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  • MIL-OSI: Policyholder expectations pose challenges for life insurers at every stage of the customer journey

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact:
    Fahd Pasha
    Tel.: + 1 647 860 3777
    E-mail: Fahd.Pasha@capgemini.com

    Policyholder expectations pose challenges for life insurers at every stage of the customer journey

    • Best-in-class life insurers – those delivering quantifiably outstanding customer experience – achieve a 38% higher Net Promoter Score (NPS®) than their mainstream counterparts
    • 67% of best-in-class carriers are ready to leverage generative AI to innovate their policyholders’ experience and optimize operations
    • Life insurance industry must shift perception away from simply ‘death insurance’ to engage new generation of policyholders

    Paris, October 15, 2024 – The Capgemini Research Institute’s World Life Insurance Report 2025, published today, reveals that the life insurance industry is struggling to meet today’s customer experience expectations, with legacy technology being a major barrier to driving meaningful change. However, the report identifies a small group of life insurers globally delivering quantifiably outstanding customer experience to achieve ‘best-in-class’ status. In comparison to mainstream insurers, these innovative companies have been rewarded with a 38% higher Net Promoter Score (NPS®), an 11% lower expense ratio, and a 6% higher revenue growth than the rest of the industry in the last three years.

    Faced with high inflation, economic uncertainty, and waning interest, life insurers are at a critical juncture as the industry confronts a 33% fall in penetration in mature markets1 between 2007 and 20232, with one-in-two policyholders saying their experience is underwhelming. Much of this dissatisfaction permeates through the entire customer journey, particularly across product offerings, onboarding, servicing and claims/surrenders.

    Insurers face challenges at every stage of the customer journey
    At the onboarding stage, one-in-three (35%) retail policyholders struggle with complex terms and 27% don’t like the lengthy application process. After purchasing a policy, one-in-four (25%) retail and group customers express frustration due to long wait times, while 23% are frustrated by the inability to access self-service options for policy changes. The claims process also poses challenges, primarily due to a lack of digitization: one-third (35%) of retail policyholders say they face a complicated claim application process, with 27% noting a lack of empathy during the claims experience.

    The research shows that younger policyholders (between 18-40 years) are more frustrated by a challenging experience than older customers (between 41-60 years) throughout their insurance journey. This includes slow and complex onboarding processes, lack of dedicated communication channels, and an inability to self-service policies. They also demand greater claims flexibility, with 42% citing inflexible payouts as a critical concern, versus only 26% of older customers.

    Despite a desire to redesign the onboarding, service and claims experience, only 9% of carriers have established ecosystem-wide processes that capture data from multiple sources to create a unique view of customers, and in turn, deliver personalized experiences through policyholders’ preferred channels.

    “Life insurance is shifting from a must-have to a maybe proposition. Carriers must shake off the perception that life insurance is just ‘death insurance’. They can achieve this by focusing on engaging the next generation of policyholders, moving beyond a product-driven approach to put the customer at the center of their strategies,” said Samantha Chow, Global Leader for Life Insurance, Annuities and Benefits Sector at Capgemini. “Many insurers are struggling with legacy technology or investments that have failed to deliver the target returns. The path forward is a customer-centric transformation that draws inspiration from the best-in-class by embedding AI-augmented, human-touch service into core processes.”

    Efforts to improve customer experience have stalled for most carriers
    Insurers recognize an urgent need to modernize their operations, however, only 41% met or exceeded their latest transformation goals. Past transformation initiatives fell short of delivering the intended results as insurers prioritized multiple goals which hindered their efforts. The challenges were further complicated by unexpected integration complexities (50%), lack of alignment with business objectives (42%) and insufficient skilled resources (42%).

    Despite these headwinds, the report finds an elite group of 5% of best-in-class insurers who are delivering a superior customer experience. These best-in-class carriers lean into the latest technologies, like generative AI, to offer exceptional onboarding, self-service, and claims capabilities.

    The best-in-class stand out against their counterparts:

    • 78% of best-in-class insurers have automated underwriting compared to 15% of mainstream insurers to optimize onboarding efforts
    • 78% offer policyholders self-service portals compared to only 13% of mainstream carriers
    • 56% provide a seamless and intelligent claims experience through AI assistance for voice and sentiment analysis versus only 3% of mainstream insurers

    Generative AI can be a catalyst, although talent gaps remain a hurdle
    While the transformative potential of generative AI is undeniable for the life insurance industry, it brings to light a pressing talent challenge. Today, 67% of best-in-class insurers are technically ready to leverage and maximize generative AI’s capabilities across their operations, with readiness levels dropping to 25% for mainstream insurers. Generative AI, when augmented with human intelligence, can revolutionize the consumer experience, while simultaneously driving operational efficiencies. However, one-in-three executives (34%) highlight identifying talent as a significant obstacle hindering their ability, with critical gaps in roles such as behavioral scientists, experience designers, and AI prompt engineers.

    According to the report, success will hinge not only on the implementation of the technology, but also on insurers’ ability to attract, develop, and retain the right talent. Carriers who can effectively blend cutting-edge technology with skilled professionals will be well-positioned to lead the industry into a new era of innovation and customer-centricity.

    Report Methodology
    The World Life Insurance Report 2025 draws data from two primary sources: the Global Voice of the Customer Survey, administered during May and June 2024, and the Global Insurance Executive Survey, conducted during May and June 2024. This primary research covers insights from 20 markets: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. First, our comprehensive Voice of the Customer Survey, administered in collaboration with Phronesis Partners, polled 6,186 life insurance customers in 18 countries. These markets represent all three regions of the globe – the Americas (The United States, Mexico, Canada, and Brazil), Europe (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom), and Asia-Pacific (Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, and Singapore). Second, the report also includes insights from interviews with 213 leading life insurance company executives across 16 markets. These markets together represent all three regions of the globe – the Americas (The United States, Canada, and Brazil), Europe (Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom) and Asia-Pacific (Australia, Hong Kong, India, and Singapore).

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

    Get The Future You Want | http://www.capgemini.com

    About the Capgemini Research Institute
    The Capgemini Research Institute is Capgemini’s in-house think-tank on all things digital and their impact across industries. It is the publisher of Capgemini’s flagship World Report Series, which has been running for over 28 years, with dedicated thought leadership on Financial Services focussing on digitalization, innovation, technology and business trends that affect banks, wealth management firms, and insurers across the globe.

    To find out more or to subscribe to receive reports as they launch, visit https://worldreports.capgemini.com

    1 Note: Mature markets: North America includes Canada and the United States. Western Europe includes Portugal, Luxembourg, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Austria, France, Greece, Malta, Finland, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Cyprus. APAC includes Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.
    2Swiss Re – sigma explorer

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Ros Childs, ABC News

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    ROS CHILDS:

    Let’s stay with the government’s proposal to ban debit card surcharges from 2026. The Assistant federal Treasurer, Stephen Jones, joins us now. Stephen Jones, welcome.

    STEPHEN JONES:

    Good to be with you.

    CHILDS:

    So, how much do surcharges cost consumers and small businesses right now?

    JONES:

    Look, the charging arrangements are incredibly opaque, but our estimates are anywhere between $1.5 and $4 billion a year is being taken out of the system by a combination of the banks, the card system providers, and the payment rail providers. The end result is that consumers are paying to access their own money, and they’re saying, quite rightly, it’s harder to get cash, fewer places are accepting it, we’re being forced into electronic payment systems and we’re being forced to pay surcharges to access our own money.

    CHILDS:

    So, the banks, though, say that fees and charges have been reducing every year for the past decade. That there is an option for businesses to use what’s called Least Cost Routing so payment terminals automatically default to the cheapest surcharge. What’s your response to that argument?

    JONES:

    What we want to see is that customers aren’t paying to access their own money to buy a cup of coffee or to fill their shopping trolley, and that’s what’s happening at the moment. We want to ensure that at least, at the very least, on these debit charges, this surcharging is knocked on the head.

    What’s occurred over the last year or so is we’ve seen a whole heap of changes going on in the way these charges are imposed upon the small businesses. Big differentials between what a big retailer like a Coles and Woolies is paying, compared to a small business when it comes to these surcharges – the payments they’re making to their banks. Not a lot of clarity about what’s being paid, where and by whom, except when it comes to the consumer. So, we’ve got the Reserve Bank spending the next few months having a look at it – a detailed analysis of the cost of providing these services and the charges that are being charged by all the participants in the system – there’s at least 3 or 4 different participants in the system – as a precursor to us getting some clear guidelines, making it very, very clear to industry that we will introduce a ban by the beginning of 2026 on debit charges, on debit card surcharges.

    They don’t have to wait till then. They can move ahead of that. But we want to ensure that we do it in a way that doesn’t look like a benefit to consumers, but it ends up being the small businesses who cop it in the neck—they’re prevented from covering the costs of a surcharge by recouping it from a consumer, but they’re still getting the banks and the payment system providers charging these exorbitant costs. That’s why we need to take a little bit of time to get it right, but sending a very clear message to all the participants, this has got to stop.

    CHILDS:

    Ok, so you say you’re sending a signal, a message with this proposal, but how hopeful, realistically, are you that the banks will move on this without you having to take action, even though in the past they have proved very resistant, haven’t they, to making changes that will hit their bottom line?

    JONES:

    What I can say I’m certain about is that if the banks, the payment system providers, the card operators don’t get it right and don’t knock this on the head themselves, then we are willing to move ourselves and using the levers available to us to ensure that these debit card surcharges are ended.

    CHILDS:

    So, we heard a couple of political voices there, the Greens Senator, Sarah Hanson‑Young, and the Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton, both saying that the cost‑of‑living crisis means that consumers can’t wait until 2026, the start date for the proposed ban, they need the surcharge ban now. Also, Sarah Hanson‑Young calling for the ban to be extended to credit card surcharges, as well as to debit cards. How would you answer that?

    JONES:

    To Peter Dutton – 9 years, nothing? Not a single thing on this problem? It was a problem on his watch. He’s done nothing on it. In the first 2 years of our government, we’ve moved across a whole range of areas of consumer policy, lifting protections on consumers. We’re determined to do it. So, the bloke who has done nothing for 9 years, now thinks there’s an urgent problem to be fixed, doesn’t have a lot of credibility, particularly when he’s voted against every single piece of cost‑of‑living relief that this government has introduced. Peter Dutton is batting on zero when it comes to helping consumers. And, for the Greens, frankly, their form on this is whatever Labor does and then another 10 per cent. So, frankly, this is just situation normal from the Greens. We’re taking a considered approach. We’ll get a benefit to consumers, but without making small businesses pay for it. We’ll do it in the right way. Very clear message to industry: they’ve got to get their act into order.

    CHILDS:

    Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones. Thank you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: “Advancing New Zealand and Asia relations”

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Good evening

    Before discussing the ‘advancing of New Zealand and Asia relations’, we would like to congratulate the Asia New Zealand Foundation and acknowledge its significant contribution to New Zealand’s relationship with, and understanding of, Asia over the past 30 years.

    Can we also welcome Thitinan Pongsudhirak, one of the Foundation’s Honorary Advisers, and Michael Fullilove, Executive Director of the Lowy Institute.  

    I would also like to acknowledge Members of Parliament; members of the diplomatic corps; Asia New Zealand Foundation founders Sir Don McKinnon and Philip Burdon; and its Chair, Dame Fran Wilde.

    A lot has happened over the past 30 years – in New Zealand, in Asia, and indeed in New Zealand’s engagement with Asia.

    30 years ago

    It is, of course, difficult to talk about Asia in general terms. The region has 23 countries, hundreds of languages and a vast swathe of peoples and cultures and political systems. 

    This is to say nothing of the vast distances in Asia.  Indeed, it’s closer from London to Moscow than Auckland to Jakarta, and yet we tend to think Indonesia as our back yard. 

    We tend to zone in on one country, or one issue.

    Our understanding needs to be more nuanced than this – something the Asia New Zealand Foundation knows well and is in fact its core mission.

    We can, however, look at some trends, as we think about New Zealand’s relationship with Asia over the past 30 years.

    In 1994, for example, Asia’s population was over three billion people. The region accounted for one quarter of the world’s GDP, and economic growth was underway in many countries. 

    The region had experienced years of peace and stability, albeit with some notable exceptions. Many parts of the region were at the start of a long, although sometimes uneven, path of rising urbanisation, productivity and incomes.

    In New Zealand, our population had just tipped over three million. Asian countries had become important trading partners – this was 20 years after Britain joined the European Economic Community and forced us to look beyond our traditional trading partners. 

    We had adapted by looking closer to home. 

    Thirty five percent of New Zealand’s exports went to Asia, with Japan accounting for close to half of this. 

    Remarkably, at that time China took just two percent of our exports, compared to 20 percent of today.

    Many New Zealanders had come to realise the importance of Asia to our future prosperity.

    Along with this came a recognition that we needed to better understand the vast range of cultures, languages and peoples of the region. This would be a shift for us. 

    Just three percent of New Zealanders at the time identified as being of Asian origin – compared to 17 percent today. 

    We had the beginnings of some cultural and culinary influences, with tourists and students starting to flow. 

    Under the Colombo Plan, we had welcomed many Asian students to New Zealand. But for the most part, these cultural influences were not mainstream or well-understood at the time.

    It was in this context that the Asia New Zealand Foundation was born and began its important work that we are here to discuss today.

    What has changed in Asia? 

    Even those who were aficionados back in 1994 might have been surprised at just how important Asia would become to New Zealand.

    The Asian financial crisis in 1997 was devastating to the region. It was an unsettled and unpredictable time. But the region has recovered, and in fact boomed.

    The figures are certainly impressive. More than one billion people have been lifted out of poverty in Asia since 1990. Asia now comprises over 40 percent of the world’s GDP. In the next quarter century, this is forecast to reach 50 percent. 

    It is important for us all to remember that there has not been just one linear trajectory in the region. Each country has had its own path, and these paths can have different twists and turns over time.

    China’s growth story is of course well-known, but the statistics remain extraordinary. Today, China stands as the world’s second-largest economy worth nearly 18 trillion US dollars in 2023, soaring a staggering 4,000 percent since the 1990s.

    This is not, however, just a China story. There has been astonishing success in other countries, too. 

    India overtook China to become the most populous country in the world last year, and with 900 million registered voters it is also the world’s largest democracy. This year India’s economy will be the fastest growing in the G20, and it is expected to overtake Germany and Japan to become the world’s third largest economy in the next few years. 

    India’s advances in science, technology, education, and space, are inspiring to many countries around the world. In short, India has become a significant global actor playing a key role in securing a stable and prosperous region.

    Japan itself continues to be an economic powerhouse.

    We must also recognise that ASEAN’s growth, after starting down the path of economic integration, has been remarkable. 

    If ASEAN today were one economy, it would be New Zealand’s fourth-largest trading partner. Its countries are growing at an impressive clip – more than five percent year in, year out. 

    The total GDP of ASEAN reached nearly four trillion US dollars last years, positioning it as the fifth largest economy in the world. 

    Projections indicate that ASEAN’s GDP is poised to reach an estimated four and a half trillion US dollars by the year 2030. This will propel ASEAN to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2040.

    Much of Asia’s economic growth has been built on trade and manufacturing. But the region is now also central across many facets of the modern economy – from finance and capital, to people, and to innovation.

    To take just two examples, Asia’s services trade is growing 1.7 times faster than the rest of the world. And by 2030, Asia’s fintech revenues are expected to be larger even than North America’s.

    We know economic growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It is regional security that has provided the foundation for the significant rise in living standards we have witnessed across Asia. 

    In this time of global upheaval and challenges to the rules-based order, the role of regional security in our collective economic security is undeniable. 

    In Southeast Asia, ASEAN centrality is playing a pivotal role. ASEAN has led the way in bringing the region together in peaceful dialogue. This includes initiatives like the Regional Forum we attended in July, or last week’s East Asia Summit – which was attended by Prime Minister Luxon.

    Notwithstanding the various peaceful offramps that exist, Asia has had, and continues to have, security challenges. 

    The liberal rules-based order – underpinned by US hegemony – is under strain.

    As China’s power and influence have increased, so too have the areas of difference that we have had to navigate.

    We are seeing a rising and more active India.

    And we shouldn’t forget that Russia considers itself an Indo-Pacific power, too.

    Added to this are hemispheric wild cards: the DPRK; other nuclear powers; arms build-up; and alliance and proxy relationships.

    We also have population trends that will have not just economic but also geostrategic consequences. 

    Also, fierce competition for resources: protein and commodities like rare metals.

    Finally – environmental challenges, which are an existential threat for many countries in the region – are exacerbating all of these factors. 

    What has this meant for New Zealand? 

    For New Zealand, the message is clear: we need to continue to understand and engage Asia.

    The Coalition Government, via the Foreign Policy Reset, is focused on building and advancing relationships in a way that engages more actively the region’s opportunities and risks. 

    The work of the Asia New Zealand Foundation remains as relevant today as it was 30 years ago. 

    Understanding Asia starts here at home. The past 30 years has seen a boom, and our ethnic communities have grown significantly. 

    While there is still some way to go, we have started to see Asian New Zealanders in leadership roles – from Members of Parliament to business leaders, sports, and entertainment. 

    Along with this has come a richness of culture and language. Kiwis have enjoyed new festivities and embraced an array of Asian cuisine, at home and at restaurants – something almost completely unavailable 30 years ago.

    The top 25 languages spoken in New Zealand include many Asian languages, such as Mandarin, with nearly 100,000 speakers, as well as Hindi with almost 70,000, Cantonese, Tagalog, Punjabi, Korean, Japanese, Gujarati, and Tamil.

    We celebrate Diwali, Lunar New Year and Eid – festivals that showcase cultural traditions to New Zealanders.

    Last year, 54,000 students from Asian countries came to study in New Zealand education institutions. 

    In the last year we have welcomed over 700,000 international visitors from Asia – nearly double that of a year ago – and we’re looking forward to seeing this growth continue over the coming years as the pandemic fall-out recedes.

    Over the last 70 years, we have provided scholarships and training to 21 countries from the Asian region under our International Development Cooperation programme. This remains a foundation of our enduring people-to-people connections.

    Thanks to the Asia New Zealand Foundation, we have some tangible evidence of how New Zealanders’ attitudes toward Asia have changed over time. 

    The first Perceptions of Asia survey was conducted in 1997 and showed that New Zealanders saw Asia as something largely external. 

    Today, however, over half of New Zealanders feel a connection to Asia in their daily lives, with more than a third regularly enjoying Asia-related entertainment. 

    Over the past decade, public awareness and engagement with Asia has grown significantly. In 2013, one third of New Zealanders said they felt knowledgeable about Asia. 

    That number has now risen to an all-time high, with nearly 60 percent saying they possess at least a fair amount of understanding about the region.

    This is wonderful and thanks in no small part to the work of the Foundation. We hope we will see this familiarity grow further in the coming years.

    New Zealand in Asia

    Alongside these developments in New Zealand, we have been engaging both with Asia but also in Asia.

    Today you can fly direct from Auckland and Christchurch to 14 destinations across Asia, connecting New Zealand to the region and providing opportunities for New Zealanders to interact with and learn about Asia.

     

    Kiwis have been broadening their traditional “OE” and heading to Asia. As just one example, 3,300 New Zealanders have travelled to Japan under the Japan Exchange and Teaching, or “JET”, programme since its inception, teaching English in Japan. 

    Programmes such as the Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia have seen thousands of young New Zealanders study at Asian institutions and return with meaningful skills and experience. 

    The Asia New Zealand Foundation has also contributed to this through the internships, grants, and residencies it offers throughout Asia.

    It is important to highlight that seven of our top 10 export destinations are Asian economies. 

    Exports to China amounted to 20 billion New Zealand dollars last year; Japan more than four billion. Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Indonesia round out the list of our top export destinations in Asia.

    This has been supported by the network of free trade agreements we have negotiated to support our commercial partnerships over the past 20 years. It is notable that our second oldest FTA is with Singapore – second only to Australia. 

    The origins of CPTPP, one of our most significant trade agreements, also finds its origins in our relationships with Asia. 

    Its precursor, the P4 agreement with Singapore, Brunei, and Chile in 2006, provided the foundation stone for what would become CPTPP.

    CPTPP is itself a high watermark agreement that includes other economies from the region such as Japan, Malaysia, and Viet Nam, and we continue to encourage others who can meet the agreement’s high standards to seek to join in the future.

    All in all, 95 percent of our trade with Asia takes place under a trade agreement.

    New Zealand has also invested in regional institutions. This architecture provides space for dialogue and the exchange of ideas on key issues impacting us. 

    We were the second country to become an ASEAN dialogue partner, and we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of this next year. In that time New Zealand has been and continues to be a trusted partner to ASEAN and its member states. 

    We know that by contributing to ASEAN’s success, and the success of ASEAN-led councils like the East Asia Summit, we contribute to our own success and to that of the region.

    In 1994, New Zealand was a member of one regional body – APEC, which was founded just five years earlier. 

    This platform gives us a venue to influence regional economic policy together with members, who today make up two thirds of global economic growth and take 80 percent of New Zealand’s exports.

    Just over 10 years later, in 2005, our delegation was proud to take part in the inaugural East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur. 

    We had put intensive effort into laying the groundwork for the shape of the grouping and New Zealand’s participation. 

    Our membership as a founding partner made clear to all that New Zealand was part of the region and had a role to play in regional decisions. 

    The EAS is now the premier forum for strategic dialogue and regional cooperation. 

    New Zealand is showing up today, as we did then, because we want to support peace and stability in the region in tangible ways.

    Recent years have seen the emergence of new plurilateral and ‘minilateral’ architecture alongside established multilateral architecture. 

    New Zealand supports new groupings that advance and defend our interests and capabilities, and we no reason why these can’t coexist as long as they are constructive, advanced in an open and transparent way, and are respectful of ASEAN centrality.

    We have championed a stable, peaceful and nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. In the current climate, it is not possible to visit North Korea. But in the past, we have. 

    During a 2007 visit, we met with political leaders and advocated in favour of multi-party peace talks. 

    To this day, New Zealand Defence Force assets and personnel are deployed in Korea to maintain the armistice. The Defence Force also has a separate deployment to monitor and deter North Korea’s evasion of UN sanctions.

    In 2006, we received a request from Timor-Leste, seeking assistance to restore stability and freedom of movement. We responded swiftly, deploying police and military troops. 

    In a testament to our security cooperation in the region, Singaporean personnel were integrated seamlessly into a New Zealand battalion.

    New Zealand has a long-standing development programme in Asia. It is our largest programme outside the Pacific and is growing. 

    It goes beyond training and scholarships to respond to the priorities of our ASEAN partners, as well as humanitarian assistance. 

    Just last month, for example, we contributed humanitarian assistance in response to the devastating impacts of Typhoon Yagi in Viet Nam and Myanmar, and to extreme flooding in Bangladesh. 

    It is also worth noting that, for the past 30 years, New Zealand has advanced its policy towards Asia in a bipartisan way wherever possible. 

    This has ensured successive governments can follow through on policy commitments and is one of our greatest strengths.

    What next? 

    It is instructive to think about how far we have come in the past 30 years

    But it is also clear that we need to do more. 

    The world today is disordered and becoming more dangerous. 

    As we said to the NZIIA in May, “the challenges we face are stark, the worst that anyone today working in politics or foreign affairs can remember.” 

    As MFAT’s own strategic assessment has identified, one of the drivers for this has been a shift from rules to power:  the Cold War era of predominant US western hegemony is over. 

    The multipolar world is here to stay, and states: large, middle, and small are all jostling to advance their interests.

    Added to this is the fact that global problems – whether health, environmental, demographic, or migratory – present global risks, but at the same time require state-to-state cooperation to resolve. 

    We offer this simply to point out that we’re living in a time where relationships, norms and rules – many of which have enabled the rise of countries in Asia, including those which seek to challenge those same rules – are changing at the very time when we need to maximise global cooperation.

    This is at the heart of what’s happening in Asia, as well as around the world more broadly. 

    This is why the Government decided earlier this year on a Foreign Policy Reset. A fundamental driver was that our foreign policy needs to reflect and respond to the challenging strategic context we find ourselves in. We need to act now to bring more energy, ambition and engagement to our relationships. 

    Under the Foreign Policy Reset, we have been explicit: we will be increasing the focus on and resources applied to Southeast Asia, South Asia especially India, and North Asia. This is what will have a major impact on our security and prosperity. 

    We are already delivering on this. The Prime Minister and international-facing Ministers have been incredibly active in our engagements with the region, having travelled between us to over 20 countries.

    We have taken forward concrete initiatives to demonstrate the importance and future trajectory of our partnerships. 

    This ranges from cooperation with Japan on a hospital in Kiribati, to a Customs Cooperation Arrangement with India, to advancing toward Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships with ASEAN and Korea.

    Conclusion 

    New Zealand is an Indo-Pacific country. This is our identity, and we know this is where our future lies. With every forecast about Asia’s trajectory, this becomes clearer and clearer.

    It was this realisation that led to the Asia New Zealand Foundation’s birth 30 years ago. And as we have heard today, a lot has changed since then. Asia has evolved, and New Zealand’s relationship with Asian countries has evolved too, in some ways beyond recognition. 

    As we navigate our own pathway forward, we need to understand Asia. If we don’t, our relationships will be characterised by misconceptions, bias and miscalculation. So, our work has really only just begun. New Zealand’s security and prosperity depends on us continuing it.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: New duties to reduce competitiveness of European brandy in China, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    New duties to reduce competitiveness of European brandy in China, says GlobalData

    Posted in Consumer

    Trade wars between the West and China have been an ongoing affair for more than five years. In a fresh salvo, the European Union decided to impose anti-dumping duties on Chinese-origin electric vehicles (EVs). In return, China opened an anti-dumping case and has imposed additional import duties on European-origin brandies. The elevated tariffs, which came into effect on October 11, are expected to drastically reduce the competitiveness of EU brandy in China, leading to a potential decline in sales volume, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Bokkala Parthasaradhi Reddy, Consumer Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The higher prices resulting from the tariffs may deter Chinese consumers from purchasing EU brandy, which could result in a shift towards domestic or other non-EU brands that are more competitively priced. This shift could diminish the market share of EU brands in one of their key growth markets, as consumers may opt for alternatives that offer better value for money due to the increased costs associated with imported brandy. This will be detrimental to the global spirits business, and the Chinese market, in particular.

    “The imposition of tariffs could lead to a long-term shift in consumer sentiment towards EU brandy. If consumers perceive EU brandy as a luxury that is now out of reach due to high tariffs, they may become less inclined to purchase it, even if prices stabilize in the future. This shift in perception could have lasting effects on brand loyalty and market dynamics, as consumers may turn to other spirits that remain affordable.”

    Elyn Gao, Business Development Director, GlobalData China, adds: “The imposition of the new tariffs can lead to higher prices for consumers and businesses alike. Companies may struggle to absorb these costs, resulting in price increases for end consumers or reduced profit margins. This inflationary pressure can impact consumer spending and overall economic activity, affecting sectors like retail, manufacturing, and food services. The psychological impact of tariffs and trade conflicts can dampen consumer sentiment. For instance, the decline in housing prices in China has already affected consumer confidence, leading to reduced spending.”

    Reddy continues: “The impact will significantly impact the fortunes of leading brandy companies, especially French cognac producers, such as Remy Cointreau, LVMH, and Pernod Ricard. Remy Cointreau is expected to be the worst affected as it has a significant exposure to China. Meanwhile, Pernod Ricard is expected to face a lower impact as it expects the import duties to be lower for its products due to its cooperation with Chinese authorities.”

    Reddy concludes: “This situation is part of a larger pattern of trade disputes between China and Western countries, as seen in the previous tensions with Australia over wine imports, where similar accusations of dumping led to temporary tariffs of over 100%. In response to these challenges, EU brandy producers may need to reassess their strategies in the Chinese market. This could involve exploring cost-reduction measures, enhancing marketing efforts to emphasize the quality and heritage of EU brandy, or even considering partnerships with local distributors to navigate the new pricing landscape more effectively.

    “Additionally, producers might need to diversify their markets to reduce dependency on China, especially if the tariffs remain in place for the foreseeable future.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Queensland Premier Steven Miles is promising to hold a vote on nuclear power. Here’s why

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anne Twomey, Professor Emerita in Constitutional Law, University of Sydney

    Tarong power station Stanwell

    Queensland Premier Steven Miles this week declared his party would hold a plebiscite on nuclear power if it returns to office at the forthcoming state election.

    The move is in response to plans by the federal Coalition to build and operate seven nuclear plants around Australia if elected to government. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says the facilities would be built at sites of coal power stations scheduled for closure. Two are slated for Queensland, at the Callide and Tarong power stations.

    Queensland has state laws banning the construction or operation of a nuclear facility and requiring the state government to hold a plebiscite if there are Commonwealth plans to build a nuclear plant in the state. A plebiscite is a referendum-style vote to gauge voters’ views on an issue.

    Unlike a referendum, the results are not binding. There’s also very little chance a plebiscite could be held on or before the date of the next federal election, as Miles has suggested, as the laws do not allow for a plebiscite on an opposition policy.

    Who has the constitutional power over nuclear facilities?

    While the Commonwealth Constitution does not refer to nuclear energy, the federal parliament has passed laws to regulate nuclear matters. To do so, it relies on a web of constitutional powers, including the trade and commerce power, the corporations power, the external affairs power and the territories power.

    The Commonwealth can also compulsorily acquire land for public purposes. This makes the land a “Commonwealth place” over which it can exercise full and exclusive legislative power.

    The federal government has previously engaged in commercial matters by establishing trading corporations, such as NBN Co and Snowy Hydro Ltd, to deal with nation-building infrastructure.

    It seems likely, therefore, that the federal parliament could pass laws to authorise and regulate the operation of nuclear power plants in Australia.

    In doing so, its laws would override inconsistent state laws, such as those that prohibit nuclear facilities, under section 109 of the Constitution.

    But state governments could still make it difficult for the Commonwealth to give effect to its nuclear policies. You only have to look at how state governments have successfully opposed Commonwealth efforts to create a nuclear waste facility to see the problems.

    Plebiscite as booby trap

    The development of a nuclear power industry in Australia has been debated before – most recently in 2006 when the Howard Coalition government commissioned the Switkowski report on the use of nuclear energy in Australia.

    This report suggested the Commonwealth could act to establish 25 nuclear power stations across Australia. In response, Queensland’s parliament, under a Labor government, enacted the Nuclear Facilities Prohibition Act 2007. It banned the construction or operation of certain types of nuclear facilities in Queensland. New South Wales and Victoria had also previously done the same.

    The Queensland government recognised the Commonwealth probably had the power to override such a ban. So it included a political booby trap in section 21 of the law.

    It says that if the relevant Queensland minister is satisfied the Commonwealth government has taken, or is likely to take, any step supporting or allowing the construction of a prohibited nuclear facility in Queensland, the minister:

    must take steps for the conduct of a plebiscite in Queensland to obtain the views of the people of Queensland about the construction of a prohibited nuclear facility in Queensland.

    Unlike a referendum, which changes the Constitution, a plebiscite operates as an opinion poll.

    It would not prevent a nuclear power plant being built, or stop the federal parliament overriding the state ban. But it could create a political impediment.

    During the debate over the state law in 2007, then-Premier Peter Beattie made this point clearly:

    If the Howard government wants to use its powers to override the strong position of Queenslanders […] this government will make certain that Queenslanders have a chance to have their say.

    This was important, he claimed, because it would “put political pressure on the federal government to not go down this road”. In other words, the law can be used to apply political pressure.

    Of plebiscites and federal elections

    Miles suggested the plebiscite could be held the same day as the next federal election “to save people going to the polls twice”.

    This could affect voting in the federal election by highlighting the impact of nuclear policies on Queensland. But if this is the tactic, Miles faces two problems.

    First, Queensland law only triggers the plebiscite requirement when the relevant state minister is “satisfied the government of the Commonwealth” is likely to take a step in supporting or allowing the construction of a prohibited nuclear facility in Queensland.

    But the minister could not legally be satisfied of this before the election outcome is known, as a policy of an opposition party does not amount to a proposed action of the “government of the Commonwealth”.

    Second, section 394 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 says no state or territory election, referendum or vote can be held on the day of a Commonwealth election without the authority of the governor-general.

    This ban was introduced in 1922, after holding state votes at the same time as federal elections resulted in a high informal vote due to different voting instructions.

    The governor-general has given this permission only once, when the Northern Territory held a plebiscite on becoming a state on the same day as the 1998 federal election.

    It’s doubtful the federal government would advise the governor-general to permit a partisan state plebiscite to be held on the same day as a federal election.

    Queensland’s ageing Callide Power Station opened nearly 60 years ago. It’s been flagged as a possible location for a nuclear power station under opposition leader Peter Dutton’s plan.
    Queensland State Archives

    Where does this leave us?

    It’s unlikely Queensland could hold such a plebiscite at or before the next federal election.

    But if the Coalition wins the next federal election and proceeds with its nuclear policy, Queensland would be obliged to hold a plebiscite – regardless of who wins the state election, unless its law was changed.

    This would make clear how much support there was for nuclear power. A clear rejection wouldn’t have any legal effect, but could well achieve the same outcome through political pressure. We might also see other states follow suit to hold plebiscites on nuclear power, although none currently are legally obliged to do so.

    Anne Twomey has received funding from the Australian Research Council and sometimes does consultancy work for governments, Parliaments and inter-governmental bodies.

    – ref. Queensland Premier Steven Miles is promising to hold a vote on nuclear power. Here’s why – https://theconversation.com/queensland-premier-steven-miles-is-promising-to-hold-a-vote-on-nuclear-power-heres-why-241254

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian Deputy PM: Parkes Bypass project enters heavy lifting phase

    Source: Minister of Infrastructure

    Two bridges being built as part of the Parkes Bypass project (in central west NSW) will move one step closer to carrying traffic, as massive girders to support the bridge decks are lifted into place.

    The $287.2 million Parkes Bypass project will feature five key intersections and two new bridges, including one over Hartigan Avenue and the rail corridor and a second over the bypass on Victoria Street.

    The Australian Government is contributing $229.7 million towards this project, with the NSW Government contributing the remaining $57.4 million. 

    Preliminary work including construction of the abutments, or bridge ends, at either end of the bridges is now nearing completion and two giant cranes will be mobilised to the bypass site to lift six girders into place at each of the bridges.

    Each of the 60-tonne girders will be hoisted high in the air and lowered into place on the bridge supports weather permitting – on 15 October. 

    These girders, to be installed near the northern end of the bridge add to the 30 girders lifted into place in October 2023.

    Once the cranes are set up, a 600-tonne crane will pass the girders one-by-one to the 750-tonne crane so they can be installed between the northern abutment and the next pier.

    The process will be repeated on 5 November, when one of the cranes is again used to lift six more girders into place for the new Victoria Street Bridge.

    When completed, the 10.5-kilometre bypass on the western outskirts of Parkes will reduce travel time, improve freight productivity and efficiency on the Newell Highway, improve pedestrian access through Parkes and benefit traffic flow in and around the town.

    For further information visit: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/parkes-bypass

    Images and video:

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/4hww6mgbx85eab3d9l5l3/ABzlYRT6LTwTTNrfT3ZprKk?rlkey=fxj4964qjjs5t1vev5lxibpsb&st=gnhag3x4&dl=0

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

    “All the pieces of the Parkes Bypass project are continuing to come together to ensure the Newell Highway is upgraded to be a safer and more efficient major inland transport route through the centre of New South Wales. 

    “The Newell Highway contributes to the competitiveness of Australia’s agricultural and mining sectors by enabling access to essential freight networks not only in NSW, but also Victoria and Queensland.”

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

    “These upgrades are vital to better connect our regional communities and improve efficiency on one of our busiest regional routes. 

    “It will be a spectacular sight as these crucial links in the Parkes Bypass of the Newell Highway comes together, as we move closer to delivering this key regional project with the Australian Government.” 

    Quotes attributable to Senator for New South Wales Deborah O’Neill:

    “The Parkes Bypass project is a critical investment in a key regional area of NSW and will help underpin the area’s future prosperity.

    “This project has supported around 350 jobs during construction and we appreciate the patience of Parkes motorists, tourists and freight operators as they have navigated the necessary traffic changes along the way.”

    Quotes attributable to NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Orange Stephen Lawrence MLC:

    “The local community has been calling for a Parkes bypass for decades and I’m delighted to see it finally being delivered.

    “Importantly, this bypass will not only ease congestion and increase efficiency on the Newell Highway; it will also improve road safety and better protect our community.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Parkes Bypass project enters heavy lifting phase

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    Two bridges being built as part of the Parkes Bypass project (in central west NSW) will move one step closer to carrying traffic, as massive girders to support the bridge decks are lifted into place.

    The $287.2 million Parkes Bypass project will feature five key intersections and two new bridges, including one over Hartigan Avenue and the rail corridor and a second over the bypass on Victoria Street.

    The Australian Government is contributing $229.7 million towards this project, with the NSW Government contributing the remaining $57.4 million. 

    Preliminary work including construction of the abutments, or bridge ends, at either end of the bridges is now nearing completion and two giant cranes will be mobilised to the bypass site to lift six girders into place at each of the bridges.

    Each of the 60-tonne girders will be hoisted high in the air and lowered into place on the bridge supports weather permitting – on 15 October. 

    These girders, to be installed near the northern end of the bridge add to the 30 girders lifted into place in October 2023.

    Once the cranes are set up, a 600-tonne crane will pass the girders one-by-one to the 750-tonne crane so they can be installed between the northern abutment and the next pier.

    The process will be repeated on 5 November, when one of the cranes is again used to lift six more girders into place for the new Victoria Street Bridge.

    When completed, the 10.5-kilometre bypass on the western outskirts of Parkes will reduce travel time, improve freight productivity and efficiency on the Newell Highway, improve pedestrian access through Parkes and benefit traffic flow in and around the town.

    For further information visit: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/parkes-bypass

    Images and video:

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/4hww6mgbx85eab3d9l5l3/ABzlYRT6LTwTTNrfT3ZprKk?rlkey=fxj4964qjjs5t1vev5lxibpsb&st=gnhag3x4&dl=0

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

    “All the pieces of the Parkes Bypass project are continuing to come together to ensure the Newell Highway is upgraded to be a safer and more efficient major inland transport route through the centre of New South Wales. 

    “The Newell Highway contributes to the competitiveness of Australia’s agricultural and mining sectors by enabling access to essential freight networks not only in NSW, but also Victoria and Queensland.”

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

    “These upgrades are vital to better connect our regional communities and improve efficiency on one of our busiest regional routes. 

    “It will be a spectacular sight as these crucial links in the Parkes Bypass of the Newell Highway comes together, as we move closer to delivering this key regional project with the Australian Government.” 

    Quotes attributable to Senator for New South Wales Deborah O’Neill:

    “The Parkes Bypass project is a critical investment in a key regional area of NSW and will help underpin the area’s future prosperity.

    “This project has supported around 350 jobs during construction and we appreciate the patience of Parkes motorists, tourists and freight operators as they have navigated the necessary traffic changes along the way.”

    Quotes attributable to NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Orange Stephen Lawrence MLC:

    “The local community has been calling for a Parkes bypass for decades and I’m delighted to see it finally being delivered.

    “Importantly, this bypass will not only ease congestion and increase efficiency on the Newell Highway; it will also improve road safety and better protect our community.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Nadia Mitsopoulos, Perth Mornings, ABC Radio

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    NADIA MITSOPOULOS:

    Well, we have spoken a lot about that fee you are charged when you use your debit card. Put simply, you hate it and it feels particularly unfair when you are forced to use that card by a business which is no longer taking cash. Well, the federal government is finally listening and it looks like it will get rid of these charges. How far will it go? When will this happen, if it does? Let’s get more from Stephen Jones, who is the Assistant Treasurer. Good morning and thank you for joining me.

    STEPHEN JONES:

    Nadia, good to be back with you.

    MITSOPOULOS:

    First of all, these fees, how much are they costing Australians every year?

    JONES:

    Look, industry sources say as much as $4 billion a year is being charged in one fee or another. All of that ends up with the consumer in one way or another. So, that’s a lot of money. We’re particularly concerned about debit card fees. That’s the one where you get charged a surcharge to access your own money to pay for a cup of coffee. Consumers are rightly had enough of it. As you said in your introduction, they feel like it’s harder and harder to get cash, harder and harder to use it, and then you’re getting whacked with a surcharge fee when you’re paying with a tap‑and‑go everywhere from a coffee shop to a restaurant to a hotel, and we’ve had a look at it, the practice has got to stop. Consumers are being ripped off. It’s time to end the rip‑off.

    MITSOPOULOS:

    Ok, I’ll talk more about ending the rip‑off in a moment. But who pockets it? Is it the bank, the business or the merchant?

    JONES:

    Really good question. The one we’re pretty certain it’s not is the small business. And if you look at the fees that are being charged small businesses, sometimes they’re being charged twice the fee that a large retailer like a Coles or a Woolworths would be charged to use those electronic payment methods. So, it’s definitely not the small business. They’re passing on a cost which is imposed on them by the bank, by the payment service providers and by the card provider. So, that’s your Visa cards, your Mastercards, your EFTPOS’. Then there’s the system that nobody knows about, which is the payments network, which transmits all the payments traffic around the country from bank to bank and from system to system. And the banks are in there as well. They’re at the front end of all of it. So, there’s at least 3 different players here, very opaque about the way the costs are charged. They all end up at a consumer. They look like a small charge, but they all add up and they punch a big hole in the wallet of the consumer in the takings of a small business.

    MITSOPOULOS:

    Do you agree that, well, first of all, these charges have been creeping up, but it’s more than the cost of doing that transaction. What consumers are being charged?

    JONES:

    Well, for the small business, they’re passing on, in most instances, some, but not all of the cost. Some small businesses say that they’ll just lose market share if they’re passing on the entire cost of using those charging mechanisms that they don’t. Many of them do if they’re able to. So, it’s not the cost of the small business. But if you’re asking me, are the banks or the card providers or the payment system providers making a healthy profit out of all of this, the answer is absolutely.

    MITSOPOULOS:

    Okay, so what’s your plan? What do you plan to do?

    JONES:

    We want to do this in a smart way. We want to ensure that whatever we do, particularly around banning of debit charge surcharges, debit card surcharges, we don’t just whack the small business. So, you stop the small business charging it, but they’re still copying that fee from the bank and the payment system providers. So, we’ve got to ensure that we get all ends of this sorted out so that we don’t save the consumer a dollar, but that just gets passed on in another way by the small business. So, we’ve got the Reserve Bank having a look at it using its powers over the next couple of months. They’ll hand us a report by the end of the year. We’ll look at the proposals in the first few months of next year. But we’re sending a very clear message to the market, to the operators, the banks, the card providers, the payment system providers, a very clear message to all of them – this has got to stop. And we are willing to impose a ban on it by the beginning of 2026 at the latest if these guys do not get their act together.

    MITSOPOULOS:

    And so you would then be banning the banks and the merchants from charging this fee because the concern is the small business could still be charged the fee and then can’t pass it on.

    JONES:

    Yeah, and you’ve got to the heart of it. That’s what we’re adamant we don’t want to do. We don’t want to create an elusive benefit for consumers, but the small business cops it in the neck. So, we’re not going to do that. We’ve got to ensure that we protect the position of the small business and the consumer. And somebody somewhere further up the chain, they’re going to have to review their pricing mechanisms. A lot of really opaque and tricky things have gone on over the last year or so in this area. Things like blended pricing, where they’re charging the same for a credit card transaction as they are for a debit card transaction when they’re completely different. So, a bunch of these things we’re going to get to the bottom of. But the thing that your listeners can be absolutely certain of, we’re going to protect the interests of small business. We’re going to protect the interests of consumers.

    MITSOPOULOS:

    Stephen Jones, the Assistant Treasurer, is my guest this morning. So, this will only apply if you go down this path, will only apply to debit cards, not credit cards.

    JONES:

    That’s where the biggest problem is, and they are very different transactions. As your listeners and all know, when you’re using a debit card, you’re accessing your own money to pay for something. It’s the modern form of cash.

    MITSOPOULOS:

    It’s the tap‑and‑go.

    JONES:

    It’s the tap‑and‑go, and it’s the modern form of cash, particularly for young people. Increasingly, young people won’t have a credit card, but they will have a debit card, or they might have some other form of buy now, pay later, but most of their transactions will go on a debit card for good reasons. They don’t want to rack up an interest bill. They also don’t want to rack up all the charges that they’re getting through these opaque surcharges. So, that’s why we’re focusing on this. It’s the biggest part of the big problem.

    MITSOPOULOS:

    Minister, why can’t you do this now? Why do you have to wait till 2026?

    JONES:

    Because we don’t want to do something that looks popular but actually ends up hitting small business in the neck. We want to ensure that we do this in a way that protects the interests of small business and gets the benefit for consumers. That’s why we’ve got to work through these things, and we’ll probably have to use a couple of different levers. Nothing is stopping the banks and the payment system providers getting ahead of the game by the way.

    MITSOPOULOS:

    And when we look at retail transactions, only about 12 per cent of those are now made using cash. Is using a card a cheaper way of doing business? I mean, again, we’re being charged for it, but is that cheaper than moving cash around?

    JONES:

    Certainly cheaper for the banks. It’s certainly cheaper for the big retailers and probably a lot of the smaller ones as well. If you think of it like – there’s always been a cost involved in using cash. It’s just not very transparent. When somebody’s got to go to the bank, get the money out to put the float in the till, somebody’s then got to add all of that up at the end of the day and take the bags of money back to the bank for safekeeping. There’s a cost involved in all of that and it’s just embedded in the price of the goods. The difference between the cost involved in money and the cost involved in electronic transactions is that they are very, very transparent from a consumer point of view because you can see them on your bill. We need to ensure that all of it’s transparent all the way upstream so that all the payment providers, the banks, the card providers are being very clear about what they’re charging and for what, and then we get a better deal for consumers.

    MITSOPOULOS:

    But a ban, are you certain that a ban is on the cards?

    JONES:

    Absolutely.

    MITSOPOULOS:

    You’ve just got to work out how to do it.

    JONES:

    Best way of doing it. That’s exactly right.

    MITSOPOULOS:

    When we look at bank profits, the feeling is they could probably absorb this charge. Do you agree?

    JONES:

    I agree that between the banks, the payment system providers, the card providers, all of these are participants in the scheme. It’s not always obvious to consumers. They just think it’s the bank. But there’s actually 3 or 4 different players in there and there is people in all up the stream who are clipping the ticket. The consumers are paying and it’s got to stop.

    MITSOPOULOS:

    I’ll leave it there. Appreciate your time. Thank you.

    JONES:

    Good to be with you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Banning debit card surcharges could save $500 million a year – if traders don’t claw back the money in other ways

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Angel Zhong, Associate Professor of Finance, RMIT University

    Galdric PS/Shutterstock

    In a move that could reshape how Australians pay for everyday purchases, the federal government is preparing to ban businesses from slapping surcharges on debit card transactions.

    This plan, pending a review by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), promises to put money back into consumers’ pockets.

    The RBA, which is accepting submissions until December, released its first consultation paper on Tuesday to coincide with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ joint announcement.

    But as with any significant policy shift, it’s worth taking a closer look to see what it really means for all of us.

    How much are we really saving?

    Based on RBA data, the potential savings are huge – up to $500 million a year if surcharges on debit cards are banned.

    And if the government goes one step further and includes credit card transaction fees in the ban, those savings could hit a massive $1 billion annually.

    While these figures sound impressive, when you break it down, the savings per cardholder would amount to around $140 annually.

    It’s not a life-changing amount, but for frequent shoppers or anyone making larger purchases, it could add up.

    Of course, not everyone will benefit equally. Those who shop less might not notice the difference.

    How does Australia stack up globally?

    RBA data shows Australians are paying more in merchant service fees than people in Europe, but less than consumers in the United States.

    These fees are what businesses pay to accept card payments, and they get passed on to us in the form of surcharges.

    The proposed ban on debit card surcharges occupies a middle ground in the global regulatory landscape. The European Union, United Kingdom and Malaysia have implemented comprehensive bans on surcharges for most debit and credit card transactions.

    But in the US and Canada, businesses can still charge you for using a credit card, though debit card surcharges aren’t allowed.

    The merchant’s perspective

    While the surcharge ban seems like a clear win for consumers, it’s essential to consider the impact on merchants, especially small businesses. The reality is not all merchants are created equal when it comes to card payment fees.

    In Australia, there’s a significant disparity between the fees paid by large and small merchants. In fact, RBA data shows small businesses pay fees about three times higher than what larger businesses pay.

    It all comes down to bargaining power. Bigger businesses can negotiate better deals on fees. This difference is primarily driven by the ability of larger merchants to thrash out favourable wholesale fees for processing card transactions.

    For small businesses, the cost of accepting cards can range from under 1% to more than 2% of the transaction value, which can eat into profits, especially for those working with tight margins.

    While the ban may sound like good news for consumers, there’s still a need to fix the bigger issues in the payment system. Innovations like “least-cost routing”, which allows businesses to process transactions at the lowest possible cost, could potentially help level the playing field.

    How businesses might exploit the loopholes?

    If payment costs are entirely passed on to merchants, they might find ways to recover those expenses through other means. We’ve seen this happen in other countries that abolished surcharges. Some potential strategies include

    • slightly raising overall prices to cover lost surcharge revenue
    • implementing or increasing minimum purchase requirements for card payments
    • introducing new “service” or “convenience” fees for all transactions, or increasing weekend and holiday surcharges.

    Most of these tactics have been around for a while. The challenge for regulators will be to monitor and address any new practices that emerge in response to the new rules.

    Credit cards: the elephant in the room

    While the ban on debit card surcharges is a step in the right direction, it raises an obvious question: why not extend it to credit cards?

    The option to ban credit card surcharges along with debit cards is proposed in the RBA’s review consultation paper. The answer lies in the complex web of interchange fees and merchant costs associated with credit card transactions.

    Credit card transactions cost merchants more to process because of additional services and rewards programs offered by credit card issuers.

    Banning surcharges on these could potentially lead to merchants increasing their base prices to cover these costs. This could effectively result in users of lower-cost payment methods subsidising those opting for premium cards.

    The absence of surcharges could also reduce the competitive pressure on card networks to keep their fees in check, potentially leading to higher costs in the long run.

    Some countries have managed to ban surcharges on credit cards, but they usually have stricter regulations around interchange fees than we do in Australia.

    As policymakers grapple with this complex issue, they must weigh the benefits of consumer simplicity against the risk of distorting market signals and potentially increasing costs for both merchants and consumers alike.

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

    – ref. Banning debit card surcharges could save $500 million a year – if traders don’t claw back the money in other ways – https://theconversation.com/banning-debit-card-surcharges-could-save-500-million-a-year-if-traders-dont-claw-back-the-money-in-other-ways-241354

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA sincerely thanks international community for taking concrete actions to support Taiwan’s UN participation

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    October 4, 2024
    No. 058

    The General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) concluded on September 30. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely thanks the diplomatic allies, like-minded countries, and friends from around the world who expressed support for Taiwan’s participation in the UN and refuted China’s deliberate misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758 in various ways, both in the chamber and on the sidelines of the event. 

    High-level government officials from Taiwan’s diplomatic allies Paraguay, the Marshall Islands, Palau, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Eswatini, Tuvalu, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Belize spoke up for Taiwan at the UN General Debate and Summit of the Future. Officials from the Marshall Islands, Palau, Tuvalu, and Saint Lucia explicitly pointed out that UNGA Resolution 2758 did not preclude Taiwan’s participation in the UN system. Following similar remarks in 2022, US President Joe Biden again used his speech to the UN General Debate to spell out the United States’ commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Australia mentioned the Taiwan Strait for the first time at the UN General Debate, with Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong stating that Australia had consistently pressed China on peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.  

    At a US House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing held a few days before the UN General Debate, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell criticized China for using UNGA Resolution 2758 as a diplomatic tool to suppress Taiwan’s status. In response to a question in parliament, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp openly acknowledged that the resolution had nothing to do with Taiwan. Following a meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA held by the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers and the European Union high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, the chair of the meeting released a statement reaffirming the importance of cross-strait peace and stability to international security and prosperity as well as supporting Taiwan’s international participation. 

    Joint statements expressing a high regard for cross-strait peace and stability were issued after other recent high-level meetings, including the Quad leaders’ summit, the seventh high-level meeting of the EU-US Dialogue on China, the US-Japan summit meeting, the UK-US Strategic Dialogue, the Japan-Australia Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations, the Republic of Korea-New Zealand bilateral meeting, and the Lithuania-US Strategic Dialogue on the Indo-Pacific.

    In terms of legislative branches, the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China passed a model resolution on UNGA Resolution 2758 on July 30 for its members’ reference. The Australian Senate, the Dutch House of Representatives, and the Guatemalan Congress have since adopted motions in support of Taiwan based on the model resolution. The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Italian Chamber of Deputies also approved a resolution backing Taiwan’s international participation, demonstrating staunch support for Taiwan.

    Speaking for the first time on the sidelines of the UNGA at the annual summit of the New York-based nonprofit organization Concordia through prerecorded remarks, President Lai Ching-te told the UN family that Taiwan would strive to maintain regional peace and stability and urged the international community to support Taiwan’s participation.  Ambassador Alexander Tah-ray Yui, Representative to the United States, held a discussion with former US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Keith Krach on cross-strait peace and security and Taiwan’s campaign to participate in the UN. During the UNGA, Taiwan cohosted a seminar in New York with the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework. The event underscored Taiwan’s resolve to contribute to the global community.

    MOFA also appreciates the unwavering support of the Legislative Yuan. A cross-party delegation of legislators—including Ngalim Tiunn, Wu Tsung-hsien, and Wu Chun-cheng—visited New York during the UNGA to provide guidance and take part in related activities. The group powerfully conveyed the strong desire of the Taiwanese people to be part of the UN system.

    Through an international publicity and new media campaign, the government effectively communicated Taiwan’s demands for UN participation to all quarters. An op-ed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, letters to the editor from Taiwan’s overseas missions, and interviews with Taiwanese ambassadors and representatives appeared 455 times in mainstream international media outlets. These included the Diplomat, the Hill, the Washington Times, National Review, and the New York Sun in the United States; Modern Diplomacy and the European Business Review in the European Union; the National Post in Canada; Le Figaro in France; Norrbottens-Kuriren in Sweden; La Razón in Spain; De Telegraaf and Nederlands Dagblad in the Netherlands; Euractiv in Greece; Rzeczpospolita in Poland; La Verità and Le Formiche in Italy; the Sankei Shimbun in Japan; the Chosun Ilbo in the Republic of Korea; the Philippine Star in the Philippines; the Hindustan Times and the Tribune in India; the Jerusalem Post in Israel; La Razón in Peru; the Eswatini Observer in Eswatini; La Nación in Paraguay; O Tempo in Brazil; Jelen in Hungary; and the Daily News in Thailand. 

    The short promotional film IC You received more than 25.4 million views—again breaking the record for Taiwan’s annual campaign. During the UNGA, MOFA and its overseas missions released 2,922 posts about Taiwan’s bid on social media platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram, and Threads. The posts were seen over 48.378 million times and received an unprecedentedly warm response. A short animation video, UNity through Peace: Chip in with Taiwan, was shown on a large billboard in New York City’s iconic Times Square. The advertisement featured elements including semiconductor circuits and Taiwan’s contributions to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The video conveyed Taiwan’s strengths in IC technology, highlighted its image as a responsible member of the global community, and broadened worldwide recognition and support for Taiwan’s call for international participation.

    MOFA reiterates that UNGA Resolution 2758 does not mention Taiwan. The resolution therefore has nothing to do with Taiwan and cannot serve as the basis for precluding Taiwan from the UN system and other international organizations. Taiwan is determined, willing, and able to contribute to the global community. Continuing to exclude Taiwan from multilateral endeavors will not only be a loss to humanity but also detrimental to realizing the SDGs. To uphold the UN principle of leaving no one behind, MOFA again calls on the UN to stop bowing to pressure from China and swiftly allow Taiwan’s full participation. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: SCOR Investment Partners launches SCOR Real Estate Loans V, dedicated to value-add projects

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PRESS RELEASE | October 15th, 2024 N° 03- 2024

    SCOR Investment Partners, the asset management subsidiary of leading reinsurer, SCOR Group, announces the launch of SCOR Real Estate Loans V, the fifth vintage in its successful series of senior value-add debt funds. Since 2013, SCOR Investment Partners has held a unique position in the value-add market by financing real estate projects focused on renovations, restructurings, repositioning, or development of assets.

    SCOR Real Estate Loans V is strategically positioned to capitalize on structural market changes and to respond to energy transition stakes in the real estate sector. The latter is driven by European regulatory changes, the growing demand for new or restructured and certified assets, and the need for investments to ensure ongoing functionality of assets.

    This new fund aims to offer investors an attractive risk/return profile by leveraging the currently favorable conditions for lenders in the real estate debt market. It will finance projects located in the heart of major European cities, using a multi-sectoral approach that includes top-tier, senior, and whole loans.

    In line with SCOR Investment Partners’ sustainable investment philosophy, the fund’s investments will focus on improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings. SCOR Real Estate Loans V is classified Article 9 under the European Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) and has obtained the LuxFLAG ESG -Applicant Fund Status.

    This new vintage reinforces SCOR Investment Partners’ commitment to the value-add real estate debt market. Our historical presence positions us as a preferred partner for such operations, whether collaborating directly with sponsors or initiating them in partnership with banks.

    Targeted towards institutional investors, the fund has already secured a EUR 100 million investment commitment from SCOR Group, thus ensuring a strong alignment of interests, and aiming for a total size of EUR 500 to EUR 700 million.

    Pierre Saeli, Head of Real Estate Loans at SCOR Investment Partners, commented: “We are thrilled to launch SCOR Real Estate Loans V, a new vintage specifically designed to adapt to the structural changes in the real estate market, prioritizing assets in city centers, logistics, and housing sectors, as well as renovation projects. This fund highlights our unique expertise in the value-add real estate debt market, which offers historically attractive returns.”

    Louis Bourrousse, CEO of SCOR Investment Partners, added: “Our real estate debt strategy has consistently adapted to market trends. Our team has an in-depth knowledge of the sector which allows for a diversified portfolio construction. We are convinced that real estate debt is an ideal vehicle for investors looking to gain or regain exposure to the underlying real estate via levels of leverage that allow to absorb eventual fluctuations of the value of the assets.”

    Over the past decade, SCOR Investment Partners’ real estate debt strategy has successfully deployed EUR 2.2 billion across 87 transactions, spanning over various debt types including senior, whole loan, junior, and mezzanine. This extensive experience has enabled SCOR Investment Partners to be more agile in evolving its strategy in response to rapid market trends and aligning with broader sustainable and responsible investment objectives.

    – End –
     CONTACTS

    About SCOR Investment Partners

    Financing the sustainable development of societies, together.

    SCOR Investment Partners is the asset management company of the SCOR Group. Created in 2008 and accredited by the Autorité des Marches financiers, the French financial market regulatory body, in May 2009 (no. GP09000006). SCOR Investment Partners has more than 80 employees and is structured around seven management desks: Fixed Income, Corporate Loans, Infrastructure Loans, Direct Real Estate, Real Estate Loans, Insurance-Linked Securities and Fund Selection. Since 2012, SCOR Investment Partners has given institutional investors access to some of the investment strategies developed for the SCOR Group. Assets managed for outside investors totaled EUR 7.6 billion as of June 30, 2024. As of that same date, SCOR Investment Partners had total assets under management of EUR 20.5 billion (including undrawn commitments).

    Visit the SCOR Investment Partners website at: http://www.scor-ip.com

    This advertising communication, intended exclusively for journalists and professionals of the press and media, is produced for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, solicitation, invitation, or recommendation to purchase any service or investment product.

    Before making any final investment decision, you must read all regulatory documents of the Fund, available free of charge upon request, from the Sales & Marketing team of SCOR Investment Partners SE.

    All content published by the SCOR group since January 1, 2024, is certified with Wiztrust. You can check the authenticity of this content at wiztrust.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Cassowary alert – keep your windows up and your speed down

    Source: Government of Queensland

    Issued: 10 Oct 2024

    An adult cassowary is risking its life and bringing traffic to a standstill along a narrow, winding stretch of road at the top of Gillies Range.

    The cassowary has been sighted repeatedly meandering in and out of traffic along a five-kilometre stretch of Gillies Range Road, where the verges on each side are extremely steep.

    Manager Northern Wildlife Operations Dave Woods from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation has asked drivers on Gillies Range Road to reduce their speed, keep an eye out for the bird and keep their windows wound up.

    “Wildlife officers have reviewed videos taken by members of the public, and believe this bird has been previously fed by people from cars,” Mr Woods said.

    “It is not wary of vehicles, and it can be seen approaching vehicles as they slow down or stop, hoping to be fed.

    “We have conducted several site inspections and observed the cassowary’s behaviour, but the section of road presents operational challenges.

    “Due to the narrow road, high volume of traffic and steep landscape, it would be dangerous and difficult for wildlife officers to conduct behavioural modification on the animal.

    “We are currently working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Queensland Police Service about management options to address the risk to road users and the cassowary.”

    Mr Woods said the cassowary had been reported to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service by concerned members of the public.

    “We would like to thank everyone who made those reports out of concern for the safety of road users and welfare of the cassowary,” he said.

    “Cassowaries are an endangered, iconic species, and every bird is precious. We don’t want anything to happen to this animal and we want drivers to remain safe.

    “We’re asking everyone who uses Gillies Range Road to keep their windows up, not discard any food and drive with caution near the top of the range.

    “If people stop offering the cassowary food, it will return to the rainforest and go back to foraging for food without any further human intervention.

    “It is illegal to feed cassowaries, because it can alter their behaviour, puts them at risk of vehicle strike or dog attack and they can act aggressively towards people if they are expecting food.

    “Cassowaries have been around for millions of years, and they know how to find their own food in the rainforest.”

    The southern cassowary is considered endangered, and its population is limited to rainforest areas of the Wet Tropics and Cape York.

    Cassowaries can inflict serious injuries to people and pets by kicking out with their large, clawed feet. People are asked to Be cass-o-wary at all times in the Wet Tropics.

    • Never approach cassowaries.
    • Never approach chicks – male cassowaries will defend them.
    • Never feed cassowaries – it is illegal, dangerous and has caused cassowary deaths.
    • Always discard food scraps in closed bins and ensure compost bins have secure lids.
    • Slow down when driving in cassowary habitat.
    • Never stop your vehicle to look at cassowaries on the road.
    • Keep dogs behind fences or on a leash.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: National Electricity and Gas rules update: September 2024

    Source: Allens Insights

    Key changes to energy rules

    In our latest update, we examine the progress of new and existing rule change requests to the AEMC across the month of September, as well as take a closer look at the AER’s draft gas ring-fencing decision guide.

    Key takeaways

    National electricity rules

    • Three new draft determinations:
      • Improving consideration of demand-side factors in the ISP.
      • Better integrating gas and community sentiment into the ISP.
      • Cyber security roles and responsibilities.
    • One completed rule change:
      • Bringing early works forward to improve transmission planning.

    National gas rules

    • One new draft determination:
      • Better integrating gas into the ISP (Gas).

    Opportunities for stakeholders

    • Due by 03 October 2024:
      • Shortening the settlement cycle.
    • Due by 10 October 2024:
      • RRO exemption for schedule bi-directional units.
    • Due by 07 November 2024:
      • Improving consideration of demand-side factors in the ISP.
      • Better integrating gas and community sentiment into the ISP.
      • Cyber security roles and responsibilities.

    Read more about this topic

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: S.I. National Museum goes virtual with UK and Australia’s support

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Researchers, teachers, students, academia and those interested in knowing their cultural heritage will for the first time have access to National Museum collections online.

    High school students experiencing first hand browsing the virtual museum.

    Today the Solomon Islands National Museum becomes one of the first cultural heritage institutions in the region to have an openly accessible catalogue of collections on a publicly viewable website.

    …said the British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru, His Excellency Thomas Coward at the launch of the first virtual museum for Solomon Islands last week.

    Researchers, teachers, students, academia and those interested in knowing their cultural heritage will for the first time have access to National Museum collections online.

    Launched at the National Museum Auditorium, the virtual museum culminated from discussions and partnership between the British High Commission, Australian High Commission, Solomon Islands National Museum, the National Library of New Zealand and National Library of Australia through the Australian Government-funded Digital Pasifik project.

    Thanks to Tim Kong and the Digital Pasifik project team, the National Museum now has a website through which it can make its collection available to the world. The site will now be led, delivered, owned and sustained by the National Museum.

    The country’s National Museum is looking forward to setting up a modernized museum that everyone can have access to in the future. With the virtual launch, its collections can now be viewed online.

    Permanent Secretary of the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Bunyan Sivoro said:

    Despite challenges faced by the National Museum, today we are taking an innovative step forward. The launch of the Virtual Museum is not only a response to the limitations we face but also a vision for the future. It is a timely and necessary solution that allows us to begin sharing the treasures of our national collection with the world in a way that transcends physical boundaries.

    British High Commission to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Thomas Coward said:

    Over the last 12 months these ideas came together, with huge amount of effort from a range of people. The Digital Pasifik team engaged by the Australian Government and led by Tim Kong, supported the idea from the start. Their enthusiasm and funding allowed the fantastic teams from the National Library of New Zealand and National Library of Australia to provide the technical knowledge and support that was needed. Deputy Director Kiko and the Solomon Islands National Museum team then worked together with their support to build up this platform.

    Acting Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Andrew Schloeffel said:

    Solomon Islands has a rich and vibrant history, and the importance of capturing and sharing this history for current and future generations cannot be overstated. I am proud of the work Australia has done to support this initiative through our Digital Pasifik project, alongside the Solomon Islands National Museum and the British High Commission. Digital Pasifik aims to empower people in and of the Pacific Islands, by building digital platforms that enable them to see, discover and explore items of digitised cultural heritage that are held in collections around the world.

    Director of the Solomon Islands National Museum, Tony Heorake said:

    While the launch was a celebration of the Museum’s latest innovation, it presents a breakthrough in the use of technology to provide quality and accessible museum services to the public, students and visitors.

    Today is a celebration of hard work and relentless pursuit of excellence. Our team led by His Excellency Thomas Coward is very proud and excited to finally share it with you. This endeavour exemplifies our commitment to delivering the best museum services to our visitors, students and the public while staying relevant in the museum space.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Urgent action needed as governments and donors fail children with tuberculosis

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    • A new report released today shows that children are being left behind in the global fight to end tuberculosis.
    • Surveying tuberculosis policies from 14 countries, MSF found many countries are behind on the latest guidelines and policies from the WHO.
    • MSF urges all countries to update their national guidelines.

    Geneva- A new report released today by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), shows that children with tuberculosis continue to be left behind in the global effort to end the disease. The report, TACTIC: Test, Avoid, Cure Tuberculosis in Children, surveyed tuberculosis policy guidelines in 14 countriesAfghanistan, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, India, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Republic of South Sudan, Uganda.  with a high burden of tuberculosis, revealing that many countries lag behind in aligning their national tuberculosis policies with the latest guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO). 

    We urge all countries to update their national guidelines to be in line with the WHO recommendations for the care of children with tuberculosis, and to allocate the needed resources—along with developing clear plans with timelines to implement the policies and increase access to tuberculosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the children with tuberculosis in the country. International donors and technical support agencies must provide sufficient funding to countries to support paediatric tuberculosis policy reforms and implementation.

    “Tuberculosis is curable, also in children. The WHO has updated policies to guide countries in providing the best possible care to children with tuberculosis, one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases,” says Stijn Deborggraeve, diagnostics advisor at MSF’s Access Campaign. “Yet countries are lagging behind in adopting and implementing these solutions for testing, preventing, and treating tuberculosis in children. We urge countries, donors and technical agencies to put an end to this deadly status quo and step up their efforts to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in children. We can no longer afford inaction—every delay means that more children die unnecessarily.”

    Of the 14 policy indicators measured in our report, only one country’s policies are fully aligned with WHO guidance, while seven countries have more than 80% alignment, and four countries still fall below 50% alignment. The largest gaps were found in policies related to diagnosing tuberculosis in children. For example, only 5 out of 14 countries have adapted their guidelines to initiate tuberculosis treatment in children when symptoms strongly indicate the disease, even if bacteriological tests are negative. Additionally, only 4 of these 5 countries have the necessary resources to implement this guidance effectively.

    The WHO estimates that 1.25 million children and young adolescents (0-14 years) fall ill with tuberculosis each year, but that only half of these children are diagnosed and treated. Based on the latest scientific evidence, WHO revised its guidance in 2022 for the management of children and adolescents with TB and made several key recommendations, including the use of treatment decision algorithms that allow many children to be diagnosed based on symptoms alone in absence of lab confirmation, and offering short oral regimens to treat and prevent tuberculosis in children. If adopted and implemented, this would drastically improve the diagnosis and quality of care for children with tuberculosis.

    “Since we started implementing the WHO recommendations for children in Bombali district, we have begun to find and treat many more children with tuberculosis,” said Joseph Sesey, clinical officer with MSF in Makeni, Sierra Leone. “These new recommendations have helped us avoid misdiagnosing children: doctors who were hesitant to start children on tuberculosis treatment without positive tuberculosis test results now feel more confident diagnosing tuberculosis based on clinical symptoms alone by using the WHO recommendations. I have noticed a significant reduction of deaths among children with tuberculosis in many health centres.”

    However, the work does not stop with policy reforms. For example, new, shorter, all-oral regimens are now recommended by the WHO for both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment in children, but their rollout in countries remains slow. Additionally, while new and child-friendly tuberculosis drugs are available for drug-susceptible and drug-resistant tuberculosis, these are not always procured by countries. 

    “It’s unfortunate that child-friendly formulations of tuberculosis drugs are still not available in many countries due to bureaucratic barriers and funding gaps,” says Dr Cathy Hewison, head of MSF’s working group on tuberculosis. “As a result, children with tuberculosis are forced to swallow crushed and bitter medicines without appropriate weight-based doses, putting them at grave risk of side effects and treatment failure. This neglect must end now. We call on governments, donors, and global health organisations to act with urgency, ensuring no child dies or suffers from a preventable, treatable disease like tuberculosis. The tools and treatments we have must reach the children who need them most – now.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Members appointed and reappointed to the Parole Board

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Secretary of State has approved the appointment and reappointments of Parole Board members.

    Appointment of Independent members

    The following members have been appointed for a 5-year term from 1 May 2024 until 30 April 2029:

    • Celeste Myrie
    • Heidi Leavesley
    • Rob McKeon
    • Emma Pusill

    Reappointment of existing members

    The reappointments of 115 Parole Board members have been approved. Details of those reappointed and the duration of each reappointment are provided below.

    Judicial members

    The following member has been reappointed for a further term of 2 years from 1 October 2023 until 31 July 2025

    • HH Jeremy Roberts

    The following member has been reappointed for a further term of 5 years from 1 October 2024 until 30 September 2029:

    •  Sir Timothy King

    The following members have been reappointed for a further term of 5 years from 1 October 2022 until 30 September 2027:

    • HH Ruth Downing
    • HH Andrew Jefferies
    • HH Anthony Lowe
    • HH Barbara Mensah

    The following members have been reappointed for a further term of 5 years from 1 September 2023 until 31 August 2028:

    • HHJ Noel Lucas
    • HHJ David Nathan Miller
    • HH Marcus Tregilgas-Davey

    The following members have been reappointed for a further term of 5 years from 1 November 2023 until 31 October 2028:

    • HH John Hand KC
    • HH Peter Jones
    • HH Roger Kaye
    • HH Anne Kiernan
    • HH James Orrell
    • HH Erik Salomonsen
    • HH Patrick Thomas
    • HH Michael Topolski

    The following members will be reappointed for a further term of 7 years from 1 December 2024 until 30 November 2031:

    • HH Anthony Ansell
    • HH Pamela Badley
    • HH Stephen Dawson
    • HH John Harrow

    The following members will be reappointed for a further term of 5 years from 1 October 2025 until 30 September 2030:

    • HJ Anthony Bate
    • HH Martin Beddoe
    • HH Geoffrey Kamil CBE
    • HHJ Louise Kamill
    • HH Graham White

    The following member will be reappointed for a further term of 7 years from 24 November 2024 until 23 November 2031:

    • Sir John Saunders

    Psychologist members

    The following members will be reappointed for a further term of 5 years from 1 October 2024 until 30 September 2029:

    • Rachel Atkinson
    • Dr Taljinder Basra
    • Gerhard Fritz
    • Julia Houston
    • Noreen Shami
    • Claire Thompson
    • Victoria Tunbridge

    The following member will be reappointed for a further term of 5 years from 1 October 2025 – 30 September 2030:

    • Joanne Lackenby

    Psychiatrist members

    The following members have been reappointed for a further term of 5 years from 1 November 2023 until 31 October 2028:

    • Dr Dawn Black
    • Dr Sandra Evans
    • Dr Kevin Murray
    • Dr Amanda Taylor

    Independent members

    The following member has been reappointed for a further term of 5 years from 2 August 2023 until 1 August 2028:

    • Stephanie McIntosh

    The following members have been reappointed for a further term of 5 years from 3 December 2022 until 2 December 2027:

    • Lindsay Addyman
    • Simon Ash
    • Dawn Baker
    • Kerrie Bell
    • Dr Andrew Dale
    • Christopher Emerson
    • Kay Fielding
    • Philip Geering
    • Kirsten Hearn
    • Aikta-Reena Solanki
    • Jane Thomson
    • David Watson

    The following members will be reappointed for a further term of 5 years from 1 October 2024 until 30 September 2029:

    • Maneer Afsar
    • Ifty Ahmed
    • Aysha Allibhaye
    • Zaiada Bibi
    • Malcolm Brain
    • Derek Bray
    • Marcia Brooks
    • Ngozi Lyn Cole
    • Rachel Craven
    • Stephen Garrett OBE
    • David Gravells
    • Joanna Hinds
    • Damian Hughes
    • Murad Hussain
    • Akeel Hussain
    • Sara Johnson
    • Michael Mellun
    • Jenny Mooney
    • Shubhada Patil
    • Rachel Pickering
    • Sukbinder Rai
    • Rachel Robertson
    • Vinnett Walsh
    • Sheila Wright

    Independent Members to be reappointed for a further term of 7 years from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2031:

    • Shazia Ahmed
    • Katy Barrow
    • Daniel Bunting
    • Dr Rob Cawley
    • Michelle Coulson
    • Jo Dowling
    • Hedd Emrys-Vine
    • Melanie Essex
    • Elaine Moloney
    • Victoria Farmer
    • Douglas Paxton
    • Alison Pearson
    • Margaret Prythergch
    • Elizabeth Rantzen
    • Karol Sanderson
    • Lisa Sanderson
    • Sarah Wells
    • Cassie Williams

    The following members will be reappointed for a further term of 5 years from 1 October 2024 to 30th September 2029:

    • Jane Christian
    • Lucy Gampell OBE
    • Ronno Griffiths
    • Glyn Hibberd
    • Brenda McAll-Kersting
    • David Mylan
    • Aruna Walsh

    The following members will be reappointed for a further term of 5 years from 1 October 2025 to the 30th September 2030:

    • Peter Coltman
    • Geoff Crowe
    • Victoria Doughty
    • Sir Stewart Eldon
    • Rebecca Hunt
    • Chitra Karve
    • Susan Lewis
    • Tom Millest
    • Steve Pepper
    • Jenny Portway
    • Nigel Stone
    • Jennie Sugden
    • Kay Terry
    • Alan Whiffin

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Matter Real Estate and GCM Grosvenor Continue Strategic European Residential Partnership with Investments in Germany and Denmark

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matter Real Estate (“Matter”), a London-based real estate investment firm, with support from one of its investors, GCM Grosvenor (NASDAQ: GCMG), is pleased to announce its initial investment in residential development platform 15 Degree in Germany as well as further investment into the Velkomn platform in Denmark.

    Matter, with the support of various GCM Grosvenor funds, will commit to new projects totalling over €500m across both companies, with the goal of developing a 2,000-unit portfolio across two of Europe’s strongest residential markets. Velkomn, a platform established by Matter in 2023 to invest in single-family residential properties in Denmark, recently purchased a 667-unit stabilised portfolio across eight schemes for €170m.

    Matter has also committed to funding equity for €250 million of developments with 15 Degree, a German residential developer and manager. The 15 Degree partnership, a new investment for Matter, will facilitate the development of a portfolio of sustainable residential properties in Berlin. The investment broadly supports the evolution of both new and distressed projects in the German market with the initial two assets secured totalling 156 units.

    These investments build upon GCM Grosvenor’s previous commitments to Matter platform company Placefirst, a leading developer of attainable housing in the UK, and strategically enhance GCM Grosvenor’s access to two of Europe’s most significant residential markets. The ongoing partnership reinforces the two firms’ commitment to pursuing strong, risk-adjusted opportunistic investments in the European residential sector for their clients.

    David Christie, CEO at Matter Real Estate, said: “Our partnership with GCM Grosvenor continues to go from strength to strength. These two investments show that Matter has the expertise to implement our pan-European residential strategy across key markets which present attractive growth opportunities. We look forward to sustaining our ongoing partnership with GCM Grosvenor and welcoming other investors in these strategies.”

    Peter Braffman, Managing Director at GCM Grosvenor, said: “European residential strategies remain a core focus of our investment program given the favourable supply/demand dynamics and the critical need for quality rental housing across the region. Our strategic investment program with Matter has given us a unique access point to these markets which we believe can generate positive outcomes for our clients and future residents.”

    END

    About Matter Real Estate

    Founded in 2021, Matter Real Estate is a real estate investment firm that focuses the living sector real estate across Europe. It takes an operational approach, focusing on assets that meet fundamental end-user needs in sectors where there is structural demand, but barriers to large-scale investment. Matter invests in sectors including, but not limited to, build-to-rent, single-family housing, senior living and affordable housing. Matter has a 16-person team all based in London. For more information, please visit http://www.matterrealestate.co.uk.

    About GCM Grosvenor
    GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG) is a global alternative asset management solutions provider with approximately $79 billion in assets under management across private equity, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and absolute return investment strategies. The firm has specialized in alternatives for more than 50 years and is dedicated to delivering value for clients by leveraging its cross-asset class and flexible investment platform. GCM Grosvenor’s experienced team of approximately 540 professionals serves a global client base of institutional and individual investors. The firm is headquartered in Chicago, with offices in New York, Toronto, London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul and Sydney. For more information, visit: gcmgrosvenor.com.

    Media Contacts
    Greenbrook
    James Madsen and Emelia Rice | +44 20 7952 2000 | MatterRE@greenbrookadvisory.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Fair-minded, down to earth and unusually gifted: George Negus dies at 82

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Denis Muller, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne

    George Negus, who has died at the age of 82, belonged to the nomenclatura of Australian television current affairs journalism.

    He first came to prominence as a member of the team that produced the groundbreaking nightly ABC TV current affairs program, This Day Tonight. That team was made up of others who were also to become household names: presenter Bill Peach and reporters Peter Luck, Gerald Stone and Mike Willesee.

    The program became a burr under the saddle of senior ABC management. On its second day it broke the story that the then chair of the ABC, James Darling, was not to be given a third term. The story incurred the chairman’s displeasure. The fallout went on interminably, a rehearsal for many tumults that were to follow throughout TDT’s 11-year existence.

    This kind of fearless, sometimes irreverent, public-interest journalism was meat and drink to Negus. He practised it from both sides of the chasm that traditionally separates journalists from political staffers.

    During the term of the Whitlam government, he became press secretary to the attorney-general, Lionel Murphy. He leaked to the media Murphy’s plan to raid the headquarters of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) in 1973 because Murphy believed the agency was withholding from him information about domestic terrorism.

    However, it was as a television journalist that Negus made his name. In 1979 he joined the founding team of the Nine Network’s 60 Minutes program, alongside Ray Martin, Ian Leslie and, later, Jana Wendt.

    In 1992 he became the founding host of ABC TV’s Foreign Correspondent program and worked there until 1999. He developed a reputation as a well-informed and courageous reporter specialising in the Middle East. In 2004, he published a bestselling book, The World from Islam: A Journey of Discovery through the Muslim Heartland, in which he defended Islam against the stereotype that it was inherently violent.

    In 2005 he became host of the SBS program Dateline, which also had a foreign affairs focus, and in 2011 began hosting 6.30 with George Negus on the Ten network.

    In 2012, Negus and a fellow panellist on the Ten network show The Circle, Yumi Stynes, became embroiled in a controversy concerning remarks they made about Ben Roberts-Smith, many years before he was found by a federal court judge to have committed war crimes, a finding that is now on appeal.

    There was severe public blowback on Negus and Stynes, who then apologised to Roberts-Smith. They in turn received apologies from Australia’s major newspapers for misconstruing the original remarks.

    In 2015 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for services to media and environmental conservation.

    Although he acquired a knockabout image, he was described by two women who worked with him as disarmingly approachable.

    Nehida Barakat was the senior producer for the ABC’s 7.30 program in about 2000 when Negus stood in as the summer presenter. She was apprehensive when he rang to discuss an intro she had written. “This gentlemanly voice asked: ‘Would you mind if I changed just a couple of words?’”

    Nicole Chvastek, who worked with him at Nine, said he was a big star who generated an air of excitement, a mixture of the intelligent, well-travelled journalist and “a sort of approachable larrikin everyman”.

    It was his down-to-earth approach to storytelling that viewers related to so readily. This, coupled with unshakeable fairmindedness on the issues he reported on, marked him out as an unusually gifted journalist.

    He is survived by his partner, Kirsty, and two sons, Ned and Serge. The family released a statement saying he had “passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a gracious decline from Alzheimer’s disease, all the while with his trademark smile”.

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

    – ref. Fair-minded, down to earth and unusually gifted: George Negus dies at 82 – https://theconversation.com/fair-minded-down-to-earth-and-unusually-gifted-george-negus-dies-at-82-241367

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Government and public sector workers reach agreement

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Government and public sector workers reach agreement

    Published: 15 October 2024

    Released by: Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations

    The NSW Government and the Public Service Association (PSA) have reached agreement on the state’s first multi-year pay agreement for Crown employees in over a decade after months of complex negotiations.

    The agreement covers more than 90,000 public sector workers – nearly a quarter of the state government’s workforce – including prison guards, school assistants and other essential workers.

    Using the government’s new mutual bargaining framework, the PSA and the government have agreed to:

    • Work towards reducing injury rates, to help minimise pressure on the state’s workers compensation scheme.
    • Overhaul redeployment policies to reduce redundancy costs, encouraging workers to stay rather than to leave the public service.
    • Modernise awards to remove redundant allowances, like the “word processing allowance.”

    These savings allowed the government and the PSA to reach agreement on an increase of 11.4 per cent compounded over three years.

    It follows a 4.5 per cent pay rise delivered last year, which was the highest in more than a decade.

    Under this policy, a typical public sector award employee is $5,274.89 better off now than under the previous government’s wage cap.  At the same time, the multi-year agreement creates budget certainty into the future.

    Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

    “This agreement is proof that a mature government can bargain to reach a deal that’s good for taxpayers and good for workers.

    “Our mutual gains bargaining system has worked.  In a cost-of-living crisis, we are delivering meaningful pay rises to people.

    “We went to the election promising to scrap the wages cap.  We’ve done that.  And our work continues.

    “I want to thank the PSA leadership and their members for tough but fair negotiations.

    Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

    “I welcome the agreement with the Public Service Association and thank them for their advocacy.

    “This is a good step forward but there is always more work to do to ensure we have the best public service in the world.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Plimsoll Address

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Thank you to the Australian Institute for International Affairs and the University of Tasmania for inviting me to give this address, in honour of this great statesperson. 

    With a career that spanned the first four decades of independent Australian foreign policy, there are few who have made a contribution comparable to James Plimsoll – or Jim Plim as he was affectionately known.

    He first made his mark in the late 1940s supporting Foreign Minister Evatt during his presidency of the United Nations General Assembly – support that included ghost-writing Evatt’s book, The Task of Nations.

    He later became Secretary of the Department of External Affairs – which we now know as DFAT…

    He was appointed Ambassador in Washington, Tokyo, Brussels and Moscow… 

    High Commissioner in London and Delhi…

    And even Governor of this great state of Tasmania…

    Among all these lofty appointments, his biographer Jeremy Hearder reflected that the highlight of Plimsoll’s career was serving as Australia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Nations in New York, in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

    And we can understand why. He found himself at the centre of major international issues – and his diplomatic skill meant, in the words of a British colleague, that Plimsoll “exercised an influence on the UN quite disproportionate to Australia’s standing in the world.”

    This was partly because of what the then Secretary of External Affairs, Arthur Tange, described as Plimsoll’s “remarkable capacity… for talking to people in their own terms, freely encouraging them to explain their viewpoints and problems.”

    It is patent that Jim Plim understood deeply how Australia’s interests as a middle power are at stake in the multilateral system.

    Even with all the flaws with the international system, this remains the case today.

    Australia will always be better off in a world that operates by rules that all countries have a say in shaping.

    A world where Australia and other countries have the freedom to decide our own futures, without interference and intimidation.

    A world where we can find collective solutions to our toughest problems.

    Where no country dominates, and no country is dominated.

    I’ve recently returned from the UN General Assembly’s annual High-Level Week, where Australia progressed our most ambitious multilateral agenda in many years.

    I convened meetings of humanitarian leaders and ministers from influential countries to address a serious problem in the international system.

    That is, the growing risk that norms are being eroded in international humanitarian law – what we often refer to as the rules of war.

    We see this in the massive civilian toll in conflicts around the world, and we see this in the increasing numbers of aid workers being killed and kidnapped.

    In order to protect civilians, we must also protect aid workers who deliver the food, water and medicine civilians need to survive.

    Aid workers are the best of humanity. Their dedication to improving the lives of others should not cost them their own.

    Yet 2023 was the deadliest year on record for aid workers, and 2024 is on track to be even worse.

    This has been felt directly by Australians with the IDF’s strike against World Central Kitchen vehicles, which killed Australian Zomi Frankcom and her colleagues.

    This was not a one-off incident. Gaza is the most dangerous place on earth to be an aid worker. More than 300 aid workers have been killed since the start of the conflict.

    Together, the ministerial group I convened agreed to pursue a new Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.

    Work on the Declaration is now underway, with our officials consulting experts and other countries.

    All countries will be invited to join the Declaration, to demonstrate the unity of the international community’s commitment to protect aid workers – and to channel that commitment into action in Gaza, in Sudan, in Ukraine and in all current and future conflicts.

    This is exactly the kind of leadership Australia should be taking in the world.

    We are not a superpower. But we are respected, and at our best we have a reputation for bringing countries together to defend and promote the rules-based order that protects us all.

    From the days helping draft the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to Gareth Evans’ leadership on the Chemical Weapons Convention, to our more leading role in the Arms Trade Treaty.

    There’s no doubt that reputation waned through the negative globalist years of the previous government.

    But in driving this Declaration we are demonstrating that Australians are indeed constructive internationalists in the mould of the honouree of this address.

    This brings me back to the book Plimsoll ghostwrote for Evatt, which spelled out our shared responsibility to each other. I quote:

    “We should try to raise standards everywhere in order to practice the simple humanitarian doctrine which is the basis of all morality, namely that we should help our neighbour and relieve misery and suffering… [We] can hardly imagine … the common lot of so many of mankind – disease, low expectation of life, and unrelieved pain; flood, famine and epidemics… These wrongs cry out for redress, and can and must be righted by co-operative international effort.”

    A powerful articulation of the motivation for our humanitarian work.

    And tonight we build on that work. Tonight, I am releasing Australia’s new Humanitarian Policy.

    It is a policy that comprehends the serious problems of our times.

    A climate changing faster than our combined efforts to stop it.

    More people displaced – in fact, more than 117 million people forcibly displaced from their homes.

    More people needing humanitarian assistance – 302 million people this year, up by nearly 30 million in just the last two years.

    More conflict than any time since World War Two. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Sudan. Myanmar. And in the Middle East.

    The Albanese Government is committed to humanitarian action which saves lives, alleviates human suffering and builds resilient communities. 

    The Policy outlines the role Australia will play at a time when need is outstripping the world’s capacity to respond and disregard for international humanitarian law is increasing.

    It is a plan of action that is not just about meeting humanitarian needs. It is also about protecting the peace, stability and prosperity that we want for Australia, our region and the world.

    It is a plan that is accountable – to the Australian people, and to the partners and communities we seek to help.

    We will focus on three priorities.

    First, we will build readiness and preparedness, anticipating shocks before they occur and working with our partners to lessen their impact.

    As part of this priority, I announce Australia is providing $5 million to the new Asia-Pacific Regional Humanitarian Fund to pre-position for the next emergency.

    Second, we will respond to crises and disasters, delivering support that meets the needs of crisis-affected populations and protects the most vulnerable, both immediately and over the longer term.

    As part of that effort, I announce $9 million in humanitarian relief to respond to high levels of food insecurity in Yemen. This follows support I announced yesterday for Myanmar, as well as over $80 million in aid to support civilians who have been devastated by the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.

    And third, we will reinforce the international humanitarian system, working to take practical and actionable steps to strengthen adherence to international humanitarian law – just as we are doing with the Declaration.

    We act globally, but our focus remains our region. We offer genuine partnerships, based on respect, listening and learning from each other.

    And we are helping build self-reliance, so obviously in Australia’s interests and the region’s interests.

    Now, we know humanitarian assistance can lessen shocks and keep further instability, conflict and displacement at bay.

    But we all want a world where humanitarian assistance is needed far less often.

    This is just one reason why the Albanese Government is acting on climate change.

    We have enshrined our ambitious emissions reduction targets into legislation: 43 per cent by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

    We are transforming our economy.

    Within this decade, 82 per cent of Australia’s electricity generation will be renewable, up from around 32 per cent when we came to office.

    We are building new industries to accelerate our economic transition and to export reliable, renewable energy to the world.

    And we are acting internationally, to respond to our partners.

    By the end of 2025, Australia will offer Climate Resilient Debt Clauses in our sovereign loans.

    And the groundbreaking Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union treaty entered into force on 28 August – a treaty which provides for both adaptation and mobility with dignity…

    And the first treaty anywhere in the world which provides legal protection for sovereignty in the face of sea level rise.

    But we can’t address climate change on our own, just as we can’t alone resolve all of the conflicts that are driving humanitarian crises.

    What we are doing is using our forthcoming term on the UN Peacebuilding Commission to reform the international peacebuilding and conflict prevention architecture.

    What we are doing is helping Ukraine end Russia’s illegal and immoral war on its own terms.

    Since coming to office, we have more than doubled the military contribution to Ukraine – and Australia is the largest non-NATO contributor to Ukraine’s fight.

    And what we are doing is supporting efforts for long-term peace in the Middle East.

    We have just marked the first anniversary of the October 7 attacks by Hamas.

    We condemn Hamas’ terrorism unequivocally. We call for the release of hostages immediately.

    On that day, Hamas killed 1,200 people: the largest loss of Jewish life on any single day since the Holocaust.

    October 7 is a day that recalls humanity’s darkest memories. 

    The six million European Jews killed in the Holocaust – following thousands of years of persecution and atrocities perpetrated against the Jewish people.

    This long shadow of antisemitism is the history that finally resolved the international community to create the State of Israel.

    At the same time, the world also promised a Palestinian state.

    77 years later, that Palestinian state still does not exist.

    Earlier this year, Australia voted in the General Assembly in support of Palestinian aspirations for full membership of the UN. 

    The international community now must work together to pave a path to lasting peace.

    Australia wants to engage on new ways to build momentum, including the role of the Security Council in setting a pathway for two-states, with a clear timeline for the international declaration of Palestinian statehood.

    The world knows we cannot keep hoping the parties will fix this themselves; nor can we allow any party to obstruct the prospect of peace.

    Because a two-state solution is the only hope of breaking the endless cycle of violence – the only hope to see a secure and prosperous future for both peoples.

    To strengthen the forces for peace across the region and undermine extremism.

    Any future Palestinian state must not be in a position to threaten Israel’s security, with no role for terrorists.

    Right now, the suffering across the region must end.

    In Israel’s response to the attacks, more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed. More than 11,000 children.

    It is now more than ten months since Australia and 152 other countries voted for a ceasefire in Gaza.

    I repeat that call again. 

    Just as I repeat our call for a diplomatic solution, de-escalation and ceasefire in Lebanon. 

    We want to see civilians on both sides of the Lebanon-Israel border return to their homes and the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701.

    Australia made our call alongside a number of countries – Canada, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States and Qatar.

    Shortly thereafter, G7 leaders issued a statement in similar terms.

    Yet somehow Mr Dutton accused the Prime Minister of being at odds with our allies. 

    He said the Prime Minister should be condemned for calling for a ceasefire.

    Now Mr Dutton has realised it is he who is at odds with the international community– but he still can’t bring himself to back a ceasefire.

    I can’t recall a single time over the past year that Mr Dutton has called for the protection of civilians, or for the upholding of international law. 

    He never utters a word of concern for innocent Palestinians and Lebanese civilians.

    From the other side, the Greens political party are being just as absolutist.

    Australians are rightly distressed by the catastrophic conflict, and the distress is felt most acutely in our Jewish, Palestinian and Lebanese communities.

    The lived experiences and understandings of our different Australian communities are distinct.

    There is long, complex and disputed history – deeply felt, close to the heart of many.

    And there is a need to acknowledge the real trauma on all sides, to acknowledge each other’s humanity, and to come together – as peacemakers throughout history have done.

    It is incumbent on any Australian Government to play a responsible role in promoting peace – recognising we are not the crucial player in the Middle East, but we have a respected voice. 

    Leaders must govern for the whole country.

    Our country does not benefit from the conflict being reproduced here. 

    Australians are 26 million people, from more than 300 ancestries. We are home to the oldest continuing civilisation on the planet.

    There is vast power in that.

    The ability to see and understand every part of the world.

    Yet it’s also something we need to nurture. 

    If we allow people to divide our community, if we allow conflicts overseas to be reproduced here; if we shout each other down and insist on respective absolutes; the bedrock of our stability, our security and our prosperity is shaken.

    Nothing is more important for our future than ensuring that Australia remains a pluralist nation, welcoming different races, religions and views, united by respect for each other’s humanity and for each other’s right to live in peace.

    As I said, there is vast power in who we are. Our people are the most elemental aspect of our national power. 

    We must deploy that power at this time in our history…

    This time when we face the most dangerous set of circumstances since World War Two. 

    This time when we need to combine our economic power, our cultural power, our strategic, diplomatic and defence power – all to make Australia stronger and more influential in a more contested and challenging world.

    We are making Australia more economically resilient at home, with a Future Made in Australia setting us on a path to be a renewable energy superpower.

    We are making Australia more economically resilient in the world, with the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 that harnesses the opportunities from living in the most competitive and fastest growing region in the world – and so we never are over-reliant on one market again.

    We are rebuilding our diplomatic relationships.

    We are doing the work that should have been done a decade ago to again make Australia a partner of choice in the Pacific.

    We don’t just go around picking fights and blowing up relationships.

    We are investing in our credibility as a partner to the region.

    It is by our actions that we have been able to restore trust among the Pacific family.

    And we are stabilising our own relations with China, so we navigate differences wisely.

    Our calm and consistent approach to the China relationship has seen progress on the removal of trade impediments for wine, barley, coal, cotton, timber logs, copper ores and concentrates; and now lobster – almost $20 billion worth of Australian exports back into China.

    We are increasing our collaboration with new partners and traditional partners; with Southeast Asia, with Japan, with India, and through our Quad partnership.

    We are investing in defence cooperation and our own military capabilities, including through AUKUS.

    And we are working together with our partners to uphold the rules and reform the institutions that we helped establish.

    All of these efforts are to shape the strategic calculus of the region, so no potential aggressor thinks the pursuit of conflict is worth the risk.

    This is how we advance the region we want. A region in balance. 

    Where countries, large and small, have the freedom to decide our own futures.

    These are just some of the ways in which the Albanese Government is driving Australia’s most ambitious international engagement in many years. 

    Being a partner to our region, and a leader in our values. 

    Always working toward a more peaceful, stable and prosperous world for all.

    Where sovereignty is respected and civilians are protected. 

    And I would say, furthering the legacy of creative diplomacy and determined statecraft practised by the great Jim Plim himself.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Quad becomes US’s political tool to contain China and maintain hegemony: Defense Spokesperson 2024-10-15 “The so-called Quad mechanism has become a sheer political tool for the US to contain China and maintain its hegemony,” said Chinese Defense Spokesperson Senior Colonel Wu Qian at a press briefing on Tuesday.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense 2

      BEIJING, Oct. 15 — “The so-called Quad mechanism has become a sheer political tool for the US to contain China and maintain its hegemony,” said Chinese Defense Spokesperson Senior Colonel Wu Qian at a press briefing on Tuesday.

      Naval forces from the US, Japan, India and Australia conducted Exercise Malabar in the Indian Ocean on October 8th. It is reported that this exercise is directed at China and can enhance the Quad mechanism among these four countries in security guarantee field.

      In response to a related query, the spokesperson said that China believes that security cooperation among relevant countries should not harm the interests of any third party or undermine regional peace and stability. The so-called Quad mechanism has become a sheer political tool for the US to contain China and maintain its hegemony.

      “We firmly oppose relevant parties to use China as an excuse to stir up bloc confrontation and escalate regional tensions. A small clique will not make any big difference,” said the spokesperson.

      He pointed out that the Asia-Pacific should be a grand stage where countries join hands to cooperate, rather than an arena for geopolitical competition. “We require relevant countries to give up their obsession with zero-sum mindset and put more efforts on safeguarding regional security, instead of doing the opposite.”

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Waterloo Corner

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police and emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Waterloo Corner.

    About 3.45am on Sunday 13 October, police were called to Port Wakefield Highway after reports a car crashed into a stobie pole.

    Northbound traffic is being diverted along Old Port Wakefield Road and one lane is closed for southbound traffic.  Motorists are asked to take an alternate route.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Stolen car reaches speeds of 180km/h

    Source: South Australia Police

    Three teens have been arrested after being caught in a stolen car in the northern suburbs overnight.

    Just before midnight on Saturday 12 October, Northern District patrols spotted a stolen white car being driven erratically on Kings Road at Salisbury Downs.

    The driver of the car saw police and took off on the wrong side of the road.

    Police followed the white Astra station wagon along Salisbury Highway, onto Philip Highway and then west onto Hogarth Road.  Patrols lost sight on the car on Mofflin Road.

    PolAir was quickly airborne and tracked the stolen car as it travelled through suburbs of Salisbury North, Paralowie and Mawson Lakes.

    The Astra reached speeds of up to 180km/h as it travelled on Port Wakefield Road.

    About 30 minutes later the car stopped on Grand Junction Road at Enfield and three occupants exited the car and ran south towards Baker Street.

    Patrols cordoned off the area and Dog Operations Unit was called in to assist with the search.

    PolAir continued to track the teenagers as they ran through yards of residential properties and onto the roof of a home on Lines Street.  The youths came down from the roof a short time later and PD Edge located them in the front yard of a home and the trio were arrested without further incident.

    The driver, a 15-year-old boy from Holden Hill, was drug tested and he returned a positive result to methamphetamine and cannabis.  He was charged with driving at an extreme speed, dangerous driving to escape a police pursuit and illegal use.  A 15-year-old from Mansfield Park, has been charged with illegal use.  A 14-year-old from Ottoway, has been charged with illegal use, and breach of bail.  All three were refused police bail and will appear in Adelaide Youth Court on Monday 14 October.

    Checks revealed the vehicle was stolen from a Klemzig address on Friday 11 October.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Suspicious fire at Stonyfell

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police are investigating a suspicious fire at Stonyfell earlier this morning.

    Just after 3am on Sunday 13 October, police and emergency services were called to Hallett Road after reports of fire in the rear yard of a business premises.

    MFS crews were first on scene and quickly extinguished the fire.

    The fire started at the rear of the premises and travelled to the rear entrance of the building causing minor damage.

    Crime Scene Investigators will be attending the scene this morning.

    Anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area at the time or has information that may assist with the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at http://www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Minister to attend cyber security, NATO meetings

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Minister Responsible for the GCSB and Minister of Defence Judith Collins will travel to Singapore and Brussels for Singapore International Cyber Week and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting. 

    New Zealand has been invited to attend the NATO meeting alongside representatives from the European Union and the Indo-Pacific 4 (IP4), which comprises New Zealand, Australia, Japan and the Republic of Korea. 

    “This is the first time IP4 Defence representatives will have the opportunity to exchange views with NATO Allies in the changing security dynamics in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, including in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its implications for our region,” Ms Collins says.

    “I will be taking the opportunity to reiterate our unwavering support for the people of Ukraine as they fight against Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression.

    “In a deteriorating global environment, New Zealand is committed to working with like-minded partners to uphold the international rules-based system that is fundamental to our security and prosperity.

    While in Brussels, Ms Collins will hold bilateral meetings with defence counterparts from NATO and the Indo-Pacific region, and will participate in a meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.                               

    Ms Collins will also meet Directors-General from European Commission agencies in the Space, and Science, Innovation and Technology portfolios while in Brussels.

    Before going to Brussels she will attend the Singapore International Cyber Week, the most established cyber security event in the Asia Pacific region and one which provides a vital chance to discuss global cyber security. She will also take part in the annual ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Cyber Security Special Session with Dialogue Partners.

    “I am pleased to represent New Zealand at this important gathering and am looking forward to participating in a range of discussions on global cyber security issues,” Ms Collins says.

    “Cyber security is front of mind for many New Zealand businesses and I am committed to ensuring we are prepared and resilient in this area.”             

    Ms Collins will also meet private sector representatives to discuss cyber and technology security matters while in Singapore.

    She leaves New Zealand tomorrow and returns on 20 October. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Second arson attack on Flinders Park business

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police are investigating after a second arson incident on a Flinders Park business property in as many days.

    About 6.45am on Sunday 13 October, police and fire crews were called to Grange Road at Flinders Park after reports of an alarm activation.

    No entry was gained to the property however accelerant was poured through an open window and a small fire took hold causing minimal damage.

    Crime Scene officers will be attending the scene this morning.

    Western District police are investigating the incident and ask anyone who has information that may assist to please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at http://www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government to provide significant regulatory relief for business

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government will reform New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) system to provide significant regulatory relief for businesses, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says.

    “Cabinet has approved an AML/CFT reform work programme which will ensure streamlined, workable, and effective regulations for businesses, law enforcement, and everyday New Zealanders.

    “The reforms will deliver a critical Government priority to cut red tape and improve the quality of regulation. My aim is to provide regulatory relief to businesses and the public, enabling law enforcement to crack down on organised crime, and ensuring that New Zealand upholds its international reputation.” 

    The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism system provides a framework for detecting, deterring, and combatting money laundering, terrorist financing, and serious and organised crime. 

    “I have heard from countless New Zealanders that the current regulations are unnecessarily risk-averse, resulting in complicated, repetitive processes. Simple tasks shouldn’t be made confusing and difficult to complete,” Mrs McKee says.

    “New Zealand does have an obligation to meet the standards set by the Financial Action Task Force. Complying with these standards is important to protect our economy and our international reputation.

    “I’m taking a pragmatic approach to this work, by prioritising changes that will deliver significant regulatory relief to businesses while also reducing the harm caused by money laundering in our communities. In fact, these reforms will deliver the most significant regulatory relief since the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act came into force in 2013.

    “The reforms will be undertaken in three parts. The first part is already well-advanced and will deliver immediate relief via two bills – the first of which, the Statutes Amendment Bill, has already been introduced to Parliament.

    “The second part will focus on structural changes and a sustainable funding model, to create a more effective and efficient system. The final part will make additional regulatory changes to implement international standards and deliver a more risk-based system.

    “Too many rules are created in Wellington by people who don’t have a proper understanding of the impact they have. AML regulations are hurting small businesses who don’t have dedicated compliance teams. Time and money spent on compliance for its own sake could instead be directed towards productive endeavours.

    “ACT campaigned on making AML compliance user-friendly for small businesses, and taking a more risk-based approach, and we are delivering.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China sees new trend in booming cultural, tourism consumption

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, Oct. 12 — With neon lights sparkling against the night sky, a group of models, clad in vibrantly colored and intricately crafted costumes of ethnic minorities, sauntered down the catwalk, each step met with raucous applause.

    This fashion show featuring intangible cultural heritage is the first of its kind held on Qilou Old Street, a national historical and cultural street in Haikou, Hainan Province, south China.

    Both professional and amateur models walked the show, including Pan Yuzhen, in her seventies, a well-known inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Miao embroidery of the Miao ethnic group who had been a guest on the fashion stage in London and Paris.

    “This is my first time in Haikou, and I like it very much,” said Pan, adding that she was happy to have the opportunity to promote the intangible cultural heritage of her people.

    The performance, which integrated tradition with modernity, serves as a microcosm of how localities explored creative approaches to better meet the surging cultural and tourism demand during the National Day holiday ending earlier this week.

    Official data showed that 765 million domestic trips were made during the just-concluded holiday, up 5.9 percent year on year, with total tourist spending rising 6.3 percent to 700.8 billion yuan (about 99.1 billion U.S. dollars).

    People’s interest in traditional cultural attractions was reflected in the travel boom, with many flocking to historical sites over the vacation period. During the week-long holiday, the demand for taxi services to tourist attractions like ancient cities and towns soared by 111 percent compared to the pre-holiday period, according to data from Didi Chuxing, a popular ride-hailing platform in China.

    With multiple scenic spots featured in the Chinese hit video game “Black Myth: Wukong,” north China’s Shanxi province was experiencing a boom in tourists even before the holiday kicked off.

    In response to the travel peak, the local government and businesses intensified efforts to provide better services for all visitors. “Many local temples that were not accessible for hundreds of years are open to the public this time,” said a travel vlogger in her video on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.

    As treasure troves of history and culture, museums have also been gaining popularity among the Chinese in recent years, with 1.29 billion visits to nationwide museums in 2023, surpassing the figures of previous years, data from Chinese authorities revealed.

    Aside from traditional hotspots, lower-profile cities and counties started to rank among the top travel destinations, as an increasing number of people, especially the youth from first-tier cities, prefer to spend their leisure time in less crowded areas.

    Data from Ctrip, a leading online travel agency, noted that tourism orders to counties during the National Day holiday grew by 20 percent compared to the same period last year.

    While venturing to different places, many tourists picked up cultural and creative products as mementos of their trips, and more thoughtfully designed items have started to make their way to market.

    This summer, a plush toy modeled after roujiamo, which is sometimes called the “Chinese hamburger,” went viral among visitors to Xi’an in northwest China’s Shaanxi province. A purchase was combined with learning to make this local street food, which has been hailed as a new, enticing experience. The toy has proved popular far and wide, with more than 10,000 orders made within three months, with people living as far away as New York and Sydney managing to snag one.

    Such consumption frenzy is evident across various cultural activities, including movies, concerts, music festivals and sporting events, with many willing to travel long distances for the experience.

    Mo Zhenqi, from south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, took his child to Rongjiang County, the birthplace of the Guizhou Village Super League, also known as “Cun Chao” in southwest China’s Guizhou Province. They came to watch friendly soccer matches featuring international players from countries including Brazil. He felt “extremely excited” about the fierce competition on the field, the wonderful song and dance performance, and the enthusiastic atmosphere.

    Tourists like Mo revved up the county’s holiday economy, as the holiday week witnessed nearly 500,000 trips to Rongjiang County, with over 600 million yuan in tourism revenue, an increase of nearly 22 percent year on year.

    “The booming cultural and tourism industry could play a more important part in upgrading the economy, boosting consumption, and meeting people’s needs for a better life,” said Miao Muyang, an official with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: EYRE HIGHWAY, NULLARBOR (Vehicle Fire)

    Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia

    NULLARBOR

    Eyre Highway HazMat

    Issued for NULLARBOR near 88 km east of the Western Australia border .

    The CFS is responding to a HazMat incident 88 km east of the Western Australia border in the Nullarbor, South Australia.

    CFS volunteers, with one truck and one bulk-water carrier, are on the scene, supported by SA Police, WA Police, and Western Australia Fire. Personnel are maintaining an exclusion zone to protect the public from toxic smoke.

    The cause of the smoke is a semi-trailer fire carrying household insecticides, which will continue to produce smoke for at least 10 to 24 hours.

    Road closures due to this incident, include:

    Eyre Highway between Eucla to Yalata

    It is unknown when the roads will be reopened. Visit traffic.sa.gov.au for more information on road closures.

    Smoke and toxic fumes are impacting the surrounding area, and visibility may be reduced. To ensure your safety and that of firefighters and other emergency personnel working in the area, please do not enter the incident area unless necessary.

    As a precaution, the public should remain indoors and in vehicles with windows and doors closed and any air conditioning set to recirculation to not draw any fumes or smoke into enclosed spaces.

    Message ID 0007773

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Chairman’s Statement of The 4th ASEAN-Australia Summit

    Source: ASEAN

    The 4th ASEAN-Australia Summit was held on 10 October 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The Summit was chaired by H.E. Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The Summit was attended by ASEAN Member States, the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia, as well as the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as Observer. The Secretary-General of ASEAN was also in attendance.
    We reiterated our support for Lao PDR’s priorities for its ASEAN Chairmanship 2024 under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”, which reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to strengthening the ASEAN Community through intensifying ASEAN cooperation under the three community pillars, promoting infrastructure connectivity, narrowing the development gaps, enhancing economic integration and people-to-people exchanges, and further strengthening ASEAN’s relations with external partners, while maintaining ASEAN’s relevance and ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture. We applauded Lao PDR for successfully convening the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings in July 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
    Download the full statement here.

    The post Chairman’s Statement of The 4th ASEAN-Australia Summit appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –