U.S. ethanol exports a tariff of 18%. As a result, in 2024, the U.S. imported over $200 million in ethanol from Brazil while the U.S. exported only $52 million in ethanol to Brazil.
      • The U.S. average applied Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff on agricultural goods is 5%. But India’s average applied MFN tariff is 39%. India also charges a 100% tariff on U.S. motorcycles, while we only charge a 2.4% tariff on Indian motorcycles.
      • The European Union can export all the shellfish it wants to America. But the EU bans shellfish exports from 48 of our states, despite committing in 2020 to expedite approvals for shellfish exports. As a result, in 2023, the U.S. imported $274 million in shellfish from the EU but exported only $38 million.
      • The EU also imposes a 10% tariff on imported cars. Yet the U.S. only imposes a 2.5% tariff.
      • A 2019 report found that across 132 countries and more than 600,000 product lines, United States exporters face higher tariffs more than two-thirds of the time.
    • This lack of reciprocity is one source of America’s large and persistent annual trade deficit in goods: closed markets abroad reduce U.S. exports and open markets at home result in significant imports, both of which undercut American competitiveness.
      • The United States has run a trade deficit of goods every year since 1975. In 2024, our trade deficit in goods exceeded $1 trillion.
      • Thanks to the proliferation of non-reciprocal barriers in just the last few years, the U.S. now runs a trade deficit in agriculture, worth around $40 billion in 2024.
    • Though America has no such thing, and only America should be allowed to tax American firms, trading partners hand American companies a bill for something called a digital service tax.
      • Canada and France use these taxes to each collect over $500 million per year from American companies.
      • Overall, these non-reciprocal taxes cost America’s firms over $2 billion per year.
      • Reciprocal tariffs will bring back fairness and prosperity to the distorted international trade system and stop Americans from being taken advantage of.

    THE ART OF THE INTERNATIONAL DEAL: President Trump continues to deliver on his mandate given to him by the American People to put America First when it comes to trade.

    • As President Trump said in the Presidential Memorandum on American First Trade Policy on his first day in office, trade policy is a critical component of our economic security and national security.
    • In his first term, President Trump successfully ended the outdated and unfair NAFTA, replacing it with the historic USMCA to deliver one of the largest wins for American workers.
    • When our national security was threatened by a global oversupply of steel and aluminum, President Trump took swift action to protect America’s national security by implementing tariffs on imports of these goods.
    • In response to China’s intellectual property theft, forced technology transfer, and other unreasonable behavior, President Trump acted with conviction to impose tariffs on imports from China, using that leverage to reach a historic bilateral economic agreement.

    Just last week, President Trump leveraged tariffs to force Canada and Mexico to make long-overdue changes at our northern and southern borders, ensuring the safety and security of American citizens.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash on the Barrier Highway

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police are at the scene of a serious crash at Porter Lagoon in the state’s mid north.

    At 6.20am on Friday 14 February, emergency services were called to the Barrier Highway, 18 kms south of Burra after reports of a single truck roll over.

    The Barrier Highway is closed between Black Springs and Hanson.

    Motorists are asked to avoid the area.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW Government puts trust in NAB to transform banking and payments

    Source: National Australia Bank

    NAB has been selected by the NSW Government to provide whole of government banking and payment services for the next five years, the NSW Treasurer announced today.

    Under the partnership arrangement, all NSW Government agencies across the state will be able to access simple, secure and cost-effective core banking solutions through NAB’s transactional banking services, merchant services, purchasing and procurement cards and payment facilities.

    NAB’s market-leading digital payment and cash management solutions, including its real-time payments technology and NAB Liquidity+ platform, as well as its advanced fraud and scam prevention capabilities, will also be utilised.

    Safe, simple, reliable banking solutions for the largest state economy

    NAB Group Executive Corporate & Institutional Banking, Cathryn Carver, said NAB was thrilled to partner with the NSW Government to deliver more customer-centric, efficient and modern banking and payments solutions for the citizens and businesses of NSW.

    “With the largest population, business footprint and economy of all the states, the financial strength and stability of the NSW Government carries great weight in Australia. As their banking partner, NAB is committed to providing superior products and services to help maintain a safe, efficient and cost-effective financial ecosystem in the state,” Ms Carver said.

    “We’re confident our best-in-market technology innovation and industry expertise, especially through our liquidity management, FX, cross-border payments, and New Payments Platform programs, will also deliver a lot of value as the Government progresses the NSW digital strategy,” Ms Carver said.

    A shared ambition for greater customer-centricity

    NAB’s strategy places customer centricity at the core.

    “As Australia’s biggest business bank, and with wide-reaching corporate and institutional and personal banking divisions, NAB has a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver the best banking solutions and outcomes for businesses, customers and communities,” Ms Carver added.

    “The value we place on customer-centricity aligns with that of the NSW Government, and this sets the stage for us to jointly develop payment solutions that are truly simpler, safer, and more secure for the citizens and businesses of NSW.”

    A partnership built on more than money

    A strong alignment on social priorities further enhances the partnership between NAB and the NSW Government, with both committed to tackling affordable housing and cost-of-living pressures, progressing a just transition, and supporting indigenous and small business growth and resilience.

    “Our shared values and investment plans surrounding key societal issues was a central discussion point throughout the selection process,” Ms Carver said, adding “being in lockstep on strategic priorities creates terrific footing for a long and trusted partnership.”

    “NAB’s $6 billion ambition to fund more specialist and affordable housing, our deep community partnerships with highly-regarded organisations, like the Salvos, and our support of the Australian Business Growth Fund and National Reconstruction Fund were just a few of the examples we shared to demonstrate our purpose-driven strategy.

    “It was also pleasing to have received such a positive response to our deep banking expertise in critical sectors for NSW such as education, health and infrastructure, and our ongoing investment into start-ups and technology innovation via our NAB Ventures business.”

    Today’s announcement progresses a partnership spanning more than a decade.

    “We’re delighted to be strengthening our long-standing relationship with the NSW Government and supporting its vision to deliver purposeful, digital solutions that enable a thriving, resilient and prosperous New South Wales,” Ms Carver said.

    Notes to editors

    • The partnership agreement is for an initial term of five years with options to extend for a further six years.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: London: Shell must clean up its ‘toxic mess’ in Niger Delta

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Day one of Ogale and Bille communities vs Shell trial

    Photos of protest outside Royal Court of Justice available via link below

    ‘Shell must take responsibility for the poisoning they have caused both directly and indirectly and commit to cleaning up their toxic mess’ – Peter Frankental

    Activists and speakers – including King Okabi of the Ogale community – today called for an end to Shell’s pollution of the Niger Delta and compensation for the damage they have done on day one of the Ogale and Bille communities vs Shell trial.

    Amnesty International UK, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), AFRICA: Seen & Heard and Justice 4 Nigeria marked the start of the trial with the stunt ‘Ecocide Babe’ by British-Nigerian artist-activist The Crude Madonna outside the Royal Courts of Justice.

    For 60 years Shell’s oil spills and leaks due to poorly maintained pipelines, wells and inadequate clean-up attempts that have ravaged the health and livelihoods of many of the 30 million people living in the Niger Delta – most of whom live in poverty.

    More than 13,500 Ogale and Bille residents in the Niger Delta have filed claims against Shell over the past decade demanding the company clean up oil spills that they say have wrecked their livelihoods and caused widespread devastation to the local environment. They can’t fish anymore because their water sources, including their wells for drinking water, are poisoned and the land is contaminated which has killed plant life, meaning communities can no longer farm.   

    Ahead of the start of the trial, a stunt supported by the organisations (listed above) by The Crude Madonna – representing Niger Delta womanhood and resistance – wore traditional Nigerian dress and gold-painted Shell-shaped medallions saying ‘hell’ and ‘oil’ coated with ‘crude oil’ and holding the Ecocide Babe Alera (which means ‘it is enough’ in the local Khana language) with crude oil congealed around the baby’s mouth.

    Created by artists The Crude Madonna and THE DnA FACTORY MRSS, the Ecocide Babe symbolises the devastating effect of Shell’s oil pollution on fertility, pregnancy and infant health in the region as well as its overall impact on communities and the environment.

    Peter Frankental, Amnesty International UK’s Business and Human Rights Director, said:

    “This vividly powerful performance highlights the devastation that people across the Niger Delta have suffered for so long. Shell must take responsibility for the poisoning they have caused both directly and indirectly and commit to cleaning up their toxic mess before they leave the region.

    “Shell must not be allowed to leave without making sure the Niger Delta’s land and water are 100 percent clean of their petrochemical poison. It is vital that the affected communities are properly compensated and that they are fully involved in the legal process and their demands are reflected in the final ruling.”

    A protest also took place in Ogoniland in the Niger Delta as the trial began.

    Shell plc is domiciled in London and should be legally responsible for the environmental failures of its subsidiary company, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria. 

    Please see photos in link: https://marieanne.smugmug.com/Niger-Delta-communities-vs-Shell All photos credit M-A Ventoura/Amnesty International UK

    Image 1: Lazarus Tamana of MOSOP and The Crude Madonna protest Shell’s pollution of the Niger Delta outside the Royal Courts of Justice at the start the Ogale and Bille communities vs Shell trial. Credit M-A Ventoura/Amnesty International UK

    Images 2-4: Activists protest outside the Royal Courts of Justice at the start of the Ogale and Bille communities vs Shell trial. Credit M-A Ventoura/Amnesty International UK

    Image 5: The Crude Madonna holding the Ecocide Babe with crude oil congealed around the baby’s mouth – Niger Delta communities take Shell to court for Shell’s devastating pollution of the region. Credit M-A Ventoura/Amnesty International UK

    Image 6: King Okpabi of the Ogale community outside the court calls for an end to Shell’s pollution of the Niger Delta and compensation for the damage it has done. Credit: M-A Ventoura/Amnesty International UK

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Five more University Study Hubs coming to the outer suburbs

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    The Albanese Labor Government has announced the locations of the next five new Suburban University Study Hubs (SUSHs), bringing university closer to where people live in the outer suburbs.

    A recommendation of the Universities Accord, the SUSHs will help more people from the outer suburbs of our big cities get a crack at going to university.  

    The five new or expanded SUSHs will be located in:

    • Fairfield, NSW
    • Mt Druitt and Emerton, NSW
    • Liverpool, NSW
    • Inala, QLD
    • Beenleigh, QLD

    This adds to the 10 SUSHs the Government announced in November, and will bring the total number of SUSHs to 15.

    The first 10 SUSHs will be located in: 

    • Broadmeadows and Epping, Victoria
    • Melton, Victoria
    • Macquarie Fields, NSW
    • Kurri Kurri, NSW
    • Elizabeth, South Australia
    • Strathpine, Queensland
    • Sorell, Tasmania
    • Armadale, Western Australia
    • Ellenbrook, Western Australia
    • Mandurah, Western Australia

    All 15 SUSHs are expected to be open by late 2025.

    The evidence shows that where Study Hubs are, university participation goes up.

    In addition to the SUSHs, there are now 56 Regional University Study Hubs located across the country.

    In total, the Albanese Government is investing $66.9 million to establish more Study Hubs in the regions and in the outer suburbs of our major cities.

    These Study Hubs provide student support and campus-style facilities for students who are doing a university degree closer to home.

    The Albanese Government is also delivering a range of further reforms for students in higher education and vocational education, including:

    • Fixing HECS indexation and wiping $3 billion in student debt from around 3 million Australians
    • Introducing a Commonwealth prac payment for teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work students
    • Expanding Fee-Free University Ready courses
    • Committing to cut a further 20 per cent off all student loan debts, wiping around $16 billion in student debt for around 3 million Australians from 1 June next year
    • Committing to raise the minimum repayment threshold for student loans and cutting repayment rates to make the repayment system fairer for all Australians with a student debt by 1 July next year
    • Making free TAFE permanent.

    For more details visit the Australian Government Department of Education website.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

    “Almost one in two young people in their 20s and their 30s have a university degree today. But not everywhere. Not in our outer suburbs and not in regional Australia.

    “That’s why we are doubling the number of University Study Hubs, to bring university closer to them.

    “We know they work. The evidence is they increase the number of people going to uni and finishing a uni degree.

    “Now for the first time, we are putting these University Study Hubs in the outer suburbs.

    “I know growing up in Western Sydney I saw a lot of golden arches and KFC and Westfield but not a lot of university crests.

    “A lot of my friends felt like university was somewhere else for someone else.

    “I want this to change, and that means bringing university closer to where people live.”

    Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Education, Anthony Chisholm:

    “Where you live shouldn’t decide whether or not you can get a degree.

    “In outer suburbs like Beenleigh, only 8.7 per cent of the population have a Bachelor degree, our Suburban Uni Study Hubs aim to change stats like these.

    “These hubs will also create another pathway for the next nurse or the next teacher to get a degree and fill the gaps we have in our workforce.

    “Our regional hubs have helped thousands of students, now the suburban hubs will give those living in the outer suburbs a place to study, saving them from needing to commute or move into our city centres.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Social accommodation in cohousing block – Allocation of 10 flats in Via Fioravanti 24, Bologna – E-000515/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000515/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Stefano Cavedagna (ECR)

    The municipality of Bologna has launched the ‘Fioravanti 24’ cohousing project to provide 10 social housing flats with co-financing from EU funds (‘National Metro Plus and Southern Medium Cities Programme 2021-2027’, ERDF and ESF+[1]).

    The project, however, selects residents on the basis of ratings and criteria that are skewed towards people with experience in environmental and social activism and with a marked sensitivity to the ecological transition, thus raising questions about compliance with the principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in Articles 2 and 3 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and the acquis communautaire.

    These criteria risk excluding households in economically vulnerable conditions suffering energy poverty but which do not meet the ideological and experience requirements laid down in the notice, thus discriminating against people on the basis of their opinions.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission believe using European funds for a housing model with scores and selection criteria based on environmental and social activism to be compatible with the EU’s principles of equality and non-discrimination?
    • 2.What will it do to ensure that European funding for social housing and combating energy poverty is used for projects that are accessible to all citizens, regardless of their views or experiences on environmental and social matters?

    Submitted: 5.2.2025

    • [1] https://www.pnmetroplus.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/C_2022_9773_1_IT_ACT_part1_v2.pdf.
    Last updated: 13 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Arrangements for 15th National Games athletics (marathon) test event (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Arrangements for 15th National Games athletics (marathon) test event (with photo)
    Arrangements for 15th National Games athletics (marathon) test event (with photo)
    *********************************************************************************

         The 2025 Shenzhen-Hong Kong marathon and the 15th National Games (NG) athletics (marathon) test event will be held on February 23. The Head of the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) (NGCO), Mr Yeung Tak-keung, and representatives of the related government departments and the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates (HKAAA), held a press conference today (February 13) to introduce details of the test event, temporary traffic control measures, clearance arrangements at the boundary control point (BCP), and emergency response and rescue arrangements, as well as other arrangements for the event.           The 15th NG athletics marathon to be held at the end of this year will be the first cross-boundary marathon in the history of the NG, and will be held on a brand new course. This test event is therefore crucial to the organisation of the NG athletics marathon. The entire track is 42.195 kilometres long, of which the section in Hong Kong is 21.841 kilometres. Setting off from the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center, the races will enter Hong Kong via the Shenzhen Bay Port, run along the Shenzhen Bay Bridge and Kong Sham Western Highway Viaduct, then turn back to the Shenzhen Bay Port through the same route, and finally end at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center. The event is comprised of men’s and women’s races, with the women’s group to depart at 7am and the other to set off at 7.30am. The athletes will enter the Hong Kong section upon completion of approximately 2 kilometres of race route. Both groups are expected to spend around two hours in the Hong Kong section.           Given that part of the track is within the Frontier Closed Area, no public viewing zone will be set up in Hong Kong in order to keep the event unaffected and well-managed. Shenzhen is arranging for live webcast of the races on the event day, while Hong Kong also plans to arrange for live online broadcast of the matches by Radio Television Hong Kong.           To facilitate the smooth running of the race, clearance services of the Shenzhen Bay Port (including all passenger and cargo clearance services) will be suspended during part of the morning on the event day, while temporarily control measures will be implemented on the Shenzhen Bay Bridge and other related roads that day. Relevant arrangements are set out as below:           (1) Clearance service arrangement           Arrival and departure clearance services at the Shenzhen Bay Port will be suspended and passengers and vehicles will be prohibited from entering the port from 2am to 11am on the event day. Travellers should choose other control points to Shenzhen.           Cross-boundary private cars with quota across the Shenzhen Bay Port and cross-boundary goods vehicles may arrive and depart via the Lok Ma Chau, Heung Yuen Wai and Man Kam To BCPs according to the operating hours of the relevant control points on the event day. The above special arrangement will cease upon the re-opening of the Shenzhen Bay Port.           (2) Road control measures           Temporary control measures for the Shenzhen Bay Bridge, the Kong Sham Western Highway and other related roads           On the event day, temporary control measures will be implemented on Shenzhen Bay Bridge, Kong Sham Western Highway and Ha Tsuen Interchange from 2am to 11am. During the temporary control period, the Shenzhen Bay Bridge, the Kong Sham Western Highway and Ha Tsuen Interchange will be closed to all vehicular traffic from eastbound and westbound of Yuen Long Highway and Ha Tsuen Road.           During the suspension of the Shenzhen Bay Port departure service, the Transport Department (TD) expects that the roads leading to the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang, Man Kam To and Heung Yuen Wai BCPs, including San Tin Interchange, San Sham Road and Lok Ma Chau Road, etc., are expected to be busy with traffic. Therefore, the TD appeals to cross-boundary private cars and other drivers to avoid driving to the above districts during the relevant hours if not necessary. Depending on the prevailing traffic conditions in the area, the Police will deploy appropriate manpower and implement corresponding crowd management measures or special traffic arrangements at the affected control points and relevant road sections. In case of traffic congestion, please exercise tolerance and patience and drive carefully, and follow the instructions of Police on site.           The full clearance services at the Shenzhen Bay Port are expected to resume at around 11am. It is anticipated that traffic will be relatively busy. Travellers and drivers who plan to use the port on that day are advised to plan their trips in advance.           (3) Public transport arrangements           Cross-boundary coach services running between Hong Kong and the Mainland via Shenzhen Bay Port as well as local public transport services serving Shenzhen Bay Port, including franchised buses, green minibuses (GMB), Urban and NT Taxis will be suspended during the implementation of the temporary control at the Shenzhen Bay Port, the Shenzhen Bay Bridge and the Kong Sham Western Highway on the day of event. The bus companies and GMB operators will display notices at termini and en-route stops of the affected routes to inform affected passengers.           The TD has notified the affected operators of cross-boundary and local public transport services to strengthen services to expedite the dispersal of passengers around the resumption of operation of Shenzhen Bay Port. Bus companies will also deploy additional staff at major bus termini and bus stops to assist passenger in need. The Marine Department will liaise with cross-boundary ferry operators, with a view to working out manpower and sailing schedule arrangements for ferry services to and from Shenzhen in advance.           During the temporary control period, travellers should consider using other BCPs for their journeys between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The TD has coordinated with public transport operators including MTR, franchised bus, green minibuses, Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang shuttle bus, and cross-boundary coaches to strengthen services at other BCPs including Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau (Huanggang) and Heung Yuen Wai, with a view to catering for upsurge of passenger demand.           (4) Restricted flying zone           To accommodate the event and ensure public safety, a 2-kilometer extension of the Hong Kong section will be set up as a restricted flight zone from 6am to 12nn on the event day.           (5) Emergency response and rescue arrangements           The Fire Services Department (FSD) has formulated relevant contingency plans and will deploy firefighting and ambulance resources at strategic locations inside and outside the track during the race to ensure that the most expeditious and effective measures can be executed to deal with emergencies.           In addition, the medical team of the Hospital Authority will be on board the ambulances of the FSD to ensure that medical personnel with ambulance equipment can respond quickly to emergencies on the track. The Hospital Authority will also designate relevant acute hospitals as designated hospitals, equipped with a green channel to provide prompt medical services. The Auxiliary Medical Service will also deploy ambulance personnel and ambulances to offer medical assistance to the cheering team, volunteers, journalists, etc. on the spot.           A spokesperson for the NGCO said as the NG is the country’s highest-level event, this marathon test event has to meet stringent requirements in terms of the selection of the race course and the organisational arrangements to ensure the safety of athletes. Relevant departments will work together to facilitate the special traffic and transportation arrangements to minimise the impact on the public and travellers who usually use the Shenzhen Bay Port. The spokesman appealed to members of the public and travellers who need to travel to and from Shenzhen on that day to plan their itineraries in advance and use other control points and public transport as far as possible. The spokesperson thanked members of the public and travellers for their understanding, as well as the contributions of various organisations and departments in implementing the relevant arrangements.           In addition to this cross-boundary marathon test event, the NGCO will be holding test events of various sports gradually. The handball test event will be held at the Kai Tak Arena, Kai Tak Sports Park on February 22 and 23, while the triathlon test event will take place at the Central Harbourfront and Victoria Harbour on March 1 and 2.           For information on the games in Hong Kong, please visit the thematic website (www.2025nationalgames.gov.hk/en/index.html), as well the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/2025nationalgames.hk) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/2025nationalgames.hk).

     
    Ends/Thursday, February 13, 2025Issued at HKT 22:15

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: H&R Block and Tinder Team Up to Celebrate Singles this Tax Season

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KANSAS CITY, Mo., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Managing finances as a single person can be tough, especially in the face of rising costs. That is why H&R Block (NYSE: HRB), the pioneer of the tax preparation category founded 70 years ago, has teamed up with Tinder to give 10 lucky singles a financial boost on Feb. 15, 2025, National Singles Awareness Day. Through a special sweepstakes offered this tax season, the leading companies are offering singles a chance to win extra cash – recognizing that navigating money matters alone can be tough, and a little support goes a long way.

    Beyond daily expenses, tax season sheds light on the financial disparities between singles and couples. In 2022, single filers received an average refund of $1,777, while married couples received an average refund of $2,620, and heads of household received more than three times what single filers received1.

    “Married couples often benefit from a lower effective tax rate and a larger refund when they file jointly, combining their income, deductions and credits,” said Andy Phillips, Vice President, H&R Block’s The Tax Institute. “Meanwhile, the lower refund size for single filers is likely the result of other factors, such as single filers being less likely to claim child-related tax credits than head of household or married filers.”

    Easing Financial Challenges

    To help ease the financial challenges some singles may face, H&R Block and Tinder are hosting a sweepstakes that will run from Feb. 15 to March 15. How does it work? Starting on National Singles Awareness Day, Tinder users can enter for a chance to win $1,777, accessible in the Tinder app or Tinder’s TikTok bio. Entrants must be 18+ and a U.S. resident2. See here for more information and to enter for a chance to win on Feb. 15.

    What many know is that financial wellness is not just personal – it shapes relationships, starting with the one you have with yourself. And, in the dating world, financial stability is now a top priority.

    A survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Tinder found that one of the top traits men and women seek in a potential partner is financial stability (20%), along with loyalty (48%), attractiveness (42%) and honesty (37%). Reflecting this trend, “finance” became the second most popular Tinder bio mention in 2024, surging 82% from the year prior3.

    Filing Taxes: Almost As Easy As Tinder’s Swipe®Experience

    This is not H&R Block’s first partnership focused on navigating the world of taxes and finances as a single person. During the 2024 tax season, H&R Block broke the traditional marketing mold by creating Responsibility Island, a parody that aired on Roku and YouTube and is based on well-known and loved reality TV dating shows. Responsibility Island featured a group of young adults who think they are embarking on the latest dating show journey. To their surprise, what they thought would be an adventure to find true love is a responsibility boot camp. The show followed cast members as they took on a gauntlet of challenges in adulting designed to teach self-reliance and productivity. In the finale, they faced the mother of all responsibility to get off the island – filing their own taxes.

    “At H&R Block, we want to make filing your taxes as easy as the Swipe Experience,” said Jill Cress, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, H&R Block. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Tinder to connect with their audience and meet Gen Z customers where they are. After all, 87% of our Gen Z customer base is single. While we cannot guarantee a perfect match, we can guarantee stress-free filing that is accessible for everyone.”

    For more information on the sweepstakes, check out the Official Rules on Feb. 15, and head to Tinder’s Tik Tok and Instagram, keeping an eye out for a guest appearance from one of the beloved stars from Responsibility Island. You might hear a few hints dropped on what is to come for the show’s cast later this tax season.

    To learn more about H&R Block’s tax preparation services, many ways to file, and year-round financial support, visit hrblock.com. For media assets, visit hrblock.com/tax-center/newsroom or for a downloadable Tax Season 2025 media kit, visit https://www.hrblock.com/tax-center/media-kit/tax-season-2025/. And for helpful tips and information, follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

    About H&R Block 
    H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation services, financial products, and small-business solutions. The company blends digital innovation with human expertise and care as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time and also be better with money using its mobile banking app, Spruce. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the company helps small-business owners thrive with year-round bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, and payment processing solutions. For more information, visit H&R Block News.  

    About Tinder 
    Launched in 2012, Tinder® revolutionized how people meet, growing from 1 match to one billion matches in just two years. This rapid growth demonstrates its ability to fulfill a fundamental human need: real connection. Today, the app has been downloaded over 630 million times, leading to over 97 billion matches, serving approximately 50 million users per month in 190 countries and 45+ languages – a scale unmatched by any other app in the category. In 2024, Tinder won four Effie Awards for its first-ever global brand campaign, It Starts with a Swipe™.

    Tinder®, Swipe®, the flame logo, and It Starts with a Swipe™ are registered trademarks of Tinder LLC.

    1Source: Table 1.3. All Returns: Sources of Income, Adjustments, Deductions, Credits, and Tax Items, by Filing Status, Tax Year 2021 (Filing Year 2022); SOI tax stats – Individual statistical tables by filing status | Internal Revenue Service
    2No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. 18+ U.S. only. Rules at https://fooji.info/SinglesTaxRefundRules
    3A survey of 4000 18-30-year-olds who are actively dating in the US, UK, Canada and Australia between Sept. 25, 2024 and Nov. 4, 2024 conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Tinder

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash Whites Valley

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police are at the scene of a serious crash at Whites Valley.

    Just before 4am on Friday 14 February, emergency services were called to Bayliss Road after a car crashed into a stobie pole.

    Bayliss Road is currently closed between Flour Mill Road and Little Road.

    Major Crash Investigators are making their way to the scene.

    Motorists are asked to avoid the area.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: David Seymour – Speech to Auckland Chamber of Commerce

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Good morning to you all. Thank you to Simon and his team at the Business Chamber for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.

    I especially want to thank members of the business community for being here this morning. I can imagine it’s been a heavy workload listening to speeches about the economy. Perhaps there’s an opportunity to raise productivity right there, but I hope today I can share ideas that are good for all of us. We know this country cannot change its size or distance to market, and better public policy is our best collective hope.

    I’m going to talk mostly about the economic challenges we face, the Government’s policy prescriptions for fixing them, and report on our progress. However, there is one of those proverbial elephants in the room.

    The Elephant

    This elephant is the breakdown of political consensus on liberal democracy and economic orthodoxy. It is particularly strong across generational lines. If you doubt that, think about Helen Clark’s Government, and how it contrasts with the opposition today.

    There will be some who, at the time, believed Clark’s Labour Government was turning New Zealand into Helengrad. But if we’re objective, Helen Clark’s Government was well to the right of the current opposition. It’s not National that’s changed; they have been consistent. It is Labour who’ve moved radically to the left.

    A broad based, low-rate tax system without any capital gains tax. A pragmatic approach to government ownership, with occasional interventions in rail and banks. A commitment to liberal democracy above all, with one person, one vote, regardless of background.

    In some ways, Helen Clark was even to the right of John Key. She refused to sign the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which Key’s Government did. The Māori Party was formed due to her legislating over the Ngati Apa court case with the foreshore and seabed legislation, a position that the Key Government partially reversed.

    The debates at the time were really about the parameters of the social insurance scheme that is the welfare state. The premiums, being taxes, could be higher or lower. The payouts, being benefits and services, could be more or less generous, but the big debates of the day were still about the parameters of a giant insurance scheme.

    Fast forward to today, and we can no longer rely on a cross-party commitment to liberal democracy and economic orthodoxy. Were the Government to change, we would face a Government where one party seriously suggests an appointed Treaty Commissioner should have a veto on the elected Parliament.

    The same party openly opposes the concept of democracy, frequently shouts racial abuse across the debating chamber, where it even gets up to do war dances in people’s faces. Their website even claimed racial genetic supremacy but has few practical policy solutions for the most disadvantaged group in the country.

    The Labour Party constitution is clear that political power should be wielded only by those elected in frequent, free and fair elections conducted by secret ballot. Helen Clark lived it; Chris Hipkins has taken two positions on the Treaty Commissioner in one week.

    Chris Hipkins is a politician we have to admire. Slipperier than an eel fed on sausage rolls, no politician has glided over failure like Chris Hipkins.

    In a multi-year crime wave he was Minister of Police.

    In the biggest attendance and achievement slump in the history of our country he was Minister of Education.

    When the public service added 30 per cent more workers for no better output, he was the Minister for the Public Service.

    In many ways those problems were caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Government’s response to it. He was also the Minister for COVID-19, where his responsibilities included testing, tracing, making logical rules, and ordering the vaccines on time.

    Now you see why he wants to campaign on the record of the current Government, instead of his own. He is running what political campaigners call a ‘small target’ strategy, which should come naturally.

    Except, nature abhors a vacuum. Besides Te Pati Māori, you have the Greens. Like the other two, they are very different from their forebears, when liberal democrats like Jeanette Fitzsimmons and Rod Donald campaigned on the environment.

    It you take the time to listen to Chlöe Swarbrick she says things like “Parliament isn’t the system we’d design today,” and “if you think you’re crazy you’re not, it’s the whole system.” She promises taxes on assets, not just gains in asset values.

    The underlying message is that your problems are caused by others’ success, but their gains are ill-gotten so they and the system that enabled them must be torn down. It is a revolutionary, rather than evolutionary, message.

    Stability

    Now, there will be some people here wondering when I’m going to talk about the Government and my role in it. I will, but I think the changes in the political landscape are important and material enough to discuss.

    What’s more, the Government has signed up to a number of policies designed to increase policy stability. One of them I’d like to talk about more than the others, but there’s three in the ‘quasi-constitutional’ space that I think are worth mentioning.

    The four-year term is an old chestnut. It’s been defeated twice before in New Zealand, and we’re a global outlier as a result. We’re one of nine Parliaments in the world beside around 170 that have four or five-year terms.

    The Government is committed to introducing legislation that would put a four-year term to referendum, and make the select committees opposition controlled. Lawmaking would be slower, and would face tough scrutiny at committees where the public can submit. At the moment, select committees have Government-aligned majorities. It is one of the most powerful things we can do to improve the quality of policy making and debate in New Zealand.

    The Treaty Principles Bill also seeks to enhance the role of liberal democracy. Even those who say they vehemently disagree with the Bill are showing up to Parliament and submitting. In fact, there have never been so many submissions to Parliament on one Bill.

    It is not only the contents of the Bill that reinforce liberal democracy, it is the inherent effect of taking the debate back to Parliament that is important. We need to be a country where, as the Labour Party constitution says, important decisions should be made by people subject to frequent, free and fair elections with a secret ballot. In other words, democracy.

    The Regulatory Standards Bill

    The policy stabilising initiative I’d most like to talk about, though, is the Regulatory Standards Bill. It is crucial that we improve the quality and stability of our regulatory environment. The reason is our woeful productivity growth.

    The Government inherited an economy that, on an individual basis, was in recession. Economic output per person has been falling since the September 2022 quarter. In the year to June 2024, GDP per capita fell 2.7 percent.

    Behind those short-term numbers there’s an even bleaker story. While productivity growth averaged 1.4 per cent a year between 1993 and 2013, it only averaged 0.2 per cent over the last decade.

    If productivity growth had continued to grow at 1.4 per cent a year since 2013, productivity, and therefore wages, would today be about 14 per cent higher. New Zealanders would have been much better placed to endure a cost of living crisis if their wages were 14 per cent higher. In a sense, the cost of living crisis is really a productivity crisis.

    Higher productivity means a pay rise and help with the groceries for parents struggling to get by. It means the ability to pay for a doctor’s visit for a sick child. It’s the difference between owning your own home and continuing to rent.

    In short, it’s the difference between a good life and scraping by. Despite what you will hear from the Greens and Te Pāti Māori, we have an obligation to future generations to ensure productivity grows much faster.

    Access to skills and capital really matter for productivity. Skillful people, working with good technology, can produce more than people with less of those things. It’s critical that we do better in education, and this Government can point to a content-rich curriculum, a massive effort to reverse the COVID-19 slump in attendance, and education meeting entrepreneurship in the form of charter schools.

    Charter Schools

    Actually, let’s have a small diversion into charter schools. They are also designed to slow down the political turbulence that prevents people getting their job done. So many times I’ve asked state school teachers, “what if you could sign a contract that stopped the Government of the day introducing new policies, often diametrically opposed to the ones you’ve just got used to, for ten years?”

    That’s what a ten-by-ten-by-ten charter school contract does. It gives educators space to innovate, because innovation is what we need.

    The first school that opened this year, Mastery School in Christchurch, is a partner school to Mastery in Australia. What’s really interesting about Mastery is their use of interns. I believe the last twenty years of degrees for everyone has been a failure. On-the-job learning is coming back into vogue.

    Meanwhile, schools everywhere are desperate for extra teaching assistants, and Bachelor of Education students are working part-time minimum wage jobs completely unrelated to their long-term career. There’s an obvious solution to this, and Mastery are doing it. Because they are bulk funded, they can employ more teaching assistants. It is a win-win.

    The real winners are the students, some of whose families have visited Australia to investigate the schools and moved to Christchurch to attend. They are proven for raising educational achievement. Last year their achievement data showed students achieving at much higher levels than state schools in core areas of reading, mathematics and spelling.

    • Reading: 1.6 years progress in 1 year.
    • Mathematics: 1.5 years progress in 1 year.
    • Spelling: Average of 1.5 years growth after 1 year.
    • Average of 82% attendance across all campuses.

    New funding provided in Budget 24 allows up to around fifteen new charter schools and the conversion of 35 state schools to charter schools this year and the following year. Applications from sponsors who want to open charter schools opened mid-last year.

    Preparation for an expressions of interest process for current state schools to convert into charter schools is underway. The next round of applications to establish new charter schools will also run over the next few months.

    The independent Authorisation Board received 78 applications in its first application round from sponsors wanting to establish charter schools. The country is thirsting for options and innovation.

    Overseas Investment

    While we’re on diversions, it is not only the skills where we need better policy, but also the investment in capital.

    Attracting more overseas investment is a vital part of the Government’s economic strategy. But our overseas investment laws are among the worst in the developed world and they are seriously holding back economic growth and wages.

    Nearly every other developed country has less obstructive laws than New Zealand. They benefit from the flow of money and the ideas that come with overseas investment. The truth is that, in the overseas investment game, New Zealand has been benched by international investors. Being 38th out of 38 countries for openness to investment means we’re simply not in the game.

    International investors report that our rules impose significant compliance costs, delays, and uncertain outcomes. The timeframe for a general benefit test is 70 working days and costs $68,000.

    That’s not to mention the potential investors who are discouraged from even considering New Zealand as an opportunity and simply go elsewhere.

    We are 26th out of 38 for foreign investment as a percentage of GDP, which doesn’t sound so bad until you consider the size of our economy. United States, with its massive internal market, could afford to close itself off, but it is more open than us and gets more investment as a percentage of GDP than us.

    It would be bad enough if the world was standing still, but our partners, such as Australia’s Labor Government, are moving to liberalise their overseas investment settings further.

    There’s a simple equation that is holding back wage growth: workers with more capital get paid more. They work with better tools and technologies and, as a result, they are more productive. Other countries have more capital than us because we have one of the most obstructive overseas investment laws in the world. New Zealand workers have less capital to work with so they get paid less than they could.

    I’ve seen the difference that overseas investment can make. I once visited two businesses in the same industry on the same afternoon. Both had skilled and passionate people with good ideas. One had overseas investment, though, and benefited in two ways. They had more money for machinery, and they had more know-how for manufacturing and marketing their product by receiving knowledge from their partners offshore.

    Growth in the capital that workers have available to use has not kept pace with strong labour force participation. As a result, our capital-to-labour ratio has been flat for the last ten years or so. It’s probably not a coincidence that our productivity growth has also be flat over the past decade.

    If we are going to raise wages, we can’t afford to ignore the simple fact that our competitors gain money and know-how from outside their borders.

    The Government intends to simplify our overseas investment rules and I will be making an announcement about this very shortly.

    Back to Regulation

    So, yes, skills and investment are important, and I’m proud to be lending a hand to the Government’s efforts to bring entrepreneurship into education and investment into the country, but it’s the regulatory environment where I believe we can make the most progress.

    New Zealand’s low wages can be blamed on low productivity, and low productivity can be blamed on poor regulation. Bad regulation is killing our prosperity in three ways.

    1. It adds costs to the things we do. It’s the delays, the paperwork, and the fees that make too many activities cost more than they ought to. It’s the builder saying it takes longer to get the consent than it took to build the thing. It’s the anti-money laundering palaver that ties people in knots doing basic things but somehow doesn’t stop criminals bringing in half a billion dollars of P each year. It’s the daycare centre that took four years to open because different departments couldn’t agree about the road noise outside. I could go on.
    2. There’s the things that just don’t happen because people decide the costs don’t add up once the red tape is factored in.
    3. There’s the big one that goes to the heart of our identity and culture. It’s all the kids who grow up in a country where people gave up or weren’t allowed to try. It’s the climbing wall at Sir Edmund Hillary’s old school with signs saying don’t climb. It’s the lack of nightlife because it’s too hard to get a license. It’s the fear that comes from worrying WorkSafe or some other regulator will come and shut you down. You can’t measure it, but we all know it’s there.

    The Kiwi spirit we are so proud of is being chipped away and killing our vibe. Nobody migrated here to be compliant, but compliance is infantilising our culture, and I haven’t even mentioned orange cones yet.

    It’s clear that now is the time for a significant reset. Many governments over the years have paid lip-service to cutting red tape. This Government is committed to doing something about it.

    Perhaps the biggest single policy problem New Zealand faces is the Resource Management Act. Someone once said you can fill a town hall to stop anything in this country, but you can’t fill a telephone box to get something started.

    Chris Bishop and ACT’s Simon Court are designing new resource management laws starting with the principle of private property rights. The result will be a law that makes it easier to get stuff done in this country.

    My colleague, Brooke van Velden, as Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, has repealed Fair Pay Agreements and reintroduced 90-day trials. She’s now set her sights on simplifying our health and safety laws, tackling the problems being caused by the Holidays Act, and providing certainty in the law around contractors and personal grievances.

    Another of my colleagues, Nicole McKee, is determined to bring some sanity to our anti-money laundering laws and provide regulatory relief for individuals and businesses who have to use that law. It begins with bringing all AML under the DIA as a single supervisor instead of three, as well as exempting some activities as a start.

    Chris Penk is opening up the building products market to foreign competition to get prices down, and Andrew Bayly is making various reforms to the CCCFA.

    Red Tape Tipline

    In November last year, we launched a new Red Tape Tipline. This is an online tool on the Ministry’s website where people can make submissions about red tape that affects them.

    So far, over 500 tips have been sent in. I am not at all surprised to see such an outpouring of discontent from Kiwis who are sick of red tape.

    The Tipline has quickly become a key tool helping the Ministry to find and deal to the red tape preventing people from getting things done.

    Some of the biggest themes coming through the Tipline are about traffic management and anti-money laundering. The Ministry is working with other government agencies to identify and cut red tape.

    My message to all the tradies, farmers, teachers, chefs, and engineers out there – every person doing productive work – is this: If there’s red tape in your industry that needs to go, we want to know about it.

    Sector reviews

    We also have three sector reviews underway – Early Childhood Education, Agricultural and Horticultural Products, and Hairdressing and Barbering.

    The ECE report was delivered at the end of last year with fifteen recommendations. They will reduce compliance costs and headaches for ECE providers and help encourage more providers into the market, so parents have more affordable options. I’m taking all fifteen recommendations to Cabinet.

    The Agricultural and Horticultural products review has been widely welcomed by farmers, growers and industry. They say that delays in getting access to these products are too long and the process is too complex. They are put at a disadvantage because they cannot get products that have been approved by other OECD countries. I look forward to receiving the final report and progressing changes soon.

    At the end of last year we launched a short, sharp review into outdated rules around the hairdressing and barbering industry. Hairdressers and barbers are a billion-dollar industry of more than 5,000 mostly small businesses employing 13,000 people. They are trying to work with outdated rules from the 1980s which include specifying the amount of space between seats and exactly how bright the lights have to be. The Ministry is engaged with the industry now and will deliver findings by end of March.

    I anticipate announcing the Ministry’s fourth regulatory review in the next few months.

    Regulatory Standards Bill

    I am looking forward to the introduction of the Regulatory Standards Bill later this year.

    The Bill is a long-term solution to ensuring quality of regulation. It seeks to bring the same level of discipline to regulation that the Public Finance Act brings to public spending.

    The Bill will codify principles of good regulatory practice for existing and future regulations. If we want to remain first world, we need to change how we regulate. No law should be passed without showing what problem is being solved, whether the benefits outweigh the costs, and who pays the costs and gets the benefits. These are the basic principles of the Bill.

    Some regulations operate differently in practice than they do in theory. To make regulators accountable to the New Zealanders they regulate, the Bill contains a recourse mechanism by establishing a Regulatory Standards Board. The Board will assess complaints and challenges to regulations, issuing non-binding recommendations and public reports.

    This is about raising the political cost of making bad laws by allowing New Zealanders to hold regulators accountable. The outcome will be better law-making, higher productivity, and higher wages. Because New Zealanders will be able to spend more time doing useful work, and less time complying for little reason.

    Conclusion

    The Government is committed to a goal of delivering more economic growth for New Zealanders. And the way we get that is clear: we need to get government spending down and cut through regulation.

    We don’t unlock growth by transferring significant resources from the private to the public sector. We don’t get richer by taxing you to pay your competitors. And we won’t stay a first world country by just nipping and tucking at the regulatory thicket that’s grown in recent decades. We unleash growth by letting the business community free to invest, create jobs, adopt new technology, innovate, and sell to the world.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: X has been used to represent love and kisses for centuries. But how did it start?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katie Barclay, ARC Future Fellow and Professor, Macquarie University

    Wikimedia

    “1,000 Letters and 15,000 Kisses” screamed the headline in an 1898 edition of the English newspaper, the Halifax Evening Courier.

    Harriet Ann McLean, a 32-year-old laundry maid, was suing Francis Charles Matthews, a green grocer, for reneging on the promise of marriage.

    Over a decade-long courtship, Harriet had received 1,030 letters containing 15,000 crosses – kisses – from her “loving, precious, future husband Frank”.

    By 1898, using a cross for a kiss was commonplace for British letter writers – particularly those of the more “ordinary” variety: the increasingly literate servants, tradesmen and shop workers whose love notes drew laughter when their imploding relationships brought them to court.

    The symbol grew in popularity in the following decades, yet its origins have remained obscure.

    X marks the spot (of the kiss)

    Some three decades after Harriet won her suit, someone wrote a letter to Melbourne’s The Sun News asking if its readers knew the origins of using an X for a kiss.

    One correspondent proposed the X resembled the lips of two people kissing. Another thought “the cross marks the spot” where the author had imprinted a kiss for the recipient.

    One reader suggested the cross marks the spot where the writer imprinted a kiss.
    Trove

    The following year, a more confidently penned and rapidly reprinted piece claimed the origins lay in the centuries-old practice of those with low literacy using an X in place of a signature. The article argued that, after marking a document with X, the signee kissed the page as a pledge of good faith, and so the X came to be associated with a kiss.

    This account was to become popular, being rolled out by journalists many times over the following decades. And it may contain some truth. The laundry maids and green grocers who popularised the X as a kiss in their love notes were part of a newly literate community in the 19th century, for whom using an X as a signature was likely familiar.

    However, their 17th and 18th century ancestors had not behaved similarly in their iconography of love. Marks of love on convict tokens, tattoos and the scrappy documents that survive tended to take the form of hearts, crossed Cupid’s arrows and interlinking initials. The cross as a kiss was nowhere to be found.

    One page from an 1801–1803 correspondence between Elizabeth Bass (nicknamed ‘Betsy’ and ‘Bess’) and her husband George Bass. The pair married in October 1800 and lived together for a few months before George sailed for Port Jackson in 1801.
    Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, MLMSS 1284/Box 122/Item [ 2 ], FL4402612.

    The kiss’s importance throughout history

    The kiss had an important role in European culture. The holy kiss, once a mouth kiss shared by congregants in church, allowed for the mingling of spirits and the creation of a uniform Christian body.

    Similarly, kisses of fealty (also on the mouth) formed part of a ritual that established a contract between superiors who held land, and their vassals who rented it. This tradition was carried well into the 16th century.

    The lovers’ kiss also had many of the above meanings – a kiss of love, loyalty and unity of spirit.

    As such, sending kisses in letters had been common among Europeans for centuries, but was usually done in written form. “I send you a thousand kiss’s”, wrote poet Judith Madan to her husband in 1728.

    Kisses marked intimacy but could also be delivered to children and friends. As English letter writer Rebecca Cooper dispatched to her sister Catherine Elliott in 1764, “love to all friends not forgetting my sweet boy with fifty kisses”.

    Wax dots and ink splots

    Using a cross to symbolise a kiss was not unprecedented. Lovers had used ink splots, wax drippings, or drawings to send secret messages to a beloved from at least the 16th century. But at the time these signs were usually personalised and only interpretable by the intended recipient (or especially persistent historians).

    Using specific marks to represent kisses became more fashionable and recognisable during the Victorian period, starting from around the mid-19th century.

    The detective in an 1850 Charles Dicken’s short story tracked his suspect by a wax dot he left on his envelopes – a kiss for the recipient.

    Similarly, in 1862 the jury for the “Hopley v. Hurst” breach of promise of marriage suit heard that the defendant’s letters to his future bride contained “spots of ink” at the bottom, each representing a kiss.

    In 1871, William Steward of Montrose, Scotland, used “a number of crosses and small circles” at the bottom of a letter to his lover, according to the trial report in the Western Times.

    A letter from the early 20th century, with kisses marked at the bottom of the page. The text reads: ‘Darling, your visit was a wonderfully fragrant episode: I do love you, sweet, oh for June!’
    Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and Courtesy Percy Reginald Stephensen. The work has been digitized into the Library catalogue and the reference is FL9715738.

    Becoming a universal symbol

    The cross as a kiss – initially just one of many symbols used for this purpose – grew in use until it became the predominant choice by the 20th century.

    During the second world war, the cross was even briefly banned by the military censors in Australia, the United Kingdom and United States, due to worries it could be used to send illicit information.

    The cross was found across the United Kingdom, and particularly in Scotland in the early years of its use. It eventually spread to the rest of the Anglophone world, but made less headway on the European continent, where lovers continued to write their kisses out in full.

    As the symbol’s popularity grew, so did the mythology and theories around it – its more mundane origin among working-class lovers forgotten.

    Katie Barclay receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. X has been used to represent love and kisses for centuries. But how did it start? – https://theconversation.com/x-has-been-used-to-represent-love-and-kisses-for-centuries-but-how-did-it-start-248124

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: TV show Severance looks at workplace personalities. There are healthier ways to separate home and office life

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lena Wang, Associate Professor in Management, RMIT University

    Supplied/AppleTV+

    The highly anticipated season two of Severance, released in weekly instalments, has continued to draw interest among viewers around the world.

    A gripping psychological thriller, this TV series provides an extreme illustration of the compartmentalising of work and personal life.

    In the show, “severed” workers agree to a surgical procedure where a device is implanted into the brain to split their memory and experiences in two.

    Once severed, “innies” go to work with no knowledge of the lives and families of their “outies”. And “outies” have no recollection of the activities they performed or the relationships they developed while their “innies” were at work.

    Back in the real world, the hybrid work revolution has led to a seismic shift in work habits. For some, that’s made it harder to mark where work ends and home starts. But there are still healthy ways to keep our personal and professional lives separate.

    A seismic shift in work habits

    Severance’s first season in 2022 premiered in the wake of the global pandemic, when lockdowns forced most workers to work from home for an extended period of time.

    Now, three years later, many employees are still working in a hybrid mode.

    Data from 2024 shows more than one third of Australian still regularly work from home. This arrangement is especially prevalent among knowledge workers. Knowledge-based workers are generally office workers, whose roles can be performed remotely.

    At the same time, fully remote work is also increasing, and some workers are exploring a digital nomad lifestyle which allows them to travel and live anywhere in the world while working remotely.

    The hybrid work model is clearly the business model of choice for the future from the perspective of workers, although some employers are pushing back.

    But hybrid work creates an ongoing challenge for workers who want to create psychological boundaries between work and home domains.

    Creating boundaries between work and home

    People go to great lengths to construct and manage the psychological boundaries between work and the other activities in their personal lives, such as spending time with family, engaging in the community, or practising self-care.

    Humans crave boundaries, but that shouldn’t be taken to extremes.
    Andrey Popov/Shutterstock

    Examples of these boundaries can include an out-of-office reply to notify others of your set working hours, leaving your laptop at work over the weekend or removing work email apps from your personal phone.

    As human beings we crave boundaries that allow us to better focus our attention and be more present in respective life domains.

    Severance provides a critical look at how far workers might go to achieve work-life segregation. Take the character Mark S., who underwent the severance procedure to escape the grief of losing his wife and block that part of his personal life from his working life. Or at least, that’s what we’ve been led to believe.

    Similar to the confrontational and somewhat thorny style of TV series Black Mirror, Severance challenges the audience by presenting a futuristic and innovative method to reduce the tensions people experience when psychological boundaries are not managed.

    Can we sever our identities across domains?

    Creating sensible boundaries across life domains is desirable. But Severance helps us examine how we can’t shut off our home selves completely. Towards the end of season one, the show’s “innies” keep attempting to make contact with their “outies” to find out who they truly are outside work.

    Indeed, personality research shows that while we can take on somewhat different personas in different life domains, our human need for consistency produces enduring self-concepts and patterns of behaviour.

    Digital nomads turn remote work into a lifestyle choice.
    Shutterstock

    Consistency is necessary to maintain the integrity of the self, providing the foundation for us to effectively adapt to different social environments and develop positive wellbeing.

    Research also shows when workers feel they can be bring their authentic selves to work, they experience a sense of self-actualisation, as well as higher job satisfaction and lower burnout. Without these protective elements, it’s no wonder Helly R. repeatedly tried to escape the severed floor.

    Achieving meaning at work

    What is also striking about the work lives of those on the severed floor is how meaningless their jobs appear to be. Throughout season one and into season two, we never truly understand the nature and purpose of their jobs at the mysterious corporation Lumon Industries.

    We know that meaningless, or “bullshit” jobs in the words of American anthropologist David Graeber, are associated with poor mental health. Unfavourable working conditions such as poor management and toxic culture can aggravate this issue, making meaningful work become meaningless.

    In this sense, if we cannot sever our “innies” and “outies” as shown in Severance, negative work experiences would spill over to our family lives, causing a downward spiral.

    Restoring the meaning and purpose in our jobs not only improves our work experiences, but also boosts our self-esteem and enriches our personal lives. This can be done by improving work design, leadership and organisational culture.

    As season two continues, Severance will continue posing sticky ethical questions for us to ponder about the role of work in our lives. While the answers may not be forthcoming, the mysterious twists are almost guaranteed.

    Severance is now streaming on Apple TV+

    Lena Wang previously received funding from various organisations on issues concerning mental health (e.g., National Mental Health Commission). She does 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.

    Haiying Kang previously received funding from several organisations on issues concerning employment rights, talent attraction and retention (e.g., Telematics Trust, Department of Defence). She does 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.

    Melissa Wheeler has engaged in paid and pro-bono consulting and research relating to issues of applied ethics and gender equality (e.g., Our Watch, Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, VicHealth). She has previously worked for research centres that receive funding from several partner organisations in the private and public sector, including from the Victorian Government.

    – ref. TV show Severance looks at workplace personalities. There are healthier ways to separate home and office life – https://theconversation.com/tv-show-severance-looks-at-workplace-personalities-there-are-healthier-ways-to-separate-home-and-office-life-249360

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Mum, what’s the meaning of life?’ How to talk about philosophy with little kids

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Kilby, PhD candidate in Education, Monash University

    Charles Parker/ Pexels , CC BY

    If your young child asks “what’s the meaning of life?” you might laugh it off (how cute!) or freeze in panic (where do I even begin?).

    It’s tempting to dismiss these big questions as too advanced for kids. Plato and Aristotle both believed children weren’t ready for philosophy. In fact, they didn’t think people were ready to study philosophy until they turned 30.

    But children know otherwise. They ask big questions like “Why are we here?” and “What does it mean to be fair?” and “Why do we keep feeding the cat, even though she never says thank you?”

    American researcher and author Jana Mohr Lone has taught philosophy to young children for more than 20 years. As one second-grade child told her:

    […] children don’t know as many things about the world and so our minds are more free to imagine.

    This openness makes children natural philosophers. By encouraging these conversations, you can help them grow into curious, thoughtful and reflective individuals.

    How can parents do this?



    Read more:
    Who am I? Why am I here? Why children should be taught philosophy (beyond better test scores)

    3 steps for philosophical dialogue

    One of the difficulties of engaging in philosophy is people may be unfamiliar with how it works.

    But you can have a philosophical discussion by following three steps:

    • reflection
    • generalisation
    • abstraction.

    When your child asks a deep question like “What’s the meaning of life?” you don’t need to have the answer, you just need to start a conversation.

    First, prompt your child to reflect on the question. You could ask: “What do you think?”

    This allows your child to explore their own experiences. They might say, “I live for football and Bluey!”

    Second, move to generalisation. You can ask, “Do you think that’s the meaning of life for everyone?” This opens up a philosophical discussion beyond the self. Your child might say, “Well, Stella lives for gymnastics and cheese.”

    Finally, prompt towards abstraction, by asking “What makes life meaningful for all people?”

    Football, Bluey and handstands won’t appeal to everyone, but something else might. Now we’re looking for examples (or counter-examples) as a method of inquiry.

    This prompts your child to look for what is common to all people in living a meaningful life. They may respond with something like:

    A lot of people love chocolate but not Aunty Grace. Most people love dogs but maybe not people who really love cats. Everyone loves time with their friends and family.

    Suddenly, you’re having a rich philosophical dialogue. You can continue further inquiry into what really is love, or what makes certain relationships more important than others.

    What we’re doing here is having a dialogue through concepts, academically known as conceptual analysis.

    Philosophy explores concepts like love and kindness that children encounter every day.
    RDNE Stock Project/ Pexels, CC BY



    Read more:
    What is love? A philosopher explains it’s not a choice or a feeling − it’s a practice

    Why should you do this?

    Educational research has found philosophical dialogue improves children’s logical reasoning, reading and maths comprehension, self-esteem and turn-taking.

    Studies have found it benefits children’s academic and social development in early childhood, primary school and high school.

    But beyond these skills, philosophy empowers children to engage meaningfully with the world around them.

    Happiness, identity, fairness, death, reality, time, nature, good, knowledge and purpose are all things children encounter every day. Philosophy with your child can simply be the exploration of what these concepts mean and how they impact our lives.

    Understanding concepts and being able to apply that understanding to life is the foundation of philosophy.

    Kids can ask tricky quesitons. But philosophical approaches prompt them to think through an answer.
    Kampus Productions/ Pexels, CC BY

    Questions to ask your child

    To engage your child in philosophy, start a conversation with them about the concepts they’re encountering.

    If they’re drawing, you could ask what is art? What is imagination?.

    If they don’t want to share their favourite toy: what is fairness? What is kindness?

    If they’re talking to the dog: what is language? What is understanding?

    If they’re emotional: what is happiness? What is sadness?

    If they want to know why they should go to school: what is knowledge?

    If they’re telling you about their dream: what is real?

    Next time your child asks a big question, embrace the moment. By exploring concepts like fairness, love and happiness, you’re helping them interpret the world and become more thoughtful people.

    By asking them to reflect, explore different perspectives and consider the bigger picture, you’ll embark on a philosophical journey that can grow into something meaningful for you both.

    Ben Kilby is the Chair of the Victorian Association for Philosophy in Schools

    – ref. ‘Mum, what’s the meaning of life?’ How to talk about philosophy with little kids – https://theconversation.com/mum-whats-the-meaning-of-life-how-to-talk-about-philosophy-with-little-kids-248231

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As new charter schools open, we still know too little about how they worked last time

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jude MacArthur, Senior Lecturer, School of Critical Studies in Education, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Phil Walter/Getty Images

    Seven new charter schools are opening their gates, and ACT leader and Associate Education Minister David Seymour – the politician responsible for their existence – has been singing their praises.

    He says some will deliver “new and innovative ways to help students who are struggling at school to succeed, especially neurodiverse students, where there is huge need”.

    Seymour also says charter schools will free teachers from “constant upheavals in education” policy and provide the flexibility to “allow them to better cater to students who are priority learners” – the term charter schools use for “those with neurodiversity and a background of disadvantage and poverty”.

    Such innovation will raise overall educational achievement, he says, particularly for students who are underachieving, disengaged or neurodivergent. It may be too early to tell whether this optimism is justified, but it seems the new charter schools will enjoy a range of benefits unavailable to state schools.

    For example, Seymour recently praised Arapaki School in Christchurch for its teaching ratio of one teacher and three teacher aides for every 25 students. Australian students with this level of resourcing, he said, learned up to 60% faster than those in state schools.

    But teachers, principals and researchers in the state system have been asking for reduced class sizes and one teacher aide per classroom for years. So we need to ask why the resources and privileges being channelled into charter schools can’t be made available to the state school system instead.

    An underfunded education system

    The coalition government has set aside NZ$153 million to fund charter schools over the next four years. These schools are state funded but operated by a “sponsor”: 75% of their teachers must be qualified and 25% can be permanently employed with a “limited authority to teach”.

    The government’s Charter School Agency describes considerable flexibility around teaching, curriculum, governance, hours and days of operation, and how funding is spent.

    According to chief executive Jane Lee, this flexibility supports innovation and provides opportunities for students to learn differently. And there is little doubt a sizeable minority of pupils are not well served in the mainstream system.

    One in five children and young people in our schools need extra support for their learning. For decades, official reports have documented inequities in this area, including poor achievement for disabled and neurodivergent students.

    The problems and solutions are well understood. Disabled and neurodivergent students face barriers to learning because funding, resources and timely support for them and their teachers are inadequate.

    This includes a shortage of teacher aides, specialist teachers and therapists, and class sizes being too big.

    Many teachers try to compensate for these challenges. But research undertaken for the New Zealand Educational Institute warns that without the extra support they can come close to burnout. A damning 2024 report from the Education Hub described the experiences of neurodivergent pupils, their whānau and teachers who viewed

    the current education system as outdated and heading towards major crises, with many seeing home schooling as the only option.

    Lack of supporting evidence

    Rather than addressing under-resourcing in the state system, however, charter school advocates view the problem as a lack of choice, exacerbated by constant upheavals in education policy.

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour.
    Getty Images

    So, what can we learn from the last time charter schools operated between 2012 and 2018? The evidence is mixed, according to an evaluation of eight charter schools undertaken for the Ministry of Education.

    While whānau and student experiences appeared positive, low and uneven response rates from these groups make drawing any conclusion difficult.

    There was evidence of innovative practices in school governance and management, and to a lesser extent in staffing, student engagement and support, teaching and learning. The schools were least innovative in curriculum design and engagement with their communities.

    The schools themselves felt small school rolls and class sizes contributed to their successful operation. As for the key aim of charter school policy supporting priority learners, the report described a good understanding of their needs.

    But insufficient data mean we don’t know whether student achievement improved overall, and we know nothing about the achievement of students who received learning support.

    Focus on state schools instead

    Other questions remain, too. As the New Zealand Educational Institute pointed out last year, the $153 million being spent on charter schools would pay for more than 700 teacher aides in the state system.

    Given the existing shortage of learning-support resources overall, will charter schools (which will also have access to those resources) simply add another layer of competition for state schools?

    And if charter schools themselves struggle to recruit the necessary expertise, will their staff have the professional knowledge of student diversity and inclusion that’s needed to support students and whānau well, and who will judge that?

    Finally, charter schools must select priority group applicants by ballot if there are more applicants than capacity allows. How will they decide on the number of available places?

    At the risk of answering these questions with another question, wouldn’t our thinking be better directed at improving the public education system?

    All children – including those needing learning support – deserve to belong and learn well in their local school, with all the checks and balances that currently ensure equity, inclusion and a fully qualified teaching staff.

    Jude MacArthur currently receives funding from The Teaching and Learning Research Initiative. She has previously received Marsden funding. She is a member of the Teaching Council’s Inclusive Education Advisory Group; The Inclusive Education Action Group; and was a member of the Ministry of Education’s Bicultural and Inclusive Working Group as part of the curriculum refresh.

    – ref. As new charter schools open, we still know too little about how they worked last time – https://theconversation.com/as-new-charter-schools-open-we-still-know-too-little-about-how-they-worked-last-time-249474

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Want to make sure you don’t swelter in your next home? Check these 12 features before you rent or buy

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Robertson, Research Fellow, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University

    Harley Kingston, Shutterstock

    Hot on the heels of the warmest spring on record, Australia is baking through another scorching summer. Heatwaves around the country contributed to the second-warmest January on record. Hot, dry, windy weather again swept across the country this week.

    Finding a home that stays cool in this heat is a real challenge. Homebuyers and renters face two problems: a shortage of heat-resistant homes, and a lack of reliable, independent information about how homes perform in the heat.

    So, how can you avoid buying or renting a “hot box”? Here’s a handy list of 12 features to check next time you’re searching for a place to live.

    Ask these 4 questions before you inspect

    1. Does the house have insulation? Ceiling, wall and underfloor insulation seals the indoor environment, slowing or preventing heat from leaking in or out.

    2. Does it have double-glazed windows? Insulated glass, made from two or more window panes with a space in between, keeps heat out in summer and inside during winter.

    3. How big is the house? Australian homes are among the largest in the world. Cooling a large home with air conditioning can be costly. Check the floor plan to see if you can shut doors and close off internal spaces, so you only cool the parts you need during hot spells.

    4. Has the house had an energy and thermal performance assessment? The Residential Efficiency Scorecard is delivered by the Victorian government on behalf of all Australian governments. The report, undertaken by an accredited assessor, rates a home’s energy use and comfort, and recommends improvements. Other assessments also exist.

    Look for these 8 things during an inspection

    1. Check the colour and nature of external walls, roof and surrounding surfaces. Dark-coloured roofs or walls, and other hard surfaces such as concrete, absorb more heat. This heat builds up during the day and radiates out at night, causing what’s known as the heat island effect.

    2. Look at internal floors and surfaces. Brick walls or concrete surfaces inside can be a good thing, if the hot weather doesn’t last too long. That’s because the home will take longer to heat up. But these heavy materials will also take longer to cool down once the heatwave is over. Good ventilation may compensate for that.

    3. Consider the size and position of windows and doors. Openings on each side of rooms and the house as a whole allows cooling through natural ventilation. You can open up the house and let the cool air flow from one side to the other during the night, or once the cool change comes. Security doors and fly screens will keep insects and potential intruders out.

    4. Is there external shading, such as blinds or greenery? Ensuring windows and walls are shaded on the outside is the best way to keep the heat out, particularly on the west-facing side. Large unshaded glass windows facing north and west can cause the home to heat up in summer. Vertical blinds work well on west-facing windows. On the north side, horizontal shading such as a pergola blocks out the sun in summer – when it is higher in the sky. It also lets the sun in during winter when the sun is lower in the sky, to gently warm the home.

    5. Check for ceiling fans. Ceiling fans cool a home and use little energy. Check how many are installed and where they are located. Ceiling fans are ideal in living spaces, but also work well in bedrooms to help you stay comfortable on hot nights.

    Ceiling fans can make you feel cooler without costing a lot of money.
    Artazum, Shutterstock

    6. Investigate the air-con. If the house has air-conditioning, ask about its age, and look up its energy rating on energyrating.gov.au.

    7. Consider garden spaces. Plants and trees can creating a “microclimate” around your home, keeping it cool. Also look at the landscape beyond the property – a tree-lined street can reduce temperatures and improve thermal comfort during a heatwave.

    8. Note the position of the afternoon sun. Visit potential homes during the mid-late afternoon or check the sun’s path through the home – perhaps using a sun tracking app. If air conditioners are turned on, consider what this might mean for energy bills. What would the home feel like without it? Are there other ways to keep the building cool?

    For more information about home energy efficiency, visit YourHome, Renew, Scorecard, and read the Cooling your Home report.

    Passive Cooling (Your Home)

    Setting higher standards

    Most Australian homes perform poorly when it comes to maintaining a comfortable temperature range indoors. This is particularly true for those built before the 1990s, when minimum energy performance standards were introduced. But these standards set a low bar compared with those overseas.

    This, coupled with the absence of requirements for landlords or sellers (except in the ACT) to have the home assessed or declare a rating, means buyers and renters are left in the dark when it comes to making informed choices.

    Renters and lower-income households are at greatest risk of living in a home that is too hot or too cold. The private rental stock in Australia is among the poorest, most uncomfortable housing in the Western world.

    While the ACT has introduced minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties, standards across the country contain few provisions that promise improved thermal comfort.

    Until the regulatory landscape changes and energy performance must be disclosed, we hope these tips will help you avoid the worst of Australia’s hot boxes.



    Read more:
    Victorian households are poorly prepared for longer, more frequent heatwaves – here’s what needs to change

    Sarah Robertson has received funding from various sources, including the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation and the Fuel Poverty Research Network. She has benefitted from Australian Research Council, Victorian government and various local government and industry partnerships to support research related to this topic.

    Nicola Willand receives funding for research from various organisations, including the Australian Research Council, the Victorian state government, the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, the Future Fuels Collaborative Research Centre and the National Health and Medical Research Council. She is a trustee of the Fuel Poverty Research Network charity and affiliated with the Australian Institute of Architects.

    Ralph Horne has received funding from various sources including the Australian Research Council, the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute and the Victorian government to support research related to this topic.

    Trivess Moore has received funding from various organisations including the Australian Research Council, Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, Victorian government and various industry partners. He is a trustee of the Fuel Poverty Research Network.

    – ref. Want to make sure you don’t swelter in your next home? Check these 12 features before you rent or buy – https://theconversation.com/want-to-make-sure-you-dont-swelter-in-your-next-home-check-these-12-features-before-you-rent-or-buy-249494

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 3 statistical stuff-ups that made everyday items look healthier (or riskier) than they really are

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Esterman, Professor of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of South Australia

    VLADIMIR VK/Shutterstock

    Conducting scientific studies is never easy, and there are often major disasters along the way. A researcher accidentally spills coffee on a keyboard, destroying the data. Or one of the chemicals used in the analysis is contaminated, and the list goes on.

    However, when we read the results of the study in a scientific paper, it always looks pristine. The study went smoothly with no hiccups, and here are our results.

    But studies can contain errors, not all of which independent experts or “peer reviewers” weed out before publication.

    Statistical stuff-ups can be difficult to find as it really takes someone trained in statistics to notice something wrong.

    When statistical mistakes are made and found, it can have profound impacts on people who may have changed their lifestyle as a result of the flawed study.

    These three examples of inadvertent statistical mistakes have had major consequences for our health and shopping habits.

    1. Did you throw out your black plastic spoons?

    Late last year, I came across a news article about how black plastic kitchen utensils were dangerous as they could potentially leak toxic flame-retardant chemicals into your food.

    Being a natural sceptic, I looked up the original paper, which was published in the journal Chemosphere. The article looked genuine, the journal was reputable. So – like perhaps many other people – I threw out my black plastic kitchen utensils and replaced them with silicone ones.

    In the study, the authors screened 203 household products (about half were kitchen utensils) made from black plastic.

    The authors found toxic flame retardants in 85% of the products tested, with levels approaching the maximum daily limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States.

    Unfortunately, the authors made a mistake in their calculations. They were out by a factor of ten. This meant the level of toxic chemicals was well under the daily safety limits.

    In recent weeks, the authors apologised and corrected their paper.

    2. Did you avoid HRT?

    A landmark study raised safety concerns about hormone replacement therapy or HRT (now also known as menopausal hormone therapy). This highlights a different type of statistical error.

    The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study involved 10,739 postmenopausal women aged 50-79 recruited from 40 clinical centres in the US. It compared the health of women randomised to take HRT with those who took the placebo. Neither the researchers nor the women knew which treatment had been given.

    In their 2002 paper, the authors reported higher rates of invasive breast cancers in the HRT group. They used a unit called “person-years”. Person-years is a way to measure the total time a group of people spends in a study. For example, if 100 people are in a study for one year each, that makes 100 person-years. If someone leaves the trial after only six months, only that half-year is counted for them.

    The authors showed a rate of 38 invasive breast cancers per 10,000 person-years in the HRT group, compared to 30 per 10,000 person-years in the placebo group. This gives a rate ratio of 1.26 (one rate divided by the other).

    This fairly large increase in breast cancer rates, also expressed as a 26% increase, caused widespread panic around the world, and led to thousands of women stopping HRT.

    But the actual risk of breast cancer in each group is low. The rate of 38 per 10,000 person-years is equivalent to an annual rate of 0.38%. With very small rates like this, the authors should really have used the rate difference rather than the rate ratio. The rate difference is one rate subtracted from the other, rather than divided by it. This equates to an annual increase of 0.08% breast cancer cases in the HRT group – much more modest.

    The authors of the 2002 paper also pointed out that the 26% increase in the rate of breast cancer “almost reached nominal statistical significance”. Almost is not statistical significance, and formally, this means there was no difference in breast cancer rates between the two groups. In other words, the difference between the two groups could have happened by chance.

    The authors should have been more careful when describing their results.

    3. Did Popeye’s spinach change your meals?

    Cartoon character Popeye is a one-eyed, pipe-smoking sailor with mangled English, in love with the willowy Olive Oyl. He is constantly getting into trouble, and when he needs extra energy, he opens a can of spinach and swallows the contents. His biceps immediately bulge, and off he goes to sort out the problem.

    When Popeye ate spinach, his muscles bulged. No wonder sales of spinach rose.

    But why does Popeye eat spinach?

    The story begins in about 1870, with a German chemist, Erich von Wolf or Emil von Wolff, depending on which version of events you read.

    He was measuring the amount of iron in different types of leafy vegetables. According to legend, which some dispute, he was writing the iron content of spinach down in a notebook and got the decimal point wrong, writing 35 milligrams instead of 3.5 milligrams per 100 gram serve of spinach. The error was found and corrected in 1937.

    By then the Popeye character had been created and spinach became incredibly popular with children. Apparently, consumption of spinach in the US went up by a third as a result of the cartoon.

    This story had gained legendary status but has one tiny flaw. In a 1932 cartoon, Popeye explains exactly why he eats spinach, and it’s nothing to do with iron. He says in his garbled English:

    Spinach is full of Vitamin A. An’tha’s what makes hoomans strong an’ helty!

    Adrian Esterman receives funding from the NHMRC, MRFF and ARC.

    – ref. 3 statistical stuff-ups that made everyday items look healthier (or riskier) than they really are – https://theconversation.com/3-statistical-stuff-ups-that-made-everyday-items-look-healthier-or-riskier-than-they-really-are-249367

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –