NewzIntel.com

Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI Australia: EOI – Expert Advisory Group Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Redesign

    Source: Government of Victoria 2

    Expressions of interest are open for an Expert Advisory Group to inform the redesign of community-based mental health and wellbeing services in Victoria.

    The department is undertaking a significant reform program to redesign community based mental health and wellbeing services delivered by Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services, including in partnership with non-government organisations.

    The Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Redesign (Community Redesign) project aims to deliver a comprehensive system design and strategy to improve community-based service responses for people of all ages with moderate to severe mental illness who have more intensive treatment, care, and support needs.

    Recommendations 3.2 b and c, 5–8, 19 and 20 of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System detail some of the service delivery expectations for community-based mental health services. In 2024–25, a new phase of implementation will focus on reform priorities that translate policy and planning into systemic, operational change.

    Role and Scope

    The Expert Advisory Group is a time-limited group comprising leaders and representatives, including those with lived and living experience of the mental health and wellbeing sector.

    It will help address key questions and considerations that may arise during the planning and design phases. It will provide advice on the implications and risks for specific communities, services and stakeholders and guidance on the approach to engagement with stakeholders.

    Who can apply?

    This expression of interest is open to:

    • Consumers with a lived experience of accessing community-based mental health and wellbeing services including psychosocial supports.
    • Carers, families and supporters of people accessing community-based mental health and wellbeing services including psychosocial supports.
    • People who have experience working in or managing Area Mental Health Services for the Adult and Older Adult and Infant, Child and Youth cohorts.
    • People who have experience supporting diverse communities who are accessing community-based mental health and wellbeing services.
    • People who represent First Nations mental health and wellbeing services.
    • Representatives of non-government organisations delivering community-based mental health and wellbeing services.
    • Representatives of the mental health and wellbeing workforce or industrial relations.

    Do you have:

    • A special interest or passion for infant, child and youth and/or adult and older adult mental health and a strong desire to see service system improvements?
    • Expertise and/or experience in policy development and/or service or system level design and implementation?
    • A commitment to centring the voices of people who have, and continue to, access Victoria’s mental health system and harnessing their knowledge and experience?
    • Knowledge or experience of the needs of diverse communities, for example Aboriginal communities, LGBTQIA+, disability and multicultural communities including people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds?

    Period of appointment and expected time commitment

    The initial period of appointment is 12 months but may be subject to review pending the outcomes of the project phasing. Expert Advisory Group members will be required to meet online for one or one and half hours, up to 6 times in 2025, commencing in January.

    Meeting dates and times are to be determined when the appointments have been finalised. Some meetings may be held in person; adequate notice will be provided for in-person meetings. Meeting frequency may be subjected to review.

    The department will confirm upon appointment whether members have adjustment requests to support disabilities or health conditions, and this will be factored in to all planning activities.

    Conditions and remuneration

    Lived and living experience members whose participation is not part of their employment will be paid through the participation registers managed by the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council and Tandem.

    Reasonable expenses will be covered for in-person meetings and will be subject to the department’s remuneration policies, outlined in the terms of reference.

    Selection process

    Applications will be reviewed in confidence. Shortlisting and Expert Advisory Group member selection will be led by the Victorian Department of Health. The department handles all personal information in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic).

    How to apply

    Complete the application form to express your interest in joining the Expert Advisory Group.

    Application form – Expert Advisory Group Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Redesign

    pdf 802.87 KB | Updated: Yesterday at 11:36 pm

    For more information, email mhwsystemdesign@health.vic.gov.au.

    Please ensure that you obtain support from your employer prior to submitting your application (if applicable).

    Applications close midnight 6 November 2024.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New Prada-designed spacesuit is a small step for astronaut style, but could be a giant leap for sustainable fashion

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alyssa Choat, Lecturer in Fashion and Textiles Design, University of Technology Sydney

    For its recent Spring/Summer 2025 show, fashion brand Diesel filled a runway with mounds of denim offcuts, making a spectacle of its efforts to reduce waste.

    Haunting yet poetic, the “forgotten” byproducts of fashion production were reclaimed and repurposed into something artful. But the irony isn’t lost, given fashion shows like this one demand significant resources.

    Diesel’s event is an example of a growing trend towards the “spectacle of sustainability”, wherein performative displays are prioritised over the deeper, structural changes needed to address environmental issues.

    Can the fashion industry reconcile its tendency towards spectacle with its environmental responsibilities? The recent spacesuit collaboration between Prada and Axiom Space is one refreshing example of how it can, by leaning into innovation that seeks to advance fashion technology and rewrite fashion norms.

    Performance art instead of substantive change

    The fashion industry has always relied on some form of spectacle to continue the fashion cycle. Fashion shows mix art, performance and design to create powerful experiences that will grab people’s attention and set the tone for what’s “in”. Promotional material from these shows is shared widely, helping cement new trends.

    However, the spectacle of fashion isn’t helpful for communicating the complexity of sustainability. Fashion events tend to focus on surface-level ideas, while ignoring deeper systemic problems such as the popularity of fast fashion, people’s buying habits, and working conditions in garment factories. These problems are connected, so addressing one requires addressing the others.

    It’s much easier to host a flashy event that inevitably feeds the problem it purports to fix. International fashion events have a large carbon footprint. This is partly due to how many people they move around the world, as well as their promotion of consumption (whereas sustainability requires buying less).

    The pandemic helped deliver some solutions to this problem by forcing fashion shows to go digital. Brands such as Balenciaga, the Congolese brand Hanifa and many more took part in virtual fashion shows with animated avatars – and many pointed to this as a possible solution to the industry’s sustainability issue.

    But the industry has now largely returned to live fashion shows. Virtual presentations have been relegated to their own sectors within fashion communication, while live events take centre stage.

    Many brands, including Prada, held fashion shows without guests during lockdowns in 2021.

    Towards a sustainable fashion future

    Technology and innovation clearly have a role to play in helping make fashion more sustainable. The recent Prada-Axiom spacesuit collaboration brings this into focus in a new way.

    The AxEMU (Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit) suits will be worn by Artemis III crew members during NASA’s planned 2026 mission to the Moon. The suits have been made using long-lasting and high-performance materials that are designed to withstand the extreme conditions of space.

    By joining this collaboration, Prada, known for its high fashion, is shifting into a highly symbolic arena of technological advancement. This will likely help position it at the forefront of sustainability and technology discussions – at least in the minds of consumers.

    Prada itself has varying levels of compliance when it comes to meeting sustainability goals. The Standard Ethics Ratings has listed it as “sustainable”, while sustainability scoring site Good on You rated it as “not good enough” – citing a need for improved transparency and better hazardous chemical use.

    Recently, the brand has been working on making recycled textiles such as nylon fabrics (nylon is a part of the brand DNA) from fishing nets and plastic bottles. It also launched a high-fashion jewellery line made of recycled gold.

    Innovating for a changing world

    Prada’s partnership with Axiom signifies a milestone in fashion’s ability to impact on high-tech industries. Beyond boosting Prada’s image, such innovations can also lead to more sustainable fashions.

    For instance, advanced materials created for spacesuits could eventually be adapted into everyday heat-resistant clothing. This will become increasingly important in the context of climate change, especially in regions already struggling with drought and heatwaves. The IPCC warns that if global temperatures rise by 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, twice as many mega-cities are likely to become heat-stressed.

    New innovations are trying to help consumers stay cool despite rising temperatures. Nike’s Aerogami is a performance apparel technology that supposedly increases breathability. Researchers from MIT have also designed garment vents that open and close when they sense sweat to create airflow.

    Similarly, researchers from Zhengzhou University and the University of South Australia have created a fabric that reflects sunlight and releases heat to help reduce body temperatures. These kinds of cooling textiles (which could also be used in architecture) could help reduce the need for air conditioning.

    One future challenge lies in driving demand for these innovations by making them seem fashionable and “cool”. Collaborations like the one between Prada and Axiom are helpful on this front. A space suit – an item typically seen as a functional, long-lasting piece of engineering – becomes something more with Prada’s name on it.

    The collaboration also points to a broader potential for brands to use large attention-grabbing projects to convey their sustainability credentials. In this way they can combine spectacle with sustainability. The key will be in making sure one doesn’t come at the expense of the other.

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

    – ref. New Prada-designed spacesuit is a small step for astronaut style, but could be a giant leap for sustainable fashion – https://theconversation.com/new-prada-designed-spacesuit-is-a-small-step-for-astronaut-style-but-could-be-a-giant-leap-for-sustainable-fashion-240551

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Expanded program to help essential workers move to Northern Rivers

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 23 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Agriculture

    Essential workers will receive significantly more support to move and settle into the Northern Rivers thanks to a successful Minns Labor Government initiative, The Welcome Experience, being extended into the region making it easier for local organisations to attract workers to making the move.

    Originally piloted during 2023 in Broken Hill, Muswellbrook, Bega, Walgett, Coffs Harbour, Corowa, Griffith and Goulburn, The Welcome Experience has been such a success it is now being rolled out to additional locations since September this year and is now operating in 55 Local Government Areas.

    The Welcome Experience will now provide workforce support to the additional town locations of Tweed, Lismore, Ballina, Byron and Richmond Valley thanks to a successful tender application from new host agency, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Northern Rivers.

    As part of The Welcome Experience, host agencies help essential workers make the regions their home, forge social connections, access childcare and schooling options, join sporting clubs and even assist with finding job opportunities for partners.

    Launched in June last year, The Welcome Experience has helped 665 essential workers and their families to move to regional New South Wales, including 346 health workers, 110 educators and 42 police staff. 

    The Northern Rivers can look forward to similar type success stories that have emerged after the program was rolled out to other regions over the last few months.

    Host Agencies in new delivery locations such as Dubbo, Port Macquarie, Kiama and Inverell are now onboarding Local Connectors, plus engaging their local communities and gathering feedback to assist them to tailor the delivery of The Welcome Experience to meet specific needs of communities.

    Among the new host agencies is RDA Murray, which has reported a positive stream of enquiries since September from essential workers considering the move to the Albury area.

    RDA Program Manager for Albury Karin Willcox is already assisting two registered nurses and their children move to the region from New Zealand.

    Karin has organised arrangements for the family ahead of their arrival, including airport pickup, car rental, childcare, schooling options, and even securing furniture for their new home.

    Find out more The Welcome Experience

    Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

    “Our Government is focusing on ensuring regional NSW receives the services it needs and attracting essential workers is critical to making that happen.

    “If people get to hear first-hand info about schools or childcare, and that there is a good bunch of people in the local netball team, plus insights on cafes and places to fish, you are making them feel welcome.

    “Recognising the area’s needs, the Government is pleased the procurement process has been completed to engage RDA Northern Rivers to set up services in five towns that will boost the attraction of essential workers.

    “The Welcome Experience has a strong track record of warmly welcoming workers to regional NSW and encouraging them to build lasting connections in their new communities, and I look forward to seeing RDA continue this valuable work in the Northern Rivers region.”

    NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

    “I congratulate Regional Development Australia (RDA) Northern Rivers on successfully tendering to be host agency for The Welcome Experience in towns across our region as this organisation has a track record of building capacity through strengthening networks.

    “We need to attract and retain more essential workers as our population grows, and providing workforce support with relocations and settling into a new community for workers and their families is a no-brainer.

    “Some councils provide new residents with a welcome pack to help them navigate their new surroundings, and this Minns Labor Government initiative is that concept writ large, offering a wraparound set of services specific to our region.

    “The Welcome Experience’s pilot sites have been successful in helping hundreds of health workers, educators and police move to the regions, and I look forward to more success in Lismore, Tweed, Byron, Ballina and Richmond Valley.”

    RDA Northern Rivers Director of Regional Development Anthony Schreenan said:

    “The Welcome Experience will support new essential workers through every step of the relocation process, from when they first consider the move, to when they decide to make their home in the Northern Rivers and build connections in the community,” Mr Schreenan said.

    “We are so happy to be able to benefit from The Welcome Experience, the pilot showed that the key to retaining workers is welcoming them into the community, and that’s more than finding a house to live in and school for the kids.

    “It’s becoming part of the local sports club, getting to know fellow parents, connecting with the people at your local and building networks of friendship.

    “Our Local Connector will provide a concierge service, connecting with essential workers who are considering relocating to our region and providing information about the region, finding a place to live, access to schools and amenities, and services available.

    Locations delivering The Welcome Experience:

    Region Location Government Areas Successful Host Agency
    Northern NSW Glen Innes Severn and Inverell Attract Connect Stay Glenn Innes
    North Coast & Rivers Tweed, Lismore, Ballina, Byron and Richmond Valley RDA Northern Rivers
    Mid North Coast Kempsey, Nambucca and Port Macquarie Hastings RDA Mid North Coast
    Mid North Coast Coffs Harbour and Bellingen Boambee East Community Centre
    Hunter Muswellbrook, Singleton and Upper Hunter Muswellbrook Shire Council
    New England Armidale, Tamworth and Uralla RDA Northern Inland
    Moree Plains Moree Plains Moree Plains Shire Council
    Orana region Bourke, Dubbo (incl Wellington) and Walgett RDA Orana
    Central West Bathurst, Cowra, Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin Skillset
    Western NSW Balranald, Broken Hill, Central Darling, Regional Solutions Community Development
    Far West NSW Unincorporated Far West and Wentworth Regional Solutions Community Development
    Murray Albury, Federation and Greater Hume RDA Murray
    Eastern Riverina Temora, Tumut, Wagga Wagga RDA Riverina
    Western Riverina Griffith, Leeton, RDA Riverina
    Southern NSW Goulburn Mulwaree, Hilltops, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Snowy-Monaro, Upper Lachlan, Wingecarribee and Yass Valley RDA Southern NSW
    Bega Valley Bega Valley Bega Chamber of Commerce
    Illawarra Kiama, Shellharbour and Shoalhaven Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra 
    South Coast Eurobodalla Bega Chamber of Commerce 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Buffalo man pleads guilty to bilking two banks out of nearly half a million dollars

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Joshua Parra, 32, formerly of Buffalo, NY, now living in Melbourne, Florida, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to bank fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that between December 28, 2021, and January 6, 2022, Parra defrauded Bancorp and Stride Bank by creating 94 fictitious disputed transactions on behalf of 11 customers of Fintech Company 1, a financial technology company that offers customers mobile banking services. However, none of the 11 customers’ accounts with Fintech Company 1 had transactions that would justify such disputes. Nearly all of the fictitious disputed transactions were in the amount of $5,000. As a result, funds were transferred from settlement accounts, held at Bancorp and Stride Bank, to accounts maintained by the Fintech Company 1 customers for whom Parra created the fictitious disputed transactions. Losses to Bancorp and Stride Bank totaled approximately $459,000.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Miraglia.  

    Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.   

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: LNP lead reduced as Queensland election approaches; US election remains very close

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

    The Queensland state election is this Saturday, with polls closing at 7pm AEDT. There are 93 single-member seats, with Queensland having no upper house. At the 2020 election, Labor won 52 of the 93 seats, the Liberal National Party (LNP) 34 and all others seven. Labor won the two-party statewide vote by an estimated 53.2–46.8.

    There have been two recently released Queensland polls, with both showing a reduction in the LNP lead from landslide margins the last time the same polls were released. However, the LNP is still very likely to win on Saturday.

    A YouGov poll for The Courier Mail, conducted October 10–16 from a sample of 1,503, gave the LNP a 54.5–45.5 lead, a 2.5-point gain for Labor since the previous YouGov poll in July. Primary votes were 41% LNP (down two), 31% Labor (up five), 11% Greens (down three), 11% One Nation (down two) and 6% for all Others (up two).

    Labor premier Steven Miles had a net approval of -10, up three points, with 44% dissatisfied and 34% satisfied. LNP leader David Crisafulli’s net approval slumped 11 points to +6. Crisafulli led Miles by 37–36 as better premier, down from a 40–29 lead in July.

    A Resolve poll for The Brisbane Times, conducted October 14–19 from a sample of 1,003, gave the LNP a 53–47 lead by respondent preferences and a 52–48 lead by 2020 election preference flows. This is the first time Resolve has given a two-party result for its Queensland polls.

    Primary votes were 40% LNP (down four since the previous Resolve poll that was conducted over four months from June to September), 32% Labor (up nine), 11% Greens (down one), 9% One Nation (up one), 2% independents (down seven) and 5% others (up one).

    In its previous polls, Resolve asked all respondents if they would vote for independents. In this poll that was taken after nominations closed, they only asked for independents where independents were standing, so the independent vote crashed.

    Crisafulli led Miles by 39–37 as preferred premier (40–27 in September). Miles had a +8 net approval (47% good, 38% poor), while Crisafulli was at net +7 approval. On issues, the LNP led Labor by 22 points on crime, with the two parties were within two points on cost of living, housing and health.

    The key reasons why Labor is likely to be defeated are an “it’s time” factor as Labor has governed since winning the January 2015 election, the federal Labor government tending to hurt state Labor parties and Queensland easily being the most pro-Coalition state at the 2022 federal election.

    At that election, Queensland was the only state where the Coalition won the two-party vote (by 54.1–45.9). The second best state for the Coalition was New South Wales, where Labor won the two-party vote by 51.4–48.6.

    US election still very close, but Harris’ national lead drops

    The United States presidential election will be held on November 5. In analyst Nate Silver’s aggregate of national polls, Democrat Kamala Harris leads Republican Donald Trump by 48.8–47.2, a gain for Trump since Sunday, when Harris led by 49.1–46.8. Harris’ national lead peaked on October 2, when she led by 49.4–45.9.

    The US president isn’t elected by the national popular vote, but by the Electoral College, in which each state receives electoral votes equal to its federal House seats (population based) and senators (always two). Almost all states award their electoral votes as winner-takes-all, and it takes 270 electoral votes to win (out of 538 total).

    Relative to the national popular vote, the Electoral College is biased to Trump, with Harris needing at least a two-point popular vote win to be the narrow Electoral College favourite in Silver’s model.

    In Pennsylvania (19 electoral votes), there’s now a 48.0–48.0 tie in Silver’s poll averages. Harris remains barely ahead in Michigan (15 electoral votes) by 0.5 points, Wisconsin (ten) by 0.7 and Nevada (six) by 0.4. But without Pennsylvania, Harris leads in states
    worth 257 electoral votes and Trump in states worth 262, down from a 276–262 Harris lead on Sunday.

    On the current numbers, whoever wins Pennsylvania would win the presidency. Trump leads in North Carolina (16 electoral votes) by one point, Georgia (16) by 1.5 and Arizona (11) by two.

    Silver’s model now gives Trump a 53% chance to win the Electoral College, up from 51% on Sunday, but the race remains very close to a 50–50 chance for either candidate. There’s a 27% chance Harris wins the popular vote but loses the Electoral College. The FiveThirtyEight forecast gives Trump a 51% win probability.

    While the polls have trended to Trump recently, that doesn’t mean he will continue to gain. There are still two weeks before the election, and either candidate could win decisively if there’s late movement or poll error in their favour.

    With the seven swing states currently all within two points, the two most likely outcomes are for either Trump or Harris to sweep all seven swing states. A Trump sweep occurs 24% of the time and a Harris sweep 15% of the time.

    Silver has a list of 24 reasons why Trump could win. I think the most important reasons are the economy and the Electoral College bias. These reasons may explain Trump’s recent poll gains.

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

    – ref. LNP lead reduced as Queensland election approaches; US election remains very close – https://theconversation.com/lnp-lead-reduced-as-queensland-election-approaches-us-election-remains-very-close-241683

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New Norfolk man charged over vehicle incident

    Source: Tasmania Police

    New Norfolk man charged over vehicle incident

    Wednesday, 23 October 2024 – 3:08 pm.

    A 23-year-old New Norfolk man has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm and failing to stop after being involved in a crash, after an incident in New Norfolk last week.
    The man was arrested today, and police will allege he deliberately drove his vehicle at another man on Burnett St about 7:20pm on Monday, 14 October.
    The man suffered significant injuries and has since being receiving medical attention in hospital. The men are known to each other.
    The charged man is expected to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court later this evening.
    Anyone with information about this incident should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Australia PET imaging agents market to grow at 2% CAGR through 2033, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Australia PET imaging agents market to grow at 2% CAGR through 2033, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Medical Devices

    Prostate cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers in Australia, making effective diagnostic tools and agents crucial for better patient outcomes. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents, especially those targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), offer a powerful way to detect and monitor prostate cancer at a molecular level. Against this background, the Australian PET imaging agents market is expected to grow at a 2% CAGR through 2033, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s Nuclear Imaging Agents Market Size by Segments, Share, Regulatory, Reimbursement and Forecast to 2033 report reveals that Australia accounts for around 15% of the Asia-Pacific nuclear imaging agents market in 2024.

    The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has recently approved the use of Illuccix to diagnose prostate cancer and help identify a course of treatment, such as PSMA-targeted radionuclide therapy.

    Aditi Dakshesh Parikh, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The addition of this new indication is expected to bring a transformation in prostate cancer management as Illuccix remains the only PSMA-PET agent approved in Australia and listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule, to date. By providing insights into cellular activity, PET imaging agents can detect disease recurrence and the effectiveness of the ongoing therapies can also be easily assessed.”

    The PET imaging agents’ market is witnessing a steady growth as these agents are poised to become integral not only in prostate cancer treatment but across a wider range of cancers.

    Parikh concludes: “PET imaging agents are becoming the essential components in modern medical diagnostics, setting new standards in clinical practice as a result of technological advancements in hybrid imaging systems such as PET/CT and PET/MRI, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Delivering local priorities in Brisbane

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The Albanese Labor Government continues to boost the liveability of Oxley, with federal funding unlocking a pipeline of local road and community infrastructure projects.

    Federal Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain MP joined Federal Member for Oxley, Milton Dick MP on Tuesday to inspect the progress of projects in the Brisbane area, and to discuss the city’s priorities. 

    Brisbane City Council will receive more than $103 million in Roads to Recovery funding over the next five years – a boost of over $44.4 million thanks to the Albanese Government. 

    This will pave the way for local road upgrades that will improve safety and reduce traffic congestion, building on improvements already delivered.

    Traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing were recently installed at the Blunder Road and Wallaroo Road intersection – thanks to over $1.5 million in federal funding.

    Over $4.1 million in federal funding supported the major upgrade to the Dandenong Road and Sirocco Street intersection, with new traffic lights improving traffic flow and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

    Through Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, Brisbane City Council is receiving over $11.7 million for high-impact local projects.

    As part of this, over $7.7 million is supporting repairs and upgrades to 29 community facilities, including new retaining walls along the rugby and cricket fields at the Forest Lake Junior Rugby Union Club.

    Work is also underway on upgrades to aquatic centres across Brisbane, with $4 million from the Albanese Government supporting new lighting, heat pumps and switchboards, along with the installation of solar equipment, batteries and smart energy monitoring.

    These upgrades – fully funded by the Albanese Government, will reduce energy consumption and emissions, and support Brisbane City Council to reinvest money saved into other important local services. 

    Nationally, the Albanese Government is delivering significant funding increases to support local councils deliver their priority projects. 

    The Roads to Recovery program is progressively increasing from $500 million to $1 billion per year, the Road Black Spot Program is increasing from $110 million to $150 million per year, and $200 million per year is available under our Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Oxley, Milton Dick MP:

    “It’s wonderful to welcome Minister McBain to Oxley to highlight how we’re partnering with Brisbane City Council to turn federal funding into local results – from making our local roads safer and easier to navigate, to ensuring our sporting facilities are fit-for-purpose.

    “With a population of over 2.4 million people, Brisbane is one of Australia’s largest and busiest cities – and I’m so proud to have secured funding increases for projects in this area that are supporting local jobs and uplifting our economy.”  

    Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

    “Milton Dick has a strong record of delivering for communities in Oxley, which is why it was terrific to join him in Brisbane to see high-impact local projects underway, and to discuss what support is needed for future priorities.

    “Our funding increases to Brisbane City Council and strengthened partnership will ensure that we continue to deliver the projects that matter to people in Oxley – whether that’s upgrading the local roads they take to work, or improving the sports fields their kids train on after school.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Delivering local priorities on the North Coast

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The Albanese Labor Government continues to boost the liveability of communities across Richmond, with federal funding delivering road and community infrastructure projects across the Tweed and Byron Shires. 

    Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP, joined Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot MP on Tuesday to inspect the progress of projects and to discuss the region’s priorities.

    As part of our commitment to improving the safety of local roads in Richmond, local councils will receive an increase in their Roads to Recovery funding over the next five years.

    Tweed Shire Council will receive over $15.9 million – a boost of over $6.8 million, and Byron Shire Council will receive over $6.4 million – a boost of over $2.7 million.

    This will pave the way for future priority projects and build on projects already delivered and fully funded by the Albanese Government – such as intersection, drainage, and bus stop upgrades at Rifle Range Road at Bangalow, which received $673,076. 

    The surface of Ducat Street at Tweed Heads is currently being upgraded thanks to over $1.5 million from the Albanese Government, with a further $500,000 in federal funding supporting widening and drainage works on Bayshore Drive at Byron Bay – making these roads safer.

    Through Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, Tweed Shire Council is receiving over $2.8 million, and Byron Shire Council is receiving over $1.1 million for high-impact local projects. 

    The Albanese Government has also committed $618,869 under Round 1 of the Growing Regions Program to construct a Men’s Shed, environmental centre, performance stage and commercial kitchen, as well as provide upgrades to existing infrastructure at the Mullum SEED Eco Hub in Mullumbimby – boosting community engagement opportunities in Richmond. 

    Nationally, the Albanese Government is delivering significant funding increases to support local councils deliver their priority projects. 

    The Roads to Recovery program is progressively increasing from $500 million to $1 billion per year, the Road Black Spot Program is increasing from $110 million to $150 million per year, and $200 million per year is available under our Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

    “Justine Elliot is a strong advocate for communities in Richmond, which is why it’s fantastic to be in town with her to see local projects that she’s campaigned for progressing, and to discuss some of the region’s future priorities.

    “Like my own community, Richmond has been impacted by a number of natural disasters, which is why we’re delivering more funding to local councils to improve the safety and flood resilience of local roads, and to support priority projects that will have a lasting impact.” 

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot MP:

    “As the Local MP, I’m proud to deliver this important funding for our community. These important funding increases from the Albanese Government have made many local projects a reality right across the North Coast.

    “I invited Minister McBain to our region to discuss how we can keep working to deliver projects that create local jobs, improve our area and keep our local economy strong.”

    Quotes attributable to Tweed Shire Mayor, Chris Cherry:

    “We thank the Australian Government for delivering on its commitment to improve our local road network – particularly for roads across the Tweed Shire that have been significantly impacted by flooding events.

    “When we work together, we get the best outcomes for our community, which is why we’ll continue to partner with the Australian Government to deliver the community infrastructure that locals need and deserve.” 

    Quotes attributable to Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye:

    “It’s fantastic to welcome Minister McBain to Byron Shire to highlight the significant progress we’re making with jointly funded projects, and to discuss our future priorities.

    “With the community calling on the Byron Shire Council to provide more services than ever before, we’re strengthening our partnership with the Australian Government to ensure that we can continue to deliver the projects locals want to get off the ground.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Scam alert: Scammers are targeting Australians in hardship

    Source: Australia Scam Watch

    Background
    Criminals are impersonating charities and offering fake financial assistance schemes to target people experiencing financial hardship.
    Trusted charities like Good Shepherd and the Salvation Army offer no interest loans. These loans support low-income earners and people in hardship who are struggling with payments or unexpected expenses.
    Criminals are pretending to offer loans from these charities. They may also impersonate government agencies and programs or other charities.

    How to spot the scam
    This scam can be hard to spot because criminals can set up fake social media accounts that look genuine.
    The scammers will ask for your identity information and myGov login details.

    How the scam works
    Criminals pretend to offer services such as no interest loans. They also offer fake emergency relief services, rental assistance, and programs such as the Australian Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
    Once the scammers get someone’s identity information, they can log into myGov accounts, lock people out, and stop people getting government benefits like Centerlink and NDIS payments. They can steal support from charities.
    Someone who is already experiencing hardship can be left without any money and be further behind on payments such as rent.

    What you should know
    Real support to people experiencing financial hardship is available, but criminals will try to target people in need.
    Check independently that an organisation offering financial help is legitimate. Don’t rely on social media advertisements. Don’t assume that someone contacting you is who they say they are.
    A real organisation will never ask for your personal information through social media.

    Find out more
    This scam is a type of impersonation scam.
    Scammers pretend they are from charity organisations. They ask for personal details so they can steal government benefits and charity support.

    Stay protected
    STOP – Don’t give money or personal information to anyone if unsure. Say no, hang up, delete.
    CHECK – Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust – like your bank, charities, the police or government. If you’re not sure, call the official phone number of the organisation to check.
    PROTECT – Act quickly if something feels wrong. If you have had money or personal information stolen contact your bank and Services Australia immediately. Help others by reporting scams to Scamwatch.

    Resources for people experiencing financial hardship
    The official number for the National debt helpline is 1800 007 007.
    Call the Good Shepherd No Interest Loans (NILs) team on 13 64 57 or find a community service NILs provider near you. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious assault at Elizabeth

    Source: South Australia Police

    Three teenagers have been arrested following an assault at Elizabeth this afternoon.

    Just after 2.30pm on Wednesday 23 October, police were called to a shopping centre on Elizabeth Way following reports of a disturbance between a group of youths in the food court.

    ​During the altercation, a boy was allegedly stabbed in the torso.

    ​A 18 -year-old boy was taken to hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

    ​Police located the suspects nearby.

    Three teenage boys have been arrested, 17-year-old from Salisbury East, a 16-year-old boy from Brahma Lodge and a 14-year-old from Elizabeth Vale.

    ​They are expected to be charged later today.

    ​Police are investigating the incident and will review CCTV footage to identify other people involved in the assault.

    ​There was no disruption caused to centres trading.

    Police ask if anyone witnessed the assault to please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at http://www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Capgemini announces leadership appointments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Media relations:
    Sam Connatty
    Tel.: +44 (0)370 904 3601
    Email: sam.connatty@capgemini.com

    Capgemini announces leadership appointments

    • Anirban Bose becomes CEO of the Americas Strategic Business Unit
    • Kartik Ramakrishnan becomes CEO of the Financial Services Strategic Business Unit
    • Jerome Simeon will take on the role of Chief Revenue Officer
    • Franck Greverie will become Chief Technology Officer

    Paris, October 23, 2024 – Capgemini today announced some key leadership appointments. Anirban Bose succeeds Jim Bailey as CEO of the Americas Strategic Business Unit, effective November 1. Consecutively, Kartik Ramakrishnan is appointed CEO of the Financial Services Strategic Business Unit. Jerome Simeon will become Chief Revenue Officer and Franck Greverie Chief Technology Officer, both from January 1, 2025. Following an outstanding 34-year long career at Capgemini, Olivier Sevillia, Chief Operating Officer, has decided to pursue new endeavors as an individual, and will leave the Group at the end of 2024. With his deep global experience and passion for digital transformation, Olivier will focus on promoting the techno-business ecosystem of European companies to help improve their competitiveness. The whole Capgemini team is looking forward to supporting Olivier in his next chapter.

    “These appointments strengthen the Group’s growth ambition and reinforce Capgemini’s role as the go to business and technology partner for our clients. Anirban Bose has been at the helm of our Financial Services division for the last six years and instrumental in building and shaping this business across the globe. Anirban is well positioned to accelerate our trajectory in the Americas, building on our progress in the region over the past 4 years under the leadership of Jim Bailey. I would like to thank Jim for his many contributions to Capgemini. Kartik Ramakrishnan, who has been running the Banking sector for the past six years, is Anirban’s natural successor, to ensure the global business will continue to go from strength to strength,” comments Aiman Ezzat, CEO of the Capgemini Group. “To bolster our laser focus on growth, Jerome Simeon will take on a new position of Chief Revenue Officer for the Group in the new year. His role will encompass our activities across sales, key clients and industries to bring even greater value to our clients as we accompany them on their business-critical transformations. Franck Greverie will add Chief Technology Officer to his scope of responsibility, also from January 1. His deep tech expertise and forward-thinking approach will accelerate our efforts to build innovative value creating solutions for our clients. I wish Anirban, Kartik, Jerome and Franck every success in their new roles.”

    Aiman Ezzat continues, “After an outstanding 34-year long career at Capgemini and an impressive track record in leading and operating strategic businesses across the Group, Olivier Sevillia will step down as Group COO at the end of 2024. We are all looking forward to supporting Olivier in his new endeavors as an individual, focused on applying his extensive experience in digital transformation to promote a rich techno-business ecosystem to help improve the competitiveness of European businesses. The board of directors joins me in thanking him and paying tribute to his commitment and service.”

    Biography: Anirban Bose

    Anirban was Head of Capgemini’s Financial Services Strategic Business Unit and a member of the Group Executive Board from 2018. He was also responsible for overseeing the Asia Pacific Strategic Business Unit.

    Prior to this, Anirban was the Head of Capgemini’s Banking and Capital Markets Business Unit.

    Between 2007 and 2015 Anirban led Capgemini’s Banking Business Unit. From 2004 to 2007, Anirban served as executive vice president at Kanbay before its 2007 acquisition by Capgemini.

    Anirban resides in New York. He graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology of Varasani with a Bachelor of Technology. He holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago.

    Biography: Kartik Ramakrishnan

    Kartik was the Deputy CEO of Capgemini’s Financial Services Strategic Business Unit and also led Capgemini’s Banking and Capitals Markets business. Kartik has been a member of the Group Executive Committee since 2023.

    Prior to this, Kartik was responsible for managing sales teams across banking and capital markets.

    Kartik has spent over 25 years consulting in the banking and payments industry. Over his career, he has been involved in launching new products and developing innovative, cost-effective solutions for financial services firms across the globe in countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Singapore, United Kingdom and United States of America.

    Kartik has a bachelor’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology and a master’s degree from the Booth School of Business at University of Chicago.

    Biography: Jerome Simeon

    Jerome became the Head of Global Industries in 2023. He has been a Member of the Group Executive Board since 2021.

    Prior to this, he was the CEO of the Southern Europe Strategic Business Unit. From 2018 to 2020, Jerome was Managing Director of Capgemini in France, when he also joined the Group Executive Committee.

    From 2014, he was CEO, Application Services France after serving as Commercial Director (from 2012 to 2014).

    Prior to this, from 2007 to 2010, he held commercial positions in Capgemini’s Telecom & Media business after managing the development and sales for the Property & Services Europe sector of BT Global Services for two years.

    Jerome joined Capgemini in 1998, after eight years with the group Générale des Eaux/Vivendi. Jerome graduated from Toulouse Business School.

    Biography: Franck Greverie

    Franck Greverie has been the Chief Portfolio Officer at Capgemini since 2018.

    Franck has been on the Group Executive Board since 2020, when he took on additional responsibilities overseeing Cloud Infrastructure Services (cloud & cybersecurity), Business Services and Insights & Data (Data & AI) Global Business Lines.

    Prior to this, from 2016, Franck led the Cloud & Cybersecurity activities of Capgemini. He joined Capgemini in 2015 as Head of the Cybersecurity Global Service Line.

    Between 2012 and 2015, Franck was an Executive VP at Bull, where he was in charge of the Security Division, and also led the Middle East, Africa and Asia activities.

    Prior to that, Franck was the Managing Director of the Information Systems Security and Cybersecurity activities for Thales Group (France, UK, Germany, Norway, USA, Asia) since 2018. His career with Thales began in 2004, as Head of Strategy, Business Development and Marketing for the Security activity.

    Franck is a graduate of ESME, engineering school, and of the Executive MBA of ESSEC Business School.

    Note to Editors
    High-resolution photography of Anirban Bose, Kartik Ramakrishnan, Jerome Simeon and Franck Greverie is available on request.

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organisations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fuelled by its market-leading capabilities in AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2023 global revenues of €22.5 billion.
    Get the future you want | http://www.capgemini.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ17: Kai Tak Sports Park

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Benson Luk and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, in the Legislative Council today (October 23): Question:      The Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) will be officially open early next year, and the government departments concerned have currently commenced the preparatory work for the commissioning of the KTSP. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) whether the authorities have finalised the leasing arrangements and charge levels for the KTSP’s Main Stadium, Indoor Sports Centre, Public Sports Ground and the rest of precinct for reference by members of the industry and the public; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; (2) given that Kai Tak Sports Park Limited (KTSPL) has undertaken to implement a Sports Events Support Scheme, which aims to waive venue hiring charges for sports events held in the KTSP or make direct financial contribution to sports events, whether the authorities have grasped the implementation of the Scheme at this stage; if so, of the details, including the number of local and overseas events involved; if not, the reasons for that; (3) as it has been learnt that at present catering and a variety of entertainment facilities are provided in the vicinity of venues where mega events are held (such as the Hong Kong Stadium), enabling spectators to get warmed up for the mega events and the vibrant atmosphere to continue before and after the matches, whether the authorities have formulated any short-term and long-term plans to increase the provision of similar facilities in the vicinity of the KTSP; if so, of the details (including the specific development plans); if not, the reasons for that; (4) whether the authorities will draw up guidelines to require KTSPL to make public announcements about an event certain days before the date of the event, so as to facilitate the stakeholders concerned to take forward as early as possible the related publicity work to attract inbound tour groups and visitors coming to Hong Kong under the Individual Visit Scheme; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and (5) whether the authorities have any idea of formulating an integrated development plan for the KTSP and the adjacent Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, so as to shape them into a core tourist landmark of Kai Tak and Kowloon City, thereby enhancing their synergy as a tourist attraction; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that? Reply:President,      Being the largest sports infrastructure project in Hong Kong’s history, the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) is crucial to the Government’s implementation of sports policies of promoting sports in the community, supporting elite sports, developing Hong Kong into a centre for major international sports events, enhancing professionalism and developing sports as an industry. The KTSP will provide modern and multi-purpose sports and recreation facilities upon completion, including a 50 000-seat Main Stadium, a 10 000-seat Indoor Sports Centre, a 5 000-seat Public Sports Ground and about 14-hectare landscaped open space and other ancillary facilities.            Currently, the construction works of the KTSP has entered into the final phase and the KTSP will be open in the first quarter of 2025. The Government has established the inter-departmental Task Force on KTSP, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, to oversee the smooth completion and commissioning of the KTSP and its publicity work, fostering the synergistic development of major sports events, innovative entertainment, dining, conventions and exhibitions, as well as tourism activities. The Task Force will also formulate thorough plans and conduct comprehensive drills on security deployment, crowd management, emergency response, and other areas. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB), Kai Tak Sports Park Limited (KTSPL) together with relevant bureaux/departments are planning various drills and test events to be conducted from October this year to February next year, with a view to fine-tuning and enhancing the operation model as well as various arrangements such as crowd dispersal and transportation when staging large-scale events. We will also adjust strategies as necessary to fully prepare for the commissioning of the KTSP.      My consolidated reply to the questions raised by the Hon Benson Luk is as follows:     (1) According to the contract between the Government and the operator, the hiring charges in respect of sports events and community casual hire of the KTSP (including the Main Stadium, Indoor Sports Centre and Public Sports Ground) shall be comparable to those of similar facilities provided by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, educational institutions and other non-profit making organisations. The operator has to obtain approval from the CSTB for the hiring charges, so as to ensure that the sports sector and citizens can enjoy the facilities of the KTSP to promote sports development.      KTSPL has already provided organisers, who express interest in hiring facilities in the KTSP for staging large-scale events, with the relevant information with respect of their hiring proposals. As for the hiring charges for the general public in using individual facilities in Indoor Sports Centre and Public Sports Ground, the KTSPL will make the announcement later.(2) KTSPL undertakes to implement a Sports Events Support Scheme (the Scheme) to support sports events. Its financial commitment under the SESS is $1.583 billion in total, which is to be disbursed over a period of around 20 years. Commitment under the Scheme will be met either by waiving venue hiring charges for sports events held in the KTSP or by making direct financial contribution to any sports events. The above arrangements will encourage the operator to proactively promote the KTSP as “the destination” for local and international large-scale sports events. It is expected that the Scheme will be implemented next year. KTSPL is refining the details of the Scheme and will announce the application arrangement later.      The implementation of the Scheme will be monitored by the CSTB. If KTSPL does not fully utilise the estimated expenditure under the Scheme in a particular year, an amount equivalent to the outstanding commitment shall be paid to an entity (e.g. “national sports associations”) nominated by the CSTB for supporting sports.(3) The KTSP will provide a one-stop sports, leisure, catering and shopping experience for citizens and tourists. With respect of the catering services, the 57 executive suites in the Main Stadium are supported by catering service providers offering various kinds of upscale dining options. There are also some 30 bars and catering outlets in the Main Stadium which should be able to meet the catering needs as compared to other facilities of similar scale in the world. In addition, the KTSP will, with reference to the scale and needs of different events and matches as well as at the requests of organisers, arrange 10 to 20 mobile catering booths during the staging of large-scale events. The number of catering booths will be flexibly increased based on actual situation. Besides, there are over 700 thousand feet of retail, catering as well as leisure and entertainment facilities in the KTSP. Catering facilities include some 70 outlets of international cuisines and nine diversified concept restaurants at the Dining Cove where citizens and tourists can choose to dine in the indoor or outdoor areas and enjoy the breath-taking views of the Victoria Harbour. As regards leisure and entertainment facilities, the KTSP will provide facilities including a health and wellness centre, a bowling centre, an outdoor rock climbing area, beach volleyball courts, tennis courts, a covered 5-a-side football pitch and multi-purpose activity space for the public to enjoy.      The neighbouring districts of Kowloon City and To Kwa Wan which are in close proximity of the KTSP also provide an array of dining options. Citizens and tourists who visit the KTSP for matches or large-scale events can walk to the two districts for a taste of our local culinary delights, similar to walking from the Hong Kong Stadium to Causeway Bay or Tin Hau. The Government will continue to work closely with KTSPL to further enhance visitors’ experience as well as liaise with relevant departments and the Hong Kong Tourism Board to promote the leisure and catering options in the vicinity of the KTSP so as to create a synergy effect for bringing about local economic development.(4) KTSPL has been actively making contact and having commercial negotiations with local and international sports and non-sports events’ promotion bodies, organisations and agencies. Generally speaking, the promotion strategy of events is led by organisers whereas KTSPL, being the venue provider, has to act in concert with the plans of the event organisers. KTSPL cannot disclose details of the events before the organisers do so. Nevertheless, KTSPL will maintain close communication with event organisers and coordinate with their overall publicity plan and share more details of their events with the public in due course.(5) The KTSP and the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal (KTCT) are both located within the Kai Tak Development Area. The KTSP, upon completion, will provide retail and catering facilities as well as host different types of large-scale sports, culture or entertainment events, thereby providing cruise passengers with more options for onshore activities. The hotels in the vicinity of the KTSP will also offer an additional choice of accommodation for travellers.     On the other hand, the KTSP will drive the flow of people in the district and attract tourists to spend in Hong Kong during various large-scale sports, culture or entertainment events, promoting the economic transformation and development of Kowloon East. The Government will continue to enhance the KTCT’s function as a venue for conventions, exhibitions and other events. In preparing the work plans for the KTSP and KTCT, the CSTB will consider how the two major infrastructures could complement each other, with a view to creating synergies by fully leveraging the respective facilities.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Design Act reforms expected to deliver greater protections

    Source: Allens Insights

    What to expect from IP Australia’s consultation 2 min read

    IP Australia has published the outcomes of its 2023 consultation, which sought stakeholder feedback on a series of significant proposed changes to the Designs Act 2003 (Cth). These included provisions for virtual, partial and incremental designs, which it plans to pursue. We explain the key feedback and what comes next.

    Overview

    IP Australia intends to proceed with the proposals to:

    • protect virtual designs, including user interfaces and product elements only visible when a product is in use;
    • protect partial designs for parts of whole products made in one piece; and
    • allow post-registration linking, to enable designers to have more certainty when protecting changes in their designs.

    We expect the proposed legislative changes to be before Federal Parliament in late 2025.

    Virtual designs

    For virtual designs, feedback focused on the introduction of a definition of virtual designs and products. As explained in our previous Insight, the initially proposed definition of a ‘virtual product’ required further refinement, and it is a welcome development that IP Australia has highlighted this feedback.   

    It was also suggested that video or animation files be allowed to supplement applications for virtual designs, and that applications could be made for a design applied to both a virtual and physical product at the same time. Consideration will also be given to enforcement against the seller of a virtual product, and not necessarily the customer or end user.

    Partial designs

    For partial designs, feedback focused on the introduction of mechanisms to protect those that would allow separate parts of a product to be registered as a single design, together with the requirement to identify a physical product to which the part relates. Fortunately, the ‘similar products’ test will not be pursued, as its justifications were unpersuasive, and likely to cause unnecessary confusion, uncertainty and expense.

    Post-registration linking (incremental designs)

    While support for incremental designs was varied, post-registration linking received favourable feedback. The primary focus was on introducing the ability to link an initial registered design to related subsequent designs, to ensure publication and use of the initial design does not affect the validity of the subsequent design.

    A proposal for ‘preliminary designs’ will not be pursued at this time.

    What’s next?

    IP Australia has reported the favourable feedback to the Government, which is now considering legislation aimed at including virtual designs, partial designs and post-registration linking. Further updates regarding draft legislation are expected in late 2025.

    These proposals, if accepted, will provide more options for clients seeking to protect their designs in Australia.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s points system for jobseekers is failing 4 in 10, putting their payments at risk

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simone Casey, Research Associate, Centre for People, Organisation and Work, RMIT University

    Studio63/Shutterstock

    For jobseekers these days, staying on benefits is about accumulating points.

    It used to be cruder. Until 2022, unemployed Australians who wanted to stay on benefits had to apply for up to 20 jobs per month, a requirement a parliamentary inquiry found

    burdens employers, who are receiving masses of poor quality applications often from people who are not suited for the position.

    Since July 2022, jobseekers have instead been required to collect points.

    Creating or updating a profile earns five points, applying for a job earns five points, attending a job interview earns 25 points, attending a jobs expo earns 25 points, starting a job earns 50 points, and so on.

    For most jobseekers the target is 100 points per month. The target can be eased by 20 points for jobseekers who live in locations that have fewer opportunities to work and by 40 points for jobseekers who are carers, have a reduced capacity to work or who are over 55.

    Jobseekers who fail to report enough points or who fail to include four job applications per month in total face automatic suspension of benefits.

    Workforce Australia.

    41% of jobseekers are being failed

    New data released by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations show 41.1% of participants are being tripped up by the system.

    In the quarter between April 1 and June 30, 410,485 of the 999,470 jobseekers enrolled in the scheme failed to meet its requirements. And 212,915 of them reported no points whatsoever.

    It’s an improvement on the previous year. For April to June 2023, 45.3% of participants failed to get enough points.

    First Nations people, refugees, people with disabilities and young people are over-represented among those who fail to get enough points.

    My calculations using the department’s data show 58% of Indigenous participants in the program, 49% of participants without a Year 12 education and 47% of participants on youth allowance are failing to meet the requirements.

    Around two-thirds of breaches lead to suspensions. Between July 2022 and September 2023 1,838,410 payments were suspended.

    My research just published in the Australian Journal of Social Issues finds that a shift away from face-to-face help to online interactions is partly responsible.

    When jobseekers find it difficult to talk to humans about why they are unable to accumulate points their payments are more likely to be suspended.

    Jobseekers’ fault or the system’s fault?

    The Department of Employment has been working hard to increase understanding of the points system. Among other things, it has produced a series of fact sheets aimed at First Nations Australians.

    But an independent evaluation of the system prepared for the department in June found two-thirds of the participants in it had little or no knowledge about how it worked.

    This suggests the 41% failure rate might be an indictment of the system as much as the jobseekers who use it.

    It might even be an indictment of the idea of points to quantify compliance with mutual obligations.

    In November last year, a Senate select committee recommended rebuilding what it called a Commonwealth Employment Services System from the ground up.

    While the committee supported the use of points, it wanted the default requirement halved to 50 points, with human case managers given discretion to vary the target up or down based on their professional judgments.

    Simone Casey is employed as a policy advisor at Economic Justice Australia, the peak organisation for community legal centres providing specialist advice to people on their social security issues and rights. The research and analysis for this article was completed in her academic capacity as recently published in the Australian Journal of Social Issues.

    – ref. Australia’s points system for jobseekers is failing 4 in 10, putting their payments at risk – https://theconversation.com/australias-points-system-for-jobseekers-is-failing-4-in-10-putting-their-payments-at-risk-240317

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ10: Application of drones

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Ir Dr Hon Lo Wai-kwok and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, in the Legislative Council today (October 23):
     
    Question:
     
         There are views pointing out that with the development of low-altitude economy, the scope of drone application will continuously expand for purposes such as carrying sightseeing passengers or delivering meals and other goods. In addition, the arrangement of large-scale drone shows over the Victoria Harbour on festive days is also a selling point to attract visitors to Hong Kong. However, it has been reported that three recent drone shows in Hong Kong were cancelled at short notice (including the drone shows at the Wan Chai waterfront on September 21, the West Kowloon Cultural District on ‍September 30 and the Victoria Harbour on October 1), leaving members of the public and visitors who waited for a long time disappointed. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether the authorities had, before the aforesaid drone shows, assessed in detail with the organisers the various factors that might affect the drone shows as well as the different scenarios that might arise, drawn up fallback plans, and stepped up the coordination and support among different government departments; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) whether the authorities had, before the aforesaid drone shows, put forward specific testing requirements to the outsourced contractors and formulated a mechanism for coordination and notification in the event of incidents, and taken timely follow-up actions after the short-‍notice cancellation of the shows; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (3) whether the authorities will formulate more forward-looking policy measures and allocate more resources to strengthen the research and development, application and regulation of drone technology; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         In respect of the question raised by Ir Dr Hon Lo Wai-kwok, in consultation with the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) and the Hong Kong Observatory, the consolidated reply is as follows:
          
         For parts (1) and (2) of the question, as a drone show generally involves operation of a large number of drones in a confined airspace, the operation of drones heavily relies on the high-precision reception of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals.
          
         From the perspectives of aviation and public safety, drone shows which involve operations exceeding the standing operating requirements of small unmanned aircraft are considered as advanced operations and require prior permission from the Civil Aviation Department. Advanced operation permit holders are required to conduct risk assessment in accordance with the established procedures prior to the drone shows in order to identify all potential risks, including the stability of the drones’ satellite positioning signals, so as to ensure the safe conduct of the drone shows.
          
         While drone shows can be organised by private organisations, for a drone show organised by the Government, the OFCA will generally conduct radio monitoring at the event venue. The OFCA will detect any source of harmful interference to the radio frequencies to be used by the drone system. It is understood that the atmospheric conditions (including ionospheric scintillation) may significantly affect the quality of GNSS signals. However, because of the rapid changes in ionospheric disturbance caused by solar activities, the precise influence of ionospheric scintillation in terms of timing, location and extent, etc. could not be accurately predicted in advance.
          
         In preparation of the “Celebration of National Day – The Next Generation Chorus Performance” and “2024 National Day Fireworks Display” held on September 30 and October 1, 2024 respectively, the Government had held a number of inter-departmental meetings and drawn up contingency plans with the drone show operators. The operators of the two aforementioned drone performances also conducted multiple tests and rehearsals before the events (including on the day of the performance). Nevertheless, there was a sudden occurrence of ionospheric scintillation over Victoria Harbour during the events resulted in the drones being unable to receive good satellite positioning signals. After confirming that the ionospheric scintillation would prevent the drone shows from proceeding, we promptly made on-site announcements. For the drone show held on September 21, 2024, it was organised by a non-governmental organisation.
          
         Taking into account the experience of cancellation of the drone shows on September 30 and October 1, 2024, the Government will take into account the following factors and prepare suitable contingency plans when organising drone shows in future –
     
    (a) the weather conditions (rain, wind speed, typhoon, etc.), as well as ionospheric disturbance which may seriously affect the reception of GNSS signals by the drone system concerned;
     
    (b) the nature of performance, audience and performers;
     
    (c) the programme rundown, such as whether there are performances which are linked to the drone show, whether the drone show is a standalone show, etc.; and
     
    (d) whether there is flexibility to adjust the timing and scale of the drone show during the programme in case of weather or ionospheric disturbance to the drone show.
     
         For part (3) of the question, in the light of technological advancement, improvements in the technology and design of drones will help enhance their stability and accuracy, thereby exploring more application scenarios for drones. In the 2024 Policy Address, the Government announced a series of initiatives to promote the development of low-altitude economy (LAE) in Hong Kong, including the establishment of the Working Group on Developing LAE which is led by the Deputy Financial Secretary to formulate development strategies and inter-departmental action plans, as well as plan for low-altitude infrastructure. At the same time, the Government will press ahead with pilot projects to explore the applications of drones at designated locations, and will amend relevant legislation to put in place a regulatory framework for different types of drones. The Government will commence the relevant work as soon as possible to proactively promote LAE as one of the new growth engines.
          
         The Government also has all along been supporting research and development (R&D) in different technology areas through the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF). Under the various ITF funding schemes, the Government supports local universities, R&D centres and enterprises to conduct R&D projects, including those low-attitude economy-related fields such as electronic, data transmission and processing, etc.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ6: Quarantine period for pet cats/dogs entering Hong Kong from Mainland

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by Dr the Hon Johnny Ng and a reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (October 23):

    Question:

         It is learnt that in recent years, more members of the public exit or enter the territory carrying pet cats/dogs. On the other hand, for the sake of preventing the spread of rabies into Hong Kong, pet cats/dogs carried by members of the public back to Hong Kong from Group III places (including the Mainland) as specified by the Government are required to comply with the quarantine procedures prescribed by law, including a quarantine period of at least 120 days. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the number of cases applying for quarantine of pet cats/dogs entering the territory that were received by the Government in each month of the past three years; among these cases, the respective numbers of cats and dogs which had fallen sick and died during the quarantine period and the reasons for that;

    (2) whether it will increase the number of quarantine institutions and quarantine centres as well as the number of animals that can be quarantined, so as to meet the immigration needs of pet cats/dogs; if so, of the plans and timetable; if not, the reasons for that; and

    (3) as information shows that some advanced regions in Asia adopt more lenient quarantine requirements on pets entering the territory than Hong Kong, such as the seven-day and 30-day quarantine periods adopted respectively by Taiwan and Singapore, whether the Government will make reference to the practice of those regions and shorten the present quarantine period for pet cats/dogs brought into the territory from Group III places; if so, of the specific arrangements and the earliest possible date of implementation; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:

    President,

         Rabies is a contagious disease that can cause fatality to mammals (including humans). No specific treatment is available at present and rabies is almost always fatal once clinical signs appear, and nearly 60 000 people die of rabies globally every year. To safeguard public health, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) currently regulates the import of live animals through a permit system, and controls the import of cats and dogs under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations (Cap. 139A) and the Rabies Regulation (Cap. 421A), aiming to prevent the transmission of animal diseases including rabies into Hong Kong. Under effective control measures, Hong Kong has long been widely recognised as a rabies-free place; therefore, animals of Hong Kong residents generally face less stringent quarantine requirements when entering other places, for example places with strictest quarantine requirements like Australia and New Zealand permit the entry of cats and dogs from Hong Kong.

         For importation of cats and dogs, the AFCD classifies places into three groups according to different risk of rabies, with reference to information about the surveillance of animal diseases from the World Organisation for Animal Health. Group I includes rabies-free places (i.e. where rabies has been absent for a long time); Group II includes places where rabies cases are few and under effective control; and Group III includes places where rabies cases are reported and not under effective control. In general, places that do not meet the requirements of Group I or II (or their situations cannot be determined) will be included in Group III.

         Since Groups I and II places are considered of lower risk of rabies, cats and dogs imported from these places are exempted from quarantine upon fulfilling relevant requirements (such as providing Animal Health Certificate, Residence Certificate, Anti-rabies Vaccination Certificate, etc.). For Group III places, the risk of rabies is higher or uncertain. Since the incubation period of rabies can be up to several months, to prevent the transmission of rabies into Hong Kong, the AFCD requires a quarantine period of no less than 120 days for the cats and dogs imported from Group III places.

         On the questions raised by Dr the Hon Johnny Ng, I would like to reply to the question as follows:

    (1) The AFCD will immediately arrange to send cats and dogs imported from Group III places upon arrival in Hong Kong to its Animal Management Centre for quarantine. If an animal falls ill during quarantine, the AFCD will inform the animal owner to take the animal to a vet clinic under the escort of the AFCD, or arrange a vet to the quarantine centre for treatment. If an animal shows an urgent health problem and the AFCD is unable to contact the animal owner, the AFCD will arrange for the pet to be examined by a vet as soon as possible. Over the past three years, a total of three animals (including two cats and one dog) passed away during quarantine, due to their own severe health issues such as kidney failure. In the past three years, the number of applications received by the AFCD for reserving a quarantine space for importing cats and dogs, the number of cats and dogs which received veterinary treatment during the quarantine period, and the number of cats and dogs deceased during the quarantine period are at the Annex.

    (2) and (3) The AFCD is actively adopting a two-pronged approach to facilitate animal owners from Group III places in bringing their pet cats and dogs to Hong Kong. On the one hand, the AFCD is increasing the number of quarantine facilities; on the other hand, the AFCD is exploring ways to refine the quarantine requirements for cats and dogs.

         Regarding quarantine facilities, two Animal Management Centres (i.e. Kowloon Animal Management Centre and Hong Kong Animal Management Centre) operated by the AFCD provide quarantine services for cats and dogs imported from Group III places. The two centres provide a total of 20 spaces for cats and dogs respectively. The Kowloon Animal Management Centre is currently undergoing works by the AFCD to increase the number of quarantine facilities, with the works expected to be completed in the first half of next year. Upon completion, the total number of quarantine facilities for cats and dogs in the two centres will increase to 34 and 30 respectively. To further increase the number of facilities, the AFCD is actively exploring the feasibility of operating and providing some of the cats and dogs quarantine facility by the private sector. Organisations are required to obtain a licence from the AFCD to operate a quarantine centre under the Rabies Regulation (Cap. 421A), and the relevant quarantine facility is a designated project under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499) which requires obtaining an environmental permit. The Government is now discussing with the private sector about the relevant arrangements and is providing assistance, and is striving to implement a pilot scheme in the first half of next year.

         For the refinement of quarantine requirements for cats and dogs from Group III places, different places conduct their own risk assessments and establish import requirements based on their acceptable level of risk. The risk of rabies transmission is influenced by various factors, including the number of imported cats and dogs, whether the importing places can take effective control measures to prevent the introduction of rabies, the rabies immunisation status of the importing places, the rabies situation of neighbouring places, etc. As biotechnology has developed in recent years, the AFCD has earlier conducted a risk assessment, and considered that the quarantine period for cats and dogs imported from some Group III places (including the Mainland and Macao) could be shortened by measures such as rabies vaccination and rabies antibody titer testing. The AFCD is discussing the proposed arrangements with the places concerned to finalise the implementation details. The AFCD will announce the details of the arrangements once the discussion is completed. With the gradual implementation of the revised measures, the waiting time of quarantine facilities would decrease, thereby further facilitating animal owners from Group III places in bringing their pet cats and dogs to Hong Kong.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Despite overwhelming hype, Jabra research finds only 26% of office workers use AI in daily work

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Workplaces believe in the power of AI, with 84% of leaders saying AI can enhance work, but 82% are unprepared for integration of the tech into the workplace
    • 90% of knowledge workers wouldn’t trust AI for tasks that require human judgement or creativity
    • Workers are equally not using AI in their personal lives, with only 26% reporting regular use

    LOWELL, Mass., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jabra, a global leader in enterprise audio and video solutions, released a new report, Great ExpectAItions – Work in the Age of AI, which reveals that while many business decision-makers (84%) express high levels of trust in AI, very few office workers (26%) are using it in their daily roles due to a variety of perceived challenges. This disconnect suggests that even though leadership is optimistic about AI’s potential, they may yet lack the necessary vision or skills to effectively implement it across the workforce.

    The study, conducted among 1,800 AI decision makers surveyed across 6 countries and 4,200 employees from 14 countries, highlights that despite strong enthusiasm for AI, there is a clear disconnect between trust in the technology and its actual use in the workplace. While 85% of decision-makers express high interest in AI, the vast majority (82%) acknowledge they need to better understand how AI can improve workplace efficiency.

    Additionally, although 54% of employees believe AI can improve their work and 54% feel confident in their ability to collaborate successfully with AI, there’s still a significant gap in actual adoption in regular use at work. Jabra’s data found this appears due to several perceived challenges and demographic considerations:

    • 90% of employees wouldn’t trust AI for tasks that require creativity and innovation. This reluctance isn’t just about trust, it’s also about the satisfaction that comes from being personally involved in these more meaningful tasks.
    • There’s a clear generational divide in AI adoption, with 47% of Millennials and 37% of Gen Z indicating they feel positive about AI versus only 15% of Boomers. Adoption wise, 28% of Millennials and Gen Z use AI day to day at work, versus just 15% of Boomers.
    • AI decision-makers are relatively young – 58% are between the ages of 18 and 39 – and 71% are not from the IT department.

    Paul Sephton, Head of Brand Communications at Jabra, said: “We see many organizations eager to jump on the AI wave, but some are still dancing in the dark when it comes to effective implementation and meaningful use. As tools rapidly shift toward voice-driven input rather than text alone, it’s crucial for organizations to recognize how this evolution will change our interactions with AI and enhance productivity.”

    “To avoid what we call ‘AI-washing’ – simply jumping on the AI bandwagon – organizations must carefully evaluate the productivity gains that AI can offer and actively involve their employees in this journey. At Jabra, we believe in harnessing the power of AI not just to enhance productivity, but to foster a more connected and capable workforce, driving innovation and collaboration at every level.”

    Read more and download full report here:

    https://www.jabra.com/thought-leadership/ai-at-work

    Note to Editors
    The Great ExpectAItions – Work in the Age of AI Report leveraged two quantitative surveys conducted in August 2024. The first surveyed 1800 AI decision-makers from six countries (300 per country) – USA, UK, France, Germany, Japan and India. The second surveyed 4200 knowledge workers from 14 countries (300 per country) – USA, UK, France, Germany, Poland, UAE, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Japan, India, Singapore, Australia and Hong Kong.

    PR contact
    Hayley Minardi
    Manager, PR & Communications, Jabra
    hminardi@jabra.com

    About Jabra

    Jabra is a world leading brand in audio, video and collaboration solutions – engineered to empower consumers and businesses. Proudly part of GN Group, we are committed to bringing people closer to one another and to what is important to them. Jabra engineering excellence leads the way, building on over 150 years of pioneering work within GN. This allows us to create integrated tools for contact centers, offices, and collaboration to help professionals work more productively from anywhere; and true wireless headphones and earbuds that let consumers better enjoy calls, music, and media. http://www.jabra.com

    Founded in 1869, GN Group employs more than 7,000 people and is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (GN.CO). GN’s solutions are sold in 100 countries across the world. Visit our homepage GN.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

    © 2024 GN Audio A/S. All rights reserved. Jabra® is a registered trademark of GN Audio A/S. All other trademarks included herein are the property of their respective owners (design and specifications are subject to change without notice).

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/70547059-e2bb-4ea5-866f-e1e9f844fb5b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: WHO – Ten additional countries in the Western Pacific Regionpledge to invest in WHO

    Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

    MANILA, 23 October 2024 – In a historic show of support, 10 more countries in the Western Pacific Region pledged to provide an additional US$ 12.1 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) through its first-ever Investment Round. This comes in addition to US$ 18 million announced by Singapore in May. The WHO Investment Round aims to secure predictable, flexible, and resilient resources for WHO’s core work over the next four years.

    The seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific began on Monday with Member States formally endorsing the new regional vision Weaving Health for Families, Communities and Societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025-2029): Working together to improve health, well-being and save lives.

    The financial commitments were made during a Special Event on the Investment Round at the Regional Committee today. Governments and partners from across Asia and the Pacific in attendance emphasized the importance of ensuring WHO has robust financing to implement its global strategy for the 2025-2028 period, the 14th General Programme of Work, which was approved by Member States at the World Health Assembly in May 2024.

    The Government of the Philippines co-hosted the Special Event and made a historic pledge of US$ 10 million to the WHO Investment Round. During his remarks, Secretary of Health Dr Teodoro J. Herbosa of the Philippines said “A robust, reliable, and sustainably funded WHO is crucial for the Western Pacific Region and the world to address inequities and inequalities in health which were amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we have taken a significant first step towards a future where health and well-being are accessible to everyone.”

    Malaysia also demonstrated its support of WHO’s work through a US$ 2 million pledge towards the Investment Round.

    In a powerful symbol of Pacific leaders’ commitment to health and WHO’s pivotal role in supporting them, eight Pacific Island countries pledged to double their funding contributions to WHO for 2025.  First-ever voluntary contributions to WHO were announced today by Papua New Guinea, and Cook Islands, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

    Speaking to the Regional Committee through a live video connection on Tuesday morning, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that to support the implementation of the Organization’s new global strategy, “we have launched the first WHO Investment Round, which aims to mobilize the sustainable and predictable resources we need to do our work. Thank you all for your commitment to promoting, providing and protecting health, for all people of the Western Pacific.”

    During the Investment Round Special Event, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, thanked Member States and partners for their pledges, which will enable the Organization to support countries more effectively.

    “The commitments made today are truly historic,” Dr Piukala said. “They include a doubling of financial contributions from several of our small island developing states, and significant sums from the Philippines and Malaysia.

    “It’s a sign of governments’ confidence in WHO as their partner in health, and a recognition of the need for sustainable financing in order to deliver on the vision of weaving health for families, communities and societies in the Western Pacific,” he said.

    Prior to the meeting, WHO launched the document All for Health, Health for All: WHO Investment Case 2025-28 Western Pacific to capture the impact of a fully-funded Western Pacific Region over the next four years.

    Partners joined Members States in statements of support for WHO. Organizations including the Asian Development Bank, the Institute of Philanthropy and Temasek Trust committed to working closely with WHO during the next four years. Earlier this month, the Institute of Philanthropy made a US$10 million pledge to the Investment Round during the World Health Summit in Berlin, following a $1.2 million pledge in May at the World Health Assembly. The Temasek Foundation also pledged $10 million on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September.

    “We are off to a great start for the Investment Round in the Western Pacific based on today’s event,” said Dr Piukala. “Today we also heard that we should expect to see more countries and partners stepping up to provide additional resources in the coming weeks.”

    With a fully and sustainably funded operating budget for 2025–2028, WHO will be better able to tackle emergencies and outbreaks that jeopardize health security and threaten lives, reduce the burden of both infectious diseases and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and continue working to improve the health and well-being of everyone, especially the most vulnerable.

    Launched at the World Health Assembly in May 2024, the Investment Round aims to mobilize contributions that are flexible and thereby aligned with WHO’s strategy as approved by its Member States, predictably provided at the start of the four-year programme cycle to enable strategic decision-making, and resilient in that they will derive from a larger, more diverse set of donors.

    WHO’s Investment Round will culminate at the G20 leaders’ summit chaired by Brazilian President Lula da Silva next month.

    Notes:

    The seventy-fifth session of the Western Pacific Regional Committee began on 21 October and runs through 25 October at WHO’s Regional Office for the Western Pacific in Manila, Philippines. The agenda (https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/wpro—documents/regional-committee/session-75/wpr-rc75-01-provisional-agenda.pdf ) and timetable (https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/wpro—documents/regional-committee/session-75/tentative-timetable_rc75.pdf ) are available online. A livestream of proceedings, all other official documents, as well as fact sheets and videos on the issues to be addressed can be accessed here. https://www.who.int/westernpacific/about/governance/regional-committee/session-75

    Working with 194 Member States across six regions, WHO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for public health. Each WHO region has a regional committee – a governing body composed of ministers of health and senior officials from Member States. Each regional committee meets annually to agree on health actions and to chart priorities for WHO’s work.

    The WHO Western Pacific Region is home to more than 1.9 billion people across 37 countries and areas: American Samoa (United States of America), Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia (France), Guam (United States of America), Hong Kong SAR (China), Japan, Kiribati, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Macao SAR (China), Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, New Caledonia (France), New Zealand, Niue, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (United States of America), Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Pitcairn Islands (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), the Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Viet Nam, Wallis and Futuna (France).

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Local Government Association of Queensland Annual Conference

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    I’d like to thank LGAQ CEO, Alison Smith, for the warm invitation to this year’s annual conference.

    It’s really great to be here with you.

    It’s also nice to be in QLD without my kids! 

    Don’t get me wrong, I know how important family holidays are for your economies across Queensland.

    But it’s actually quite nice not to be running around in swimmers at a water park!

    Just don’t tell my kids I said this!

    I’d also like to give a huge shout out to Mayor Matt Burnett, and congratulate him on his appointment as the new Australian Local Government Association National President.

    He’s a strong, passionate voice for the sector and I look forward to working with him in this new capacity.

    Once a regional mayor myself, I’m can’t help but note that Matt and the two new Vice Presidents all hail from regional Australia!

    Like all of you in the room, I’m committed to strengthening the local government sector. 

    The Albanese Government takes this seriously, because when we work together, we get the best outcomes for our communities.

    You are a trusted deliver partner of the services every community across Queensland relies on.

    We value this, and we’re investing in it.

    We’ve brought you back to the national conversation, at both National Cabinet, and at our two successful Australian Council of Local Government forums. 

    We had over 770 people from the local government sector participate this year, many from the Sunshine State! 

    This open-door, collective dialogue is incredibly important, because there’s nothing worse than decisions being made for you – without you – from Canberra. 

    It’s how we can deliver funding where it’s needed, so that we can continue to get projects that matter to your communities off the ground. 

    It’s why your input into the federal inquiry into local government sustainability underway right now is incredibly important, because it will help us shape how we can deliver the support you need.

    This is one of the reasons we’ve significantly increased road funding to all local councils across Queensland – acting on feedback from you.

    Much like my home state of NSW, your roads have more people on them than ever before.

    Many of them are regional, and many of them have been totally washed away by extreme weather events.

    We are progressively doubling Roads to Recovery from $500 million to $1 billion nationally, which will have a huge impact on how you upgrade and maintain your local roads.

    Almost $900 million is flowing to local governments in Queensland over the next five years, a boost of over $353 million thanks to the Albanese Government. 

    A pipeline of new work will build on the thousands of projects being delivered under Roads to Recovery.

    Projects on the roads your communities drive every day – the ones they call or email you about to improve!

    This builds on funding under our Road Black Spot program – which is also increasing from $110 million to $150 million per year. 

    Under this program in this financial year, we’re already supporting 31 Black Spot sites across Queensland, with more than two thirds of this funding supporting projects in regional areas.

    Projects like upgrading Kajabbi Road in the Cloncurry Shire – fixing a problem which often saw this road closed during wet weather.

    But it’s not just roads that our local communities want to see delivered.

    We obviously need safe and reliable roads to get around, because we all have somewhere to go – from work, holidaying, to catching up with family and friends.

    That’s why we’re also investing in projects that bring our communities together.

    Projects that unlock new jobs and economic opportunities.

    We’ve introduced our Growing Regions and Thriving Suburbs programs.

    For the first time, a funding opportunity for everyone community – regardless of your postcode.

    Projects supported through these programs will be truly region-shaping.

    Out of the 40 successful projects under Round 1 of Growing Regions, nine are in Queensland.

    Among them is the Agnes Water Skate Park Revitalisation at Gladstone.

    This is something long called for by the community – and will really be a whole community facility, because skate parks really are for all ages.

    Trust me, there’s vision on my socials to prove that! 

    I don’t know how good I was, but there’s vision!

    In Mackay, the Regional Council will construct the Northern Beaches Community Hub.

    This will be a central gathering place for the community, and really change how they come together for major events and activities.

    Applications for Round 2 – now with a single stage process, which is updated after feedback from you – closed earlier this month.

    A further $393 million is available, and we look forward to seeing many more amazing projects under this round! 

    One of the big things councils across Queensland talk to me about is housing.

    It’s why we’re investing $32 billion in housing initiatives – the biggest investment in over a decade.

    This will see 1.2 million new homes built over the next five years, including many in our regions.

    But increasing housing supply requires collaboration and investment across all levels of government.

    It’s why we launched our $1.5 billion Housing Support Program, to get enabling infrastructure underway, and build more homes sooner. 

    And they say imitation is the best form of flattery, and I note the Opposition have copied this program, so good on them.

    $7 million is flowing to Queensland under Round 1 of our program to 16 projects, with 15 of these in regional locations.

    This is where we know more people are moving to, but where we need more housing to attract and retain the workers our community needs.

    Among the Queensland funding is support for precinct planning around the new Bundaberg Hospital development.

    Support for developing and delivering a Townsville Housing Strategy.

    Plus funding to the Torres Shire Council, to develop and deliver a Horn Island Housing Growth Master Plan.

    Getting more people under a safe and secure roof starts with strengthen your planning abilities.

    The second phase of this program is support for the enabling infrastructure we need to get underway. 

    Successful applications for those programs will be announced later this year. 

    I mentioned before roads getting washed away – and that’s just one of the things that happens when our communities are struck by disasters.

    All of us in the room can agree that when a disaster does hit us, response and recovery is led from the local level up.

    I had this experience myself as Mayor of Bega Valley Shire in NSW – where I had nine declared disasters.

    Black Summer bushfires, which were only put out from extreme floods!

    Ensuring communities are in the best possible position to recover, but that they’re also better prepared, is something very close to my heart.

    My community is still rebuilding, as are so many across Queensland.

    I’m really proud of our $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund.

    We not long had 165 successful projects under Round 2 this program announced nationally.

    This included over $55 million for 29 local projects across Queensland.

    Among them is funding for the Burke Shire towards establishing a multi-sensor warning system.

    Funding towards a back-up generator for the Badu Council Administration Centre in the Torres Straits.

    And funding for a 120-metre long stepped concrete seawall in Deception Bay, to replace a failed rock and shotcrete seawall.

    When we work together we get more done – and this is especially the case for Disaster response and recovery.

    A partnership approach has been our focus since we came to government.

    You’re central to turning federal funding into local results – and I want to thank you for this.

    I’d also like to thank LGAQ for your continued support of the sector, and for your advocacy.

    I know there will be many productive conversations today, so I’ll let you get to it. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: HazardCo takes its leading health and safety system to the UK

    Source: Press Release Service – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: HazardCo takes its leading health and safety system to the UK

    HazardCo is proud to announce its expansion into the UK market, marking a significant milestone in its journey as a New Zealand-born tech company. With its roots in New Zealand and a proven track record in Australia, HazardCo is ready to help UK builders feel confident in their compliance and focus on delivering high-quality projects.

    The post HazardCo takes its leading health and safety system to the UK first appeared on PR.co.nz.

    – –

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Rishworth speech at Inclusion Australia 70th Anniversary Dinner

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    E&OE

    Good evening everyone.

    It’s my pleasure to be joining you tonight as we celebrate 70 years of Inclusion Australia.

    I would like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we meet, the Wurundjeri people, and pay my respects to elders past and present.

    I would also like to acknowledge:

    • Felicity Crowther (Chair of the Inclusion Australia Board and Executive Director of the South Australian Council on Intellectual Disability (SACID)), and
    • Catherine McAlpine (CEO of Inclusion Australia)
    • Those here from other organisations who have contributed to the success of Inclusion Australia
    • Advocates in the room
    • And particularly people with intellectual disability and their families and carers

    Tonight is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a nation to create a more inclusive society for people with intellectual disability, and Inclusion Australia’s critical role in this-  but also to recognise how far we still have to go.  

    As an organisation whose focus is about increasing the voices of people with intellectual disability and supporting them to represent themselves – Inclusion Australia has, and continues, to play a critical role in this space.

    Tonight is a night of celebration!

    I would like to wish a very happy birthday to Inclusion Australia and congratulate you on 70 years of working alongside the disability community to amplify the voices of people with intellectual disability.

    What began in 1954 as a group of family and friends of people with disability has since grown to become the national peak body for intellectual disability, and one of Australia’s longest-standing disability advocacy organisations.

    What you have achieved over the past 7 decades has been nothing short of remarkable.

    And what’s more is that you’ve ensured people with intellectual disability have been at the centre of everything you do.

    From helping to steer the introduction of Australia’s first disability discrimination laws, to what you do now in advocating for inclusive education and employment and supported decision making, you’ve truly been pioneers and built strong relationships across communities and with Government to achieve change.

    Tonight, I want to talk about the importance of the advocacy work organisations like Inclusion Australia do for our community.

    Inclusion Australia has worked tirelessly to raise the profile of the issues that are important to people with intellectual disability – ensuring that your perspectives and ideas are incorporated into Government policy responses.

    Whether this is about making sure people with disability can make their own decisions with the right support, reducing the health inequalities experienced by people with intellectual disability, or making mainstream services and the broader community more inclusive and accessible – Inclusion Australia play a key role in educating the Government, organisations and businesses about the barriers people with intellectual disability can face.

    But importantly, Inclusion Australia provide ideas and solutions to break down these barriers, challenge stereotypes and build the confidence of organisations and services to be truly inclusive.

    And in undertaking your work, people with intellectual disability are at the centre of driving change – with people with intellectual disability leading Government and community engagement and education.

    We know how important advocacy is in promoting the rights and freedoms of people with disability.

    And that is why our Government has recognised Inclusion Australia as a standalone national peak organisation – and this does need to be recognised because you play a vital role to ensure people with intellectual disability have their needs met and can make choices about the way they want to live their lives.

    In the past, people with intellectual disability have experienced really significant exclusion and exploitation and haven’t been included in conversations about the things that impact them – and unfortunately these experiences are still too common. As Minister for Social Services, I am committed to working alongside Inclusion Australia and people with intellectual disability to change this.

    One of the ways our Government is supporting change is through increasing funding to Inclusion Australia as a Disability Representative Organisation.

    But we also know that there are other important ways we can empower people with intellectual disability to self-advocate and support social connections.

    I’ve heard many times how important peer support is for people with intellectual disability and that connecting with people like them to get advice and tips and ideas helps them to break down barriers that exist across society so they can live independently and fully participate in society.

    I often hear it’s about the “I get you” factor that really makes a difference.

    Everyone here knows how important lived experience is and that is why we are investing in peer support and self-advocacy activities for people with intellectual disability.

    These programs are an important way we help people with disability and their families to build knowledge, skills and confidence and connect with their local communities.

    Because we want to make Australia more inclusive and for each Australian with disability to be supported to reach their goals.

    We know that change can only happen when the voices, perspectives and ideas of the people with intellectual disability are a part of the conversation.

    And we will continue to listen to Inclusion Australia to understand how we can best work together to create a more inclusive society – because inclusion creates more opportunities and benefits everyone.

    One area that for too long people with intellectual disability haven’t been given equal opportunities is in employment. For too long supported employment has been seen as the only option available.

    And that is why creating more opportunities for people with disability in employment is a key area I have focused on since becoming Minister for Social Services.

    And I share this focus with Inclusion Australia – who have worked consistently and constructively across the sector and with government to improve employment outcomes for people with intellectual disability and provide more opportunities in open employment and career progression.

    As a Government we want to make sure people with disability, including those with intellectual disability understand the different employment options available to them and understand their rights at work.

    We are doing this by providing employment-related advocacy and information through a new Disability Employment Advocacy and Information Program.

    Advice about employment will be provided through group workshops and information sessions, and people will have access to individual advocacy for specific employment issues when it is needed.

    We also want to make sure there a lots of different employment pathways available for people with intellectual disability, with more opportunities to move into open employment and build careers.  Which is why we are investing in projects to evolve the supported employment sector.

    And to make sure people with intellectual disability have more opportunities to succeed in employment of their choice, we have expanded eligibility under our new specialist disability employment program that starts in July next year so that volunteers and people who can work less than 8 hours per week can participate.

    Because people deserve to be able to take advantage of a diverse range of opportunities and should not be excluded from our specialist disability employment program – because that is not inclusive and that’s why we are changing this.

    And this is a key change I know that Inclusion Australia has been advocating for, for many years – as one of the ways to create more pathways and opportunities for open employment.

    And I look forward to continuing to work with you as we reform the employment system for people with disability.

    In all of these areas we have been working with Inclusion Australia and their member organisation, who have played a big role in creating change for people with intellectual disability in all parts of Australia.

    I join with you in celebrating the work Inclusion Australia does to support people with intellectual disability to speak up and be heard.

    Thank you for this critical work you do to create a better future for people with intellectual disability.

    I look forward to the positive changes we will make together.

    And I hope you all enjoy the rest of the evening, especially on the dancefloor.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Home BancShares, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CONWAY, Ark., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Home BancShares, Inc. (NYSE: HOMB), parent company of Centennial Bank, today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a regular $0.195 per share quarterly cash dividend payable December 4, 2024, to shareholders of record November 13, 2024. This cash dividend represents a $0.015 per share, or 8.3%, increase over the $0.18 cash dividend paid during the fourth quarter of 2023 and is consistent with the dividend paid during the third quarter of 2024.

    Home BancShares, Inc. is a bank holding company, headquartered in Conway, Arkansas. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Centennial Bank, provides a broad range of commercial and retail banking plus related financial services to businesses, real estate developers, investors, individuals and municipalities. Centennial Bank has branch locations in Arkansas, Florida, Texas, South Alabama and New York City. The Company’s common stock is traded through the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HOMB.”

    FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Donna Townsell
    Senior Executive Vice President &
       Director of Investor Relations
    (501) 328-4625

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Politics with Michelle Grattan: Sally McManus on what unions want from Labor and Innes Willox on business wish list for Dutton

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Industrial relations will be hotly contested at next year’s election.

    Labor has introduced a raft of new worker protections and pushed for wage increases for lower paid workers.
    Business groups have argued against further red tape and claimed the government’s new regulations have contributed to rising costs.

    The union movement, meanwhile, has been mired in the fallout from the CFMEU controversy, with some union leaders angry over the government and ACTU’s tough treatment of that union after revelations of its infiltration by criminals.

    To talk about these issues and more, we’re joined by ACTU secretary Sally McManus and Innes Willox, the head of the Australian Industry Group, one of the peak employer groups.

    On how to fix the construction industry, Willox advocates an oversight body but not the reintroduction of the Australian Building and Construction Commission,

    We believe that the construction sector does require its own oversight. We had the ABCC previously. We’re not saying go back to that. You don’t have to replicate that model entirely. But the sector has shown that it does require an oversight body that has the ability to launch both civil and criminal claims for poor behaviour. You’re not going to clean it up through sort of task forces and the like, which actually don’t do anything on the ground to change and moderate behaviour.

    What other changes to industrial relations would employers want from a Coalition government?

    I think what we can expect or hope that the Coalition will look long and hard at things like the right to disconnect. Which came from nowhere. It came out of left field right at the end of a process. It’s created huge uncertainty in workplaces. It’s a bit of a minefield both for employers and employees.

    The definition of’casual’ is now a 17-page manual that employers have to work through, rather than a straightforward definition. We’d hope that the Coalition would look at that. And, of course, union right-of-entry powers which have now tilted the balance totally in favour of unions. They’re the sort of things we think that they should look at as a priority and examine what they can do to take off the rough edges that have been put in place there.

    On the unions’ wish list from Labor, McManus says they are talking with the government about further action on the issue of equality.

    At the moment, the gender pay gap is at the lowest ever recorded. So that’s a good thing. But in terms of equality in the workplace, that issue is still a big one, and there is a big push that we are making for reproductive leave. This isn’t just for women, it’s also for men.

    So many women suffer from things like painful periods. Of course, there’s a whole issue of menopause.

    For men, there’s a whole lot of issues to do with reproductive issues as well. […] So this is something that we are talking to the government about and campaigning around.

    Another issue is that of youth wages:

    It’s really totally outrageous that 19, 20-year-olds are paid discount wages in Australia. It’s not acceptable in 2024-2025 and should be fixed. The union movement’s taking it up at the moment and have got rid of it in a lot of industries, and we want to finish the job. So we’re going to try and achieve that through campaigning and through the industrial commission. But if we don’t, if there’s no way of fixing it that way, there’ll be no option then other than to say to the government, listen, ball’s in your court now.

    On the split in the union movement over the government and ACTU actions against the construction division of the CFMEU, McManus says the ACTU will continue to keep its door open,

    Look, no one likes what’s happened. No one likes the fact that, obviously, that union was infiltrated by organised crime, outlaw motorcycle gangs. And no one supports corruption. The other construction union who works with the CFMEU all the time, which is the ETU, the Electrical Trades Union – they’re the ones who have disaffiliated from the ACTU.

    They’re mates, they’re all mates, right? And so, obviously, they’re also not happy with what’s happened. And obviously we will always keep the door open and encourage unity. The ACTU is a place where truck drivers and community workers and teachers and nurses and road workers, everyone of every profession, gets together and talks. It’s always a good thing because you’re listening to other people and you’re stronger together.

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

    – ref. Politics with Michelle Grattan: Sally McManus on what unions want from Labor and Innes Willox on business wish list for Dutton – https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-sally-mcmanus-on-what-unions-want-from-labor-and-innes-willox-on-business-wish-list-for-dutton-242019

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Second-day auction results for Victoria Park Lunar New Year Fair stalls

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         A total of 59 regular size dry goods stalls and 40 large size dry goods stalls were all successfully let on the second-day auction for stalls at the 2025 Victoria Park Lunar New Year Fair today (October 23).

         Around 460 people attended the auction at the Assembly Hall, 2/F, Lai Chi Kok Government Offices, 19 Lai Wan Road, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, from 9am to 5.30pm today, a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said.

         The average bid price for the regular size dry goods stalls today was $11,729, with the successful bids ranging from $8,540 to $30,000. The highest bid, $30,000, was about 3.5 times the opening price of $8,540.

         The average bid price for the large size dry goods stalls today was $16,230, with the successful bids ranging from $12,810 to $41,000. The highest bid, $41,000, was about 3.2 times the opening price of $12,810.

         The auction for the remaining 117 dry goods stalls will be held at 9am tomorrow (October 24) at the same venue.

         The spokesman reminded the successful bidders to comply with all the stipulations and provisions as set out in the licence agreement. Otherwise, the department is entitled to terminate the agreement and the licensee shall immediately vacate the stall.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Impact of possible curb on exports of Russian uranium – E-001721/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Already in 2014, with the European Energy Security Strategy[1], the Commission emphasised the need for all EU operators to have a diversified portfolio of fuel supply and for fuel supply diversification to be a condition for any new investment in the nuclear sector.

    In response to Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU decided to phase out its remaining dependence on Russia. The REPowerEU Plan[2] emphasises further the need for diversification and securing alternative sources of uranium, and boosting conversion, enrichment, and fuel fabrication capacities.

    The Commission and the Euratom Supply Agency (ESA) have been engaging with concerned Member States to assess dependencies and ensure security of supply in the nuclear value chain. Utilities have taken steps to diversify their supplies, increase stockpiling of nuclear material and fuel, and prepare for potential disruptions to supplies.

    The electricity produced in Soviet-designed reactors (dependent on Russian fuel supply) accounts for about 10% of EU gross nuclear electricity capacity. Utilities operating these reactors in Bulgaria, Czechia, Slovakia and Finland have signed supply contracts with alternative fuel suppliers and are moving forward with the licensing process for the new fuels (already tested by several utilities).

    Meanwhile, mothballed uranium mines in the United States (US), Australia, Canada and Africa have returned to operation, and additional conversion and enrichment capacity is being developed in the EU, United Kingdom, US and Canada.

    The Commission and ESA continue to monitor the market and the supply situation and engage with utilities and national authorities to ensure the diversification of supply in the civil nuclear industry.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52014DC0330&from=EN
    • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal/repowereu-affordable-secure-and-sustainable-energy-europe_en

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Everyone invited to Community Wellbeing Event

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Parents, young people, community groups and everyone in between are invited to a Community Wellbeing Event taking place in Craigavon Civic Centre on Thursday 7 November.

    Focusing on relaxation, fun and self-care, this event will also feature information stands with details on support services for drugs, alcohol and mental health.

    With health checks, a mocktail bar, spot prizes and goodie bags, this event is open to the whole community. There will be interactive activities helping to educate people on the services provided by organisations within the ABC area, as well as improving access to these services.

    Look out for signposting, advice, guidance and information and make sure to enjoy some of the light refreshments that will also be served on the night.

    Guest speaker will be Theresa Burke who has been tirelessly helping to raise awareness of the devastating and long-lasting impact of drugs following her son’s death in 2009.

    “We would like to encourage people to come along, get involved, avail of some health checks and listen to Theresa who bravely continues to raise awareness of the real cost of drugs,” commented Alderman Mark Baxter, Chair of the PCSP.

    “Vital information and advice on these important issues will also be readily available and will show how all of our local organisations work together to help those who need this support and help.”

    The event has been organised by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) in partnership with Southern Drug and Alcohol Communication Team Connections Service (SDACT).

    If you are interested in attending this event please rsvp to 

    *protected email*

     by Thursday 31 October.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IFFI 2024 celebrates Australia’s Rich Film Traditions and Vibrant Cinema Culture

    Source: Government of India

    IFFI 2024 celebrates Australia’s Rich Film Traditions and Vibrant Cinema Culture

    Australia to be the “Country of Focus” at the 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India

    Australia-India Co-Production Panel to explore collaboration opportunities at ‘Film Bazaar’

    Academy award winning Cinematographer John Seale to host Master Class at IFFI 2024

    Posted On: 23 OCT 2024 3:05PM by PIB Mumbai

    #IFFIWood, 23rd October 2024

    The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is proud to announce that Australia has been nominated as the “Country of Focus” at the 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), to be held in Goa from 20th November to 28th November 2024. This special recognition aims to celebrate the dynamic contributions of Australian cinema to the global film industry, highlighting its rich storytelling traditions, vibrant film culture and innovative cinematic techniques.  India & Australia are already parties to an Audio Visual Co-production Treaty.

     

     

    Country of Focus at IFFI

    The “Country of Focus” segment is a key feature of IFFI, offering a dedicated showcase of a nation’s best contemporary films. Australia’s diverse cultural background and globally acclaimed filmmakers have had a lasting impact on cinema, making it a fitting selection for this year. This inclusion reflects the strengthening collaboration between the Indian and Australian film industries.

    Showcase of Australian Films

    IFFI will present a carefully curated selection of seven Australian films, offering a diverse blend of genres, from critically acclaimed dramas to powerful documentaries, visually stunning thrillers, and light-hearted comedies. These films will showcase the unique cultural identity of Australia, reflecting the vibrant spectrum of stories from its indigenous and contemporary communities.

    Participation in Film Bazaar

    Film Bazaar, the largest South Asian film market held alongside the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), will see a sizeable Australian participation with a strong delegation from Screen Australia, State Screen Commissions and also Ausfilm, the agency promoting Australia as a filming destination. They will showcase their offerings including Australian locations and incentives at the special Film Office exhibition area. The Film Bazaar will also see a Producers’ delegation with upto six producers receiving funding from the Australian Government to attend Film Bazaar and explore co-production opportunities. There will also be a special Australian Co-production Day at the Film Bazaar where filmmaker delegates from both the countries will be given an opportunity to network. Film Bazaar has also selected the Australian project Home Before Night as one of its official entries in the Co-Production Market.

     

    Australia-India Film Co-Production Panel

    In line with the growing collaboration between the Indian and Australian film industries, a dedicated panel discussion in the Knowledge Series will focus on co-production opportunities between the two countries. Featuring producers and industry experts, the panel will explore the creative and logistical aspects of co-productions and highlight successful ventures.

    Master Class by Cinematographer John Seale

    A major attraction will be a Cinematography Master Class led by Academy Award-winning cinematographer John Seale, known for his work on iconic films such as Mad Max: Fury Road and The English Patient. This session will delve into his artistic journey and offer invaluable technical insights to budding filmmakers and enthusiasts.

    The 55th IFFI is set to be an exhilarating celebration of world cinema, bringing together an eclectic mix of films from across the globe, stimulating panel discussions, engaging workshops, and exclusive screenings. This year’s “Country of Focus” spotlight on Australia is sure to enhance IFFI’s mission of fostering cultural exchange and promoting cinematic art that transcends borders.

    Founded in 1952, the International Film Festival of India is one of Asia’s most significant film festivals, serving as a platform for filmmakers worldwide to present their works. Held annually in Goa, IFFI attracts directors, producers, actors, and film enthusiasts to celebrate the finest in world cinema.

                                                   

     

    PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW | Dharmendra/ Rajith/ Kshitij/ Nikita/ Sriyanka/ Priti IFFI 55 – 3

    Follow us on social media:  @PIBMumbai     /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com   /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

     

     

     

     

    (Release ID: 2067309) Visitor Counter : 88

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Shri Dharmendra Pradhan addresses Australian International Education Conference

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Shri Dharmendra Pradhan addresses Australian International Education Conference

    Shri Dharmendra Pradhan holds a bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart Hon. Jason Clare, MP in Melbourne

    Establishment of Australian university campuses in India just the beginning, much more potential to be realized – Shri Dharmendra Pradhan

    Cooperation in education is the fulcrum of India-Australia relationship – Shri Dharmendra Pradhan

    NEP 2020 has transformed India’s learning landscape into a powerhouse of possibilities – Shri Dharmendra Pradhan

    As a ‘Vishwa-Bandhu’, India is committed to being a trusted partner in human-centric development – Shri Dharmendra Pradhan

    By 2035 one in four people around the world who get a university degree will get it in India – Hon. Jason Clare, MP

    Posted On: 23 OCT 2024 3:09PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, delivered the plenary speech at the Australian International Education Conference in Melbourne, Australia, today. Shri Pradhan also held a Bilateral Meeting with his counterpart Minister for Education, Government of Australia, Mr. Jason Clare MP. Members of the Indian delegation, heads of the universities of both countries, and other dignitaries were also present at the event.

    Shri Pradhan in his speech commended the strong and evolving partnership between India and Australia that ties the history of the two countries and will also pave the way for a brighter future together. He also reaffirmed the further strengthening of these ties under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Australia Mr. Anthony Albanese.

    Shri Pradhan also highlighted that in the 4th Industrial Revolution, education must prepare students to be creators and managers of technology. India’s National Education Policy provides a framework emphasising digital literacy, soft skills, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary studies to adapt to evolving job markets, he added.

    Shri Pradhan emphasized that cooperation in education is the fulcrum of the India-Australia relationship. He stated that the main objective is to enhance India’s education system into a competency-based framework, focusing on skills-based education as outlined in India’s National Education Policy (NEP).

    The Minister spoke about how NEP 2020 has transformed India’s learning landscape into a powerhouse of possibilities, the enduring India-Australia ties and the remarkable strides made in education cooperation powered by NEP 2020. The establishment of Australian university campuses in India is just the beginning, with much more potential to be realized, he added.

    He also added that together, the countries can advance knowledge, leverage technology for global challenges, and create endless opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship for the students.

    The Minister also expressed that as a ‘Vishwa-Bandhu’, India is committed to being a trusted partner in human-centric development. The idea is to build and nurture global citizens, contributing to a brighter future for the next generation, he said.

    Mr. Jason Clare MP, in his speech, emphasised the importance of a good education system that can change more than just lives. It can change nations, he added. Commending India’s education systems, he said that by 2035 one in four people around the world who get a university degree will get it in India. He mentioned how Australian universities like Deakin had been in India for 30 years and now Wollongong has one campus. He expressed his gratitude to Shri Pradhan for encouraging these initiatives. He also praised the work the six Innovative Research Universities are doing by exploring options for a consortium campus in India.

    Earlier in the day, Shri Pradhan also met Mr. Jason Clare MP for a discussion regarding shared priorities of India and Australia in early childhood care, capacity building of teachers, and the potential for school twinning initiatives. Building on the strong institutional linkages between Indian and Australian higher education institutions, they agreed to further strengthen the partnership in critical and emerging technologies. They also explored the possibility of establishing branch campuses of Australian universities in India.

    During these discussions, Shri Pradhan also met the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Tim Watts MP.

    Shri Pradhan met Mrs. Jacinta Allan MP, Premier of Victoria, Australia. He highlighted that Victoria is home to the largest Indian diaspora in Australia. They had engaging conversations on ways to strengthen institutional linkages of schools and universities in Victoria with India.

    Shri Pradhan also visited South Melbourne Primary School and engaged with young learners. He explored the school’s innovative approaches to early childhood education. He emphasized how NEP 2020 in India places a strong focus on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), which is essential for a child’s holistic development. He reaffirmed his commitment to adopting global best practices to make early learning universal, enjoyable, and stress-free.

    Shri Dharmendra Pradhan visited the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), a hub for technology, design, and enterprise. He explored their ‘Discovery to Device’ med-tech facility, fast-tracking ideas to products. He also appreciated the university’s emphasis on industry experience, hands-on skills, and focus on transforming ideas into products. Shri Pradhan explored how RMIT can partner and work with top Indian HEIs to equip Indian students with future skills and jobs.

    Discovery to Device transforms ideas into products, through prototyping and scale-up manufacture, to create real-world impact.

    Shri Pradhan also visited Monash University, which has notably welcomed Indian students since the late 1960s. Shri Pradhan received key insights into the university’s research & innovation ecosystem and their plans to strengthen educational ties with Indian institutions through its New India Plan. He also toured the Innovation Lab & Center for Nanofabrication— commending their impressive facilities supporting talent in driving ideas into impactful innovations.

    In a significant move to enhance bilateral cooperation in the education sector, Shri Pradhan is visiting Australia from 22 to 26 October 2024. The visit is expected to foster collaboration, participation, and synergy in critical areas of mutual interest in education. Earlier this week from 20-21 October, Shri Pradhan visited Singapore and met the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Education Minister and other dignitaries to expand bilateral cooperation in skill-based education and research.

    *****

    SS/AK

    (Release ID: 2067313) Visitor Counter : 69

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Thales reports its order intake and sales as of September 30, 2024

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales reports its order intake and sales as of September 30, 2024

    • Order intake: €15.6 billion, up 23% on an organic basis1(+26% total change)
    • Sales: €14.1 billion, up 6.2% on an organic basis (+9.4% total change)
    • 2024 targets confirmed:
      • Book-to-bill ratio above 1
      • Organic sales growth between +5% and +6%2
      • EBIT margin: 11.7% to 11.8%

    Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) today announced its order intake and sales for the period ending September 30, 2024.

    Reminder: 9m 2023 figures have been restated to include Cyber civil activities transferred from Defence and Security to Digital Identity & Security.

    “The third quarter confirmed the continued strong commercial momentum and organic sales growth in most of Thales’ businesses.
    ​The Defence business enjoyed unparalleled visibility thanks to emblematic long-term contracts. Avionics was driven by the recovery in air traffic and solid growth prospects. The cybersecurity and biometrics businesses benefited from a robust environment.
    ​We are also proud of Thales’ inclusion in the CAC 40 ESG index. This is a strong external endorsement of our non-financial performance and of our contribution to the protection of society, the planet and citizens.
    ​We are confident that we will achieve our annual financial targets for 2024, thanks to our teams’ unwavering involvement.”
    ​
    ​Patrice Caine, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Order intake

    Order intake over the first nine months of 2024 amounted to €15,551 million, up 23% on an organic basis4 compared with the first nine months of 2023 (up 26% total change). The Group continued to benefit from an excellent commercial momentum in all its businesses, particularly in Defence & Security.

    Over the period, Thales recorded 19 large orders with a unit value of more than €100 million, the cumulative amount of which came to €4,983 million:

    • Four large orders booked in Q1 2024:
      • The entry into force of the third phase of the order placed by Indonesia in 2022 for the purchase of 42 Rafale aircraft (18 aircraft and support services);
      • Order of an aerial surveillance system for a military customer in the Middle East;
      • Second tranche of the contract signed in 2023 between France and Italy for the production of 400 ASTER B1NT ground-to-air missiles;
      • Phased contract with the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) to develop the next generation of sonars to equip French nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN).
    • Eight large orders booked in Q2 2024:
      • Order of two new F126 frigates by the German Navy. This additional contract brings the number of F126 frigates acquired by the German Navy to six in the past four years;
      • Exomars 2028, a contract signed between industrial prime contractor Thales Alenia Space and the European Space Agency (ESA) to relaunch the European space mission dedicated to the exploration of the Red Planet;
      • Order by SKY Perfect JSAT to Thales Alenia Space of JSAT-31, a new generation of satellite reconfigurable in orbit using Space INSPIRE technology;
      • Order by France’s Joint Munitions Command (SiMu) of tens of thousands of 120mm rifled ammunition;
      • Order for a next generation cloud native “FLYTEDGE” InFlight Entertainment System for a major worldwide airline;
      • Order by an Asian customer of latest-generation Ground Master 400 Alpha long-range air surveillance radars;
      • Order by the Dutch Ministry of Defence of seven additional Ground Master 200 multi-mission compact radars;
      • Service contract for the maintenance of the Royal Australian Navy fleet.
    • Seven major orders recorded in Q3 2024:
      • Order for the supply of communications, vetronics, navigation and optronics equipment for vehicles in the French Army’s SCORPION program;
      • Order for the renovation of an air traffic management system;
      • Order from the UK Ministry of Defence for the supply of LMM missiles to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence capabilities;
      • Order of LMM missiles for the British armed forces;
      • Order for the supply of Ground Fire multifunction radars and engagement modules following France’s acquisition of seven SAMP/T NG air defence systems;
      • Order for the supply of anti-submarine warfare systems for the first phase of the construction of six HUNTER-class frigates for the Royal Australian Navy;
      • Notification by the DGA of the second tranche of the development of the future RBE2 XG radar for the Rafale F5.

    At €10,567 million, order intake with a unit value of less than €100 million increased by 6% compared to the first nine months of 2023; while order intake with a unit value of less than €10 million was up by 7% at September 30, 2024.

    From a geographical5 point of view, order intake in mature markets recorded organic growth of 12%, to €11,413 million, driven by strong sales momentum in the United Kingdom (up 28% on an organic basis) as well as in Australia and New Zealand (up 34% on an organic basis). Order intake in emerging markets amounted to €4,137 million, with strong organic growth of 69% as at September 30, 2024. This performance reflected excellent momentum in the Near and Middle East (up 175% on an organic basis) and in Asia (up 49% on an organic basis).

    Order intake in the Aerospace segment totaled €3,639 million, versus €3,403 million over the first nine months of 2023 (+8% at constant scope and exchange rates). This increase reflects two contrasting trends. On the one hand, the avionics market remained strong, our activities growing double-digit organically. On the other hand, the order intake in the space business declined due to a high comparison basis (two large orders signed as at September 30, 2024 versus five as of September 30, 2023).

    At €8,951 million (compared with €6,404 million for the first nine months of 2023), order intake in the Defence & Security segment continued to record a strong momentum, with organic growth of 40%. Seven new orders with a unit value of more than €100 million in the third quarter were added to the nine already recorded in the first half of the year. The order book stood at €37.0 billion, compared with €35.1 billion at September 30, 2023.

    At €2,905 million, order intake in the Digital Identity & Security segment was in line with sales over the period, as most of the activities in this segment operate on short cycles.

    Sales

    Sales for the first nine months of 2024 amounted to €14,069million, compared with €12,854 million for the same period in 2023, an increase of 6.2% at constant scope and exchange rates.

    From a geographical5 point of view, sales growth was strong in mature markets (+6.3% on an organic basis), driven in particular by Europe (+9.0%) including France (+9.4%), and Australia and New Zealand (+8.5%). Emerging markets posted organic growth of +5.8% over the period.

    Sales in the Aerospace segment amounted to €3,839 million, up 5.6% compared to the first nine months of 2023 (+5.3% at constant scope and exchange rates). This growth reflected ongoing robust demand in the avionics market, leading the activity to grow mid-single digit plus. It was however mitigated by the low-single digit organic growth of the space business.

    Sales in the Defence & Security segment totaled €7,239 million, up +8.8% compared to the first nine months of 2023 (+8.5% at constant scope and exchange rates). After sustained growth recorded in the first half of the year, this segment confirmed its strong momentum in the third quarter. Growth was driven in particular by land and air systems.

    In the Digital Identity & Security segment, sales totaled €2,914 million, up 15.7% in the first nine months of 2024 (+0.3% at constant scope and exchange rates), including the positive scope effect linked to the acquisitions of Tesserent and Imperva. The stability in organic growth in this segment reflects contrasting trends:

    • Banking and Payment solutions, negatively affected by a high comparison basis, continued to suffer from further destocking in North America;
    • Steady pace of growth in Cyber and Biometrics activities;
    • Continued ramp-up on Connectivity Solutions market, recording double-digit organic growth.

    Outlook

    Thales continues to benefit from its solid positioning in all its major markets and enjoys robust medium-term outlook, as illustrated by the continued strong sales momentum in the third quarter of 2024.

    As a result, assuming there are no major new disruptions in the global economy or global supply chains, Thales confirms its 2024 annual targets:

    • A book-to-bill ratio above 1;
    • Organic sales growth of between +5% and +6%, corresponding to sales in the range of €19.9 billion to €20.1 billion6;
    • An EBIT margin between 11.7% and 11.8%.

    ****

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Although Thales believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, actual results may differ significantly from the forward-looking statements due to various risks and uncertainties, as described in the Company’s Universal Registration Document, which has been filed with the French financial markets authority (Autorité des marchés financiers – AMF).

    1In this press release, “organic” means “at constant scope and exchange rates”.

    2Between €19.9 billion and €20.1 billion based on September 2024 scope and exchange rates.

    3Mature markets: Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand; emerging markets: all other countries.

    4Taking into account a negative currency effect of -€45 million and a positive net scope effect of €441 million.

    5See table on page 6.

    5Seetableon page 6.

    6Based on September 2024 scope and exchanges rates.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –