NewzIntel.com

Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ACT welcomes Crown Observer in Wellington

    Source: ACT Party

    ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton is welcoming today’s announcement that the Minister intends to appoint a Crown Observer to Wellington City Council.

    “The Council is an absolute shambles,” says Mr Luxton.

    “What should be a thriving capital city is being run into the ground by reckless decisions and sheer incompetence.

    “Tauranga has seen firsthand the consequences of stripping away local democracy, and I don’t want to see Wellington go down the same path. Any step that can fix the city while preserving local democracy is one I fully support.

    “A Crown Observer will give the Coalition Government the opportunity to look under the hood of the council, assess what’s going wrong, and assist the council in good governance – something that has been sorely lacking to date.

    “Many of the issues are well-known already. The Council is recklessly wasting hundreds of millions of dollars on ideological projects like cycleways, removing cars from the golden mile, and the wrecked town hall. While this is happening, leaks continue to appear all across the city and wastewater is being pumped into the harbour.

    “But the deeper governance issues and factors influencing the Council’s poor decision making need to see the light of day. At the very least it will expose the poor leadership, ensuring they can be held accountable at the next local body elections on 11 October 2025.

    “The Council must ensure that they have crown observer not a clown observer. That means putting their egos and ideologies aside and for once in their lives put the ratepayers of Wellington first.

    “I urge them to heed the advice of the Observer, and take all necessary steps to cut waste, fix the crumbling infrastructure and keep rates down.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Unreported in New Zealand

    Source: ACT Party

    The Haps

    The Solicitor General backed down on prosecution guidelines that told prosecutors to ‘think carefully’ about someone’s race before prosecuting. It shows New Zealand has really changed. Not so long ago such policies bucketed down and people felt helpless. Now we are getting real change.

    CPI inflation at 2.2 per cent, amidst the 1-3 per cent target band, is the news we’ve been waiting for. Inflation first broke out in 2021, with high interest rates following close behind. It’s taken less than a year of the new Government, one mini-budget, and one budget to get it under control. Now the way is clear for significant further rate cuts at the next Reserve Bank announcement on November 27.

    Unreported in New Zealand

    Last week, the Nobel Prize in economics was awarded to three economists, Acemoglu, Johnson, and Robinson “for studies of how institutions are formed and affect prosperity.” You won’t have read about this in the New Zealand press, besides syndicated cut and paste jobs, even though it is about colonisation, institutions, and prosperity.

    The official Nobel Citation says: The richest 20 per cent of the world’s countries are now around 30 times richer than the poorest 20 per cent. Moreover, the income gap between the richest and poorest countries is persistent; although the poorest countries have become richer, they are not catching up with the most prosperous. Why? This year’s laureates have found new and convincing evidence for one explanation for this persistent gap – differences in a society’s institutions.

    The economists studied many countries’ histories over the last 400 years, focusing on the influence of European countries that colonised most of the world. They conclude that what kind of set-up, or institutions, those colonising countries left has a strong bearing on the colonised countries’ prosperity today.

    They divide countries into two types. There are inclusive countries, that give people equal rights, to vote, own property, and operate under the rule of law. There are extractive countries, set up to extract natural resources and benefit a small number of people.

    The extractive countries tend to be the ones that weren’t very welcoming to colonisers, for example if there was a lot of malaria. In these cases, e.g. African ones, a small number of settlers arranged to get the wealth out of the ground, and that was about it.

    The alternative is inclusive countries, with free markets, the rule of law and democracy. The United States is the obvious example, along with Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. These countries attracted settlers in large numbers and there were too many of them to simply exploit natural resources. Instead they created inclusive institutions.

    There is a twist, an historic reversal of fortunes. The countries that were relatively poorer before colonisation, and ended up adopting more colonial institutions, are now relatively wealthier.

    Another important observation is that history is not static. Over time, countries liberalise. Colonial institutions were not set down in a state of perfection, far from it. But they were capable of improvement, widening voting rights, compensating for past wrongs, and enhancing civil liberties.

    You are probably starting to get a sense of why this work has not been discussed in the NZ Press. It finds that institutions matter if you want people to be prosperous. It doesn’t matter where you start, it’s where you finish that counts, and that depends on adopting the best institutions, democracy, the rule of law, property rights, free speech, and all of those values that allow people to flourish.

    No doubt New Zealand universities will be holding book burnings in case these Nobel Prize winners’ ideas make students ‘feel unsafe.’ The same institutions trained the journalists, which may be why there’s been so little discussion about this.

    Nonetheless, somewhere in our future is a country where free and open debate is not only allowed but cherished. It would be a country where we can discuss what works to create prosperity.

    The central lesson of these economists’ work is really that wealth is not given or taken, it is not ‘owned’ rightfully by any historic group. It can be created, to the point that everyone is richer than 200 years ago, but some people are 30 times richer. The trick is to adopt the right institutions, the policies that work, as quickly as possible, and those institutions are democracy, free markets, the rule of law, and equal rights for all.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Govt cuts school lunches even further

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The Government has gone back on its word and cut the full school lunch programme in primary schools after saying it wouldn’t.

    “Teachers, parents and principals across the country were so relieved to hear primary schools would be able to continue serving lunches to their students, despite the ACT Party’s plan to scrap the programme,” Labour’s education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said.

    “Now David Seymour has managed get Cabinet to agree to not only downsize lunches for secondary students, but to do it for all students from years 0-13.

    A March Cabinet Paper told the Government changes to the school lunch programme would risk achievement, attendance, nutrition and wellbeing of children, as well as having wider impacts on reducing child poverty, and it has made these changes anyway.

    “Naenae College reported it won’t be able to deliver the programme next year because the supplier was unable to provide meals under the new per-meal budget.

    “The Ministry of Education also earlier told the Government that $3 a day is not sufficient to feed secondary kids properly.

    “It’s baffling as to why Erica Stanford is letting David Seymour go ahead with these changes, given the evidence, reports from teachers, parents and principals about the benefits of the school lunch programme and all their talk about improving attendance.

    “A full tummy can make a real difference to a student’s learning and whether they are turning up to school.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Huge volumes of whey go to waste. We could do much more with this nutrient rich liquid

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jack Hetherington, Phd Candidate in circular business models, University of Adelaide

    Cheesemaking leaves large volumes of whey Lysenko Andrii/Shutterstock

    Every year, 7.6 million tonnes of food is lost or wasted in Australia. When we think about this, we might picture mouldy fruit, stale bread and overly full fridges. But in fact, almost half of this waste happens before food ever gets to us. Waste is common in food production, processing and transportation.

    For example, the process of making cheese from milk results in a comparatively small amount of cheese and a lot of whey – up to 90% the mass of the raw milk.

    Whey is useful, as it still has about half the nutrients of milk. But whey remains one of the largest sources of food loss and waste in Australia’s large dairy sector. Every year, about 350 million litres goes down the drain, costing businesses over A$580 million to dispose of it and wasting some of the resources it takes to make milk.

    In our new research, we interviewed cheesemakers from 42 companies – representing almost a third of Australia’s cheese industry.

    We found cheesemakers knew what waste whey could be used for but were put off by practical challenges.

    Whey is produced in large volumes – and much of it goes to waste.
    Jasen Wright/Shutterstock

    What can you do with whey?

    You can already buy whey products such as fermented drinks and protein powders. Infant formula may contain the highly valuable lactoferrin, which would be usually left in whey. A popular Swiss soft drink, Rivella, is also made from whey.

    In Australia, some producers have begun making alcoholic spirits by fermenting the lactose in whey. Researchers have found whey-based alcohol can emit less greenhouse gases than traditional grains.

    Our research found over half of our cheesemakers were using multiple methods to reduce whey going to waste, from making animal feed to making ricotta to irrigating paddocks. Even so, there is still room to make much more use of whey.

    What did we find?

    Every year, 43% of all milk produced in Australia is used to make cheese – about eight billion litres a year. When we did this research, there were 132 cheesemakers, using cow, goat, sheep, and camel milk to make cheese. The industry is characterised by a few large manufacturers (about 2% of companies) and many small manufacturers (about 90% of the total). Cheesemakers are largely concentrated in Australia’s southeast.

    To understand the challenge of avoiding whey waste, we spoke to cheesemakers, big and small, right across Australia between November 2022 and June 2023.

    All of our cheesemaker respondents knew of at least one whey-based product.

    But there were barriers to using whey themselves by a range of things, from the set-up cost of a new facility to the challenge of scale, competing priorities and the distance to potential partners. As one respondent said:

    Every single part of the business would have to be changed, upgraded, or increased to accommodate using the whey in any way

    Another said:

    We’re all doing 60 to 70-hour weeks and you [need] someone to actually drive it

    How can we overcome the barriers?

    Based on our interviews, we found four possible ways to encourage cheesemakers to put their whey to use:

    1. turning whey into value-added products in-house. This could be quite effective – one of our respondents reported making more money from whey-based products than cheese. But setting it up requires time and money.

    2. engaging other companies to take the waste. Partnering with outside companies can help overcome time and money issues – but everyone needs to agree on a price for a product previously considered waste.

    3. starting joint ventures, such as teaming up with other cheesemakers. This method suits cheesemakers wanting to keep the value of the whey. Successful ventures require clear leadership and transparent business plans.

    4. scaling up. Some cheesemakers are already using their own whey. If they move to accept whey from other makers, they can scale up – as long as the new whey sources can meet their specifications.

    We found giving Australian cheesemakers the full range of options greatly increased how willing they were to find ways to use whey.

    When they only had in-house options, 33% of respondents said they would find ways to use way. This rose to 79% when all four options were available.

    Even once the cheese has been made, the whey left behind contains proteins and other nutrients.
    guys_who_shoot/Shutterstock

    Which whey forward?

    Our research shows there’s no silver bullet to solve whey waste. We’ll have to come at it from different angles and focus on collaboration between cheesemakers, governments, industry bodies and consumers.

    One crucial thing is to make sure there there is demand for these changes. In separate research, we found there is currently little expectation from consumers and retailers about what happens to whey waste. Increasing demand for whey-based products and setting expectations for cheesemaking practices could drive this change. But food safety regulations and taxes on alcohol can make it more challenging still for makers.

    In regions with a cluster of cheesemakers, it might make more sense for one or two makers to take all the whey waste and turn it into value-added products to benefit from the scale. While many cheesemakers told us they felt isolated from potential partners, we found a potential partner was right around the corner – just one or two kilometres in most cases.

    This is where decision support tools may be able to help in future. These software tools help you lay out your options so you can compare them and pick the best one. They can take into account financial outlay, risks and environmental impacts.

    The good news is, there is an abundant, nutrient rich byproduct able to be converted into other products. The challenge now is to find ways of boosting collaboration between cheesemakers and other companies – and ensuring whey-based products have a market.

    Jack Hetherington’s PhD project receives funding from the End Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre, CSIRO and the University of Adelaide. Jack is currently the Treasurer for the Landcare Association of South Australia and a member of the SA Crawford Fund committee.

    Adam James Loch has received funding from the Australian Research Council, the South Australian Department for Environment and Water, and the European Commission.

    Pablo Juliano 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. Huge volumes of whey go to waste. We could do much more with this nutrient rich liquid – https://theconversation.com/huge-volumes-of-whey-go-to-waste-we-could-do-much-more-with-this-nutrient-rich-liquid-241588

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Attempted sexual assault – Woodroffe

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police have arrested a youth after an alleged attempted sexual assault in Woodroffe yesterday.

    Around 7:30pm, police received a report that a woman was allegedly sexually assaulted in the vicinity of Vernier Circuit, Woodroffe.  

    A short time later, a 16-year-old male was arrested. He currently remains in police custody and is expected to be charged with Attempt sexual Intercourse without consent and Aggravated assault.

    Detectives from the Sex Crimes Unit continue to investigate the incident and are urging anyone with information to contact Police on 131 444 or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000. Please quote reference number P24291277. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Assessments – New Zealand, UK, and Australia lead global list of economies engaging in sustainable trade best practices

    Source: Hinrich-IMD Sustainable Trade Index 2024

    New Zealand has topped the Hinrich-IMD Sustainable Trade Index (STI) 2024 for the third consecutive year, with the United Kingdom (UK) following in second place and Australia securing third. 

    The Index measures how well trade contributes to mutually beneficial and balanced economic, social, and environmental outcomes among 30 trading economies. (ref. https://www.hinrichfoundation.com/research/wp/sustainable/sustainable-trade-index-2024 )

    New Zealand (first) retains its top spot for the third consecutive edition and leads the environmental dataset.

    The UK is second for the third edition in a row. However, it does perform worse than in 2023 in the economic dataset.

    Australia (third) has risen two positions since last year. Its greatest progress is in the environmental dataset.

    Crucially, building “workforce resilience” is becoming a major goal of governments and the private sector worldwide, the report signals. This means having a healthy, educated, and unexploited workforce, which allows economies to better withstand shocks and seize emerging opportunities. “National resilience” and “environmental resilience” are also key concerns.

    “Workforce resilience” is part of a broader trend to encourage “societal resilience,” the authors say. Societal resilience is the effect of investments that foster both economic and social stability. New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, and Singapore do best here.

    The Index is a joint project between the Hinrich Foundation and the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) and is in its third year.

    It measures 30 economies, including members and applicants of major trade alliances, such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

    “The STI allows us to track how effectively trading economies are meeting the three pillars of sustainability: economic growth, societal advancement, and environmental stewardship. Achieving balanced outcomes between the three pillars is essential for resilience,” said Kathryn Dioth, CEO of the Hinrich Foundation.

    “By investing in human capital, countries can build adaptable workforces capable of thriving amid economic fluctuations and global challenges,” said Christos Cabolis, Chief Economist of the IMD World Competitiveness Center, which led the research for IMD.

    Other major findings include:

    ·         Global trade is increasingly shaped by protectionist regulations, where economies favor policies that strengthen domestic industries and secure supply chains. This shift toward industrial policy, aimed at building economic resilience, marks a long-term trend, resulting in the fragmentation of the global trading system.

    ·         Addressing climate resilience is complex because tackling climate change often requires regulatory interventions, whereas global trade flourishes with fewer barriers. The emergence of climate and trade agreements that promote trade in environmental goods and services could balance the dual objectives of open trade while addressing climate change. 

    ·         A few mid-ranking economies have shown consistent progress or stability over the last three years (2022-2024). Amongst them, Thailand gained three spots in the STI from 2022 to reach 12th place this year, Vietnam recorded a six-place rise, and Chile held a steady position at 11th across the three years.

    The Index measures 72 data points, categorized into three “pillars”: economic, societal, and environmental, considered by the researchers to be the main axes of sustainable trade. They represent economic growth, societal well-being, and environmental stewardship, respectively.

    A new indicator measuring universal health coverage (UHC) from the WHO’s Global Health Observatory (GHO) was introduced to the societal pillar in this edition.

    About the Hinrich Foundation

    The Hinrich Foundation is an Asia-based philanthropic organization that works to advance mutually beneficial and sustainable global trade. We believe sustainable global trade strengthens relationships between nations and improves people’s lives. We support original research and education programs that build understanding and leadership in global trade. Our approach is independent, fact-based, and objective. We are an authoritative source of knowledge, sharp analysis, and fresh thinking for policymakers, business, media, and scholars engaged in global trade.

    hinrichfoundation.com

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $150 million in grant funding to ease financial pressures for Aussies doing it tough

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    The Albanese Labor Government has committed around $150 million each year to supporting Australians experiencing financial hardship with the opening of multiple grant rounds today for Financial Wellbeing and Capability programs.

    From 1 July 2025, the new 5-year grants will ensure a range of financial wellbeing services are available for vulnerable individuals and families, from pre-crisis and early supports, to financial crisis response, recovery and resilience supports.

    In addition to supporting the financial wellbeing of Australians, these grant rounds continue to deliver on the Government’s commitment for longer term grant agreements, where they are appropriate, to provide certainty for service providers delivering these critical services. They will also allow the sector to plan, collaborate and innovate.

    Applications are now open for the following grant programs:

    • Emergency Relief
    • Food Relief (and Material Aid)
    • Commonwealth Financial Counselling and Financial Capability
    • Financial Counselling for Gambling
    • Financial Wellbeing Hubs.

    Closed grant processes will follow for the National Debt Helpline, No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS), NILS for Vehicles, Saver Plus and Financial Counselling and Capability Sector Support programs.

    Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth said that the opening of the grant rounds is a demonstration of the Government’s long-term commitment to improving services for Australians doing it tough, and to supporting community organisations across the country.

    “The Albanese Labor Government understands that financial wellbeing providers such as Emergency Relief and Food Relief organisations play an essential role in the supply of frontline support services and are critical to the ongoing support for communities across Australia,” Minister Rishworth said.

    “It is clear now more than ever, during this cost-of-living crisis, that the Government continues to do all that we can to help out the most vulnerable members of our community. This is a commitment that we are taking very seriously, which is why this funding is designed to provide financial counselling services, or access to fair and safe no interest loans, or food relief for those in need.

    Since 2022, the Australia Government has committed an additional $170.9 million through the Financial Wellbeing and Capability Activity, with these grant rounds building on recent investments.

    “We want to cover all bases, and ensure our grants respond to client and community demand, have national coverage including in regional, remote, and rural areas but also have a focus on pre-crisis supports to build long-term financial capability and resilience.”

    Ongoing funding has increased to around $150 million each year representing the highest investment by government in financial wellbeing programs. 

    Minister Rishworth said this latest grant funding will allow providers to provide immediate and targeted support to people in financial crisis, including from unexpected life events or financial shocks, cost-of-living pressures and natural disasters.

    “Our government recognises the growing demand for financial wellbeing services throughout the nation, and these grants represent our continuous and growing approaches to support the organisations that support you.”

    Organisations can apply for grant rounds by visiting the GrantConnect website at http://www.grants.gov.au.

    Current Financial Wellbeing and Capability services continue to be available now for individuals and communities. Details and locations of nearby funded providers are available on the Department Of Social Services website.
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: EBC Financial Group Expands Partnership with DiNapoli’s Leading Indicators, Revealing Key Strategies for Navigating Black Swan Events

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAIPEI, Taiwan, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EBC Financial Group (EBC), in partnership with DiNapoli Experts, is proud to host ‘Harnessing the Power of DiNapoli Indicators to Conquer Black Swan Events,’ an exclusive gathering that brought together financial experts, traders, investors, and economic strategists to explore key strategies for navigating volatile markets. This event, part of EBC’s broader commitment to thought leadership in finance, offered critical insights not only for traders but for those seeking a deeper understanding of global financial trends, including the impacts of geopolitical tensions, inflation, and the evolving role of technology in market prediction.

    Operating across global financial hubs such as London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, and Sydney, EBC Financial Group is regulated by major international bodies, including the UK’s FCA, CIMA in the Cayman Islands, and ASIC in Australia. These credentials underscore the Group’s mission to deliver sound, ethical, and transparent financial services across key markets.

    With markets facing challenges from geopolitical instability, rising inflation, and shifting monetary policies, EBC’s commitment to investor empowerment and education stands firm. The discussions provided participants with exclusive insights into managing risk and seizing opportunities in global markets, and attendees engaged with some of the industry’s top experts, gaining hands-on insights into critical factors influencing today’s global markets.

    Building on the momentum from the successful signing ceremony in Thailand, where EBC Financial Group solidified its partnership with DiNapoli’s Leading Indicators, the Taiwan event marks a key milestone in EBC’s ongoing mission. Through this collaboration, EBC is empowering traders with advanced tools to navigate Black Swan events.

    Global Instabilities Threaten Market Stability: Insights from David Barrett
    David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd, issued a stark warning about the growing economic fragility facing global markets. Speaking to an audience of financial professionals, Barrett highlighted that the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cuts have unsettled bond markets, exposing deep vulnerabilities in the global financial system. While the U.S. equity market has enjoyed a brief rally, Germany’s economic downturn threatens to spiral into a wider Eurozone crisis, Barrett explained.

    Barrett emphasised that the risks extend far beyond economics. Geopolitical conflicts—from the ongoing war in Ukraine to instability in the Middle East—are now global flashpoints, disrupting energy supplies and pushing commodity markets toward dangerous levels of volatility. According to Barrett, this combination of factors could drag the global economy into deeper, more unpredictable volatility, leaving even experienced investors facing unprecedented uncertainty.

    As part of the Group’s mission to help investors navigate these turbulent markets, Barrett reiterated EBC’s focus on providing cutting-edge trading tools and educational initiatives. EBC’s partnership with DiNapoli Indicators is instrumental in equipping traders with the tools necessary to interpret market movements, especially in unpredictable environments. By combining advanced predictive tools like DiNapoli Indicators with real-time market analysis, EBC is ensuring that traders are not only informed but prepared to respond to global financial shifts.

    EBC’s expansion into emerging markets and its commitment to establishing regulated entities in new jurisdictions also reflect the Group’s dedication to offering clients access to global trading opportunities. With its rapidly growing footprint, EBC continues to lead with integrity and transparency, providing traders worldwide with the tools to manage risk effectively.

    As the U.S. presidential election approaches, Barrett warned that this divisive political battle could be another major destabilising factor for markets, as investors brace for shifting economic policies and potential political upheaval.

    “We are not just seeing market volatility; we are looking at a perfect storm where geopolitical tensions, inflation, and monetary policies are converging like never before,” Barrett cautioned. He urged investors and traders to take urgent action, adapting to this new reality with precision, foresight, and advanced tools like DiNapoli Indicators to help navigate through the uncertainty. Without this, Barrett stated, market participants risk being left behind in a financial environment that demands data-driven decision-making and the ability to manage complex risks.

    Capturing Trading Opportunities: Jason Zeng on DiNapoli Indicators
    At the event, Jason Zeng, General Manager of Fibonacci Investment Consulting, LLC, presented the critical role that DiNapoli Indicators play in helping investors identify key market retracement points and timing trades effectively. Zeng, a long-standing expert in DiNapoli-Levels trading, explained how these indicators are not just tools for predicting price movements, but vital systems for managing risk and profitability in highly volatile markets.

    Zeng focused on how the Fibonacci-based DiNapoli Levels have been successfully applied to forecast market retracements in a range of asset classes, including equities, commodities, and currencies. He cited recent examples where DiNapoli Indicators enabled traders to accurately pinpoint entry and exit points, even in the face of significant market fluctuations caused by geopolitical instability and central bank policy shifts.

    “Traders who rely on these indicators can enhance their risk management and improve trade execution,” Zeng said. He highlighted the use of real-world case studies, showing how DiNapoli’s approach has repeatedly outperformed traditional technical analysis by offering actionable insights during times of heightened uncertainty.

    Zeng stressed that in today’s fast-moving financial markets, timing is everything, and DiNapoli Indicators offer the precision necessary to navigate the complexities of modern trading environments. According to Zeng, these indicators are essential for traders and financial professionals aiming to capture opportunities while minimising exposure to unpredictable market swings.

    As EBC continues to expand its operations across emerging markets, it remains committed to providing global traders with tailored tools and educational resources, ensuring that they are equipped to navigate both local and international market dynamics.

    Capital Markets Under Pressure: Dr. Hua-Shen Pan on Geopolitical Risks and Economic Countermeasures
    Dr. Hua-Shen Pan, an esteemed economic analyst and columnist, delivered a pointed examination of the global geopolitical risks that are currently shaping capital flows and investment strategies. Addressing the audience, Dr. Pan highlighted how geopolitical volatility has become a primary driver of market instability, overshadowing traditional economic indicators.

    Dr. Pan drew attention to China’s economic trajectory, which he identified as a critical factor influencing the global financial system. As the Chinese government introduces new stimulus measures, the global financial community is watching closely to gauge the effectiveness of these policies in stabilising the world’s second-largest economy.

    He further explained how geopolitical flashpoints, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East, are exacerbating energy price shocks and complicating efforts by central banks to control inflation. Dr. Pan highlighted the growing disconnect between economic fundamentals and market reactions, pointing out that traditional models of economic forecasting are struggling to account for the disruptive influence of geopolitical events.

    Dr. Pan argued that while geopolitical tensions will continue to be a source of market volatility, investors must adapt by focusing on risk management and long-term strategies that account for unpredictable economic shifts. He highlighted the importance of understanding how global policy responses—from Federal Reserve actions to China’s economic policy—will shape the investment landscape in the years to come.

    “Markets are no longer simply reacting to economic data,” Dr. Pan observed. “We are now in an era where geopolitical conflicts are driving capital decisions, and this requires a new strategic approach.”

    Navigating Post-Fed Market Reactions: Joseph AuXano’s Key Insights
    Joseph AuXano, Director of the DiNapoli Online Course (DAP), addressed one of the most pressing concerns for market participants—the aftermath of Federal Reserve rate cuts and their impact on market dynamics. AuXano demonstrated how DiNapoli Indicators can be used to accurately assess market reactions following Fed decisions, offering traders a powerful tool to anticipate volatility and make informed decisions.

    Through a detailed analysis of recent FOMC meetings, AuXano illustrated how major stocks, including Tesla and Nvidia, responded to rate cuts. He demonstrated how the MACD Predictor and DiNapoli Expansion tools provide crucial early signals, enabling traders to identify high-probability trades by spotting key support and resistance levels in advance.

    AuXano emphasised the importance of using multi-timeframe analysis, highlighting that relying solely on short-term trends leaves traders vulnerable to unpredictable market swings. By incorporating the DiNapoli Indicators, investors are better equipped to navigate both short-term fluctuations and long-term trends.

    “After each Fed decision, markets are often thrown into chaos, with unpredictable movements. But by using these tools, traders can stay one step ahead, reading market signals more effectively,” AuXano explained.

    He added, “Today’s economic forum has provided valuable insights into the various factors impacting markets, reading the markets by observing how price interacts with DiNapoli Indicators gives traders and investors an additional edge when seeking to navigate market volatility. It’s about staying disciplined and structured, especially in today’s economic and political climate, where interest rate changes and central bank policies play a key role.”

    Mitigating Algorithmic Trading Risks: Insights from Rich Wang
    Rich Wang, CTO of Provider Space, delved into the growing reliance on algorithmic trading and the risks that come with automated systems in today’s financial markets. Wang’s presentation centred on the need for robust risk management strategies that ensure consistent profitability, even as markets become increasingly volatile.

    Wang highlighted the advantages and dangers of algorithmic trading, explaining that while automation can enhance trading efficiency and speed, it also exposes traders to greater risk if not properly managed. He shared real-world examples of how market volatility can trigger automated systems to make rapid, high-stakes trades that can spiral into significant losses without adequate safeguards in place.

    Wang stressed the importance of incorporating stop-loss mechanisms and conducting thorough backtesting of algorithms to prevent systems from failing during market disruptions. He underscored that risk management needs to evolve alongside trading technology, particularly as markets become more sensitive to geopolitical events and central bank policy shifts.

    “Automation can give traders an edge, but only when combined with solid risk management frameworks,” Wang said. He demonstrated how the latest risk mitigation strategies can be integrated into automated trading systems, allowing traders to maintain control and reduce their exposure to sudden market shocks.

    Wrapping Up the Event
    The event provided a wealth of strategic insights, equipping market participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate today’s volatile financial landscape. From geopolitical risks to algorithmic trading and Fed rate-cut reactions, the symposium underscored the importance of using advanced technical indicators, like DiNapoli Levels, to manage risk and seize market opportunities.

    As the global economic outlook remains uncertain, EBC Financial Group continues to lead the conversation around financial resilience, offering investors and traders the necessary foresight to adapt to these evolving challenges.

    For more information, high-resolution images, or speaker materials, please contact:

    Media Contact:
    Angela Wu
    Global Public Relations (Taiwan)
    angela.wu@ebc.com

    Chyna Elvina
    Global Public Relations Manager (APAC, LATAM)
    chyna.elvina@ebc.com

    Douglas Chew
    Global Public Relations Lead
    douglas.chew@ebc.com

    About EBC Financial Group
    Founded in the esteemed financial district of London, EBC Financial Group (EBC) is renowned for its comprehensive suite of services that includes financial brokerage, asset management, and comprehensive investment solutions. EBC has quickly established its position as a global brokerage firm, with an extensive presence in key financial hubs such as London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Sydney, the Cayman Islands, and across emerging markets in Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and India. EBC caters to a diverse clientele of retail, professional, and institutional investors worldwide.

    Recognised by multiple awards, EBC prides itself on adhering to the leading levels of ethical standards and international regulation. EBC Financial Group’s subsidiaries are regulated and licensed in their local jurisdictions. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd, and EBC Asset Management Pty Ltd are regulated by Australia’s Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

    At the core of EBC Group are seasoned professionals with over 30 years of profound experience in major financial institutions, having adeptly navigated through significant economic cycles from the Plaza Accord to the 2015 Swiss franc crisis. EBC champions a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor engagement is treated with the utmost seriousness it deserves.

    EBC is the Official Foreign Exchange Partner of FC Barcelona, offering specialised services in regions such as Asia, LATAM, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. EBC is also a partner of United to Beat Malaria, a campaign of the United Nations Foundation, aiming to improve global health outcomes. Starting February 2024, EBC supports the ‘What Economists Really Do’ public engagement series by Oxford University’s Department of Economics, demystifying economics, and its application to major societal challenges to enhance public understanding and dialogue.

    https://www.ebc.com/

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/564383fa-f7de-4825-8a3d-d644cd768c51
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fd1d9d72-b653-4979-ba30-f35bb4ed4402
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f89d66ee-0f78-44df-8b49-fe8f8d96d3aa

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Innofactor Plc: Cancellation of treasury shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Innofactor Plc Total number of voting rights and capital, on October 22, 2024, at 9:00 Finnish time

    The Board of Directors of Innofactor Plc has decided to cancel a total of 554,372 Innofactor shares currently owned by the Company. The treasury shares to be cancelled were acquired within the Company’s acquisition of own shares announced by the Company on July 20, 2023.

    The cancellation will be entered in the trade register maintained by the Finnish Patent and Registration Office approximately by the end of November. Prior to the cancellation of the own shares, there are in total 36,343,691 registered shares in Innofactor. After the cancellation has been registered in the trade register, the total number of shares in Innofactor is 35,789,319 and the total number of votes attached to the shares is 35,789,319.

    After the cancellation, Innofactor Plc doesn’t hold any shares in the Company. The cancellation of the shares has no effect on the share capital of Innofactor Plc.

    Espoo, October 22, 2024

    INNOFACTOR PLC

    Board of Directors 

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

    Distribution:
    NASDAQ Helsinki
    Main media
    http://www.innofactor.com

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: CCC review of police powers to search places for high-risk missing persons

    Source: Crime and Corruption Commission – Queensland

    Date published: 22 October 2024 | Last modified: 22 October 2024 | Last reviewed: 22 October 2024

    The Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) has published its review of the powers available to police to search places for high-risk missing persons.

    The missing person search powers are set out in Chapter 7, Part 3A of the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (Qld).

    The powers came into effect in 2018 to enable the Queensland Police Service to conduct searches where a person is missing and at high risk of harm if not found as quickly as possible, and the occupier of the location will or cannot give consent to the search. The introduction of these provisions addressed a small but significant gap in police powers.

    The CCC’s review identified that the missing person search powers were used rarely, but when used, they proved to be a useful and valuable tool to progress investigations.

    The CCC made two recommendations related to approval requirements and to recordkeeping.

    The CCC was required to conduct this review by section 879 of the Act. As set out in that section, the CCC consulted with the Minister for Police and Community Safety in the course of preparing the report.

    You can read the report “Searching places for high-risk missing persons” here.

    The CCC is an independent agency combating major crime and reducing corruption for the benefit of the Queensland community.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA affirms stance taken by US, Japan, Australia, India, and ROK at ASEAN summits underlining importance of peace and stability in South China Sea

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA affirms stance taken by US, Japan, Australia, India, and ROK at ASEAN summits underlining importance of peace and stability in South China Sea

    • Date：2024-10-12
    • Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    October 12, 2024
    No. 351

    The 44th and 45th summits of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) took place in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, from October 6 to 11. During the meetings, the United States, Japan, Australia, India, the Republic of Korea, and other like-minded countries expressed concern about the situation in the South China Sea and underlined the importance of peace and stability in the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) welcomes and affirms these statements.

    A chorus of parties at the summits highlighted recent tensions in the South China Sea. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba voiced concern about escalating militarization and unlawful coercion in the region. They also pledged to work on maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. The joint statement from the ROK-ASEAN summit called on all parties to respect international law and settle disputes in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). In his remarks, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that peace, security, and stability were in line with the general interests of the Indo-Pacific region. MOFA affirms the positions of the above parties, which correspond with the policy that Taiwan has consistently promoted with regard to the South China Sea.

    Based on integrated diplomacy, Taiwan will continue to work with like-minded partners to uphold democracy, freedom, human rights, and other shared values. Taiwan urges all parties to abide by international law, UNCLOS, and related instruments to jointly defend the rules-based international order and advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade expressing grave concern over China’s joint military drills around Taiwan

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA response to Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade expressing grave concern over China’s joint military drills around Taiwan

    October 16, 2024

    In response to a question from the media on October 16, a spokesperson for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that Australia was deeply concerned that China had commenced large-scale military exercises around Taiwan and that Australia urged China to refrain from actions that increased the risk of accident and potential escalation. The spokesperson added that differences should be resolved through dialogue, not the threat of force or coercion, and that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait were in the interests of all parties. 

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely thanks the government of Australia for paying close attention to the Taiwan Strait situation, calling on China to show restraint, and underscoring the importance of cross-strait peace and stability. Taiwan will continue to work with Australia and other like-minded partners to uphold the rules-based international order and advance regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade expressing grave concern over China’s joint military drills around Taiwan

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan 3

    MOFA response to Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade expressing grave concern over China’s joint military drills around Taiwan

    October 16, 2024In response to a question from the media on October 16, a spokesperson for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that Australia was deeply concerned that China had commenced large-scale military exercises around Taiwan and that Australia urged China to refrain from actions that increased the risk of accident and potential escalation. The spokesperson added that differences should be resolved through dialogue, not the threat of force or coercion, and that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait were in the interests of all parties. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely thanks the government of Australia for paying close attention to the Taiwan Strait situation, calling on China to show restraint, and underscoring the importance of cross-strait peace and stability. Taiwan will continue to work with Australia and other like-minded partners to uphold the rules-based international order and advance regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Burnie Cultural Precinct works racing ahead

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    Sections of the new Burnie Cultural Precinct in north-west Tasmania have officially opened to the community today, marking a critical milestone in the project. 

    Once complete, the precinct is expected to attract 100,000 visitors per year, boosting tourism and the local economy. 

    The project involves upgrading the Burnie Arts and Function Centre and integrating it with the Museum and Art Gallery and civic plaza to create an inclusive environment with public spaces for co-creation and local events.

    With the interior of the Burnie Arts and Function Centre refurbishment complete today, we’re one step closer to realising this vision. 

    Additions to the building include a revitalised main entry, café and external works that link the centre with the civic plaza.

    Future works include the redevelopment of the remainder of the Burnie Arts building and an upgrade of the Civic Plaza made possible with a further $13 million funding from the Albanese Government.

    The new precinct will attract more locals and visitors by providing facilities, programs and cultural offerings for people to enjoy. 

    The project is a joint initiative between the Australian Government and Burnie City Council, with the Australian Government contributing $18 million to the $20.5 million project and the council contributing the remaining $2.5 million.

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

    “It’s fantastic to be here today to see the incredible transformation taking place at the new Burnie Cultural Precinct, with the arts and function centre now refurbished. 

    “This is yet another demonstration of the Albanese Government’s unwavering commitment to investing in our regions to create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth and productivity.

    “We’re delivering for the people of Tasmania, investing in community infrastructure that fosters social cohesion and strengthens local communities.”

    Quotes attributable to Senator for Tasmania Anne Urquhart:

    “Ensuring people living on the North West Coast have access to world-class cultural precincts is of great importance to the Albanese Labor Government, and I am pleased to be here today for the opening of new parts of the Burnie Cultural Precinct.

    “This cultural precinct will ensure Burnie, and Braddon, remain a great place to live, work, visit and do business.        

    “The new integrated precinct will support a better visitor experience and provide welcoming public spaces that can be used for events and co-creation.

    “This will draw in more visitors and business activity to the Burnie CBD to provide a real boost to our economy.”

    Quotes attributable to Burnie Council Mayor Teeny Brumby:

    “This first stage of the redevelopment, which we celebrate today, has already breathed new life into the Burnie Arts Centre. 

    “This redevelopment doesn’t just create a venue; it creates an environment where arts and culture can thrive, where our community can gather, and where the next generation of makers can be inspired.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 4,300 tonnes of space junk and rising: another satellite breakup adds to orbital debris woes

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sara Webb, Lecturer, Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology

    Intelsat

    A large communications satellite has broken up in orbit, affecting users in Europe, Central Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia, and adding to the growing swarm of space junk clouding our planet’s neighbourhood.

    The Intelsat 33e satellite provided broadband communication from a point some 35,000km above the Indian Ocean, in a geostationary orbit around the equator.

    Initial reports on October 20 said Intelsat 33e had experienced a sudden power loss. Hours later, US Space Forces-Space confirmed the satellite appears to have broken up into at least 20 pieces.

    So what happened? And is this a sign of things to come as more and more satellites head into orbit?

    A space whodunnit

    There are no confirmed reports about what caused the breakup of Intelsat 33e. However, it is not the first event of its kind.

    In the past we’ve seen deliberate satellite destructions, accidental collisions, and loss of satellites due to increased solar activity.

    What we do know is that Intelsat 33e has a history of issues while in orbit. Designed and manufactured by Boeing, the satellite was launched in August 2016.

    In 2017, the satellite reached its desired orbit three months later than anticipated, due to a reported issue with its primary thruster, which controls its altitude and acceleration.

    More propulsion troubles emerged when the satellite performed something called a station keeping activity, which keeps it at the right altitude. It was burning more fuel than expected, which meant its mission would end around 3.5 years early, in 2027. Intelsat lodged a US$78 million insurance claim as a result of these problems.

    However, at the time of its breakup, the satellite was reportedly not insured.

    Intelsat is investigating what went wrong, but we may never know exactly what caused the satellite to fragment. We do know another Intelsat satellite of the same model, a Boeing-built EpicNG 702 MP, failed in 2019.

    More importantly, we can learn from the aftermath of the breakup: space junk.

    30 blue whales of space junk

    The amount of debris in orbit around Earth is increasing rapidly. The European Space Agency (ESA) estimates there are more than 40,000 pieces larger than 10cm in orbit, and more than 130,000,000 smaller than 1cm.

    The total mass of human-made space objects in Earth orbit is some 13,000 tonnes. That’s about the same mass as 90 adult male blue whales. About one third of this mass is debris (4,300 tonnes), mostly in the form of leftover rocket bodies.

    Tracking and identifying space debris is a challenging task. At higher altitudes, such as Intelsat 33e’s orbit around 35,000km up, we can only see objects above a certain size.

    Visualisation of debris around the Earth.

    One of the most concerning things about the loss of Intelsat 33e is that the breakup likely produced debris that is too small for us to see from ground level with current facilities.

    The past few months have seen a string of uncontrolled breakups of decommissioned and abandoned objects in orbit.

    In June, the RESURS-P1 satellite fractured in low Earth orbit (an altitude of around 470km), creating more than 100 trackable pieces of debris. This event also likely created many more pieces of debris too small to be tracked.

    In July, another decommissioned satellite – the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) 5D-2 F8 spacecraft – broke up. In August, the upper stage of a Long March 6A (CZ-6A) rocket fragmented, creating at least 283 pieces of trackable debris, and potentially hundreds of thousands of untrackable fragments.

    It is not yet known whether this most recent event will affect other objects in orbit. This is where continuous monitoring of the sky becomes vital, to understand these complex space debris environments.

    Who is responsible?

    When space debris is created, who is responsible for cleaning it up or monitoring it?

    In principle, the country that launched the object into space has the burden of responsibility where fault can be proved. This was explored in the 1972 Convention of International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects.

    In practice, there is often little accountability. The first fine over space debris was issued in 2023 by the US Federal Communications Commission.

    It’s not clear whether a similar fine will be issued in the case of Intelsat 33e.

    Looking ahead

    As the human use of space accelerates, Earth orbit is growing increasingly crowded. To manage the hazards of orbital debris, we will need continuous monitoring and improved tracking technology alongside deliberate efforts to minimise the amount of debris.

    Most satellites are much closer to Earth than Intelsat 33e. Often these low Earth orbit satellites can be safely brought down from orbit (or “de-orbited”) at the end of their missions without creating space debris, especially with a bit of forward planning.

    In September, ESA’s Cluster 2 “Salsa” satellite was de-orbited with a targeted re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, burning up safely.

    Of course, the bigger the space object, the more debris it can produce. NASA’s Orbital Debris Program Office calculated the International Space Station would produce more than 220 million debris fragments if it broke up in orbit, for example.

    Accordingly, planning for de-orbiting of the station (ISS) at the end of its operational life in 2030 is now well underway, with the contract awarded to SpaceX.

    Christopher Fluke works for Swinburne University of Technology. He has previously received funding from the SmartSat CRC, including funding to support a research collaboration with CGI Australia (Space, Defence and Intelligence). He is a member of the International Astronomical Union.

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

    – ref. 4,300 tonnes of space junk and rising: another satellite breakup adds to orbital debris woes – https://theconversation.com/4-300-tonnes-of-space-junk-and-rising-another-satellite-breakup-adds-to-orbital-debris-woes-241790

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Unexplained death in Adelaide parklands

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police are investigating the unexplained death of a 53-year-old Aboriginal woman who died in the southwestern parklands in the early hours of Monday 20 January.

    The woman’s name and full image have not been released at the request of her family.

    It is known the woman had been sleeping in parklands and frequenting the western part of the Adelaide Central Business District in the days leading up to her death.

    A map below shows the areas the woman is believed to have been frequenting.

    Police are seeking assistance from the public in an effort to identify the woman’s movements in the days and hours before her death.

    If anyone recognises the woman, knows of her, has recently spoken to her or has any other information that would assist police please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at http://www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    Callers to Crime Stoppers can choose to remain anonymous.

    Police also encourage anyone who may have dashcam or CCTV footage captured in the western part of the CBD in the days before the woman’s death to review it and advise police if they believe they may have images of her.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How we treat catchment water to make it safe to drink

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Patrick Taylor, Chief Environmental Scientist, EPA Victoria; Honorary Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University

    Andriana Syvanych/Shutterstock

    Most of us are fortunate that, when we turn on the tap, clean, safe and high-quality water comes out.

    But a senate inquiry into the presence of PFAS or “forever chemicals” is putting the safety of our drinking water back in the spotlight.

    Lidia Thorpe, the independent senator leading the inquiry, says Elders in the Aboriginal community of Wreck Bay in New South Wales are “buying bottled water out of their aged care packages” due to concerns about the health impacts of PFAS in their drinking water.

    So, how is water deemed safe to drink in Australia? And why does water quality differ in some areas?

    Here’s what happens between a water catchment and your tap.

    Human intervention in the water cycle

    There is no “new” water on Earth. The water we drink can be up to 4.5 billion years old and is continuously recycled through the hydrological cycle. This transfers water from the ground to the atmosphere through evaporation and back again (for example, through rain).

    Humans interfere with this natural cycle by trapping and redirecting water from various sources to use. A lot happens before it reaches your home.

    The quality of the water when you turn on the tap depends on a range of factors, including the local geology, what kind of activities happen in catchment areas, and the different treatments used to process it.

    Maroondah dam in Healesville, Victoria.
    doublelee/Shutterstock

    How do we decide what’s safe?

    The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines define what is considered safe, good-quality drinking water.

    The guidelines set acceptable water quality values for more than 250 physical, chemical and bacterial contaminants. They take into account any potential health impact of drinking the contaminant over a lifetime as well as aesthetics – the taste and colour of the water.

    The guidelines are not mandatory but provide the basis for determining if the quality of water to be supplied to consumers in all parts of Australia is safe to drink. The guidelines undergo rolling revision to ensure they represent the latest scientific evidence.

    From water catchment to tap

    Australians’ drinking water mainly comes from natural catchments. Sources include surface water, groundwater and seawater (via desalination).

    Public access to these areas is typically limited to preserve optimal water quality.

    Filtration and purification of water occurs naturally in catchments as it passes through soil, sediments, rocks and vegetation.

    But catchment water is subject to further treatment via standard processes that typically focus on:

    • removing particulates (for example, soil and sediment)

    • filtration (to remove particles and their contaminants)

    • disinfection (for example, using chlorine and chloramine to kill bacteria and viruses)

    • adding fluoride to prevent tooth decay

    • adjusting pH to balance the chemistry of the water and to aid filtration.

    This water is delivered to our taps via a reticulated system – a network of underground reservoirs, pipes, pumps and fittings.

    In areas where there is no reticulated system, drinking water can also be sourced from rainwater tanks. This means the quality of drinking water can vary.

    Sources of contamination can come from roof catchments feeding rainwater tanks as well from the tap due to lead in plumbing fittings and materials.

    So, does all water meet these standards?

    Some rural and remote areas, especially First Nations communities, rely on poor-quality surface water and groundwater
    for their drinking water.

    Rural and regional water can exceed recommended guidelines for salt, microbial contaminants and trace elements, such as lead, manganese and arsenic.

    The federal government and other agencies are trying to address this.

    There are many impacts of poor regional water quality. These include its implication in elevated rates of tooth decay in First Nations people. This occurs when access to chilled, sugary drinks is cheaper and easier than access to good quality water.

    What about PFAS?

    There is also renewed concern about the presence of PFAS or “forever” chemicals in drinking water.

    Recent research examining the toxicity of PFAS chemicals along with their presence in some drinking water catchments in Australia and overseas has prompted a recent assessment of water source contamination.

    A review by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) proposed lowering the limits for four PFAS chemicals in drinking water: PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS and PFBS.

    The review used publicly available data and found most drinking water supplies are currently below the proposed new guideline values for PFAS.

    However, “hotspots” of PFAS remain where drinking water catchments or other sources (for example, groundwater) have been impacted by activities where PFAS has been used in industrial applications. And some communities have voiced concerns about an association between elevated PFAS levels in their communities and cancer clusters.

    While some PFAS has been identified as carcinogenic, it’s not certain that PFAS causes cancer. The link is still being debated.

    Importantly, assessment of exposure levels from all sources in the population shows PFAS levels are falling meaning any exposure risk has also reduced over time.

    How about removing PFAS from water?

    Most sources of drinking water are not associated with industrial contaminants like PFAS. So water sources are generally not subject to expensive treatment processes, like reverse osmosis, that can remove most waterborne pollutants, including PFAS. These treatments are energy-intensive and expensive and based on recent water quality assessments by the NHMRC will not be needed.

    While contaminants are everywhere, it is the dose that makes the poison. Ultra-low concentrations of chemicals including PFAS, while not desirable, may not be harmful and total removal is not warranted.

    Mark Patrick Taylor is a full-time employee of EPA Victoria, appointed to the statutory role of Chief Environmental Scientist. He is also an Honorary Professor at Macquarie University. EPA Victoria has previously received funding from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Victorian water authorities to understand the presence of contaminants waste water. He has previously received funding from the Australian Government, ARC and other government agencies for environmental pollution research.

    Antti Mikkonen is a full-time employee of EPA Victoria, in the role of Principal Health Risk Advisor for chemicals. Antti has previously received funding from the Australian Government Department of Education for research to understand PFAS bioaccumulation in livestock and models for risk management.

    Minna Saaristo is a full-time employee of EPA Victoria, appointed to the role of Principal Scientist – Ecological Risk and Emerging contaminants. She is affiliate of the School of Biological Sciences at Monash University. EPA Victoria has previously received funding from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Victorian water authorities to understand the presence of emerging contaminants in recycled water. She has previously received funding from the Australian Government, ARC and other government agencies for environmental pollution research.

    – ref. How we treat catchment water to make it safe to drink – https://theconversation.com/how-we-treat-catchment-water-to-make-it-safe-to-drink-242206

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Wirraminna

    Source: South Australia Police

    Emergency services are responding to a serious crash on the Stuart Highway in the State’s Far North.

    The single vehicle collision was reported on the Stuart Highway, Wirraminna about 5.30pm on Friday 24 January.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. – Beetaloo Operational Update – Stimulation Campaign & Remaining Shenandoah South Pilot Project

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.

    Beetaloo Operational Update – Stimulation Campaign & Remaining Shenandoah South Pilot Project

    24 January 2025 – Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. (TSXV: FO, AIM: FOG) is pleased to announce the commencement of stimulation campaign at the Shenandoah S2-2H ST1 (“S2-2H ST1”) and Shenandoah S2-4H (“S2-4H”) wells in the Beetaloo Sub-Basin, Northern Territory, Australia with Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited’s (“Falcon”) joint venture partner, Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited (collectively the “Beetaloo JV partners”).

    Key Highlights of the Stimulation Campaign

    • Stimulation campaign will be completed across:
      • S2-2H ST1’s horizontal section of 1,654 metres (5,427 feet) and;
      • S2-4H’s horizontal section of 2,977 metres (9,766 feet).
    • Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT) who mobilised equipment and sand to location before the end of last year will carry out the stimulation campaign on behalf of the Beetaloo JV partners.

    Shenandoah South Pilot Project (“Pilot”)
    For the next drilling phase of the Pilot, which involves the drilling and stimulation of the remaining four wells, Falcon has elected to reduce its participating interest (“PI”) from 5% to 0%.

    Key Highlights of the Reduced Participating Interest

    • The election by Falcon to reduce its PI to 0% in the remaining four wells of the Pilot will significantly reduce it’s 2025 capital expenditure.
    • Falcon participated in the Shenandoah S-1H well in 2023 at its 22.5% PI which created a Drill Spacing Unit (“DSU”) of 20,480 acres.
    • Falcon participated in the S2-2H ST1 and the S2-4H wells in 2024 at its reduced 5% PI which created two DSU’s totalling 46,080 acres.
    • The Beetaloo JV partners are planning on creating an enlarged area around the Pilot, known as the First Strategic Development Area (“FSDA”), which would amalgamate the acreage and PIs from the DSUs mentioned above and any further DSUs that may be created as part of the Pilot
    • Depending on the ultimate size of the planned FSDA Falcon’s combined participation entitlement in the FSDA post the Pilot could be up to 10%.
    • Falcon also retains a 22.5% PI in the remaining 4.52 million acres in the Beetaloo, net 1 million acres to Falcon.

    Philip O’Quigley, CEO of Falcon commented:

    “We are extremely encouraged about the potential of the current stimulation program based on strong gas shows and other data observed whilst drilling both wells. In addition, we are very confident that the experienced US operator, Liberty Energy, will provide us with the greatest opportunity for the best possible outcome from this stimulation program. We look forward to updating the market on the IP30 flow test results as soon as they become available.

    Reducing our participation in the next four wells has a minimal impact on our overall interest in the Beetaloo which remains at 22.5%. This demonstrates the optionality afforded by the DSUs, which enable Falcon to strategically and efficiently deploy its capital. This reduction in our participation in the next four wells significantly reduces our 2025 capital expenditure whilst at the same time leaving us very well positioned to capture the overall success of the Beetaloo.
                                                 

    Ends.

    CONTACT DETAILS:

    Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.          +353 1 676 8702
    Philip O’Quigley, CEO +353 87 814 7042
    Anne Flynn, CFO +353 1 676 9162
     
    Cavendish Capital Markets Limited (NOMAD & Broker)
    Neil McDonald / Adam Rae +44 131 220 9771
       

    This announcement has been reviewed by Dr. Gábor Bada, Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd’s Technical Advisor. Dr. Bada obtained his geology degree at the Eötvös L. University in Budapest, Hungary and his PhD at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands. He is a member of AAPG.

    About Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.

    Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd is an international oil & gas company engaged in the exploration and development of unconventional oil and gas assets, with the current portfolio focused in Australia. Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd is incorporated in British Columbia, Canada and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

    Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited is a c. 98% subsidiary of Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.

    For further information on Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. Please visit http://www.falconoilandgas.com

    About Beetaloo Joint Venture (EP 76, 98 and 117)

    Company Interest
    Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited (Falcon Australia) 22.5%
    Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited 77.5%
    Total 100.0%

    Shenandoah South Pilot Project -2 Drilling Space Units – 46,080 acres1

    Company Interest
    Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited (Falcon Australia) 5.0%
    Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited 95.0%
    Total 100.0%

    1Subject to the completion of the SS2H ST1 and SS4H wells on the Shenandoah South pad 2.

    About Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited
    Tamboran (B1) Pty Limited (“Tamboran B1”) is the 100% holder of Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited, with Tamboran B1 being a 50:50 joint venture between Tamboran Resources Corporation and Daly Waters Energy, LP.

    Tamboran Resources Corporation, is a natural gas company listed on the NYSE (TBN) and ASX (TBN). Tamboran is focused on playing a constructive role in the global energy transition towards a lower carbon future, by developing the significant low CO2 gas resource within the Beetaloo Basin through cutting-edge drilling and completion design technology as well as management’s experience in successfully commercialising unconventional shale in North America.

    Bryan Sheffield of Daly Waters Energy, LP is a highly successful investor and has made significant returns in the US unconventional energy sector in the past. He was Founder of Parsley Energy Inc. (“PE”), an independent unconventional oil and gas producer in the Permian Basin, Texas and previously served as its Chairman and CEO. PE was acquired for over US$7 billion by Pioneer Natural Resources Company.

    Advisory regarding forward-looking statements
    Certain information in this press release may constitute forward-looking information. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “projects”, “dependent”, “consider” “potential”, “scheduled”, “forecast”, “outlook”, “budget”, “hope”, “suggest”, “support” “planned”, “approximately”, “potential” or the negative of those terms or similar words suggesting future outcomes. In particular, forward-looking information in this press release includes, details on the commencement of stimulation activities at S2-2H ST1 and S2-4H and the respective horizontal sections; Liberty Energy conducting the stimulation campaign; Falcon’s election to reduce its PI for the remaining four wells in the Pilot and it significantly reducing 2025 capital expenditure; the planned creation of the FSDA and Falcon’s combined participation entitlement in the FSDA post the Pilot could be up to 10% with the planned amalgamation of the acreage and PIs.

    This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. The risks, assumptions and other factors that could influence actual results include risks associated with fluctuations in market prices for shale gas; risks related to the exploration, development and production of shale gas reserves; general economic, market and business conditions; substantial capital requirements; uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of reserves and resources; extent of, and cost of compliance with, government laws and regulations and the effect of changes in such laws and regulations; the need to obtain regulatory approvals before development commences; environmental risks and hazards and the cost of compliance with environmental regulations; aboriginal claims; inherent risks and hazards with operations such as mechanical or pipe failure, cratering and other dangerous conditions; potential cost overruns, drilling wells is speculative, often involving significant costs that may be more than estimated and may not result in any discoveries; variations in foreign exchange rates; competition for capital, equipment, new leases, pipeline capacity and skilled personnel; the failure of the holder of licenses, leases and permits to meet requirements of such; changes in royalty regimes; failure to accurately estimate abandonment and reclamation costs; inaccurate estimates and assumptions by management and their joint venture partners; effectiveness of internal controls; the potential lack of available drilling equipment; failure to obtain or keep key personnel; title deficiencies; geo-political risks; and risk of litigation.

    Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive and that these factors and risks are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Falcon assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to Falcon. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in Falcon’s filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at http://www.sedarplus.com, including under “Risk Factors” in the Annual Information Form.

    Any references in this news release to initial production rates are useful in confirming the presence of hydrocarbons; however, such rates are not determinative of the rates at which such wells will continue production and decline thereafter and are not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or ultimate recovery. While encouraging, readers are cautioned not to place reliance on such rates in calculating the aggregate production for Falcon. Such rates are based on field estimates and may be based on limited data available at this time.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Agnico Eagle Announces Successful Take-Up of 94.1% of the Shares of O3 Mining and Mandatory Extension of Offer to February 3, 2025

    Source: Agnico Eagle Mines

    • All-cash offer of $1.67 per share representing a 58% premium to O3 Mining’s closing price on December 11, 2024
    • Agnico Eagle has satisfied the minimum tender condition and has taken-up and acquired 94.1% of the outstanding O3 Mining shares
    • Shareholders who have not already tendered should do so as soon as possible to take advantage of the significant offer as their brokers, banks or other intermediaries likely have tendering cut-off times well in advance of the expiry time of 11:59 p.m. (EST) on February 3, 2025
    • Tender your shares today for prompt payment. Contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group for assistance at 1-877-452-7184 or email assistance@laurelhill.com

    (All amounts expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted)

    TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2025 /CNW/ – Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM, TSX: AEM) (“Agnico Eagle“) and O3 Mining Inc. (TSXV: OIII, OTCQX: OIIIF) (“O3 Mining“) are pleased to jointly announce that Agnico Eagle has taken-up and acquired 110,424,431 common shares of O3 Mining (the “Deposited Shares“), representing approximately 94.1% of the outstanding common shares of O3 Mining (the “Common Shares“) on a basic basis, pursuant to its board-supported take-over bid (the “Offer“) for all of the outstanding Common Shares for $1.67 in cash per Common Share. The aggregate consideration payable for the Deposited Shares is $184,408,800. Agnico Eagle will pay for the Deposited Shares by January 28, 2025. All of the conditions of the Offer have been satisfied or waived.

    Agnico Eagle has extended the expiry time of the Offer by a mandatory period of 10 days to 11:59 p.m. (EST) on February 3, 2025 (the “Expiry Time“) in order to allow the remaining shareholders of O3 Mining to tender their Common Shares to the Offer and receive the all-cash offer price of $1.67 per Common Share.  

    O3 Mining’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. José Vizquerra commented: “We are pleased to achieve this excellent and timely outcome for our shareholders who tendered their Common Shares to the Offer. While providing an opportunity for our shareholders to realize immediate value at a significant premium, the transaction will also enable the efficient advancement of the Marban Alliance project by Agnico Eagle, an experienced operator that has the financial strength, mining expertise and community commitment to take the project to its next stage of development.”

    Full details of the Offer are contained in Agnico Eagle’s take-over bid circular and in O3 Mining’s directors’ circular, which are available under O3 Mining’s profile on SEDAR+ (http://www.sedarplus.ca) and on O3 Mining’s and Agnico Eagle’s respective websites.  Agnico Eagle will file the Notice of Extension extending the Expiry Time to 11:59 p.m. (EST) on February 3, 2025 under O3 Mining’s profile on SEDAR+ (http://www.sedarplus.ca) and on O3 Mining’s and Agnico Eagle’s respective websites and mail the Notice of Extension to shareholders of O3 Mining in accordance with applicable law.  These materials contain important information on how to tender to the Offer.

    Next Steps and How to Tender Your Shares to Receive Prompt Payment

    Following the Expiry Time, Agnico Eagle intends to pursue a second-step transaction to acquire the remaining Common Shares not tendered to the Offer, as described in Agnico Eagle’s take-over bid circular available under O3 Mining’s profile on SEDAR+ (http://www.sedarplus.ca) and on O3 Mining’s and Agnico Eagle’s respective websites. 

    Remaining O3 Mining shareholders are strongly encouraged to tender their Common Shares to the Offer prior to the Expiry Time to ensure that they promptly receive the offer price of $1.67 per Common Share. O3 Mining shareholders whose Common Shares are held through a broker, bank or other intermediary should immediately contact that intermediary for assistance if they wish to accept the Offer – intermediaries have likely established tendering cut-off times that are prior to the Expiry Time.  Shareholders who do not tender prior to the Expiry Time will not receive payment for their Common Shares until the completion of the second-step transaction.

    For information on tendering your Common Shares, please contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group toll free at 1-877-452-7184 or by email at assistance@laurelhill.com.

    Shareholder type:

    How do I tender my Common Shares to the Agnico Eagle Offer?

    Beneficial

    Most O3 Mining shareholders are beneficial shareholders. This means your Common Shares are held through a broker, bank or other financial intermediary, and you do not have a share certificate or DRS advice.

    Contact your bank or your broker immediately and instruct them to tender your Common Shares to the Offer.

    Registered

    You are a registered shareholder if you hold your Common Shares directly and have a share certificate or DRS advice.

    Contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group:
    Phone: 1-877-452-7184
    Email: assistance@laurelhill.com

    For additional information regarding the Offer, please visit: https://www.agnicoeagle.com/Offer-for-O3-Mining/default.aspx and https://o3mining.com/agnico-eagle-mines-limited-offer-for-o3-mining-inc/.

    O3 Mining Board Transition

    In connection with the successful take-up of the Deposited Shares under the Offer, the board of directors of O3 Mining was reconstituted to include representatives of Agnico Eagle.  The O3 Mining board of directors is now comprised of continuing directors Amy Satov and Bernardo Alvarez Calderon and Agnico Eagle representatives Peter Netupsky, Carol Plummer, Jean Robitaille and Chris Vollmershausen.  Peter Netupsky is Vice President, Corporate Development of Agnico Eagle; Carol Plummer is Executive Vice President, Sustainability, People & Culture of Agnico Eagle; Jean Robitaille is Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy & Technology Officer of Agnico Eagle; and Chris Vollmershausen is Executive Vice President, Legal, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary of Agnico Eagle.

    At Agnico Eagle’s request, José Vizquerra and Elijah Tyshynski will continue in their roles as President and Chief Executive Officer and as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of O3 Mining, respectively, until the completion of the second-step transaction.

    Additional Early Warning Disclosure Regarding O3 Mining

    Immediately prior to the take-up of the Deposited Shares under the Offer, Agnico Eagle beneficially owned, and exercised control and direction over, 1,057,753 Common Shares, representing approximately 0.9% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a basic basis, and 270,000 Common Share purchase warrants (the “Warrants“) exercisable for an aggregate of 270,000 Common Shares at an exercise price of $1.45 per Warrant.  In addition, Agnico Eagle held a convertible senior unsecured debenture in the principal amount of $10,000,000 dated June 19, 2023 (the “Convertible Debenture“).  Assuming the full exercise of all Warrants held by Agnico Eagle and the full conversion of the Convertible Debenture immediately prior to the take-up of Common Shares under the Offer, Agnico Eagle would beneficially own, and exercise control and direction over, 6,205,802 Common Shares, representing approximately 5.1% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a partially-diluted basis.

    Agnico Eagle acquired 110,424,431 Deposited Shares pursuant to the Offer, representing all of the Common Shares validly deposited and not withdrawn as of 11:59 p.m. (EST) on January 23, 2025, for aggregate consideration of $184,408,800 in cash.  As a result, as of the date hereof, Agnico Eagle beneficially owns, and exercises control and direction over, an aggregate of 111,482,184 Common Shares, representing approximately 95% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a basic basis.  Assuming the full exercise of all Warrants held by Agnico Eagle and the full conversion of the Convertible Debenture, Agnico Eagle would beneficially own, and exercise control and direction over, 116,630,233 Common Shares, representing approximately 95.2% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a partially-diluted basis.

    Early Warning Disclosure Regarding Cartier Resources

    Immediately prior to the take-up of the Deposited Shares under the Offer, (i) Agnico Eagle beneficially owned, and exercised control and direction over, 50,749,679 common shares (the “Cartier Shares“) of Cartier Resources Inc. (“Cartier“) and 7,000,000 Cartier Share purchase warrants (the “Cartier Warrants“), representing approximately 15.6% of the issued and outstanding Cartier Shares on a partially-diluted basis assuming the full exercise of the Cartier Warrants held by Agnico Eagle, and (ii) O3 Mining beneficially owned, and exercised control and direction over, 46,273,265 Cartier Shares, representing approximately 12.7% of the issued and outstanding Cartier Shares on a basic basis.

    As a result of Agnico Eagle’s acquisition of control of O3 Mining pursuant to the Offer, as of the date hereof, Agnico Eagle is deemed to beneficially own, and exercise control and direction over, an aggregate of 97,022,944 Cartier Shares, representing approximately 26.7% of the issued and outstanding Cartier Shares on a basic basis.  Assuming the full exercise of all Cartier Warrants held by Agnico Eagle, Agnico Eagle would be deemed to beneficially own, and exercise control and direction over, 104,022,944 Cartier Shares, representing approximately 28.0% of the issued and outstanding Cartier Shares on a partially-diluted basis.

    Agnico Eagle holds its Cartier Shares and Cartier Warrants for investment purposes. Depending on market conditions and other factors, Agnico Eagle may, from time to time, acquire additional Cartier Shares, Cartier Warrants or other securities of Cartier or dispose of some or all of its Cartier Shares, Cartier Warrants or other securities of Cartier that it owns at such time.

    Early Warning Disclosure Regarding STLLR Gold Inc.

    Immediately prior to the take-up of the Deposited Shares under the Offer, O3 Mining beneficially owned, and exercised control and direction over, 12,458,939 common shares (the “STLLR Shares“) of STLLR Gold Inc. (“STLLR“), representing approximately 10.1% of the issued and outstanding STLLR Shares on a basic basis.  Agnico Eagle did not beneficially own, or exercise control or direction over, any STLLR Shares.

    As a result of Agnico Eagle’s acquisition of control of O3 Mining pursuant to the Offer, as of the date hereof, Agnico Eagle is deemed to beneficially own, and exercise control and direction over, 12,458,939 STLLR Shares, representing approximately 10.1% of the issued and outstanding STLLR Shares on a basic basis. 

    Agnico Eagle holds its STLLR Shares for investment purposes. Depending on market conditions and other factors, Agnico Eagle may, from time to time, acquire additional STLLR Shares or other securities of STLLR or dispose of some or all of its STLLR Shares or other securities of STLLR that it owns at such time.

    Early warning reports in respect of the foregoing will be filed by Agnico Eagle in accordance with applicable securities laws. To obtain a copy of each early warning report, please contact:

    Agnico Eagle Mines Limited
    c/o Investor Relations
    145 King Street East, Suite 400
    Toronto, Ontario M5C 2Y7
    Telephone: 416-947-1212
    Email: investor.relations@agnicoeagle.com

    Agnico Eagle’s head office is located at 145 King Street East, Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario M5C 2Y7. O3 Mining’s head office is located at 155 University Avenue, Suite 1440, Toronto, Ontario M5H 3B7. Cartier’s head office is located at 1740, chemin Sullivan, bureau 1000, Val d’Or, Québec J9P 7H1. STLLR’s head office is located at 181 Bay Street, Suite 4260, Toronto Ontario M5J 2V1.

    Advisors

    Edgehill Advisory Ltd. is acting as financial advisor to Agnico Eagle. Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP is acting as legal advisor to Agnico Eagle.

    Maxit Capital is acting as financial advisor to O3 Mining. Bennett Jones LLP is acting as legal advisor to O3 Mining. Fort Capital is acting as financial advisor to the Special Committee of independent directors of O3 Mining. Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP is acting as legal advisor to the Special Committee.

    The Depositary and Information Agent for the Offer is Laurel Hill Advisory Group. If you have any questions or require assistance with tendering to the Offer, please contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group, by phone at 1-877-452-7187 or by e-mail at assistance@laurelhill.com.

    About O3 Mining Inc.

    O3 Mining Inc. is a gold explorer and mine developer in Québec, Canada, adjacent to Agnico Eagle’s Canadian Malartic mine. O3 Mining owns a 100% interest in all its properties (128,680 hectares) in Québec. Its principal asset is the Marban Alliance project in Québec, which O3 Mining has advanced over the last five years to the cusp of its next stage of development, with the expectation that the project will deliver long-term benefits to stakeholders.

    About Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

    Agnico Eagle is a Canadian based and led senior gold mining company and the third largest gold producer in the world, producing precious metals from operations in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with a pipeline of high-quality exploration and development projects. Agnico Eagle is a partner of choice within the mining industry, recognized globally for its leading environmental, social and governance practices. Agnico Eagle was founded in 1957 and has consistently created value for its shareholders, declaring a cash dividend every year since 1983.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on current expectations, estimates, projections, and interpretations about future events as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking information and statements are based on estimates of management by O3 Mining and Agnico Eagle, at the time they were made, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Offer, including the anticipated timing of expiration, mechanics, funding, completion, settlement, payment, results and effects of the Offer and the other benefits of the transaction; the advancement of the Marban Alliance project; any second-step transaction, including the timing for any such transaction and Agnico Eagle’s intentions with respect to any such transaction; and Agnico Eagle’s acquisition or disposition of securities of Cartier and/or STLLR in the future. Material factors or assumptions that were applied in formulating the forward-looking information contained herein include, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of Agnico Eagle and O3 Mining that any second-step transaction will be successful and the ability to achieve goals, including the integration of the Marban Alliance property to the Canadian Malartic land package and the ability to realize synergies arising therefrom. Agnico Eagle and O3 Mining caution that the foregoing list of material factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what Agnico Eagle and O3 Mining believe, or believed at the time, to be reasonable expectations and assumptions, there is no assurance that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither O3 Mining, nor Agnico Eagle nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. O3 Mining and Agnico Eagle do not undertake, and assume no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a forecast, projection or estimate of the future financial performance of Agnico Eagle or any of its affiliates or O3 Mining.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

    View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/agnico-eagle-announces-successful-take-up-of-94-1-of-the-shares-of-o3-mining-and-mandatory-extension-of-offer-to-february-3–2025–302359489.html

    SOURCE Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: AUGUSTA HIGHWAY, COLLINSFIELD (Grass Fire)

    Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia

    Issued on
    24 Jan 2025 18:01

    Issued for
    COLLINSFIELD near 5kms south of Redhill in the Midnorth. .

    Warning level
    Advice – Avoid Smoke

    Action
    Smoke from COLLINSFIELD is in the Midnorth  area.

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Senate Democrats Demand Trump Exempt All VA Employees From Hiring Freeze

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Senators to Trump: Exempt entire VA immediately
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) joined SVAC Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and a group of 23 other Democratic senators calling on President Trump to put veterans first and immediately exempt all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees from the hiring freeze he issued on Monday. In their letter to Trump, the senators stressed concerns about the negative impact the hiring freeze will have on the delivery of veterans’ health care and benefits nationwide – if not quickly reversed.
    “As written, this Memorandum could dramatically impair the ability of veterans across the country to get the care and benefits they desperately need,” the senators wrote. “It could also delay or deny various other services across VA – from burial services to job training to assistance for homeless veterans to life-saving assistance from the Veterans Crisis Line. That is why it is imperative for you to provide an immediate, clear, and full exemption to this hiring freeze for VA so it can continue to deliver on its sacred mission for veterans.”
    The group of Democratic senators also underscored that despite assurances of exemptions, they have heard from employees on the ground that the hiring freeze will extend to certain positions promised to be exempt: “In your Memorandum, little detail is provided to understand the scope of its exemptions. And despite assurances that VA benefits would be exempt, we have become aware the hiring freeze will extend to the Veterans Benefits Administration – a decision that will dramatically impact the processing of disability claims, growing the backlog and making it more difficult for veterans to access their earned benefits, including those promised in the PACT Act.”
    The senators pressed Trump for scaling back on VA employees, rather than continuing efforts to address chronic workforce shortages Congress has implemented over the last few years: “Instead of building upon those efforts, one of your first actions was to stop them entirely, and to issue new directives to VA personnel across the country to not only leave vacancies unaddressed, but to revoke job offers that have already been made. That is a betrayal of trust to veterans on day one of your Administration, and it is a betrayal of trust to prospective VA employees intent on serving veterans – an action that will undoubtedly have long-term impacts on VA’s ability to effectively recruit and retain the physicians, nurses, and other critical positions that make VA the preferred option for care for veterans.”
    In addition to Murray and Blumenthal, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Peter Welch (D-VT).
    In addition to the Senate Democrats’ letter to Trump, a group of House Democrats led by House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) are sending a letter today calling on Acting VA Secretary Todd Hunter to also exempt all VA employees from the hiring freeze.
    The full text of the senators’ letter is available here and below.
    Dear President Trump,
    We write with urgent concerns about the Presidential Memorandum issued on January 20, 2025, which instituted an immediate hiring freeze, with few exceptions, across the federal civil service. Veterans have earned and deserve the best quality health care and benefits possible. Delivering on that sacred promise starts with ensuring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has the appropriate personnel in place to serve them. As written, this Memorandum could dramatically impair the ability of veterans across the country to get the care and benefits they desperately need. It could also delay or deny various other services across VA – from burial services to job training to assistance for homeless veterans to life-saving assistance from the Veterans Crisis Line. That is why it is imperative for you to provide an immediate, clear, and full exemption to this hiring freeze for VA so it can continue to deliver on its sacred mission for veterans.
    In your Memorandum, little detail is provided to understand the scope of its exemptions. And despite assurances that VA benefits would be exempt, we have become aware the hiring freeze will extend to the Veterans Benefits Administration – a decision that will dramatically impact the processing of disability claims, growing the backlog and making it more difficult for veterans to access their earned benefits, including those promised in the PACT Act. Additionally, there is no explicit exemption for employees serving the more than 9.2 million veterans enrolled in VA health care.
    Veterans deserve the best care possible from the best medical professionals in the country. To deliver on that obligation, VA continues to utilize various hiring authorities and incentives provided by Congress to address chronic medical workforce shortages, particularly in rural areas. Instead of building upon those efforts, one of your first actions was to stop them entirely, and to issue new directives to VA personnel across the country to not only leave vacancies unaddressed, but to revoke job offers that have already been made. That is a betrayal of trust to veterans on day one of your Administration, and it is a betrayal of trust to prospective VA employees intent on serving veterans – an action that will undoubtedly have long-term impacts on VA’s ability to effectively recruit and retain the physicians, nurses, and other critical positions that make VA the preferred option for care for veterans.
    Mr. President, to prevent the delay or denial of life-saving services and benefits for our nation’s heroes, we urge you to provide an immediate, clear, and full exemption to VA personnel from your hiring freeze. Thanks largely to the PACT Act and the leadership of the Biden Administration, VA is providing more care and more benefits to more veterans than at any time in its history. We are hopeful to work with you to build upon our nation’s promise to these men and women, but we also vow to fight every effort that dishonors their service and reneges upon that sacred promise.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Adam Steer, Darwin Breakfast, ABC Radio

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    Adam Steer:

    The next federal election is due by May. You can expect a lot of pitches, promises over the next 18 weeks. And the battle ground, one of them at least, looks to be drawn around the cost of living. As we were chatting today, the Labor government is vowing to crack down on unfair card surcharges following the RBA’s review of the merchant card payment cost. Stephen Jones is the federal Assistant Treasurer and Financial Services Minister. Minister, happy new year. Welcome back to the program.

    Stephen Jones:

    Good to be back with you, and happy new year to you and your listeners.

    Steer:

    Let’s start with the credit card surcharges. They exist, but they’re quite minimal. Why is this a government priority above everything else?

    Jones:

    We’re doing a range of things to stop the rip‑offs that are putting billions of dollars worth of costs on consumers. Surcharges are costing consumers around about a billion dollars a year. The things that the – the other areas we’re focused on, in the unfair trading areas, subscription traps where it’s easy to sign up to a service and impossible to get out of. You know, online dynamic pricing where the price of a product increases over the course of the – while you’re online transacting and making a purchase. And drip pricing, which is when you go online to buy a hotel or a booking or an airline ticket and you get all these add‑on charges, junk charges that are added to the price of the transaction. There’s a range of things that we are looking at and as well, you know, pricing practices in supermarkets to stop the rip‑offs to ensure that Australians are getting a better deal.

    We’ve been working on it for about a year. Some of these things are more advanced than others. In the area of surcharging, between 0.5 and 1.5 per cent on average people are being charged regularly to use their own money, which is access to their debit cards. It’s in our focus. We’ve got the Reserve Bank doing a deep dive at it at the moment. We want to find out what the actual cost of providing these services are. And we want to ensure that when we do ban it doesn’t just pass the cost on to small businesses.

    Steer:

    It seems – I remember the royal commission into banking was very critical of the fees that the banks were charging, and the government moved to stop them doing it. How have they managed to creep back in, those charges? How has that happened?

    Jones:

    No, these are – the royal commission was looking at charges and commissions that were being paid for fees for no service in a range of different services, whether it was banking or whether it was superannuation or insurance. And this is different. These are transaction fees which the cards and the service providers say are the cost of providing the service. We know that it’s much more than that. We know that there are additional charges that are being put in place there and we want to drill down, ensure that Australians aren’t being whacked with these unfair prices and unfair charges. We’ll do it properly, because we’re adamant we’re not going to do it in – when we’ve raised this in the past small business have quite rightly raised concerns saying, ‘Well, if you ban this surcharge, us charging a surcharge, we’ll just have to absorb that cost.’ So we want to do it in a way that doesn’t whack small businesses but protects the interests of consumers as well.

    Steer:

    So just to clarify there are you suggesting scrapping the surcharge from banks to business or businesses to the consumer? Because if it’s business to consumer and you do nothing about the banks charging the business, then, you know, that’s going to create a lot of issues?

    Jones:

    Great point. There’s a complex web of services that are being provided. I don’t want to dive too deeply into the weeds, but there’s the people who provide the little terminal. There’s the people who provide the connection between the terminal and the banking services. There’s the people who provide the service between the banking services and the credit card providers. There’s a whole range of businesses and services that are invisible to the consumer but take a little bit along the way.

    Steer:

    But you can understand that small businesses today might hear, Assistant Treasurer, that they fear they’ll be slugged with the fee they can’t pass on to the consumers. Can you say with confidence they won’t be punished and it will be the banks who are faced with dealing with those fees?

    Jones:

    And that’s why we’re taking the time to get to the bottom of where all the costs and charges are so that we will be able to say with hand on heart, yes, the consumers will be protected, but so will small businesses. And here’s why we know there’s sharp business going on – if you go to a big supermarket like a Coles or a Woolworths, they are paying a small fraction of what the coffee shop or your small corner store is paying for their transaction fees. So we know – we know – that they’re having a lend here, and that’s what we’re getting to the bottom of.

    Steer:

    You’re on ABC Radio Darwin, Adam Steer with you. Stephen Jones is the federal Assistant Treasurer and Financial Services Minister. It is 22 to 9. On some other issues, the Australian Venue Co has been in the news for not advertising Australia as Australia Day but, rather, the January long weekend. Is there an expectation for our venues to celebrate calendar‑gazetted public holidays?

    Jones:

    Look, this is not a totalitarian regime and country. We don’t tell, you know, private companies what they do or don’t celebrate. I’ll be out there on Australia Day down in my electorate having breakfast by the beach and I’ll be doing about 3 or 4 Australia Day events there. And I think there’ll be hundreds of thousands of Australians that do it. It’s up to private businesses about what they do or don’t do. And I think their customers will make their own mind up about whether they support or don’t support that.

    Steer:

    The Prime Minister at the National Press Club today is expected to announce a new scheme offering payments to apprentices who work in residential construction in a bid to help address the nation’s housing shortage. Ten thousand dollars will be offered to electrical, plumbing and carpentry apprentices. The Master Builders Australia says improving apprenticeship completion rates is vital if Australia is to meet its housing targets. What can you tell me about this announcement today?

    Jones:

    Really important – it builds on our fee‑free TAFE initiative. We want to ensure that all the obstacles to young people getting into one of those traditional trades are removed. We’ve got a shortage of tradies. We need more of them. It’s a great line of work to get into. And we want to attract more people, particularly into the building trades, because lack of tradies means higher costs for building a home and it all adds into the housing shortage that we have at the moment. So we’re attacking this from every angle. We need more workers in the building and construction and in the housing industry, and that’s what this is all about – getting more people into the traditional trades via these apprenticeship bonuses.

    Steer:

    Well, the Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has told Channel Nine the government – you’ve been too late to act on the worker shortages, even though he says –

    Jones:

    He had 9 years. Nine years. We’ve been in government 2 years. He had 9 years, and they sat on this problem and made it worse. And because we haven’t fixed his 9 years’ worth of mistakes and inaction in 2 years we’re the problem? I think Peter Dutton needs to have a good, hard look at himself because Australians are sick of this sort of negativity. You’ve got the government having a crack at fixing a problem that we inherited and you’ve got the bloke who created the problem running around criticising us for doing it. Australians are rightly jack of that sort of mindless negativity.

    Steer:

    Well, over 14,000 electrician apprenticeships were commenced in 2023. That’s compared to just 8,000 in 2017. What’s the number you’re aiming for? What would you like to see here?

    Jones:

    We want to see more young people taking up a trade and more people sticking with that trade.

    Steer:

    Okay.

    Jones:

    I think that the Housing Industry Association are right – it’s not just the number of people who are starting; it’s the number of people who complete the trade, and these bonuses are around – are about ensuring people hit those completion rates.

    Steer:

    Okay. But doesn’t the Opposition have a point here? The Master Builders Association forecasts a shortage of 130,000 workers across the building and construction industry alone this year. Why didn’t you act sooner on the shortages? Is this not because it’s an election year you’re announcing this?

    Jones:

    We did. We did. Within the first 3 months we held a skills summit. We got all of the major players around the table in Canberra and we said we have got a crisis here, we need everyone playing a Team Australia moment on here. We need to get states and territories governments playing a part in this, because they run the TAFE system. We injected more money into the TAFE system to ensure that that was well supported. We instituted fee‑free TAFE. This is the third part of it, which is about ensuring that we make it more affordable for tradies to – for young apprentices to not only take up trade but to stick at the trade. So far from us doing it in the last few months; it was something we started in the first 3 months of being in government. It takes more than 2 years to turn around 10 years’ worth of inaction. So this is what I get a bit frustrated about. This other mob created the problem; we’re fixing it and they’re saying we’re not going fast enough when they did nothing for 9 years.

    Steer:

    New figures from ABS show Australia is 15,000 homes behind your national housing accord target. The territory is right at the back of the pack – 78.6 per cent fewer homes than we should have built last quarter. How does the $10,000 for apprenticeships turn that around?

    Jones:

    We’ve got to be doing everything in this. We’ve got to get more land released and we’ve got to speed up the development applications so that whole planning process has got to be accelerated. We’ve got to have more skilled workers in this. So that’s what the apprenticeship system is about – ensuring that over the long term we’ve got more people entering the industry, so more skilled tradies working in the industry in those traditional trades. So it’s not a – there’s no one silver bullet. We need workforce, we need land supply, we need planning, we need investment, we need the lot of it, and we need it all working together and every tier of government working in on this together with the private sector. No one silver bullet; we need all of it working together.

    Steer:

    Australia Day this weekend, it is a long weekend. There’ll be a few people, particularly in the Top End, I imagine, having some cold lemonades. The federal government’s biannual increase in alcohol excise on February 3 will see the price of a schooner rise as much by $1. Isn’t this going to hurt publicans and licensed venues by forcing people to stay in to entertain rather than spending money over the counter and at restaurants?

    Jones:

    Look, the excise, this has been a feature of the taxation system for several decades now. It’s been designed – it wasn’t designed by our government; it was designed by a previous Coalition government, if my memory serves me correctly. And it’s designed to ensure that the real value of that excise is maintained as prices increase over time –

    Steer:

    It is designed so that it is increased over time because of the perceived health risks of both alcohol and tobacco. When is enough enough on those alcohol excises? Because it’s a growing tax – 2 per cent on 2 per cent on 2 per cent.

    Jones:

    No plans to make any changes in this area at the moment.

    Steer:

    Stephen Jones, federal Assistant Treasurer, Financial Services Minister, one more question I reckon we’ve got time for. Let’s touch on the supermarkets. Long experience for Top Enders is the high cost we have for our supermarkets here. That seems to have spread now right across the country. What is your government’s plan to try and rein in what could appear from some sections as price gouging by the major supermarkets?

    Jones:

    Yes, so we’ve funded the ACCC to have an ongoing price monitoring and beefing up their legal enforcement of the supermarkets, which is why we’ve got them in court at the moment over deceptive pricing practices. It’s where they jack the prices up, say, 20 per cent and then drop them by 10 per cent and pretend that they’ve got a special going on. So there’s deliberate action going on, we’ve got going on, by the ACCC, the competition regulator at the moment. We’re also legislating a new code of practice around supermarkets to ensure that not only are they treating their consumers fairly, their customers fairly, but also their suppliers, because we want to crack down on both of those areas, so there will be a new mandatory code legally enforceable with millions of dollars worth of fines against these companies for doing the wrong thing.

    Steer:

    Minister, appreciate your time. Come into the studio next time you’re up here, please.

    Jones:

    Looking forward to it.

    Steer:

    Thank you, Stephen Jones, federal Assistant Treasurer and Financial Services Minister.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bus parade, exhibition launched

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Transport Department today launched a bus parade and exhibition in Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

    The event features buses from the past and present and is one of the highlights of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s National Day celebrations this year.

    Speaking at the kick-off ceremony this morning, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Lam Sai-hung noted that bus services have long been an indispensable and important part of Hong Kong’s economy and people’s livelihoods.

    “Buses have not only met the travel needs of Hong Kong people every day, but have also witnessed the city’s developments.”

    The event marks the evolution of franchised buses in the city from the past to the present, engaging with the public to experience the crucial role of bus services in the public transport system, he added.

    The transport chief also highlighted that China’s rapid development of new energy technologies in recent years has enriched Hong Kong’s choices of new energy public transport.

    “Numerous electric double-decker buses and hydrogen fuel cell buses introduced into Hong Kong in the past few years were China-made models. Our country has been forging ahead steadfastly in the last 75 years and continuous innovations in such areas as energy and transport technology not only reflect our country’s leading role in this field, but also bring the convenience of technology into the lives of the general public.”

    After the ceremony, the officiating guests boarded an open-top bus to lead a parade of eight retired and in-service buses from Victoria Park to Man Kwong Street via Gordon Road, King’s Road, Causeway Road, Hennessy Road, Fleming Road and Lung Wo Road.

    The general public enjoyed the parade along the 6km-long route across various districts and took photos.

    The convoy also engaged with citizens and tourists at locations such as Hennessy Road near Jardine’s Bazaar in Causeway Bay, Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai and the destination at Central Pier.

    In addition, the four-day bus exhibition at the Victoria Park football pitches is open to registered members of the public free of charge from this afternoon.

    The department reminded those who have registered to queue up and enter the exhibition via its entrance at Soccer Pitch No. 4 (near the jogging track) with a QR code at the selected time slot.

    The exhibition features a total of 10 retired and in-service buses, including the first-generation double-decker bus introduced 75 years ago and the newly introduced China-made new energy double-decker buses.

    Bus model exhibits, photo-taking spots simulating a bus driver and passengers, a neon light installation as well as bus service-related memorabilia including bus captain uniforms of different generations and vintage bus tickets are also on display, the department said.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: India hosts Australia, Japan and U.S. forces in Exercise Malabar 2024

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    VISAKHAPATNAM, India  –  

    Australia, Japan, and U.S. forces joined the host India Navy for an opening ceremony to celebrate the launch of field-training exercise Malabar 2024 in Vishakhapatnam, India, on Oct. 9.

    The ceremony and associated shore-phase activities will be followed by scheduled at-sea exercises in the Bay of Bengal, India.

    “I’m fired up to be here today with my counterparts as our navies train together in the Indian Ocean to strengthen our combat readiness, maritime integration, and interoperability,” said Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “Malabar is a great example of a combined team operating together in order to deter conflict and reinforce our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

    This year marks the 28th iteration of the Malabar exercise, which began in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between the United States and India. The exercise has since evolved in scope and complexity and now includes Japan and Australia. This marks the fifth time that all four nations have participated in Malabar to advance the collective planning, integration and employment of advanced warfare tactics across participating nations.

    “Malabar 2024 reaffirms Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime security and cooperation among like-minded nations in the Indo-Pacific,” said Vice Adm. Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC). “Our joint efforts aim to enhance operational synergy and foster stronger bonds of friendship. Together, we look towards safeguarding our shared values and achieve peace and stability in the region.”

    At-sea exercises are scheduled to include combined training in the surface, sub-surface, air and information domains.

    Eight ships and nearly a dozen aircraft are scheduled to take part in the exercise.

    “It has been 17 years since the JMSDF participated in Malabar for the first time in 2007,” said JMSDF Vice Adm. Katsushi Omachi, commander in chief, Self Defense Fleet. “I believe Malabar will contribute to the peace and stability, as well as the rules-based maritime order, which lead to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Japan-U.S.-India-Australia collaboration is now getting closer than before and I am expecting the multilateral bonds among the navies will deepen.”

    Representing the U.S. in the exercise are a P-8 Poseidon aircraft assigned to Commander, Task Force 72 and the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105), which operates under Commander, Task Force 70 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.

    The Murasame-class destroyer JS Ariake (DD 109) is representing the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Australia is represented by the Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Stuart (FFH 153) and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The host contingent from India includes the first-in-class guided-missile destroyer INS Delhi (D 61), as well as at least four other surface combatants and aircraft.

    Australian, Indian, Japanese, and U.S. maritime forces routinely operate together across the Indo-Pacific in support of regional security and stability.

    “Exercise Malabar is a significant Indo-Pacific maritime activity that deepens interoperability and collaboration among key regional partners,” Australia’s Joint Force Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Jonathan Ley, said. “Australia has participated in previous iterations of Exercise Malabar, was honoured to host the exercise in 2023 and is pleased to participate again in 2024 as part of the Australian Defence Force’s ongoing program of regional presence and engagement.”

    The lead of this year’s exercise is India. The Malabar planning and exercise lead rotates each year among participating nations, along with the exercise location to demonstrate the combined ability to exercise across the entire Western Pacific and Indian Ocean.

    U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Military Sealift Command Far East Participates in Sama Sama

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    SUBIC BAY, Philippines  –  

    As part of the eighth iteration of Exercise Sama Sama 2024, Military Sealift Command (MSC) Far East participated in refueling-at-sea familiarization training aboard the Philippine Navy (PN) frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF 150), at Subic Bay, Philippines, Oct. 8-9.

    “MSC Far East makes sure every U.S. military ship in the Indo-Pacific region is able to get fuel, ammo, and supplies; this can include services to our allies and partners,” said U.S. Navy Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate Andrew Werner, MSC Far East, out of Singapore. “Without a Combat Logistics Force (CFL) or refueling ships, our fleet of ships, and those of some allies, such as the Philippines, would not be able to refuel at sea.”

    Sama Sama 2024, which was held Oct. 7-18, was hosted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Navy, and featured participation from allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including personnel and assets from Australia, Canada, France and Japan.

    MSC Far East provided subject-matter-expert instruction for the refueling-at-sea familiarization training, along with members attached to Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, out of Singapore.

    “The purpose of the training was to get the PN familiar with underway replenishment gear on a ship, how to set it up, and how to conduct a safe underway-replenishment,” said Werner. “MSC Far East has Boatswain’s mates that are subject-matter-experts and can train the Philippine Sailors. We do the similar training with other allies and partners.”

    Underway replenishments of allied partners present a unique opportunity to strengthen partnerships and exercise compatibility of logistics systems.

    “The training went over the fundamentals of refueling and replenishing at sea,” said U.S. Navy Chief Boatswain’s Mate Francisco Fuentes, DESRON 7. “We also conducted hands-on training and observed their on-station procedures for refueling-at-sea, and looked at their replenishment-at-sea stations forward of the ship.

    “It was important for us to do hands-on training because it helped them understand our safety procedures, maintenance requirements, and types of equipment we use and our station procedures. This helps with our interoperability.”

    According to Werner, he hopes that the training was beneficial to the PN, and they can mutually build upon interoperability.

    “Every Navy does evolutions a little different and we were able to show them how on our U.S. Navy conducts a safe refueling—just about every week—when underway on deployment,” added Werner. “They were excited and motivated to learn and I look forward to working with them again in the future.”

    Sama Sama 2024 is a multilateral engagement that includes a sea and shore phase that will incorporate medical, engineering, logistics and symposiums, while diving and explosive ordnance disposal teams, naval vessels and maritime surveillance aircraft conduct exercises focused on anti-submarine, surface and air warfare, and maritime domain awareness.

    MSC Far East supports the U.S. 7th Fleet and ensures approximately 50 ships in the Indo-Pacific Region are manned, trained, and equipped to deliver essential supplies, fuel, cargo, and equipment to warfighters, both at sea and on shore.

    U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

    Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024, MSC exists to support the joint warfighter across the full spectrum of military operations, with a workforce that includes approximately 6,000 Civil Service Mariners and 1,100 contract mariners, supported by 1,500 shore staff and 1,400 active duty and Reserve military personnel.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Gaza Crisis – Last remaining hospitals in North Gaza under siege and population trapped – MSF

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières

    20 October 2024 – “The northern part of the Strip has been under siege for over two weeks, it is absolutely crucial to ensure the protection of the few remaining functional healthcare facilities. People must be able to continue to access medical care and lifesaving treatments. We call on the Israeli forces to immediately stop their attacks on hospitals in North Gaza,” says Anna Halford, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza.

    According to the Ministry of Health and health workers on the ground, Israeli forces are currently besieging and targeting the Indonesian, Al-Awda and Kamal Adwan hospitals. More than 350 patients are reported to be trapped inside, including pregnant women and people who just underwent surgical operations. These patients require continuous medical treatment and are unable to leave.

    “The ever-worsening escalation of violence and non-stop Israeli military operations that we have been witnessing over the past two weeks in northern Gaza have horrifying consequences,” says Halford. Tens of thousands of people remain trapped in Jabalia camp under daily bombing, including six of our staff unreachable due to electricity blackout, while one of our colleagues was killed after sustaining injuries from shrapnel. “When hospitals are attacked, their infrastructure destroyed, and the electricity cut off, the lives of patients and medical staff are under threat.”

    Hundreds of people in need of vital care must urgently be evacuated as their lives are in danger. Essential items, including food, are only entering in quantities that are largely insufficient for the population in the north of the Strip.

    “This is purely and simply a collective punishment imposed on Palestinians in Gaza, who must choose between being forcibly displaced from the North or killed. We fear that this will not stop,” says Halford.

    “Israel’s all-out war on Gaza seems to have no end in sight. Israel’s allies bear a heavy responsibility for this dire situation, caused by their unwavering support for the war. They must immediately do everything in their power to obtain a sustained ceasefire. Not tomorrow, not in a week. Now,” says Halford.

    MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Criminals sentenced as Taskforce catches million-dollar fraudster

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    Three people have faced court for defrauding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) while another disability provider awaits sentencing as the Fraud Fusion Taskforce (FFT) clamps down on criminals looking to exploit the Scheme.

    These latest fraud cases have come before the courts as the National Disability Insurance Agency’s (NDIA) has boosted its internal payment systems to further safeguard the Scheme. The $83.9 million Crack Down on Fraud program is already yielding results, with integrity uplifts resulting in more than $75 million in payments being stopped since July 2024.

    The most recent court cases have seen four people – from three separate matters across two states – face court and plead guilty to charges of ripping off the NDIS.

    They include:

    • A North-West Sydney registered NDIS provider pleading guilty to fraud-related offences totalling more than $1 million. She will be sentenced in coming months.
    • A Western Sydney individual sentenced to 10 months’ jail for ‘Dealing with Proceeds of Crime’ with a fraud value of $69,000. The man had been an NDIS participant before having his access to the Scheme revoked. It was found he had colluded with family members – who had been operating as a disability provider – to defraud the NDIS. Those additional family members will face sentencing over their role in this matter in the coming months.
    • Two people in Victoria’s Gippsland region sentenced to community correction orders and community work for creating false invoices to defraud an NDIS plan, in a FFT operation that saw Victoria Police and NDIA investigators work together.

    The NDIS Minister, the Hon. Bill Shorten MP, said these cases were a timely reminder of the NDIA enhanced capability to detect and prevent fraud against the Scheme.

    “The Albanese Government has been focused on fraud in the Scheme since being elected, and has invested accordingly to ensure people looking to exploit the NDIS are caught and prosecuted,” Minister Shorten said.

    “For anyone out there still thinking they might be able to rip off participants and the NDIS, think again.

    “The establishment of the Fraud Fusion Taskforce means you’re taking on the collaborative power of 21 Commonwealth agencies, as well as state-based police, working together. For any dodgy provider doing the wrong thing, I guess the question you have to ask yourself is: Do you feel lucky?”

    “Providers need to understand that they can’t be ‘half honest’. If the NDIA suspects something might be dodgy about a submitted claim, the Agency won’t pay it and will make enquiries,” Minister Shorten said.

    “If fraudulent activity is detected, its first priority is ensuring participant safety and welfare – meaning the Agency will move participants to alternative providers – and may then launch an investigation into the provider.

    “Pleasingly, the disability community is playing its part. Tip-offs have more than doubled since we introduced the Taskforce, with more than 5,000 tip-offs received so far this financial year.”

    People can report fraud or non-compliance by filling in the online tip-off form, calling the NDIS Fraud Reporting and Scams Helpline on 1800 650 717 or emailing fraudreporting@ndis.gov.au.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New advertising campaign calls for more young people to volunteer

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    The Albanese Labor Government has launched an awareness campaign today to encourage young people to consider taking up a volunteer role to strengthen the nation’s volunteering sector.

    The campaign, called Hanging out to help out, will shine a light on the benefits of volunteering by challenging assumptions and highlighting the positive personal impacts for younger Australians.

    The campaign aims to raise awareness of volunteering among young people ages 15-18 and showcases the diverse range of volunteering options, that it can be fun, done with friends and the personal development that results.

    Advertising will be live from 20 October 2024 to 30 June 2025 across social media, digital video (YouTube music), digital audio (streaming and podcasts) and search activity.

    Formal volunteering in Australia has been declining since 2010 and dropped sharply in 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 83 per cent of volunteer-involving organisations saying they need more volunteers.

    Research shows there is currently limited awareness among 15–18-year-olds of the need for young volunteers, and limited understanding of the flexible and variable aspects of volunteering.

    Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth will today launch the campaign at the Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club in Adelaide.

    Minister Rishworth said volunteering brough so many benefits to all those involved and particularly ensuring more young people could take up on volunteering opportunities was so important.

    “Young people are the future of volunteering, they can make such a big difference in their communities and gain lifelong skills while making friendships along the way”, Minister Rishworth said.

    “We know from research that people who participate in volunteering activities prior to entering the workforce makes a substantial difference in their participation rate for the rest of their lives.”

    “Through this campaign, we want young Australians to consider the personal benefits of volunteering and the positive impact it can have on mental health and community participation, and social involvement more generally.”

    The campaign will direct those interested in volunteering to potential opportunities near them and information on how they can access them.

    The Albanese Government is investing over $81 million through its Volunteering and Community Connectedness programs through 30 June 2026 to support volunteering.

    Last year The National Strategy for Volunteering, funded by the Department of Social Services, was launched which provides a blueprint for the next 10 years that will enable volunteering in Australia to thrive by providing strategic objectives for the sector and all governments to work towards.

    To find out more visit volunteering.gov.au.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Labor retains office at ACT election; US presidential election remains on a knife’s edge

    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 Labor Party has won a seventh consecutive ACT election.

    The ACT uses the Hare Clark proportional representation method with five five-member electorates, for a total of 25 seats. A quota is one-sixth of the vote or 16.7%.

    For Saturday’s election, the ABC is calling
    ten Labor seats, eight Liberals, two Greens, one Independent for Canberra (IfC) and one other independent, with three still undecided.

    Labor has won a seventh consecutive term, having governed in the ACT since 2001, often in coalition with the Greens. At the 2022 federal election, the ACT gave Labor a 67–33 two-party win, easily the most pro-Labor jurisdiction. This strong left lean makes it difficult for the Liberals to win ACT elections.

    Vote shares were 34.5% Labor (down 3.3% since the 2020 election), 33.0% Liberals (down 0.9%), 12.5% Greens (down 1.0%), 8.5% Independents for Canberra (new) and 11.5% for all Others (down 3.3%). Postal votes have not yet been counted, and these should help the Liberals.

    Nearly all pre-poll votes and some election day votes were cast electronically. Provisional preference distributions for these votes were published on election night, with paper ballots to be added to these electronic votes in the coming days.

    Analysis of each of the five electorates follows. The final seat result will probably be ten Labor (steady since 2020), ten Liberals (up one), three Greens (down three), one IfC (new) and one other independent (up one). If this occurs, Labor and the Greens will retain their combined majority with 13 of the 25 seats.

    In Brindabella, the Liberals won 2.57 quotas, Labor 2.05, the Greens 0.55 and IfC 0.45. Analyst Kevin Bonham says the Liberals are likely to win the last seat after postals are counted.

    In Ginninderra, Labor has 2.26 quotas, the Liberals 1.52, the Greens 0.89 and IfC 0.45. Bonham says the Greens and Liberals easily win the final two seats on the provisional distribution.

    In Kurrajong, Labor has 2.20 quotas, the Liberals 1.41, the Greens 1.07 and IfC 0.83. IfC easily wins the last seat on the provisional distribution.

    In Murrumbidgee, the Liberals have 2.06 quotas, Labor 2.02, independent Fiona Carrick 0.78 and the Greens 0.57. Carrick easily wins the last seat.

    In Yerrabi, the Liberals have 2.19 quotas, Labor 1.86, the Greens 0.71 and IfC 0.58. The Greens easily defeat IfC on the provisional distribution.

    Harris dips in polls, but US presidential contest remains tight

    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 49.1–46.8, a gain for Trump since last Monday, when Harris led by 49.3–46.5. Harris’ national lead peaked on October 2, when she led by 49.4–45.9.

    Joe Biden’s final position before his withdrawal as Democratic candidate on July 21 was a national poll deficit against Trump of 45.2–41.2.

    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 Silver’s state poll aggregates, Harris leads by just 0.4 points in Pennsylvania (19 electoral votes) and Wisconsin (ten). She leads by about one point in Michigan (15 electoral votes) and Nevada (six). Trump leads by 0.8 points in North Carolina (16 electoral votes), 1.4 points in Georgia (16) and 1.8 points in Arizona (11).

    If Harris holds her current leads in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan and Nevada, she likely wins the Electoral College by at least 276–262. But Harris’ margins in these states are now very narrow.

    While Silver’s model is still effectively a 50–50 toss-up, Trump is now the slight favourite with a 51% chance to win the Electoral College, up from 48% last Monday. Harris’ Electoral College win probability had peaked at 58% on September 27. There’s a 26% chance that Harris wins the popular vote but loses the Electoral College.

    While Trump was the favourite in Silver’s model between late August and mid-September, this is his first lead in FiveThirtyEight since early August.

    Silver said on Friday that current economic conditions imply Harris should win the national popular vote by about one point, so the contest is trending towards this outcome. But Trump would be likely to win the Electoral College with just a one-point Harris advantage in the popular vote.

    Liberals lose Pittwater to teal at NSW state byelections

    Byelections occurred Saturday in the New South Wales state Liberal-held seats of Epping, Hornsby and Pittwater. Labor did not contest any of these byelections. In Pittwater, The Poll Bludger’s projections give teal independent Jacqui Scruby a 54.1–45.9 lead over the Liberals, a 4.8% swing to Scruby since the 2023 state election.

    Current primary votes are 53.7% Scruby (up 17.3%), 42.4% Liberals (down 2.6%) and 3.9% for a Libertarian. The Greens had won 6.8% in 2023, but did not contest, presumably to stop left-wing votes exhausting under NSW’s optional preferential system.

    The other two byelections were easy Liberal holds, with the Liberals beating the Greens by 61.6–38.4 in Hornsby (58.0–42.0 against Labor in 2023). The Liberals won Epping by 65.8–34.2 against the Greens (54.8–45.2 against Labor in 2023).

    Federal Morgan poll and NT redistribution

    A national Morgan poll, conducted October 7–13 from a sample of 1,697, had a 50–50 tie, unchanged from the September 30 to October 6 Morgan poll.

    Primary votes were 37.5% Coalition (steady), 30% Labor (down 1.5), 14% Greens (up 1.5), 6% One Nation (up 0.5), 9% independents (steady) and 3.5% others (down 0.5).

    The headline figure uses respondent preferences. By 2022 election preference flows, Labor led by 51–49, a one-point gain for the Coalition.

    The Northern Territory has two federal electorates: Lingiari and Solomon. It had been seven years since the last NT redistribution, so a new redistribution was required, and this was released Friday.

    ABC election analyst Antony Green said Labor’s margin in Lingiari was increased from 0.9% to 1.7%, but decreased in Solomon from 9.4% to 8.4%. This is a draft redistribution, but there are not expected to be any changes before finalisation.

    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. Labor retains office at ACT election; US presidential election remains on a knife’s edge – https://theconversation.com/labor-retains-office-at-act-election-us-presidential-election-remains-on-a-knifes-edge-241678

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –