Source: Australia Digital Transformation Agency
As adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) grows across the Australian Public Service (APS), it’s crucial to ensure staff are equipped with the necessary skills to safely engage with AI capabilities. To support this goal, the DTA has released guidance on staff training and an AI in government fundamentals training module.
Source: Government of Victoria 2
Consumer Affairs Victoria is asking for your feedback on its financial counselling services.
We fund several financial counselling services run by not-for-profit community organisations across Victoria. These programs help at-risk people manage their debts and organise their finances. This includes people recovering from natural disasters and people experiencing family violence.
Financial counsellors give free and confidential advice about your rights and responsibilities. They negotiate with creditors and help organise payment plans for debts.
Demand for financial counselling services is changing. This is due to several factors, including:
We want to know how our services are working and ways we can improve to suit your needs.
You can take part in the review by visiting the Engage Victoria website. We have published a discussion paper to help guide feedback. Feedback is open until 6 November 2024.
This review is part of a larger consultation to improve our programs. We are also seeking feedback on our renter and retirement housing services.
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
7 mins ago
EIT Te Ūranga Waka Senior Lecturer Hiria Tumoana (Ngāi Tūhoe) has been awarded the Te Tohu Reo Māori Award.
EIT Te Ūranga Waka Senior Lecturer Hiria Tumoana (Ngāi Tūhoe) has become the first recipient of the prestigious Te Tohu Reo Māori Award.
Presented by Ako Aotearoa, the Te Whatu Kairangi Awards celebrate outstanding educators who make a profound impact on their learners, their whānau, and the wider community.
Hiria, who will receive the award at Parliament next month, is overwhelmed by the honour.
“It’s amazing. They have a lot of people to work through. So, for someone like me, I must be doing something really good. I think I’m just really privileged and lucky to get this,” the 70-year-old said.
Hiria’s journey with te reo Māori began in Ruatoki, where she was raised in a community where Māori language and culture were central to everyday life.
Te reo Māori was her first language, and it has remained the foundation of her life’s work.
“For me, English doesn’t tell me who I am. Only te reo Māori does that,” Hiria reflects. “I will never stop teaching te reo Māori and hope to continue until my time is up.”
Hiria began teaching Te Reo Māori at Victoria University in 1977.
Since then, she has gone on to gain her BA Honours, train and examine translators for Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Commission), and co-design and teach te reo Māori on Radio Kahungunu and across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Her passion for revitalising the language has driven her more than 40-year career at EIT, first starting in Wairoa, and now at the Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale.
Hiria is renowned for her engaging teaching style, which blends humour, tradition, and modern techniques to create an inclusive environment for learners of all ages.
She believes that helping students discover their full potential is her greatest achievement.
“I want them all to be successful and I want them to know their full potential. They don’t always know what they know but when they understand, they feel good about who they are and what they can do.”
Pareputiputi Nuku, Pouarataki, Te Uranga Waka, says: “Hiria is an inspiration to all staff of Te Ūranga Waka, the majority of whom she has taught over the years and now they themselves are teachers”.
“Congratulations Hiria as the inaugural winner of this very significant award. E poho kereru ana mātau i a koe!”
Ako Aotearoa Deputy Director Māori, Dr Joe Te Rito says the proverb, ‘Te puna o te kī, te whītiki o te kī’ describes Hiria most aptly.
“She is an authority on the Māori language, as a native speaker and linguist, and she has a special gift for teaching it. Hiria is an icon for her life-time commitment to the revitalisation and teaching of the language dating back to the 1972 te reo Māori Petition.”
Hiria Tumoana will join the 10 other Te Whatu Kairangi awardees at Parliament on November 4 at the official awards ceremony hosted by the Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills.
Source: South Australia Police
Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash on the North-South Motorway, Dry Creek.
The collision occurred about 4.30pm on the Wingfield interchange on ramp to the North-South Motorway at Dry Creek.
Traffic is banked up in the area. Motorists are advised to find another route if possible.
The road is expected to remain closed for northbound traffic for several hours.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Northen Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) responded to a large grass fire in Humpty Doo yesterday afternoon.
Around 2:50pm, Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received repots of a large grass fire on Trippe Road, Humpty Doo.
A short time later, NTFRS members arrived on the fire ground and commenced a response.
Twelve NTFRS career and 4 Volunteer firefighters attended with 12 appliances including Grassfire Units, as well as 4 waterbombers, 1 helicopter and 5 appliances from Bushfires NT.
Multiple inoperable vehicles and an uninhabited structure were affected by the blaze.
Initial reports indicate that the fire was not suspicious, and it ignited from a backfiring exhaust.
Investigations are ongoing.
Source: Australian Ministers 1
Question – Federal Member for Hughes, Jenny Ware:
I refer to the June 2023 report prepared by the late Peta Murphy – a report I signed concerning online gambling restrictions. In December 2023, the Minister said she would ensure their policy would be resolved “expeditiously” and would be announced “without delay.” It is October 2024 and the Government has not arrived with a policy. Which parts of the Murphy report does the Minister disagree?
Answer – Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland:
I thank the Member for her question – I acknowledge her interest in this matter. As I am sure all Members in this place are concerned about the harms that occur when it comes to wagering in certain contexts. Of course, we understand, given the high level of community concern here, and the fact that Australians lose some $25 billion every year in response to gambling, that this is an area in which improvements need to be made. That is why I commend the Member for Hughes’ work on the Committee and all Members in this place that worked on that report.
There are three things I would say to the Member. The first is that this is a report that set out some 30 recommendations, many of which go to the interaction between Commonwealth and State Governments and their regulatory arrangements. We are working carefully through those with the States and I’m doing that in conjunction with a number of other Ministers including the Minister for Social Services. It is a complex area in that aspect. It is complex because there are certain regulatory arrangements the States obviously have a keen interest in – that it is one that where of course they want to ensure that we have the most robust response when it comes to dealing with wagering harms.
The second point is of course we know that the high level of gambling harms not only in terms of economic but social consequence [inaudible] that we need changes that go to that, but also go to cultural change. The first is breaking the nexus between sport and wagering. Second, it is concentrating on the exposure of children to gambling harms and thirdly that it is the saturation of ads particularly as they are targeted towards young men aged around 18 to 35.
The first goes to reduction in gambling harms and secondly the way in which they can actually be implemented. The point that I’m making, and I know she asked this question from a good place, is that we need to understand but we also need to ensure that the impacts in responding to this report actually achieve their desired outcomes and to give some example of that, the need to be forward-looking and comprehensive in this response that is really not only whole of Government, but is whole of nation as well. We are doing this through looking at areas where exposure might not be prevalent yet but could be in future and we are also looking at areas in which we need to ensure there is a strong legislative response from the outset. So these are complex areas, we are determined to make a difference and the status in relation to advertising is unacceptable.
Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers
Question – Federal Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour
My question is to the Minister for Communications. What has been the community’s response to the Government’s commitment to keep the National Broadband Network in public ownership? What is the Government doing to provide affordable accessible high-speed broadband for Australians and what are the alternative positions that have been proposed?
Answer – Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland:
Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the Member for her question. I know she is pleased that more than 10,000 homes and businesses in Alice Springs can now order a full fibre upgrade on the NBN thanks to strong investment under the Albanese Government.
Mr Speaker, Labor founded the National Broadband Network for fast, reliable, affordable broadband to all Australians, irrespective of where they live. Only by keeping the NBN in public ownership can that vision continue to be delivered. Mr Speaker, it is not just the Government that supports this policy. The regions support it. Mayor Kim Anderson from Flinders Ranges Council said, ‘I support the Australian government in keeping the NBN in public ownership. I think it is more than fair to say that Privatisation of essential services does no favour to Australia”. Carol Bennet said “Retaining public ownership of this critical asset will provide opportunity for improvement in the communications services Australians need in the future”. The workers support it. Shane Murphy, the CW National President, said ‘Workers breathe a sigh of relief knowing their jobs won’t be on the chopping block because of privatisation’. The industry supports it. Michael Venta from Optus, the CEO says, ‘Optus welcomes the legislation to keep the NBN in public hands. Keeping this critical asset under government ownership is likely the best approach for consumers and provide a welcome level of certainty to the sector’.
Mr Speaker, the Albanese Government’s position on the NBN is crystal clear – it is not for sale. In 2021 we made a commitment to retain the NBN in public ownership, keep broadband affordable and keep building a world class network. In 2022, we formalised this in a new statement about the NBN. Yesterday, we introduced legislation to enshrine this position in law. The Opposition has had three years to give their position on the NBN and to answer a simple question – will you preserve the NBN in public ownership or will you flog it off? Yesterday they finally revealed their hand, when a Liberal MP confirmed that privatisation was always part of their plan. When asked if the NBN should be privatised the answer was, “it has always been in the contemplation that it would be privatised.” Australians have a clear choice Mr Speaker, to keep the NBN in public ownership or under those opposite, have it flogged off.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese premier says China ready to share more development opportunities with Australia
VIENTIANE, Oct. 10 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here on Thursday that China is ready to share more development opportunities with Australia.
The nature of China-Australia ties is mutually beneficial and win-win, Li noted in his meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of the leaders’ meetings on East Asia cooperation.
China, he said, is also willing to continue to strengthen exchanges on macroeconomic policies, and expand cooperation in trade and investment, green development, scientific and technological innovation and other fields, so as to add more impetus to the common development of the two countries.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
VIENTIANE, Oct. 10 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here on Thursday that China-Australia ties have recently been steadily advancing, with practical cooperation in various fields gradually progressing, and local as well as people-to-people exchanges becoming more active.
Li made the remarks during his meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of the leaders’ meetings on East Asia cooperation held in Vientiane.
The progress shows that the future China-Australia relations are promising, as long as the two sides continue to work toward a common goal, Li added.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China to work with Australia to safeguard peace, stability in Asia-Pacific region: Premier Li
VIENTIANE, Oct. 10 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here on Thursday that China is willing to work with Australia to safeguard peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region with concrete actions.
Li made the remarks during his meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of the leaders’ meetings on East Asia cooperation held in Vientiane.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
VIENTIANE, Oct. 10 — China will continue to build a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized first-class business environment, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Thursday.
Li made the remarks during his meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of the leaders’ meetings on East Asia cooperation held in Vientiane.
China welcomes more Australian enterprises to invest in China, and hopes that Australia will provide a fair, safe, non-discriminatory and predictable business environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Australia, Li said.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SEYCHELLES, Victoria, Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As part of the broader WOO Ecosystem, which includes the WOOFi protocol, a leading decentralized exchange, and WOO X, a global centralized exchange, the WOO Innovation Hub is excited to announce a strategic partnership with SphereX, a cutting-edge decentralized exchange (DEX) known for redefining digital asset trading with its meme-focused order-book perpetual exchange. This collaboration aims to bring innovation and excitement to decentralized finance (DeFi) while making advanced trading tools accessible to a wider audience.
SphereX sets itself apart as one of the first decentralized exchange designed with meme culture at its core, catering to traders who enjoy the fast-paced world of crypto memes while maintaining serious trading functionalities. The platform combines the freedom of DeFi with an innovative order-book perpetual trading model, delivering high-performance, on-chain security and capital efficiency. With off-chain matching for rapid execution and on-chain settlement for secure trades, SphereX provides a fun yet professional environment for DeFi enthusiasts.
The cooperation between WOO Innovation Hub and SphereX is built on a shared vision to enhance DeFi accessibility and improve capital efficiency across chains. SphereX’s multi-chain launch marks just the beginning, with plans to expand its reach to even more blockchain networks, driving innovation and inclusivity in the DeFi landscape.
Abby Huang, WOO Innovation Hub Lead, said: “SphereX’s unique approach to combining the viral excitement of meme culture with professional-grade decentralized trading is something we’re excited to support. This collaboration allows WOO Innovation Hub to foster even more creativity in the DeFi space, while SphereX’s meme-driven order-book model adds a fresh layer of engagement and entertainment for our users.”
SphereX stands out by addressing key issues in the current DeFi landscape, such as fragmentation and centralization, while making trading fun and engaging. Their order-book perpetual exchange, designed for meme traders, allows users to access cross-margin trading and enjoy seamless trade execution through off-chain matching. By adding an element of humor and creativity to high-stakes trading, SphereX creates a trading environment that is both inclusive and enjoyable.
Kai, SphereX CEO stated: “Collaborating with WOO Innovation Hub is a major milestone for SphereX as we continue to expand our vision of making decentralized trading not only fun and fast but also highly scalable. With WOO’s extensive ecosystem and their unwavering commitment to innovation, we’re excited to collaborate in reaching new audiences and transforming the way people engage with DeFi.”
Contact Us: ecosystem@woo.network
About WOOFi
WOOFi is a leading decentralized exchange (DEX) with over $42B in cumulative trading volume and more than 250k monthly active users. It supports 11 blockchains and offers a diverse range of products, including earn vaults, simple swaps, cross-chain swaps, and perpetual futures. The native token of WOOFi, WOO, can be staked to share 80% of all protocol fees.
About SphereX
SphereX is a cutting-edge decentralized exchange (DEX) designed to make crypto trading accessible, secure, and user-friendly for everyone. By prioritizing decentralization, SphereX ensures that users have full control over their assets, with transparent and low-cost transactions. Committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community, SphereX embodies the spirit of Robin Hood, providing financial opportunities for all, especially those new to crypto trading or with limited resources. Join the SphereX community today and experience the future of decentralized finance.
Disclaimer
The content above is neither a recommendation for investment and trading strategies nor does it constitute an investment offer, solicitation, or recommendation of any product or service. The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or professional advice of any kind.
Cryptocurrencies involve significant risk and are NOT suitable for the majority of investors. The value of digital currencies can be extremely volatile, and you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite before participating in any staking or investment activities. We strongly recommend that you seek independent advice from a qualified professional before making any investment or financial decisions related to cryptocurrencies. We shall in NO case be liable for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on the information contained in this article.
The collaboration between WOO and SphereX highlighted in the content above does not indicate in any way that WOO provides, or will provide financial service. WOO does NOT endorse, guarantee or provide advice for any products or services of its business partners. This cooperation shall in no event be interpreted as an assurance or guarantee for the listing of any tokens, whether presently existing or to be generated in the future, on WOO X or any associated exchange platforms, nor does it imply any commitment from WOO X to list any tokens on its platforms or others. The decision to list any tokens is governed by and subject to a series of separate criteria and procedures, independent of this cooperation or business partnership.
Nothing in this article or any related content shall be construed to create or suggest the existence of a partnership, joint venture, agency relationship, or any form of legal association between WOO and SphereX. Each party is an independent entity, acting solely in its own capacity, and is responsible for its own actions, decisions, and associated risks. The collaboration mentioned does not imply any form of shared liability or financial obligation, and each party will bear its own risks and responsibilities. Furthermore, this article should not be interpreted as providing any guarantees regarding the outcome of any business ventures or collaborations mentioned, nor shall be an indication of guaranteed success or profitability for either WOOFi, WOO X or SphereX, or any of their business partners.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f8cfa220-ad9d-4556-9ca9-beea094ae3d7
Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Albanese Labor Government has agreed a timetable with China for the full resumption of Australian live rock lobster exports by the end of the year.
This will save the jobs of 3,000 Australians employed in the industry, 2,000 of which are in Western Australia.
The agreement to a timetable for the re-entry of live rock lobster was made during a meeting between Prime Minister Albanese and China’s Premier Li Qiang today on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos.
This outcome is another step towards stabilising the bilateral relationship between China and Australia. This is positive news for the lobster industry and for Chinese consumers, who will have access to high-quality Australian rock lobsters in time for Lunar New Year.
Since 2020, Australian rock lobsters have been effectively prevented from entering China’s market, which was worth over $700 million in 2019.
We acknowledge the Australian rock lobster industry for their resilience during a challenging period.
The Albanese Government has seen progress on the removal of trade impediments for wine, barley, coal, cotton, timber logs, copper ores and concentrates; and some meat establishments – almost $20 billion worth of Australian exports.
With our patient, calibrated, and deliberate approach, we are restoring Australian trade with our largest export market.
The Albanese Government will continue with its calm and consistent approach to the China relationship – where we cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in the national interest.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“Resolution of trade impediments is at the top of our Government’s agenda. The reinstatement in normalised trade for all commodities is front and centre of the Government’s engagement strategy with China.
“It is in the interests of both our countries to continue this path of stabilising our relationship. A resumption in trade for all Australian commodities is an important part of this process.
“Having dialogue helps us navigate our differences and build upon areas where we can cooperate – without compromising on any Australian interests.”
Quotes attributable to Foreign Minister Penny Wong:
“The Albanese Government’s approach to China has been patient, calibrated and deliberate – and our approach has paid dividends for Australians and for the national interest.
“We continue to urge Australian businesses to diversify to grow value for their companies and for their country.
Quotes attributable to Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell:
“This is a great outcome for the Australian lobster industry and for Chinese consumers.
“The Albanese Government is delivering for Australian farmers, miners, businesses and workers.
“I encourage businesses to continue to take advantage of new trade diversification opportunities created by this Government.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins:
“This agreement on a timetable with China for the full resumption of trade by the end of the year is a significant step forward for Australia’s rock lobster industry and will deliver job security for fishing communities in regional areas.
“The resumption of full Australian rock lobster exports to China is expected to have a trade potential of over $700 million.”
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
ZURICH, 10 October 2024 – 21Shares AG (“21Shares”), one of the world’s largest issuers of crypto exchange traded products (ETPs), today announced the launch of the 21Shares Future of Crypto Index ETP (FUTR) on Euronext Paris and Euronext Amsterdam. FUTR represents the latest addition to its growing European product lineup, representing the firm’s 44th crypto ETP, its 10th crypto basket ETP, and its first-ever crypto megatheme ETP.
| Exchange | Product Name | Ticker | ISIN | Fee |
| Euronext Paris | 21Shares Future of Crypto Index ETP | FUTR FP | CH1382892102 | 1.49% |
| Euronext Amsterdam | 21Shares Future of Crypto Index ETP | FUTR NA | CH1382892102 | 1.49% |
“Global excitement, demand and momentum for crypto is undeniable. And 21Shares has been at the forefront of increasing global access to the crypto asset class since inception in 2018 – offering investors a six-year track record of developing, launching and managing crypto ETPs,” said Hany Rashwan, Co-Founder and CEO of 21Shares. “As 21Shares’ first-ever crypto megatheme ETP, FUTR represents the next evolution of the firm’s European product lineup and a potential opportunity for investors looking for the next step after allocating to Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).”
Rashwan continued: “With the launch of FUTR, 21Shares is thrilled to leverage the firm’s world-class product development and research capabilities to bring investors access to a future-oriented, broad-based index offering easy exposure to the most promising sectors of the crypto ecosystem.”
FUTR provides investors with comprehensive exposure to the top sectors and themes anticipated to drive the future growth of the crypto market. By tracking a broad-based index that covers over 80% of the market, the ETP offers exposure to six key megathemes expected to drive long-term growth in the crypto market:
FUTR takes a market-capitalization weighted approach, with leading assets from each of these six megathemes. In addition, FUTR offers dynamic allocation, a strategy that evolves with the market to provide alignment with emerging trends and opportunities. Further, FUTR excludes meme tokens, privacy tokens and assets below a $2M liquidity threshold, focusing on quality investments. FUTR is 100% physically backed by the underlying assets stored securely in cold storage by an institutional-grade custodian, offering enhanced protection.
21Shares worked with MarketVector Indexes as the index provider for FUTR. MarketVector Indexes brings deep market knowledge in crypto indices to the digital assets landscape.
“The 21Shares Future of Crypto Index provides a dynamic framework for tracking key sectors driving the next phase of crypto growth. We’re excited to partner with 21Shares on this forward-thinking, innovative product”, said Steven Schoenfeld, CEO of MarketVector Indexes.
The launch of FUTR also represents an expansion of 21Shares’ collaboration with Flow Traders, who will act as the market maker for the product.
“This is another step forward in supporting the broader adoption of digital assets, and we are thrilled to continue to expand our role in being the leading liquidity provider in the crypto ETP space as well as our partnership with 21Shares,” said Michael Lie, Global Head of Digital Assets at Flow Traders. “Innovative products like FUTR with diversified exposure to key themes in crypto, much like sector ETFs in TradFi, are going to be essential in expanding the full reach of digital assets and its value to financial markets. In our role, we will continue supporting innovative products and driving the convergence of TradFi and crypto.”
For more details about the 21Shares Future of Crypto Index ETP, including the factsheet, please click here.
Press Contact
Audrey Belloff, Head of Global Communications, audrey.belloff@21.co
About 21.co / 21Shares
21.co is the world’s leader in providing access to crypto through simple and easy to use products. 21.co is the parent company of 21Shares, one of the world’s largest issuers of crypto exchange traded products (ETPs) – which is powered by Onyx, a proprietary technology platform used to issue and operate cryptocurrency ETPs for 21Shares and third parties. The company was founded in 2018 by Hany Rashwan and Ophelia Snyder. 21Shares is registered in Zurich, Switzerland with offices in Zurich, London and New York. For more information, please visit 21Shares.
About MarketVector Indexes – http://www.marketvector.com
MarketVector IndexesTM (“MarketVector”) is a regulated Benchmark Administrator in Europe, incorporated in Germany and registered with the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). MarketVector maintains indexes under the MarketVectorTM, MVIS®, and BlueStar® names. With a mission to accelerate index innovation globally, MarketVector is best known for its broad suite of Thematic indexes, a long-running expertise in Hard Asset-linked Equity indexes, and its pioneering Digital Asset index family. MarketVector is proud to be in partnership with more than 25 Exchange Traded Product (ETP) issuers and index fund managers in markets throughout the world, with more than USD 50 billion in assets under management.
About Flow Traders
Flow Traders is a leading multi-asset market maker founded more than twenty years ago, the firm expanded into digital assets trading in 2017, focusing on centralized exchanges before expanding its operations to include over-the-counter trading, options trading and decentralized finance. Additionally, Flow Traders strategically invests in builders and teams driving the convergence of centralized and decentralized finance.
DISCLAIMER
This document is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for securities of 21Shares AG in any jurisdiction. Neither this document nor anything contained herein shall form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any offer or commitment whatsoever or for any other purpose in any jurisdiction. Nothing in this document should be considered investment advice.
This document and the information contained herein are not for distribution in or into (directly or indirectly) the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which the distribution or release would be unlawful.
This document does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in or into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. The securities of 21Shares AG to which these materials relate have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will not be a public offering of securities in the United States. Neither the US Securities and Exchange Commission nor any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States has approved or disapproved of an investment in the securities or passed on the accuracy or adequacy of the contents of this presentation. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States.
Within the United Kingdom, this document is only being distributed to and is only directed at: (i) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”); or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”); or (iii) persons who fall within Article 43(2) of the Order, including existing members and creditors of the Company or (iv) any other persons to whom this document can be lawfully distributed in circumstances where section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply. The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.
Exclusively for potential investors in any EEA Member State that has implemented the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) is made available on the Issuer’s website under http://www.21Shares.com.
The approval of the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) should not be understood as an endorsement by the SFSA of the securities offered or admitted to trading on a regulated market. Eligible potential investors should read the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) and the relevant Final Terms before making an investment decision in order to understand the potential risks associated with the decision to invest in the securities. You are about to purchase a product that is not simple and may be difficult to understand.
This document constitutes advertisement within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 and the Swiss Financial Services Act (the “FinSA”) and not a prospectus. The 2023 Base Prospectus of 21Shares AG has been deposited pursuant to article 54(2) FinSA with SIX Exchange Regulation AG in its function as Swiss prospectus review body within the meaning of article 52 FinSA. The 2023 Base Prospectus and the key information document for any products may be obtained at 21Shares AG’s website (https://21shares.com/ir/prospectus or https://21shares.com/ir/kids).
###
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
Issued by: on
SUBIC BAY, Philippines (October 8, 2024) Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC), center, arrives at a U.S. hosted reception aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) during Sama Sama 2024, Oct. 8, 2024. Sama Sama is a bilateral exercise hosted by the Philippines and the United States, with participants from Australia, Canada, France and Japan, designed to promote regional security, cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alexandria Esteban)
| Date Taken: | 10.07.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.10.2024 03:09 |
| Photo ID: | 8689208 |
| VIRIN: | 241008-N-CV021-1125 |
| Resolution: | 1429×953 |
| Size: | 216.71 KB |
| Location: | PH |
| Web Views: | 0 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, COMLOG WESTPAC Attends SAMA SAMA 2024 Reception [Image 3 of 3], by PO2 Moises Sandoval, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
Issued by: on
SUBIC BAY, Philippines (October 8, 2024) Philippine Navy Capt. Zosimo M Bolaños Jr., officer in charge of the exercise for Naval Forces Northern Luzon, provides remarks at a U.S. hosted reception aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) during Sama Sama 2024, Oct. 8, 2024. Sama Sama is a bilateral exercise hosted by the Philippines and United States, with participants from Australia, Canada, France, and Japan, designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ange Olivier Clement)
| Date Taken: | 10.07.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.10.2024 03:09 |
| Photo ID: | 8689225 |
| VIRIN: | 241008-N-DM318-1042 |
| Resolution: | 1430×1021 |
| Size: | 210.06 KB |
| Location: | PH |
| Web Views: | 0 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, COMLOG WESTPAC Attends SAMA SAMA 2024 Reception, October 8, 2024 [Image 3 of 3], by PO2 Moises Sandoval, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
China has removed the last significant trade barrier it imposed on Australia, with a timetable to resume full lobster imports by the end of the year.
Anthony Albanese announced the breakthrough after a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Vientiane, where the prime minister is attending the ASEAN-Australia summit.
Albanese said the end of the barrier would be in time for the Chinese New Year. This would be welcomed by those in the lobster trade in places including Geraldton, Western Australia, and in South Australia and Tasmania, he said.
The lobster decision means the Chinese over the last two years have removed trade barriers of nearly $20 billion slapped on Australia during the time of the former government when relations between the two countries went into a deep freeze. This followed various Australian decisions, including the call for an inquiry into the origins of COVID.
Remaining impediments are now worth less than $500 million, with two red meat establishments still affected.
The lobster trade was worth more than $700 million in 2019.
More than 3000 people are employed in the lobster industry, 2000 of them in WA.
“The reinstatement in normalised trade for all commodities is front and centre of the Government’s engagement strategy with China,” Albanese said.
“It is in the interests of both our countries to continue this path of stabilising our relationship. A resumption in trade for all Australian commodities is an important part of this process.”
Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. China removes block on Australian lobster, in last big bilateral trade breakthrough – https://theconversation.com/china-removes-block-on-australian-lobster-in-last-big-bilateral-trade-breakthrough-241012
Source: South Australia Police
Operation Meld is continuing to investigate a break-in at Broadview in July. Two teenagers have now been arrested.
Police were called to a home in Beaven Avenue, Broadview after four males wearing balaclavas forced their way inside the address about 11.30pm on Tuesday 23 July.
The suspects were armed with a firearm and machetes and threatened the four occupants. There were no reported injuries.
Following investigations by Operation Meld detectives, a 15-year-old boy from Kilburn was arrested on 30 August and charged with aggravated serious criminal trespass. He was refused police bail and appeared in the youth court.
Yesterday, Wednesday 9 October, a second suspect, a 17-year-old boy from Adelaide, was arrested. He was charged with aggravated serious criminal trespass and firearms offences and appeared in the Adelaide Youth Court today.
Investigations are continuing to identify and locate the two outstanding suspects.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at http://www.crimestopperssa.com.au
CO2400189252
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Transport Department today announced the route of a bus parade, scheduled for October 19, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Starting at around 11am that day, parade buses will depart from Victoria Park in Causeway Bay for Man Kwong Street in Central. They will transit along Gordon Road, King’s Road, Causeway Road, Hennessy Road, Fleming Road and Lung Wo Road.
The route is about six km long and will take about 30 minutes to complete. Members of the public can observe the parade and take photos at viewing locations such as Hennessy Road near Jardine’s Bazaar in Causeway Bay, Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, and Central Pier, where the parade ends.
Police will lead the convoy and may implement traffic and crowd safety measures, depending on conditions.
In case of adverse weather, the bus parade will be cancelled. The public should watch out for the updates on the department’s website.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Northern Territory Police have arrested two adult males in relation to drug offences in East Arnhem Land communities yesterday.
Around 11:20am, remote officers received intelligence of an illegal substance allegedly being stored at a residence in Gapuwiyak and subsequently conducted a search of the property.
During the search officers located and seized 31 kilos of Kava.
Police later arrested a 40-year-old man that was not a resident of Gapuwiyak.
The male was charged with commercial possession of kava, commercial supply of kava, being in an Indigenous Community without a permit and tobacco smuggling offences.
He is due to appear in the Darwin Local Court on 11 October 2024.
Further investigations led police to search a property in Ramingining where officers located and seized 3.5 kilos of kava and over $13,600 in cash.
A 44-year-old male was arrested and charged with Traffickable supply of kava, Supply kava without a licence, and Resist police.
He has been bailed to appear in court at a later date.
Source: Australian Department of Revenue
A transferring fund will need to identify member accounts which are eligible for the grandfathering provisions that apply to a member’s notional taxed contributions (NTCs) and advise the successor fund. The successor fund will need to ensure the grandfathering indicator is completed in the Member Account Attribute Service (MAAS) for these accounts.
When the member’s interest in the transferring fund ceases, the amount reported will be calculated pro-rata based on the successor fund transfer (SFT) date. In addition, if an account was open on 30 June, the transferring fund has an obligation to report an annual Member Account Transaction Service (MATS) balance.
Note: for notional taxed and defined benefit contributions, refer to guidance in our Annual obligations and balance amounts protocol.
If a transferring fund has received a notice from the ATO advising that a deferred debt account has been created, they should provide this notice to the successor fund to assist them in complying with their reporting obligations.
The successor fund should provide us with details of members transferred to them with a deferred debt account. The details should include the:
An end benefit notice does not need to be provided in the case of an SFT. For more information, see Division 293 tax – deferred debt obligations for funds.
Source: Australian Department of Revenue
This protocol gives superannuation providers guidance about successor fund transfer (SFT) and intra-fund transfer (IFT) obligations, including:
We have updated our protocol in response to an increasing number of fund transfers. We have incorporated industry feedback, drawing on their experiences and learnings from recent SFTs.
When acting on our guidance, you should:
This guidance does not cover situations where an SFT or an IFT has not occurred, and the only change is to your registry system, platform or service provider. If you are undertaking any of these changes, you can engage with us by completing the Successor Fund Transfer (SFT) and Intra Fund Transfer (IFT) form (XLSX, 651KB). Lodge your completed form using the Super Enquiry Service (SES) for APRA funds.
An SFT occurs when member accounts are transferred from one registrable super entity (RSE) to another RSE with a different Australian business number (ABN) without their member’s consent.
When the same entity is the trustee for more than one RSE, an SFT can also occur when their member’s accounts are transferred from one RSE to another within the same group.
An IFT happens when there is no change in the RSE ABN but there are resulting changes to the Unique superannuation identifier (USI) or account identifiers.
This may also be known as product consolidation or streamlining activity. See more information about IFTs and income streams.
When you are considering an SFT or an IFT, it is crucial to understand the significant impact on your members and their contributing employers. To minimise the impact, it is important to engage with us early and to ensure the timing of the SFT avoids critical dates such as the quarterly super guarantee due dates and the end of the financial year.
Engage with us early by completing the Successor Fund Transfer (SFT) and Intra Fund Transfer (IFT) form (XLSX, 651KB). Lodge using our Super Enquiry Service.
A member’s account can also be transferred to the ATO in accordance with the Superannuation (Unclaimed Money and Lost Members) Act 1999. However, this type of transfer is not covered as part of this protocol.
Regulation 6.29 of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 (SISR) states that a member’s benefits must not be transferred from a fund unless a member’s consent has been given.
Exceptions apply to successor fund transfers, intra-fund transfers and transfers to MySuper products when member consent is not required but specific criteria are met.
Transfers to MySuper products are outside the scope of this protocol and do not involve an SFT. These transfers should be considered in the context of normal fund reporting, as outlined in the various other protocols found in our fund reporting protocol.
When the trustee of the transferring fund transfers cash and other assets to a successor fund, the transferring fund makes a payment that is a super benefit, of each member’s benefit to the successor fund. The payment of each member’s benefit is a rollover super benefit.
To review the actions required from transferring and successor funds, use our SFT checklist for APRA funds.
Australian Prudential and Regulation Authority (APRA) provides superannuation prudential guidance that funds must follow. See details in SPG 227 Successor Fund Transfers and Wind-upsExternal Link.
Legislative guidance for funds is contained in Regulation 6.29 of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994.
For any unique reporting issues that arise as part of the SFT and or IFT, you can lodge an enquiry through our Super Enquiry Service with any questions or requests for advice.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
Angry, accusatory partisan exchanges over the Middle East war have dominated federal politics this week. But for most ordinary voters the issue remains “over there”.
Apart from the minorities for whom it has an immediate impact – Jewish people frightened by antisemitism, the Muslim community, those with families in Lebanon and elsewhere – it’s a tragedy without tangible relevance to their day-to-day lives.
On Thursday however, Treasurer Jim Chalmers warned the foreign crisis could feed directly into the domestic cost-of-living crisis, via the price of oil.
Midway through this week, oil was trading 11% lower than it was a year ago, but 7% higher than a week-and-a-half ago, Chalmers told a news conference.
Treasury estimates that if prices were 10% higher for an entire year, this would reduce Australia’s GDP by 0.1% and increase the consumer price index by 0.4 percentage points.
Nothing is certain about the coming months but the potential implications are obvious. Consumers would feel the effects at the petrol pump of the higher oil prices.
The Reserve Bank will also be watching the possible trajectory of oil prices, together with all the other indicators relevant to its decisions on interest rates. This is against the background of the government’s desperation for a rate cut (or two) before the election.
Although an increase in fuel prices (hitting businesses as well as families) would not be the government’s fault, it would be blamed.
According to Labor, at present there’s a disconnect between, on the one hand, the partisan political heat the Middle East war is generating and, on the other, the public’s lack of engagement with the issue.
Labor sources say focus group research this week, done with swinging voters, found most people aren’t closely following Middle East events.
Beyond that, they are generally satisfied with the government’s stand and don’t think the crisis is distracting it from the cost of living (which is separate from how they think the government is handling the cost of living).
This accords with this week’s Essential poll, in which 56% said they were satisfied with the government’s response on the Israel-Gaza war. Another 30% thought the government had been too supportive of Israel; 14% thought it had been too harsh on Israel.
Except among some of those directly invested, the Middle East crisis is not likely to be a vote changer.
In the domestic political battle, Dutton is trying to use the conflict to paint Albanese as weak. That’s a long bow on the issue itself, although more generally the prime minister and his government have come to be seen as having lost their way.
While Dutton is trying to define Albanese negatively, Albanese is attempting to make Dutton a bigger target.
Thus on Wednesday the prime minister, shortly before he jumped on his plane to attend the ASEAN-Australia summit in Laos, personally introduced legislation that would ensure the NBN remained in public hands.
If the Coalition didn’t vote for the bill, that would show it would sell the NBN, Labor claimed. It was a crude attempt at scare politics, easily seen through. The Coalition is not suggesting it would sell the NBN and if it did, would most people care? Anyway, originally Labor planned for the NBN to be privatised. Dutton ridiculed the tactic.
As we look to election year, the 2025 parliamentary sitting calendar came out this week. It has a fortnight sitting in February and pencils in a budget for March 25, which would set up a May poll. Of course this doesn’t rule out an earlier (March) election although Albanese has said more than once he plans a pre-election budget.
Regardless, we are already in the election campaign. At caucus on Tuesday Albanese was, for the second time recently, talking about the second term agenda.
Announcements are raining down like confetti especially related to cost-of-living issues. Supermarkets are being heavily targeted. Launching his merger reform legislation on Thursday, Chalmers said every supermarket merger would be screened, regardless of whether it fell under the new arrangements.
Present polls are showing the most likely election result, to be delivered by sour voters, is a hung parliament with a minority Labor government.
Albanese told caucus he was focused on winning majority government. Dutton knows that if the Coalition can’t win, the more crossbenchers it can force Labor to need to rely on, the more unstable a second-term Labor government would be.
Both sides have a great deal of bedding-down to do before the actual campaign.
Key items on Labor’s legislative agenda aren’t just not introduced, they are unseen – for instance, on gambling advertising, social media restrictions for young people, electoral funding.
Major bills are stuck in the parliament – notably on housing, where the Greens may eventually do a deal but are stringing out the pain.
On the other side, the Coalition has released minimal policy. On its controversial nuclear power plan, it has put out minimal details, in particular refusing to produce costings. It can’t hold back everything until the last moment.
When the formal campaign comes, how much will it matter?
There is the old saying “you can’t fatten the pig on market day”. In other words, the election result may be decided well before the actual campaign.
What do the last three elections (2016, 2019, 2022) tell us about the importance of the formal campaign? In each case, the result was narrow, a matter of a handful of seats.
In 2022, there was probably nothing Morrison could have done in the last weeks to salvage the situation – to use another farm metaphor, his goose was cooked. In the event, he ran a bad campaign.
In 2016 prime minister Malcolm Turnbull just scraped home; Turnbull’s flawed campaigning maximised the number of seats he lost.
In 2019, when it seemed Bill Shorten was almost certain to take Labor to victory, its defeat may have been sealed in the campaign itself, although its heavy policy load always put it in a precarious situation.
In 2022 Albanese was judged a poor campaigner. Aware of this, Labor strategists will be doing everything to make sure he is fully prepared for “gotcha” questions (on which he faltered last time) and the other hazards that can arise spontaneously.
Dutton’s forte is negativity, his natural style is the attack. But in those final weeks, more will be needed.
One challenge in leaving policy releases late is that holes can slip through, inviting slip ups.
Dutton has far from established himself as a rounded alternative prime minister. Indeed his current approach on the Middle East, completely lacking nuance, raises questions about how he would handle the complexities of foreign policy generally. It has not been reassuring.
Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Grattan on Friday: Oil prices could be where the Middle East crisis collides with Australia’s cost-of-living crisis – https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-oil-prices-could-be-where-the-middle-east-crisis-collides-with-australias-cost-of-living-crisis-241002
Source: Government of Western Samoa
(Nafanua – 2 October, 2024)
Susu le susuga i le Failauga Fa’amaoni – Semi Seruvakula
Director & UNESCO Representative to the Pacific States – Dr Shamila, Nair – Bedouelle
Esteemed CEOs and Stakeholders
Ladies and gentlemen,
Talofa lava!
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this important workshop to validate our National Science, Technology & Innovation Policy. I acknowledge the distinguished group of stakeholders and policymakers here with us today, who share a passion for advancing science, technology and innovation in our nation, ensuring it serves the public good.
Today marks a crucial moment in our collective journey. As we gather here, we’re not just discussing policy; we’re shaping how the future of science, technology and innovation interacts with our society. In recent years, we’ve witnessed advancements in research in these areas, from groundbreaking discoveries in agriculture and healthcare to innovative technologies addressing food security and climate change, as well as leaps of development in artificial intelligence. Yet, these advancements come with complex challenges that require thoughtful frameworks.
The purpose of this workshop is clear, we are here to validate our National Science, Technology & Innovation policy in its latest draft form, ensuring it is robust, transparent, and most importantly, relevant in shaping the diverse perspectives of the scientific community in Samoa.
Validation is not merely an exercise in approval; it is an opportunity for critical reflection and constructive dialogue. It is about asking the right questions: Is the proposed policy addressing the most pressing scientific challenges? Does it promote collaboration amongst the stakeholders and across our sectors? Does it foster innovation?
As we embark on validating and hopefully launching this important policy, I want to emphasize the importance of collaboration.
Science, technology and innovation thrives on diverse viewpoints. We have here policymakers, and technical experts in technology, education, health, environment, agriculture and other areas where science plays an important role. Each of you brings unique insights and experiences that are vital to finalizing a policy that truly serves our collective interests and most importantly, our people. Therefore, as we engage in discussions this morning, I encourage each of you to share your thoughts. Your expertise is invaluable and your contributions will help ensure that our policy is not only effective, but also reflective of our shared values.
I would like to extend my gratitude to UNESCO for their funding and support, which has been instrumental in the development of this Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) policy
In closing, I want to thank each of you for your commitment to this important document. Your dedication to advancing the policy will have a lasting impact in promoting science, technology and innovation in Samoa.
Fa’afetai!
Soifua and God Bless!
Lauga Autu Afioga i le Minisita o le SROS, La’auli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi i le Iloiloga ma le Fa’atalatalanoaga o le Faiga Fa’avae mo le Fa’asaienisi, Tekinalosi ma Mea Fou a le Fa’alapotopotoga o Su’esu’ega Fa’asaienisi o Samoa
(Nafanua – 2 Oketopa, 2024)
Susu le susuga i le Failauga Fa’amaoni – Semi Seruvakula
Afio le Taitaifono o le UNESCO mo le Pasefika – H.E. Dr Shamila Nair Bedouelle
Afifio Fa’auluuluga o Matagaluega ma Fa’alapotopotoga a le Malo
Afifio le Ma’ave ese’ese ua aofia potopoto nei
Talofa lava!
E fa’apōpō o aso ua a’o aso folau fo’i e le tu’ua e pei ona i ai le asō. Ua fa’amalo le soiufa laulelei ma le lagi e mama i le pa’ia ma le mamalu ua mafai ona afifio ma tala mai a’ao e tusa ai ma le fa’atalau’ula atu, se’i o tatou falē ma umufono talatala i le auga o le tatou fa’amoemoe i le asō.
O outou pa’ia e le popo i se fa’amatalaga, aua e tumau. E mai saua se’i pa’ia fili ma puletu’u na matemate ai malo.
Nona lea o le vi’iga i lo tatou Tapa’au Sili, aua o lona mata’isau ua mafua ai le asō.
O lea ua ma’ea momoli lapalapa o malo, ma sufi le ao o fa’asuaga o manū, auā la tatou taulaga osia o le fa’afetai i le Atua i lenei taeao.
O lo tatou ala lea i malo, ma le fa’apogai o manuia ua tatou sapi ai i le asō. Fa’afetai i lau susuga i le Failauga Fa’amaoni – lau Susuga Semi Seruvakula mo fa’amanuiaga fa’aleagaga e tomatau ai le fa’amoemoe o le asō. Tau ia ina ia alu ma le mana le fe’au o le talalelei ua laugaina e lana auauna.
Ae o le fiafiaga o le agaga e le fa’aitiitia, i le va’ava’ai atu i le afifio ma le tala mai o a’ao i le mamalu o le au vala’aulia ma pa’aga, o e o lo’o fito-i-tonu i ai lenei Faiga Fa’avae. O se Faiga fa’avae e taiala ai fuafuaga, o fa’atatauga ma galuega e patino i le Fa’asaienisi, Tekinalosi ma le Tomai o Faufauga o Meafou (Science, Technology and Innovation Policy).
E le ititi le taua ma le aoga o le Fa’asaienisi, Tekinalosi ma le Tomai e fausia ni Meafou i atina’e o malo uma o le lalolagi, ua loa ona outou silafia ma ua ou iloa. O le mafuaga lea o lo’o tinoū ma finafinau ai pea malo tetele uma ina ia si’itia tulaga o le Fa’asaienisi, Tekinalosi ma le Tomai o Faufauga o mea fou. Aua lava le manuia o le tamaoa’iga ma le atina’eina o latou malo.
O le auga fo’i lea o le tu’ufa’atasia ai o lenei faiga fa’avae. Ina ia fa’amati’e, fa’alauiloa ma una’ia le Fa’asaienisi, o le Tekinalosi, ma fa’amalosiaina o le Tomai e fausia ai ni mea fou. Ina ia mapo lelei ma aoga e le gata i le atina’eina o Samoa ae o le soifua lelei ma le manuia lautele o nai o tatou tagata.
O lo’u iloa a leai se Fa’asaienisi, Tekinalosi ma le Faufauga o Mea Fou e le iloa pe tua ma ni a le atina’eina o:
• Fa’atoaga ma Faigafaia,
• Soifua Maloloina
• Felauaiga o le vanimonimo, lauelele ma le sami
• Feso’otaiga i ona po nei
• Fausiaina o Maota ma Laoa..ma isi lava matata.
E le’i fausia Roma i se aso e tasi. E fa’apena fo’i se manatu. O le tatou ulua’i faiga fa’avae lea ua fatu-fatu ma ua toetoe a ma’ea. E i ai a suiga mai lea taimi i lea taimi, ae o le tatalo ia avea le ulua’i faiga fa’avae lea, e amata mea i le fa’amapu’epu’eina, fa’alauiloa ma fa’amalosia ai le itu tau Fa’asaienisi, Tekinalosi ma le Tomai o Faufuaga o Mea Fou (Science Technology and Innovation).
A’o outou alo atu i le la’asaga mulimuli mo le iloiloina o le faiga fa’avae, a’o le’i tu’uina atu mo le talia aloaia e le Kapeneta, ou te talosaga atu i le tou lagolago. E tofu outou ma manatu lelei ma le tomai fa’apitoa i so’o se vaega o le faiga fa’avae lenei, e aofia i lau auaunaga ma au matafaioi. O le tu’ualalo lava, aua ne’i oti i tua sou lagona, ae fa’ali uma aua le fa’aleleia o le tatou faiga fa’avae. E taua ou manatu, tomai ma ou lagona fa’aali.
A’o maua pea le avanoa, ou te fia fa’aleo le agaga fa’afetai i le UNESCO mo le lagolagoina o lenei fa’amoemoe. O le latou lagolago mai, fa’atasi ma si a tatou fo’i tu’utu’u la’au fa’a-manu iti atu, ua tu’ufa’atasia ai lenei faiga fa’avae.
A fa’aiuina lenei fa’amoemoe, tu’uama le fua, ia fa’amanuia tele le Atua i faiva ma tiute o lo’o outou fita-i-tuga ai. Manuia ou faiva alofi lima i so’o se vala’auina ua tofia ai aua le tautuaina o si o tatou malo.
Fa’afetai!
Soifua ma ia Manuia tele le tatou Aso!
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew P. Sinclair, Lecturer and Researcher of Education Policy, School of Education, Curtin University
On Thursday, federal Education Minister Jason Clare introduced a school funding bill to parliament.
The bill aims to set a new “floor” for how much the federal government contributes towards public school funding in Australia.
It would mean the Commonwealth has to contribute at least 20% of the schooling resource standard (how much funding a school needs to meet students’ educational needs) for public schools each year in all states and territories from 2025.
Clare argues it will provide “certainty” to schools, but it also comes in the middle of a standoff between the federal government and some states over school funding policy.
The bill proposes to change the current arrangement, under which the Commonwealth contributes 20% to the schooling resource standard of public schools. As the government explains:
This means the 20 per cent will become the minimum, not the maximum, the Commonwealth contributes to public schools.
The Albanese government says the bill will increase “transparency and accountability” and ensure funding cannot go backwards.
But it cannot be certain of parliamentary support – Greens and independent senators are among those pushing for the government to provide more funding for public schools than is currently on the table.
The bill also comes as the federal government is still trying to sign off new deals with some of the states and territories about their public school funding for next year.
The current agreements will run out at the end of the year. While the new proposed arrangements would increase the federal contribution, it’s not by as much as some states want.
So far, Clare has made agreements with Western Australia and Tasmania to increase the federal contribution from 20% to 22.5%. For the Northern Territory it will increase funding to a 40% contribution by 2029.
So far, it has not signed deals with New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia, which are pushing for a federal contribution of 25%.
The Australian Capital Territory is also yet to sign, despite its public schools receiving at least 100% of the schooling resource standard (via both federal and its own funds) for several years now.
Clare set a deadline of September 30 for the holdout states to sign on for the 2.5% funding boost, or risk losing an extra A$16 billion in funding. But that has passed without any compromise from either side.
At the very least, the introduction of the bill to federal parliament is symbolically significant, particularly in light of the Commonwealth’s willingness to increase its contribution to the school resource standard of public schools.
But politics is never far away in school funding policy. Critics could argue the bill is more of a box-ticking exercise, rather than substantive reform. Indeed, the change in wording to a 20% minimum was inevitable given the specifics of the funding agreements already signed with Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
Critics might also point out national school funding policy is currently a bit of a mess, with four of the five most populous Australian states ignoring the government’s new funding deal. And they could remind us this agreement has already been delayed by a year. The previous one expired at the end of 2023 and was extended for 12 months by the Albanese government.
The bill does nothing to bring the holdout states any closer to signing on to the new funding agreement.
But this does not mean the federal government will withdraw its funding when school starts next year. Instead, the current funding arrangements will continue for another 12 months. This is why Clare says $16 billion in “additional investment” is on the table for public schools.
With a federal election due next year, it is even possible there will be no resolution before Australians go to the polls. This continues the fight over the schooling resource standard funding for public schools, which has has been ongoing since the so-called Gonski Review was made public in 2012.
Matthew P. Sinclair 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. There’s a new school funding bill in parliament. Will this end the funding wars? – https://theconversation.com/theres-a-new-school-funding-bill-in-parliament-will-this-end-the-funding-wars-240994
Source: City of Leicester
PREPARATIONS are well under way for Leicester’s annual Diwali Day celebration, which takes place on Thursday 31 October.
Displays featuring more than 6,000 LED lights have been put in place along the city’s Golden Mile, and the Wheel of Light – a 35-metre illuminated ferris wheel which takes pride of place on Belgrave Road – will open this Saturday.
The Diwali Day festivities will kick off at 3pm on 31 October, with the opening of the Diwali Village on Cossington Street Recreation Ground. A children’s funfair and arts and crafts will be among the activities on offer, as well as Indian food and drinks.
Sponsored by Lidl GB, the Diwali Village will also feature a Fire Garden, offering a peaceful spot amid the hustle and bustle on the park.
Leicester’s annual Rangoli exhibition will open at 4pm on Diwali Day. Brought to the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre by the city council and Tilda, it will feature vibrant modern, and traditional Rangoli patterns, celebrating the ancient form of folk-art using bright powders, often seen on doorsteps at Diwali.
Entertainment including Indian dancing will begin at 5pm on the park’s main stage, with performances organised by the Hindu Festival Council. At the same time, the Red Bull DJ truck will be providing music and energising the Belgrave Road. A family-friendly programme of street art and processions will also take place on the road throughout the evening.
The finale to the celebrations will be a stunning firework display, starting at around 7.30pm.
Cllr Vi Dempster, asst city mayor for culture said: “Diwali Day is always a special time in Leicester, and this year will be no exception. As usual, we are extending a warm welcome to everyone who wants to join us, and we look forward to sharing our celebrations with you.
“We have a wide range of events taking place across the city in the coming weeks, and with lots of fantastic shops and restaurants to enjoy on the Golden Mile, you don’t need to wait for Diwali Day to visit us.”
This year’s festivities are being sponsored by Malabar Gold & Diamonds, which recently opened its second UK showroom on Leicester’s Golden Mile. Mohammed Ziad, Head of UK Business Operations said: “We are absolutely delighted to be supporting Leicester’s Diwali Day event.
“As a new business on the Golden Mile, we can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate our arrival to the city than to give our backing to these wonderful celebrations for the festival of light.”
Ranked as the 6th largest jewelry retailer globally, Malabar Gold & Diamonds boasts a vast network of more than 360 showrooms across the world, including those in Australia, the Middle East, the Far East, and India. Its other UK showroom is in the East Shopping Centre on London’s Green Street.
Activities taking place in the build-up to Diwali Day include the opening of the Wheel of Light, an illuminated big wheel, which will be offering visitors a birds-eye view of the area from Saturday 12 October to 2 November.
Leicester’s Attenborough Arts Centre will be hosting an evening of Hindustani classical music performed by Aayush Mohan and Sanju Sahai on Friday 18 October.
And John Lewis Leicester has joined with the Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Leicester, to put on cultural performances in the Highcross store on Saturday 19 October; with the Haymarket Shopping Centre offering a puppet making working workshop, and performances from the Nupur Arts Dance Academy on the following Saturday – 25 October.
A spectacular waterside event featuring a Waterfall of Light will take place at Leicester’s Outdoor Pursuits Centre (OPC) on the evening of Sunday 26 October. The Canal & River Trust, working in partnership with the OPC, will be holding community workshops to create a magical lights trial that will feature at the events, and activities on the water will be among the many on offer on the night.
As part of Diwali celebrations at Curve Leicester, the Centre for Indian Classical Dance will be presenting a Ramayan storytelling workshop and performance on Saturday 26 October; and at Leicester Cathedral, visitors can enjoy its annual concert of Diwali Indian music, put on in partnership with the Sitar Music Society.
A guide to all of the activities on offer is available from the Visit Leicester website.
Diwali is an ancient festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains all over the world. Often described as the festival of lights, it celebrates light over darkness and good over evil. It’s a time for exchanging presents and wishing goodwill to all.
Source: New South Wales Ministerial News
The Minns Labor Government is investing $7.5 million into Multilingual NSW which will deliver the new Multilingual NSW Academy for translators and interpreters to further strengthen NSW’s linguistic diversity and government services.
The Multilingual NSW Academy will support the development and sustainability of translating and interpreting services across the State and fulfil a 2024-25 Budget commitment.
The Academy will explore new opportunities for partnerships and collaborations with leading training organisations, including University of New South Wales, Macquarie University, Western Sydney University and TAFE NSW. The Academy aims to increase the specialist and digital competency of Multicultural NSW’s more-than 1,000 language professionals by providing them with skills to work more effectively on NSW Government assignments.
Digital uplift through technology and training will be a key feature of the Academy supported by an investment in new technology. Additionally, the Academy will embrace the customer-centric way of working as championed by the Department of Customer Service.
At a recent event to recognise the work of NSW Government translators and interpreters and launch the new Multilingual NSW academy, three long serving Multicultural NSW employees were recognised for their 40-year professional commitment to their communities.
Polish translator Czeslaw Olechnowicz, Hindi interpreter Neena Sinha and Thai translator and interpreter Songsri Foran were recognised with medals to commemorate their service.
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
“Translators and interpreters have a crucial role in ensuring everyone in NSW has access to important information and services, which is why we’re investing in our people.”
“Multilingual NSW is focusing on building the skills and capabilities of our translators and interpreters so that language is no longer a barrier to our multicultural community accessing government services.”
“This significant investment delivers on the government’s plan to build strong, diverse communities and a better NSW for everyone.”
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:
“With almost 1 in 3 people living in NSW born overseas and more than 280 languages spoken in homes across the state, it is essential we deliver the resources and services our communities need to stay connected.”
“We are working on a Digital Inclusion Strategy which puts people at the centre of how we roll out technological innovations and develop solutions which focus on diversity and accessibility and bridge the digital divide.”
“This digital funding will support the rollout of new technology which will support more effective translation and interpreting services to benefit our linguistically diverse residents.”
“This is about delivering digital for people, with the needs of the community being considered at every step.”
Source: US State of Hawaii
Posted on Oct 9, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom
DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA
JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA
ANNE LOPEZ
ATTORNEY GENERAL
LOIO KUHINA
News Release 2024-44
DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL LAUNCHES ONLINE RESOURCE FOR PEOPLE SUPPORTING THOSE WITH SERIOUS MENTAL-HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE-ABUSE ISSUES
Webpage is Designed to Help Practitioners and Loved Ones with Assisted Community Treatment Legal Process
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2024
HONOLULU – The Department of the Attorney General has launched a webpage for those who seek the department’s help with filing assisted community treatment (ACT) petitions in family court, to provide treatment for those with serious mental illnesses or substance abuse that can render them dangerous to themselves or others.
“Assisted community treatment is a holistic legal framework intended to support individuals with severe mental health and substance abuse issues in breaking free from detrimental cyclical patterns in which they episodically become dangerous to themselves or others,” said Special Assistant to the Attorney General Dave Day. “The Department of the Attorney General looks forward to working with practitioners and the people of Hawaiʻi who seek to help their patients and loved ones through ACT.”
In 2013, the Hawaiʻi Legislature established the ACT law with the intent of providing support for someone who has a mental illness or drug addiction, who has demonstrated that without such support they will likely become unsafe in the community, and who may have difficulty participating in treatment. ACT is based in the community and is founded upon a family court-ordered treatment plan issued after a petition is filed. An ACT petition may be sought by a concerned parent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, adult child, reciprocal beneficiary, service provider, case manager, outreach worker, or mental health professional.
In 2024, the Legislature provided that the Department of the Attorney General generally shall assist with the preparation and filing of ACT petitions and with the presentation of the case at any related court proceeding, although such assistance may be declined. The department’s ACT webpage includes forms and instructions that will facilitate this process, including legal definitions, forms and ways of submitting the necessary information to the department.
“Assisted community treatment is a practice of providing community-based services to support people who have had difficulty engaging with treatment for their serious mental health conditions. ACT can improve a sense of personal engagement in treatment, support recovery in the community, and help people who are caught in a revolving cycle of hospitalization, incarceration, and homelessness,” said Michael K. Champion, M.D., Senior Advisor for Mental Health and the Justice System to Governor Josh Green, M.D. “The Department of the Attorney General’s assistance with the ACT petitioning process and court proceedings is an important step in lowering barriers and improving access to needed care.”
“In Hawaiʻi, there have been a number of successful ACT cases with individuals suffering from severe mental illness. Having an involved treatment team is critical to the success of each of these cases,” said Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Marian Tsuji. “The Department of Health is working to expand use of the law across the state.”
“Through an ACT order, individuals who do not realize the severity of their own illness, as well as the risk that treatment noncompliance may pose to themselves or others, are given the opportunity to be treated in the least restrictive setting by providers committed to their care,” said Deputy Attorney General Ian Tsuda, one of Hawaiʻi’s leading ACT practitioners. “The Department of the Attorney General recognizes that many in Hawaiʻi face challenges with such illnesses and are committed to supporting those seeking help for individuals who need this level of care.”
The webpage can be found on the Department of the Attorney General’s website at https://ag.hawaii.gov/act_petition_info/. The webpage can also be accessed from the Department’s webpage in the “Division Links” column or the “Quick Links” pull-down menu.
###
Media Contacts:
Dave Day
Special Assistant to the Attorney General
Office: 808-586-1284
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov
Toni Schwartz
Public Information Officer
Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General
Office: 808-586-1252
Cell: 808-379-9249
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov
Source: ASEAN
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today participated in the 4th ASEAN-Australia Summit, in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The Summit was attended by the ASEAN Leaders or their representatives, the Prime Minister of Australia, and the Secretary-General of ASEAN. Timor-Leste attended as Observer.
The Meeting underlined the significance of the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to further strengthening the partnership in line with the Vision Statement and Melbourne Declaration adopted at the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit held in March earlier this year. The Meeting also welcomed the new Plan of Action (2025-2029) and looked forward to its effective implementation.
The post The 4th ASEAN-Australia Summit reaffirms commitment to enhancing partnership appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: Government of Western Samoa
The Australian Border Force (ABF) has further strengthened its partnership with Samoa’s Ministry of Customs and Revenue (MCR) through the donation of essential equipment and safety gear. The handover ceremony held at the Customs Office in Matautu on Wednesday 2nd October 2024, was officiated by Reverend Elder Molī Molī of the EFKS Matautu-tai parish. The ceremony also marked another milestone in the long-standing relationship between Samoa and Australia.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, H.E Will Robinson, reaffirmed the commitment to enhancing border security with the delivery of equipment, including two Smiths high scan cabinet X-ray units, Narcotic Identification Kits, four personal radiation detectors, and personal protective equipment (PPE’s) including high viz vests and safety boots. In addition, ABF experts also provided two weeks of specialized training for Customs and Biosecurity officers, focusing on the safe operation of the equipment and advanced inspection techniques.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa who is also Minister for MCR, Hon. Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, accepted the kind donation and expressed sincerest gratitude to the Australian government and ABF for their ongoing support. He emphasized the importance of the donation in safeguarding Samoa’s borders and acknowledged ABF Inspector Michelle Bond for her role in facilitating the initiative. He also urged MCR staff to ensure that the new equipment be put to good use to enhance the Ministry’s border enforcement efforts, ultimately benefiting Samoa.
The ceremony concluded with the signing of Memorandum of Understanding and exchange of gift certification relative to the donated items between the ABF and MCR.
End
SOURCE – Ministry of Customs & Revenue Samoa