Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Support for $10,000 apprentice incentive payments

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Support for $10,000 apprentice incentive payments

    Published: 24 January 2025

    Statement by: Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education


    We welcome the Albanese Labor Government’s $10,000 incentive payment for apprentices in the construction and clean energy sectors and its focus on apprentice retention.

    NSW leads the nation in apprenticeship and traineeship participation, accounting for nearly 30% of Australia’s total, with more than 103,000 apprentices and trainees in training.

    These figures highlight the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to building a skilled workforce for the future.

    Importantly, completion numbers in NSW are also on the rise, with a 10% increase in the 2024 June quarter compared with 2023.

    This includes a 13% jump in apprenticeship completions and 7% growth in traineeships, well above the national average of 3%.

    However, we know there is more work to do and finding innovative ways to address skills shortages in the construction sector will be key if we are to meet our NSW commitment to boost housing supply and reach net zero by 2050.

    Whenever I meet apprentices, they tell me how difficult it is to keep up with cost-of-living pressures. I know this $10,000 boost will be warmly welcomed by apprentices in NSW.

    This incentive payment complements the work under way as part of our newly released NSW Skills Plan, the first in over 15 years, the Apprenticeship & Traineeship Roadmap 2024-26, and the NSW VET Review, which all have a key focus on construction and renewable energy workforces and giving young people opportunities and pathways to fulfilling careers.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Marine traffic control and safety measures to be followed at Lunar New Year Fireworks Display

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Marine traffic control and safety measures to be followed at Lunar New Year Fireworks Display
    Marine traffic control and safety measures to be followed at Lunar New Year Fireworks Display
    ******************************************************************************************

         With regard to the 2025 Lunar New Year Fireworks Display to be held on January 30, the Marine Department (MD) will implement marine traffic control and strengthen the inspection of spectator vessels on the event day to ensure that safety requirements are met.         A Closed Area in the waters off the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, where barges for the fireworks display are to be anchored, will be established from 2pm to about 10.30pm on the event day. A Restricted Area will be established in the Central Harbour from 7pm to about 9pm on the event day. Other than authorised vessels, no vessels will be allowed to enter these two areas. Scheduled ferry vessels with permission may continue services until 7.40pm.      Spectator vessels may stay inside the Specified Area, excluding the Restricted Area and the Closed Area, for viewing from 6pm to 9pm (the specified period) on the event day. To enhance marine safety during this major event at sea, coxswains of spectator vessels in the Specified Area during the specified period must ensure that children on board are accompanied by an adult and wear a lifejacket at all times. Coxswains must also keep a passenger and crew list on board for emergency purposes. The MD will step up vessel inspections. If any vessel fails to meet these requirements, the department will initiate prosecution.      In addition, to ensure that vessels disperse in an orderly manner, the Eastern and Western Cordon Lines of the Restricted Area will be lifted in stages after the event. The Western Cordon Line will be lifted first at about 9pm. Spectator vessels behind the Western Cordon Line and those wishing to move east must follow the instructions of officers from the MD and the Police at the scene. The Eastern Cordon Line will be lifted later, depending on traffic conditions in Victoria Harbour. It is anticipated that the Restricted Area will be lifted by about 9.15pm on the event day.      For landside crowd control, the public landing steps No. 4 to 6 at Kowloon Public Pier will be closed temporarily from 6am to midnight, and the public landing steps No. 1 to 3 will be closed temporarily from 6pm to about 9pm. Other public landing steps within the Restricted Area will be closed temporarily from 6.30pm to about 9pm. Buffer zones at Kowloon Public Pier, Kwun Tong Public Pier and Central Piers 9 and 10 will be established immediately after the event for the safe and orderly disembarkation of passengers.      Officers from the MD and the Police will also maintain order at major landing facilities after the event. To ensure smooth disembarkation, coxswains and crew members should remind passengers to pack their personal belongings early before the vessels arrive alongside the landing steps and assist passengers in disembarking. Coxswains and passengers should follow the instructions of the MD and the Police at the scene.      The MD and the Marine Police will also strengthen law enforcement, especially concerning life-saving appliances, speeding and overloading. Coxswains and persons-in-charge of vessels should check again and reconfirm that the operating licence, the certificate of survey and the third-party risk insurance are valid before setting sail, and that relevant crew members are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.      MD Notice No. 14 of 2025 on marine traffic control and safety measures has been issued and is available for viewing on the MD’s website (www.mardep.gov.hk).

     
    Ends/Monday, January 27, 2025Issued at HKT 16:37

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: Periodic announcement on the acquisition of the Bank‘s own shares and its results (week 12)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    This announcement contains information on transactions of the acquisition of own shares of AB Šiaulių bankas (the Bank) carried during the period specified below under the Bank’s own share buy-back programme announced on 31 October 2024. 

    The period during which the acquisition of the Bank’s own shares under the programme was carried out – 04.11.2024 – 24.01.2025. 

    Period covered by this periodic report – 20.01.2025 – 24.01.2025. 

    Other information: 

    Transaction overview 
    Date  Total number of shares purchased on the day ( units)  Weighted average price (EUR)  Total value of transactions (EUR) 
    2025.01.20 125,000 0.914 114,229.88
    2025.01.21 125,000 0.914 114,187.70
    2025.01.22 125,000 0.915 114,329.92
    2025.01.23 125,000 0.914 114,250.00
    2025.01.24 125,000 0.913 114,080.01
    Total acquired during the current week  625,000 0.914 571,077.51
    Total acquired during the programme period  5,092,863 0.853 4,345,207.01
           
     

    The Bank’s own bought-back shares: 11,717,863 units.  

    Following the above transactions, the Bank will own a total of 12,342,863 units of own shares representing 1.86 % of the Bank’s issued shares. 

    Further detailed information on the transactions is attached. 

    This information is also available at: www.sb.lt   

    Additional information:
    Tomas Varenbergas
    Head of Investment Management Division
    tomas.varenbergas@sb.lt

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Australia: PRITCHARD GROVE, PANORAMA (Grass Fire)

    Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia

    Issued on
    27 Jan 2025 13:19

    Issued for
    PANORAMA near Blackwood and Eden Hills in the Mount Lofty Ranges.

    Warning level
    Advice – Stay Informed

    Action
    CFS is responding to a fire near Panorama, Blackwood and Eden Hills.

    If you are in this area, stay informed and monitor local conditions. More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: YOHO ROAD, DELAMERE (Tree Down)

    Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia

    Advice – Reduced Threat

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

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

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Transcript – ABC Brisbane: Steve Austin

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    STEVE AUSTIN: Catherine King is the Federal Minister for Infrastructure in Australia. Minister, thanks for joining me this morning. 

    CATHERINE KING: Very good to be with you. 

    STEVE AUSTIN: Can you tell me this is by Infrastructure Australia? Does this mean that you as the final decision maker will bump these off the priority list yourself? 

    CATHERINE KING: No, so, it’s a bit of a beat up of a story this morning, and it seems to be a bit of confusion about what the role of Infrastructure Australia is versus the role of the Australian Government that, of course, funds through the budget infrastructure projects in Queensland, some nationally significant, those very, very large infrastructure projects that operate where there are big missing links in freight routes, where there are big missing links in electricity transmission or water transmission, right the way across the country. And so it is, at that higher level of project. And so it’s really refining its list there. It doesn’t represent the funding decisions or the totality of all of the projects that the government, the Federal Albanese Government, is investing in and Infrastructure Australia it’s not, never has been an actual funding body. So that’s sort of revising its list. What it’s doing at the moment is it’s consulting with states and territories. I have not seen its list. Obviously, states have been given a draft to comment on and to look through, and states can work their way with Infrastructure Australia to look at projects of that nationally significant scale, to put back on the list, if that’s what they what they want to do, or to make sure that they’re on the list, or that, as I said, that it’s separate to the budget process. And it does seem, I did think was a sort of passing strange story today.

    STEVE AUSTIN: So because it’s off the Infrastructure Australia list doesn’t mean it’s off the agenda of the federal government or you as the Minister?

    CATHERINE KING: Yeah, correct. And in fact, what actually they do do is where a project already has a or has a full or partial commitment infrastructure, Australia says, well, our job’s done now like that. We’ve had that major piece of work done. We’ve analysed the cost benefit in the business case that states have put to us. It’s been on the infrastructure priority list. And again, these are only for really big projects. They’re not for the suburban roads or the bridges that we’re doing or a range of those things. And then what it does is, if it’s attracted funding, it says, okay, well now we will take that off the list, and we’ll put a new priority on at that scale. And so some of the projects that you mentioned at the start of your story already have really substantial federal funding attached to them, and that’s partly why I suspect Infrastructure Australia is removing them, or has removed them from the draft list. But again, they’re working with good faith with states and territories at the moment, and if the Queensland Government wants to submit projects to do that, it needs to have done the work. It needs to have really done the work. Because, of course, this was really about making sure, with Infrastructure Australia, that the Commonwealth Government gets good independent advice which take the politics out of infrastructure investments. We make sure that we got good, proper advice in which to make investments. 

    STEVE AUSTIN: I spoke with the mayor of the Sunshine Coast earlier this morning, Rosanna Natoli, and she’s worried about what the list means, particularly for the Sunshine Coast, which is under huge development pressure from increased population there, particularly for things like some of the big roads, but also the rail project, the Beerburrum to Nambour rail upgrade. Can you state what your position is on that today, please?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, of course, in terms of many again, of the projects that were referenced, there is already significant investment being made. For local councils where they want to put their views, they need to do that via state governments. They have every opportunity to do that, and we really encourage them to do that. But again, we’re investing really significantly, whether it’s Logan to Gold Coast faster rail, the Sunshine Coast rail line, direct sunshine coast, the Coomera Connector, the Bruce Highway investments. When we came to government, there was significant underfunding. There was $18 billion committed to Queensland from the previous government. We have upped that to $28 billion including the recent announcements to fix the Bruce Highway.  No funding cuts at all to Queensland. In fact, substantial investments in Queensland. 

    STEVE AUSTIN: So does that mean that Beerburrum to Nambour rail upgraders, it will be funded for the Sunshine Coast region?

    CATHERINE KING: In terms of that particular project that already has a total of $606.7 million from the Australian government committed to it. It’s a project of a funding total of a billion dollars. It is currently, as I understand, early works are being completed in pre-construction design, so the Commonwealth is already funding that project.

    STEVE AUSTIN:  Is there anything else you want to get on the record in relation to Queensland? Given the sort of the changes in infrastructure Australia’s priority list, you’re the final person who’ll say yay or nay?

    CATHERINE KING: So I’m not the final person. So Infrastructure Australia, again, independent of the government, I don’t say what’s on the list. 

    STEVE AUSTIN: No, I know. I know you will have to say as to what gets built and what doesn’t get built. As the federal infrastructure minister.

    CATHERINE KING: Yeah, so I will through the normal budget process. We do it every year. States write to me and they say, this is what you know, they want funding for, this is where we’ve got substantial cost pressures. The new Queensland Government has just done that recently, and we through the budget process systematically go through that. I seek advice from Infrastructure Australia as to whether something is investment ready, has the cost benefit work being done? Because what we had inherited was, frankly, a lot of press releases, a lot of press releases telling me that there was money set aside for projects –  chronically underfunded, and what we’ve had to do is really make sure we’ve got a disciplined process to look at Commonwealth investments. But again, as I said, we started when we came to government, $18 billion committed to Queensland. There’s now $28, billion committed to Queensland. I think we’ll stand on our record of the substantial investments we make to improve infrastructure in Queensland.

    STEVE AUSTIN:  Minister thanks for your time. 

    CATHERINE KING: Really good to be with you.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: MINE ROAD, KANMANTOO (Grass Fire)

    Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia

    Issued on
    27 Jan 2025 12:12

    Issued for
    MULCH FIRE AT KANMANTOO, 3km North West of Callington in the Mount Lofty Ranges.

    Warning level
    Advice – Avoid Smoke

    Action
    Smoke from a mulch fire at Kanmantoo is in the vicinity of Mine Road, Back Callinton Road, Hollamby Road and Hillview Road and may impact the township of Callington in the Murraylands and Mount Lofty Ranges districts.

    Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.

    Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.

    If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.

    More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-Evening Report: Support for changing date of Australia Day softens, but remains strong among young people — new research

    ANALYSIS: By David Lowe, Deakin University; Andrew Singleton, Deakin University, and Joanna Cruickshank, Deakin University

    After many years of heated debate over whether January 26 is an appropriate date to celebrate Australia Day — with some councils and other groups shifting away from it — the tide appears to be turning among some groups.

    Some local councils, such as Geelong in Victoria, are reversing recent policy and embracing January 26 as a day to celebrate with nationalistic zeal.

    They are likely emboldened by what they perceive as an ideological shift occurring more generally in Australia and around the world.

    But what of young people? Are young Australians really becoming more conservative and nationalistic, as some are claiming? For example, the Institute for Public Affairs states that “despite relentless indoctrination taking place at schools and universities”, their recent survey showed a 10 percent increase in the proportion of 18-24 year olds who wanted to celebrate Australia Day.

    However, the best evidence suggests that claims of a shift towards conservatism among young people are unsupported.

    The statement “we should not celebrate Australia Day on January 26” was featured in the Deakin Contemporary History Survey in 2021, 2023, and 2024.

    Respondents were asked to indicate their agreement level. The Deakin survey is a repeated cross-sectional study conducted using the Life in Australia panel, managed by the Social Research Centre. This is a nationally representative online probability panel with more than 2000 respondents for each Deakin survey.

    Robust social survey
    With its large number of participants, weighting and probability selection, the Life in Australia panel is arguably Australia’s most reliable and robust social survey.

    The Deakin Contemporary History Survey consists of several questions about the role of history in contemporary society, hence our interest in whether or how Australians might want to celebrate a national day.

    Since 1938, when Aboriginal leaders first declared January 26 a “Day of Mourning”, attitudes to this day have reflected how people in Australia see the nation’s history, particularly about the historical and contemporary dispossession and oppression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

    In 2023, we found support for Australia Day on January 26 declined slightly from 2021, and wondered if a more significant change in community sentiment was afoot.

    With the addition of the 2024 data, we find that public opinion is solidifying — less a volatile “culture war” and more a set of established positions. Here is what we found:



    This figure shows that agreement (combining “strongly agree” and “agree”) with not celebrating Australia Day on January 26 slightly increased in 2023, but returned to the earlier level a year later.

    Likewise, disagreement with the statement (again, combining “strongly disagree” and “disagree”) slightly dipped in 2023, but in 2024 returned to levels observed in 2021. “Don’t know” and “refused” responses have consistently remained below 3 percent across all three years. Almost every Australian has a position on when we should celebrate Australia Day, if at all.

    Statistical factors
    The 2023 dip might reflect a slight shift in public opinion or be due to statistical factors, such as sampling variability. Either way, public sentiment on this issue seems established.

    As Gunai/Kurnai, Gunditjmara, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta writer Nayuka Gorrie and Amangu Yamatji woman associate professor Crystal McKinnon have written, the decline in support for Australia Day is the result of decades of activism by Indigenous people.

    Though conservative voices have become louder since the failure of the Voice Referendum in 2023, more than 40 percent of the population now believes Australia Day should not be celebrated on January 26.

    In addition, the claim of a significant swing towards Australia Day among younger Australians is unsupported.

    In 2024, as in earlier iterations of our survey, we found younger Australians (18–34) were more likely to agree that Australia Day should not be celebrated on January 26. More than half of respondents in that age group (53 percent) supported that change, compared to 39 percent of 35–54-year-olds, 33 percent of 55–74-year-olds, and 29 percent of those aged 75 and older.

    Conversely, disagreement increases with age. We found 69 percent of those aged 75 and older disagreed, followed by 66 percent of 55–74-year-olds, 59 percent of 35–54-year-olds, and 43 percent of 18–34-year-olds. These trends suggest a steady shift, indicating that an overall majority may favour change within the next two decades.

    What might become of Australia Day? We asked those who thought we should not celebrate Australia Day on January 26 what alternative they preferred the most.



    Among those who do not want to celebrate Australia Day on January 26, 36 percent prefer replacing it with a new national day on a different date, while 32 percent favour keeping the name but moving it to a different date.

    A further 13 percent support keeping January 26 but renaming it to reflect diverse history, and 8 percent advocate abolishing any national day entirely. Another 10 percent didn’t want these options, and less than 1 peecent were unsure.

    A lack of clarity
    If the big picture suggests a lack of clarity — with nearly 58 percent of the population wanting to keep Australia Day as it is, but 53 percent of younger Australians supporting change — then the task of finding possible alternatives to the status quo seems even more clouded.

    Gorrie and McKinnon point to the bigger issues at stake for Indigenous people: treaties, land back, deaths in custody, climate justice, reparations and the state removal of Aboriginal children.

    Yet, as our research continues to show, there are few without opinions on this question, and we should not expect it to recede as an issue that animates Australians.

    Dr David Lowe is chair in contemporary history, Deakin University; Dr Andrew Singleton is professor of sociology and social research, Deakin University; and Joanna Cruickshank is associate professor in history, Deakin University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: Albanese records worst Newspoll ratings this term; Victorian Labor’s primary plunges

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

    A national Newspoll, conducted January 20–24 from a sample of 1,259, gave the Coalition a 51–49 lead, a one-point gain for the Coalition since the previous Newspoll in early December. Primary votes were 39% Coalition (steady), 31% Labor (down two), 12% Greens (up one), 7% One Nation (steady) and 11% for all Others (up one).

    In three of the last four Newspolls, the Coalition has had a 51–49 lead. This is the consensus of the polls at the moment, as can be seen from the graph below. The federal election is not due until May, and this position is recoverable for Labor, but they would probably lose now. I had more comments on this last Thursday.

    The worst news from Newspoll for Labor was Anthony Albanese’s ratings, which slumped six points since December to a term-low net approval of -20, with 57% dissatisfied and 37% satisfied.

    Peter Dutton’s net approval increased one point to -11. Albanese led Dutton by 44–41 as better PM (45–38 in December). This three-point margin for Albanese is a term low.

    The graph below shows Albanese’s Newspoll ratings this term. The individual polls are marked with plus signs and a smoothed line has been fitted.

    There have been five polls in January of leaders’ ratings from Freshwater, YouGov, Resolve, Essential and Newspoll. On average, Albanese is at -15 net approval and Dutton at -3.2. If not for a net zero approval from Essential, Albanese’s ratings would be worse.

    Additional Resolve questions

    I previously covered the mid-January Resolve poll for Nine newspapers that gave Dutton a 39–34 preferred PM lead over Albanese. In additional questions, by 61–24, voters supported keeping Australia’s national day on January 26 over changing to another date (47–39 in January 2023).

    The thumping defeat of the October 2023 Voice referendum has damaged the push to change the date. By 52–24, voters supported legislating so that January 26 is enshrined in law as Australia’s national day.

    By 54–9, respondents thought there had been more antisemitism over more Islamophobia in recent months (32–14 in October). By 51–24, they thought the conflict in the Middle East had made Australia a less safe place (45–26 in October).

    Victorian Resolve poll: Labor’s primary plunges to 22%

    A Victorian state Resolve poll
    for The Age, conducted with the federal December and January Resolve polls from a sample of over 1,000, gave the Coalition 42% of the primary vote (up four since November), Labor 22% (down six), the Greens 13% (steady), independents 17% (up three) and others 6% (down one).

    Resolve doesn’t usually give a two-party estimate, but The Age’s article said that on 2022 election preference flows, the Coalition would have a 55.5–44.5 lead. Independents would be unlikely to get 17% at an election, but they are on the readout everywhere in Resolve polls until after nominations close.

    In late December, Brad Battin was elected Liberal leader in a party room vote, replacing John Pesutto. From just the January sample, Battin led Labor incumbent Jacinta Allan as preferred premier by 36–27 (30–29 to Pesutto in November).

    Victorian Labor’s unpopularity is hurting federal Labor in Victoria. The Poll Bludger’s BludgerTrack has a 5.3% swing against Labor in Victoria, with swings in the other mainland states at 2% or less.

    By the November 2026 election, Labor will have governed in Victoria for 12 successive years and for 23 of the 27 years since 1999. An “it’s time” factor is probably contributing to Labor’s woes.

    State byelections will occur on February 8 in Labor-held Werribee and Greens-held Prahran. At the 2022 election, Labor won Werribee by a 60.9–39.1 margin against the Liberals, while the Greens won Prahran by 62.0–38.0 against the Liberals.

    In Prahran, which Labor is not contesting, Tony Lupton, who was the Labor MP from 2002 to 2010, is running as an independent. The Liberals and Lupton will swap preferences on their how to vote material. Voters can choose their own preferences instead of following their candidate’s recommendations, but many will follow those recommendations.

    Germany and Canada

    I covered German and Canadian electoral developments for The Poll Bludger on Saturday. The German federal election is in about four weeks, on February 23. Polls are bleak for the left, with big gains likely for the far-right AfD.

    Justin Trudeau announced he would resign as Canadian Liberal leader and PM on January 6 once a new Liberal leader had been elected, which will occur on March 9. The Conservatives had a big lead in last Monday’s update to the CBC Poll Tracker, but there’s a new poll that gives the Conservatives just a 3.8-point lead. Trudeau promised to reform Canada’s electoral system before he won the October 2015 election, but did nothing.

    Adrian Beaumont 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. Albanese records worst Newspoll ratings this term; Victorian Labor’s primary plunges – https://theconversation.com/albanese-records-worst-newspoll-ratings-this-term-victorian-labors-primary-plunges-248222

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Pomonal Fire Brigade recognised for brave efforts

    Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

    Pomonal Fire Brigade was today recognised for the firefighting efforts of members during the recent Grampians fires and those last February.

    Gathering at Pomonal Town Hall today (27 January) for their Community Australia Day Breakfast and Awards Presentation, members were honoured in front of their friends and family with gratitude expressed for their highly respected operational response over the last two summers. 

    Chief Officer Jason Heffernan proudly presented the resilient brigade and Captain Steve Field with a Special Recognition Award, the highest of its kind in CFA, for their outstanding service throughout a significant event.  

    It is a known risk to CFA members that at some stage you may face a situation in which your own property is under threat from fire, and with that comes the unenviable dilemma of having to choose to either focus your efforts on yourself or protect the broader community,” Chief Officer Heffernan said.  

    “On the 13 February 2024 and in the days that followed, members of the Pomonal Fire Brigade faced this precise predicament as a fire event that would eventually claim some 47 homes, devastating their community. 

    “In the midst of this large-scale incident, the local members conducted themselves with great professionalism and demonstrated complete selflessness as they continued working tirelessly at the fire front. 

    “Their consistent presence on scene and the support provided to the public was widely felt and greatly appreciated by the community, who are proud to have such dedicated CFA members at their service.” 

    The morning also saw two very deserving recipients, Ararat Group Officer (GO) David Croad and Ararat Deputy Group Officer (DGO) Matt Venn, receive the esteemed Chief Officer’s Commendation.  

    David Croad is being recognised for his impressive actions as Group Officer during the significant event in February, and Matt Venn for his supportive leadership as the Group Strike Team Leader. 

    “In a time of great distress for the Pomonal community, David, Matt and their fellow brigade members demonstrated to the highest level, the spirit of CFA and I couldn’t be prouder as Chief Officer,” Jason said.  

    “Acting GO David Croad put the welfare of members and the local community at the forefront of his actions, and it has been noted with much respect and admiration.  

    “David exuded calmness and confidence from day one of the fire and provided exceptional operational leadership and communication to fire crews and other responding agencies.  

    “Despite his own home and that of fellow community and brigade members being under threat, DGO Matt Venn conducted himself with great professionalism, care and concern.  

    “He was instrumental in key decisions and his efficient manner ensured the effective planning of resources, personnel, logistics, and the recovery effort.” 

    Throughout the celebrations, District 16 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Alcock also presented nine CFA Service Awards, ranging from 10 years to a notable 45 years.  

    A further five brigade members were also acknowledged for their devoted service, awarded 30-to-65-year CFA Life Member Awards, alongside a National Emergency Medal to David Gething for the 2019/20 bushfires. 

    Read more on the efforts of the Pomonal volunteers and Ararat Group members and their reflections of the devasting February 2024 fires on our website. 

    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Building Western Australia’s future

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The Albanese and Cook Governments are building Western Australia’s future, driving economic growth and delivering benefits for commuters with a partnership to deliver a $700 million upgrade to the Kwinana Freeway.

    The Albanese Government will invest $350 million to ensure this important work gets delivered.

    Widening the Kwinana Freeway will add around 50 per cent capacity to the upgraded sections, easing congestion for motorists and improving the efficiency of moving freight on a road that typically carries 100,000 vehicles every day.

    This investment will also support the operations of the future Westport project, while improving safety and delivering congestion relief for commuters.

    The upgrades to road infrastructure will also support the growing industrial areas and Defence Assets on the Western Trade Coast.

    The Westport project is the linchpin for future trade growth in Western Australia, supporting local jobs and WA’s economy for the long term.

    This new funding builds on the previous $67 million joint commitment towards planning and scoping of landside enabling infrastructure for the Westport project.

    The Albanese and Cook Governments are working together to build Western Australia’s future, with major projects underway including METRONET, upgrades to the Tonkin Highway and the Outback Way.

    The Albanese Government is investing $9.7 billion towards transport infrastructure projects in Western Australia.

    Quotes attributable to Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese:

    “We’re working with the Cook Labor Government to build Western Australia’s future.

    “Western Australia is an economic powerhouse, and we want to make sure we are investing in future job creating projects like Westport, while still delivering the immediate congestion benefits for commuters now.

    “This project will support jobs, improve safety and ease congestion for the 100,000 commuters who use the Kwinana Freeway each day.

    “Only Labor has a plan to build Australia’s future.”

    Quotes attributable to Premier of Western Australia Roger Cook:

    “As a Kwinana local, I know how important this project is for our State.

    “Western Australia is the economic engine room of Australia, with Westport and the Western Trade Coast critical to keeping our economy strong and creating the local jobs of the future in WA.

    “My WA Labor Government is partnering with the Albanese Government to do what’s right for WA.”

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

    “The Australian Government remains dedicated to working for all Australians by delivering nationally significant infrastructure projects that enhance productivity and resilience, improve liveability and promote sustainability.

    “We are getting on with delivering a better future for all Australians, and this project will increase opportunities and connections, build communities and improve safety.”

    Quotes attributable to WA Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti:

    “We welcome this critical investment by the Albanese Labor Government.

    “The investment will ensure we can continue our Government’s major transformation of the Kwinana Freeway, which has seen the installation of smart freeway technology, the Armadale Road to North Lake Road Bridge Project and widening to large sections.

    “The Western Australian Government is working in partnership with the Australian Government on these and other growth-area roads, including the Stephenson Avenue Extension and Tonkin Highway extension.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Mobile broadcasting assets to backup local radio during natural disasters and power outages

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    The Albanese Government is strengthening vital broadcasting infrastructure that can be deployed rapidly during natural disasters and emergencies to help keep communities safer, connected and informed.
     
    The Government’s $20 million Broadcasting Resilience Program (BRP) has already provided emergency power backup batteries and upgraded satellite inputs to 98 ABC AM and FM radio sites across Australia used for emergency broadcasting.
     
    The BRP is also funding five mobile broadcast assets (MBAs) that can be transported to affected sites at short notice in the event transmission fails, including during power outages caused by severe weather.
     
    The MBAs also serve as a power supply to charge essential devices such as mobile phones, enabling people to access vital services and keep in touch with loved ones during emergencies.
     
    The MBAs will be housed at five strategic locations around the country: 

    • Bald Hills (Brisbane), serving south eastern Queensland and north eastern New South Wales;
    • Gungahlin (Canberra), serving the Australian Capital Territory, southern NSW and eastern Victoria;
    • Hamersley (Perth), serving Western Australia;
    • Mt Bellenden-Ker (northern Queensland), serving northern Queensland and the Northern Territory; and
    • Pimpala (Adelaide), serving South Australia and western Victoria.

    The sites were chosen by BAI based on previous natural disasters, ease of access to the region and the ability to service and store units between events.
     
    The BRP is improving the resilience of broadcast transmission infrastructure used for emergency broadcasting, supporting ABC services and commercial broadcasters co-located on site.
     
    These upgrades have already kept ABC local radio services running for hundreds of hours during emergency events.
     
    The BRP is part of the Albanese Government’s Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, which includes $400 million to improve mobile coverage and increase the resilience of communications services across Australia.
     
    For more information on the Plan, visit: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/better-connectivity-plan-regional-and-rural-australia 
     
    For more information on the BRP, visit: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/better-connectivity-plan-regional-and-rural-australia/broadcasting-resilience-program 
     
    Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
     
    “The safety of Australians is the Albanese Government’s number one priority. 
     
    “During natural disasters and emergencies, access to timely and accurate information can mean the difference between life and death. 
     
    “The Broadcasting Resilience Program has already upgraded 98 ABC broadcasting sites around Australia.
     
    “As part of the BRP, five new mobile broadcast assets will also be available for rapid deployment to disaster-struck areas when emergency broadcasting transmission fails.
     
    “This will help even more communities around Australia stay safe, connected and informed should disaster strike.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Press Conference – Krakow, Poland

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Penny Wong, Foreign Minister: Thanks very much for being here at the Jewish Community Centre in Krakow. We thank Jonathan Ornstein for hosting us here. We thank Zofia, a Holocaust survivor who spoke with us about her journey and her life, and we thank her for the honour of sharing some time with her.

    Tomorrow, we will mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Mark Dreyfus and I are here in Poland, here together, to remember the six million Jewish lives lost – taken – in the Holocaust. Six million men, women and children murdered, including a million, near to here, at Auschwitz.

    We are here to say, never again, never again. To stand with others across the international community and say, never again. I would say at this time, we have to stand together – across beliefs, across political difference, across politics – we have to stand against prejudice and hate and antisemitism in all its forms. Because at this time and in this place, we remember where that can lead, and we say, never again. I’ll hand over to Mark.

    Mark Dreyfus, Attorney-General: Thanks very much, Penny.

    The Foreign Minister and I are here in Krakow to represent the Australian Government at Auschwitz, at the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. And of course, this is a commemoration of the Holocaust, which is the greatest evil that the world has known. Some 6 million Jews were murdered across Europe. Over a million Jews were murdered at Auschwitz, where we’re going to be tomorrow. That number includes, at Auschwitz, a member of my own family. My great-grandmother, Ida Ransenberg, then aged 60, was murdered at Auschwitz on the 14th of October, 1942. We’re attending the commemoration to remember the dead and to say never again. We are attending this commemoration to condemn antisemitism in all its forms, to condemn antisemitism anywhere in the world, to condemn antisemitism in Australia. And we’re at this commemoration to acknowledge the magnificent contribution that’s been made by Jews to our own Australian community, including the very many survivors of the Holocaust who found their way to Australia, particularly after the war.

    I’d like to acknowledge the meeting that Foreign Minister and I have had with Zofia, a Holocaust survivor who has made a wonderful contribution to the rebuilding of the Jewish community here in Krakow, of which this Jewish Community Centre is a part. It’s a wonderful thing to think that, after what happened in the Second World War, that there is a reborn Jewish community here in Krakow. Thanks very much.

    Reporter: Given the rise in antisemitism, is this year’s anniversary perhaps more important now than in any point in previous decades when this liberation has been remembered?

    Foreign Minister: This commemoration is always important, but you’re right to point to the rise of antisemitism we see in the world. And when we say never again, we have to not only mean it, but bring that to what we do as political leaders. So, I do see, we do see, attending this commemoration as solemn and important, the memory of six million murdered and also the knowledge of what hatred can lead to.

    Reporter: We spoke to some survivors back in Australia, who, the reason they went to Australia and fled there after the war was because it was, in their words, the furthest place from here that they could travel to. But antisemitism is now on our shores. I think it’s been, since December, more than 150 incidents are being investigated. Is there a sense of responsibility that the government has to share in the fact that it’s made its way our shores in such a large amount? 

    Foreign Minister: We all must stand against antisemitism whenever and wherever we see it, and we must all work together to confront it. And you would have heard me say many times, these attacks are not just an attack on the Jewish community – they are that – but they are actually an attack on who we are as Australians. People came to our country and come to our country because of who we are; a country that welcomes people of all faiths, people from all over the world, and we treat each other with respect. We treat each other with tolerance. We are accepting and we ensure that we provide a safe community for all our people. That is part of what it is to be Australian, and as well, we must hold on to it.

    Reporter: Minister, given the rise in antisemitism back home in Australia, why is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese not here for the 80th commemoration?

    Foreign Minister: This is a very senior delegation. This is the Foreign Minister, the Attorney-General and the Special Envoy. And the seniority of the delegation speaks to how seriously we take this.

    Reporter: You mentioned in your opening comments, the need for it to come across political lines. Is that a nod, do you think this debate has been too partisan in recent weeks?

    Foreign Minister: This is not a time or a place for politics. This is a time to be above politics, because this, it is such a solemn and sad occasion, but also a time to recommit ourselves to learning the lessons of the Holocaust, the murder of six million Jews, and to say, never again. So, I’m simply saying to all of us in Australia, we must all work together to ensure never again.

    Reporter: This rise in antisemitism can’t obviously be separated from the conflict in Gaza, the kidnapped Israelis and destruction there. Overnight, in the last few hours, Donald Trump has said we should ‘clean out Gaza’ and see the inhabitants from there moved into either Egypt or Jordan. Have you had a chance to speak with any of your partners in the United States. Or is it a proposition you would support or entertain?

    Foreign Minister: I would simply say this; we all want the ceasefire to hold, and we all want a path to peace and security for all peoples in the Middle East.

    Reporter: Mr Dreyfus, thank you for sharing your personal story. A lot of Australian Jews have said that the past 18 months has been perhaps the toughest time for Jews in Australia. How hard has it been for you to live both roles as part of the Government that’s been criticised for that, but also you and your family connection?

    Attorney-General: I understand all too well, perhaps better than most, the shocking rise in antisemitism that we’ve experienced in Australia and indeed, right across the world. Australia has not been alone in what has been a shocking, grotesque rise in antisemitism, unexpected after the horrific events of October the 7th. We’ve all got to work together, and that’s government, community, every part of the community has to work together to make sure that antisemitism, events of antisemitism, conduct that is antisemitic, violence that’s got an antisemitic association, all of that has to end, and all of us have to work together to make sure that it ends. It’s really important. It’s something that affects every part of the Australian community, not just the Jewish community, and I’ve got a real sense that we are working together to make sure that it is brought to an end.

    Reporter: Minister Wong, Mr Dutton has been critical in the media of you being here. He says you shouldn’t be, you’re not the right choice to be here. What would you say in response to that?

    Foreign Minister: This is not a day for politics. It’s not a time for politics. This is a time to remember the murder of six million people, six million Jews, and to say never again and that’s why we’re here. And it is, as I said, a solemn occasion. I simply say again, I think, if we really mean never again, then we need to work together across politics and across faiths. And I have confidence Australians can do that.

    Attorney-General: And if I could add to that – this is an appropriate time, and it is an appropriate place to actually reject attempts to politicise the Holocaust or to politicise antisemitism. Combating antisemitism, remembering the Holocaust, does not belong to the left or the right. It does not belong to the progressive side of Australian politics, or the conservative side of Australian politics. It is the solemn duty of everybody, of all of humanity, to remember the Holocaust, to say, never again. And it’s been grotesque, I use that word again, to see the rise in antisemitism since October the 7th, but it has been equally grotesque to see attempts being made to politicise either commemoration of the Holocaust or combating antisemitism. We need to get politics out of this. It’s a joint effort for the whole of humanity to remember the Holocaust, to remember the six million murdered Jews, and to say, as the Foreign Minister has said, as I’ve said, never again. That’s the task that we’re here for. That’s why this is an appropriate time and place to say there’s been far too much politicisation. It’s time for it to end.

    Reporter: On that note, was there any suggestion that the Governor-General may have come over, as a kind of neutral person?

    Foreign Minister: I haven’t engaged with the Governor General about that. As I’ve said before in a press conference, Mark and I, and the Deputy Prime Minister and I spoke about this, and we believed this was a suitably senior delegation. Thank you very much everyone for your time.

    Attorney-General: Thank you.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Swimmer hit by boat at Mannum

    Source: South Australia Police

    A swimmer was airlifted to Adelaide after being struck by a boat in the River Murray at Mannum last night.

    Emergency services raced to Mannum just before 7pm on Sunday 26 January after reports a boat had collided with a swimmer.

    The 20-year-old Mannum woman was taken to the local hospital before being airlifted to Adelaide with serious injuries.

    The driver of the boat, a 43-year-old West Lakes Shore woman, was arrested and charged with cause harm by dangerous use of a vessel, operate vessel without due care and operate vessel with prescribed concentration of alcohol – after she allegedly returned a positive reading of 0.142. She was refused police bail and will appear in the Murray Bridge Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

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

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian Human Rights Commission commemorates Holocaust Remembrance Day

    Source: Australian Human Rights Commission

    On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Hugh de Kretser, Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman and Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay honour the memory of the six million Jewish men, women, and children, as well as millions of others, who were systematically murdered during the Holocaust.  

    Holocaust Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the day Soviet troops liberated the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945. Today is the 80th anniversary of the liberation.

    “Australia is home to one of the largest populations of Holocaust survivors and their descendants outside of Israel. The survivors and their families have profoundly enriched our society. They continue to speak up about the lessons of the past so that the horrors are not repeated.”  

    “We pay tribute to their resistance and strength and we acknowledge the enduring legacy of intergenerational trauma,” President de Kretser said.

    ‘International Holocaust Remembrance Day is being marked this year at a time when Australia is experiencing an overwhelming increase in antisemitism

    “Antisemitism is an insidious form of racism. Rising antisemitic incidents in Australia are abhorrent and serve as a call to action for people across the country to stand together in unity for an anti-racist Australia. Everyone should feel free to live their true selves and practice their faith without fear of persecution, intimidation, violence or discrimination,” Commissioner Sivaraman said.

    “The Jewish community should not be left to face the rising tide of antisemitism alone. While anti-Semitism directly targets Jewish people, its impacts are much broader. It ultimately damages all of us by eroding our social fabric and undermining the peaceful diversity that is at the heart of modern Australia,” Commissioner Finlay said.

    This International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Commission encourages all Australians to reflect on the importance of unity, respect and the shared responsibility to combat hate. By remembering the past, we strengthen our resolve to build a future free from discrimination and violence.

    ENDS | Media contact: media@humanrights.gov.au or 0457 281 897 (no texts please) 

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-Evening Report: The ‘singles tax’ means you often pay more for going it alone. Here’s how it works

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alicia Bubb, Research & Teaching Sessional Academic, RMIT University

    lightman_pic/Shutterstock

    Heard of the “singles tax”? Going it alone can also come with a hidden financial burden you may not be aware of.

    Obviously, this isn’t an official levy paid to anyone in particular. It simply refers to the higher costs single people face compared to couples or families.

    Single-person households have been on the rise in Australia. It’s projected they’ll account for up to 28% of all households in 2046.

    People are marrying later, divorce rates remain high and an ageing population means more people live alone in older age. Many people also make a conscious decision to remain single, seeing it as a sign of independence and empowerment.

    This is part of a global trend, with singledom increasing in Europe, North America and Asia.

    So, how does the singles tax work – and is it worse for some groups than others? What, if anything, can we do about it?

    Why does being single cost more?

    One of the biggest drivers of the singles tax is the inability to split important everyday costs. For example, a single person renting a one-bedroom apartment has to bear the full cost, while a couple sharing it can split the rent.

    Being single can mean not being being able to split living costs like groceries.
    Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

    Singles often miss out on the savings from bulk grocery purchases, as larger households consume more and can take better advantage of these deals.

    Fixed costs for a house like electricity, water and internet bills often don’t increase by much when you add an extra user or two. Living alone means you pay more.

    These are all examples of how couples benefit from economies of scale – the cost advantage that comes from sharing fixed or semi-fixed expenses – simply by living together.

    My calculations, based on the most recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), show that singles spend about 3% more per person on goods and services compared to couples.

    Compared to couples with children, single parents spend about 19% more per person. While government support mechanisms such as the child care subsidy exist, many single parents find them insufficient, especially if they work irregular hours.

    Beyond the essentials

    The singles tax extends beyond our “essential needs” and into the costs of travel, socialising and entertainment.

    Solo travellers, for example, may encounter something called a “single supplement” – an extra fee charged for utilising an accommodation or travel product designed for two people.

    Streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify offer family plans at slightly higher prices than individual ones, making them more cost-effective for larger households.

    Couples and families can easily split fixed costs, such as streaming subscriptions.
    Vantage_DS/Shutterstock

    A global phenomenon

    Reports from around the world paint a similar picture.

    In the United States, research by real estate marketplace Zillow found singles pay on average US$7,000 ($A11,100) more annually for housing, compared to those sharing a two-bedroom apartment.

    In Europe, higher living costs and limited government supports put singles at a disadvantage. And in Canada, singles report feeling the pinch of rising rent and grocery prices.

    The tax systems of many countries can amplify the financial burden of being single, by favouring couples and families.

    In the United States, for example, tax policies intended to alleviate poverty often exclude childless adults, disproportionately taxing them into poverty.

    The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) reduces tax liabilities by providing refundable credits to low-income workers. It’s had some significant benefits for families, but offers minimal support to single, childless individuals.

    Many tax structures disadvantage single-person households.
    WPixz/Shutterstock

    As economist Patricia Apps argues, tax and transfer policies often fail to account for the complexities of household income distribution.

    These systems favour traditional family structures by providing benefits like spousal offsets or joint income tax breaks. Single individuals and single-parent households are left bearing a disproportionate financial burden.

    Who is affected the most?

    The singles tax disproportionately impacts women, who are more likely to live alone than men.

    This can compound existing financial pressures such as the gender pay gap, taking career breaks, and societal expectations leaving them with lower retirement savings.

    For older women, the singles tax adds another layer of difficulty to maintaining financial security.

    And it can seriously exacerbate financial pressures on single mothers. Many rely on child support payments, which are often inconsistent or inefficient, leaving them financially vulnerable.

    Working part-time or in casual roles due to caregiving responsibilities further limits their earning potential.

    Single mothers may be disproportionately impacted by the singles tax.
    Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock

    There are unique challenges for single men, too, who may lack the same access to family-oriented subsidies and workplace flexibility. Single men may also face societal expectations to spend more on dating or socialising.

    Alarmingly, men are disproportionately represented among the homeless population, making up 55.9% of people experiencing homelessness, and single men have a higher risk of premature death.

    Growing recognition

    While the singles tax highlights big systemic inequities, there are signs the issue is receiving more attention.

    Some advocacy groups are pushing for better financial protections and child support reforms for single mothers.

    Similarly, efforts to address homelessness have gained momentum, with increased attention to advocacy and services for single men facing housing insecurity.

    There is also the potential to design tax systems to reduce these inequities. Tax systems that treat individuals as economic units, instead of basing benefits on household structures, could mitigate the singles tax and create a fairer system for all.

    Nothing to disclose.

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

    ref. The ‘singles tax’ means you often pay more for going it alone. Here’s how it works – https://theconversation.com/the-singles-tax-means-you-often-pay-more-for-going-it-alone-heres-how-it-works-247578

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: Take breaks, research your options and ditch your phone: how to take care of yourself during Year 12

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steven Lewis, Associate Professor of Comparative Education, Australian Catholic University

    Karolina Grabowska/Pexels, CC BY

    Year 12 is arguably the most important year of school. It is full of exams, milestones and decisions.

    It is both the culmination of formal learning and the gateway to what lies beyond. It is an end and beginning all in one.

    Unsurprisingly, many Year 12s find it to be a demanding and stressful time. So, what mindsets and habits can you set up now to give yourself the stamina and support you need for the year ahead?

    Put your exams in context

    The academic focus of Year 12 is an obvious source of stress for many students. While this is natural, there are many things you can do to put all the assignments and assessments in context.

    Remember Year 12 should always be framed as preparing students for life after school. It is about working out where you want to go – be it further study or work – and then keeping open as many possible pathways to get you there.

    While students might have a particular career goal in mind, there are always many options and they don’t all hinge entirely on your ATAR.

    Know what the entrance requirements are for your preferred option (such as getting into a particular course at university), but also research other pathways if you don’t get your desired grades or preferences.

    There are always alternative ways into your dream course or field of study. A TAFE diploma can unlock entrance to a bachelor’s degree and a bachelor of arts can open entry into postgraduate law. Many universities also offer early entry schemes that don’t rely on Year 12 grades or ATAR rankings.

    Most of all, try to avoid thinking there is only one right path. It is about finding the right path for you at this point in time.

    Remember your ‘success’ this year does not hinge on your ATAR.
    Karolina Grabowska/Pexels, CC BY



    Read more:
    ‘Practically perfect’: why the media’s focus on ‘top’ Year 12 students needs to change


    Don’t study all the time

    While study is going to play a large role this year, it is important to make time for your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. This will help give you stamina to face your study workload and the other demands of the year.

    For example, playing sport or making art can help to enhance cognition, reduce stress and improve self-confidence.

    Work out a schedule that allows time for study, rest and the things you enjoy. This could also include catch-ups with friends, walking your dog or cooking dinner with your family.

    Remember that it is recommended teenagers get 8-10 hours of sleep per day. If you don’t get enough sleep, it makes it harder to think, learn and regulate your emotions.

    And while it might be unpopular, it is also important to avoid excessive screen time. This can also help your sleep and decrease stress.

    Create habits that can make you less reactive to technology. For example, put your phone on “do not disturb” mode when you are studying, and try to avoid screens at least an hour before bed.

    Time with a furry friend can help as you manage the demands of Year 12.
    Samson Katt/ Pexels, CC BY



    Read more:
    Avoid cramming and don’t just highlight bits of text: how to help your memory when preparing for exams


    You’re not alone

    If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

    This may be from teachers or school guidance officers, or it may be from parents, older siblings or friends. Reach out to trusted people early if you are worried or anxious, and support your fellow Year 12s to do the same.

    Look for signs in yourself and others that could suggest at-risk mental health.

    This might be difficulty concentrating, inability to sleep or significant changes in mood and behaviour. Seeking help early can help avoid these issues escalating.


    If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

    Steven Lewis receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    ref. Take breaks, research your options and ditch your phone: how to take care of yourself during Year 12 – https://theconversation.com/take-breaks-research-your-options-and-ditch-your-phone-how-to-take-care-of-yourself-during-year-12-247897

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: 3 reasons to fear humanity won’t reach net-zero emissions – and 4 reasons we might just do it

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Rowley, Honorary Associate Professor, The Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University

    UNIKYLUCKK/Shutterstock

    Within hours of taking office last week, President Donald Trump made good on his pledges to wind back the United States’ climate action – including withdrawing the US from the Paris Agreement.

    This political show comes barely a week after 2024 was revealed as the world’s hottest year and following the catastrophic Los Angeles fires. The fires directly killed 20 people; potentially many more will die from toxic smoke and other after-effects.

    The science is clear: achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is humanity’s only hope of achieving some measure of climate security. It’s time to think deeply on our chances of getting there.

    Here, I outline a few reasons for pessimism, and for hope.

    Reasons for pessimism

    1. The data doesn’t lie

    The landmark Paris Agreement, signed by 196 nations in 2015, aimed to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels while pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. Achieving that requires reaching net-zero emissions by mid-century.

    Yet nearly a decade after the agreement, global emissions continue to rise. The Global Carbon Budget estimates a record-high 37.4 billion tonnes of CO₂ was emitted last year.

    And 2024 was not just the hottest year on record – it was the first year to exceed the 1.5°C temperature threshold.

    It’s not too late to change trajectory. But sadly, the data show the bathtub is fast filling, and the tap is still running hard.

    2. Renewable energy rollout is too slow

    Renewable energy deployment is increasing and the price is falling. But it’s not happening fast enough.

    According to the International Energy Agency, clean energy investment must more than double this decade if the net-zero goal is to be reached by 2050. In particular, clean energy investment in developing countries must increase significantly.

    Richer nations – which are largely responsible for the stock of emissions in the atmosphere driving the climate problem – are failing to help developing countries make the clean energy shift. At the COP29 climate talks in Baku last year, developed nations agreed to give only US$300 billion (A$474 billion) a year in climate finance to developing countries by 2035. It is nowhere near enough.

    Richer nations have not provided the funds the developing world needs to make the clean energy shift.
    PradeepGaurs/Shutterstock

    3. The net-zero smokescreen

    Net-zero emissions is not the same as zero emissions. It allows some industries to keep polluting, if equivalent emissions are removed from the atmosphere elsewhere to keep the balance at zero.

    This means nations that are purportedly committed to the net-zero goal can continue with business as usual, or worse.

    In 2023, for example, then-British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced 100 new oil and gas licences in the North Sea, saying it was “entirely consistent” with his government’s net-zero goal. The same logic has allowed Australia’s environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, to approve new coal mines.

    Both decisions came from governments that have pledged commitment to reaching net-zero – yet both are clearly making the goal harder to achieve.

    These are just a few of the reasons to feel pessimistic about getting to net-zero – there are many more.

    Barriers exist to extracting the critical minerals needed in low-emissions technology. Differences in human relationships to nature means we will never reach full agreement on how to respond to environmental risk. And globally, there is rising mistrust in international agreements and institutions.

    But it’s not all doom and gloom. Here’s why.

    Reasons for hope

    1. Renewable energy is cheap

    Renewable energy has become the cheapest form of new electricity in history. The technologies are now less expensive than coal and gas in most major countries.

    The International Energy Agency projects global renewable capacity will increase by more than 5,520 gigawatts between 2024 and 2030. This is 2.6 times more than the deployment over the six years to 2023.

    The growth in rooftop solar is expected to more than triple, as equipment costs decline and social acceptance increases.

    Renewable energy has become the [cheapest form of new electricity in history.
    Quality Stock Arts/Shutterstock

    2. Commitments to net-zero are many

    Global support for the net-zero goal is significant. According to Net Zero Tracker, 147 of 198 countries have set a net-zero target. Some 1,176 of the 2,000 largest publicly traded companies by revenue have also adopted it.

    Without seeing the plans, numbers, laws, regulations and investments required to achieve these ambitions, one should be sceptical – but not cynical.

    3. Tech innovation and climate response are in lock-step

    Twenty-five years ago, smartphones did not exist, email was new and we “surfed” a new thing called the worldwide web with a slow dial-up modem.

    Similarly, our technologies will look very different 25 years from now – and many developments will ultimately help deliver the net-zero goal.

    Smart electricity grids, for example, use digital technologies, sensors and software to precisely meet the demand of electricity users – making the system more efficient and reducing carbon emissions.

    The European Union, United States and China are all investing vast sums to support their development.

    Already, we can use smart meters to monitor electricity generation from our roofs to our cars and home batteries. This allows zero-emissions electricity to both be used and sold back to the grid.

    Tech innovation is not confined to the electricity sector. As Australia’s Climate Change Authority has stated, technology offers pathways to reduce emissions across the economy – in transport, agriculture, industry and more.

    We already have the means to monitor electricity generation and use at home.
    aslysun/Shutterstock

    4. Human talent and capacity

    Many of humanity’s best minds are now focused on reducing climate risk.

    Climate change mitigation is attracting remarkable professionals in roles unimaginable 25 years ago – from engineers developing breakthrough renewable technologies to financial experts designing green investment products, policy specialists crafting new regulations, and climate scientists refining our understanding of climate risk.

    And among much of the public, global support for climate action is strong.

    No time for despair

    The fact that humans caused climate change is an enabling truth: we also have the capacity to make decisions to address the problem.

    Our choices today will make a difference. It will be a bumpy road – but to achieve some measure of climate security, net-zero is a goal we must achieve.

    Nick Rowley 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. 3 reasons to fear humanity won’t reach net-zero emissions – and 4 reasons we might just do it – https://theconversation.com/3-reasons-to-fear-humanity-wont-reach-net-zero-emissions-and-4-reasons-we-might-just-do-it-247992

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: Too many Australians miss out on essential medical care every year. Here’s how to fix ‘GP deserts’

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Breadon, Program Director, Health and Aged Care, Grattan Institute

    Zhuravlev Andrey/Shutterstock

    Some communities are “GP deserts”, where there are too few GPs to ensure everyone can get the care they need when they need it. These communities are typically sicker and poorer than the rest of Australia, but receive less care and face higher fees.

    At the 2025 federal election, all parties should commit to changing that. The next government – whether Labor or Coalition, majority or minority – should set a minimum level of access to GP care, and fund local schemes to fill the worst gaps.

    People in GP deserts miss out on care

    About half a million Australians live in GP deserts. These are communities in the bottom 5% for GP services per person. Most GP deserts are in remote Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, and some are in Canberra.

    People in GP deserts receive 40% fewer GP services than the national average. This means less of the essential check-ups, screening and medication management GPs provide.

    Nurses and Aboriginal health workers help plug some of the gap, but even then GP deserts aren’t close to catching up to other areas.

    And some people miss out altogether. Last year, 8% of people older than 65 in these areas didn’t see the GP at all, compared to less than 1% in the rest of the country.

    Poorer and sicker places miss out, year after year

    GP deserts are in the worst possible places. These communities are typically sicker and poorer, so they should be getting more care than the rest of Australia, not less.

    People in GP deserts are almost twice more likely to go to hospital for a condition that might have been avoided with good primary care, or to die from an avoidable cause.

    Most GP deserts are in the bottom 40% for wealth, yet pay more for care. Patients in GP deserts are bulk billed six percentage points less than the national average.


    These communities miss out year after year. While rises and falls in national bulk billing rates get headlines, the persistent gaps in GP care are ignored. The same communities have languished well below the national average for more than a decade.

    Policies to boost rural primary care don’t go far enough

    Most GP deserts are rural, so recent policies to boost rural primary care could help a bit.

    In response to rising out-of-pocket costs, the government has committed A$3.5 billion to triple bulk-billing payments for the most disadvantaged. Those payments are much higher for clinics in rural areas. An uptick in rural bulk billing last year is an early indication it may be working.

    Older people in GP deserts are much less likely to see a GP than their peers in other parts of the country.
    Theera Disayarat/Shutterstock

    New rural medical schools and programs should help boost rural GP supply, since students who come from, and train in, rural areas are more likely to work in them. A “rural generalist” pathway recognises GPs who have trained in an additional skill, such as obstetrics or mental health services.

    But broad-based rural policies are not enough. Not all rural areas are GP deserts, and not all GP deserts are rural. Australia also needs more tailored approaches.

    Local schemes can work

    Some communities have taken matters into their own hands.

    In Triabunna on Tasmania’s east coast, a retirement in 2020 saw residents left with only one GP, forcing people to travel to other areas for care, sometimes for well over an hour. This was a problem for other towns in the region too, such as Swansea and Bicheno, as well as much of rural Tasmania.

    In desperation, the local council has introduced a A$90 medical levy to help fund new clinics. It’s also trialling a new multidisciplinary care approach, bringing together many different health practitioners to provide care at a single contact point and reduce pressure on GPs. Residents get more care and spend less time and effort coordinating individual appointments.

    Murrumbidgee in New South Wales has taken a different approach. There, trainee doctors retain a single employer throughout their placements. That means they can work across the region, in clinics funded by the federal government and hospitals managed by the state government, without losing employment benefits. That helps trainees to stay closely connected to their communities and their patients. Murrumbidgee’s success has inspired similar trials in other parts of NSW, South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania.

    These are promising approaches, but they put the burden on communities to piece together funding to plug holes. Without secure funding, these fixes will remain piecemeal and precarious, and risk a bidding war to attract GPs, which would leave poorer communities behind.

    Australia should guarantee a minimum level of GP care

    The federal government should guarantee a minimum level of general practice for all communities. If services funded by Medicare and other sources stay below that level for years, funding should automatically become available to bridge the gap.

    The federal and state governments should be accountable for fixing GP deserts. These regions typically have small populations, few clinicians, and limited infrastructure. So governments must work together to make the best use of scarce resources.

    Some states have introduced schemes where doctors can work in a range of locations.
    Stephen Barnes/Shutterstock

    Funding must be flexible, because every GP desert is different. Sometimes the solution may be as simple as helping an existing clinic hire extra staff. Other communities may want to set up a new clinic, or introduce telehealth for routine check-ups. There is no lack of ideas about how to close gaps in care, the problem lies in funding them.

    Lifting all GP deserts to the top of the desert threshold – or guaranteeing at least 4.5 GP services per person per year, adjusted for age, would cost the federal government at least A$30 million a year in Medicare payments.

    Providing extra services in GP deserts will be more expensive than average. But even if the cost was doubled or tripled, it would still be only a fraction of the billions of dollars of extra incentives GPs are getting to bulk bill – and it would transform the communities that need help the most.

    GP deserts didn’t appear overnight. Successive governments have left some communities with too little primary care. The looming federal election gives every party the opportunity to make amends.

    If they do, the next term of government could see GP deserts eliminated for good.

    Peter Breadon and Wendy Hu do 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. Grattan Institute has been supported in its work by government, corporates, and philanthropic gifts. A full list of supporting organisations is published at www.grattan.edu.au.

    .

    ref. Too many Australians miss out on essential medical care every year. Here’s how to fix ‘GP deserts’ – https://theconversation.com/too-many-australians-miss-out-on-essential-medical-care-every-year-heres-how-to-fix-gp-deserts-245253

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: Elon Musk now has an office in the White House. What’s his political game plan?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Henry Maher, Lecturer in Politics, Department of Government and International Relations, University of Sydney

    Shutterstock/The Conversation

    Elon Musk has emerged as one of the most influential and controversial powerbrokers in the new Trump administration. He spent at least US$277 million (about A$360 million) of his own money to help Donald Trump win re-election, campaigning alongside him around the country.

    This significant investment of time and money raises the question of what the world’s wealthiest person hopes to receive in return. Critics have wondered whether Musk’s support for Trump is just a straightforward commercial transaction, with Musk expecting to receive political favours.

    Or does it reflect Musk’s own genuinely held political views, and perhaps personal political ambition?

    From left to alt-right

    Decoding Musk’s political views and tracking how they have changed over time is a complex exercise. He’s hard to pin down, largely by design.

    Musk’s current X feed, for example, is a bewildering mix of far-right conspiracy theories about immigration, clips of neoliberal economist Milton Friedman warning about the dangers of inflation, and advertisements for Tesla.

    Historically, Musk professes to have been a left libertarian. He says he voted for Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020.

    Musk claims that over time, the Democratic party has moved further to the left, leaving him feeling closer politically to the Republican party.

    Key to Musk’s political shift, at least by his own account, is his estrangement from his transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson.

    After Vivian’s transition, Musk claimed she was “dead, killed by the woke mind virus”. She is very much alive.

    He’s since repeatedly signalled his opposition to transgender rights and gender-affirming care, and diversity, equity and inclusion policies more broadly.

    However, if the mere existence of a trans person in his family was enough to cause a political meltdown, Musk was clearly already on a trajectory towards far-right politics.

    Rather than responding to a shift in the Democratic Party, it makes more sense to understand Musk’s changing politics as part of a much broader recent phenomenon known as as “the libertarian to alt-right pipeline”.

    The political science, explained

    Libertarianism has historically tended to be divided between left-wing and right-wing forms.

    Left libertarians support economic policies of limited government, such as cutting taxes and social spending, and deregulation more broadly. This is combined with progressive social policies, such as marriage equality and drug decriminalisation.

    By contrast, right libertarians support the same set of economic policies, but hold conservative social views, such as opposing abortion rights and celebrating patriotism.

    Historically, the Libertarian Party in the United States adopted an awkward middle ground between the two poles.

    The past decade, though, has seen the Libertarian Party, and libertarianism more generally, move strongly to the right. In particular, many libertarians have played leading roles in the alt-right movement.

    The alt-right or “alternative right” refers to the recent resurgence of far-right political movements opposing multiculturalism, gender equality and diversity, and supporting white nationalism.

    The alt-right is a very online movement, with its leading activists renowned for internet trolling and “edgelording” – that is, the posting of controversial and confronting content to deliberately stoke controversy and attract attention.

    Though some libertarians have resisted the pull of the alt-right, many have been swept along the pipeline, including prominent leaders in the movement.

    Making sense of Musk

    While this discussion of theory may seem abstract, it helps to understand what Musk’s values are (beneath the chaotic tweets and Nazi salutes).

    In economic terms, Musk remains a limited-government libertarian. He advocates cutting government spending, reducing taxes and repealing regulation – especially regulations that put limits on his businesses.

    His formal role in the Trump administration as head of the “Department of Government Efficiency”, also known as DOGE, is targeted at these goals.

    Musk has suggested that in cutting government spending, he will particularly target diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This is the alt-right influence on display.

    Alt-right sensibilities are most evident, however, in Musk’s online persona.

    On X, Musk has deliberately stoked controversy by boosting and engaging with white nationalists and racist conspiracy theories.

    For example, he has favourably engaged with far-right politicians advocating for the antisemitic “Great Replacement theory”. This theory claims Jews are encouraging mass migration to the global north as part of a deliberate plot to eliminate the white race.

    More recently, Musk has endorsed the far-right in Germany. He’s also shared videos from known white supremacists outlining the racist “Muslim grooming gangs” conspiracy theory in the United Kingdom.

    Whether Musk actually believes these outlandish racist conspiracy theories is, in many ways, irrelevant.

    Rather, Musk’s public statements are better understood as reflecting philosopher Harry Frankfurt’s famous definition of “bullshit”. For Frankfurt, “bullshit” refers to statements made to impress or provoke in which the speaker is simply not concerned with whether the statement is actually true.

    Much of Musk’s online persona is part of a deliberate alt-right populist strategy to stoke controversy, upset “the left”, and then claim to be a persecuted victim when criticised.

    Theory vs practice

    Though Musk’s public statements might fit nicely into contemporary libertarianism, there are always contradictions when putting ideology into practice.

    For example, despite Musk’s oft-stated preference for limited government, it’s well documented that his companies have received extensive subsidies and support from various governments.

    Musk will expect this special treatment to continue under a quintessentially transactional president such as Trump.

    The vexed issue of immigration also presents some contradictions.

    Across the campaign, both Musk and Trump repeatedly criticised immigration to the US. Reprising the themes of the far-right Great Replacement theory, Musk claimed illegal immigration was a deliberate plot by Democrats to “replace” the existing electorate with “compliant illegals”.

    However, after the election Musk has argued Trump should preserve categories of skilled migration such as the H1-B visas. This angered more explicit white supremacists, such as Trump advisor Laura Loomer.

    Musk’s motives in arguing for the visas are not humanitarian. H1-B visas allow temporary workers to enter the country for up to six years, making them entirely dependent on the sponsoring company. It’s a situation some have called “indentured servitude”.

    These visas have been used heavily in the technology sector, including in companies owned by both Musk and Trump.

    An unsteady alliance

    So what might we expect from Musk now that he has both political office and influence?

    Musk’s stated aim of using DOGE to cut $2 trillion from the US budget would represent an unprecedented transformation of government. It also seems highly unlikely.

    Instead, expect Musk to focus on creating controversy by cutting DEI initiatives and other politically sensitive programs, such as support for women’s reproductive rights.

    Musk will clearly use his political influence to look after the interests of his companies. Shares in Tesla surged to record highs following Trump’s re-election, suggesting investors believe Musk will be a major financial beneficiary of the second Trump administration.

    Finally, Musk will undoubtedly use his new position to remain in the public eye. This last part might lead Musk into conflict with another expert in shaping the media cycle – Trump himself.

    Musk has already reportedly fallen out with Vivek Ramaswamy, who will now no longer co-lead DOGE with Musk.

    Exactly how stable the alliance between Trump and Musk is, and whether the egos and interests of the two billionaires can continue to coexist, remains to be seen.

    If the alliance persists, it will be a key factor in shaping what many are terming the emergence of a “new gilded age” of political corruption and soaring inequality.

    Henry Maher 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. Elon Musk now has an office in the White House. What’s his political game plan? – https://theconversation.com/elon-musk-now-has-an-office-in-the-white-house-whats-his-political-game-plan-248011

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: Online privacy policies can be 90,000 words long. Here are 3 ways to simplify them

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Andreotta, Lecturer, School of Management and Marketing, Curtin University

    Rokas Tenys/Shutterstock

    Think about the last app you downloaded. Did you read every word of the associated privacy policy? If so, did you fully understand it?

    If you said “no” to either of these questions, you are not alone. Only 6% of Australians claim to read all the privacy policies that apply to them.

    Don’t blame yourself too much, though. Privacy policies are often long – sometimes up to 90,000 words – and hard to understand. And there may be hundreds that apply to the average internet user (one for each website, app, device, or even car you use).

    Regular reviews are also required. In 2023, for example, Elon Musk’s X updated its privacy policy to include the possibility of collecting biometric data.

    For these reasons, some privacy scholars have argued that it’s nearly impossible for us to properly manage how our personal data are collected and used online.

    But even though it might be hard to imagine, we can regain control over our data. Here are three possible reforms to online privacy policies that could help.

    1. Visuals-based privacy policies

    One way to shorten privacy policies is by replacing some text with visuals.

    Recently, the Australian bank Bankwest developed a visual-style terms and conditions policy to explain one of its products. A consulting engineering company also used visuals in its employment contract.

    There is evidence that suggests this promotes transparency and helps users understand the contents of a policy.

    Could visuals work with online privacy policies? I think companies should try. Visuals could not only shorten online privacy policies, but also make them more intelligible.

    2. Automated consent

    Adding visuals won’t solve all the problems with privacy policies, as there would still be too many to go through. Another idea is to automate consent. This essentially means getting software to consent for us.

    One example of this software, currently being developed at Carnegie Melon
    University in the United States, is personalised privacy assistants. The software promises to:

    learn our preferences and help us more effectively manage our privacy settings across a wide range of devices and environments without the need for frequent interruption.

    In the future, instead of reading through hundreds of polices, you might simply configure your privacy settings once and then leave the accepting or rejecting of polices up to software.

    The software could raise any red flags and make sure that your personal data are being collected and used only in ways that align with your preferences.

    The technology does, however, raise a series of ethical and legal issues that will need to be wrestled with before widespread adoption.

    For example, who would be liable if the software made a mistake and shared your data in a way that harmed you? Furthermore, privacy assistants would need their own privacy policies. Could users easily review them, and also track or review decisions the assistants made, in a way that was not overwhelming?

    3. Ethics review

    These techniques may have limited success, however, if the privacy policies themselves fail to offer user choices or are deceptive.

    A recent study found that some of the top fertility apps had deceptive privacy policies. And in 2022, the Federal Court of Australia fined Google for misleading people about how it used personal data.

    To help address this, privacy policies could be subject to ethical review, in much the same way that researchers must have their work reviewed by ethics committees before they are permitted to conduct research.

    If a policy was found to be misleading, lacked transparency, or simply failed to offer users meaningful options, then it would fail to get approval.

    Would this really work? And who would be included in the ethics committee? Further, why would companies subject their policies to external review, if they were not required to do so by law?

    These are difficult questions to answer. But companies who did subject their polices to review could build trust with users.

    In 2022, the Federal Court of Australia fine Google for misleading people about how it used personal data.
    JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock

    Testing the alternatives

    In 2024, Choice revealed that several prominent car brands, such as Tesla, Kia, and Hyundai, collect people’s driving data and sell it to third-party companies. Many people who drove these cars were not aware of this.

    How might the above ideas help?

    First, if privacy polices had visuals, data collection and use practices could be explained to users in easier-to-understand ways.

    Second, if automated consent software was being used, and users had a choice, the sharing of such driving data could be blocked in advance, without users even having to read the policy, if that was what they preferred. Ideally, users could pre-configure their privacy preferences, and the software could do the rest. For example, automated consent software could indicate to companies that users do not give consent for their driving data to be sold for advertising purposes.

    Third, an ethics review committee may suggest that users should be given a choice about whether to share driving data, and that the policy should be transparent and easy to understand.

    Some car companies, such as Tesla, collect people’s driving data and sell it to third-party companies.
    Jure Divich/Shutterstock

    Benefits of being transparent

    Recent reforms to privacy laws in Australia are a good start. These reforms promise to give Australians a legal right to take action over serious privacy violations, and have a greater focus on protecting children online.

    But many of the ways of empowering users will require companies to go beyond what is legally required.

    One of the biggest challenges will be motivating companies to want to change.

    It is important to keep in mind there are benefits of being transparent with users. It can help build trust and reputation. And in an era where consumers have become more privacy conscious, here lies an opportunity for companies to get ahead of the game.

    Adam Andreotta 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. Online privacy policies can be 90,000 words long. Here are 3 ways to simplify them – https://theconversation.com/online-privacy-policies-can-be-90-000-words-long-here-are-3-ways-to-simplify-them-247095

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Australia: eInvoicing for government

    Source: Australian Department of Revenue

    Australian Government’s commitment

    The Australian Government has extended its commitment to increase Peppol eInvoicing adoption in the Budget 2024–25External Link (information found on page 180 of Budget Paper No.2 PDF document). By leading the implementation of eInvoicing, the Government aims to improve cash flow, disrupt payment redirection scams and boost productivity across the economy.

    For these and other benefits to be realised, governments across the country need to use eInvoicing and encourage the businesses they interact with to use it too.

    In July 2022 many Australian Government entities were mandated to be able to receive eInvoices and 16,000 Australian businesses were registered on the Peppol network. By January 2025 this number has jumped to over 410,000, with 129 Australian Government entities and more than 300 state and territory government entities and local councils also getting on board.

    With the network growing, we now need to focus on increasing the volume of transactions supporting the government’s supply chain.

    Australian Government entities

    Building on the 1 July 2022 mandate to receive eInvoices, the next stage for Australian Government entities is to increase the uptake of eInvoicing in Australia in line with the recommendations agreed to in the Government response to the Statutory Review of the Payment Times Reporting Act 2020External Link:

    • 13.1 – Promote the adoption of eInvoicing by all businesses.
    • 13.2 – Adopt the full functionality of eInvoicing across Commonwealth agencies.

    The main role for the government is as a buyer of goods and services and supporting businesses by paying eInvoices more quicklyExternal Link:

    • If you’re already able to receive eInvoices, but eInvoicing is not yet fully integrated with your finance or enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and automated workflows, consider uplifting your accounts payable capability. Also include eInvoicing in your procurement and contract templates as the preferred way to receive invoices.
    • Consider your accounts receivable volumes and processes and investigate how you may embed eInvoicing as your default channel when sending invoices to businesses or other government agencies.

    To find out more about how the ATO is helping agencies meet their obligations, or to join our GovTEAMS community for peer support and to tap into more detailed information, email einvoicing@ato.gov.au.

    Check the full list of eInvoicing-enabled Australian Government entities.

    State and territory governments

    The ATO is also working with state and territory governments who are then furthering eInvoicing adoption in their jurisdictions:

    To connect with the eInvoicing lead in your state or territory, email us at einvoicing@ato.gov.au.

    Local government

    For more information about eInvoicing and to find out how we can help your council, email us at einvoicing@ato.gov.au.

    Getting started and getting the most out of eInvoicing

    Many government entities are using eInvoicing, including here at the ATO.

    If you’ve not yet got onboard, adding eInvoicing as a channel to government finance systems is essentially the same as for medium and large businesses.

    To make sure your eInvoicing capabilities are appropriate and you’re maximising the efficiency and productivity benefits for both you and your suppliers, read our:

    For more technical advice or for tailored help to increase the volume of eInvoices you receive, contact eInvoicing@ato.gov.au.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Key committees

    Source: Australian Department of Revenue

    ATO committee system

    The ATO’s committee system comprises a tiered structure that creates clear lines of authority and enables issues to be escalated and resolved. At the same time, it supports a strong governance culture that values impartiality, integrity and accountability.

    ATO committees

    The ATO Executive Committee is the organisation’s most senior committee. It is supported by the Audit and Risk Committee and 5 enterprise-level committees (Finance, People, Risk, Security and Strategy). These committees are our most senior committees and they have defined responsibilities to approve, advise and monitor specified governance areas across the organisation.

    These committees include:

    • Audit and Risk Committee – an independent committee comprised of independent (external) members. It is responsible for the audit and risk management of the ATO. It provides the Commissioner of Taxation with independent assurance and advice on the appropriateness of the ATO listed entity’s
      • annual financial statements
      • performance statements
      • performance reporting
      • system of risk oversight and management, and
      • system of internal controls.

    Refer to Audit and Risk Committee Charter

    • Finance Committee – responsible for exercising governance responsibilities with respect to the ATO’s resource allocation, investment and program delivery, including monitoring financial risk.
    • People Committee – an advisory committee responsible for ensuring workforce and culture strategies support a contemporary and capable workforce.
    • Risk Committee – responsible for oversight and assurance of the ATO risk profile and advising on the management of key risks.
    • Security Committee – responsible for ensuring protective security and business continuity management capabilities are managed effectively across the ATO.
    • Strategy Committee – responsible for stewarding the end-to-end taxpayer experience by shaping discretionary and non-discretionary (NPP) investment priorities and ensuring peak taxpayer strategies are aligned, appropriate and on track.

    Organisational chart

    See our Organisational chart showing the reporting responsibilities within the ATO by group and business line.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Emissions reduction plan

    Source: Australian Department of Revenue

    Accountable Authority sign off

    The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) recognises it has a role to play in addressing climate change by implementing the Government’s Net Zero in Government Operations Strategy. We understand that our operations affect climate change, and we are committed to leading by example in the transition towards a low-carbon future.

    This Emissions Reduction Plan builds upon our agency’s previous targets and action plans to minimise our carbon footprint and contribute to the nation’s broader climate goals.

    Our plan reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in our environmental performance.

    As the Commissioner of Taxation, I am the Accountable Authority for the Australian Taxation Office listed entity, which is comprised of the ATO, the Tax Practitioner’s Board and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (the ACNC), including the ACNC Advisory Board.

    Through this plan, we pledge to:

    • substantially reduce our greenhouse gas emissions
    • improve energy efficiency across our operations
    • transition to renewable energy sources
    • promote sustainable practices in our operations
    • foster a culture of environmental responsibility among our staff.

    ‘The ATO is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2030. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for our nation and contribute to the global fight against climate change.’

    Rob Heferen
    Commissioner of Taxation
    Registrar of the Australian Business Register, Australian Business Registry Services, and
    Register of Foreign Ownership of Australian Assets.

    Acknowledgement of Country

    We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them, their cultures, and Elders past and present.

    We recognise the unique relationship Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to Country, culture, and community, and the important role this plays in us all walking together as Australians.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for witnesses – Assault – Darwin

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for witnesses in relation to an assault that occurred in Muirhead this afternoon.

    At 3.05pm, police received reports of an alleged assault of an 11-year-old boy by an unknown male youth at the William Forest Park in Muirhead.

    The victim had been walking along Asche Street when he was allegedly followed by the offender riding a black two-wheel push scooter. As the victim entered the William Forest Park, the offender allegedly assaulted him, causing him to fall to the ground. The offender allegedly further assaulted him while on the ground, before the victim was able to get away and call for help.

    The offender subsequently fled the area on the scooter and remains outstanding.

    He is described as being of Aboriginal appearance, aged between 16-18 years old, about 5’10”, with a skinny build, wearing a long white and black dress with puffy hair.

    Detectives are currently investigating and urge anyone who witnessed the incident, or with CCTV footage or dash cam footage of the location between 2pm-3.30pm, to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2500009737.

    Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police update on city events

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police were pleased with the overwhelming majority of community members who attended the Adelaide CBD today to participate in the events held, including the Tour Down under and other Australia Day events.

    At least a dozen people from across the Country, not involved in organised events or protests, were arrested and charged with various street offences including failing to cease loiter, possess articles of disguise, hinder and resist arrest. One of the males arrested has also been charged with displaying a Nazi symbol.

    Further details on arrests will be released later this afternoon.

    Police would like to thank those people who safely and peacefully attended city events.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI: Key Tronic Corporation Announces Results for the First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash., Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Key Tronic Corporation (Nasdaq: KTCC), a provider of electronic manufacturing services (EMS), today announced its results for the quarter ended September 28, 2024.

    For the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, Key Tronic reported total revenue of $131.6 million, compared to $150.1 million in the same period of fiscal year 2024. Revenue in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 was adversely impacted by customer-driven design and qualification delays of three programs that we believe impacted revenue by approximately $9 million. These delays have since been resolved on two of these programs and shipments have resumed in the second quarter.   Production in Key Tronic’s Mexico facilities in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 increased by approximately 10% sequentially from the prior quarter.  

    The Company saw significant improvement in its production efficiencies compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, primarily as a result of recent headcount reductions, continued improvements in the supply chain and a favorable decline in the exchange rate of the Mexican Peso. Gross margins were 10.1% and operating margins were 3.4% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, up from 7.2% and 2.2%, respectively, in the same period of fiscal year 2024.

    Net income was $1.1 million or $0.10 per share for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, compared to net income of $0.3 million or $0.03 per share for the same period of fiscal year 2024.   Adjusted net income was $1.2 million or $0.11 per share for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, compared to $0.0 million or $0.00 per share for the same period of fiscal year 2024. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures,” below for additional information about adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share.

    “While we did not meet revenue expectations in our first quarter of fiscal 2025 due to unavoidable delays for a few programs, we are pleased to see our improved operating efficiencies, margins, and liquidity,” said Brett Larsen, President and CEO. “The recent workforce reductions in Mexico, trimming of non-profitable programs, and making a concerted effort to improve working capital are starting to pay off.   We also continued to reduce our inventories, which are now much more in line with our revenue levels. Over the longer term, we expect that these strategic changes will improve our overall profitability.”  

    “During the first quarter, we also continued to win new business, including new programs in manufacturing equipment, vehicle lighting, and commercial pest control.   We believe we are well positioned for increased growth and profitability in coming periods.”

    The financial data presented for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 should be considered preliminary and could be subject to change, as the Company’s independent auditor has not completed their review procedures.

    Business Outlook

    For the second quarter of fiscal 2025, Key Tronic expects to report revenue in the range of $130 million to $140 million and earnings in the range $0.05 to $0.15 per diluted share. These expected results assume an effective tax rate of 20% in the coming quarter.

    Conference Call

    Key Tronic will host a conference call to discuss its financial results at 2:00 PM Pacific (5:00 PM Eastern) today. A broadcast of the conference call will be available at www.keytronic.com under “Investor Relations” or by calling 888-394-8218 or +1-313-209-4906 (Access Code: 7268667). The Company will also reference accompanying slides that can be viewed with the webcast at www.keytronic.com under “Investor Relations”. A replay will be available at www.keytronic.com under “Investor Relations”.

    About Key Tronic

    Key Tronic is a leading contract manufacturer offering value-added design and manufacturing services from its facilities in the United States, Mexico, China and Vietnam. The Company provides its customers with full engineering services, materials management, worldwide manufacturing facilities, assembly services, in-house testing, and worldwide distribution. Its customers include some of the world’s leading original equipment manufacturers. For more information about Key Tronic visit: www.keytronic.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Some of the statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to those including such words as aims, anticipates, believes, continues, estimates, expects, hopes, intends, plans, predicts, projects, targets, will, or would, similar verbs, or nouns corresponding to such verbs, which may be forward looking. Forward-looking statements also include other passages that are relevant to expected future events, performances, and actions or that can only be fully evaluated by events that will occur in the future. Forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, the Company’s statements regarding its expectations with respect to financial conditions and results, including revenue and earnings, cost savings from headcount reduction and the Mexican Peso exchange rate, demand for certain products and the effectiveness of some of its programs, business from customers and programs, and impacts from operational streamlining and efficiencies. There are many factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted or projected in forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the future of the global economic environment and its impact on our customers and suppliers; the availability of components from the supply chain; the availability of a healthy workforce; the accuracy of suppliers’ and customers’ forecasts; development and success of customers’ programs and products; timing and effectiveness of ramping of new programs; success of new-product introductions; the risk of legal proceedings or governmental investigations relating to the previously reported financial statement restatements and related material weaknesses, the May 2024 cybersecurity incident and the subject of the internal investigation by the Company’s Audit Committee and related or other unrelated matters; acquisitions or divestitures of operations or facilities; technology advances; changes in pricing policies by the Company, its competitors, customers or suppliers; impact of new governmental legislation and regulation, including tax reform, tariffs and related activities, such trade negotiations and other risks; and other factors, risks, and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    To supplement our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP), we use certain non-GAAP financial measures, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share, diluted. We provide these non-GAAP financial measures because we believe they provide greater transparency related to our core operations and represent supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision making. We exclude (or include) certain items in our non-GAAP financial measures as we believe the net result is a measure of our core business. We believe this facilitates operating performance comparisons from period to period by eliminating potential differences caused by the existence and timing of certain income and expense items that would not otherwise be apparent on a GAAP basis. Non-GAAP performance measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, results prepared in accordance with GAAP. We strongly encourage investors and shareholders to review our financial statements and publicly-filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure. Our non-GAAP financial measures may be different from those reported by other companies. See the table below entitled “Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures” for reconciliations of adjusted net income to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, which is GAAP net income, and the computation of adjusted net income per share, diluted.

     
    KEY TRONIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended
      September 28, 2024   September 30, 2023
    Net sales $ 131,558     $ 150,112  
    Cost of sales   118,255       139,250  
    Gross profit   13,303       10,862  
    Research, development and engineering expenses   2,289       2,241  
    Selling, general and administrative expenses   6,570       5,784  
    Gain on insurance proceeds, net of losses         (431 )
    Total operating expenses   8,859       7,594  
    Operating income   4,444       3,268  
    Interest expense, net   3,263       3,011  
    Income before income taxes   1,181       257  
    Income tax (benefit) provision   57       (78 )
    Net income $ 1,124     $ 335  
    Net income per share — Basic $ 0.10     $ 0.03  
    Weighted average shares outstanding — Basic   10,762       10,762  
    Net income per share — Diluted $ 0.10     $ 0.03  
    Weighted average shares outstanding — Diluted   10,762       11,003  
     
    KEY TRONIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (In thousands)
    (Unaudited)
     
        September 28, 2024   June 29, 2024
    ASSETS        
    Current assets:        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 6,555     $ 4,752  
    Trade receivables, net of credit losses of $3,129 and $2,918     133,984       132,559  
    Contract assets     23,626       21,250  
    Inventories, net     95,845       105,099  
    Other, net of credit losses of $1,642 and $1,679     28,273       24,739  
    Total current assets     288,283       288,399  
    Property, plant and equipment, net     27,910       28,806  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets, net     14,612       15,416  
    Other assets:        
    Deferred income tax asset     18,394       17,376  
    Other     6,735       5,346  
    Total other assets     25,129       22,722  
    Total assets   $ 355,934     $ 355,343  
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERSEQUITY        
    Current liabilities:        
    Accounts payable   $ 83,768     $ 79,394  
    Accrued compensation and vacation     6,870       6,510  
    Current portion of long-term debt     3,057       3,123  
    Other     18,450       15,149  
    Total current liabilities     112,145       104,176  
    Long-term liabilities:        
    Long-term debt, net     109,675       116,383  
    Operating lease liabilities     9,573       10,312  
    Deferred income tax liability     74       263  
    Other long-term obligations     124       219  
    Total long-term liabilities     119,446       127,177  
    Total liabilities     231,591       231,353  
    Shareholders’ equity:        
    Common stock, no par value—shares authorized 25,000; issued and outstanding 10,762 and 10,762 shares, respectively     47,351       47,284  
    Retained earnings     78,045       76,921  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)     (1,053 )     (215 )
    Total shareholders’ equity     124,343       123,990  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 355,934     $ 355,343  
             
    KEY TRONIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended
      September 28, 2024   September 30, 2023
    GAAP net income $ 1,124     $ 335  
    Gain on insurance proceeds (net of losses)         (431 )
    Stock-based compensation expense   67       59  
    Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments (1)   (13 )     74  
    Adjusted net income: $ 1,178     $ 37  
           
    Adjusted net income per share — non-GAAP Diluted $ 0.11     $ 0.00  
    Weighted average shares outstanding — Diluted   10,762       11,003  
           
    (1) Income tax effects are calculated using an effective tax rate of 20%, which approximates the statutory GAAP tax rate for the presented periods.
             
    CONTACTS:   Tony Voorhees   Michael Newman
        Chief Financial Officer   Investor Relations
        Key Tronic Corporation   StreetConnect
        (509)-927-5345   (206) 729-3625

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Microchip Technology Increases Quarterly Cash Dividend 3.6% Year-Over-Year to 45.5 Cents Per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHANDLER, Ariz., Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (NASDAQ: MCHP) – Microchip Technology Incorporated, a leading provider of smart, connected, and secure embedded control solutions, today announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of 45.5 cents per share. The dividend is payable on December 6, 2024, to stockholders of record on November 22, 2024. Microchip initiated quarterly cash dividend payments in the third quarter of fiscal year 2003 and has increased its dividend 83 times since then.

    About Microchip:

    Microchip Technology Incorporated is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs, which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. The company’s solutions serve approximately 116,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.

    INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT:

    Sajid Daudi — Head of investor Relations….. (480) 792-7385

    The Microchip logo and name are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Microchip Technology Announces Financial Results for Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Net sales of $1.164 billion, down 6.2% sequentially and down 48.4% from the year ago quarter. The midpoint of our guidance provided on August 1, 2024 was net sales of $1.150 billion.
    • Revenue, gross profit and non-GAAP gross profit were positively impacted by a $13.3 million legal settlement. This settlement also positively impacted GAAP and non-GAAP EPS by $0.02 per diluted share.
    • On a GAAP basis: gross profit of 57.4%; operating income of $146.6 million and 12.6% of net sales; net income of $78.4 million; and EPS of $0.14 per diluted share. Our guidance provided on August 1, 2024 was for GAAP EPS of $0.10 to $0.14 per diluted share.
    • On a Non-GAAP basis: gross profit of 59.5%; operating income of $340.8 million and 29.3% of net sales; net income of $250.2 million; and EPS of $0.46 per diluted share. Our guidance provided on August 1, 2024 was for Non-GAAP EPS of $0.40 to $0.46 per diluted share.
    • Returned approximately $261.0 million to stockholders in the September quarter through dividends of $243.7 million and the repurchase of $17.3 million, or 0.2 million shares of our common stock, at an average price of $76.86 per share under our previously announced $4.0 billion stock buyback program. Cumulatively repurchased $2.444 billion, or 31.4 million shares, over the last twelve quarters.
    • Record quarterly dividend declared today for the December quarter of 45.5 cents per share, an increase of 3.6% from the year ago quarter.

    CHANDLER, Ariz., Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (NASDAQ: MCHP) – Microchip Technology Incorporated, a leading provider of smart, connected, and secure embedded control solutions, today reported results for the three months ended September 30, 2024, as summarized in the table below.

      Three Months Ended September 30, 2024(1)
    Net sales $1,163.8      
      GAAP % Non-GAAP(2) %
    Gross profit $668.5 57.4% $692.9 59.5%
    Operating income $146.6 12.6% $340.8 29.3%
    Other expense $(55.1)   $(53.3)  
    Income tax provision $13.1   $37.3  
    Net income $78.4 6.7% $250.2 21.5%
    Net income per diluted share $0.14   $0.46  
             

    (1) In millions, except per share amounts and percentages of net sales.
    (2) See the “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this release.

    Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 were $1.164 billion, down 48.4% from net sales of $2.254 billion in the prior year’s second fiscal quarter.

    GAAP net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 was $78.4 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, down from GAAP net income of $666.6 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, in the prior year’s second fiscal quarter. For the second quarters of fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, GAAP net income was adversely impacted by amortization of acquired intangible assets associated with our previous acquisitions.

    Non-GAAP net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 was $250.2 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, down from non-GAAP net income of $889.3 million, or $1.62 per diluted share, in the prior year’s second fiscal quarter. For the second quarters of fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, our non-GAAP results exclude the effect of share-based compensation, cybersecurity incident expenses, other manufacturing adjustments, expenses related to our acquisition activities (including intangible asset amortization, severance, and other restructuring costs, and legal and other general and administrative expenses associated with acquisitions including legal fees and expenses for litigation and investigations related to our Microsemi acquisition), professional services associated with certain legal matters, and losses on the settlement of debt. For the second quarters of fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, our non-GAAP income tax expense is presented based on projected cash taxes for the applicable fiscal year, excluding transition tax payments under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. A reconciliation of our non-GAAP and GAAP results is included in this press release.

    Microchip announced today that its Board of Directors declared a record quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of 45.5 cents per share, up 3.6% from the year ago quarter. The quarterly dividend is payable on December 6, 2024 to stockholders of record on November 22, 2024.

    “Our September quarter results were consistent with our guidance, as we continued to navigate through an inventory correction that’s occurring in the midst of macro weakness for many manufacturing businesses, accentuated by heightened weakness in our European business which is concentrated with Industrial and Automotive customers,” said Ganesh Moorthy, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The ‘green shoots’ we saw in recent quarters have progressed unevenly with essentially flat sequential bookings, normalized cancellation rates and much higher expedite requests, which we believe are all positive signs for a potential bottom formation despite limited visibility.”

    Eric Bjornholt, Microchip’s Chief Financial Officer, said, “Our September quarter results reflect continued customer destocking efforts and sluggish end-market demand. We are maintaining strong cost discipline and balance sheet management while taking actions to ensure operational readiness for the anticipated market recovery.”

    Rich Simoncic, Microchip’s Chief Operating Officer, said, “Our Total System Solutions approach is driving strong execution and seeing growing adoption in AI-accelerated servers in the data center markets. Our PCIe switches, SSD controllers, CXL solutions, and associated power and timing products are key to continuing to strengthen our data center portfolio. With our expanding capabilities, we believe we are well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in this growth market.”

    Mr. Moorthy concluded, “For the December quarter, we expect net sales between $1.025 billion and $1.095 billion. While substantial inventory destocking has occurred, we continue to face macro uncertainties in what is historically our seasonally weakest quarter. Our design-in momentum continues to remain strong, driven by our Total System Solutions strategy and key market megatrends.”

    Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Outlook:

    The following statements are based on current expectations. These statements are forward-looking, and actual results may differ materially.

      Microchip Consolidated Guidance
    Net Sales $1.025 to $1.095 billion    
      GAAP Non-GAAP Adjustments(1) Non-GAAP(1)
    Gross Profit 56.2% to 58.1% $8.4 to $9.4 million 57.0% to 59.0%
    Operating Expenses(2) 49.1% to 51.4% $170.0 to $174.0 million 33.2% to 34.8%
    Operating Income 4.8% to 9.1% $178.4 to $183.4 million 22.2% to 25.8%
    Other Expense, net $69.3 to $69.7 million ($0.2) to $0.2 million $69.5 million
    Income Tax Provision $1.0 to $13.0 million(3) $12.6 to $21.1 million $22.1 to $25.6 million(4)
    Net Income (loss) ($21.1) to $16.5 million $157.0 to $170.9 million $135.9 to $187.4 million
    Diluted Common Shares Outstanding Approximately 537.3 to 543.0 million shares   Approximately 543.0 million shares
    Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share ($0.04) to $0.03 $0.29 to $0.32 $0.25 to $0.35
           
    (1)  See the “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this release for information regarding our non-GAAP guidance.
    (2) We are not able to estimate the amount of certain Special Charges and Other, net that may be incurred during the quarter ending December 31, 2024. Therefore, our estimate of GAAP operating expenses excludes certain amounts that may be recognized as Special Charges and Other, net in the quarter ending December 31, 2024.
    (3) The forecast for GAAP tax expense excludes any unexpected tax events that may occur during the quarter, as these amounts cannot be forecasted.
    (4) Represents the expected cash tax rate for fiscal 2025, excluding any transition tax payments associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
       

    Capital expenditures for the quarter ending December 31, 2024 are expected to be about $20 million. Capital expenditures for all of fiscal 2025 are expected to be about $150 million. We are selectively adding capital equipment to maintain, grow and operate our internal manufacturing capabilities to support the expected growth of our business.

    Under the GAAP revenue recognition standard, we are required to recognize revenue when control of the product changes from us to a customer or distributor. We focus our sales and marketing efforts on creating demand for our products in the end markets we serve and not on moving inventory into our distribution network. We also manage our manufacturing and supply chain operations, including our distributor relationships, towards the goal of having our products available at the time and location the end customer desires.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures:  Our non-GAAP adjustments, where applicable, include the effect of share-based compensation, cybersecurity incident expenses, other manufacturing adjustments, expenses related to our acquisition activities (including intangible asset amortization, severance, and other restructuring costs, and legal and other general and administrative expenses associated with acquisitions including legal fees and expenses for litigation and investigations related to our Microsemi acquisition), professional services associated with certain legal matters, and losses on the settlement of debt. For the second quarters of fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, our non-GAAP income tax expense is presented based on projected cash taxes for the fiscal year, excluding transition tax payments under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

    We are required to estimate the cost of certain forms of share-based compensation, including employee stock options, restricted stock units, and our employee stock purchase plan, and to record a commensurate expense in our income statement. Share-based compensation expense is a non-cash expense that varies in amount from period to period and is affected by the price of our stock at the date of grant. The price of our stock is affected by market forces that are difficult to predict and are not within the control of management. Our other non-GAAP adjustments are either non-cash expenses, unusual or infrequent items, or other expenses related to transactions. Management excludes all of these items from its internal operating forecasts and models.

    We are using non-GAAP operating expenses in dollars, including non-GAAP research and development expenses and non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses, non-GAAP other expense, net, and non-GAAP income tax rate, which exclude the items noted above, as applicable, to permit additional analysis of our performance.

    Management believes these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors because they enhance the understanding of our historical financial performance and comparability between periods. Many of our investors have requested that we disclose this non-GAAP information because they believe it is useful in understanding our performance as it excludes non-cash and other charges that many investors feel may obscure our underlying operating results. Management uses non-GAAP measures to manage and assess the profitability of our business and for compensation purposes. We also use our non-GAAP results when developing and monitoring our budgets and spending. Our determination of these non-GAAP measures might not be the same as similarly titled measures used by other companies, and it should not be construed as a substitute for amounts determined in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations associated with using these non-GAAP measures, including that they exclude financial information that some may consider important in evaluating our performance. Management compensates for this by presenting information on both a GAAP and non-GAAP basis for investors and providing reconciliations of the GAAP and non-GAAP results.

    Generally, gross profit fluctuates over time, driven primarily by the mix of products sold and licensing revenue; variances in manufacturing yields; fixed cost absorption; wafer fab loading levels; costs of wafers from foundries; inventory reserves; pricing pressures in our non-proprietary product lines; and competitive and economic conditions. Operating expenses fluctuate over time, primarily due to net sales and profit levels.

    Diluted Common Shares Outstanding can vary for, among other things, the trading price of our common stock, the exercise of options or vesting of restricted stock units, the potential for incremental dilutive shares from our convertible debentures (additional information regarding our share count is available in the investor relations section of our website under the heading “Supplemental Financial Information”), and repurchases or issuances of shares of our common stock. The diluted common shares outstanding presented in the guidance table above assumes an average Microchip stock price in the December 2024 quarter between $75 and $85 per share (however, we make no prediction as to what our actual share price will be for such period or any other period and we cannot estimate what our stock option exercise activity will be during the quarter).

    MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (in millions, except per share amounts; unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Six Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Net sales $ 1,163.8     $ 2,254.3     $ 2,405.1     $ 4,542.9  
    Cost of sales   495.3       726.9       999.7       1,457.1  
    Gross profit   668.5       1,527.4       1,405.4       3,085.8  
                   
    Research and development   240.7       292.6       482.4       591.1  
    Selling, general and administrative   157.0       196.6       307.5       400.2  
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets   122.7       151.4       245.7       302.9  
    Special charges and other, net   1.5       1.8       4.1       3.5  
    Operating expenses   521.9       642.4       1,039.7       1,297.7  
                   
    Operating income   146.6       885.0       365.7       1,788.1  
                   
    Other expense, net   (55.1 )     (51.4 )     (112.4 )     (106.2 )
    Income before income taxes   91.5       833.6       253.3       1,681.9  
    Income tax provision   13.1       167.0       45.6       348.9  
    Net income $ 78.4     $ 666.6     $ 207.7     $ 1,333.0  
                   
    Basic net income per common share $ 0.15     $ 1.23     $ 0.39     $ 2.45  
    Diluted net income per common share $ 0.14     $ 1.21     $ 0.38     $ 2.42  
                   
    Basic common shares outstanding   536.7       543.1       536.7       544.1  
    Diluted common shares outstanding   542.0       549.2       542.4       550.3  
                                   
    MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (in millions; unaudited)
     
    ASSETS
      September 30,   March 31,
      2024   2024
    Cash and short-term investments $ 286.1   $ 319.7
    Accounts receivable, net   1,044.3     1,143.7
    Inventories   1,339.6     1,316.0
    Other current assets   235.5     233.6
    Total current assets   2,905.5     3,013.0
           
    Property, plant and equipment, net   1,171.2     1,194.6
    Other assets   11,545.6     11,665.6
    Total assets $ 15,622.3   $ 15,873.2
           
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
           
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 1,339.4   $ 1,520.0
    Current portion of long-term debt   1,946.3     999.4
    Total current liabilities   3,285.7     2,519.4
           
    Long-term debt   4,476.6     5,000.4
    Long-term income tax payable   590.4     649.2
    Long-term deferred tax liability   29.8     28.8
    Other long-term liabilities   963.9     1,017.6
           
    Stockholders’ equity   6,275.9     6,657.8
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 15,622.3   $ 15,873.2
               
    MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURES
    (in millions, except per share amounts and percentages; unaudited)
     
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP GROSS PROFIT TO NON-GAAP GROSS PROFIT
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Six Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Gross profit, as reported $ 668.5     $ 1,527.4     $ 1,405.4     $ 3,085.8  
    Share-based compensation expense   4.3       7.4       10.9       14.2  
    Cybersecurity incident expenses   20.1             20.1        
    Non-GAAP gross profit $ 692.9     $ 1,534.8     $ 1,436.4     $ 3,100.0  
    GAAP gross profit percentage   57.4 %     67.8 %     58.4 %     67.9 %
    Non-GAAP gross profit percentage   59.5 %     68.1 %     59.7 %     68.2 %
                                   
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES TO NON-GAAP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Six Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Research and development expenses, as reported $ 240.7     $ 292.6     $ 482.4     $ 591.1  
    Share-based compensation expense   (26.9 )     (23.7 )     (50.2 )     (46.6 )
    Other adjustments         (0.2 )           (0.4 )
    Non-GAAP research and development expenses $ 213.8     $ 268.7     $ 432.2     $ 544.1  
    GAAP research and development expenses as a percentage of net sales   20.7 %     13.0 %     20.1 %     13.0 %
    Non-GAAP research and development expenses as a percentage of net sales   18.4 %     11.9 %     18.0 %     12.0 %
                                   
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES TO NON-GAAP SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Six Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Selling, general and administrative expenses, as reported $ 157.0     $ 196.6     $ 307.5     $ 400.2  
    Share-based compensation expense   (15.1 )     (14.3 )     (29.2 )     (29.1 )
    Cybersecurity incident expenses   (1.3 )           (1.3 )      
    Other adjustments   (2.1 )     (0.6 )     (3.4 )     0.5  
    Professional services associated with certain legal matters   (0.2 )     (0.3 )     (0.7 )     (0.8 )
    Non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses $ 138.3     $ 181.4     $ 272.9     $ 370.8  
    GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales   13.5 %     8.7 %     12.8 %     8.8 %
    Non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales   11.9 %     8.0 %     11.3 %     8.2 %
                                   
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP OPERATING EXPENSES TO NON-GAAP OPERATING EXPENSES
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Six Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Operating expenses, as reported $ 521.9     $ 642.4     $ 1,039.7     $ 1,297.7  
    Share-based compensation expense   (42.0 )     (38.0 )     (79.4 )     (75.7 )
    Cybersecurity incident expenses   (1.3 )           (1.3 )      
    Other adjustments   (2.1 )     (0.8 )     (3.4 )     0.1  
    Professional services associated with certain legal matters   (0.2 )     (0.3 )     (0.7 )     (0.8 )
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets(1)   (122.7 )     (151.4 )     (245.7 )     (302.9 )
    Special charges and other, net   (1.5 )     (1.8 )     (4.1 )     (3.5 )
    Non-GAAP operating expenses $ 352.1     $ 450.1     $ 705.1     $ 914.9  
    GAAP operating expenses as a percentage of net sales   44.8 %     28.5 %     43.2 %     28.6 %
    Non-GAAP operating expenses as a percentage of net sales   30.3 %     20.0 %     29.3 %     20.1 %
                                   

    (1) Amortization of acquired intangible assets consists of core and developed technology and customer-related acquired intangible assets in connection with business combinations. Such charges are excluded for purposes of calculating certain non-GAAP measures.

    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP OPERATING INCOME TO NON-GAAP OPERATING INCOME
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Six Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Operating income, as reported $ 146.6     $ 885.0     $ 365.7     $ 1,788.1  
    Share-based compensation expense   46.3       45.4       90.3       89.9  
    Cybersecurity incident expenses   21.4             21.4        
    Other adjustments   2.1       0.8       3.4       (0.1 )
    Professional services associated with certain legal matters   0.2       0.3       0.7       0.8  
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets(1)   122.7       151.4       245.7       302.9  
    Special charges and other, net   1.5       1.8       4.1       3.5  
    Non-GAAP operating income $ 340.8     $ 1,084.7     $ 731.3     $ 2,185.1  
    GAAP operating income as a percentage of net sales   12.6 %     39.3 %     15.2 %     39.4 %
    Non-GAAP operating income as a percentage of net sales   29.3 %     48.1 %     30.4 %     48.1 %
                                   

    (1) Amortization of acquired intangible assets consists of core and developed technology and customer-related acquired intangible assets in connection with business combinations. Such charges are excluded for purposes of calculating certain non-GAAP measures. The use of acquired intangible assets contributed to our revenues earned during the periods presented.

    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP OTHER EXPENSE, NET TO NON-GAAP OTHER EXPENSE, NET
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Six Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Other expense, net, as reported $ (55.1 )   $ (51.4 )   $ (112.4 )   $ (106.2 )
    Loss on settlement of debt         3.1             12.2  
    Loss on available-for-sale investments   1.8             1.8        
    Non-GAAP other expense, net $ (53.3 )   $ (48.3 )   $ (110.6 )   $ (94.0 )
    GAAP other expense, net, as a percentage of net sales (4.7) %   (2.3) %   (4.7) %   (2.3) %
    Non-GAAP other expense, net, as a percentage of net sales (4.6) %   (2.1) %   (4.6) %   (2.1) %
                   
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP INCOME TAX PROVISION TO NON-GAAP INCOME TAX PROVISION
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Six Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Income tax provision as reported $ 13.1     $ 167.0     $ 45.6     $ 348.9  
    Income tax rate, as reported   14.3 %     20.0 %     18.0 %     20.7 %
    Other non-GAAP tax adjustment   24.2       (19.9 )     35.0       (52.4 )
    Non-GAAP income tax provision $ 37.3     $ 147.1     $ 80.6     $ 296.5  
    Non-GAAP income tax rate   13.0 %     14.2 %     13.0 %     14.2 %
                                   
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP NET INCOME AND GAAP DILUTED NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE TO NON-GAAP NET INCOME AND NON-GAAP DILUTED NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Six Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Net income, as reported $ 78.4     $ 666.6     $ 207.7     $ 1,333.0  
    Share-based compensation expense   46.3       45.4       90.3       89.9  
    Cybersecurity incident expenses   21.4             21.4        
    Other adjustments   2.1       0.8       3.4       (0.1 )
    Professional services associated with certain legal matters   0.2       0.3       0.7       0.8  
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets   122.7       151.4       245.7       302.9  
    Special charges and other, net   1.5       1.8       4.1       3.5  
    Loss on settlement of debt         3.1             12.2  
    Loss on available-for-sale investments   1.8             1.8        
    Other non-GAAP tax adjustment   (24.2 )     19.9       (35.0 )     52.4  
    Non-GAAP net income $ 250.2     $ 889.3     $ 540.1     $ 1,794.6  
    GAAP net income as a percentage of net sales   6.7 %     29.6 %     8.6 %     29.3 %
    Non-GAAP net income as a percentage of net sales   21.5 %     39.4 %     22.5 %     39.5 %
    Diluted net income per common share, as reported $ 0.14     $ 1.21     $ 0.38     $ 2.42  
    Non-GAAP diluted net income per common share $ 0.46     $ 1.62     $ 1.00     $ 3.26  
    Diluted common shares outstanding, as reported   542.0       549.2       542.4       550.3  
    Diluted common shares outstanding non-GAAP   542.0       549.2       542.4       550.3  
                                   
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS TO FREE CASH FLOW
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Six Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    GAAP cash flow from operations, as reported $ 43.6     $ 616.2     $ 420.7     $ 1,609.4  
    Capital expenditures   (20.8 )     (74.4 )     (93.7 )     (185.5 )
    Free cash flow $ 22.8     $ 541.8     $ 327.0     $ 1,423.9  
    GAAP cash flow from operations as a percentage of net sales   3.7 %     27.3 %     17.5 %     35.4 %
    Free cash flow as a percentage of net sales   2.0 %     24.0 %     13.6 %     31.3 %
                                   

    Microchip will host a conference call today, November 5, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss this release. This call will be simulcast over the Internet at www.microchip.com. The webcast will be available for replay until November 26, 2024.

    A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available at approximately 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on November 5, 2024 and will remain available until 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on November 26, 2024. Interested parties may listen to the replay by dialing 201-612-7415/877-660-6853 and entering access code 13747161.

    Cautionary Statement:

    The statements in this release relating to continuing to navigate through an inventory correction, macro weakness for many manufacturing businesses, heightened weakness in our European business, that the green shoots we saw in recent quarters have progressed unevenly, our belief that these are all positive signs for a potential bottom formation despite limited visibility, that we are maintaining strong cost discipline and balance sheet management while taking actions to ensure operational readiness for the anticipated market recovery, that our Total System Solutions approach is driving strong execution and seeing growing adoption in AI-accelerated servers in the data center markets, that our PCIe switches, SSD controllers, CXL solutions, and associated power and timing products are key to continuing to strengthen our data center portfolio, that we believe we are well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in this growth market, that for the December quarter we expect net sales between $1.025 billion and $1.095 billion, that we continue to face macro uncertainties in what is historically our seasonally weakest quarter, that our design-in momentum continues to remain strong, driven by our Total System Solutions strategy and key market megatrends, our third quarter fiscal 2025 guidance for net sales and GAAP and non-GAAP gross profit, operating expenses, operating income, other expense, net, income tax provision, net income, diluted common shares outstanding, earnings per diluted share, capital expenditures for the December 2024 quarter and for all of fiscal 2025, selectively adding capital equipment to maintain, grow and operate our internal manufacturing capabilities to support the expected growth of our business, our belief that non-GAAP measures are useful to investors and our assumed average stock price in the December 2024 quarter are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to: any continued uncertainty, fluctuations or weakness in the U.S. and world economies (including China and Europe) due to changes in interest rates, high inflation or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (including lock-downs in China), actions taken or which may be taken by the Biden administration or the U.S. Congress, monetary policy, political, geopolitical, trade or other issues in the U.S. or internationally (including the military conflicts in Ukraine-Russia and the Middle East and the outcome of the U.S. elections in November), further changes in demand or market acceptance of our products and the products of our customers and our ability to respond to any increases or decreases in market demand or customer requests to reschedule or cancel orders; the mix of inventory we hold, our ability to satisfy any short-term orders from our inventory and our ability to effectively manage our inventory levels; the impact that the CHIPS Act will have on increasing manufacturing capacity in our industry by providing incentives for us, our competitors and foundries to build new wafer manufacturing facilities or expand existing facilities; the amount and timing of any incentives we may receive under the CHIPS Act, the impact of current and future changes in U.S. corporate tax laws (including the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017), foreign currency effects on our business; changes in utilization of our manufacturing capacity and our ability to effectively manage our production levels to meet any increases or decreases in market demand or any customer requests to reschedule or cancel orders; the impact of inflation on our business; competitive developments including pricing pressures; the level of orders that are received and can be shipped in a quarter; our ability to realize the expected benefits of our long-term supply assurance program; changes or fluctuations in customer order patterns and seasonality; our ability to effectively manage our supply of wafers from third party wafer foundries to meet any decreases or increases in our needs and the cost of such wafers, our ability to obtain additional capacity from our suppliers to increase production to meet any future increases in market demand; our ability to successfully integrate the operations and employees, retain key employees and customers and otherwise realize the expected synergies and benefits of our acquisitions; the impact of any future significant acquisitions or strategic transactions we may make; the costs and outcome of any current or future litigation or other matters involving our acquisitions (including the acquired business, intellectual property, customers, or other issues); the costs and outcome of any current or future tax audit or investigation regarding our business or our acquired businesses; fluctuations in our stock price and trading volume which could impact the number of shares we acquire under our share repurchase program and the timing of such repurchases; disruptions in our business or the businesses of our customers or suppliers due to natural disasters (including any floods in Thailand), terrorist activity, armed conflict, war, worldwide oil prices and supply, public health concerns or disruptions in the transportation system; and general economic, industry or political conditions in the United States or internationally.

    For a detailed discussion of these and other risk factors, please refer to Microchip’s filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q. You can obtain copies of Forms 10-K and 10-Q and other relevant documents for free at Microchip’s website (www.microchip.com) or the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov) or from commercial document retrieval services.

    Stockholders of Microchip are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date such statements are made. Microchip does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or new information after this November 5, 2024 press release, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    About Microchip:

    Microchip Technology Incorporated is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs, which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. Our solutions serve approximately 116,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.

    Note: The Microchip name and logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

    INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT:
    Sajid Daudi — Head of Investor Relations….. (480) 792-7385

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Enstar Acquires Bermuda Reinsurer in its Second Property ILS Transaction

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMILTON, Bermuda, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enstar Group Limited (Nasdaq: ESGR) today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cavello Bay Reinsurance Limited (“Cavello Bay”), has acquired a Bermuda-domiciled Class 3B insurer and segregated accounts company (the “Reinsurer”).

    The Reinsurer underwrote property reinsurance business between 2020 and 2023 on behalf of third-party investors, assuming the risk through retrocession agreements with a fronting carrier. The Reinsurer had $66 million of shareholders’ equity at the end of July 2024.

    The Reinsurer will be merged into Cavello Bay and a consolidated and amended retrocession agreement between the fronting carrier and Cavello Bay will become effective.

    Dominic Silvester, Chief Executive Officer of Enstar, said: “This acquisition is our second transaction in the property ILS space in recent months, which we see as a growth market for legacy solutions. The deal structure eliminates collateral requirements, demonstrating the benefit of Cavello Bay’s strong balance sheet and financial strength rating.”

    About Enstar 

    Enstar is a NASDAQ-listed leading global insurance group that offers capital release solutions through its network of group companies in Bermuda, the United States, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia and other international locations. A market leader in completing legacy acquisitions, Enstar has acquired over 120 companies and portfolios since its formation. For further information about Enstar, see www.enstargroup.com

    Cautionary Statement  

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Enstar and its management team. Investors can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as ‘aim’, ‘ambition’, ‘anticipate’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘will’, ‘project’, ‘plan’, ‘believe’, ‘target’ and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future events or performance. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Important risk factors regarding Enstar can be found under the heading “Risk Factors” in Enstar’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and Enstar’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 and are incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, Enstar undertakes no obligation to update any written or oral forward-looking statements or publicly announce any updates or revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein, to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, circumstances or assumptions underlying such statements, except as required by law.

    Contact:

    For Enstar:
    For Investors: Matthew Kirk (investor.relations@enstargroup.com)
    For Media: Jenna Kerr (communications@enstargroup.com)

    The MIL Network