Category: Australia

MIL-OSI Australia: Better protection of Australians’ privacy
Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

The Albanese Government has today introduced landmark legislation to strengthen privacy protections for all Australians and outlaw doxxing.

Strong privacy laws are essential to Australians’ trust and confidence in the digital economy and digital services provided by governments and industry.

Australians have a right to have their privacy respected, and when they are asked to hand over their personal data they have a right to expect it will be protected.

The Privacy Act 1988 has not kept pace with changes in the digital world. Recent large-scale data breaches were distressing for millions of Australians, with their most sensitive personal information exposed by criminals.

Following previous data breaches the Albanese Government acted swiftly to significantly increase penalties under the Privacy Act for serious or repeated privacy breaches and give the Office of The Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) improved and new powers.

The Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 represents a significant step forward in the Government’s commitment to bring the Privacy Act into the digital age.

The Bill implements a first tranche of agreed recommendations from the Privacy Act Review, including:
- a new statutory tort to address serious invasions of privacy;
- development of a Children’s Online Privacy Code to better protect children from a range of online harms, supported by an additional $3 million over three years to the OAIC for it to develop this important Code
- greater transparency for individuals regarding automated decisions that affect them
- streamlined information sharing in the case of an emergency or eligible data breach, while ensuring that information is appropriately protected; and
- stronger enforcement powers for the Australian Information Commissioner.
The Bill also introduces new criminal offences to outlaw doxxing, the malicious release of personal data online.

The Bill will impose a maximum penalty of 6 years’ imprisonment for the malicious use of personal data, and a more serious penalty of 7 years’ imprisonment, where a person or group is targeted because of their race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status, disability, nationality or national or ethnic origin.

The measures announced in this Bill build on the significant steps already taken by the Albanese Government on privacy, including:
- significantly increased penalties for repeated or serious privacy breaches;
- greater powers for the Australian Information Commissioner to resolve privacy breaches and quickly share information about data breaches;
- restoration of the standalone position of Australian Privacy Commissioner; and
- an additional $66 million towards the OAIC since coming to government.
The Government is committed to ensuring the Privacy Act works for all Australians and is fit for purpose in the digital age. This legislation is just the first stage of the Government’s commitment to provide individuals with greater control over their personal information.

We will continue targeted consultations with industry, small business, the media, consumer groups and other key stakeholders on draft provisions to ensure we strike the right balance between protecting people’s personal information and allowing it to be used and shared in ways that benefit individuals, society and the economy.

The Australian people expect greater protections, transparency and control over their personal information and this legislation begins the process of delivering on those expectations.

MIL OSI News –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Second reading speech – Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

Check Against Delivery

Introduction

The digital economy has unleashed enormous benefits for Australians. But it has also increased the privacy risks we face through the collection and storage of enormous amounts of our personal data.

The Privacy Act 1988 represented the first time that a comprehensive, integrated set of legal rules protecting interests in privacy existed in Australia. On introducing it, Attorney-General Lionel Bowen told the Parliament that “enormous developments in technology for the processing of information are providing new and, in some respects, undesirable opportunities for the greater use of personal information.”

In that respect, little has changed. Evolutions in technology and the way people use it continue to vex those who share information online, and those charged with regulating it. It is essential that Australians are protected by a legal framework that is flexible and agile enough to adapt to changes in the world around them.

The Privacy Act has not kept pace with the adoption of digital technologies. The vast data flows that underpin digital ecosystems have also created the conditions for significant harms – like major data breaches that have revealed the sensitive information of millions of Australians, exposing us to the risk of identity fraud and scams.

Strong privacy laws and protections are critical to building public trust and confidence in the digital economy, and driving the investments needed to keep people’s data safe.

The right to privacy is a fundamental human right. As Sir Zelman Cowen said in his 1969 Boyer Lectures, a person without privacy is a person without dignity. We must be vigilant in ensuring that evolving technology does not erode our ability to protect information about who we are, what we do and what we believe from being misused.

The Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 is a significant step forward for Australian privacy law. It begins the much-needed work of updating our privacy laws to be fit-for-purpose in the digital age.

With this Bill, the Australian Government is taking the next step to ensure Australians’ privacy is respected and protected. It implements a first tranche of agreed recommendations of the Privacy Act Review, ahead of consultation on a second tranche of reforms.

It also delivers on a commitment made by the Albanese Government following the National Cabinet held in May to address gender-based violence, by outlawing the practice of “doxxing”, or the malicious release of personal data online.

Schedule 1 of the Bill will amend the Privacy Act to enhance its effectiveness, strengthen the enforcement tools available to the privacy regulator and better facilitate safe overseas data flows. It will require the development of a Children’s Online Privacy Code, streamline information-sharing in emergencies and following eligible data breaches, and increase transparency when entities are automating significant decisions which use personal information.

Schedule 2 of the Bill will introduce a new statutory tort to provide redress for serious invasions of privacy.

Schedule 3 of the Bill will amend the Criminal Code Act 1995 to introduce new criminal offences to target the harmful practice of doxxing.

Schedule 1 – Privacy Act amendments

Schedule 1 begins the work of bringing Australia’s privacy protection framework into the digital age. The amendments re-affirm the Government’s view that entities have a responsibility to protect Australians’ personal information and not treat it merely as a commercial asset.

Children’s privacy

While all Australians face privacy risks in the online environment, children are particularly vulnerable. For many Australian children, social media has been part of their lives from the time they were born. They have never lived in a world without it.

It has been estimated that by the time a child turns 13, around 72 million pieces of data will be collected about them.

This Bill will require the development of a Children’s Online Privacy Code which will apply to social media and other internet services which are likely to be accessed by children. The Children’s Online Privacy Code will specify how these entities must comply with privacy obligations in relation to children. The Code will align to the extent possible with similar codes in like-minded countries, such as the United Kingdom.

The Code will be developed by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, which will be provided with $3 million in funding over three years to do this important work.

Information-sharing declarations after data breaches and emergencies

Cyber incidents are growing in number, speed and sophistication. Data breaches are exposing millions of Australians to risk of fraud, identity theft and scams. This Bill will promote the importance of implementing technical and organisational controls – such as encrypting data and training staff on data protection – to address information security risks.

It will also support more effective responses to data breaches by introducing eligible data breach declarations. A declaration will permit the sharing of personal information following a notifiable data breach for the purpose of preventing or reducing the risk of harm to individuals.

Sharing information under these circumstances will enable entities such as banks to act quickly to prevent the misuse of compromised credentials. Safeguards are included to ensure that a declaration can only be made for a purpose that is related to preventing or reducing a risk of harm to individuals arising from a misuse of personal information from the eligible data breach.

An eligible data breach declaration can be issued quickly and will make clear the kinds of personal information that may be shared, and with whom they may be shared, which may include state and territory agencies.

Similarly, emergency declarations made under the Act permit personal information sharing following disasters or emergencies to support response efforts, including to assist affected individuals. The Bill will require emergency declarations to specify the kinds of personal information, types of entities permitted to share information and the purposes for which it may be shared. These changes will ensure that individuals’ privacy is protected while also addressing their broader interests, and will support enhanced coordination with states and territories in emergencies and disasters.

Overseas data flows

The flow of information across national borders is critical for international trade and services in a globalised world. To support the free flow of information with appropriate protections, the Bill provides for countries with substantially similar data privacy laws to Australia to be prescribed. Businesses and individuals will be able to have greater confidence that personal information will be kept safe. This will also reduce costs for business when entering into contracts and agreements with overseas entities.

Enforcement

Effective enforcement of the Privacy Act is essential to protect Australians’ interests. This Bill expands the suite of regulatory powers available to the Information Commissioner to effectively enforce the Act and provides a broader range of enforcement options available to do so. This will include new civil penalties and infringement notices for less serious privacy breaches.

To investigate potential privacy breaches in an increasingly complex digital landscape, the Information Commissioner requires modern investigative powers. This Bill provides the Information Commissioner with additional powers, including for search and seizure, which may be exercised under warrant when investigating breaches of the Act, and scalable enforcement options.

The Bill will empower a court to make appropriate orders where it has determined that an entity has breached a civil penalty provision, which may include compensation for loss or damage suffered.

Effective privacy protection requires proactive regulatory action. This Bill also strengthens the Information Commissioner’s capacity by expanding monitoring and assessment functions. The Bill also introduces new public inquiry powers which will enable the Information Commissioner to inquire into specified matters as directed or approved. This will enable the Information Commissioner to keep closer oversight of threats to privacy, including issues of a systemic nature, as they emerge.

Automated decision making

The safe and responsible development and deployment of automated decision making presents significant opportunities. These systems have the potential to increase the efficiency, accuracy and consistency of decisions, and they present opportunities for improved outcomes in health, environment, defence and national security.

The Bill will provide individuals with transparency about the use of their personal information in automated decisions which significantly affect their interests. Entities will need to specify the kinds of personal information used in these sorts of decisions in their privacy policies.

Importantly these requirements will apply to decisions that are wholly or substantially automated, ensuring that the new requirements cannot be avoided by ‘tokenistic’ human involvement in a decision-making process.

Schedule 2 – statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy

A statutory tort applying to breaches of privacy has been talked about in Australia for a long, long time – as early as 1969, when Sir Zelman Cowen, then Vice-Chancellor of the University of New England, endorsed legislation to create an actionable right to seek redress for breaches of privacy.

There is currently no tortious right of action for invasion of privacy under the Act or any other Commonwealth, state or territory statute. The creation of a statutory tort was recommended by the Australian Law Reform Commission in its 2014 Report “Serious Invasions of Privacy in the Digital Era”, which I commissioned in 2013. It has been recommended by many other inquiries before and since.

In its 2014 report, the Commission stated the creation of a statutory tort would “fill an increasingly conspicuous gap in Australian law, helping to protect the privacy of Australians, while respecting and reinforcing other fundamental rights and values, including freedom of expression”.

Schedule 2 to the Bill will provide a new statutory cause of action, or tort, for individuals who have suffered a serious invasion of their privacy. This will include an intrusion on a person’s physical privacy, so the tort will complement the Privacy Act, which focusses on the narrower concept of information privacy.

There are parts of our lives that we reasonably expect to be able to keep to ourselves. The freedom to enjoy a private and family life, and express ourselves and our beliefs in safety, is critical to our wellbeing and dignity.

Ensuring that individuals have a clear right to seek a legal remedy against people or entities who seriously invade their privacy is a key part of ensuring that our privacy laws keep pace with community expectations and advances in technology.

Schedule 2 to the Bill provides that an individual has a cause of action for serious privacy invasions, either by an intrusion upon the individual’s seclusion – for example by physically intruding into their private space – or by misuse of their information, in circumstances where the individual had a reasonable expectation of privacy.

A plaintiff will have a cause of action without having to prove that any damage arose from the invasion of privacy. The damage or harm a plaintiff suffers will be a relevant factor in assessing the seriousness of the invasion, and the remedies that may be awarded.

For a claim to succeed, the plaintiff will need to demonstrate the public interest in protecting their privacy outweighs any competing public interest raised by the defendant.

In addition to the public interest balancing test, a range of defences will apply, including where the conduct of the defendant was required or authorised by law or was necessary because of a serious threat to life, health or safety.

The Bill will provide specific exemptions from liability under the tort, including for journalism, enforcement bodies and intelligence agencies. These exemptions are important to protect press freedom and ensure that legitimate activities of government can be delivered effectively.

The journalism exemption provides that invasions of privacy which occur in the course of the collection, preparation or publication of journalistic material, by a journalist, their employer, or someone assisting them, would not be liable under the tort. The Bill requires that to be considered a ‘journalist’, the person must work in that professional capacity and be subject to applicable standards of professional conduct or a code of practice.

The journalism exemption also operates in addition to the requirement that a court balance the public interest in the plaintiff’s privacy with other public interests. This may involve consideration of the public interest in freedom of the media, or freedom of expression.

A court will have the flexibility to choose the remedy or remedies that are most appropriate in the circumstances. This may include compensation for non-economic loss or an order requiring the defendant to apologise to the plaintiff.

Schedule 3 – doxxing criminal offences

Schedule 3 of the Bill will amend the Criminal Code 1995 to create new criminal offences targeting the release of personal data in a manner that is menacing or harassing—a practice known as ‘doxxing’.

The prevalence of social media and online platforms has rapidly increased the capacity of malicious individuals to obtain personal data, and to release that online—either to the public at large on social media platforms, or to their associates on forum and messaging platforms.

Doxxing exposes victims to significant and enduring harm, including public embarrassment, humiliation, shaming, discrimination, stalking and identify theft and financial fraud. It can lead to threats to a victim’s life and safety, and the lives and safety of their families and friends. It can inflict significant and lasting psychological harm.

Doxxing is a damaging form of abuse that can affect all Australians but is often used against women in the context of domestic and family violence.

The creation of this offence also responds to a recent, shocking incident of a group who were targeted with doxxing on the basis of their religion.

The Bill creates a new offence that applies where a person:
- uses a carriage service to make available, publish or otherwise distribute the personal data of one or more individuals; and
- the person does so in a way that reasonable persons would regard as being menacing or harassing towards those individuals.
The new offence will carry a maximum penalty of 6 years’ imprisonment.

The Bill also introduces a further offence, with a more serious maximum penalty of 7 years’ imprisonment, where a person or group is targeted because of their race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status, disability, nationality or national or ethnic origin.

The Government recognises that there are circumstances in which people legitimately publish and distribute personal data, including individuals’ names, contact details and movements.

The new offences will apply only where a reasonable person would consider the conduct to be, in all the circumstances, menacing or harassing, to ensure that legitimate conduct is not inappropriately criminalised.

‘Personal data’, in the context of these new offences, means information about an individual that enables them to be identified, contacted or located. This includes their name, photograph, telephone number, email address, online account, residential or work address, and place of education or worship. This definition recognises that doxxing can occur in a number of different ways.

The Albanese Government is committed to the protection of Australians from online harm, and these new offences will ensure that perpetrators of doxxing are held to account.

These new offences will complement work that is underway across government, to strengthen online safety for all Australians. This includes the takedown powers of the eSafety Commissioner, the Cyberbullying Scheme and the Adult Cyber Abuse Scheme under the Online Safety Act 2021.

Conclusion

This Bill is an important first step in the Government’s privacy reform agenda, but it will not be the last. Over the coming months, the Attorney-General’s Department will develop the next tranche of privacy reform for targeted consultation, including draft provisions. The Government is approaching this important reform work carefully, to ensure increased privacy protections are balanced alongside other impacts, and that we deliver the fairest outcome for all Australians.

After many years of inaction, this Labor Government is committed to genuine privacy reform. The Australian people expect no less – for themselves and their children.

MIL OSI News –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Press conference – Bendigo

Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

Attorney-General
Cabinet Secretary
The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP

Member for Bendigo
Lisa Chesters MP

Joint transcript

E&OE

Subjects: U 25-GO Blue Light funding; Chinese military video; AUKUS

LISA CHESTERS, MEMBER FOR BENDIGO: I’m really proud to be standing next to my friend and colleague, the Attorney-General, Mark Dreyfus, who is here today with a significant funding announcement for our local Blue Light Program. The Bendigo Blue Light chapter has been running for over a decade now, and almost for as long as I’ve been a Federal Member, and since my very first engagement with them, I was just impressed at the way they want to help young people break free, change their life, change their pathway. Many of the people involved in Bendigo Blue Light are serving officers, police officers, and their passion that they have for young people in Bendigo is extraordinary. And the young people involved in this program, their bravery to make a difference and to change their pathway is fantastic. Quite often people write them off. People in media, people in politics, will write these young people off, but they didn’t write themselves off. Neither did Anglicare, neither did the partners involved in this program, and neither did our government, and that is why I’m so proud that that the Attorney-General is here to make an announcement today for the future of this program. So welcome back to Bendigo, Mark.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL MARK DREYFUS: Thank you very much, Lisa and I am delighted to be here with my friend and colleague Lisa Chesters as the Member for Bendigo to announce funding as part of a Federal Government program U25-GO, which is going to be $13.5 million for nine organisations across the country, police, youth, citizens clubs and Blue Light organisations right across Australia. But right here in Bendigo, we’re announcing $2 million as part of this program for Blue Light Victoria which is going to be providing programs to youth across the Bendigo region, the La Trobe region and the Melbourne region. And this is really useful programs. They’re tailored programs for young people from 10 to 17, and depending on the particular needs of the young person, it’s very often one on one counselling, but it’s also working with families, different groups of selected young people, and it’s a wonderful demonstration of the commitment that the Albanese Labor Government has to supporting young people in our country. We need to look at ways to keep people out of the criminal justice system. We need to look at ways to pick up young people who’ve been in the criminal justice system, to make sure they don’t return to the criminal justice system. We know these programs work. We’ve seen from the Blue Light organisation. We heard from Lily and Jaykob here earlier today about how good the program has been for them, and I know from previous contact with the Blue Light organisation just how useful the work that they do is. We’re aiming to keep on supporting that work, because we know how good it can be. Thanks very much.

REPORTER: Can I just ask one quick question on today’s announcement in regional areas, obviously here Bendigo and La Trobe as well, for these young people to have an opportunity to seek out a program like this in regional areas, specifically where we know services can be few and far between, services like this. So, what was the business case that these guys put forward that we thought, yep, okay, this is something we want to fund.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL: The business case that Blue Light Victoria put forward is, we’ve been doing this for quite some time, and we know it works. That’s a great business case. We like to work with organisations that are established. We like to work with organisations that have got connections in the community. We like to work with organisations that have got established group of volunteers. Blue Light Victoria ticks every single one of those boxes.

REPORTER: I’ve just got two unrelated questions for you Attorney-General. Have you seen the Chinese military video of a dangerous intercept of Australian aircraft over the South China Sea, and what’s your response?

ATTORNEY-GENERAL: We’ve seen some unverified videos this morning that came on social media. They remain unverified, but I can assure everyone that all operations of the Australian Defence Forces, all operations of the RAAF in the South China Sea and in other parts of South East Asia are conducted in accordance with international law.

REPORTER: One more question for you on AUKUS, does including high tech countries like Japan and Korea send a clear signal to China of our strength and capabilities, and is it enough to counter Beijing’s influence?

ATTORNEY-GENERAL: This is a partnership with the United Kingdom and the United States. Of course, as has been reported, there are some other discussions going on, but clearly, this is a very, very important arrangement. It’s going to provide submarine technology to Australia. It’s going to give access to Australia for technology in the future. We’re looking forward in coming years to AUKUS developing.

REPORTER: First and foremost, you’re sharing millions of dollars worth of funding for the really critical programs that Blue Light runs. Tell me what’s your reaction to today’s announcement?

ELISSA SCOTT, CEO BLUE LIGHT VICTORIA: We are so grateful and very excited about the opportunity to now deliver more services and more programs to young people across the state. This funding will allow an additional 1200 young people to benefit from our program. So it’s a great news story for us today.

REPORTER: Can you tell us a bit about these programs, how, I guess, how they’re designed to help participants?

SCOTT: They are early intervention and prevention programs. So, Blue Light’s aim is to really get in early and act early before issues arise. So we have three different types of programs that this funding will now allow us to roll out our one to one mentoring program, so like we’ve seen here today in Bendigo, with young people who have been really disengaged, and we look at getting mentors involved with them from across police and emergency services. And then we’ve got two other schools based programs, our Blue Edge program, and also a new program called CoRE, which will really be around connecting young people back into community and actually undertaking some community projects. So it’s around their contribution back as well.

REPORTER: Have you seen the lives change for the better of these participants? Can you tell us a bit about how going through an early intervention or prevention program, as you just outlined can, you know, keep these kids on the right track, or put them on the right track?

SCOTT: Often young people come to us when they’re really disengaged, they’re really disconnected. And what we know about young people is that, in terms of protective factors, they need connection, they need engagement, and they need someone to actually walk alongside them and trust in the fact that they can make some really positive and healthy and safe choices. That’s what Blue Light does. We get in there at the earliest opportunity, and we provide initiatives that will allow young people just to thrive and grow and reach their full potential.

REPORTER: That 1200 is not just Bendigo?

SCOTT: That’s across the state.

REPORTER: Further to Katie’s question there, can you describe to us the backgrounds that some of these kids are coming from, that they actually end up in this funnel, they end up on Blue Light’s radar?

SCOTT: As you would know, being a teenager, there’s lots of complexities and lots of challenges that you have to work through. Some of our young people have come from families where there has been violence, where there has been other forms of trauma. Sometimes they have just started to use substances in a really not so great way. They might have come to the attention of police and might have had their first interaction with the justice system, or they might just be a bit disengaged from school and not really sure about what life holds for them. A number of our young people have complex mental health issues. So really, for us, it’s around we want to really assist a whole lot of diverse young people coming to our programs and receive an opportunity to thrive and grow and to learn new skills so that they can make some really safe and wise decisions in the future.

REPORTER: It was mentioned before that a lot of the people who work with Blue Light are either serving or former police officers. Do you think that it’s important that these young people see and engage with police, not just in a judicial sense, in, you know, basically getting the handcuffs slapped on them and ending up in front of court?

SCOTT: Look definitely. Blue Light certainly has a huge volunteer base. We have volunteers from police, but also volunteers from emergency services as well. And the reason that we work with police and emergency services is because they are generally positive community role models, and that is fantastic for young people like we’ve seen today, for Lily and Jaykob to actually get to know a police officer as a person and to have that deeper understanding about why that is so important in the community, and then to learn from them. It’s really fantastic opportunity for young people to break down some of these barriers and to get someone also to invest in them and to care about what they’re doing and what they might do into the future.

[ENDS]

MIL OSI News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Critical new research examines homicide of First Nations women

Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

Indigenous women are up to seven times more likely to be homicide victims compared with the national average, with almost three quarters killed by their current or former intimate partner.

The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) report Homicide of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women has found that between 1 July 1989 and 30 June 2023, a total of 476 Indigenous women were victims of homicide with seventy-two percent killed by their current or former intimate partner.

These statistics represent the terrible and tragic loss of mothers, sisters, daughters and other deeply loved relatives.

It is not acceptable for losses of this scale to continue.

Ending violence against women and children is a priority for the Albanese Government. We have already invested over $3.4 billion in initiatives to support the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-32.

Last month the Albanese Government committed $4.4 billion in new funding to address the scourge of gender-based violence, provide support for legal service and respond to the Rapid Review into Prevention Approaches, including through investing in frontline services and initiatives to prevent violence.

This includes $800 million in new funding over five years from 2025-26 to the legal assistance sector, with a focus on legal services responding to gender-based violence, including First Nations-specific services.

In August the final report of the Senate Inquiry into missing and murdered First Nations women was published, highlighting the need for accurate data.

The AIC’s report addresses key findings of the Inquiry’s final report. This includes publication of comprehensive and validated data drawn from police and coronial data on Indigenous women victims of homicide (murder and manslaughter). It builds on National Homicide Monitoring Program data provided to the Inquiry and published in the annual Homicide in Australia series.

This data will also be used to track progress of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–32 to reduce the rate of all forms of family violence and abuse against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children by at least 50% by 2031.

The Albanese Government is giving serious consideration to the recommendations of the Senate Inquiry, including through the development of the standalone First Nations National Plan for Family Safety.

The full report is available on the AIC website.

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732.

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au

Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Australian Institute of Criminology

The AIC is Australia’s national research and knowledge centre on crime and justice. The AIC seeks to promote justice and reduce crime by undertaking and communicating evidence-based research to inform policy and practice.

On 26 June 2024, the AIC released a new online dashboard to monitor intimate partner homicides involving female victims. The dashboard will be updated on a quarterly basis.

MIL OSI News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Introduction of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Bill 2024

Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

The Albanese Government is today taking a critical step to strengthen Australia’s protections against money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, and tackling a key resource stream for organised crime.

Each year billions of dollars are generated from illegal activities such as drug trafficking, tax evasion, cybercrime, human trafficking and arms trafficking. The proceeds from these crimes are used to fund further serious crimes such as terrorism and child abuse.

In 2015, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global financial watchdog, found that Australia had failed to comply with a number of critical standards. In particular, Australia had failed to extend our anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime to ‘tranche-two’ entities including lawyers, accountants and real estate agents.

Despite these clear warnings that our economy was at risk of being exploited by criminal gangs and terrorists, the former government failed to do anything of substance for nearly a decade, leaving Australia dangerously vulnerable.

The Albanese Government’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Bill 2024 introduces significant, long overdue reforms to Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) regime.

The Bill will close a significant regulatory gap in Australia by expanding the regime to address vulnerabilities within ‘tranche-two’ entities, including lawyers, accountants, real estate professionals and dealers in precious stones and metals. AUSTRAC’s recent Money Laundering National Risk Assessment noted criminals are increasingly exploiting these sectors to conceal illicit wealth and launder money.

The Bill will also help bring Australia into line with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Australia is now one of only five jurisdictions out of more than 200 that do not regulate these tranche-two entities or ‘gatekeeper’ professions. It means Australia is at serious risk of being ‘grey-listed’ by the FATF, which would not only be damaging to our international reputation but could result in significant economic harm to Australians and businesses.

The Government is taking the opportunity to simplify, clarify and streamline the AML/CTF regime. This will reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and make it easier to understand and implement effective measures to combat financial crime. The reforms will allow businesses to take a risk-based approach, allowing industry to prioritise their resources. The reforms will also lead to better quality financial data and make it easier for businesses to protect themselves from misuse by criminals.

The Government thanks the representatives of ‘tranche two’ entities who engaged constructively in consultations on this Bill.

The Bill will modernise Australia’s AML/CTF system to ensure it keeps pace with our global financial system – closing the gaps that increasingly sophisticated and professional criminal organisations can exploit. This includes extending the current regulation of virtual asset service providers, that are exploited by serious and organised crime groups to launder the profits of their crimes and hide the origin of funds.

The Albanese Government is taking up the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing in Australia. The Government looks forward to all members of the Australian Parliament joining us in supporting the passage of this Bill.

MIL OSI News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: New resources for young people to tackle coercive control

Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP

11 September 2024

Media Release

The Albanese Government is today releasing resources to help young people recognise and combat coercive control.

Young people have unique experiences of coercive control and these resources are designed to assist them and their loved ones to identify coercive control and seek help.

The resources include videos and fact sheets for young people entering relationships for the first time, as well as adults in their lives, to boost understanding of what coercive control looks like.

Coercive control is a pattern of abusive behaviour designed to create power and dominance over another person or persons. It can involve physical and non-physical abuse and, over time, creates fear and takes away the person’s freedom and independence.

Coercive control almost always underpins family and domestic violence. Understanding and identifying these dynamics is fundamental to an effective response to family and domestic violence.

These new resources build upon an existing suite of materials including fact sheets and videos, tailored resources for First Nations people, language translations and guides for healthcare practitioners to recognise and respond to coercive control.

The resources build upon the landmark agreement by the Standing Council of Attorneys-General in September 2023 to endorse National Principles to Address Coercive Control in Family and Domestic Violence which, for the first time, create a shared national understanding of coercive control.

The resources also deliver on one of the preventative actions in the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children. The National Plan is the overarching national policy framework that guides actions towards ending gender-based violence in a generation.

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via 1800RESPECT, or text 0458 737 732.

MIL OSI News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: New methods of domestic and family violence perpetration

Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

New research has highlighted the need for further improvement in justice and support services to protect victim‑survivors from coercive control.

Coercive control is a pattern of abusive behaviour designed to exert power and dominance over another person or persons. It can involve physical and non-physical abuse and, over time, creates fear and takes away the person’s freedom and independence.

Coercive control almost always underpins family and domestic violence. Understanding and identifying these dynamics is fundamental to an effective response to family and domestic violence.

A landmark agreement by the Standing Council of Attorneys-General in September 2023 endorsed National Principles to Address Coercive Control in Family and Domestic Violence which, for the first time, create a shared national understanding of coercive control.

The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) study Technology-facilitated coercive control investigates the use of technology to facilitate controlling, monitoring, stalking, and emotionally abusive behaviours by intimate partners in domestic and family violence contexts.

Victim‑survivors and domestic and family violence frontline workers interviewed by the AIC reported significant gaps and the need for improvement in justice and support services.

One considerable gap is a lack of understanding of technology-facilitated coercive control among frontline workers, including police, and the community more broadly. This meant that victim‑survivors did not always recognise that what was happening to them was a form of violence.

Often, police were found to view reports by victim-survivors as isolated incidents, rather than as patterns of behaviour. Within domestic and family violence services there was found to be a lack of funding for specialist suppliers to conduct technology safety scans, leaving services to rely on local telecommunications stores or students to check devices.

In an additional paper, the AIC found an increase in reports of technology-facilitated coercive control during the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated difficulties for victim-survivors in accessing support. Increased workload and working condition pressures on domestic and family violence workers and other support workers was also reported.

The Attorney-General’s Department is undertaking work to strengthen responses to Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence including a suite of resources to help people recognise coercive control and encourage victim-survivors to seek help.

In addition, the Government has invested in a $4.1 million training and education package to enhance the effectiveness of police responses to Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence and training and education to increase awareness of coercive control and recognition of technology facilitated abuse.

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732.

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.

Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Australian Institute of Criminology

The AIC is Australia’s national research and knowledge centre on crime and justice. The AIC seeks to promote justice and reduce crime by undertaking and communicating evidence-based research to inform policy and practice.

On 26 June 2024, the AIC released a new online dashboard to monitor intimate partner homicides involving female victims. The dashboard will be updated on a quarterly basis.

MIL OSI News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Further action on Robodebt scandal
Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP

10 October 2024

Media Release
Legislation introduced today will help protect Australia against any repeat of the former Liberal Government’s illegal and immoral Robodebt scheme by ensuring Commonwealth agencies are subject to stronger and more rigorous scrutiny.

The Report of the Robodebt Royal Commission made it clear that strong and effective oversight is necessary to safeguard the community in their dealings with government. Trust in government depends on this.

The Albanese Government’s response to the Royal Commission committed to improving public trust in government. It recognised the important role that impartial, independent and robust oversight plays in delivering on this commitment.

The Oversight Legislation Amendment (Robodebt Royal Commission Response and Other Measures) Bill 2024 implements the Australian Government’s response to Royal Commission recommendations 21.1 and 21.2 to ensure Commonwealth agencies are subject to stronger and more rigorous scrutiny.

The Royal Commission found that some officials and agencies engaged in behaviour designed to mislead the Ombudsman and impede their investigation into the Robodebt Scheme.

The Bill will ensure this can never happen again by:
- imposing a statutory duty on the public service to assist the Ombudsman in the performance of their functions, and
- ensuring the Ombudsman has strong powers to obtain full and direct access to records, including by establishing a new offence for withholding reasonable facilities and assistance from the Ombudsman.
The Bill also enhances the Ombudsman’s ability to undertake full, independent and transparent investigations. This includes modernising the Ombudsman’s information-gathering powers to enable remote access to agency records.

The Bill will also introduce equivalent enhanced duties and powers for the Inspector‑General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman (IGTO), in recognition of the IGTO’s role in providing community assurance that taxation laws are being administered with integrity.

These amendments are supported by a commitment of $2.3 million over four years from 2023-2024 and $700,000 ongoing. This will provide additional capacity for the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman to handle complaints and undertake investigations of systemic issues, as part of the Government’s response to the Robodebt Royal Commission.
MIL OSI News –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Law reform in the age of AI
Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

*Check against delivery*

Acknowledgments omitted

Welcome to my hometown.

I grew up right here in Fremantle. My primary school is around the corner on Henry Street. My childhood home on the same road as Fremantle Prison, a building now on the World Heritage List. Back then, home to 337 of Western Australia’s prisoners.

I enjoyed the freedom of a social media free childhood. The only technology that terrified me was the Swan Blimp, roaring in the skies above Esplanade Park, while Fremantle boomed with the America’s Cup. So technology can scare us, but also enable us to achieve greatness.

I now live in North Perth. The Australia II still lives in Fremantle at the Maritime Museum. It was first launched in 1982, a year away from its history-making America’s Cup win. With a winged keel and the 1980s best 3D design.

As the TELEX message that was sent amongst the designers said:

“ABOUT TO TAKE YACHT DESIGN INTO THE SPACE AGE.
DARTH VADER LOOKS GOOD IN COMPUTER IN 3 DIMENSION WILL TEST ON WEDNESDAY 10th JUNE, BEN SKYWALKER”

That was designer Ben Lexcen’s cryptic Telex message of May 1981. The Australia II team did enter the yacht race space age. And far away down in Hobart, an eccentric politician made a bold prediction.

Barry Jones had just published a book, called ‘Sleepers, Wake!’ exploring the potential impacts of the ICT Revolution on society. The book suggested that technological innovation would be a major component of economic growth, that the increased accessibility of information would transform our lives in almost every conceivable way. The book was ridiculed by some and its claims were regarded by many as wildly exaggerated.

Barry Jones delivered his famous prediction in a speech to a public meeting in Hobart. He predicted that by the year 2000 there would be more computers in Tasmania than cars. This prediction was considered laughable. The Mercury newspaper suggested he had lost his grip on reality. But he was right.

Many of us start our days by turning off the alarm blaring out of our small handheld smartphone computers. We get up and dressed and put on our smart watches. We get into our car and use our GPS systems to get to work, where we log on to our work computers for a long day ahead before we can watch some TV on our smart TVs at home.

Few in 1982 would have had the foresight to make this prediction, and few had the foresight to take it seriously.

So, what technological advancements are we in danger of overlooking in 2024? The obvious answer is of course Artificial Intelligence.

The age of AI

The age of AI is now here. AI is no longer the stuff of science fiction, it is here and it is already embedding itself into our daily lives. The names are cute. Inoffensive. Co-pilot. Chat GPT. Gemini. Cyber Dynamics Model 101.

Well, that last one is the official name of The Terminator, but I am sure the others are harmless. Australians are already using AI in the workplace. Teachers are now providing students with personalised AI chatbots to help provide additional tutoring to students needing support. AI is assisting medical doctors to scan vast data sets and gather medical insights that were previously not possible. In the public sector, the Australian Government recently conducted a six-month trial of Co-pilot for Microsoft 365. And of course, AI is also impacting the legal sector.

Recent surveys suggest that a majority of lawyers are already using AI in their work. They are also optimistic for the potential for AI to bring significant innovation to the sector. AI tools are being developed to assist lawyers with document review, legal research and more. Most of us wish we had time to be an incredible professional, as well as an accomplished artist, writer and musician.

Generative AI is that best version of our imagined selves. Producing music, art and video that has already won artistic competitions when submitted anonymously alongside the work of human artists.

AI Regulation

This is where wonder and risk collide. There are serious risks associated with the development and deployment of AI. AI has implications in copyright law, where vast amounts of data and creative work have been scraped for the training of AI models from web sources. AI generative content can also be created to mimic the works of existing Australian artists and creatives. This raises serious concerns for Australian artists and creatives, about the future of their work and livelihoods.

As Australian Artist Ben Lee said on AI:

“I don’t think art has ever succeeded in trying to fight technology…
[but] we have to consider what we will lose if we put all our eggs in that basket.”

And even if we aren’t recording artists – every Australian has eggs in this basket. We know the risks of having our sensitive data harvested and used. Your information could be training AI without your knowledge or consent.

AI creates potential challenges in the areas of law enforcement and criminal behaviour, notably in relation to cybercrime. So we must consider the role of regulation and legislative frameworks for the development of AI.

I am aware I am in a room of legal experts. I expect many of you may have an interest in AI. Equally, the current opportunities for law reform in the age of AI.

It is worth noting that Barry Jones, when he made his famous prediction, was no great scientist. He studied arts and law. He had been a schoolteacher. It was deep thinking about Australian society and the road ahead of us. He couldn’t avoid the impacts of emerging technologies.

Similarly, you all witness the iterative way in which law and society steadily adapt to each other, every day in the course of your work. Like Barry, you are in a position to see and understand the transformative impacts of new technology on how a society and its legal framework function. I hope you engage with and contribute to the current conversation about the safe and effective development and implementation of AI in Australia.

Law reform in the age of AI

Things are changing. Fast.

Our regulatory approach is engaged with those changes. It is the role of law makers to balance risk with opportunity. To shield the Australian public from the dangers of AI, while not restricting the potential for AI to deliver positive and profound improvements in living standards.

Later this month the Susan McKinnon Foundation will release new research on AI. Its report, ‘Partisanship, polarisation and social cohesion in Australia’ surveyed 3,000 Australians. It found familiar divides across many issues amongst progressives and conservatives.

Surprisingly in one area they found agreement from left and progressive, centre and moderate, right and conservative. They all had similar results on the increased use of AI in daily life, and they all opposed the AI intrusion. Negative 15 per cent support from the left and progressives. Negative 20 per cent support from the right and conservatives.

So Australians are looking for leadership on how best to protect themselves from potential harms. When conducting law reform we must keep front of mind the rights and needs of those who are most subject to vulnerability. To make sure those who are most disadvantaged are not put to further disadvantage.

Some legislation is developed for specific technologies, like gene technologies or nuclear technologies. Other legislation is crafted to be technology neutral.

The Australian Government is continually working to ensure that our robust system of existing legislative frameworks is fit-for-purpose. Capable of responding to harms, including harms enabled by AI.

Australians know that the regulation of AI is a challenging issue. They recognise the potential dangers and benefits and the importance of getting it right. Where the community has expectations, law reform must respond to and uphold those community expectations. The laws of Australia, are ultimately, a mirror held up to our society. Our laws must reflect those expectations and beliefs of the collection of diverse individuals that make up this country.

International developments

The questions Australia faces are not ours alone. The United Nations has alerted the world to the growing energy demands of AI.

Noting:

“A request made through ChatGPT, an AI-based virtual assistant, consumes 10 times the electricity of a Google Search, reported the International Energy Agency.

While global data is sparse, the agency estimates that in the tech hub of Ireland, the rise of AI could see data centres account for nearly 35 per cent of the country’s energy use by 2026.”

Then there is the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act – designed to specifically address unique high-risk considerations associated with AI.

By assigning AI systems and applications to three risk categories:
1. unacceptable risk
2. high-risk, and
3. minimal risk.
In this framework, unacceptable risk systems and applications are prohibited.

Last year in the UK, an AI white paper was released which argues for a risk-based approach to AI regulation. The paper classifies AI systems based on the level of risk they pose. It emphasises the development of AI systems that are human-centric and trustworthy, whilst also promoting innovation through the development of AI innovation hubs to support research and development.

In the United States, the first state-based AI legislation has been passed. Known as the Colorado AI Act, it will come into effect from February 2026. The Act requires developers of high-risk artificial intelligence systems to use reasonable care to protect consumers from foreseeable risks of algorithmic discrimination.

Canada has proposed legislation, the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act, which is broadly aligned with the EU AI Act. The Bill established initial classes of high-impact AI systems and parameters for government to deem further classes of systems as high-impact systems. It would also require developers and deployers of general-purpose high-risk AI systems to establish accountability frameworks. It also provides new enforcement powers for the AI and Data Commissioner.

These are all developments that the Australian Public Service is monitoring closely.

AI regulation in Australia

I began this speech talking about the 1980s here in Fremantle. The 1980s in Canberra saw computers occupy the desk real estate of the public service. Forty years ago, the Attorney-General’s Department assisted with the Copyright Amendment Act 1984, clarifying copyright protection for computer programs.

The same year the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General “agreed on the desirability of uniform legislation to penalise the appropriation or use of computer data without lawful authority or excuse”.

Forty years on the technology changed, but the work continues. The Minister for Industry and Science recently held consultations on proposals for introducing mandatory guardrails for AI in high-risk settings. This process is informing the Government’s consideration of how we can most effectively regulate the development and deployment of AI.

The Senate Select Committee on Adopting AI is currently investigating opportunities and impacts for Australia arising out of the uptake of AI technologies. The Committee is scheduled to present its final report on the 26th of November.

The Australian Public Service is also working to ensure that government serves as an exemplar for the responsible use of AI. On the 1st of September 2024, the Digital Transformation Agency introduced a policy for responsible use of AI in government, providing a framework for the safe and responsible use of AI by public servants.

Attorney-General’s Department – AI law reform

I would like to also talk specifically about some of the law reform being led by the Commonwealth Attorney-General relevant to AI regulation. This reform crosses a number of policy areas, including privacy, copyright, automated decision making, cybercrime, and technology facilitated abuse.

Privacy reforms

In the privacy space, Australians are becoming increasingly aware that the advent of AI technologies has introduced the potential for new privacy risks. While AI has the potential to provide major economic benefits, we know Australians are also cautious about the use of AI to make decisions which may affect them.

In a survey by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, respondents made clear they want conditions in place before AI is used in this way.
In particular – they want to be told when this is the case. Our Government believes that entities have a responsibility to protect Australians’ personal information and ensure individuals have control and transparency over how it is used.

On 12 September 2024, the Attorney-General introduced legislation to Parliament to reform the Privacy Act. The Bill implements a first tranche of reforms, agreed by Government in its response to the Privacy Act Review, ahead of consultation on a second tranche of reforms. The Bill will amend the Privacy Act to enhance its effectiveness, strengthening the enforcement tools available to the privacy regulator, while better facilitating safe overseas data flows.

The Bill will also introduce a statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy, and criminal offences for the malicious release of an individual’s personal data online, otherwise known as ‘doxxing.’ Importantly, the Bill will provide individuals with transparency about the use of their personal information in automated decisions which significantly affect their interests. Entities will need to specify the kinds of personal information used in these sorts of decisions in their privacy policies.

The Government is approaching this important reform work carefully. Ensuring increased privacy protections are balanced alongside other impacts, so that we deliver the fairest outcome for all Australians.

Copyright and AI

AI and copyright issues are another complex global challenge needing to be worked through in an Australian context. The Attorney-General’s Department is considering complex and contested AI and copyright issues in a careful and consultative way. This approach is consistent with advice from industry stakeholders that participated in a series of Copyright Roundtables in 2023.

The Government is conscious of the need for balance. Between – on the one hand – the urgency with which the rapid development and adoption of AI demands a policy response.And on the other – the importance of taking the time necessary to get that response right, avoiding harmful repercussions.

In December 2023, the Attorney-General established the Copyright and AI Reference Group as a standing mechanism for engagement with stakeholders. These stakeholders represent a wide range of sectors, including the creative, media and technology sectors. The Reference Group’s role is to consider copyright and AI issues. The Attorney-General’s Department’s ongoing consultation with the Reference Group is informing the development of policy for Government’s consideration.

This work on copyright is part of the Government’s broader engagement on AI-related matters. It complements the work being led by the Minister for Industry and Science on the safe and responsible use of AI.

Automated decision-making

Automated decision making (or ‘ADM’) has long been part of administrative processes, inside and outside of government. When implemented thoughtfully and responsibly – which is the majority of cases – we can all benefit from faster, more efficient, and more accurate service delivery. From e-Gates at airports through to faster processing of claims, these benefits can meaningfully improve the services individuals receive from Government.

However, where ADM is used to make decisions that adversely affect people’s rights or wellbeing, the community is understandably concerned. In particular, concerns centre on how these automation and artificial intelligence technologies are governed. When assurance processes fail, there can be life-altering impacts on individuals. As many of you would recall, this was this was vividly and painfully illustrated in the ‘Robodebt’ scandal and resulting Royal Commission.

The Royal Commission made several recommendations to improve governance and safeguards around the use of ADM in administrative decision-making. The Government has fully accepted those recommendations and work is well underway in the Attorney-General’s Department to develop stronger safeguards.

Australia learnt many lessons from the Robodebt scandal. We heard that individuals were able to successfully challenge particular decisions. However, most individuals did not feel they were in a position to challenge the assessments they received.

Considerable harm across a large number of individuals was done before the system was brought to an end. The legal system was able to compensate individuals for what had happened.

A key focus for better governing ADM, including systems that use AI, is therefore to ensure that systems and processes are sufficiently robust. To ensure that flaws in ADM design and implementation are identified and addressed before decisions are made that affect individuals. This could include ensuring that any use of ADM systems in administrative processes is consistent with the principles of administrative law.

Cybercrime and technology-facilitated abuse

Generative AI is being rapidly adopted by criminal actors in a range of contexts. For example, artificial intelligence is already being used to generate hyper realistic deepfakes. These can be used as a tool for sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment online.

It is essential that the Australian Government keeps our laws under constant review. To ensure they remain fit-for-purpose in responses to rapid changes in technology – such as the emergence of AI.

Earlier this year, the Attorney-General led legislative reform through the Criminal Code Amendment (Deepfake Sexual Material) Act 2024. The Act introduces new offences and strengthens the current criminal law framework. Ensuring the non-consensual transmission of sexual material developed or altered by such technologies is criminalised and subject to significant penalties. This came into force in September 2024.

Partnership with the states and territories is also important, to ensure a cohesive national approach. In September, the Police Ministers Council agreed to a review of Commonwealth, state and territory frameworks. The review seeks to ensure they adequately address the issue of technology-facilitated abuse, including deepfakes.

In March 2024, the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters commenced an inquiry into civics education, engagement and participation in Australia. This came from a referral from Government. The inquiry is considering how governments and the community can prevent or limit inaccurate or false information influencing electoral outcomes. Particularly with regard to AI, foreign interference, social media, and mis- and disinformation.

As AI technologies continue to evolve and transform, it is critical that Australia harnesses the opportunities arising from the uptake of AI technologies. To bolster Australia’s economic and social prosperity, as well as ensuring our legal frameworks remain fit for purpose. Making sure we combat the misuse and abuse of AI for criminal purposes.

Conclusion

I started this speech talking about the excitement of the America’s Cup. What it did to my hometown of Fremantle. The joy that win gave the nation.

I see that excitement again in the possibility of Artificial Intelligence. To unlock the potential of our people, wherever they live. Powered by a publicly owned National Broadband Network.

In 2024 we stand on the doorstep of the AI age and that door is opening.

The age of AI is now here. This is a time of great excitement, where the bounds of human creativity and imagination are currently being pushed. But it is also, a time to stop, and to carefully consider the potential hazards and pitfalls, as we move forward.

The Australian Government is working hard to ensure our legislative framework shields Australians from the potential harms of AI technologies.

MIL OSI News –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: CECO Environmental to Acquire Profire Energy for $125 Million
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- Expands CECO’s leadership position in niche energy and industrial markets with expanded environmental solutions for mission critical applications
- Provides cost synergies and enhances Profire’s strategic growth by utilizing CECO’s established international operations and customer relationships
- CECO to host its Quarterly Earnings call today at 8:30 a.m. ET including further commentary regarding the transaction
DALLAS and LINDON, Utah, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CECO Environmental Corp. (Nasdaq: CECO) (“CECO”), a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company whose solutions protect people, the environment and industrial equipment, and Profire Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: PFIE) (“Profire”), a technology company providing solutions that enhance the efficiency, safety, and reliability of industrial combustion appliances, today announced a definitive agreement where CECO will acquire Profire, in an all-cash transaction.

Profire is a leader in burner management technology and combustion control systems that provide mission-critical combustion automation and control solutions and services to improve environmental efficiency, safety and reliability for industrial thermal applications globally. Profire estimates its 2024 sales to be greater than $60 million with adjusted EBITDA margins of approximately 20 percent.

“I am excited to announce the acquisition of Profire and we look forward to welcoming their tremendous organization to our portfolio of leading solution companies,” said Todd Gleason, CECO’s Chief Executive Officer. “With an installed base approaching 100,000 burner management systems and a growing industrial market product offering, we look forward to accelerating their global market expansion and introducing their high-efficiency solutions to more customers in industrial air and water. We are also confident that the increased scale and combined corporate organizations will generate meaningful efficiencies and synergies. The addition of Profire is another important step in our ongoing execution of programmatic M&A and we expect it will further advance our position as the leading environmental solutions provider in industrial markets.”

“We are extremely pleased to announce this transaction with CECO which is a testament to the value that has been created for Profire employees, customers and shareholders,” said Cameron Tidball and Ryan Oviatt, co-CEOs of Profire. “The combination of our well-established leadership in niche energy and industrial mission critical applications with CECO’s proven track record of acquiring and investing in companies to enhance their growth and create scale will unlock even more value for all constituents.”

Transaction Details and Timing

Under the terms of the agreement, a subsidiary of CECO (“Merger Sub”) will commence a tender offer to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of Profire common stock at a price of $2.55 per share, in cash, without interest and subject to applicable withholding tax. The tender offer will initially remain open for 20 business days from the date of commencement of the tender offer, subject to extension under certain circumstances. The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by Profire’s Board of Directors, implies an equity value of approximately $125 million and a total enterprise value for Profire of approximately $108 million.

The tender offer is subject to customary closing conditions, including that at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Profire’s common stock are tendered and not withdrawn in the tender offer and the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

The price represents a 46.5% premium over Profire’s closing share price of $1.74 on October 25, 2024 and a premium of 60.3% to Profire’s 30-day volume weighted average share price on October 25, 2024.
Following a successful completion of the tender offer, including the satisfaction of certain customary conditions, CECO will acquire all remaining untendered shares of Profire common stock at the same price of $2.55 per share in cash through a merger of Merger Sub with Profire, with Profire continuing as the surviving corporation.

Upon completion of the transaction, Profire will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of CECO and shares of Profire’s common stock will no longer be listed on any public market. The parties anticipate that the combination will be completed in the first quarter of 2025.

Advisors

Stephens Inc. is serving as financial advisor and Mayer Brown LLP is serving as legal counsel to Profire.
CECO Environmental Corp. is being advised by Foley & Lardner LLP (Legal), and KPMG (tax).

ABOUT CECO ENVIRONMENTAL
CECO Environmental is a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company, serving a broad landscape of industrial air, industrial water, and energy transition markets across the globe through its key business segments: Engineered Systems and Industrial Process Solutions. Providing innovative technology and application expertise, CECO helps companies grow their business with safe, clean, and more efficient solutions that help protect people, the environment and industrial equipment. In regions around the world, CECO works to improve air quality, optimize the energy value chain, and provide custom solutions for applications including power generation, petrochemical processing, general industrial, refining, midstream oil and gas, electric vehicle production, polysilicon fabrication, battery recycling, beverage can, and water/wastewater treatment along with a wide range of other applications. CECO is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “CECO.” Incorporated in 1966, CECO’s global headquarters is in Dallas, Texas. For more information, please visit www.cecoenviro.com.

ABOUT PROFIRE ENERGY, INC.
Profire Energy is a technology company providing solutions that enhance the efficiency, safety, and reliability of industrial combustion appliances while mitigating potential environmental impacts related to the operation of these devices. It is primarily focused in the upstream, midstream, and downstream transmission segments of the oil and gas industry. However, in recent years, Profire has completed many installations of burner-management solutions in other industries that will be applicable to expand the addressable market over time. Profire specializes in the engineering and design of burner and combustion management systems and solutions used on a variety of natural and forced draft applications. Its products and services are sold primarily throughout North America. It has an experienced team of sales and service professionals that are strategically positioned across the United States and Canada. Profire has offices in Lindon, Utah; Victoria, Texas; Midland-Odessa, Texas; Homer, Pennsylvania; Greeley, Colorado; Millersburg, Ohio; and Acheson, Alberta, Canada. For additional information, visit www.profireenergy.com.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
Any statements contained in this Press Release, other than statements of historical fact, including statements about management’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements and should be evaluated as such. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding CECO’s full year 2024 outlook, statements about CECO’s expectations regarding the integration of Profire Energy, Inc., into CECO; the benefits of the acquisition of Profire Energy, Inc., and the expectations regarding the transaction’s impact on CECO’s strategic growth plan. We use words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intends,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “will,” “plan,” “should” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include risks regarding the parties’ ability to complete the proposed transactions in the anticipated timeframe or at all, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the transaction agreement between the parties, the effect of the announcement or pendency of the proposed transaction on business relationships, operating results, and business generally, disruption of current plans and operations and potential difficulties in employee retention as a result of the proposed transaction, diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations, the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted related to the proposed transaction, the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and other charges related to the proposed transaction, the risk that competing offers or acquisition proposals will be made, the achievement of the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, the ability of Profire to achieve its 2024 earnings guidance, our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and realize the synergies from acquisitions, as well as a number of factors related to our business, including the sensitivity of our business to economic and financial market conditions generally and economic conditions in our service areas; dependence on fixed price contracts and the risks associated therewith, including actual costs exceeding estimates and method of accounting for revenue; the effect of growth on our infrastructure, resources, and existing sales; the ability to expand operations in both new and existing markets; the potential for contract delay or cancellation as a result of on-going or worsening supply chain challenges; liabilities arising from faulty services or products that could result in significant professional or product liability, warranty, or other claims; changes in or developments with respect to any litigation or investigation; failure to meet timely completion or performance standards that could result in higher cost and reduced profits or, in some cases, losses on projects; the potential for fluctuations in prices for manufactured components and raw materials, including as a result of tariffs and surcharges, and rising energy costs; inflationary pressures relating to rising raw material costs and the cost of labor; the substantial amount of debt incurred in connection with our strategic transactions and our ability to repay or refinance it or incur additional debt in the future; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations; our ability to repurchase shares of our common stock and the amounts and timing of repurchases, if any; our ability to successfully realize the expected benefits of our restructuring program; our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and realize the synergies from strategic transactions; the unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including cyber security threats, acts of terrorism or outbreak of war or hostilities or public health crises, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; and our ability to remediate our material weakness, or any other material weakness that we may identify in the future that could result in material misstatements in our financial statements. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed under “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” of CECO’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and may be included in subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Many of these risks are beyond management’s ability to control or predict. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material aspects from those currently anticipated. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements as they speak only to our views as of the date the statement is made. Except as required under the federal securities laws or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Additional Information about the Transaction and Where to Find It

The tender offer has not yet commenced. This communication is neither an offer to buy nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities of Profire Energy, Inc., nor is it a recommendation by Profire Energy, Inc., its management or board of directors that any investors sell or otherwise tender any securities of Profire Energy, Inc. in connection with the transactions described elsewhere in this communication. The solicitation and the offer to buy shares of Profire Energy, Inc.’s common stock will only be made pursuant to a tender offer statement on Schedule TO, including an offer to purchase, a letter of transmittal and other related materials that a subsidiary of CECO Environmental Corp. intends to file with the SEC. In addition, Profire Energy, Inc. will file with the SEC a Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer. Once filed, investors will be able to obtain the tender statement on Schedule TO, the offer to purchase, the Recommendation Statement of Profire Energy, Inc. on Schedule 14D-9 and related materials filed with the SEC with respect to the tender offer and the merger, free of charge at the website of the SEC at www.sec.gov or from the information agent named in the tender offer materials. Investors are advised to read these documents when they become available, including the Recommendation Statement of Profire Energy, Inc. and any amendments thereto, as well as any other documents relating to the tender offer and the merger that are filed with the SEC, carefully and in their entirety prior to making any decisions with respect to whether to tender their shares in the tender offer because such documents contain important information, including the terms and conditions of the tender offer.

CECO Company Contact:
Peter Johansson
Chief Financial and Strategy Officer
888-990-6670

PFIE Company Contact:
Ryan Oviatt
Co-CEO & CFO
(801) 796-5127

Investor Relations Contact:
Steven Hooser
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The MIL Network –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses Rozgar Mela

Source: Government of India (2)

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses Rozgar Mela

It is a matter of great joy to have handed over appointment letters for government jobs to 51 thousand youth in the Rozgar Mela, Best wishes to all the youth who are taking a step towards nation building:PM

It is our commitment that the youth of the country should get maximum employment: PM

Today India is moving towards becoming the third largest economy in the world: PM

We promoted Make in India in every new technology,We worked on self-reliant India: PM

Under the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme, provision has been made for paid internships in the top 500 companies of India: PM

Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 11:53AM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Rozgar Mela and distributed more than 51,000 appointment letters to newly appointed youth in Government departments and organizations via videoconferencing today. Rozgar Mela highlights the Prime Minister’s commitment to prioritizing employment generation. It will empower the youth by providing them with meaningful opportunities to contribute to nation-building.

Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister noted the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras and conveyed his best wishes on the occasion. Underlining that this year’s Diwali would be a special one, the Prime Minister said that it is the first Diwali since Lord Shri Ram has been seated in his magnificent temple in Ayodhya after 500 years. He said that several generations have waited for this Diwali, while many have sacrificed their lives for it or faced adversities. The Prime Minister emphasized that the present generation is extremely fortunate to witness and become a part of such celebrations. In the atmosphere of festivity, said the Prime Minister, 51,000 youth are being handed out recruitment letters for government jobs. He congratulated the new recruits and conveyed his best wishes to them.

The Prime Minister highlighted that offering permanent Government jobs to lakhs of youths has been a legacy which is continuously going on. He added that lakhs of youths were handed appointment letters even in the states being governed by BJP and NDA allies. Shri Modi emphasized that in Haryana there is a festive atmosphere with 26,000 youths getting jobs by the newly formed government . Shri Modi said their Government in Haryana had a special identity of giving jobs without any expense or recommendation. He greeted the 26,000 youths of Haryana who will be handed over their appointment letters today apart from 51,000 jobs in today’s Rozgar Mela.

The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment that the youth of the country should get maximum employment. Noting that the policies and decisions of the government have a direct impact on job creation, the Prime Minister highlighted the development of expressways, highways, roads, rail, ports, airports, laying of fiber cables, setting up of mobile towers and expansion of new industries in all parts of the country. Referring to laying of water and gas pipelines, establishing of new schools, colleges and universities and reducing logistics cost by spending on infrastructure, Shri Modi said that it is not only benefitting the citizens but also creating new job opportunities.

Recalling his visit to Vadodara in Gujarat yesterday, the Prime Minister mentioned inaugurating an aircraft manufacturing facility for the defence sector. He said that thousands of citizens would get direct employment while MSME industries would hugely benefit from the manufacturing of spare parts and other equipment, creating a huge network of supply chains. Noting that a single aircraft comprises 15,000 to 25,000 parts, Shri Modi emphasized that thousands of smaller factories would play an active role in fulfilling the demands of a mega factory, thereby benefiting India’s MSMEs.

The Prime Minister remarked that whenever a scheme is launched, the focus is not just only on the benefits accrued to the citizens, but also develop an entire ecosystem of employment generation using it as a medium by thinking in a broader scope. Citing an example of PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana, he said in the last 6 months, around 2 crore customers had registered for the scheme, more than 9,000 vendors were associated with scheme, solar panels were already installed in more than 5 lakh houses and in the near future, there was a plan to create 800 Solar villages as model under this scheme. He also noted that 30,000 people had undergone training for roof-top solar installation as well. Therefore, he added, this one scheme of PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana has created a host of employment opportunities for manufacturers, vendors, assemblers and repairers across the country.

Noting that the Khadi industry of India has been transformed by the policies of the government in the last 10 years and impacted the people in the villages, the Prime Minister informed that Khadi Gram Udyog’s business has surpassed 1.5 lakh crores today. Drawing parallels from 10 years ago, the Prime Minister exclaimed that the sale of Khadi has grown up to 400 percent, thereby benefiting artists, weavers and businesses and also creating new employment opportunities. Shri Modi also touched upon the Lakhpati Didi scheme where new employment and self-employment opportunities are provided to rural women. “More than 10 crore women have joined self-help groups in the last decade”, he added, noting that 10 crore women are now engaged in economic activities. He credited the support provided by the government in every step and reiterated the commitment to creating 3 crore lakhpati didis. “More than 1.25 crore women have already become Lakhpati Didis so far making their annual income above Rs 1 lakh”, he added.

The Prime Minister stated that India is moving towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy. Reflecting on the country’s progress, he noted the inquisition by the youth of India who often ask why the country didn’t achieve this pace earlier. Underlining that the answer lies in the lack of clear policies and intent in previous governments, the Prime Minister pointed out that India had been lagging behind in several sectors, particularly technology. He recalled that India used to wait for new technologies from around the world and what was considered outdated in the West would eventually reach the nation. He pointed out the long withstanding belief that modern technology could not be developed in India not only set India back in terms of growth but also deprived the country of crucial job opportunities.

Highlighting the steps taken to free the country from this old thinking, the Prime Minister stated that efforts were initiated to break free from this old mindset in sectors like space, semiconductors, electronics and electric vehicles by promoting Make in India. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of technological advancement and investment, adding that the PLI scheme was launched to bring new technology and foreign direct investment to India, which has accelerated job creation when combined with the Make in India initiative. He noted that every sector is now receiving a boost providing opportunities for youth across different fields. “Today, India is witnessing massive investment, and record opportunities are being created”, he said, adding that in the last eight years, over 1.5 lakh startups have been launched, making India the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. He further added that these sectors are offering our youth a chance to grow and gain employment.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the government is very focused on skill development today to increase the capacity of the youth of India. Therefore, he added, Government started missions like Skill India and youth were being trained in many skill development centers. Shri Modi remarked that arrangements were made to ensure that India’s youth need not have to wander for experience and opportunity. Citing the Pradhan Mantri Internship Yojana, Shri Modi said provisions were made for paid internships in the top 500 companies of India, where every intern would be given Rs 5,000 per month for one year. He added the Government’s target was to ensure one crore youth get internship opportunities in the next 5 years. This, he said, would give the youth a chance to connect with the real-life business environment in different sectors and add a beneficial experience to their career.

The Prime Minister remarked that the Indian government was creating new opportunities to make it easier for Indian youth to get jobs abroad. Citing the recently released Germany’s Skilled Labour Strategy for India, Shri Modi informed that Germany had increased the number of visas given to skilled Indian youth every year from 20 thousand to 90 thousand. He added that India’s youth will benefit greatly from this. Shri Modi also mentioned that India had signed agreements related to migration and employment with 21 countries in recent years, including countries like Japan, Australia, France, Germany, Mauritius, Israel, UK and Italy, apart from Gulf countries. He noted that every year 3 thousand Indians can get a 2-year visa to work and study in the UK while 3 thousand Indian students will get the opportunity to study in Australia. “India’s talent will not only give direction to India’s progress but also to the world’s progress”, exclaimed Shri Modi. He added that India was moving ahead in that direction.

Shri Modi emphasized that the role of the government today was to create a modern system where every youth gets an opportunity and can fulfill their aspirations. Therefore, he urged the newly appointed youths in various positions that their goal should be to provide maximum facilities to the youth and citizens of India.

The Prime Minister emphasized the crucial role of taxpayers and citizens in securing government jobs and stated that the government exists because of the citizens and is appointed to serve them. He reiterated that the primary duty is to serve the nation, be it in the position of a postman or a professor. Shri Modi underlined that the new recruits have joined the government at a time when the country has resolved to become developed. Therefore, said the Prime Minister, to achieve this goal, we must excel in every sector and contribute fully. He urged the new recruits to not only perform well but to strive for excellence. “Government employees in our country should set an example recognized worldwide”, he asserted. The Prime Minister stressed that the nation has high expectations from them and said that these expectations must be met to deliver on the commitments.

The Prime Minister remarked on the new journey that appointees are embarking on with their positions, urging them to always remain humble and to maintain the habit of learning throughout their journey. He highlighted the availability of various courses for government employees on the iGOT Karmayogi platform and encouraged them to utilize this digital training module at their convenience. “Once again, I congratulate the candidates receiving their appointment letters today”, the Prime Minister concluded.

Background

Rozgar Mela is being organized at 40 locations across the country with new recruits joining the Central Government across various Ministries and Departments such as the Department of Revenue, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare among others.

Newly appointed recruits will have the opportunity to undertake foundational training through ‘Karmayogi Prarambh,’ an online module available on the iGOT Karmayogi portal. Over 1400 e-learning courses are available which will equip recruits with essential skills to serve in their roles effectively and work towards building a Viksit Bharat.

रोजगार मेले में 51 हजार नौजवानों को सरकारी नौकरी के नियुक्ति पत्र सौंप कर हर्ष की अनुभूति हो रही है। राष्ट्र निर्माण में कदम रखने वाले सभी युवाओं को ढेर सारी शुभकामनाएं।https://t.co/VijSRzGpZV

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 29, 2024

आज भारत दुनिया की तीसरी सबसे बड़ी अर्थव्यवस्था बनने की दिशा में आगे बढ़ रहा है: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/IglW9zAgdB

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 29, 2024

हमने हर नई तकनीक में Make in India को आगे बढ़ाया।

हमने आत्मनिर्भर भारत पर काम किया: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/vvMH2nJ0Ju

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 29, 2024

प्रधानमंत्री इंटर्नशिप योजना के तहत भारत की टॉप 500 कंपनीज में पेड इंटर्नशिप का प्रावधान किया गया है: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/9Otush3bDw

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 29, 2024

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MJPS/SR/TS

(Release ID: 2069104) Visitor Counter : 77

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Malware targeting millions of people taken down by international coalition
Source: Eurojust

A global operation, supported by Eurojust, has led to the takedown of servers of infostealers, a type of malware used to steal personal data and conduct cybercrimes worldwide. The infostealers, RedLine and META, taken down today targeted millions of victims worldwide, making it one of the largest malware platforms globally. An international coalition of authorities from the Netherlands, the United States, Belgium, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Australia shut down three servers in the Netherlands, seized two domains, unsealed charges in the United States and took two people into custody in Belgium.
RedLine and Meta were able to steal personal data from infected devices. The data included saved usernames and passwords, and automatically saved form data, such as addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, cryptocurrency wallets, and cookies. After retrieving the personal data, the infostealers sold the information to other criminals through criminal market places. The criminals who purchased the personal data used it to steal money, cryptocurrency and to carry out follow-on hacking activities.

Investigations into RedLine and Meta started after victims came forward and a security company notified authorities about possible servers in the Netherlands linked to the software. Authorities discovered that over 1 200 servers in dozens of countries were running the malware. To take down the transnational malware, Eurojust coordinated cooperation between authorities from the Netherlands, the United States, Belgium, Portugal, United Kingdom and Australia. Through Eurojust, authorities were able to quickly exchange information and coordinate actions to take down the infostealers.

The take down of the infostealers took place on 28 October during a worldwide operation. Three servers were taken down in the Netherlands, two domains were seized, charges were unsealed in the United States and two people were taken into custody in Belgium. After the authorities obtained the data and took down the servers, a message was sent to the alleged perpetrators, including a video. The video sends a strong message to the criminals, showing that the international coalition of authorities was able to obtain crucial data on their network and will shut down their criminal activities. After the message was sent, Belgian authorities took down several Redline and Meta communication channels.

The authorities also retrieved a database of clients from RedLine and Meta. Investigations will now continue into the criminals using the stolen data.

For people concerned they may have fallen victim to RedLine and Meta, a private security company has launched an online tool to allow people to check if their data was stolen. The tool helps potential victims on the steps they need to take if their data has been stolen.

The following authorities were involved in the actions:
- The Netherlands: National Police, Team Cybercrime Limburg, Public Prosecution Service
- United States: Federal Bureau of Investigation; Naval Criminal Investigative Service; Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations; Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service; Army Criminal Investigation Division
- Belgium: Federal Prosecutor’s Office; Federal Police
- Portugal: Polícia Judiciária
- United Kingdom: National Crime Agency
- Australia: Australian Federal Police
MIL Security OSI –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: News release from Dept of Ag on Anmesty Program Event

Source: US State of Hawaii

News release from Dept of Ag on Anmesty Program Event

Posted on Oct 28, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

ʻOIHANA MAHIʻAI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR

KIAʻĀINA


SHARON HURD
CHAIRPERSON

HAWAI`I BOARD OF AGRICULTURE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NR24-31

October 28, 2024

PLANT QUARANTINE BRANCH HOLDS EVENT
TO ENCOURAGE TURN IN OF ILLEGAL ANIMALS

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA), Plant Quarantine Branch (PQB), will host an event to educate the public about the Amnesty Program which allows illegal animals to be voluntarily turned in, no questions asked and no penalties assessed. This coincides with the ongoing multi-agency “Don’t Let it Loose” public awareness campaign aimed at preventing the release of invasive marine aquarium species into Hawai‘i waters.

The PQB event is scheduled for:

Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m,

HDOA Plant Quarantine Office, 1849 Auiki St., Honolulu

PQB agriculture inspectors will have displays of live and preserved illegal animals that have been either turned in, found or confiscated in Hawai‘i. Educational displays will also explain the importance of Hawai‘i’s animal import laws and how everyone can help protect our state’s unique environment and agriculture industry.

“The state’s Amnesty Program was established to help prevent illegal animals, both aquatic and terrestrial, from being released into the wild where it could have devastating impacts if populations become established,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture. “If you possess an illegal animal, just drop it off at the designated sites, no questions asked.”

Under the Amnesty Program, illegal animals may be turned in to any HDOA office, any municipal zoo or aquarium, or the Hawaiian Humane Society on each island. If illegal animals are turned in prior to the start of an investigation, no criminal charges or fines will be assessed. Animals surrendered under amnesty will not be euthanized. Depending on the species, illegal animals may be used for educational purposes, transferred to a municipal zoo or relocated to an appropriate facility on the mainland.

If caught, persons possessing illegal animals may be charged with a class C felony and subject to fines up to $200,000 and three years in prison. Sightings or captures of illegal and invasive species should be immediately reported to the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378).

###

Attachments: Photos of illegal animals

Media Contact:
Janelle Saneishi, Public Information Officer
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture
Phone: 808-973-9560
Cell: 808-341-5528
[email protected]
http://hdoa.hawaii.gov

HDOA is committed to maintaining an environment free from discrimination, retaliation, or harassment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability, or any other class as protected under federal or state law, with respect to any program or activity.



For more information, including language accessibility and filing a complaint, please contact HDOA Non-Discrimination Coordinator at 808-973-9591, or visit HDOA’s website at http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/.

To request translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, or other auxiliary aids or services for this document, contact the HDOA at 808-973-9591 or email [email protected].

TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability, or any other class as protected under applicable federal or state law, in administration of its programs, or activities. To learn more, or file a complaint, please refer to the links below:

NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE

English | Hawaiian Hoʻokomo ʻōlelo | Ilokano | Laotian ພາສາລາວ | Chinese 中文 | Tagalog | Thai ไทย

NON-EMPLOYEE DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

English | Hawaiian Hoʻokomo ʻōlelo | Ilokano | Laotian ພາສາລາວ | Chinese 中文 | Spanish Español | Tagalog | Thai ไทย

DISABILITY NON-DISCRIMINATION PROGRAM AND POLICY

English

LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (LEP) PLAN

English

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Change in Innofactor Plc’s Executive Board

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Innofactor Plc Stock Exchange Release, on October 29, 2024, at 12:35 Finnish time

Innofactor Plc’s CFO Antti Rokala has resigned from his position on October 29, 2024. During his notice period, Rokala will not have any work obligations.

Innofactor has initiated actions to hire a new CFO. In the interim, CEO Sami Ensio will assume the responsibilities of the CFO.

Espoo, October 29, 2024

INNOFACTOR PLC

Sami Ensio, CEO

Additional information:
Sami Ensio, CEO
Innofactor Plc
Tel. +358 50 584 2029
sami.ensio@innofactor.com

Distribution:
NASDAQ Helsinki
Main media
www.innofactor.com

Innofactor
Innofactor is the leading driver of the modern digital organization in the Nordic Countries for its about 1,000 customers in commercial and public sector. Innofactor has the widest solution offering and leading know-how in the Microsoft ecosystem in the Nordics. Innofactor has about 600 enthusiastic and motivated top specialists in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The Innofactor Plc share is listed in the technology section of the main list of NASDAQ Helsinki Oy. www.innofactor.com #ModernDigitalOrganization #PeopleFirst #CreatingSmiles #BeTheRealYou

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Afreximbank Announces Investment Conference in Kisumu, Kenya to Strengthen Sub-Sovereign Participation in Intra-African Trade

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

CAIRO, Egypt, October 28, 2024/APO Group/ —

In a bid to strengthen the role of Africa’s sub-sovereign governments in driving intra-African trade and investment, and the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), in collaboration with the County Government of Kisumu and the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) is organising the fourth edition of the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Conference.

The Conference will take place in Kisumu City, Kenya, from 25 to 27 November, under the theme ‘Leveraging the AfCFTA for Sustainable Trade and Investment: A Development Pathway for African Sub-Sovereigns.’ A key feature of the event will be an exhibition aimed at promoting trade at a local level, to be preceded by an investment promotion training on the first day.

One of the key objectives of the conference is to foster greater collaboration in promoting trade, development and investment initiatives among African sub-sovereigns, aligned with AfCFTA’s goals.

Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President Intra African Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank who will be speaking at the Investment Conference noted:

“Afreximbank partnered with the Forum of Regions of Africa (FORAF), an organ of the UCLG Africa under the AfSNET initiative to ensure its products and interventions for trade and investment promotion are accessible both at the local and sub-sovereign level. This resulted in the announcement of US$ 2 billion in financing to tackle the pressing financing challenges faced by sub-sovereigns and businesses.”

Mrs. Awani explained that Afreximbank will be leveraging the successes of the third AfSNET Investment Conference held during the Intra Africa Trade Fair (IATF2023) in

Cairo, Egypt offering sub-sovereign governments the opportunity to showcase investment projects to potential investors and financiers, further strengthening the Bank’s commitment to facilitating impactful investments across the continent.

While inviting delegates to participate in the forum, Kisumu County Governor H.E. Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o said:

“Africa’s economic renaissance is hinged on unbridling the developmental capacity of local governments and increasing decentralization. Despite the gains made in decentralization in recent decades, African local governments still have low administrative and fiscal capacity to realize the much-needed local economic development. AfSNET, an innovative tool of the Afreximbank, therefore comes in handy to bridge that gap and allow sub sovereigns to accelerate and improve the quality of economic growth in Africa. Its vision aligns with the aspirations of the African Sub Sovereigns umbrella organisation UCLG Africa to support decentralised governments access and participation in continental and international financial markets while also supporting the development of their fiscal capacities. As the Governor of Kisumu, it gives me great pleasure to warmly invite all the delegates to come and interact and share in the social and cultural passion of Kisumu and to experience our boundless economic opportunities.”

Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General, United Cities and Local Governments of Africa while outlining UCLG’s mandate remarked:

“Among the mandates of UCLG Africa is to assist its members to attract investments in sub-national and local governments so as to improve the living conditions of the populations, economic activities and businesses established within their territories. UCLG Africa supports its members in adopting local economic development policies and strategies that investment plans derive from, and that gives impetus to public and private business development.”

The fourth AfSNET conference will provide Kisumu County Government and the Lake Victoria region economic block an opportunity to present their development strategies and projects for consideration to investors attending the Conference.

The inaugural AfSNET conference, held in Durban, South Africa, on the margins of the second Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2021) in 2021, attracted more than 80 delegates while the second, organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in Abuja in September 2022, drew more than 150 delegates.

The third conference, co-hosted with UCLG Africa in November 2023 on the sidelines IATF2023 in Cairo, had more than 250 participants and resulted in deals valued at more than USD$1.5 billion being signed.

AfSNET was established by Afreximbank as a platform for promoting intra-African trade and investment, educational and cultural exchanges and the fostering of effective engagement among sub-sovereigns in Africa’s development and prosperity in the context of the AfCFTA.

MIL OSI Africa –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by CE at MTR 45th Anniversary Cocktail Reception (English only) (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the MTR 45th Anniversary Cocktail Reception today (October 28):

Deputy Commissioner Fang Jianming (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Dr Rex Auyeung (Chairman of MTR Corporation), Dr Jacob Kam (Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. It gives me great pleasure to join you today, in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the MTR Corporation.

Just look around our beautiful city, and you would know how this is a true milestone. Building a mass transit railway system in a city packed with people and skyscrapers, surrounding a deep harbour. And with towns scattered amid hilly countryside and mountainous terrain, alongside vast pieces of land dedicated as country parks and natural conservation areas. It is a remarkable feat.

And yet, here we are, 45 years later, proud to call the MTR one of the world’s top transit systems. One that delivers reliable, efficient and safe journeys for the people of Hong Kong, and beyond.

According to last year’s Urban Mobility Readiness Index, Hong Kong’s public transport system tops the world, number one. That’s thanks to our extensive transport infrastructure, as well as a wide range of high-quality and affordable transport modes – with the MTR playing a major part.

Earlier this year, two different international media outlets included Hong Kong among their rankings of the world’s best “metro” and “public transport” systems, respectively. One of them reported that “transit planners flock to Hong Kong from across the globe to discover how its Mass Transit Railway delivers world-class service and reliability to the territory’s 7.4 million citizens”. And another added that “92 per cent of Hongkongers praised their city’s transit system”.

That’s as reaffirming as it is encouraging, ladies and gentlemen – as I’m sure it is to everybody in the MTR Corporation, too.

Today, the MTR railway network handles the daily commutes and travelling of more than 5 million passenger trips in our city. It also connects us to our country, via the Hong Kong Section of the high-speed rail. That strengthens the people-to-people bonds, and business ties, between Hong Kong and a great many cities across the Mainland.

More than that, the MTR Corporation is now an international entity, with its service spanning across the Mainland, Australia, the United Kingdom and Sweden. Its network carries over 10 million passengers worldwide every weekday.

And while we’re certainly not just getting going, not after 45 years, we’ve got a lot more in the works – plans built around “infrastructure-led” and “capacity-creating” principles, with railway forming the backbone of our public transport system.

Last year, the Government published the Hong Kong Major Transport Infrastructure Development Blueprint, which presents a planning framework for Hong Kong’s transport infrastructure future, designed to meet transport and logistics demand up to 2046 and beyond.

That includes two railway projects to help drive the full potential of the Northern Metropolis, our new engine of economic development. The Hung Shui Kiu Station and the Northern Link Main Line will begin construction this year and next year for tentative completion in 2030 and 2034, respectively.

And, as I noted in my Policy Address two weeks ago, the MTR Corporation will begin detailed planning and design for the Northern Link Spur Line early next year. This vital, cross-boundary railway will connect San Tin Technopole and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology (I&T) Park in the Loop, the area set to become an international I&T powerhouse – all the way to the new Huanggang Port in Shenzhen. That will certainly fast-track Hong Kong’s integration with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The Government has been working closely with the MTR Corporation to take forward the planning and design of these projects. And we will continue to co-ordinate their construction and project commissioning.

The Government is also committed to realising three smart and green mass transit systems – in East Kowloon, Kai Tak and the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area. We’re working to compress the implementation programmes, enabling the public to enjoy their social and economic benefits as quickly as possible.

And we’re pressing ahead, too, with the planning of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu-Qianhai).

Add it up, and it’s a hugely ambitious undertaking. On completion of our railway construction projects, our railway network is expected to increase from about 270 kilometres today, to nearly 390km.

The long-term profits and the long-term benefits are equally huge. They include the capacity to drive territory-wide developments, deepen cross-boundary integration, expand commuting options, improve traffic conditions, reduce journey time and realise long-term, far-reaching, socio-economic benefits for Hong Kong. For us all.

My congratulations, once again, to the MTR Corporation on your milestone 45th anniversary. My presence here is to reiterate once again how I personally feel proud of our MTR. I am sure each one of you shares this pride. I look forward to your continued success in the next 45 years, and more.

Thank you.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Study Investigates Communication, Intimacy Among Couples Facing Metastatic Breast Cancer

Source: US State of Connecticut

Amanda Denes, a professor in the Department of Communication in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, has received funding from the National Cancer Institute to conduct a pilot study that investigates the relationships between communication and sexual, relational, and individual well-being for individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

Metastatic breast cancer, also called stage IV breast cancer, is a late-stage cancer where cancerous cells have spread beyond the breast to other organs.

Denes, who is a principal investigator at UConn’s Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP), will explore how metastatic breast cancer patients communicate with their partner about their sexual, relational, and individual well-being. Patients will complete an online survey about their relationship with their partner, how cancer has changed their sexual relationship, and if and how they communicate with their partner about these changes.

Amanda Denes, professor in the Department of Communication

“Despite the recognition that sexuality should be part of end-of-life care and is vital for couples with cancer to maintain connection, sexual needs are rarely assessed among metastatic cancer patients. Their needs for intimacy may be even stronger than before cancer, given the limited time and highly emotional experience of facing a terminal diagnosis,” says Denes.

A cancer diagnosis is a life-altering experience that impacts not only physical health, but also mental and emotional well-being, and social relationships.

For married or committed couples, a cancer diagnosis becomes a shared challenge as they cope with the diagnosis and adjust to their new reality. Cancer can impact and change the communication patterns that couples have established, as well as their roles and responsibilities in the relationship.

Although being married or in a committed partnership has health benefits and may improve quality of life, couples navigating a cancer diagnosis may also experience heightened levels of stress and breakdowns in communication, a major cause of divorce or breakups.

Mutual, constructive communication has been shown to ease psychological distress, sustain closeness and intimacy, and improve outcomes. It is particularly important for couples to engage in discussions about their sexual health, even if they may be reluctant.

“Sex is one of the most frequently discussed topics among couples facing cancer, so there is evidence that talking about sex is important in this context. There has been some work demonstrating the benefits of interventions focused on improving sexual communication between reproductive cancer patients and their partners, but much of this work overlooks the experiences of people with advanced cancers, like metastatic breast cancer,” says Denes.

Denes is collaborating with Keith Bellizzi, a professor of gerontology in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences. He has expertise in cancer survivorship and quality of life, including sexual function.

Keith Bellizzi, professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences

“While there has been growing attention to psychosocial impacts of cancer, intimacy in couples is much less understood, particularly among women with metastatic breast cancer,” says Bellizzi.

Denes and Bellizzi previously collaborated on projects exploring couples’ communication about sexuality in the context of reproductive cancers. They also conducted preliminary testing of the study’s survey tool.

“Identifying specific forms and features of talk that may help or hinder couples as they navigate intimacy in the context of metastatic breast cancer is a pivotal first step in understanding if and how communication can benefit individual and relational well-being. Findings from this study will help identify aspects of communication that patients find beneficial when navigating sexuality and intimacy in their relationship,” says Denes.

To expand data collection, the research team received bridge funding from InCHIP. This will enable Denes and Bellizzi to survey an additional 200 participants and test their exploratory model, which will serve as the foundation for a future external grant application.

For Denes, studying how couples with cancer successfully talk about cancer-related changes is both a personal and professional endeavor.

“I am particularly interested in the experiences of couples facing cancer given the ways that cancer has affected my own life. I have watched friends and family members battle cancer and experience changes to roles, relationships, and the communication that occurs within them. This has made me want to understand how couples facing cancer can successfully communicate about cancer-related changes,” says Denes.

Denes’ research focuses on interpersonal communication and how it impacts relational, mental, and physical health, with the goal of identifying communication practices that contribute to individual and relational thriving. She currently serves as principal investigator on two projects that explore couples’ communication about sexual and relational changes in the face of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

These projects were supported by internal funding from UConn and a U.S. Scholar Award from the Australian-American Fulbright Commission, and investigate communication about sexuality and intimacy among heterosexual and LGBTQI+ cancer patients.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sexual health extends beyond the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity and encompasses physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being. WHO also recommends acknowledging that sexual experiences can and should be pleasurable.

“Despite sex being an essential part of human existence and connection, it is still a topic that many consider taboo. Seeing how the silence that surrounds sex and sexuality can negatively impact individuals and their relationships led me to focus my research on the communication processes that contribute to satisfying relationships,” says Denes.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: QuestionPro Appoints Chris Robson as Vice President, Managed Services

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QuestionPro, a global leader in online survey and research services announces Chris Robson has joined the company in the newly created position of Vice President, Managed Services. Robson will create this new division which is focused on helping QuestionPro customers get the most out of its robust research platform.

Well known as a research industry thought-leader, Robson is a mathematician by training who has worked at both large enterprises as well as startups. Immediately prior to joining QuestionPro, he was the Global Head of Data Science at Human8, a global brand consultancy where he developed new methodologies including the application of Generative AI and LLMs. Earlier in his career he managed advanced research teams and large software teams (70+ people) at HP.

He was also Chief Innovation Officer and Global Head of Research Science at ORC, where he led a team of analysts and statisticians to embrace and adopt new approaches for data-centered insights. Robson also co-founded and ran two successful research analytics agencies: Parametric Marketing and Deckchair Data. He holds a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Mathematics from the Brunel University of London.

Robson will have overall responsibility for establishing and growing QuestionPro’s Managed Services Group which provides services to clients who need assistance to go above and beyond the capabilities of the company’s existing suite of research platforms. This can include project management, study design, custom programming, reporting and analytics. Whether it is providing end-to-end project support, simply customizing the appearance of a single question or running advanced analytic methods the group ensures that clients can get the answers they need for their business decisions.

In particular, Robson will apply his deep expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to not only integrate AI across the QuestionPro platform, but also leverage it for new ways to drive consumer insights through emerging techniques like synthetic data.

“I’ve known and worked with Chris for close to 20 years,” said Vivek Bhaskaran, founder and CEO of QuestionPro. “In fact, he helped build some of our early features like MaxDiff and others. It’s great to have him on board full time to launch a new division and also ensure our customers benefit from the application of AI across our platform.”

About QuestionPro:
Founded in 2006, QuestionPro is a global provider of online survey and research services that help companies make better decisions through data. Our fully integrated online platform includes surveys, research & insights, customer experience (CX) and workforce/employee experience software. We additionally offer polling, journey mapping, employee 360s and data visualization. Our clientele ranges from small businesses to Fortune 100 companies, who rely on us for insights about customers, employees, and the marketplace. With offices in the US, Canada, Mexico, U.K., Germany, Japan, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and India, we offer customers 24-7 access to highly trained support specialists and engineers. More information is available at www.questionpro.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c9035859-cb80-41e3-be32-21eab55be2d3

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Viewpointsystem Joins the AR Alliance for Augmented Reality Wearable Devices

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PISCATAWAY, N.J., Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The AR Alliance announces that Viewpointsystem, a leader in the development of advanced eye tracking and gaze tracking solutions, including eye-tracking-based smart glasses, has joined the alliance as an associate member.

The AR Alliance provides a supportive and neutral environment for organizations of all sizes to take an active role in advancing and strengthening the augmented reality hardware development ecosystem. Diverse organizations across the expanding, global AR ecosystem work together through the AR Alliance to speed innovation of breakthrough technologies and processes for building AR wearables and devices that create a meaningful and positive experience for users.

“We are building AR together,” said Dr. Bharath Rajagopalan, Chair, AR Alliance, and Director of Strategic Marketing, STMicroelectronics. “The promise of AR and its potential market are so vast that there is ample room for all our member companies to succeed together. The AR Alliance is the place where concrete work takes place to harmonize approaches for advancing, unifying, and growing the global AR supply chain and accelerating innovation. We are excited for Viewpointsystem to join us in this important work and bring their technology leadership in eye tracking to help enable the AR market.”

“Eye tracking is one of the most promising technologies to unlock the full potential of AR,” explained Nils Berger, CEO and Founder of Viewpointsystem. “It already enhances AR experiences with intuitive controls, like selecting objects with your eyes. But its potential goes far beyond that, enabling the detection of cognitive load and emotional states, allowing devices to respond seamlessly to users’ needs. At Viewpointsystem, we’ve moved eye tracking from the lab to real-world applications, showing its readiness for future mass-market AR devices.”

About the AR Alliance
The AR Alliance Founding Board Members are represented by STMicroelectronics, META, Essilor Luxottica, Corning, Dispelix, Optofidelity, MICROOLED, Google, and Qualcomm.

Organizations of every size and at any spot in the ecosystem are respected, heard, and advocated for via the AR Alliance’s non-competitive environment. Flexible membership levels allow companies of varying strategies, maturity, and resources to engage.

To learn more about membership in the AR Alliance, please visit www.thearalliance.org.

About Viewpointsystem
Viewpointsystem, an innovative deep-tech company based in Vienna, Austria, is at the forefront of integrating eye tracking into industrial and commercial applications. Specializing in enhancing operational efficiency, the company develops internationally award-winning smart glasses used by enterprise customers worldwide.

Their technology is particularly valuable in areas like manufacturing, maintenance, and training, where it aids in real-time guidance and decision-making. With experience from over 200 use cases across five verticals, Viewpointsystem helps businesses streamline processes, reduce errors, and improve overall productivity.

Viewpointsystem’s integration technology, Digital Iris Inside, sets a new industry benchmark by providing proven, best-in-class eye tracking and human insight technology ready for integration into external devices. Viewpointsystem continues to lead the way in evolving the technology from mere eye tracking to comprehensive perception and emotional analysis in human-machine interaction.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Areeb Lakhani
Program Manager – The AR Alliance
Areeb.Lakhani@ieee-isto.org

Jana Riethausen
PR & Communications Lead – Viewpointsystem
j.riethausen@viewpointsystem.com

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: DBMM Group’s Digital Clarity to Present at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference on October 31, 2024 at 12:30 pm
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Digital Brand Media & Marketing Group, Inc. (OTCPK: DBMM), and its flagship brand Digital Clarity, a fully integrated management consultancy, based in London and operating globally, focused on specializing in the optimal marketing of B2B tech companies, today confirmed that Reggie James, Chief Operating Officer and Director of DBMM, and Founder and Managing Director of Digital Clarity, the public company’s operating subsidiary and brand, will present live at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on October 31, 2024.

DATE: October 31, 2024
TIME: 12:30 PM ET
LINK: https://bit.ly/3ASgcyv
Available for 1×1 meetings

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com

Overview
- The marketing consulting market is expected to increase by $3.83 billion in 2026, and the market’s growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 4.75%. (Business Research Insight & Technavio Research).
- Global artificial intelligence (AI) in marketing market size was valued at $12.64 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.6% from 2023 to 2030. (Grand View Research, Inc.)
- Digital Clarity sits at the intersection of 21st century marketing strategy, data, and AI. Currently utilizing third-party, AI tools, Digital Clarity is building out its marketing strategy framework augmented with AI integration to allow companies to communicate value to their customers, at scale. Digital Clarity’s innovative approaches as the digital market continues to evolve rapidly, will give both clients and DBMM competitive advantages in their marketplaces for all stakeholders.
- DBMM is at an inflection point in its offering as a full services management consultancy and a perfect time to onboard for both clients and shareholders.
About DBMM GROUP

Digital Brand Media & Marketing Group, Inc. (DBMM) is a fully reporting US public company that trades on the Over-the-Counter (OTC) Market, with its headquarters in New York City and its 100%-owned/operating subsidiary and brand, Digital Clarity, in the UK. Digital Clarity operates globally.

DBMM is listed on the OTC as a fully reporting SEC Company. The Company intends to Uplist to the OTCQB as soon as DBMM meets the required criteria. The ultimate, longer-term goal is for the Company to Uplist to NASDAQ when it meets the required criteria.

Learn more at:
www.dbmmgroup.com
www.digital-clarity.com

About Virtual Investor Conferences^®

Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

CONTACTS:

DBMM Group, Inc.

Reggie James
Chief Operating Officer and Director of DBMM
+1 646-722-2706
Phone: +1 646-722-2706
Email: info@dbmmgroup.com

Virtual Investor Conferences

John M. Viglotti
SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
OTC Markets Group
(212) 220-2221
johnv@otcmarkets.com

The MIL Network –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First UK survey on sensory loss begins this month

Source: Anglia Ruskin University

Published: 28 October 2024 at 11:36

Project to provide robust data on vision and hearing loss starts in Cambridgeshire

For the first time, robust data on the sensory health of the nation will be collected thanks to a study beginning this month in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

The UK does not have an accurate set of data on vision and hearing loss, resulting in a lack of evidence to inform health policies and programmes, and is falling behind nations such as Trinidad and Tobago, Australia, USA, Nepal and Bangladesh that all have national sensory loss studies. It is estimated that 50% of all sight loss is avoidable.

The UK National Eye Health and Hearing Study (UKNEHS) is a collaboration between sensory loss charities, Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), leading eye and hearing care professionals and the public sector to record accurate data on vision and hearing health to give confidence to the NHS and policymakers when making vital decisions that affect people’s health.

This NHS research study has received charitable and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) support funding to operate an initial study in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough that will see UKNEHS medical professionals visit households in randomly selected postcodes from late October this year until February 2025. The visits are first to introduce the study and then to invite those aged 50 years and older for a free local specialist eye and hearing assessment.

The area has been chosen for its diverse population, rural and urban areas, and wide range of socio-economic factors.

It is hoped that this initial study will lead to further funding for a UK-wide study that will, for the first time, give an accurate picture of the nation’s sensory health.

Rupert Bourne, Professor of Ophthalmology at Anglia Ruskin University and Chief Investigator for the UKNEHS, said:

“Hearing impairment costs the UK an estimated £30 billion each year and visual impairment, including sight loss and blindness, £28 billion.

“Despite these huge costs, the datasets currently used in the UK are of limited value, due to a reliance on international data, or UK data samples that are either very small scale, or not generalisable to the population as a whole. There is subsequently no robust evidence-base upon which to design a prevention strategy or plan services for the future that meet the population’s needs”.

“Our study aims to enable healthcare professionals and policy makers to understand why people are losing their sight and hearing due to preventable causes so they can target the right preventions, treatment, and public health services, providing support to people who really need it.”

Phase one of the study has seen UKNEHS teams visit care homes in the area to survey the sensory health of residents. On one of these visits, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson observed teams carrying out their work.

Dr Johnson said:

“Having already seen what’s happened at local nursing homes in terms of the screening, it’s fantastic news that out and about in the near future there will be teams visiting different areas of the county, and local people in the community will have the opportunity to get involved in this study.

“I’d really encourage people to take part and have their hearing and eyes checked.”

Phase two of the study will involve the UKNEHS teams visiting 750 randomly chosen households in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Those who receive an invitation are encouraged to take part in this important national project whatever their vision or hearing status, including those who may be regularly seen by eye or hearing services. It is estimated that 1 out of every 5 people aged 50 plus have impaired eyesight or an eye disease that goes undetected.

The UKNEHS has been developed by Anglia Ruskin University’s Vision and Eye Research Institute in cooperation with the College of Optometrists, the Thomas Pocklington Trust and a number of other partner organisations across the eye health and hearing sector.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pavement Parking Ban to be enforced from January 2025
Source: Scotland – City of Perth

This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance pedestrian safety and prevent damage to pavements.

The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 prohibits pavement parking, double parking, and parking across dropped kerbs.

A national campaign has been underway to raise awareness of these new regulations. The law aims to improve the safety of pedestrians, particularly those with mobility issues, visual impairments, and parents or carers with pushchairs.

Additionally, pavements are not designed to bear the weight of vehicles, and persistent parking can cause significant damage.

Local authorities now have the power to enforce this law and issue fines through Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) of £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.

Perth and Kinross Council will begin enforcing these new rules on January 6, 2025. However, advisory notices are now being issued to educate the public about the new legislation.

Councillor Eric Drysdale, convener of Perth and Kinross Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “Vehicles parked on pavements stop people from walking safely down streets and can be particularly hazardous for people with disabilities or those pushing prams or buggies, especially if they are forced onto the road to get by.

“They can also cause damage to pavements, causing a trip hazard and are expensive to repair.

“Councils have been able to enforce the ban on pavement parking since last year. We’ve reviewed around 2,000 streets in Perth and Kinross and will be focusing our efforts on those area where we know it is a particular problem for residents.

“But our hope is that people will be aware of the new rules and will park appropriately and safely so there is little need to issue fines.”

Cindy Godfey-McKay, chair of the Centre for Inclusive Living in Perth, said: “Pavement parking is a complex problem that can cause real problems for pedestrians, but particularly for wheelchair users, people with mobility or visual impairments and those with prams or buggies.

“The difficulty for me, being registered blind, with approximately 15% residual vision, and regularly using a wheelchair, due to rheumatoid arthritis, is that if there is a vehicle is on the pavement, I don’t see it until the last minute, then I have the difficulty of knowing where the next drop kerb is, to go down and around the vehicle.

“This could mean me having to go along the road for quite a distance, as I can’t see where the drop kerb is to go back up onto the pavement, after the vehicle. This is a very difficult and dangerous thing to have to do.”

Certain exceptions to the ban are permitted under the Act. These include:
- Police, ambulance, Scottish Fire and Rescue Services, HM Coastguard, or naval or air force purposes.
- Roadworks, removal of traffic obstructions, waste collection by local authorities, or postal services.
- Urgent or emergency health care by registered medical practitioners, nurses, or midwives.
- Assistance at an accident or breakdown.
- Delivering or collecting goods, provided the vehicle is parked for no longer than necessary (up to 20 minutes).
Incorrect parking on footways, double parking, and parking at dropped crossings can be reported using the My PKC service. While every report will be reviewed, the Council may not always be able to attend every street where incorrect parking is reported
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: USS Mobile (LCS 26) Returns to Homeport San Diego

Source: United States Navy

“Mobile’s maiden deployment to 7th fleet was incredibly successful, and we are extremely proud of the accomplishments of both crews,” said Capt. Douglas Meagher, commodore, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One. “Mobile operated alongside other U.S. Navy assets as well as international allies and partners to not only strengthen our relationships but to demonstrate the tactical capabilities and strategic value of littoral combat ships.”

Mobile participated in freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, maritime domain awareness and patrol alongside the Philippine Navy, Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2023, Malaysia’s Langkawi International Maritime Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA 2023), and Noble Dingo with the Royal Australian Navy. Mobile also participated in trilateral exercises alongside the French Navy and Royal Australian Navy, multinational maritime cooperative activity exercises with Philippine Navy, Royal Australian Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and bilateral operations with the Royal Netherlands Navy and Italian Navy.

“I am particularly proud of the resiliency and self-sufficiency that our Sailors demonstrated throughout the deployment,” said Cmdr. David Gardner, commanding officer of Mobile Gold crew. “Mobile operated for extensive periods of time outside of the normal U.S. Navy logistics umbrella, which necessitated deliberate planning and at times time-critical actions to ensure that Mobile was fully mission-ready despite the prolonged operations and distance from shore-based support. The man-hours and money saved through Mobile’s self-sufficiency and can-do attitude was a key to our success.”

Mobile was showcased at the International Maritime Defense Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2023 at Changi Naval Base in Singapore. The exhibition included displays and tours of 22 warships from 13 countries.

Mobile participated in CARAT Thailand 2023, a bilateral exercise between Thailand and the United States designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime interoperability.
Mobile was an active participant in LIMA 2023, which included industry stakeholders, government, and military officials from more than a dozen countries dedicated to the maritime and aerospace sectors for defense, civil, and commercial applications. Apart from exhibits, forums and conferences, LIMA 23 also organized various activities such as cultural exchanges, flight simulators, technology talks, and career fairs for participants.
Mobile conducted bilateral operations with the Royal Netherlands Navy in the South China Sea to improve allied interoperability and conduct complex scenarios to improve combined readiness. The operation was followed by a separate bilateral operation with the Italian Navy that was also held in the South China Sea.

“These Sailors are returning home to their families with significant operational experience. Given the nature of our minimally manned crew each of these Sailors has amassed hundreds of hours of experience in specialized evolutions, both in real-world events and through training while deployed,” said Gardner. “The result is Mobile Sailors are highly qualified within rate and rapidly advancing in their careers. Mobile flies both the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and Surface Warfare Officer pennants as a visual indication of our highly warfare-qualified team.”

Mobile is homeported in San Diego as a part of Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One. Littoral combat ships are fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century threats. LCS integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward-presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.
For more news from Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/comlcsron1/ or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/COMLCSRONONE/.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: U.S. Representatives Ritchie Torres (NY-15) and Gregory Meeks (NY-5) Announce Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Now Accepts Mortgage Collateral Using VantageScore 4.0
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — United States Representatives Ritchie Torres (NY-15) and Gregory Meeks (NY-5) announced today that members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”) can now pledge mortgage collateral using VantageScore 4.0 credit scores, which considers rental payments and other data points that are not included in traditional scoring models – expanding the number of diverse and creditworthy mortgage applicants and creating more opportunities across the region to help narrow the racial homeownership gap.

In August 2024, Reps. Torres and Meeks formally requested that the FHLBNY consider accepting mortgage collateral originated using alternative credit scores such as VantageScore to expand homeownership opportunities across the FHLBNY’s District. In response, the FHLBNY initiated a review of its ability to incorporate VantageScore 4.0 into its collateral processes, and today’s announcement marks the culmination of this effort to offer this option to its membership of more than 330 local lenders.

“In partnership with Congressman Meeks, I worked with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York to implement Vantage Score 4.0, which will provide liquidity for mortgages that had originated on the basis of a credit score that includes alternative data like rent payments. The decision by the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York to recognize Vantage Score 4.0 lays a critical foundation for broad base wealth creation in America,” said Congressman Ritchie Torres. “I have constituents who have reliably paid their rent in full and on time for decades, and yet none of their rental history is taken into account by conventional credit scoring. The inclusion of alternative data like rent payments in credit scoring is a simple, sensible policy change that will revolutionize access to credit for the lowest income families.”

“I remain committed to creating more wealth building opportunities for the people of Southeast Queens, and homeownership is the best route to do so,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks. “My family’s own experience is a personal attestation to the importance of home ownership. By allowing for the use of VantageScore 4.0 credit scores, the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York is broadening opportunity and ensuring that people who have been traditionally left out will have the ability to begin their homeownership journeys. Addressing racial homeownership disparities is a key step in bridging the wealth gap and I commend the FHLBNY for taking this important step.”

“The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York is grateful to Representatives Ritchie Torres and Gregory Meeks for their continued efforts to address housing affordability across New York and throughout our District, and for their focus on ensuring that the FHLBNY remains best-positioned to meet the needs of the communities we all serve,” said José R. González, president and CEO of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. “We are excited to incorporate VantageScore 4.0 into our collateral practices, providing another tool for our cooperative to support inclusive housing and community development efforts throughout our region.”

The FHLBNY joins the Federal Home Loan Banks of Chicago and San Francisco in accepting mortgage collateral originated using VantageScore 4.0. In October 2022, the Federal Housing Finance Agency – the regulator of the Federal Home Loan Bank System – announced its approval of VantageScore 4.0 for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. VantageScore estimates that using the VantageScore 4.0 credit model will result in approximately 33 million more consumers nationwide having access to a credit score that may aid them in obtaining a mortgage. This includes an estimated 3.1 million consumers within the FHLBNY’s District, which comprises New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York’s decision to accept mortgage collateral backed by VantageScore is a significant step forward in expanding access to homeownership for creditworthy individuals, particularly in underserved communities,” said Anthony Hutchinson, SVP of Government and Industry Relations, VantageScore. “By addressing the long-standing disparities in mortgage lending, this initiative supports our shared goal of narrowing the homeownership gap in communities of color while ensuring financial stability and inclusion for all.”

Broad Community Support

Through the first 10 months of 2024, the FHLBNY has made $135 million in affordable housing and community support available through multiple programs:
- $70.8 million in grant funding through its 2024 Affordable Housing Program Round
- $28.9 million in grant funding through its 2024 Homebuyer Dream Program® (“HDP®”) Round
- $10.3 million in grant funding through inaugural HDP Plus Round
- $15 million in interest rate credits through its 2024 0% Development Advance Program
- $5 million in supplemental credits for low-to-moderate income mortgages sold into its Mortgage Asset Program
- $5 million in grant funding through its 2024 Small Business Recovery Grant Program Round
These programs are funded directly by the FHLBNY’s earnings and are incorporated into its strategy, reflecting the FHLBNY’s continuing commitment to strengthening the communities it serves. The FHLBNY makes its broadest impact through the execution of its foundational liquidity mission, through which it provides its members with a stable source of liquidity to facilitate the extension of credit to consumers, communities, and small businesses across its region.

Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York is a Congressionally chartered, wholesale Bank. It is part of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, a national wholesale banking network of 11 regional, stockholder-owned banks. As of September 30, 2024, the FHLBNY serves 338 financial institutions and housing associates in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The mission of the FHLBNY is to provide members with reliable liquidity in support of housing and local community development.

Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This report may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon our current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. These statements may use forward-looking terms, such as “projected,” “expects,” “may,” or their negatives or other variations on these terms. The Bank cautions that, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk or uncertainty and that actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements or could affect the extent to which a particular objective, projection, estimate, or prediction is realized. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the Risk Factors set forth in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, as well as regulatory and accounting rule adjustments or requirements, changes in interest rates, changes in projected business volumes, changes in prepayment speeds on mortgage assets, the cost of our funding, changes in our membership profile, the withdrawal of one or more large members, competitive pressures, shifts in demand for our products, and general economic conditions. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

CONTACT: Brian Finnegan
(212) 441-6877
brian.finnegan@fhlbny.com

The MIL Network –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Local Government pay

Source: Scottish Government

First Minister writes to Unison to encourage meaningful dialogue.

In response to ongoing industrial action in Perth and Kinross, First Minister John Swinney has written to Unison to encourage further meaningful dialogue with Local Government in order to reach a collective agreement on pay for valued workers delivering important public services.

The full text of the First Minister’s letter: Local Government pay 2024 to 2025: letter to Unison – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK sanctions Putin’s interference actors
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

The UK has sanctioned three Russian agencies and three senior figures who are attempting to undermine and destabilise Ukraine and its democracy.
UK sanctions Russian disinformation agencies seeking to undermine Ukraine.

Kremlin tasked Social Design Agency (SDA) is exposed for trying to incite anti-Ukraine protests across Europe.

New sanctions also hit three leaders directing the firm’s operations.

Three Russian agencies and three senior figures who are attempting to undermine and destabilise Ukraine and its democracy have been sanctioned today by the UK.

The Social Design Agency (SDA) is tasked and funded directly by the Russian State, and along with its partner company Structura, has attempted to deliver a series of interference operations designed to undermine democracy and weaken international support for Ukraine.

This year, the SDA also attempted to incite protests in half a dozen European countries. However, despite Russian pouring money into these malign organisations’ interference activities, their lies have consistently struggled online, with bots and fake sites getting limited interaction. This has forced the SDA to consider buying social media views.

The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said:

Putin is so desperate to undermine European support for Ukraine he is now resorting to clumsy, ineffective efforts to try and stoke unrest.

Today’s sanctions send a clear message; we will not tolerate your lies and interference, and we are coming after you.

Putin’s desperate attempts to divide us will fail. We will constrain the Kremlin, and stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

These firms and their leadership are responsible for a vast malign online network, also commonly known as Doppelganger, which plagues social media with fake posts, counterfeit documents and deepfake material. These deceitful tactics are designed to mask the truth around Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and distract from the true nature of the war. Their murky actions are part of a co-ordinated attempt to use deceptive information operations to undermine democracy in pursuit of their aims.

These new sanctions demonstrate that no matter how desperate the Russian interference activity has become, the UK is committed to taking action against Russian information manipulation. We will continue to bear down on anyone conducting such activities on behalf of SDA.

The US, Canada, France, European External Action Service (EEAS), Germany and Australia join us in calling out the SDA’s underhand activity globally.

Background:

The full list of those sanctioned today is:

PR agency Social Design Agency (SDA).

PR agency Structura National Technologies.

PR agency ANO DIALOG.

Ilya Andreevich GAMBASHIDZE, the founder of SDA.

Nikolay Aleksandrovich TUPIKIN, the CEO of SDA and owner of Structura.

Andrey Naumovich PERLA, SDA Project Director.

These firms are responsible for a vast malign online network, commonly known as Doppelganger. Content including fake posts, counterfeit documents and deepfake material has been pushed out to audiences in English, German and French through a complex online network. The SDA has crafted a web of at least 120 sites spoofing existing news and government websites, towards which it deceptively redirects unsuspecting social media users. Tactics included avoiding common trigger words to circumvent content moderation tools and evade account takedowns. We are working with social media platforms to ensure they are aware of this activity.

Our international partners have also previously exposed Doppelganger’s malign interference networks, including France and the EEAS. As part of the monitoring and analysis for the 2024 European Parliament Elections. The European External Action Service has detected that an Doppelganger / RRN Media operation actively promoted Russian narratives to disrupt and interfere with the electoral process. This network was previously attributed by META to the SDA and revealed to be running global information operations aimed at weakening support for Ukraine. France has exposed these Russian actors in June 2023 through the publication of a report by its agency, Viginum.

Media enquiries

Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

Telephone 020 7008 3100

Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

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Updates to this page

Published 28 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Becca Balint and Rep. Mark Pocan Introduce Intersex Awareness Day Resolution
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Equality Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) and Equality Caucus Chair Mark Pocan (WI-02) introduced the Intersex Awareness Day Resolution. The resolution recognizes October 26 as Intersex Awareness Day and affirms the dignity, and the universal human right to bodily autonomy of intersex people. Intersex Awareness Day is recognized on October 26 and marks the first public demonstration by intersex people in the United States at the annual conference of the American Academy of Pediatrics in 1996.

“This is about basic human dignity. There are 5.6 million intersex Americans who are no less worthy of respect and dignity than anyone else,” said Rep. Balint (VT-AL). “Every kid born with intersex traits deserves to live free of discrimination and exclusion. And it’s critical the LGBTQI+ community work to raise awareness of the stories and needs of intersex people. I’m proud to introduce this resolution with Chair Pocan to stand up for intersex Americans and affirm the universal right to bodily autonomy.”

“As we celebrate Intersex Awareness Week, the full force of the Equality Caucus stands with the intersex community, not just today, but every day,” said Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “Intersex people are valid and valued members of the LGBTQI+ community, and it is on all of us to ensure the government is addressing the needs of intersex people. I’m honored to be leading the charge to protect intersex peoples’ rights in Congress and to join Co-Chair Becca Balint in introducing a resolution recognizing Intersex Awareness Day.”

“Intersex people have been fighting for the fundamental human right to bodily integrity for decades. Today’s resolution honors that history, and it stands as a powerful call for a future in which children with intersex traits can grow up free from unnecessary and unwanted medical interventions,” said Erika Lorshbough, Executive Director of interACT. “We are grateful to the sponsors for taking action to raise awareness and help make that future a reality.”

The Intersex Awareness Day Resolution:
- Supports the goals and ideals of Intersex Awareness Day;
- Encourages the Federal Government, States, localities, nonprofit organizations, schools, and community organizations to observe the day with appropriate programs and activities, with the goal of increasing public knowledge of the intersex community and empowering individuals to celebrate and respect their diversity;
- Encourages health care providers to offer culturally and clinically competent care to the intersex community, and schools to support education regarding the intersex community, and connect individuals to resources for young people with intersex variations and their families; and
- Encourages the Federal Government, States, international funding organizations, and United States bilateral and multilateral aid efforts to prioritize the health and human rights of intersex people.
Intersex refers to having innate variations in physical traits that differ from typical expectations for male or female bodies regarding the development, appearance, or function of sex-related characteristics. This includes variations in one or more traits such as genitals, gonads and other reproductive organs, hormone production or response, or chromosome patterns, which may present at birth or may occur naturally at a later time.

The resolution is endorsed by InterACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth and the Congressional Equality Caucus. The resolution is cosponsored by Pocan, Bonamici, Crockett, Davids, Evans, Foushee, Frost, Sylvia Garcia, Grijalva, Jacobs, Barbara Lee, Mullin, Norton, Peters, Ramirez, Sánchez, Ritchie Torres, Takano, Tlaib, and Watson Coleman.

###

MIL OSI USA News –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces a judicial appointment in the province of Nova Scotia

Source: Government of Canada News (2)

October 28, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Justice Canada

The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointment under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

The Honourable D. Shane Russell, Associate Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia in Sydney, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia in Sydney. Justice Russel replaces Justice R. Gogan (Sydney), who was elevated to the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal effective February 19, 2024.

Quote

“I wish Justice Russell every success as he takes on his new role. I am confident he will serve the people of Nova Scotia well as a member of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia.”

—The Hon. Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Biography

Justice D. Shane Russell was bom and raised in North Sydney. He graduated from the University of Manitoba Robson Hall Law School in 2003 and has a Bachelor of Science Advance Major Psychology from Dalhousie University. He was called to the Nova Scotia Bar in 2004

Justice Russell was appointed Associate Chief Judge of the Nova Scotia Provincial Court in February 2024. Prior to his appointment as Judge of the Nova Scotia Provincial Court in 2021, he practiced law for 17 years, all of those as a Crown Attorney at the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service. He served as co-counse! with the Desmond Fatality Inquiry. While serving as Senior Crown Counsel, he routinely carried many complex and high-profile prosecutions involving, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, home invasion, and homicide.

Justice Russell had served as a member of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society’s bar council, Gender equity committee, and Provincial Court Liaison Committee. He is also the past president of the Cape Breton Barristers’ Society and the Nova Scotia Crown Attomeys’ Association.

Justice Russell is happily married to Nicole Russell, also from North Sydney. He is the proud older brother of two siblings, Trevor Russell and Nadine Russell-Wadden.

MIL OSI Canada News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces judicial appointments in the province of British Columbia

Source: Government of Canada News (2)

October 28, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Justice Canada

The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointments under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

The Honourable Peter H. Edelmann, a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, is appointed a Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia in Vancouver. Justice Edelmann replaces Justice P. Willcock, who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective June 19, 2024.

Scott Morishita, Associate Counsel at Rice Harbut Elliott LLP in Vancouver, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Vancouver. Justice Morishita replaces Justice P.H. Edelmann (Vancouver), who was elevated to the Court of Appeal for British Columbia effective October 25, 2024.

Quote

“I wish Justices Edelmann and Morishita every success as they take on their new roles. I am confident they will serve the people of British Columbia well as members of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia and the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

—The Hon. Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Biographies

Justice Peter H. Edelmann is fluently bilingual and was appointed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in 2019. He received an undergraduate degree in French literature and philosophy from the University of Toronto and went on to pursue graduate studies at the University of British Columbia. In 2004, he received both LL.B. and Civil Law degrees from McGill University. He was called to the bar of British Columbia in 2005.

Prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in 2019, Justice Edelmann was a partner at Edelmann and Company, a recognized immigration and refugee law firm in Vancouver. He had begun his career as a sole practitioner primarily focused on criminal defence, in a practice that came to encompass national security, extradition, immigration and refugee law.

Justice Edelmann appeared before all levels of the federal and provincial courts, as well as the various divisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board. He was an active member of the Immigration Section of the Canadian Bar Association and sat on the litigation committee for the Canadian Council for Refugees. He appeared regularly before Parliamentary committees and before the Supreme Court of Canada.

Justice Scott Morishita was born and raised in Richmond. He is Japanese Canadian and a proud member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of British Columbia and an LL.B. from the University of Victoria. He was called to the British Columbia bar in 2007.

Justice Morishita was Associate Counsel at Rice Harbut Elliott LLP, where he acted for plaintiffs in personal injury claims. Prior to that, he was Legal Counsel at the Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia, where he defended local governments in various types of liability claims. He spent his career as a civil litigator, representing a diverse range of clients, including individuals, insurance companies, and local governments.

Justice Morishita is a passionate volunteer and a strong advocate for lawyers’ mental health. He dedicated his time to numerous legal organizations, serving as President of the Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia (B.C.) Branch for the 2023-24 term, and as a Law Society of B.C. appointee to the Transitional Board of Legal Professions B.C. He was also a past board member of the Continuing Legal Education Society of B.C. and an active member of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (B.C.).

MIL OSI Canada News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces a judicial appointment to the Tax Court of Canada

Source: Government of Canada News (2)

October 28, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Justice Canada

The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointment under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

Laurie A. Goldbach, Partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in Calgary, is appointed a Judge of the Tax Court of Canada. Justice Goldbach replaces Justice A. Pelletier, who was appointed Associate Chief Justice of the Tax Court of Canada on December 14, 2023.

Quote

“I wish Justice Goldbach every success as she takes on her new role. I am confident she will serve Canadians well as a member of the Tax Court of Canada.”

—The Hon. Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Biography

Justice Laurie A. Goldbach was raised in Arva, a hamlet near London, Ontario. She received a B.A. Hons (1995) from Huron College at the University of Western Ontario and a LL.B. from University of Victoria (1998). She clerked with the Court of Appeal for Ontario before being called to the Ontario Bar in 1999, and the Alberta Bar in 2000.

Justice Goldbach has lived and worked in Calgary for the past 25 years. She began her litigation career with Bennett Jones LLP before moving to a tax litigation boutique within Deloitte LLP in 2014. She joined Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in 2017 where she led the national tax disputes practice and served as regional group manager of the specialized business group. She has appeared before courts from coast to coast: the Supreme Court of Canada, all levels of courts in Alberta and Quebec, the Federal Courts, the Tax Court of Canada, and courts in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia.

Justice Goldbach chaired the Tax Court Bench and Bar Committee of the Canadian Bar Association, was a Governor of the Canadian Tax Foundation, and a regular speaker at professional development programs and conferences. She has been invested in mentoring students and lawyers and supporting mental health and wellness in the legal community. She is a long-time supporter of ASSIST and co-chaired a task force on mental wellness amongst dispute lawyers.

Justice Goldbach and her spouse, Brett, are proud parents of one remarkable teenage daughter.

MIL OSI Canada News –

January 25, 2025