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Category: Australia

  • MIL-Evening Report: How did public service leaders talk to staff about Robodebt? What they said – or didn’t – is revealing

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Casey, Lecturer, School of Politics and International Relations, Australian National University

    In July 2023, after the release of the damning Robodebt Royal Commission report, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared:

    it was wrong, it was illegal, it should never have happened and it should never happen again.

    A major finding was some senior public servants were overly responsive to the wishes of ministers, to the detriment of the general public. The report describes an environment that was:

    fraught […] characterised by a powerful drive for savings, strongly expressed ministerial policy positions […] and intense pressure experienced by public servants.

    Investigating the scheme, which ran under the Morrison government, Commissioner Catherine Holmes was disturbed by “the lengths to which public servants were prepared to go to oblige ministers”, undermining the concept of impartiality and frank and fearless advice.

    The release of Rick Morton’s new book Mean Streak brings a renewed focus on the lessons from Robodebt. To learn from such a serious crisis, organisations need to openly confront what happened, discuss and understand what the failure means. What were the systemic causes? What cultural failings did it expose? How can we ensure a similar disaster does not happen again?

    Our research found little evidence these questions were being asked by many public service leaders immediately after the royal commission.

    In the six months after the royal commission report’s release, almost half of the heads of Australian Public Service (APS) agencies apparently decided they didn’t need to communicate with their staff about Robodebt and explain what it meant for them.

    What did department leaders do?

    Learning from the failure of Robodebt will take time. In 2024, the public service is investigating and punishing some of those involved and implementing a new integrity plan.

    Our research focuses on the six months after the release of the royal commission report: July to December 2023. Research shows the immediate post-crisis period is crucial to effective learning.

    But before organisations can respond, they have to interpret and understand the meaning of the failure.

    Just as the public turns to political leaders in a crisis, employees look to management. Leaders’ communication, whether by email, an all staff video, or a town hall meeting, is crucial.

    These messages set the organisational narrative that explains what happened and why, what the repercussions are, how it can be resolved, and what lessons (if any) should be drawn from the crisis.

    Three days after the royal commission report was released, the secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Glyn Davis, and Australian Public Service Commissioner Gordon de Brouwer, emailed all public service employees saying:

    we are committed to working through the findings in an open and constructive way with you — the APS — and with the Australian public.

    Our focus, however, is on how leaders of individual departments and agencies responded. Using Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, we asked how leaders communicated with staff in the crucial period straight after the commission reported.

    Departments are where policy development occurs and they often work closely with ministers.

    But only half of all public servants work for departments. The rest work across the 100 or so agencies.

    While most department heads communicated with their staff about Robodebt, only 54% of agencies’ leaders did.

    The 50 agencies that did not communicate with their staff about the meaning of Robodebt in the months following the report employ more than 45,000 people, more than 25% of the public service.

    Not my problem mentality

    Three large departments told us that “no documents were identified” or “the Department does not hold documents […] that meet the terms of the request”. This indicates they did not communicate with staff in the first six months after the Robodebt report was handed down. The departments were:

    It is not clear why those secretaries decided not to write to their staff directly about Robodebt, but the absence of communication sends a message.

    This was explicit in some responses. For example, in declining our request, we were told that the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority:

    […] is not an outwardly facing organisation and as such does not provide payments to individual recipients. Consequently, it is not required to respond to the Royal Commission and there are no documents that are relevant to your request.

    Even when there was some communication, agencies were not necessarily addressing the cultural issues. For example, the Clean Energy Regulator was focused on public perception:

    there is a heightened sense of scrutiny on regulators […] please be vigilant if you are approached by anybody working for a media outlet.

    In such circumstances, it is unlikely cultural change will occur.

    Some positive signs

    On the positive side, there were examples of agencies that addressed the serious implications of Robodebt for their work, which is likely to improve their organisational culture.

    The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) identified a number of recommendations “albeit directed at other agencies […] that ASIC should act on”. They noted that “given most of our people come from the private sector”, there was a need to improve training on “our obligations as public servants”.



    Read more:
    Two former federal departmental heads breached public service code 25 times in Robodebt scandal

    Similarly, Australian statistician David Gruen emphasised creating a culture where “people feel supported if and when they seek to raise difficult issues with their colleagues or superiors”. Similar discussions were had at AUSTRAC.

    Departments are closest to ministers, so we hoped their communications would address problems in the relationships between senior public servants and ministers, a key issue exposed in the Robodebt case.

    Unfortunately, only four departments discussed over-responsiveness with their staff or in executive meetings, in the period studied.

    The department of industry and science was the most comprehensive. Secretary Meghan Quinn wrote to staff several times, reflecting that the “findings go to the heart of leadership and culture and this should be our focus going forward”. The department’s integrity branch wrote to staff:

    public servants [must] […] provide the government with advice that is frank and honest. If you ever feel pressured to do or sign something you are not comfortable with, it’s important you speak with your supervisors […] you have the Executive’s backing not to put your name to anything that is not true or not in the public interest.

    However, this was one of the few departments where senior staff confronted these core issues directly in the early months after the royal commission reported. Most departments did not name or discuss the underlying cause of the failures: over-responsiveness to ministers at the expense of protecting the public.

    While many of the errors of Robodebt can be solved through new procedures and rules, changing public service culture is a bigger learning project.

    It requires a shift in norms and reweighting the competing duties of public servants. They must serve elected ministers, but equally, they must serve the public by ensuring probity, fairness and legality.

    Robodebt illustrated the harm that occurs when the balance tips too far towards ministers and away from the public interest.

    That this was rarely part of the communication from public service leaders to their staff in the immediate aftermath of the royal commission does not bode well for lessons being learnt from the crisis.

    Daniel Casey worked in the Department of Social Services during the period of Robodebt, but did not work on the Robodebt program.

    Maria Maley received funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. How did public service leaders talk to staff about Robodebt? What they said – or didn’t – is revealing – https://theconversation.com/how-did-public-service-leaders-talk-to-staff-about-robodebt-what-they-said-or-didnt-is-revealing-240015

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Eye in the sky: Drones assist mapping estuarine habitats

    Source: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

    18 Oct 2024

    Coastal ecosystems are being targeted by eyes in the sky as part of an ongoing effort to monitor and protect, seagrasses, saltmarshes and mangroves across the state’s estuaries.

    NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Fisheries Research Scientist Dr Daniel Swadling said the state-wide mapping project is using drones to capture images of these challenging environments.

    “Accessing remote saltmarsh and mangrove areas is no easy task, due to the challenging environments. Some sites are so remote that they can’t be accessed by boat or 4WD,” Dr Swadling said.

    “By using drone technology, the team can capture high-resolution phot
    ographs of these areas which is crucial for tracking changes in these habitats and assessing their overall condition.

    “These images are then compared to preliminary maps created from aerial imagery, a process known as validation, which helps ensure the accuracy of the habitat data.”

    Dr Swadling said a recent mapping expedition in the Clarence River demonstrated the benefits of blending technology with the natural habitat.

    “Because of the difficulty in accessing some of these areas, we were able to obtain ‘Extended Visual Line of Sight’ (EVLOS) endorsements. This approval allows drone pilots to fly beyond the usual visual line of sight. With EVLOS, we could photograph areas up to 1.5 kilometres away, well beyond standard drone operating limits,” Dr Swadling said.

    “Mapping estuarine habitats is a key component of the Marine Estate Management Strategy (MEMS) and vital for safeguarding the future of NSW’s estuaries by providing data to protect these ecosystems for future generations.”

    The NSW Estuarine Habitat Monitoring and Threat Assessment Project is conducted by DPIRD Fisheries and funded via the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy.

    An updated map of the Clarence River estuary will soon be available to the public via the Estuarine Habitat Dashboard and Fisheries Spatial Data Portal.

    Media contact: pi.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 150 years of protecting Alexandra

    Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

    Brigade members walking in the parade. Credit: Blair Dellemijn

    An impressive crowd gathered as more than 12 fire trucks and partner emergency services paraded down the main street of town to mark Alexandra Fire Brigade’s 150th anniversary.

    On Saturday 12 October, the brigade celebrated the incredible milestone with the local community throughout the day and a dinner with more than 100 guests which included long-service medals.

    Alexandra Captain Chris Lynch said leading the brigade during this historic event was an honour and a privilege.

    “I don’t lead alone, I have an amazing team that joins me and without them, I am only one person,” Chris said.

    “A lot of work went into the event and it was a great day. This isn’t just about Alexandra’s 150th, this is the community being able to have a minute to look and see the people that support them in their time of need.”

    The brigade was formed in February 1874, with Captain Radford Huddle as officer in charge and around 20 members on board.

    A few months after the brigade was formed, the main street suffered significant fires with several buildings lost. The town had been hit with fires in the past, but reports indicate the formation of the fire brigade paid dividends, as the fire was contained. However, with every fire comes problems and Captain Huddle and three members resigned immediately after the incident.

    Training back in the day saw the firefighters don their new red uniforms before marching to the local racecourse, and while one member climbed a tree, others then had to source a continuous supply of water using buckets to get it to the top of the tree.

    Over the years the brigade became involved in the demonstrations, which was later known as the State Championships – where they went on to being quite successful, winning many trophies.

    The construction of a fire bell on a small tower in the main street was a major move forward to alert brigade members to fire calls. This historic bell still exists in front of the joint emergency services facility in Shamrock Street, Alexandra.

    The brigade acquired its first motor vehicle during the late 1930s, a Dodge, 4 cylinder, open cap, fitted with a bell. It was a hose carriage and firefighters transport vehicle only, which proved better than having to run a reel. This truck was replaced by an Austin Series 1 fitted with a Thompson front mounted pump around 1950.

    Alexandra Captain Chris Lynch said the brigade has been involved in numerous major fires over the decades.

    “The 2019/20 Black Summer fires stand out, our brigade spent time at the fires at Swift Creek,” Chris said.

    “Not long after I was voted in as Captain a few years ago, we responded to a fire at Maintongoon which ended up being one of the biggest fires for the season.”

    Chris joined CFA around 12 years ago and said it’s a great way to meet people, have community spirit and assist people in need.

    “Many people have come and gone over the years but it’s important to talk to the people who have been there before, learn from them and respect everybody’s opinion,” Chris said.

    “One of the most amazing things about Alexandra Fire Brigade is the members. We are such a diverse brigade, and we have the ability to do anything we put our minds to.

    “We also couldn’t do what we do without our Fire Equipment Maintenance (FEM) team and the auxiliary members who raise much needed funds for our brigade.”

    More than 30 service awards were presented during the brigade dinner including five members who received the prestigious 55 years of service.

    Dignitaries at the event included Cindy McLeish MP, Mayor Damien Gallagher, CFA Board Member Ross Coyle, Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Stephen Keating and Commander Paul Brislin.

    Submitted by CFA media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Golden Highway a critical path to net zero ambitions

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Golden Highway a critical path to net zero ambitions

    Published: 18 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

    Detailed maps are now available to outline the 19 highway upgrades that will pave the way from the Port of Newcastle to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

    ‘Port to REZ’ upgrades will be funded by the Australian and NSW governments, with $128.5 million announced towards 320 kilometres of road upgrades and ancillary works.

    The upgrades will enable the transportation of wind turbines and other crucial components needed for wind and solar farms and the transmission network that connects them.

    The Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) and Transport for NSW are working together to deliver the improved roads, ensuring they can comfortably accommodate transportation of materials required, whilst also improving road safety for local communities.

    The 19 specific locations identified as pinch points are on the Golden Highway between the Port of Newcastle and Elong Elong, as well as a section of the Castlereagh Highway.

    The maps can be found here

    Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

    “Transport for NSW is supporting the eight councils along the route with resources and information to help guide them in the rollout of the REZ in preparation for new wind and solar power operations.

    “We are working closely with councils who are the local road authorities in their respective areas, responsible for the management of local road networks, including road safety, road funding, road maintenance and heavy vehicle access.

    “Additionally, Transport for NSW and EnergyCo are currently carrying out a review of roads across the designated renewable energy corridors to determine if any roads should be reclassified as state roads.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe:

    “As the Renewable Energy Zones progress, we’re working to ensure that local infrastructure such as roads, are in a good enough state to accommodate extra demands.

    “This is part of our commitment to the long-term prosperity of communities hosting Renewable Energy Zones as we continue the transformation of our state’s energy system.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Reducing workload in hundreds more schools

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Reducing workload in hundreds more schools

    Published: 18 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Education and Early Learning

    A trial program aimed at slashing teacher workload and helping educators focus on classroom learning has been extended for two years as the Minns Labor Government rolls out the next tranche to more than 700 schools.

    The School Administration Reduction Program is part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to address teacher burnout and staff shortages caused by unsustainable workloads.

    The trial workload reduction program works to permanently equip schools with new systems and more efficient ways of dealing with the many additional tasks that schools, and in particular teachers, do every day above and beyond teaching their students.

    Through the program hundreds of additional School Administrative and Support Staff (SASS) are deployed to public schools to improve systems and relieve teachers of burdensome administrative work that built up under the Liberals and Nationals.

    Schools who have participated in the program have reported a substantial reduction in the workload of teachers and principals, as well as better training for staff.

    Examples of improvements made through the program include:

    • The Ponds School – improved the planning and coordinating of additional support, resources and programs offered by the school. Previously this work was performed by teachers.
    • Tacking Point Public School – better utilised technology to streamline many administrative tasks, taking them off the plate of teachers.
    • Medowie Public School – developed and implemented an efficient communication strategy to reduce teacher workload and improve correspondence with parents and carers.
    • Wallerawang Public School – enhanced staff induction processes, developing a new handbook on key school procedures including first aid, evacuation, and other WHS protocols.
    • James Fallon High School – made improvements including digitising historical records, strengthening healthcare plan systems and managing risk assessments.

    The program, which has been in 419 schools across 2023–24, will now move to more than 700 schools for 2025–26. By the end of 2026, 1,000 schools—or nearly half of NSW public schools—will have benefited from the School Administration Reduction Program.

    This program is part of a wider effort to reduce workload pressure in schools, which includes:

    • An extensive review of administrative tasks done in schools. Some 70 per cent of the tasks identified are directly linked to departmental policies, highlighting the importance of streamlining these documents and teachers’ ability to access them.
    • A line-by-line audit of teachers’ administrative and bureaucratic tasks was also completed earlier this year, as part of a broader initiative to reduce teacher workload by 5 hours a week.   The review identified around 100 tasks which cause high or very high bureaucratic workload, around 60 per cent of which directly impacts teachers. The department is using the findings to simplify tasks and further reduce teacher workload. 

    This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to address the teacher shortage and rebuild public education in NSW. Under the former government teachers were leaving the profession in record numbers, with teacher vacancies rising to a record high of 3,000.

    Our work to rebuild public education includes delivering teachers the biggest pay rise in a generation and reducing the number of teacher vacancies to their lowest in three years, a 24 per cent drop from last year to this year.

    Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

    “We need our teachers focusing on what matters most – providing high quality teaching for our students in the classroom.

    “This program is reducing teacher workload and streamlining school systems on a long-term basis, allowing educators to focus on the important job of teaching.

    “We’ll closely study the learnings from the School Administration Reduction Program to inform our broader effort to cut workload across our system.”

    Michelle Said, Principal, South Creek School, said: 

    “The program has been hugely beneficial to our School for Specific Purpose. We have been able to achieve so much in our school and community due to our extra SASS taking the load off teachers and executive.” 

    Megan Manson, Principal, Canobolas Public School, said:

    “The program has made a real difference for our classrooms and the running of our office. We have used our SASS staff member to assist with administration on digital platforms, coordinating projects and excursions, covering books and other classroom duties, and running a reading fluency program.

    “All of these tasks have had a positive impact on our staff and students.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian Centre for Child Protection celebrates 20 years of improving the lives of vulnerable children

    Source: University of South Australia

    17 October 2024

    Left to right: Professor Melissa O’Donnell, Deputy Director Research; Professor Leah Bromfield, Director and Chair of Child Protection; Amanda Paton, Deputy Director Practice; Lisa McDonald, Centre Manager

    The Australian Centre for Child Protection (ACCP), founded in 2004 by the Australian Government and the University of South Australia, is celebrating its 20th birthday and two decades of helping to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect.

    The ACCP’s public health approach to child protection saw it quickly gain influence across the sector early on, making major contributions to the first National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children and the National Research Agenda for Protecting Children.

    Today, the Centre continues to provide leadership and input to national strategies and action plans as well as supporting Commissions and Inquiries nationally.

    Current areas of focus include families with multiple and complex needs, preventing infant removals, child sexual abuse, harmful sexual behaviours, out-of-home care and issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.

    Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Engagement at UniSA, Distinguished Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington AO, says the ACCP has informed UniSA’s research, focusing on big issues, partnered approaches and developing new solutions that benefit society.

    “The Centre’s focus on partnering with the sector to drive new approaches and outcomes in child protection continues to shape Australian policy and practice in this critical field,” she says.

    Centre Director Professor Leah Bromfield says that the ACCP’s third decade marks a shift in focus to a transformation agenda.

    “We know through our work across the past two decades that our child protection systems are not fit for purpose, and we must reimagine our approach to protecting children. ACCP is driving research and innovation to shape this transformation now and into the future,” she says.

    “This new approach has the potential to be an example to the rest of the world.”

    To celebrate its 20-year milestone and during Children’s Week, on Thursday 24 October the Australian Centre for Child Protection will present a free one-day virtual symposium, sharing the latest in ACCP’s research, solutions and insights, with more than 20 presentations from Centre staff, students, and partners across a range of priority themes.

    Prof Bromfield says the symposium program has been designed to showcase the breadth of expertise and knowledge across the ACCP team.

    “It’s our way of continuing to work hand in hand with the sector, driving new knowledge that can be applied, and supporting the sector and its workforce,” she says.

    “This is how we can successfully continue to improve the lives of our most vulnerable children.”

    Registrations and the full program for the symposium can be found on the ACCP website.

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Contact for interview: Professor Leah Bromfield M: +61 401 635 310 E: Leah.Bromfield@unisa.edu.au

    Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Watercare begins preliminary work to futureproof the city centre’s wastewater infrastructure

    Source: Auckland Council

    The preliminary work for Watercare’s Midtown Wastewater Upgrades begins next week.

    Three midtown sites are being prepared and shafts are being built, ready for a tunnel boring machine to be lowered into the ground in 2025. The machine will reach depths of up to 14.5 metres and tunnel a distance of 585 metres below Queen Street.

    These underground wastewater upgrades are a key component of the Auckland Council group’s midtown regeneration. The programme is preparing streets, spaces and infrastructure for the City Rail Link, which will bring many more people into the city centre to live, work, study, visit and do business.

    The upgrades will renew the workings of the city centre’s century-old pipes, enable the consenting of a pipeline of commercial and residential apartment developments, and help protect the region’s precious Waitematā Harbour.

    Chair of the Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee Councillor Andy Baker explains that this wastewater project is essential for Auckland’s future resilience.

    “Midtown will become an even more popular place for people to live beyond 2026 when the City Rail Link’s Te Waihorotiu Station is operational. With these important works complete, we will have increased the capacity of our wastewater system and upgraded the quality of our pipes in midtown.

    “It is vitally important for us to futureproof the area ahead of the population growth expected in midtown, and we are taking steps also with this work to reduce the risk of wastewater overflows entering the Waitematā Harbour during heavy rain.

    “I want to emphasise that Watercare has sited the shafts away from shops and businesses, synchronised the works with other construction in the area for maximum efficiency, and ensured that traffic in Queen Street continues to operate.

    “As the safety fences go up around three localised shafts next week to enable this work, we want to remind everyone that midtown continues to be open for business,” Councillor Baker says.

    This wastewater work around Queen Street, delivered by Watercare and supported by Auckland Council, is scheduled to be complete by December 2026.

    For all information please visit here.

    Q&A

    What else is being upgraded?

    While stage one of Watercare’s Midtown Wastewater Upgrades will increase wastewater capacity, crews will also take this opportunity to reline the Victoria Street section of the Ōrākei Main Sewer. Doing this work during Stage 1 of the pipeline installation eliminates the need for Watercare to return to Victoria Street to do this critical work later. Stage two is in the design phase and will involve laying new wastewater pipes from Vincent Street to Greys Avenue carpark.

    Why is this work essential?

    The Midtown Wastewater Upgrades support the Auckland city centre’s planned residential and commercial growth, reduce the risk of future overflows into the Waitematā Harbour and safeguard and increase resilience of midtown’s wastewater network.

    What are the problems we’re solving?

    Currently, the wastewater and stormwater in the midtown area combine into a single pipe which feeds into a large pipe called an interceptor, which takes flows to Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant for processing.  

    Combined networks are designed to overflow during rainfall events at designated overflow points rather than back flow up your toilet or sink.

    The focus of the Midtown Wastewater Upgrades is to redirect most of the wastewater away from the combined network and channel it through a dedicated 1.2km pipeline.

    The project also involves reconfiguring the current wastewater network to better use under-utilised pipes.

    After the Midtown Wastewater Upgrades are complete, overflows from the combined network will become less frequent after heavy rainfall events.

    How will the tunnel boring process work?

    A large portion of the pipeline will be installed using a method called horizontal directional drilling (HDD). The benefit of using this method is that it will get the job done more safely, faster, and with a higher quality result. Horizontal directional drilling is also better for the environment than open trenching as it lessens the impact on surrounding critical assets and reduces fractures and soil disturbance. This method is also less disruptive for the community as there is much less digging up of the street.

    Read more about the city centre’s transformation here.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Research project to address cultural gap

    Source: Government of Western Australia

    Nearly $200,000 has been awarded to The University of Western Australia for a research project that will develop a tool to more effectively measure mental health and wellbeing in the Aboriginal community of Mullewa.

    The research project called Tharlbarra Maga: Developing a Strong Head, Strong Mind Measure received funding from Healthway’s 2023 Targeted Research Round, which called for research projects that focused on new and innovative ways to measure health behaviours.

    Chief Investigator Dr Charmaine Green from the Western Australian Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) at The University of Western Australia said the funding will support the considerable formative work that has already been undertaken in Mullewa.

    “We currently don’t have culturally appropriate tools to be able to measure the impact we are making on the local Aboriginal community’s mental health, social and emotional wellbeing,” she said.

    “This research project will provide an alternative to Western mental health tools and measures, which are often disliked and not appropriate for Aboriginal people as they do not reflect their cultural beliefs and understandings of wellbeing.

    “This research project will take two years to complete, the tools that will be developed are likely to be interactive, story and picture based, using local idioms and local artists.”

    Healthway CEO Colin Smith said Healthway looked forward to the outcomes of Dr Green’s work, as it will address a gap by providing culturally and locally relevant tools to measure mental health and wellbeing.

    “This research project will involve extensive consultation with Aboriginal co-researchers and Mullewa community members to better understand the Mullewa mental health story.

    “Once culturally appropriate tools are developed, they will be shared with the wider community to improve our understanding of community mental health in Mullewa and help shape the delivery of more effective health programs.

    “The project can also provide a blue-print for other Aboriginal communities to develop similar, locally appropriate tools.”   

    Healthway’s 2023 Targeted Research Round has supported four research projects worth nearly $800,000 to address gaps in measuring health behaviours and inform future policy and process.

    The successful recipients include:

    • Dr Charmaine Green, WACRH, The University of Western Australia – Tharlbarra Maga: Developing a Strong Head, Strong Mind Measure- $199, 640
    • Dr Emma Carlin, University of Western Australia – Measuring and supporting Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing within primary healthcare – $199, 690
    • Associate Professor Michael Livingston, Curtin University – Measuring alcohol risk, information needs and pathways using an AI chatbot – $198,748
    • Professor Peter Gething, Curtin University – Smart Walking and Cycling: Active Travel to School Simulator – $197,876.

     

    The post Research project to address cultural gap appeared first on Healthway.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Mpox is spreading across Victoria

    Source: Government of Victoria 3

    Key messages

    • Cases of mpox continue to increase in Victoria and other Australian jurisdictions. This outbreak is now the biggest in Victoria since the first case was reported in May 2022.
    • Mpox has mostly impacted gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), although anyone can be affected. There have now been several cases in females in Victoria and heterosexual transmission has been reported.
    • All sexually active people with compatible symptoms should be tested, regardless of sexual orientation, vaccination status or travel history.
    • Remain aware of the possibility of mpox infection amongst other groups.
    • Mpox testing can be done in any primary care service (general practitioner) or sexual health clinic.
    • Vaccination should be promoted to all eligible people at risk of mpox, including second doses.
    • Free mpox vaccine is widely available for eligible people through sexual health clinics, hospitals, general practitioners, Aboriginal health services, councils and pharmacies.
    • People at risk of mpox should be aware of the current outbreak and take measures to protect themselves and others.

    What is the issue?

    Cases of mpox are continuing to increase across Victoria and other Australian jurisdictions. In August 2024, Australia recorded the second highest number of confirmed cases of mpox in the world. The mpox outbreak in 2024 is now much larger than the 2022 outbreak. As of 17 October, 330 mpox cases have been notified in Victoria since April 2024 and there have been 27 hospitalisations.

    In Victoria, mpox has mostly affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), however, it can affect anyone. There have now been several cases in females in Victoria and heterosexual transmission has been reported.

    To help prevent further transmission in Victoria, clinicians are requested to increase testing for mpox and promote vaccination in at-risk groups.

    There is an outbreak of a more severe strain of the monkeypox virus (Clade Ib) in parts of central Africa. This strain has not been found in Australia so far, but there is a risk of importation through international travel.

    For further information on mpox, see the Department of Health page on mpox.

    Who is at risk?

    In Victoria at present, GBMSM (including those who identify as heterosexual) and their sexual partners are most at risk. Venues or events where close intimate or sexual contact occurs carry a higher risk of mpox transmission, particularly where casual or group sex occurs.

    However, anyone can become infected, and anyone who has been in close and usually prolonged intimate contact with someone with mpox is at risk. While vaccination decreases the risk of mpox, those who are vaccinated, particularly if not fully vaccinated, may still become infected.

    Symptoms and transmission

    Symptoms may include lesions or rashes anywhere on the body, including the anogenital area. Other symptoms may include pain on urination (urethritis) or rectal pain, bloody stools and/or diarrhoea (proctitis). General symptoms include fever, chills, tiredness, headache, sore throat, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes. Most people experience mild illness and recover within a few weeks, but severe illness can occur.

    Mpox can spread from person-to-person through close (skin-to-skin) or prolonged contact, for example during sexual contact, as well as contact with contaminated items or surfaces, and respiratory droplets. Symptoms can occur up to 21 days after being exposed to mpox.

    Recommendations

    For GPs and other clinicians

    Who to test

    • Test all sexually active people with compatible symptoms, regardless of sexual orientation, vaccination status or travel history. If testing for herpes simplex virus, test for mpox.
    • Remain aware of the possibility of mpox infection in any patient.
    • Be alert to the possibility of atypical and attenuated presentations in people who are fully and partially vaccinated. Some patients have had multiple presentations to healthcare prior to diagnosis.

    How to test

    • Most testing occurs in primary care settings and can be easily and safely done. The risk to healthcare workers is very low and can be further reduced with use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes gloves, eye protection, gown and surgical mask. See the Public Health Laboratory Network (PHLN) guidanceExternal Link for further advice on PPE.
    • Request mpox PCR on suitable swabs (e.g. rash/lesion, anorectal, pharyngeal) and send to VIDRL via your routine pathology provider. See the PHLN guidanceExternal Link for further advice on testing.

    Advice and notification

    • Advise patients to cover lesions and abstain from sexual activity while awaiting the result. Advise to wear a mask if oral, throat or respiratory symptoms.
    • Recommendations for case and contact management have recently changed. See mpox factsheetExternal Link for updates to patients who are tested for mpox. If positive, the Local Public Health Unit will provide further advice.
    • Any suspected or confirmed mpox cases should be urgently notified to the Local Public Health Unit by calling 1300 651 160.
    • If mpox is suspected in a returned traveller or someone who has had contact with a returned traveller from affected countries in Africa, contact your Local Public Health Unit immediately.

    Vaccinate

    For more information, see:

    Mpox update – Information for GP’s and clinicians

    docx 72.56 KB | Updated: 16 October 2024

    For people at increased risk of mpox

    • Take measures to protect yourself and others. Avoid sexual activity if you have any symptoms of mpox, consider limiting sexual partners, and keep contact details of new partners.
    • Mpox vaccine is free for eligible groups. Two doses of mpox are required for optimal protection. If you haven’t had your second dose, get it now. See Mpox immunisation providers listExternal Link to find a provider of mpox vaccine.
    • If you develop symptoms, restrict contact with others and get tested at your GP or sexual health clinic. Make sure to wear a mask, cover any exposed lesions and call ahead.
    • For more information on measures to prevent the spread of mpox, see:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: West Coast to offer rural and remote medicine training

    Source: New Zealand Government

    In another step towards improving New Zealand’s rural health workforce, Te Tai o Poutini West Coast has just received accreditation to deliver Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Training, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

    “This accreditation is great news for the West Coast and will help boost the number of doctors trained with the skills needed to support our rural communities,” Mr Doocey says.

    “Being an accredited ACRRM training location means the West Coast can look to attract both New Zealand and Australian graduates while continuing to develop its rural generalist model.

    “One of the five priorities of the National Rural Health Strategy is to create a valued and flexible rural health workforce and training young doctors to be rural generalists will support the delivery of this priority.

    “Generalism is particularly important in rural settings because multiple specialties are not readily accessible or clinically sustainable for those who live remotely.

    “A rural generalist can sustainably manage a broad and varied patient cohort and community need profile, while working within clinical networks of care to ensure patients get access to specialist teams if and when they need them. This has the benefit of reducing the need for patient travel by keeping care delivery local.

    Last month, the Government awarded scholarships to 27 health care students to boost the future rural health workforce.
    “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five living in our rural communities.

    “We know access to health care within rural communities, or being supported to access care when required, are key issues for rural communities. To improve access and rural health outcomes we need to invest in growing the rural health workforce.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Canada’s dairy protection must be cracked wide open

    Source: ACT Party

    ACT is backing New Zealand negotiators to crack open hard-fought Canadian market access for New Zealand dairy exports, as agreed to in the CPTPP. Today the Government triggered compulsory negotiations over Canada’s failure to honour the CPTPP and seek compensation for our world-best exporters.

    “Restricting imports of New Zealand dairy products not only makes Canadian consumers worse off, it is also a betrayal of the long-standing friendship between our two countries,” says ACT Trade Spokesperson Dr Parmjeet Parmar.

    “Free trade benefits Canadians by giving consumers choice of a wider range of products and fostering competition, which ultimately reduces prices. It also benefits Canadian businesses that produce products that New Zealanders want to buy. But free trade must go both ways.

    “To Canadian farmers concerned about competition, I encourage you to look at New Zealand’s experience. Today, you’d be hard-pressed to find a New Zealand farmer who wants to reverse the market liberalisation reforms of the 1980s.

    “Opening New Zealand up to the world unleashed our economy, creating a generation of farmers that are the most efficient and innovative in the world.

    “Canada faces many of the same challenges as New Zealand. The ACT Party urges their Government to focus its time and resources on addressing those, rather than undermining our relationship for a cause that is actively making Canadians worse off.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Drugs, firearms, cash and vehicles seized in Whanganui search warrants

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police have seized drugs, firearms, cash, motorcycles and cars following raids at two properties in Whanganui last night.

    About 7.30pm, Police teams, including the Armed Offenders Squad, executed search warrants simultaneously in Victoria Avenue and in Springvale.

    A firearm was located and seized, along with 700g methamphetamine, three motorcycles, two vehicles and more than $30,000 in cash.

    A cannabis growing operation was also uncovered.

    One person was taken into custody during the warrants, and another has subsequently presented at Whanganui Police Station in relation to the offending. Both will face drugs and firearms charges and will appear in court at a later date.

    Detective Sergeant Craig Gorringe says the well-executed operation yielded a great result.

    “These individuals threaten public safety through illegal possession of a firearm and supply of drugs to vulnerable members of our community.

    “It’s always satisfying to take firearms and drugs out of the hands of offenders and hold them to account for the significant social harm they cause.

    “We want our communities to feel safe and be safe and we work hard to this end.”

    Police urge anyone who has concerns about criminal offending by gangs in their community to contact Police so this can be investigated.

    Call 111 if there is an incident happening now, or make a report via 105 online if it is not an emergency situation.

    Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Do IUDs cause breast cancer? Here’s what the evidence says

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brett Montgomery, Senior Lecturer in General Practice, The University of Western Australia

    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    A new study has found a link between hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) and breast cancer.

    The research is important, but media reports of a large increase in risk may be causing unnecessary worry.

    Let’s put the findings in perspective for people who use IUDs.

    What are IUDs?

    IUDs are commonly used contraceptive devices. They sit inside the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy.

    Older versions contain copper as their active ingredient. Newer “hormonal” IUDs slowly release a synthetic progesterone called levonorgestrel. This mimics the body’s natural progesterone hormone.

    Both the copper and hormonal types of IUD are highly effective at preventing pregnancy over many years. Fertility is readily restored when they’re removed.

    But the hormonal IUDs have the extra advantage of making periods lighter and less painful. Some people have one inserted for these reasons, even if they don’t need contraception.

    Many women experience pain on insertion or spotting in the first few months of use. But compared to other contraceptives, women generally find IUDs very acceptable and continue to use them.

    What did the new study find?

    The new study, by researchers from Denmark, used data from national health registries to look for links between hormonal IUD use and breast cancer.

    They tracked nearly 80,000 people who started hormonal IUDs across two decades. They compared these people to an equal number of people born at the same time who did not use hormonal IUDs.

    On their raw numbers, you might think hormonal IUDs prevented breast cancer, because there were 720 cases of breast cancer in the hormonal IUD group, and nearly 900 in the other group. But that’s not the full story.

    Ideally, when researchers study the effects of medicines, they do a “randomised controlled trial”, where researchers use chance to decide whether people get one treatment or another. This ensures the two groups are very similar apart from the treatment being studied. That’s not what happened here.



    Read more:
    Randomised control trials: what makes them the gold standard in medical research?

    Instead, they simply studied people who had decided to have a hormonal IUD, and compared them to people who didn’t. This means the groups were different in many other ways.

    So, the hormonal IUD group and the other group might appear to have a different risk of breast cancer – not because of the IUDs, but because of their other differences. For example, more highly educated women might be more likely to choose IUDs, and also more likely to attend breast cancer screening, where their breast cancer would be discovered.

    The researchers “adjusted” their results to account for many differences between the two groups (including education, age, number of children, and some other medicines and medical conditions). After this “adjustment”, the numbers pointed in a different direction: towards a higher risk of breast cancer among people who used a hormonal IUD.

    However, there are many other important risk factors for breast cancer the authors seem not to have adjusted for, such as body weight, alcohol use, smoking and physical activity. If there were differences between the two groups in these things, then the study’s results may still be biased. This makes me quite uncertain about the results.

    Ultimately, we can’t say the IUDs caused the breast cancer – just that there’s an “association” or “link”.



    Read more:
    Clearing up confusion between correlation and causation

    How big are the risks?

    There are two different ways researchers express risk: “relative” and “absolute” risks. Here, the “relative” risk increase was about 30% for women using the IUDs for up to five years, 40% after 5–10 years, and 80% after 10–15 years of use.

    These sound like massive risks. But though these statistics compare the risk of breast cancer in IUD users to the risk in non-users, they do not tell us the proportion of women who will get breast cancer. For that, we need to look at “absolute” risk increases.

    These are much smaller. For every 10,000 women, this study suggests we might see an extra 14 cases of breast cancer after up to five years of use, 29 cases after 5–10 years use, and 71 cases after 10–15 years use. In “absolute” terms – as a proportion of all the IUD users – all of these risk increases are comfortably under 1%.

    Absolute risk increases are much smaller.
    Frame Stock Footage/Shtterstock

    Reporting the dramatic relative risks, and not the much smaller absolute risks, is a common flaw in stories about health risk, and goes against science reporting recommendations.

    What does other research say?

    There are other studies on this topic, including a much larger recent study from Sweden based on data from more than half a million users of hormonal IUDs.

    This suggested only a 13% relative risk increase in breast cancer – much smaller than the risk increases in the Danish study. This would mean an additional 1.46 cases of breast cancer for every 10,000 women per year.

    This is in keeping with a recent large review of studies on this topic, which also found a much smaller risk than the new Danish paper.

    The Swedish study also looked at other cancers. The results suggested a decreased risk of cancers of the cervix, ovaries and endometrium (womb lining). This mixed picture of some cancer risk and some cancer protection is also seen for traditional contraceptive pills.

    And of course, all contraception protects women from the risks of pregnancy.

    What does it mean for me?

    The link between hormonal IUDs and breast cancer is probably very small, and might be a statistical illusion rather than a real thing.

    Even if it’s a real risk, it may be offset by protection against other cancers.

    And it may be dwarfed by other risks for breast cancer, such as high body weight, physical inactivity, alcohol use, and smoking. Online resources can help you visualise these risks.

    Hormonal IUDs aren’t the right contraceptive choice for every woman. However, they deserve to stay high up on the menu of options.

    Brett Montgomery is a GP who works academically and clinically. In his clinical work he sometimes discusses contraception with patients, including IUDs, but he does not insert IUDs himself. He has no commercial relationship with any IUD manufacturer.

    – ref. Do IUDs cause breast cancer? Here’s what the evidence says – https://theconversation.com/do-iuds-cause-breast-cancer-heres-what-the-evidence-says-241663

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A giant biotechnology company might be about to go bust. What will happen to the millions of people’s DNA it holds?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Megan Prictor, Senior Lecturer in Law, The University of Melbourne

    isak55/Shutterstock

    Since it was founded nearly two decades ago, 23andMe has grown into one of the largest biotechnology companies in the world. Millions of people have used its simple genetic testing service, which involves ordering a saliva test, spitting into a tube, and sending it back to the company for a detailed DNA analysis.

    But now the company is on the brink of bankruptcy. This has raised concerns about what will happen to the troves of genetic data it has in its possession.

    The company’s chief executive, Anne Wojcicki, has said she is committed to customer privacy and will “maintain our current privacy policy”.

    But what can customers of 23andMe themselves do to make sure their highly personal genetic data is protected? And should we be concerned about other companies that also collect our DNA?

    What is 23andMe?

    23andMe is one of the largest companies in the crowded marketplace for direct-to-consumer genetic testing. It was founded in 2006 in California, launching its spit test and Personal Genome Service the following year, at an initial cost of US$999. This test won Time magazine’s Invention of the Year in 2008.

    Customers eagerly took up the opportunity to order a saliva collection kit online, spit in the tube and mail it back. In a few weeks when the results were ready they could find out about their health, ancestry, and other things like food preferences, fear of public speaking and cheek dimples.

    The price of testing kits dropped rapidly (it’s now US$79). The company expanded globally and by 2015 had 1 million customers. The firm went public in 2021 and initially the stock price soared. As of 2024, the company claims 14 million people have taken a 23andMe DNA test.

    23andMe is one of the world’s largest biotechnology companies.
    T. Schneider/Shutterstock

    23andMe rode the wave of popular excitement and investor interest in genetics. It wasn’t alone. By 2022 the direct-to-consumer genetic testing market was valued at US$3 billion. The three largest players – 23andMe, AncestryDNA and MyHeritage – together hold the genetic data of almost 50 million people globally.

    There are dozens of smaller players too, with some focusing on emerging markets such as MapMyGenome in India and 23mofang and WeGene in China.

    What happened to 23andMe?

    23andMe has had a rapid downfall after the 2021 high of its public listing.

    Its value has dropped more than 97%. In 2023 it suffered a major data breach affecting almost seven million users, and settled a class action lawsuit for US$30 million.

    Last month its seven independent directors resigned amid news the original founder is planning to take the company private once more. The company has never made a profit and is reportedly on the verge of bankruptcy.

    What this might mean for its vast stores of genetic data is unclear.

    When people sign up for a 23andMe test the company assures them: “your privacy comes first”. It promises it will never share people’s DNA data with employers, insurance companies or public databases without consent. It puts choice in the hands of consumers about whether their spit sample is kept by the company, and whether their de-identified genetic and other data is used in research. Four in five people who bought a 23andMe test have agreed to their data being used in research.

    However, if you dig a bit deeper, it’s clear that 23andMe uses people’s data in many different ways, such as sharing it with service providers. Perhaps most importantly, if the company goes bankrupt or is sold, people’s information might be “accessed, sold or transferred” as well.

    In a statement to The Conversation, a 23andMe spokesperson said Wojcicki is “not open to considering third-party takeover proposals”, and that in the event of any future ownership change, the company’s existing data privacy agreements with customers “would remain in place unless and until customers are presented with, and agree to, new terms and statements – and only after receiving appropriate notice of any new terms, under applicable data protection laws”.

    Tips for people to protect their genetic data

    With 23andMe in the spotlight, people might want to take steps to protect their genetic data (although experts say there’s not really any more risk now than there has always been).

    The simplest thing is to delete your account, which opts you out of any future research and discards your saliva sample. But if your data has already been de-identified and used in research, it can’t be retrieved. And even if you delete your account, 23andMe says it will keep hold of information including your genetic data, date of birth and sex, to comply with its own legal obligations.

    Buying a DNA test online might feel fun and rewarding and it’s certainly been marketed that way. There are plenty of good news stories about how getting those test results has helped people to connect with lost family or understand more about their health risks. People just need to buy tests with their eyes open about what this might mean.

    First, the results might not be all positive. Finding out about health risks without guidance from a health professional can be scary. Learning that the person you thought was your mum or dad actually isn’t, is an outcome for as many as 1 in 20 people who’ve bought a DNA test online.

    Second, every company selling DNA tests does so with lots of legal conditions attached. People click through these without a second thought but researchers have shown it is worth taking a closer look. Consider what the company says about what it will do with your data and your sample, how long they will keep it, who else can access it, and how easy it will be to delete later.

    There are guidelines from organisations like Australian Genomics that can help. And bear in mind that if a company holding your DNA profile is sold, it might be hard to make sure that data is protected.

    So maybe reconsider giving a DNA test as a Christmas gift.

    Megan Prictor is a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals and the Australasian Association of Bioethics and Health Law.

    – ref. A giant biotechnology company might be about to go bust. What will happen to the millions of people’s DNA it holds? – https://theconversation.com/a-giant-biotechnology-company-might-be-about-to-go-bust-what-will-happen-to-the-millions-of-peoples-dna-it-holds-241557

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Shorten interview on ABC Illawarra Breakfast with Melinda James

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    Program:

    ABC Illawarra Breakfast

    Interviewer:

    Melinda James

    E&OE TRANSCRIPT

    SUBJECTS: Northcott Dapto Disability Hub; NDIS reform

    MELINDA JAMES, HOST: Well, it’s just over two weeks, I think, since the NDIS Minister, Bill Shorten announced that there would be changes to the NDIS and the services you can and can’t apply for. A new list is out, but it’s the first in a tranche of changes in its wider overhaul of the NDIS that’s taking place. The Minister, Bill Shorten, will be in Dapto today to open the new Northcott Disability Services Centre in Dapto and he’s been good enough to give us some of his time this morning. Bill Shorten, good morning.

    BILL SHORTEN, MINISTER FOR THE NDIS AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES: Good morning, Melinda.

    JAMES: Can you tell me a little about this centre first of all? What’s special about it, the Northcott Disability Services Centre in Dapto? What’s brought you to Dapto to open it?

    SHORTEN: Yeah, listen, I’m really looking forward to being at Dapto at 10:00am with Stephen Jones, a member for Whitlam and Minister in the government as well. We’re going to be having a look and opening the work set up by Northcott. It’s a fully accessible community hub. It’s going to replace Northcott Wollongong and Northcott Oak Flats locations. They’re centralising all their current services in the Wollongong area. The hub’s going to essentially have multipurpose meeting and training rooms. It’s got lots of parking and convenient public transport access. It’ll provide respite care, therapy, life skills training and also some of the admin for Northcott in the area.

    JAMES: Okay, so like a one stop shop really, for people?

    SHORTEN: Yeah.

    JAMES: Okay, well, look, it’ll be interesting to see that unveiling today. I just wanted to take the opportunity, it’s been a couple of weeks now since you announced what’s probably the first of these major changes to the NDIS. You yourself have talked about the need for a major overhaul. We’ve seen a huge funding blowout, but I thought it might be interesting just to quickly talk about the progress of some of these changes. The list of services that are in and out of the NDIS. There’s this twelve month transitional period. I wonder if you’ve seen much activity in the past couple of weeks since you announced the list and who is the onus on in relation to these services? The client, the services or the NDIA?

    SHORTEN: Okay. NDIS is changing hundreds of thousands of lives for the better and what we’re trying to do is make sure that it’s – the money’s getting through to the people for whom the Scheme was designed. We also want to make sure that it’s their future generations. The year before I became the Minister, it was going 23, 24%, which is just too fast in a year. One of the issues that we found, after a lot of consultation with people, is that there was a lack of clarity about what you could spend your funds on. And most people are spending funds on the right things, I should say, and providers who are doing a good job. But what we found is that there are some opportunistic behaviour, unethical behaviour by a minority of service providers, where things are being sold to people on the Scheme that they were never intended to have money spent on. So, this is a list of what you can use your NDIS funds on and what you can’t. So, it’s clarity. And despite what a few critics said, the sun came up the next day and people are liking the clarity and they’re also liking the idea that some of the scammers and some of the nonsense therapies, you know, being given the boot.

    JAMES: So, just say, for example, you’re a client of the NDIS and you’ve been receiving. I won’t go through some of the no brainers that the NDIS should not be paying for your cigarettes and your gambling and all that sort of stuff. I mean, they’re kind of no brainers. But what if there’s something that’s been a little bit hazy, a particular alternative therapy that you believe helps you out? You’ve now realised, oh, this is probably not really available to me under my NDIS funding, how does that come to anyone’s attention? How does that stop?

    SHORTEN: Well, if, for whatever reason, you’ve got something on your plan which is not going to be supported in the future, if it’s on your current plan, you still get it. But I must say, that doesn’t include the sort of no brainer stuff which somehow was just getting in because invoices weren’t getting checked. So, if you’ve got something on your plan which is being phased out, if it’s on your current plan, fine. So, then you’ll have that until the end of your plan. Also, what happens is sometimes people get encouraged to spend money on something and they’re taken advantage of because of their disability. If it’s under $1,500, what we’ll do is we’ll educate the person when we see the invoice, we won’t try and recover a debt, but what we will do is explain that in the future this isn’t on. So, there’s a transition period of about a year. But what we’re also doing is – before I became the Minister, people could put in invoices and they just weren’t getting checked. So, you just got the money, no questions asked, for thousands of dollars without any explanation. So, that’s just ridiculous. So, the in and out list is also combined with better pre invoice checking at the agency, which really wasn’t happening before I became the Minister.

    JAMES: Is this kind of checking from now on or is there some kind of frantic audit system going on behind the scenes at the end of the day?

    SHORTEN: Well, there’s been a bit of, there’s been a bit of checking back and not retrospectively using this list, but more generally, it is unacceptable that for years people could put in invoices with no ABN and no explanation. That’s just not on. I love this Scheme, I bleed it. But I’m not going to have a few opportunists building their, you know, getting their, getting their, building their profits off, ripping off the taxpayer and people with disability.

    JAMES: Of course, we don’t know when the federal election is going to be, sometime between now and May. That’s not a long period of time. We know that you have announced your retirement from politics. You’re pretty much the architect of this Scheme originally and it will be a huge legacy that you’ve left for the country. But there are several changes to come. Needs based assessment process for access to the Scheme. So, in terms of diagnosis versus needs, etcetera, what happens to children in the states and territories needing to lift their game when it comes to assisting children with an autism diagnosis, for example, there’s the registration requirements for service providers. There’s a lot to get through that you’ve announced need to happen as an overhaul of this Scheme. It’s not all going to happen before you go, is it? I mean, what kind of state do you think you’ll be able to leave this Scheme in by the time you retiree?

    SHORTEN: Well, first of all, in a democracy, there’s always changes to who the Ministers are, so change is inevitable about the personalities. My aim in the last two and a half, three years has been to try and politician proof the Scheme, make it sustainable for the future so that whoever’s there, it’s consistent. So, in my time, we have put in an extra couple of thousand people to help the agency run properly. It was just chronically understaffed when you ring up, you’d always get a different person. That’s not acceptable you need – we’ve also got now 50% of the board of people who’ve lived experienced, led by Kurt Fearnley, Australia’s remarkable Paralympian and disability leader. We’ve also beefed up our detection system. We’ve now got hundreds of investigations into the crooks and we’ve got 56, 60 people in front of the courts. But we’ve also got an agreement with the states that the NDIS isn’t going to be the only lifeboat in the ocean. So, we’re going to build out a series of supports for people whose disabilities don’t require the full NDIS. But there’ll be services in the future which they can access anyway because they still need some support. We’ve now got agreement to register most of the service providers because at the moment, 90% plus of service providers in the Scheme are not registered. As we’ve just spoken about, we’ve now got a list of what you can and can’t spend your money on. So, who you spend your money with, what you can spend your money on, and also work out what is, how do you get consistent access to the Scheme, what are the rules? All of that work is now agreed and underway. Set. Now, we’re currently working right now work up till the day before I go on, how do we start the ball rolling about consistent assessment across the Scheme so people coming into the Scheme, people know how you get into it and what’s the standard? We’re also starting the work on registering the most high risk service provisions first. So there’s a lot of good people coming in and working in the Scheme. There’s, I think, a lot greater clarity about direction and agreement about the need to keep the Scheme sustainable. It’s been a lot of work done and it’s a bit like painting the Harbour Bridge. When you finish it, you just go back and start again. So, that’s the NDIS. It’s a massive Australian institution, but Australians can now be sure that it’s better run and more accountably run than what we found three years ago.

    JAMES: Bill Shorten, I appreciate your time this morning. Thank you very much.

    SHORTEN: Yeah, lovely. Cheers. Bye.

    JAMES: That’s the Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Shorten interview on 2ST Mornings with Graeme Day

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    Program:

    2ST Mornings

    Interviewer:

    Graeme Day

    E&OE TRANSCRIPT

    SUBJECTS: Northcott Dapto Disability Hub; NDIS reform

    GRAEME DAY, HOST: It’s coming up to a quarter to 10 and on the line is the Minister for the NDIS and Government Services. It’s a very good morning to Bill Shorten, hello.

    BILL SHORTEN, MINISTER FOR THE NDIS AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES: G’day, Graham. How are you today?

    DAY: Not too bad, not too bad. A busy day for you. You’re on the south coast?

    SHORTEN: Yeah, it’s fantastic. I was invited to be the special guest at a really moving event last night in Wollongong. The CEO of Greenacres, which is a marvellous disability service, 71 years old. CEO Chris Christodoulou after the last 11 years is finishing up and he’s done a great job there, but it was really moving. A lot of the participants were there, their families, a lot of the good and the great of Wollongong, Ryan Park, Paul Scully, Alison Byrne and Stephen Jones. But most importantly, Chris and his family and the guy has made a difference. And today I’m going to the new Northcott Disability Hub in Dapto, which is going to be great for people with disability in the local region

    DAY: It must be good to see government money going into these facilities and make it easier for people?

    SHORTEN: Yeah, I’m a believer. I believe that one of the best things the Government can do with very important taxes people pay is make sure that people with profound and severe disability get a better chance. And, you know, really, I know Aussies don’t like paying tax, well most don’t, but when it comes to things like Medicare and making sure that the profoundly and severely impaired have a chance for a more fulfilling life, you know, I think that’s – it’s great. And so I’m very motivated to make sure that the money gets through to the people for whom the Scheme, the NDIS was designed.

    DAY: Now, the NDIS, it certainly had its problems. When you took over as the Minister, did you realise the enormity of what had to be fixed? How far it was off the rails?

    SHORTEN: I don’t – no, I mean, the short answer is no – I don’t know if you’ve ever ordered anything on eBay and the photos look good, but when you get it, you go, hmm, that’s not what I ordered? No, the truth is a bit better than that. The reality is the NDIS is helping hundreds of thousands of people. There’s now 660,000 people receiving personal budgets and support. There’s over 400,000 people work in the sector. When I sort of campaigned for the idea, like in 2008, 9, 10, if you’d said that we’d have a Scheme helping this many people, I’d have said, you know, what’s that line out of The Castle when they talk about the price of jousting sticks? I’d say tell them they’re dreaming. But the reality is it is doing good. When Labor lost in 2013, there were four trial sites. So, you know, credit to the Libs, they’ve got it up to scale, but their eye was not on the ball when it came to the back office functions, you know, the scrutiny of their payments, looking for quality. I mean, a lot of service providers do a great job, but there are some people who are attracted like flies to the barbecue, seeing government money just lining their own pockets. And I’ve been all about getting rid of the, you know, the snake oil salesmen and the crooks out of the Scheme.

    DAY: And you’ve been fairly successful with that too, because when it first started, it seemed like there was an NDIS provider on every corner. But that has reduced somewhat because of the scrutiny that basically the Labor Government’s put on it.

    SHORTEN: Yeah, listen, this is a growth industry. You know, I used to be a union rep with the AWU and look after the steel industry. Steel is a big industry in the Illawarra, Port Kembla. There’s about 20,000 people working still, but in the last 15 years, this NDIS sector has gone from none to – it’ll be half a million people working in the next few years, which is good. The need was always there. So, it’s a growth industry, but what we’ve got to do is make sure it’s growing along set lines, that it’s not the Wild West, that people are not selling snake oil and shonky therapies or just manipulating, treating participants and their carers and their families as human ATMs.

    DAY: Can I ask you a question on behalf of the public? I think where the problem lies with the interaction of the public with government – people often say to me, with all the technology we have, for all the people that we have that are skilled, why is it with the NDIS, with Centrelink and what have you, why does it take so bloody long? It seems that there’s so much waiting time there with people that need help?

    SHORTEN: I have an answer. The reality is that you can’t run human services without humans. And my predecessors had bought the digital revolution and they’re right, it’s much quicker to do things online. But not everyone wants to go online. We get 10 million people a year coming into Centrelink or Service Australia offices. The problem is the staff have been cut to the bone. Ten years ago there was about 37,000 people working. The deal was apparently that we buy all this fancy technology and we wouldn’t need people. What we got instead was Robodebt. What we’ve got – we got down to about 27,000 staff and that’s a disaster. So, now we’re up above 30,000. Call waiting times for both Medicare and social welfare payments have now fallen and in other words, it’s getting less time before you get answered. Would you believe I’ve just introduced a queuing system in Service Australia office where you ring ahead and you can make an appointment. I know that is not rocket science, but you know, this is a major development and with the NDIA, when people knew that we were reforming, we did get a sort of tsunami of extra claims in the last six months. People trying to proverbially, some people, getting in for last drinks before we turned the tap off of some of the scams. But that’s now coming back to more manageable level. I’m sorry people have had bad experiences waiting. I know it is happening, but all I can tell you is that the KPI or the sort of key performance indicator I asked from my senior public servants is tell me waiting times every week on the phone. I just want to know are we getting it done more quickly and are we processing payments more quickly? Now I know for someone who’s still waiting to get their old Age Pension sorted or their DSP, they might say, well, it doesn’t matter what Bill says, I’m still waiting. The fact is, on a lot of indicators, like it’s just evidence, so I’m confident to say it. We have – it is getting better, you know, the number of complaints that we get have been cut in half in terms of Centrelink. The other good thing is in the NDIS, the number of complaints we’re investigating nearly doubled because we’re putting more resources into investigating the rorts.

    DAY: You certainly have done a great job. One thing just before you go, because I know you’ve got to go shortly, you’ve decided in the not too distant future to call it a day on your political career? You’ve certainly been high profile. You’ve seen the ups and you’ve seen the downs. When it comes to public life, what, what is the moment where you go, look, I’m going to step down and spend more time for me or my family because we often see it in public life and it comes out of the blue? Was it a long process of you thinking it through or was it just one day walking up the stairs going, you know what, I think I might like to do something else?

    SHORTEN: Sort of a mix. I mean, first of all, I should say that for all the crap days – and sometimes you have them – I wouldn’t give up a single day in the last 17 years. Probably the only day I’d give up is the day my mum passed. And other than that, you know, I’m – what’s that Frank Sinatra line? Regrets, I’ve got a few, but then again, too few to mention. I – no one in my family’s ever been a politician, like my family – you know, my grandma was an air raid warden in Britain, and she lived in the northeast in public housing. My mum was the first in the family to ever go to university. No one – I pinch myself, it’s a privilege to serve. When I occasionally hear about pollies lining in their own pockets, it drives me nuts because that’s not what most of them do. I just think it’s a privilege to serve. The hard thing is, when do you call it quits? When do you say, I’ll do something else? Because I’m not retiring. I’m moving into another aspect of public life, helping adults, young people and adults do lifelong learning and universities, and how do we foster a spirit of critical thinking and enquiry in a generation? So, I’m going to a busy job, but it’ll be less partisan, which is fine. I’m happy not to have to trade sledges every day. I mean, at a certain point you get sick of playing in the cricket team of sledging, which is parliament. I’ve mixed feelings. I love my portfolio. Not everyone in my portfolios loves me, but I love them, well nearly everyone. I love my electorate. I live in the northwestern suburbs of Melbourne. I’ve lived there for 35 years, like, I love it. Do you leave when you’re going well, or do you leave when you’re carried out? I had a choice to be a lifer and there’s nothing wrong with that. I never wanted to be, with respect, a corporate door opener. That’s what some politicians do. There’s this myth that we all get pensions. We don’t. We’re very well remunerated, but I’ve always known the day after politics I’ll have to find a job. So, I applied for the this job to run the university under my own steam. It wasn’t a government appointment, so I’ve got mixed feelings. I love what I do and I’m really going to love helping the University of Canberra, but also higher education and TAFE. You know, I’m interested in – we can’t stop learning and I think Australia does best when we’re giving people the skills to equip – the future is changing so quickly. How do we help people? So, I’m going into a new facet of helping people, but I love what I do currently. I mean, when does a good athlete – not that I’m an athlete, but when does a good athlete stop playing footy? When does, you know, when do any of us, you know, you’re a good journalist, when do you decide you want to do something else? It’s not – I would give no advice to anyone else except always pick a job that you love doing.

    DAY: Absolutely. Mate, thanks so much. Thanks for the job that you have done and say g’day to Stephen Jones for us as you do the opening today at Northcott.

    SHORTEN: Sorry, mate, we broke up then.

    DAY: I was just saying thanks for the job that you have done and say g’day to Steve Jones for us when you – both of you are there for the opening of Northcott at Dapto today.

    SHORTEN: Yeah, well, that was – I’m going to look forward to Northcott today, but that was [inaudible]

    DAY: Okay, mate. Okay, we’ll talk soon.

    SHORTEN: All right, good on you. Thank you.

    DAY: Okay, great to talk to you. Thanks so much. Bye.

    SHORTEN: Bye.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: When does the love of the game outweigh the cost? ABC’s Plum brings rugby league’s concussion crisis to the fore

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle O’Shea, Senior Lecturer, School of Business, Western Sydney University

    ABC

    Brendan Cowell’s 2021 novel Plum has expertly wed two seemingly unnatural partners: rugby league and poetry. Cowell’s story is both an ode of love to rugby league, and a powerful exploration of the catastrophic effects of sport-induced brain injury.

    This story has now been brought to life in an ABC drama of the same name. It brilliantly reflects the experience of many players who are left to suffer – often in silence – with the long-term costs of the game.

    A theatre of damage revealed

    Our introduction to the main character, Peter “The Plum” Lum (played by Cowell), is jarring. Plum’s body lies motionless in a darkened changing room, enveloped by the distant sounds of a roaring stadium full of fans, a sharp referee’s whistle and the commentator’s pitched voice: “this poor bloke, he has had his head absolutely battered”.

    We watch the doctor’s light worryingly cast to and fro across Plum’s dazed gaze, while his heavily pregnant wife’s concerned face looms large. Much larger, however, is the coach’s demand: “get the salts doc” – and his insistence that “the only way he (Plum) isn’t going back out there (on the field) is if he is fucking dead”.

    And so the act proceeds, with Plum, like many athletes before and after him, returning heroically to the field. Though his team is victorious – another trophy retained – we’re forced to consider the unspoken costs of his love for the game.

    These costs are amplified once the adoration from Plum’s fans and teammates, and his mantle as Cronulla’s king, are no more. We come to know a shell of a man who is desperate to deny, despite the advice of his doctor, the cognitive and other effects of the “little jolts” and “hard head knocks” experienced throughout his career.

    The intensity with which Plum keeps his health condition a secret, and the ongoing abuse he levels on his body, provide a window into the lived experiences of many rugby league players. While this game gives, it also takes more than its fair share.

    Asher Keddie stars as Plum’s former wife, Renee.
    ABC

    Masculinity and collision sports

    The series highlights the emerging scientific link between collision sports such as rugby league and degenerative brain conditions including CTE-induced dementia – as well as attempts to discredit this science and silence the voices of athletes and families seeking redress from league administrators.

    Contact and collision sports have often required athletes to sacrifice their brains and bodies in the pursuit of glory and success.

    While a diagnosis of the degenerative brain disease Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) can only be made posthumously, Plum displays many of the hallmark symptoms: impaired judgement, impulse control issues, aggression, depression and anxiety.

    Viewers are taken into the deep fog of this existence. As a 1990s playmaker, Plum had fame but not fortune. Nearing 50, working at an airport, we see a traumatic near-miss as he experiences an epileptic seizure.

    His forgetfulness leaves him unable to remember his favourite player’s name at a Cronulla Sharks corporate event. He suffers confusion and anxiety. Aggressive acts, including punching holes in bedroom walls, become his daily pain and shame.

    Plum’s absent father’s advice to “never take a backwards step” also echoes throughout the series, reflecting the deeply embedded view of rugby league as a hard sport played by equally hard men.

    This hard man veneer is grounded in stoicism – and for Plum and his former teammates, in unhealthy addictions to gambling, drugs and grog. Plum repels his family and friends, making his world intentionally small for fear he might forget something or someone. The series brings to the fore the raw and visceral effects of hypermasculinity and not speaking out.

    Cowell himself hails from the Sydney suburb of Cronulla, where the show is set.
    ABC

    Rugby league and poetry

    The series also features poetry and the presence of past literary figures (conjured in Plum’s mind) such as Charles Bukowski and Sylvia Plath. As viewers, we see Plum’s internal dialogues with these apparitions, but his family and friends can’t.

    Plum also joins a local poetry group, where his decaying brain finds purpose and connection. This unlikely outlet becomes his therapy. It comforts him and provides him a space to communicate his experiences with the outside world. Through his ode to rugby league, we witness him come closer to clarity.



    Read more:
    Why a portrait of a former NRL great could spark greater concussion awareness in Australia

    All the while, Plum’s son is a talented player on the verge of a professional rugby league contract. And although Plum doesn’t regret a minute of his playing career, his prognosis leaves him urging his son away from the sport’s theatre of damage. This is a decision echoed by many parents in real life.

    The future of collision sports

    Reflecting on the potential impact of his book and the ABC series, Cowell imagines a space where the competitive commercial rivalries between football codes such as AFL, rugby union and soccer are suspended.

    Instead of competing for a greater share of the market via trivial one-upmanship, sport leagues could pool their resources to invest in science that helps us understand and prevent sport-induced brain trauma.

    Considering how many rugby players conceal and/or fail to report concussive episodes, we’ll need a major cultural shakeup at all levels of the game – because a love for the game should never come at the expense of oneself.

    The authors 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. When does the love of the game outweigh the cost? ABC’s Plum brings rugby league’s concussion crisis to the fore – https://theconversation.com/when-does-the-love-of-the-game-outweigh-the-cost-abcs-plum-brings-rugby-leagues-concussion-crisis-to-the-fore-240550

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Mid North Coast Midwifery Group Practice expanded

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Mid North Coast Midwifery Group Practice expanded

    Published: 18 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Regional Health, Minister for Women

    An expansion of the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) model on the Mid North Coast is providing more women and their families with access to evidence-based midwifery continuity of care.

    Mid North Coast Local Health District recently announced the commencement of a new MGP service and Maternity Antenatal Postnatal Service (MAPS) in the Hastings Macleay region.

    The MGP service commenced in Port Macquarie in September, supporting increased access to continuity of care with a known midwife.

    Under the MGP model, women receive care from a known primary midwife throughout their pregnancy, labour, birth and up to six weeks after birth. MGP midwives work as part of a small team to ensure support and minimise potential disruptions to care.

    A review of criteria for MGP is also enabling more women with higher-level care needs to access the service where clinically appropriate, or to stay in the program if they develop risk factors during pregnancy.

    In May this year, a dedicated team of midwives began providing MAPS care at Kempsey District Hospital and Port Macquarie Base Hospital. The MAPS model offers midwifery continuity in the antenatal and postnatal periods, while birth care is provided by a core hospital birthing team.

    These new services are in addition to the existing MGP models in place at Coffs Harbour and Macksville since 2021.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

    “We are committed to ensuring women across NSW have access to respectful, evidence-based maternity care. I am proud of the work Mid Morth Coast Local Health District is doing to expand its midwifery continuity of care models.

    “These models of care enable women to get to know their midwife throughout their pregnancy, who then provide postnatal care in the home for up to six weeks to support mother-baby bonding and a healthy start to life.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:

    “Women’s health and wellbeing are a key focus for this government. It’s important we provide women with continuity of care so they feel supported during their pregnancy and after their baby is born.

    “With the expansion of the MGP to Mid North Coast, we are increasing the number of women who will be able to access to midwifery continuity of care.”

    Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Port Macquarie Cameron Murphy, MLC:

    “I welcome Mid North Coast Local Health District’s commitment to improving maternity services for women in Port Macquarie, so they, their babies and their families can have the best possible experience in our hospitals.”

    Quotes attributable to MNCLHD acting Chief Executive Jill Wong:

    “We’re thrilled to expand the midwifery continuity of care models across the Mid North Coast region and to build on the successful Coffs Harbour and Macksville models which have been in place since 2021.

    “We’re committed to delivering midwifery-led care and offering more choice to pregnant women and their families. I thank the many staff and consumers who have worked to deliver these positive changes.”

    Quotes attributable to Courtney Harvey, who had her baby Charlotte through the MAPS service at Kempsey:

    “Being a first-time mum, everything can be a little scary, there are so many unknowns about labour and birth. The first few weeks, everything is such a big change but having my own midwife at all my appointments made such a big difference, it was really lovely.

    “It was nice having the same point of contact for everything in my pregnancy.

    “My postnatal care was amazing. I loved that my midwife did an antenatal home visit prior to me having my baby. It was nice having her come into my space at home during the antenatal period and I could get comfortable having a health professional in my own home.

    “If I am blessed to have more children, I would really hope that I can have the same experience as I have had with my pregnancy and birth this time as it has all been so positive, so special, I wouldn’t want to change it. I hope I can have continuity, and birth here, once again.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Full steam ahead for the Albury to Illabo section of the Inland Rail project

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Full steam ahead for the Albury to Illabo section of the Inland Rail project

    Published: 18 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

    The NSW Government has approved the Albury to Illabo section of the 1,600-kilometre Inland Rail project between Brisbane and Melbourne.

    The Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) project has now been formally approved by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully. The approval means the project remains on target for the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to begin construction in south-western NSW in early 2025.

    The work will include upgrades to rail tracks, footbridges and road bridges, overhead structures, signal structures and level crossings on agricultural land and through Albury, Culcairn, Henty, Yerong Creek, The Rock, Uranquinty, Wagga Wagga and Junee.

    The project’s approval, includes consent conditions that relate to traffic monitoring, transport infrastructure upgrades and noise and biodiversity management.

    Following the completion of the Inland Rail, Australia’s regional freight capacity will be expanded, meaning less trucks on the road and lower freight industry emissions.

    With a capital investment of $300.8 million for this section of the rail line, the project is a major economic boost for the region on top of the 770 new jobs provided by the project.

    The Albury to Illabo connection is one of seven sections traversing the inland length of NSW and its approval comes weeks after the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces approved the Illabo to Stockinbingal Inland Rail project.

    More information is available here: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/assess-and-regulate/state-significant-projects/inland-rail/albury-to-illabo

    Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

    “Improved Inland Rail will enhance our national freight and supply chain capabilities by connecting and improving routes through rail, roads and ports.

    “I look forward to seeing this critical state significant infrastructure project come to life over the next few years and the many benefits it will bring to regional NSW.

    “This project has gone through a rigorous planning process with extensive consultation completed to minimise impacts and maximise the project’s opportunities.”

    Minister for Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

    “Inland Rail promises to be a game changer for people across rural NSW.

    “Regional communities need big developments to keep workers in the bush actively contributing to their communities, with this project providing 770 new jobs.

    “We are proud that NSW continues to help Inland Rail’s essential journey through Australia’s three eastern states.”

    Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

    “This section of Inland Rail will provide a valuable infrastructure link for the Murray region as it connects with this vital piece of national infrastructure.

    “The NSW Government is working with Inland Rail to deliver this project and strengthen its commitment to the regions.

    “Consumers right across regional NSW stand to benefit with valuable cost savings once the Inland Rail project is complete as our state will have a more efficient and sustainable freight transport.

    “The Albury to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes sections of the Inland Rail project have already injected more than $4.2 million across these local economies with many businesses receiving a timely economic boost during a cost-of-living crisis.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: More support available for women in Western NSW experiencing severe menopause symptoms

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: More support available for women in Western NSW experiencing severe menopause symptoms

    Published: 18 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Regional Health, Minister for Western New South Wales, Minister for Women

    Women experiencing severe or complex menopause symptoms now have improved access to additional support following the establishment of Western NSW Local Health District’s (WNSWLHD) new menopause referral service.

    WNSWLHD’s new Specialised Menopause Referral Service aims to provide assistance and support for women whose symptoms have not responded to previous treatments, or those women who face additional complications from other medical conditions.

    The new service has been established as part of NSW Health’s menopause network, which has four hubs and multiple referral sites across the state and is networked with the South-Western Sydney LHD hub.

    General practitioners, specialists and nurse practitioners are able to refer women to the service for advanced care.

    Care Coordinators will assist with triage and navigate care locally, supporting the medically-led, multi-disciplinary hub team of nursing and allied health professionals to provide holistic support.

    The WNSWLHD Specialised Menopause Referral Service will deliver care using a hybrid approach, with a largely virtual service coupled with face-to-face consultations when they are required.

    More information is available here

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

    “I’m pleased to announce this service has been launched today on World Menopause Day today, to improve menopause care and support options available for local women.

    “This Specialised Menopause Referral Service will promote flexibility and choice in the way women in Western NSW access support to manage severe menopause symptoms, and by improving access locally this service will significantly reduce the need to travel for this important care.

    “Up to one in four women endure severe and debilitating menopause symptoms, which is why services like this one are so important.

    “By continuing to break down barriers like geographic isolation through effective use of virtual care technology, this service will help us continue to improve health outcomes.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:

    “Menopause will affect most women at some stage of their life.

    “This new menopause referral service will provide much needed support to women in regional areas who experience complex menopausal symptoms and can provide advice about associated health risks of menopause.

    “On this World Menopause Day, I also encourage women to speak up – you don’t have to suffer in silence. There is support available from your GP and specialists. The Menopause Toolkit can help you understand a bit more about perimenopause and menopause symptoms, and the care available.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty:

    “Every woman is different, and every woman experiences different symptoms of menopause. But many women experiencing severe or complex symptoms will endure in silence which can seriously impact their health and wellbeing.

    “That’s why enhancements like this are so important, this service is eye-opening and will be potentially life-changing for many women in Western NSW, which is home to some of our state’s most remote and most vulnerable populations.”

    Quotes attributable to WNSWLHD Senior Manager Women’s Health and Violence Prevention Nicolla Giddings:

    “Severe symptoms of menopause don’t discriminate, and our new Specialised Menopause Referral Service aims to help local women access the support they need as close to home as possible.

    “Being an inclusive service and providing reliable access to advanced care for people living in rural areas of our District is at the forefront of this new service, to also increase the comfort levels of women while they receive care.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Assault with intent to steal – Katherine

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police are calling for information after an assault with intent to steal in Katherine overnight.

    Around 10:45pm, police received reports that five unknown males allegedly smashed the passenger window of a vehicle parked at McDonalds on First street and threatened the occupants with an edged weapon.

    The victims were able to drive away and avoid further confrontation.

    Police urge anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to make contact on 131 444 and reference NTP2400104863.

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

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UTAS Inveresk precinct complete with the opening of The Shed

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    The University of Tasmania (UTAS) today celebrated the opening of its latest facilities, penning a new chapter in the life of one of Australia’s oldest universities – supported by funding from all three levels of government.

    The Shed, the last of three new buildings at UTAS’s redeveloped Inveresk campus at Launceston, is set to receive students from semester one next year.

    Centrally located opposite City Park, The Shed is the largest of UTAS’s three new facilities, and includes a variety of specialised allied health clinics, science labs and nursing simulation facilities.

    The facility will host community health education programs, professional development workshops, sports science testing and wellbeing initiatives, as well as a range of community activities and events.

    The $97 million project was delivered as part of the $304 million relocation and redevelopment of UTAS’s main Launceston campus from Newnham to Inveresk – which is expected to increase student numbers to 10,000 by 2032.

    This transformation was jointly funded, with $130 million from the Australian Government, $108.6 million from UTAS, $60 million from the Tasmanian Government and $5.4 million from the City of Launceston – as part of the $609.4 million Launceston City Deal.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Education, Jason Clare MP:

    “Congratulations to the Vice-Chancellor, staff and students on the opening of The Shed right here in the heart of Launceston.

    “This new building will help train more nurses and health workers and support more people in Northern Tasmania to get a crack at going to uni.”

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

    “As someone that had to leave home to attend university, I know how important it is to have education opportunities locally, especially in our regions – because postcodes shouldn’t be a barrier for your future.

    “Having toured this campus last year, I know its central location and high-quality facilities will boost attendance numbers – with 2,400 students already moving to the Inveresk precinct, and around 4,000 students expected from early next year.”

    Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Education, Jo Palmer:

    “The Shed is an important piece of infrastructure, but it’s what will occur within its walls and upon this new campus that is most important.

    “This project provides exciting opportunities for our young people embarking on their journey of lifelong learning and also for the wider community.

    “Being able to stay in Tasmania and study new courses such as speech pathology, physiotherapy and occupational therapy is so important for our young people.”

    Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz MP:

    “The completion of The Shed is a significant milestone in the Northern Transformation Project. This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to what can be achieved when all levels of government, the University of Tasmania, and the local community work in unison for a common goal.

    “This transformation project is not just about new buildings, it’s about creating an environment that fosters innovation, learning, and growth, with benefits extending well beyond the university’s walls and into the community.

    “It is exciting to see the tangible outcomes of this investment driving significant economic activity across the region—creating jobs, supporting local industries, and delivering long-term benefits to the Tasmanian economy.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Labor Senator for Tasmania, Helen Polley:

    “We continue to deliver the projects that people in Launceston and across Northern Tasmania deserve – with this transformative campus to ensure people can study in-demand qualifications at home.

    “With the expected influx of new students into Launceston in the coming years, our investment in the University’s presence at Inveresk will support new jobs and stimulate our local economy long into the future.”

    Quotes attributable to City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood:

    “The completion of UTAS’s campus is an amazing milestone for the city and region.

    “Launceston’s CBD has been transformed by the relocation of UTAS’s campus to Inveresk into a vibrant and dynamic precinct.

    “We have seen how the relocation has given confidence to nearby investments in the city, including our own redevelopment of the iconic Albert Hall.

    “Inveresk has now become a really colourful and contemporary part of Launceston, with its links to QVMAG, UTAS Stadium and our CBD.”
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with 4CA AM Murray Jones

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    MURRAY JONES [HOST]: Well, having lived in the regions for quite a few years, thankfully I had the opportunity to go to university, studied law actually, many, many years ago. But I remember hearing a statistic in recent times; of the people you may walk past, if you’re walking down Circular Quay in Sydney, one in two of the people that you pass, at least one in two, have a university degree or at least some form of tertiary education. You go further out, further out to the regions, the numbers get down to just one in five with a university degree or some form of tertiary education. It may even be even lower in some areas. So, particularly in the regional areas, getting further education facilities and opportunities, life changing for Australians. My special guest this morning, Assistant Minister for Education, also Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. He’s got quite the portfolio. Senator Anthony Chisholm joins me from Innisfail. Good morning, Anthony. How are you today?

    ANTHONY CHISHOLM [ASSISTANT MINISTER]: Good, Murray, good to be with you again. And, yeah, a really telling introduction there as well about the challenges that many people in regional Australia face.

    JONES: Yes, certainly when it comes to education. Look, you know, when we talk about, you know, obviously with the Queensland election, a lot of issues of crime, a lot of issues with respect to dysfunction that have come up, the better education, the better you are involved in society and doing things regardless of your age, you’re more likely to be staying off the street, not committing crime, and of course, negotiating this world when it comes to misinformation, disinformation, you know, a good education makes such a difference. So, the reason why you’re here and the reason why we’re talking to you, pretty exciting stuff, actually. Cassowary Coast Innisfail, the Cassowary Coast University Centre, has just been opened. The Innisfail facility, part of twelve new regional university study hubs that have been rolled out, Anthony.

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, really exciting and real pleasure for me to be here today to help open the hub. It’s already got 30 students who are studying here and for me that’s 30 people who might not have taken on a higher education degree if they didn’t have access to the support that these regional university study hubs provide. So, full credit to the Cassowary Coast Council for having the vision. They’ve got a partner in Vocational Partnerships Group who are working with them to make this hub a reality and I’m expecting that it will achieve outstanding results. And those young people growing up in Innisfail who aspire to a higher education degree, what this hub means is that they don’t have to leave town to achieve it. They can stay in their local community, they can have their support network around them of family and friends. And the exciting thing is that the next nurse or teacher that we desperately need in this part of the world can stay and study locally, which is fantastic.

    JONES: Now, it’s not a satellite university as such, I believe it’s not necessarily aligned with any particular university, but at the same time, it’s kind of aligned with all of them I understand.

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, that’s correct. So, this is led by council and obviously they’ve got the partnership with the Vocational Partnerships Group as well. But the beauty of these hubs is they’ve been established around the country and there’s more than 40 operating around regional Australia at the moment, is you can walk into them, you can meet students and they’ll be studying at universities all across the country. And what they get from the hub is that support, that mentoring, that help in navigating, and a high percentage of these people studying are first in family. As you know, Murray, universities can quite often be daunting places when you first turn up or you first engage.

    JONES: Sure.

    CHISHOLM: So, having those people there to support, provide that network to ensure they can navigate and achieve their best results is really important. And that’s what these regional university study hubs are providing around the country. And it’s exciting that that’ll now be an opportunity for students from around the Innisfail area.

    JONES: And look, I understand the statistics, more than 20 per cent of the Innisfail population identifying as First Nations people. So, I guess a great opportunity also for First Nations people to get involved in this particular hub.

    CHISHOLM: That’s right. And one of the things that these hubs have been really successful at is getting out and attending the local high schools and talking to those younger students to give them that hope and ambition that they can actually study at university. It doesn’t mean you’ve got to move away from home. And I think it just opens those eyes and gives people a real incentive to know that they can do – they can study, they can achieve, but they can do it locally. And that, I think particularly with the cost of living at the moment and the challenge that it would be for someone moving away from home, I think having that opportunity to do that locally is tremendous.

    JONES: Yeah, it certainly is. And look, you know, we’ve heard it many times over the years, some of the biggest issues certainly for Australians when it comes to elections, the things that they consider – education opportunities and obviously health, climate change, but particularly education, so important there. And look, you know, from a personal perspective, when it comes to identifying misinformation, disinformation and having an objective view on the world, I think education is just so important. And I’m sure I’ve mentioned to you before, my other half, she’s actually a schoolteacher as well. Can we touch on something? Even though you’re the Federal Assistant Minister for Education, there’s been a lot of talk about school lunches as part of the packages that have been put forward by various political parties. So, there’s been a bit of discussion there. Just in general terms, what do you think, particularly for primary school, for schools to actually be providing school lunches for students?

    CHISHOLM: Yeah, it’s interesting, Murray, and I – as you’re aware, I’m Assistant Minister for Education, so I get to regularly engage with the schooling system around the country. My brother is actually a groundsman at a state school closer to Brisbane as well –

    JONES: Okay.

    CHISHOLM: – so I regularly get updates from him about what he’s up to. But the thing that I’ve noticed is that so many schools around the country are already doing this type of thing, whether it be breakfast programs, whether it be lunch for children. And I think it’s just reflective of the times that we’re in around people doing it tough. Parents are really busy, and there often are schools that are fitting the bridge. So, I can understand why the state thinks that this is a good program to implement across the country and make it more universal and accessible so that all schools have the opportunity to do it. But I think it would be fair to say, and I’m sure you’d get this if you talk to other primary schools, that there’s already something similar being offered across breakfast and lunch for most schools. So, extending that and operating it universally and making sure it’s accessible to everyone, I think is a good announcement by the state government.

    JONES: And, you know, I often do hear it from my partner, you know, just basic things of having food for lunch, even having food the night before, having a clean uniform, all the textbooks, all the facilities and bits and pieces. Maybe not textbook these days, but I guess having those education facilities, you know, having them sorted out for kids is just so important so they can take that step and actually be very much involved in education. So, I’m sure when it comes to those lunches, that’s something we’ll be hearing about a lot more. Great to talk to you about this particular one. It’s the Cassowary Coast University Centre in Innisfail. Nice for you to be spending some time in the region and thank you so much for your time this morning, Anthony Chisholm. Cheers.

    CHISHOLM: Thanks, Murray. Good to be with you again.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Cyber Security is Everyone’s Business

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    This October is Cyber Security Awareness Month and Northern Territory Police are urging Territorians to take a moment to ensure you’re being Cyber Secure.

    There are still bookings available in both Alice Springs and Darwin for free information sessions for seniors next week.

    Cyber Security is everyone’s business and following the below simple steps can greatly reduce the likelihood you fall victim to cyber criminals.

    Senior Constable Nadine Caulfield with the NT CyberCrime Investigations Unit (CIU) said “Northern Territory Police regularly receive reports where victims have suffered financial loss, or have become a victim of identity theft, and in many cases we investigate, a stronger password or the presence of Multi-Factor Authentication could have prevented it.

    “Those two simple tools remain one of the best defences against cybercrime.  We hear the messaging all the time – update your password, set up multi-factor authentication or two-step verification, and there’s a reason for it –it works. 

    “Last year, the NT CIU was made aware that 39 Australians, from every state and Territory across the country, reported to police that they were victims of online fraud.  Two offenders were identified in the NT.  Both were arrested and charged with 39 counts each of Obtain a Benefit by Deception.  The matter remains before Darwin Local Court with their next appearance is on 18 November 2024.

    “Throughout our investigations, it became apparent that there was likely to be at least another 200 victims of the same online fraud syndicate.  Many people may be ashamed to report that they have been the victim of a scam, but proper reporting gives police the information needed to tackle these offenders head on.

    “NT Police will be jointly presenting in free Cyber Safety Sessions lead by the NT Government in partnership with the Council of Aging NT.”

    The Alice Springs sessions will be held on Wednesday 23 October – the Seniors event at 10am to 11:30am, and the Business event at 1pm to 2.30pm at the Alice Springs Convention Centre.

    The Darwin Seniors session will be held on Friday 25 October at 1pm to 2:30pm at the Council of the Ageing, Spillett House.

    Bookings are essential so register HERE.

    Cybercrime across Australia remains grossly underreported. NT Police encourage all Territorians to make a report if you have been a victim of cybercrime, even if you did not suffer financial loss.

    Reporting has never been more simple by going straight to Cyber Report.

    For more information go to https://becybersmart.nt.gov.au/. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: University of Tasmania ‘The Shed’ opening

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we are meeting and pay my respects to elders past and present. 

    I also acknowledge: 

    • Tasmanian Minister for Education, Jo Palmer
    • Launceston Mayor, Councillor Matthew Garwood
    • Vice Chancellor Professor Rufus Black
    • My good friend, Senator Helen Polley

    It is wonderful to be here today to open The Shed. I’ve got to say it is the most impressive shed I’ve ever seen. 

    I was here not too long ago when it was still being built.

    It really is fantastic to see it come to life and from next year offering degrees in everything from science, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, medicine and physiotherapy. 

    When I think about the best universities in Australia, I don’t look at rankings. 

    I look at what they do.

    And when I do that, I see universities like you.

    Universities that are the real deal when it comes to fairness and opening the doors of opportunity. 

    When it comes to helping more people from poor families and the regions to get a crack.

    Things that are important to me.

    Last year, 16 per cent of university students were from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

    Here at University of Tasmania it was 25 per cent.

    That sort of university doesn’t just change the lives of the students you teach. 

    It ricochets through generations. 

    It transforms communities. 

    That’s the power of education. 

    That’s why the deal that Jo and I, and the Prime Minister and Premier Rockliff, signed a few weeks ago is so important. 

    Properly funding our schools and tying it to reforms to help young Tasmanians catch up, keep up and boosting the number of children finishing high school.

    Building that bridge to get here. 

    But it’s not just about the number of people who go to university or the number who finish school or go to early education and care.

    It’s even more basic than that. 

    It’s the number of years you are likely to live. 

    Last time I was here, Rufus and I talked exactly about that.

    In Newstead – 2.5 km down the road – the average life expectancy is 85.

    In Grindelwald – 18 km north of here – it is 74.

    11 years less. 

    The average person in Grindelwald lives 11 years less than the average person in Newstead.

    About 25 minutes apart on a good day. 

    And it’s the same if you look in the Hobart region. 

    In Bridgewater, the life expectancy is 67 and in Sandy Bay it’s 86. That’s 19 years less.

    In fact, for every kilometre you travel north away from Sandy Bay, you lose a year of life expectancy. 

    That’s what inequity really looks like in its most awful form. 

    Education can’t change everything. 

    But it is the most powerful change-maker in this country.

    It’s why the reforms I am driving in higher education are about giving more people a crack at university. 

    About breaking down the barrier that stops a lot of people from the outer suburbs and regions getting a look in. 

    It’s why places like this are so important. 

    This is more than just a building, it’s a beacon.

    It shows you know, like I do, that education is the most powerful cause for good in this country. 

    UTAS describes itself as “an agent for change”.

    That’s what education is. 

    It’s the greatest tool we have to build a country where your chances in life don’t depend on who your parents are, where you live or the colour of your skin. 

    A country that the Prime Minister describes as a place where no one is held back and no one is left behind. 

    We can be that country.

    And our education system can make it real. 

    But that means serious reform. 

    The sort we are doing now. 

    And more.

    And it will be better because of what you have built right here in Northern Tasmania. 

    It’s an honour to be here and share this moment with you today.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 222-2024: Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme: treatment provider suspended – Cargo Quarantine Lanka Company (AEI: LK0004MB)

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    18 October 2024

    Who does this notice affect?

    Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including vessel masters, freight forwarders, offshore treatment providers, Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers, principal agents and master consolidators.

    What has changed?

    Following identification of critical non-compliance, we have suspended Cargo Quarantine Lanka Company (AEI: LK0004MB) from the…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Kinglake Fire Brigade reflect on 80 years

    Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

    CFA Board Member Tony Peake with Captain Paul Buck

    It was a celebratory weekend for Kinglake Fire Brigade members, who marked their 80 years of service alongside their families and friends at Lawsons Restaurant on Saturday, 12 October.

    Having missed their 75th milestone during COVID years, the occasion was highly anticipated and one that allowed for many reflections.

    Newly appointed Captain Paul Buck said although they have a dinner every year with Service Awards presented, the evening involved a great deal of reminiscing.

    “It was a great night to all get together and touch on the highs and lows the brigade has been through over the years,” Paul said.

    “We had a photo slideshow that led to many conversations from the long-serving members who fondly recounted the memories on screen.”

    Paul said it has been interesting to navigate the aftermath of the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires which saw severe devastation in the township, claiming 120 lives in the area.

    “The response and loss have had such a long-lasting effect on the community, and the brigade, and it will continue to do so. It’s something that is always talked about – you can’t forget what happened,” Paul said.

    “You see the members that drifted away initially, then those that were here at the time start to get on in age or slowly take a step back, or worse, pass away.”

    When powerful winds brought down powerlines in Kilmore East on the morning of 7 February 2009, the afternoon saw it spread right through to Kinglake National Park before merging into the most significant fire – the Kinglake Fire Complex.

    “We’re very mindful of the long-drought conditions that lead into that year and although we’re not in that situation now, we do talk about it in our preparations for the upcoming fire season.

    “We do stay green a lot longer up here than other parts of Victoria, so we do face challenges when preparing the community for fire.

    “Although the northern part of our district like Yea and Seymour dry out a lot earlier, it’s hard for us to tell people to prepare when they’re still cutting green grass rather than bailing hay.

    “By the time we’re drying out, we’re in the middle of the Christmas period and into January.”

    Over the last 18 months, the brigade has embarked on a recruitment drive, leading to five new operational firefighters who have just completed their general firefighter training.

    “We’re in that rebuilding phase, which was kicked off by the previous Captain who recently moved out of the area, so we picked it up and kept running with it,” Paul said.

    “We’ve got a couple of 17-year-olds in the mix, one who has come over with his mum and dad. Plus, an 18-year-old and two more locals who have just gone through their expression of interest. We’ll aim to have up and running by fire season.

    “We’re hoping with more numbers this season we can really start to engage more with the community to get us all prepared for the season.”

    While they currently reside in a co-located station with SES that was opened in 2012 following the fires, interestingly the old untouched rusty tin shed that was once the original fire station sits just 50m away.

    “There’s also an intermediate station that is next to the pub that is still standing,” Paul said.

    “It’s pretty special to have three sheds all so close together that represent the history of the brigade from beginning to current day.”

    Submitted by Lucy Bishop

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Hats in the air for new PSOs

    Source: South Australia Police

    Weeks of comprehensive training have paid off for 11 new Police Security Officers (PSO) who today graduated from the South Australia Police (SAPOL) Academy.

    Ranging in age from 19 to 39, 10 men and one woman have been welcomed into the blue family and share a desire to help the community.

    Course 3 graduates bring a variety of work experience to the role, including in retail, fitness, healthcare, labour, HR, customer service, and childcare.

    Former flight attendant, Marcio, was living in Dubai when his journey towards a new SAPOL career began.

    “I was working as a flight attendant for an airline up to June 2023. I met my wife, who is from Adelaide, in 2014 while doing our flight attendant training course,” he said.

    “We got married and welcomed our baby boy in 2022 and decided that it was time to retire our wings and the nonstop flight attendant lifestyle to give full attention to our growing family.

    “I feel very lucky to have travelled the whole world and met so many people of diverse cultures and backgrounds.”

    Australia is the fourth continent Marcio has lived in during the past 14 years.

    “I lived in Dublin, Ireland in 2010/11. I was back in Brazil in 2012/13, and from 2014 to 2023 I was in Dubai and now Australia for the foreseeable future,” he explained.

    “Throughout my time at SAPOL’s academy I have become more aware of things happening around me and more situationally aware now. My active listening skills have improved.

    “I am really excited to graduate and start doing the job I have been training so hard for. I will likely be posted to the Police Security Services Branch where I will work across many important government sites and on metro patrols.”

    Fellow graduate, Libby, was working as a childcare educator and playing SANFLW before joining SAPOL.

    “Learning to communicate with children and their families has helped my communication skills throughout the academy,” she said.

    “I’m excited to work in the variety of roles the Police Security Services Branch has to offer, including custody management, school patrols, and getting to communicate with the community daily.

    “Throughout my time at the academy, participating in the Operational Safety Training Exercises (OSTT) was one of the most memorable experiences.”

    Libby plans to undertake SAPOL’s Constable Development Program in the future, after seeing how far she can go in the PSO role.

    Both graduates encouraged anyone thinking about a new career to consider joining SAPOL.

    “It’s like joining a tight-knit family,” Marcio said.

    “I really get that welcoming feeling every time I bump into a PSO in the corridors of the police academy.”

    Libby similarly felt accepted and supported throughout her training.

    “Everyone in our course had their strengths and weaknesses and as a group we were able to work together to help everyone graduate, backed by our mentors,” she added.

    If you’re looking for job security, career progression pathways and a chance to make a real difference in local communities visit Achievemore – Join Us (police.sa.gov.au)

    Marcio and Libby are among 11 new Police Security Officers to graduate today from the South Australia Police Academy.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Proposed federal electoral divisions for the Northern Territory released [18 October 2024]

    Source: Australian Electoral Commission

    AECMedia

    Updated: 18 October 2024

    The Redistribution Committee for the Northern Territory today published its report proposing names and boundaries for the territory’s federal electoral divisions.

    The Chair of the Committee and Electoral Commissioner, Tom Rogers, said the Northern Territory redistribution was required as more than seven years had elapsed since a federal redistribution was last undertaken in the Northern Territory.

    “The 2023 determination of the number of members of the House of Representatives did not alter the Northern Territory’s entitlement to two members,” Mr Rogers said.

    “Under the proposal, the boundaries of the Division of Lingiari and Solomon would be amended and the current names of both the Division of Lingiari and Solomon would be retained.”


    YouTube: 2024 NT redistribution proposal

    Proposed names and boundaries

    The proposal would see:

    • retention of the names of both electoral divisions in the Northern Territory
    • movement of the boundary between the proposed Divisions of Lingiari and Solomon so that the proposed Division of Solomon encompasses all of the City of Palmerston, and
    • retention of the Territories of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island in the proposed Division of Lingiari.

    Mr Rogers said the Committee faced a situation where by September 2028 the enrolment totals for the divisions of Lingiari and Solomon would not meet the numerical requirements.

    “The proposed changes reflect the differing rates of population and enrolment growth in the Palmerston area, as well as taking into account the projected enrolment in the Divisions of Lingiari and Solomon through to 4 September 2028.”

    “The status quo cannot be maintained, because without boundary adjustment, electoral enrolment in the Division of Lingiari will become comparatively too large and in the Division of Solomon too small,” Mr Rogers said.

    For further details, please see the full proposal report,  including factors considered by the Northern Territory Redistribution Committee and maps of the proposed electoral divisions.

    Further public input

    Consultation on the redistribution continues, with individuals and organisations now able to submit feedback to the Redistribution Committee’s proposed divisions.

    Written objections can agree or disagree with any aspect of the proposal. They must be lodged no later than 6pm ACST on Friday 15 November 2024. The best way to submit feedback is online but it can also be submitted via:

    • Email – FedRedistribution-NT@aec.gov.au
    • Post – Australian Electoral Commission (Attn: Northern Territory Redistribution Secretariat), Locked Bag 4007, Canberra ACT 2601
    • In person – at the AEC office at Level 9, 9 Cavanagh St, Darwin City

    All input received by the deadline will be available for public inspection on the redistributions website and at the office of the Australian Electoral Officer for the Northern Territory in Darwin (by during business hours only) from Monday 18 November 2024. Further comments will then be accepted until 6pm ACST on Friday 29 November 2024.

    Editor’s notes:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: The U.S.-Germany  Partnership

    Source: The White House

    On the occasion of President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s visit to Germany, the United States reaffirms its commitment to deepening the close and historic bond between the two nations as Allies and friends.  For over 75 years, Germany has been a crucial partner in ensuring the stability, security, and prosperity of the transatlantic alliance.  In October 2023, President Biden welcomed President Steinmeier to Washington during German-American Day, underscoring the enduring people-to-people ties between our two countries, including the over 40 million Americans who claim German heritage and strengthen the diverse fabric of the United States.  In February 2024, President Biden welcomed Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the White House, where the two leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s war of aggression, discussed regional stability in the Middle East, and prepared for the NATO Summit in Washington.

    During his visit to Germany, President Biden will underscore our mutual commitment to upholding democracy, combating antisemitism and hatred, and expanding collaboration to promote economic growth and technological innovation.  In addition, he will express gratitude to Germany for its role in hosting approximately 39,000 U.S. service members and its vital contributions to the security of NATO and the broader transatlantic community. 

    The United States and Germany are partners in a wide range of new and continuing initiatives to address the most pressing challenges of our time, some of which are listed below.

    # # #

    SECURITY AND DEFENSE

    • The United States and Germany cooperate through several multilateral institutions including NATO, the G7, the OSCE, and the UN, to advance security, democracy, and the rule of law globally.
    • As host to the largest U.S. troop presence in Europe and second largest globally, Germany continues to play a critical role as a platform for U.S. military force projection, including support for NATO’s eastern flank and training for Ukrainian soldiers. 
    • Germany has been a key provider of military assistance to Ukraine in its defense against the Kremlin’s aggression.  Contributions include advanced weaponry such as Leopard 2 tanks, air defense systems (such as IRIS-T), artillery, and ammunition. Germany also supplies medical aid, vehicles, and training for Ukrainian forces, continuously adapting its support to Ukraine’s evolving needs in coordination with NATO allies.
    • As announced by President Biden and Chancellor Scholz on July 10, 2024, the United States looks forward to beginning the episodic deployments of its Multi-Domain Task Force in Germany in 2026, as part of planning for enduring stationing of these conventional long-range fire capabilities in the future.
    • Germany plays a key role in the U.S-Italy co-led G7+ Coordination Group for Ukraine Energy Security Support.  Germany has been a leading provider of financial assistance and critical components such as transformers and power generators to support the repair and strengthening of Ukraine’s energy sector in response to Russia’s continued brutal attacks on civilian infrastructure.
    • Germany is a robust partner in the fight against terrorism and terrorism financing, in the Financial Action Task Force, and as part of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS (D-ISIS).  On September 30, State Secretary Tobias Lindner joined Secretary Blinken for the D-Isis Ministerial Meeting in Washington, D.C. 
    • Germany will accede to Operation Olympic Defender, a U.S.-led multinational effort intended to strengthen nations’ abilities to deter hostile acts in space, strengthen deterrence against hostile actors, and reduce the spread of debris orbiting the earth. International partners currently include the UK, Canada, and Australia.

    DEFENDING DEMOCRACY

    • As the second-largest provider of assistance to Ukraine after the United States, Germany has provided $37.2 billion (€34 billion) in bilateral assistance since February 2022.  This includes humanitarian assistance, budgetary support, military equipment and training, and funding for Ukraine’s reconstruction.  Germany hosted an international reconstruction conference for Ukraine in Berlin in June 2024 which generated over €60 billion in commitments to Ukraine and emphasized the human dimension of post-war recovery.
    • At the September 2024 United Nations General Assembly, the United States, in partnership with Germany and other international allies, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting democratic transitions as part of the Democracy Delivers Initiative, launched by USAID.  The initiative mobilized over $517 million to provide financial and technical assistance to countries undergoing democratic renewal, including Guatemala, Armenia, and Moldova, with the aim of strengthening global democratic resilience.
    • Germany has increasingly recognized the importance of supporting Taiwan as a like-minded democratic partner.  Education Minister Stark-Watzinger’s visit to Taiwan in 2023 marked the first visit by a German minister to Taiwan in 26 years.  Two German warships recently transited the Taiwan Strait, a visible demonstration of Germany’s commitment to upholding international laws and norms and increasing engagement to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
    • Germany was one of the first of twenty-one countries to endorse the U.S. government’s Framework to Counter Foreign State Information Manipulation, the U.S. Department of State’s key initiative to galvanize like-minded democracies to respond collectively to the threat posed by disinformation.  

    ECONOMICS & TRADE

    • Germany is the United States’ largest trading partner in Europe, with bilateral trade reaching over $324 billion in goods and services in 2023.  U.S. direct investment in Germany was $193.2 billion in 2023.  In total, German firms employ an estimated 923,600 people in the United States.  Germany is the fourth-largest source of foreign direct investment in the United States and the number one foreign investor in U.S. renewable energy projects.  Germany is currently the third-largest source of foreign direct investment in the United States, with investments worth more than $660 billion based on 2023 data.
    • On September 24, 2024, the United States and Germany held the third round of the U.S.-Germany Economic Dialogue, building on the framework established in the 2021 Washington Declaration.  The talks focused on strengthening collaboration to increase economic security, including cooperation in sectors such as digital technologies and clean energy supply chains.  Both countries committed to enhancing supply chain resilience and advancing sustainability goals.
    • Germany and the United States partner on several initiatives to advance women’s economic security around the world, including bolstering women’s participation in climate sectors through the Women in the Sustainable Economy Initiative, closing the gender digital divide through the Women in the Digital Economy Initiative, and supporting women to join the workforce by investing in efforts to close the global childcare gap through the Invest in Childcare Initiative.

    COMBATTING ANTISEMITISM:

    •  Germany is a global leader and vital partner in the fight against antisemitism and extremism.  Senior officials are unequivocal in condemning antisemitism and federal and state governments have robust strategies for tackling the problem.  In July 2024, Germany co-launched the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism in Buenos Aires, an initiative led by U.S. Special Envoy Deborah Lipstadt.
    • Launched in 2021, The U.S.-Germany Dialogue on Holocaust Issues, plays an essential role in combatting Holocaust distortion online and promoting accurate Holocaust education and commemoration.
    • Germany and the United States cooperate on improving resolution to Nazi-confiscated art to ensure just and fair solutions for survivors and heirs, and salute Germany’s new art restitution policy.

    EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGES

    • The German-American Fulbright program is one of the largest and most varied of the Fulbright Programs worldwide, sponsoring over 40,000 Germans and Americans since its inception in 1952.
    • Established in 2016 as a public-private partnership, each year the USA For You program brings youth from underserved German communities to the United States for a two-week homestay and community service experience.  The program promotes civic engagement and helps counter extremism and xenophobia by fostering cultural understanding.  In 2023, the German government launched a reciprocal Germany for You program, allowing American high school students to visit Germany for a similar exchange, further strengthening transatlantic ties.
    • The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX), jointly funded by the United States and German governments, supports the transatlantic relationship by fostering year-long academic, homestay, and community service opportunities for 700 American and German youth annually.  Since 1983, CBYX has promoted cross-cultural understanding, professional skills, and mutual awareness of each nation’s history, politics, and society.  With around 15,000 German and 14,000 American participants to date, the program strengthens ties and deepens the transatlantic partnership between the next generation of leaders.
    • The German Bundestag-Bundesrat exchange (CBBSX) program is an annual two-way exchange between German Bundestag and Bundesrat staff and U.S. Congressional staff members.  It was initiated during the 1983 German-American Tricentennial celebration and first implemented in 1984.  Participants focus on the U.S. legislative process and U.S.-German relations; examining U.S. Congress and the U.S. political system.  In 2024 the IVLP brought 10 German Bundestag and Bundesrat staff members to the United States.  For the first time, CBBSX participants also engaged with state and local government.

    SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENT, SPACE, & TECHNOLOGY

    • On January 10, 2024, the United States and Germany held a U.S.-Germany Critical and Emerging Technology Track 1.5 Dialogue to share strategic objectives, outlooks, and lessons learned in technological innovation. The two countries agreed to convene the first of an ongoing AI Dialogue to discuss approaches to AI governance, infrastructure and innovation, and applications of AI for good. They intend to hold the first session of this dialogue in early 2025.
    • Furthering their commitment to monitoring the effects of climate change, the United States and Germany have partnered on space collaboration through NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission, which monitors Earth’s water movement by tracking shifts in gravity.  This mission provides critical data for managing water resources, monitoring sea levels, and understanding climate change impacts on a global scale.
    • The U.S.-Germany scientific partnership was further strengthened throughfunding from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) for Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience (CRCNS) program, which advances cutting-edge research in brain function and computational neuroscience.  This initiative supports interdisciplinary approaches to understanding neural systems.
    • On September 14, 2023, the United States and Germany held the inaugural U.S.-Germany Space Dialogue, advancing collaboration in space exploration, satellite technology, and space security.  This dialogue promotes joint efforts in planetary science, climate monitoring, and managing space debris, while advancing international norms for responsible space operations.

    CLIMATE & ENERGY

    • In July 2021, the United States and Germany launched the U.S.-Germany Climate and Energy Partnership to deepen collaboration on the policies and sustainable technologies needed to accelerate the global net-zero future.  Notable outcomes of the Partnership include the first U.S.-Germany Climate and Energy Summit held in Pittsburgh September 2022, and the U.S.-German Clean Hydrogen Conference held in Berlin October 2023.
    • Beyond our strong bilateral partnership, the United States and Germany are also intensifying our cooperation to accelerate the clean energy transition and promote clean economic growth in emerging and developing economies.  This includes leveraging and scaling-up our collective technical, policy, and financial support to catalyze investments in clean energy manufacturing and industrial decarbonization in developing countries, leveraging key international platforms such as the Climate Club and Clean Technology Fund.

    GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT

    • The United States participated in the International Humanitarian Conference on Sudan, hosted by France, Germany, and the European Commission on April 15, 2024, to address the vital need for greater humanitarian assistance for the Sudanese people.
    • The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Germany’s Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) are strengthening their partnership through a Strategic Development Dialogue.  This initiative focuses on joint efforts to tackle global challenges in climate change, food security, gender equality, health, and G7 development priorities.
    • The United States and Germany have worked closely across multiple presidencies of the G7 Food Security Working Group to support efforts to achieve long-term food and nutrition security.  As most recently affirmed in the Apulia G7 Leaders’ Communiqué, both countries have committed to promoting and supporting multi-stakeholder programs to build climate resilience in our food systems.  These programs include the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils, launched by the United States in partnership with the African Union and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

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    MIL OSI USA News –