NewzIntel.com

Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI: Innofactor Plc: Notification of major holdings in accordance with Chapter 9, Section 10 of the Finnish Securities Markets Act

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Innofactor Plc                Stock exchange release        September 26, 2024, at 9:45 (EEST)

    Innofactor Plc has on September 25, 2024, received a notification from Onni Bidco under Chapter 9, Section 5 of the Finnish Securities Markets Act, according to which Onni Bidco Oy’s direct holding in Innofactor’s shares increased above the 30 percent threshold.

    Total positions of Onni Bidco Oy according to the notification:

             
      % of shares and voting rights % of shares and voting rights through financial instruments Total of both in % Total number of shares and voting rights of issuer
    Resulting situation on the date on which threshold was crossed or reached 30.09
    (+50.32)            		 0.41 30.49
    (+50.32 = 80.81)    		 36,343,691
    Positions of previous notification
    (if applicable)    		 28.37 21.84 50.20  

    Notified details of the resulting situation on the date on which the threshold was crossed or reached:

    A: Shares and voting rights

    Class / type of shares Number of shares and voting rights % of shares and voting rights
      Direct (SMA 9:5) Indirect (SMA 9:6 and 9:7) Direct (SMA 9:5) Indirect (SMA 9:6 and 9:7)
    Onni Bidco: Innofactor Plc share FI0009007637 10,934,048
    (+18,288,674)    		   30.09
    (+50.32)    		  
    Subtotal A 10,934,048
    (+18,288,674)    		 30.09
    (+50.32)

    B: Financial instruments according to SMA 9:6a

    Type of financial instrument Expiration date Exercise / Conversion period Physical or cash settlement Number of shares and voting rights % of shares and voting rights
    Tender offer consortium agreement     Share delivery through the acceptance of the tender offer 148,127 0.41
      Subtotal B 148,127 0.41

    Full chain of controlled undertakings through which the voting rights and/or the financial instruments are effectively held starting with the ultimate controlling natural person or legal entity:

    Name % of shares and voting rights % of shares and voting rights through financial instruments Total of both
    CapMan Growth Equi-ty Fund III Ky              
    Onni Topco Oy      
    Onni Midco Oy      
    Onni Bidco Oy 30.09
    (+50.32)    		 0.41 30.49
    (+50.32 = 80.81)

    Further, according to Onni Bidco Oy’s notification:

    CapMan Growth Equity Fund III Ky, a fund managed by the investment company CapMan Growth (CapMan Growth), Sami Ensio, through the holding company Ensio Investment Group Oy controlled by him, and co-investor Osprey Capital Oy have formed a consortium for the purposes of the public tender offer for the shares in Innofactor Plc made on 22 July 2024. Onni Bidco Oy, the offeror, formed for the purposes of the public tender offer, is currently owned by CapMan Growth. Onni Bidco Oy has acquired shares of Innofactor Plc through transactions made on September 25, 2024, resulting in a direct ownership of 10,934,048 shares and its direct ownership of shares and the voting rights they generate has now exceeded the 30 percent threshold. In accordance with the announcement made on September 19, 2024, regarding the final result of Onni Bidco Oy’s public tender offer, Onni Bidco Oy has decided to proceed with the public tender offer in accordance with its terms. Therefore, the 18,288,674 shares validly tendered in the public offer (including the shares under the control of Sami Ensio, excluding certain shares received as board remuneration totaling 148,127), which represent approximately 50.32 percent of Innofactor Plc’s shares and voting rights, will be transferred to the ownership of Onni Bidco Oy following the completion of the transactions related to the public tender offer, with the transfer expected to be finalized around October 10, 2024. These shares have been reported in this notification as the direct ownership of Onni Bidco Oy in parentheses, as the completion of the tender offer has been confirmed. According to an agreement between the consortium members, Sami Ensio has undertaken, subject to certain conditions and potential limitations, to accept the public tender offer in respect of all Innofactor Plc shares under his control. As the consortium members are acting in consert in making the public tender offer, the 148,127 shares obtained as board remuneration that are still under the control of Sami Ensio disclosed in this notification are disclosed as ownership based on a financial instrument. Although the ownership of the parties acting in concert now exceeds both 30 and 50 percent of the voting rights generated by Innofactor Plc’s shares, there is no obligation to make a mandatory public tender offer due to the exemption provided by Section 21, first paragraph, of Chapter 11 of the Securities Markets Act. 

    Espoo, September 26, 2024

    INNOFACTOR PLC

    Antti Rokala, CFO

    Additional information:
    Antti Rokala, CFO, antti.rokala@innofactor.com, +358 40 480 2752
    Lasse Lautsuo, CMO, ir@innofactor.com, +358 50 480 1597

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Deceased whale floating off Great Sandy Straits

    Source: Government of Queensland

    Issued: 24 Sep 2024

    Marine Park rangers have secured a deceased adult humpback in a secluded location near Dream Island in the Great Sandy Straits off K’gari (formally Fraser Island).

    A member of the public reported the whale to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) on 22 September 2024.

    Marine Park rangers conducted a visual inspection of the whale on 23 September 2024 and confirmed it was deceased.

    The adult humpback whale is approximately 10 to 12 metres in length. No necropsy will be performed but samples of the animal have been taken for analysis.

    Marine Park rangers towed the whale approximately one kilometre from where it initially beached itself to secured mangroves in the local area to allow the natural processes of decomposition to continue.

    During the annual migration, whales can strand or die for different reasons including poor health, injury or predation.

    Whenever a whale strands or moves on the tides in open water, people are advised to stay away from the animal. Whales can carry zoonotic diseases, and people are advised never to touch them.

    People must be aware that sharks feed on whale carcasses, which can increase the danger if people approach a stranded or deceased whale.

    Deceased or stranded marine life, including whales, should be reported immediately to DES on 1300 130 372 or to the relevant council.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Bushfire advice for Carnarvon National Park

    Source: Government of Queensland

    Issued: 24 Sep 2024

    The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is responding to a bushfire burning within Carnarvon National Park and multiple adjoining properties. The bushfire entered the national park from a neighbouring property.

    One front of the bushfire is burning near Bunbuncundoo Springs camping area in the Ka Ka Mundi section of the national park. Another front is burning in the Mount Moffatt section of the national park.

    As a precaution, Rangers have temporarily closed the Sandstone day-use area and all walking tracks departing from the day-use area. Campers have been relocated for their safety. The Ka Ka Mundi facilities have been temporarily closed.

    Bushfire suppression activities are in progress, and Rangers will continue to respond to the situation working with the Queensland Fire Department, other assisting resources and neighbours. Further closures may be possible.

    There are no immediate threats to visitors in the national park. Recent planned burn operations in the area are expected to help reduce the impacts of the bushfire.

    The public is requested to please observe all signage, barriers and directions from Rangers and firefighters, and do not enter closed areas.

    As a result of the fire, smoke may be seen in nearby areas. If smoke affects you, stay indoors where possible and keep respiratory medication close by.

    Check the Park Alerts website for the latest park conditions before you travel. The sections of the park closed due to the bushfire will reopen when safe.

    Further information:

    During 2023-24, the department responded to 377 bushfires, including 344 that impacted on Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service estate, resulting in the burning of 1,057,286 hectares of parks and forests. Of the 344 bushfires on estate, 149 started on neighbouring land and moved onto Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service estate, burning approximately 649,564 hectares.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia 2024 Preventing Violence Hackathon

    Source: Australian Ministers for Social Services

    *Check against delivery*

    Good afternoon everyone and thank you for having me here today.

    I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and acknowledge their custodianship.

    I pay my respects to the Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.

    I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge anyone here who has lived or living experience with family, domestic, and sexual violence.

    The voices of victim-survivors are central to all our efforts, and I offer my deepest thanks to those who share their experiences as a platform for change.

    I would also like to recognise here with us today:

    • Holly Donaldson, CAPHIA Executive Director and the CAPHIA Board of Directors
    • Lisa Hall, Sheelagh Lawler, Rebecca Johnson and the University of Queensland Public Health team
    • Associate Professor Courtney Ryder, Injury Prevention Discipline Lead at Flinders University and CAPHIA Board Member and Director
    • Jack Feng, Chief Student Entrepreneur, University of Queensland, Mindmuse.care Co-Founder, and
    • Damian Topp, Challenge DV Board Member, Chief Executive Officer PA Research Foundation.

    As we all know, family, domestic and sexual violence is an issue that remains pervasive within our society.

    It has long term and far-reaching impacts – affecting children, families, friends, work colleagues, communities and society as a whole.

    Ending violence requires sustained and collective efforts across all parts of society.

    The Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments in Australia have committed to these efforts through the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children.

    This is our national policy framework which seeks to end violence against women and children within a generation.

    Within the National Plan, family, domestic and sexual violence is called out as a health issue.

    Victim-survivors may experience physical injuries including lifelong disability and increased pain, as well as mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, fear.

    These issues will no doubt continue to affect them throughout their lives.

    Viewing family, domestic and sexual violence through a public health lens presents the opportunity to understand its multifaceted nature.

    It also helps us to better understand the significant and often lifelong health and wellbeing impacts for victim-survivors, family members and communities.

    Family, domestic and sexual violence is preventable when addressed within a systemic framework.

    In 2022, the Albanese Labor Government appointed the first federal Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner, Micaela Cronin.

    Commissioner Cronin just last month tabled her first yearly report to Parliament. The report noted that of workforces that respond to domestic, family and sexual violence, 90 per cent are medical professionals and allied health workers.

    Health services which are person-centred, trauma informed and coordinated across public health services with other support services can enable effective support and treatment while ensuring safety is a priority.

    And importantly at this conference, we can consider what can be done to enhance healthcare workers’ knowledge of family, domestic and sexual violence.

    Because we know that primary health care professionals are often a first point of contact, and therefore play a vital role in prevention, early identification and responding to family, domestic and sexual violence.

    It’s vital to look across all service support systems and how they interact to support those that need help.

    As I stand here at a university, it would be remiss of me not to mention the important role universities play when it comes to ending gender-based violence.

    As with all workplaces, universities also have an important role in reducing, preventing and responding appropriately to sexual harassment and violence.

    The Albanese Government recently introduced legislation to establish an independent National Student Ombudsman to investigate student complaints and resolve disputes with universities, including in relation to sexual assault and sexual harassment.

    A National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence will also be established.

    Universities also have a critical part to play in furthering the research and evidence we need.

    Everyone across our community has a part to play and I commend the students and judges participating in these Hackathon pitches, and all of you here today – students, academics and educators – for your work and your interest in this important issue.

    I encourage you all to think broadly about how we can prevent gender-based violence, knowing that where a person interacts with a service – be it a GP, a counsellor, or a police officer – might be one of the only opportunities we have to help them.

    I look forward to getting feedback from these pitches, and hope you enjoy the rest of the forum.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW Government delivers funding to support all recreational fishers

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 26 September 2024

    Released by: Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW

    The Minns Labor Government has today announced funding of $1.8 million for grants to improve recreational fishing as part of the 2024/2025 Recreational Fishing Trust grants program.

    The NSW Government is committed to supporting recreational fishing and making it more accessible to everyone across the state.

    This is demonstrated in funding for 21 projects that will contribute to the delivery of the Government’s election commitment to make fishing more welcoming to people with disabilities.

    Some of the newly funded projects enabling better access include:

    • $375,000 in the Shoalhaven to repair, refurbish and upgrade five fishing platforms with improved accessibility
    • $98,300 in Hay to allow better and safer access to a local fishing platform and boat ramp
    • $11,035 in Davistown to replace ageing platform and build a pedestrian bridge with disabled access
    • $26,210 in Tumbulgum to provide local fiish cleaning facilities next to the jetty with disabled access
    • $79,500 in Port Macquarie/Hastings for multiple fish cleaning facilities
    • $10,000 for Fishing4All to introduce people with intellectual impairment to fishing 

    In total, 24 projects from external applicants will receive $1.8 million in funding, as recommended by the Recreational Fishing

    NSW Advisory Council. The areas receiving funding cover the following:

    • $717,612 – fishing access and facilities
    • $85,000 – recreational fishing enhancement
    • $552,000 – recreational fishing education
    • $444,000 – aquatic habitat protection and rehabilitation

    The next funding round for Recreational Fishing Trust Grants will open on 6 November and will open up for applications the Government’s new $2 million recreational fishing small infrastructure grant program.

    This new program will make it easier for fishing clubs, community groups and other organisations to apply for funding for grassroots projects.

    As part of the next round, the Government will boost communications with all fishers and clubs so that they know when and how to apply for grants to improve their local areas.

    Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

    “Fishing licence fees have been put to work to improve the state’s recreational fishing facilities, fishing habitats and opening up fishing to more people.

    “I am pleased to see some significant new facilities being funded to welcome people with a disability into fishing around our state, both inland or along the coast.

    “There are some big and small projects that will benefit many people, including Morisset High School receiving funding for students with disabilities to engage with fishing, to a fly-fishing day for people who have experienced breast cancer in the New England region.

    “The NSW Government is committed to supporting the recreational fishing community and seeing it contribute to regional tourism where it is creating jobs and generating income.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Government boosts access to the contraceptive pill at pharmacies across NSW

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 26 September 2024

    Released by: The Premier, Minister for Health, Minister for Women

    Thousands of women across NSW will have easier, more affordable access to the oral contraceptive pill as a 12-month trial is made permanent by the Minns Labor Government.

    Since the oral contraceptive pill trial began in September 2023, more than 500 pharmacies have delivered over 2,000 consultations to women in NSW.

    From Saturday 28 September 2024, NSW pharmacists who have completed the required training and work in pharmacies with suitable facilities will be able to offer this service as part of their usual business.

    Women who have been using these contraceptive options continuously for the last two years, as prescribed by a doctor (GP) or nurse practitioner, and require a refill of their script, will be able to access extended supply for up to 12 months without having to visit their doctor for a prescription.

    The NSW Government will make the existing service more accessible by expanding patient age eligibility criteria from 18-35 years to 18-49 years. Women aged 40-49 will now be able to access extended supply for up to three months without having to visit their doctor for a prescription, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

    The announcement follows the successful implementation of the first phase of the NSW Pharmacy Trial in May 2024, which saw more than 3,300 NSW pharmacists provide more than 18,000 consultations to women aged 18 to 65 with symptoms of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI).  The UTI service transitioned to usual pharmacy care from 1 June 2024.

    The third and final phase of the trial allowing pharmacists to manage common minor skin conditions is underway and will be running until early 2025.

    A detailed evaluation of all three phases of the NSW Pharmacy Trial will be provided to NSW Health in 2025 and will inform future expansion of services.

    The NSW Government is committed to expanding the role of community pharmacists outside the trial framework, and is working with NSW universities to develop formal training courses for pharmacists to manage a range of common conditions where clinically appropriate. 

    Quotes attributable to Premier Chris Minns:

    “We know that people across NSW are doing it tough right now, even cutting back on essential healthcare because of affordability.

    “This trial has been a huge success, and now we’ll make it permanent – women who are eligible will be able to go to their pharmacist to renew an existing script.

    “At a time when seeing a GP can be difficult, we hope that this service will make it a little bit easier for women to access affordable healthcare, where and when they need it.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

    “I am excited to announce that women in NSW will now have easier ongoing access to continue their chosen contraceptive option as a result of the oral contraceptive pill trial service becoming usual business for community pharmacies in NSW.

    “It has been amazing to see over a thousand pharmacists across the state sign up to take part in each of the trial’s three phases so far, and this has prompted us to look at more ways they can help our communities.

    “Earlier this month, the NSW Government announced thousands of people across NSW will in the near future be able to access treatment for ear infections, wound management, gastro, acne, muscle and joint pain at their local pharmacy, boosting access to fast, convenient healthcare across NSW.

    “By empowering pharmacists to undertake consultations for these common conditions and medications, we can help improve access to primary care services which will relieve the pressure on the state’s busy GPs and our hospital system.

    “We are working with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia to ensure pharmacists have the support they need to continue delivering best practice and connected primary care.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Jodie Harrison

    “Women’s timely access to quality health services, their health needs and sexual and reproductive health is a priority for the NSW Government.

    “Making the trial permanent is a real win for women in NSW, who, if eligible, can now access the contraceptive pill at their local pharmacy. It not only increases accessibility, it saves time and GP costs, for busy women in our state.”

    Quotes attributable to Catherine Bronger, Senior Vice of President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, NSW Branch:

    “With our GPs stretched, community pharmacists have provided thousands of women with repeat prescriptions of the oral contraceptive pill under the NSW Government’s trial.

    “Making the availability of the pill at community pharmacies is the right thing for women and our communities.”

    Quotes attributable to Pharmaceutical Society of Australia New South Wales President Luke Kelly:

    “Pharmacists across New South Wales continue to show that we can do more to support our patients. Giving our patients the option to access contraception through skilled community pharmacists is an important step in making reproductive care more accessible to women across the state.

    “I congratulate the Minister on solidifying the role of pharmacists in the continuous supply of oral contraceptives as a permanent part of the New South Wales health care system.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Invasive animals removed to protect Barrington Tops World Heritage Area

    Source: New South Wales Environment and Heritage

    The park will reopen on Friday 27 September following the removal of invasive animals including pigs, rabbits, hares and horses from critical areas of the park through aerial and ground shooting operations.

    Part of the park has been closed for 4 weeks during the operation, with public alerts on the NPWS website, onsite signage and standard notifications in place.

    Barrington Tops National Park is a world heritage listed area. Invasive animals are one of the major threats to its unique plants and animals.

    These animals have been damaging fragile sub-alpine areas across Barrington Tops, leading to the destruction of native plants, soil erosion and degradation of habitat for endangered species such as the broad-toothed rat and endangered orchid species.

    There have also been risks to the public, including incursions into campgrounds and popular walking areas.

    The operation focussed on areas of the park where invasive animals pose the greatest risk to world heritage and other values. This included aerial shooting in and around the sensitive Phytophthora quarantine area to reduce the potential spread of this soil-borne pathogen.

    The recent program follows NPWS’ efforts throughout the year to remove invasive animals such as pigs, foxes, wild dogs, deer, cats, rabbits and hares from the national park by methods such as ground trapping, baiting and ground and aerial shooting.

    NPWS will seek interest from individuals and organisations interested in rehoming horses from the park and, subject to interest, will undertake trapping for rehoming in 2025.

    Visitors can keep up to date with the most recent update in all lands managed by NPWS: Alerts for NSW National Parks.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Condobolin upgrades completed through Roads to Home

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 26 September 2024

    Released by: Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, Minister for Lands and Property

    Aboriginal communities in  Condobolin are celebrating completion of $2.8 million in essential infrastructure upgrades funded by the NSW Government to support social, economic and employment benefits for the area.

    The Roads to Home program in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has funded Condobolin Local Aboriginal Land Council to upgrade infrastructure at the Willow Bend village in Condobolin.

    Infrastructure improvements have included upgraded roads and guttering, footpaths, an amenities block, stormwater drainage and sewerage infrastructure, new streetlighting, new house fencing, upgrades to the community basketball and tennis courts and public gardens, landscaping, a community yarning circle, and a new village entrance sign.

    Upgrades have also occurred to a levee bank at the village which has been reinforced in sections and new flood gates and drainage flaps installed to help control flooding from the nearby Lachlan River.

    The delivery of infrastructure upgrades to normal standards enhances quality of life for residents and improves access to services, including household waste collection, postal delivery, emergency vehicles and community transport.

    A key feature of Roads to Home projects is ensuring there are employment and training opportunities for local Aboriginal communities. The Condobolin project provided training for 10 residents and work for 8.

    The Minns Labor Government has so far committed a total of $173.8 million through the Roads to Home program to enable upgrades in 34 discrete Aboriginal communities.

    Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

    “It’s fantastic to see these upgrades delivered to bring infrastructure up to acceptable standards to benefit the residents of the Willow Bend village in Condobolin.

    “Infrastructure upgrades such as these are very important for Aboriginal communities as they improve quality of life and empower residents by supporting better health and safety and facilitating improved access to community services.”

    Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

    “The Roads to Home program is correcting an historic injustice where Aboriginal communities on former missions and reserves across NSW were left to fend for themselves without the types of infrastructure and services that communities in the rest of the state take for granted.

    “It is a unique program that takes a partnership approach to empower Aboriginal landowners to make decisions about essential infrastructure upgrades in their communities to improve social outcomes while providing training and employment opportunities.

    “We know there are better Closing the Gap outcomes when local Aboriginal communities and people drive shared decision-making and self-determination.”

    Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

    “Its always great to see investment in Barwon communities.

    “Things like reinforcing the levee to prevent inundation from the Lachlan river, along with upgrading the roads and building an amenities block, are not luxury items but they bring residents some much needed improvements that make Willow Bend a much better place to live.

    “It has a net benefit to peoples wellbeing when they see investment and improvement in their community”

    Condobolin Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Louise Davis said:

    “The infrastructure upgrades have made a big difference. The village looks a lot better than it did before and the improvements have given residents ownership and pride in the community.

    “As part of the project, local residents got work and training with machinery including excavators and backhoes, and in fencing. and concreting.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Commissioners appointed to lead consultation with Aboriginal people on agreement making

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 26 September 2024

    Released by: Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty

    The NSW Government is delivering on its election commitment to consult with Aboriginal people about their desire for a treaty process, with the appointment of three commissioners to lead a process with Aboriginal people and communities across NSW.

    The commissioners will lead a 12-month consultation to hear from Aboriginal people. This will include asking whether Aboriginal communities want an agreement-making process with government, and if so, what form that process could take.

    NSW is home to the largest Aboriginal population in Australia. The commissioners will engage with Aboriginal communities across metropolitan, rural, regional and remote parts of NSW, before delivering a report on their findings to the Government.

    The appointees bring with them experience, expertise and connections to Aboriginal people and communities.

    The Government has appointed former senator Aden Ridgeway, academic Todd Fernando and Koori Mail newspaper CEO Naomi Moran to the roles.

    The commissioners have been appointed for a fixed term of two years following an open, competitive process led by an independent Aboriginal advisory panel.

    Consultation about agreement making aligns directly with NSW’s bipartisan commitment to the 2020 Closing the Gap National Agreement signed by then prime minister Scott Morrison and then premier Gladys Berejiklian.

    The Closing the Gap Agreement includes a commitment to formal partnerships and shared decision-making with Aboriginal people to help close the gap faster in areas such as life expectancy, health and education.

    Aboriginal people and communities hold answers to issues they face. When Aboriginal people have a direct say in these issues, the whole community gets better outcomes.

    Over coming months, the commissioners will develop a detailed consultation plan, with consultations to commence in 2025.

    Interstate treaty and agreement-making processes have not been simple nor fast. This is the first step in work that could drive improved outcomes for Aboriginal people, and all NSW taxpayers, so the NSW Government will not be rushing.

    The NSW Government allocated $5 million for this work in the September 2023 budget.

    Find out more about the consultation

    Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

    “The appointment of the treaty commissioners is central to the process of listening to Aboriginal people on treaty and agreement-making.

    “The commissioners have been appointed following a rigorous process that attracted strong candidates.

    “We get better outcomes when we listen to the needs of Aboriginal people and communities. We must ensure Aboriginal people have a direct say on matters that affect them.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Orange community canvassed on potential rail service improvements

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 26 September 2024

    Released by: Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

    The Minns Labor Government has launched engagement to understand community views on future passenger rail services for Orange, with a forum to be held on 31 October 2024.

    The forum, hosted by Transport for NSW, will hear from the Orange and Central West community about transport connections in the region.

    The forum, to be held in the Greenhouse function room at Orange Ex-Services Club, will bring together around 80 key stakeholders including local government, rail groups, Aboriginal bodies and representatives from the education, business and health sectors.

    The forum will be followed by a drop-in session in the afternoon that will be open to members of the community.

    Details will be announced closer to the date.

    Feedback will also be sought from the wider community with around 130 other stakeholders from Orange and the Central West asked to complete a survey about passenger rail services.

    Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

    “We are aware there is broad community support for improved rail services to Orange. The NSW Government has listened and is now responding with the next step.

    “Through this targeted consultation process, including a forum at the end of October, we want to gather specific information on community needs, expectations and potential viability of options, to help inform decision making.

    “We know the existing Bathurst Bullet train service provides an important and popular daily return train connection and we are considering all the possible options for Orange and the wider Central West.

    “We are committed to safe and affordable public transport that allows regional people access work, education, health appointments and connect with other transport modes and networks.”

    Independent Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

    “More than 10,000 people signed Orange Rail Action Group’s petition, seeking to improve passenger rail services between the Central West and Sydney.

    “Minister Aitchison has taken active interest in the proposal to initiate a daily return passenger rail service between Orange and Sydney, to meet transport needs of our growing community.

    “I am pleased to see further consideration of the proposal, including vital community consultation to ensure future transport plans and services meet the needs and expectations of the community.

    “I encourage all stakeholders and interested residents to participate in Transport for New South Wales’ consultation event at Orange Ex-Services Club on October 31.”

    Fast facts:

    • Sydney Trains operates a twice daily Intercity service between Sydney and Bathurst on the Blue Mountains Line, which is commonly referred to as the Bathurst Bullet.
    • Sydney Trains Intercity train services are part of the Opal network, where customers can turn up and go and tap on and off to travel. Since 1 July 2024 the Bathurst Intercity train service has been operated by Sydney Trains.
    • NSW TrainLink operates a daily XPT train service between Sydney and Dubbo via Orange and a weekly Xplorer train service between Sydney and Broken Hill via Orange.
    • There are daily NSW TrainLink coach connections to and from Orange to Bathurst that provide connections with Bathurst Intercity services. There are also several coach connections from Orange to Lithgow daily, where passengers join Intercity train services to Sydney.
    • NSW TrainLink operates all regional train and coach services, including those that serve Orange. Advance booking is required on all NSW TrainLink services, including those that connect with Bathurst Intercity services.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Clubs and Ranges Bill passes first reading

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Improvements to the way shooting clubs and ranges are regulated are on the way with the Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges and Other Matters) Amendment Bill passing its first reading says Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee.

    “The package of reforms in this Bill will enable simple and effective regulation of pistol and non-pistol shooting clubs and ranges, with a focus on public safety.

    “Our clubs and ranges provide a safe environment for New Zealanders to learn, practise, and compete.  Changes imposed in 2020 went beyond what was necessary to keep the public safe and instead jeopardised the future of some ranges.

    “We promised New Zealanders they would be able to have their say on our firearms reforms and with the Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges and Other Matters) Amendment Bill going to select committee, people now have that opportunity.

    The Bill will:

    • maintain the regulatory requirements for pistol clubs and ranges but streamline annual reporting requirements;
    • simplify the regulatory requirements for non-pistol clubs and ranges by replacing the approval and certification systems with a more effective enrolment system; 
    • require non-pistol clubs to be incorporated only if they sell ammunition, unless all ammunition sold by the club is purchased for, and used, on the day of sale at the club range or event and is not taken off the premises;
    • support the operation of temporary non-pistol ranges to enable the holding of club events, as long as the Firearms Safety Authority is informed; and
    • provide certainty about when inspections for compliance can occur and clarify what can be removed when an inspection is conducted, to reduce the burden on operators.

    “Firearms reform is a priority for the Government and today’s announcement delivers on a commitment made in the National-ACT coalition agreement.

    “I encourage everyone to have their say through the select committee process.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Criminal damage – Yarrawonga

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police are investigating an attempted ram-raid incident in Yarrawonga this morning.

    Around 4:00am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report of an abandoned Toyota Troop Carrier next to a damaged business on the Stuart Highway, Yarrawonga.

    Investigations confirmed the vehicle was stolen from a business address in Berrimah earlier in the night.

    Forensics has been completed on the vehicle and investigations are continuing.

    Strike Force Trident are investigating and are urging anyone with information on the matter to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference NTP2400096392 .

    You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Are private hospitals really in trouble? And is more public funding the answer?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anthony Scott, Professor of Health Economics and Director, Centre for Health Economics, Monash Business School, Monash University

    Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

    A battle between private hospitals and private health insurers is playing out in public.

    At its heart is how much health insurers pay hospitals for their services, and whether that’s enough for private hospitals to remain viable.

    Concerns over the viability of the private health system have caught the attention of the federal government, which has launched a review into private hospitals that has yet to be made public.

    But are private hospitals really in trouble? And if so, is more public funding the answer?

    Private hospitals vs private health insurers

    Many private hospital operators have reported significant pressures since the start of the COVID pandemic, including staff shortages.

    Inflationary pressures have increased the costs of supplies and equipment, pushing up the costs of providing hospital care.

    Now, private hospitals have publicised their difficult contract negotiations with private health insurers in an attempt to gain support and help their case.

    Healthscope, which runs 38 for-profit private hospitals in Australia, has been threatening to end agreements with private health insurers.

    St Vincent’s, which operates ten not-for-profit private hospitals, announced it would end its contract with nib (one of Australia’s largest for-profit health insurers) but then reached an agreement.

    UnitingCare Queensland, which operates four private hospitals, announced it would end its contract with the Australian Health Service Alliance, which represents more than 20 small and medium non-profit private health insurers. Since then, the two parties have also kissed and made up.

    Why should we care?

    There are three reasons why viability of the private health sector affects us all, regardless of whether we have private health insurance or use private hospitals.

    1. Taxpayers subsidise the private health system

    Australian taxpayers subsidised private health insurance premiums by A$6.3 billion
    (in premium rebates) in 2021–22. Much of this makes its way to private hospitals. Medicare also subsidised fees for medical services delivered for private patients in private and public hospitals to the tune of $3.81 billion in 2023–24.

    But when the going gets tough, the private health sector (both hospitals and health insurers) turns to the government for more handouts.

    So we should be concerned about the value we currently get from our public investment into the private health system, and if more public investment is warranted.

    2. Public hospitals may be affected if private hospitals close

    Calls for greater government support for private health have long argued that a larger private hospital sector would help reduce pressures on the public system.

    Indeed, this was the justification for a series of incentives introduced from the late 1990s to support private health insurance in Australia.

    However, the extent of this is hotly debated. Recent evidence shows higher private health insurance coverage leads to only very small falls in waiting times in public hospitals.

    While it is possible the closure of a few private hospitals might lead some patients to seek care in public hospitals, this shift might not be that large and will not increase waiting times too much.

    3. Fewer private beds, but is that a bad thing?

    If unviable private hospitals close or merge, we’d expect to see fewer
    private hospital beds overall.

    Fewer private hospital beds is not necessarily bad news. Mergers of small private day hospitals, in particular, might make them more efficient and lead to lower costs, which in turn lowers health insurance premiums.

    We might also need fewer private beds. This is due to policies that try to shift health care out of hospitals into the community or the use of
    hospital-in-the-home schemes (where patients receive hospital-type care at home with the support of visiting health staff and/or telehealth). The private health insurers are supporting both.

    If a few small private hospitals close, this reflects the market adjusting to less demand for hospital care. Some of the closures have been for maternity wards but with falling birth rates, this also seems like an appropriate market adjustment.

    Falling birth rates mean less demand for maternity wards.
    christinarosepix/Shutterstock

    What do we know?

    Any objective data about what is happening in the private hospital sector is scarce. This is mainly because the Australian Bureau of Statistics has stopped a compulsory survey of all private hospitals. The latest data we have is from 2016–17.

    Health insurers are the largest payer of private hospitals and hence wield a considerable amount of negotiating power. In 2016–17, almost 80% of private hospitals’ income came from private health insurers. Health insurers have also increasingly become “active” purchasers of health care – not just passively paying insurance claims, but wanting to strike a good deal with private hospitals for their members to keep premiums (and costs) down, and profits high.

    Reports of hospitals closing ignore hospitals that are opening at the same time. But since 2016–17 there are no publicly reported data on the total number of private hospitals in Australia or changes over time.

    The latest figures we have show about half of all hospitals in Australia are private, and of these 62% are for-profit with the rest run by not-for-profit organisations (such as St Vincent’s).

    The main for-profit providers are Ramsay Health Care and Healthscope. Both have operations overseas and were in trouble before the COVID pandemic.

    Fast-forward to 2024 and the recent issues with contract negotiations suggests the financial situation of for-profit private hospitals might not have improved. So this could reflect a long-term issue with the sustainability of the private hospital sector.

    What are the options?

    The private health system already receives large public subsidies. So the crux of the current debate is whether the government should intervene again to prop up the private sector. Here are some options:

    • do nothing and let this stoush play out Closure and mergers of private hospitals might be good if smaller hospitals and wards are no longer needed and patients have other alternatives

    • introduce more regulation Negotiations between small groups of private hospitals and very large dominant private health insurers may not be efficient. If the insurers have significant market power they can force small groups of private hospitals into submission. Some private hospital groups may be negotiating with many different health insurers at the same time, which can be costly. Regulation of exactly how these negotiations happen could make the process more efficient and create a more level playing field

    • change how private hospitals are paid Public hospitals are essentially paid the same national price for each procedure they provide. This provides incentives for efficiency as the price is fixed and so if their costs are below the price, they can make a surplus. Private hospitals could also be funded this way, which could remove much of the costs of contract negotiations with private hospitals. Instead, private hospitals would be free to focus on other issues such as the number and quality of procedures, and providing high-value health care.

    How do we help private hospitals become more efficient? Regulating prices and contract negotiations are a start.
    Kitreel/Shutterstock

    What next?

    Revisiting the regulation of prices and contract negotiations between private hospitals and private health insurers could potentially help the private hospital sector to be more efficient.

    Private health insurers are rightly trying to encourage such efficiencies but the tools they have to do this through contract negotiations are quite blunt.

    As we wait for the results of the review into the private hospital sector, value for money for taxpayers is paramount. We are all subsidising the private hospital sector.

    Anthony Scott has previously received funding from the Medibank Better Health Foundation.

    Terence C. Cheng 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. Are private hospitals really in trouble? And is more public funding the answer? – https://theconversation.com/are-private-hospitals-really-in-trouble-and-is-more-public-funding-the-answer-238891

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Want to make a difference? Go to school

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Students should be in school and learning instead of protesting during school hours, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says in response to the school climate strike planned for Friday 27th September.

    “If students feel strongly about sending a message, they could have waited until Monday, when the end of term holidays begin and there is no school for two weeks. It has become far too common to sacrifice valuable learning time for other causes,” says Mr Seymour.     

    “The previous government said that protesting instead of attending school could be justified. This in my view is unacceptable. My expectation is that schools will treat students protesting today as explained but unjustified absences. 

    “I appreciate that some students have passionate views and are anxious about their futures. To that effect I want to be clear, if they want to make real change in the world, they need to turn up to school and get a good education now. 

    “New Zealand attendance rates are low by national and international standards. In 2023, 80.6% of students in England and 61.6% of students in Australia were attending using a measure similar to the Term 2 New Zealand regular attendance rate, which was only 47.1%.   

    “Today I announced the introduction of the Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) system. The STAR system will help the government to reach its goal of 80% of students attending class 90% of the time by 2030.  

    “The idea of the STAR system is that no child will be left behind. To achieve this, any student who reaches a clearly defined threshold of days absent will trigger an appropriate and proportionate response from their school and the Ministry, targeted at returning them to the classroom.  

    “I encourage students, parents, and educators to prioritise education. That is what this Government is doing, and it is what is required for New Zealand to have a better future.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Learmonth Airport benefits from better mobile coverage for regional Western Australians

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The Albanese and Cook Governments have today welcomed a boost to mobile coverage and digital connectivity for travellers through Learmonth airport in Western Australia’s Gascoyne region, following the completion of a new mobile base station.

    The site was built by Telstra under the Commonwealth’s Regional Connectivity Program, with co-funding from the WA Government.

    Learmonth airport, located on a Royal Australian Air Force base, is the primary airport for the Exmouth region, including the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park.

    With the 3G network switching off on 28 October, the new 4G and 5G coverage will significantly improve mobile reception for the airport, local residents, tourists and fly-in, fly-out workers.

    The 25-metre-tall tower will cover an area of about 208 square kilometres.

    The State Government has contributed $35.7 million towards 89 projects across Western Australia so far under three rounds of the Regional Connectivity Program, which is delivering better mobile, internet and digital services to regional areas.

    Comments attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP: 

    “It doesn’t matter where you live, access to reliable mobile coverage and connectivity is essential.

    “I’m extremely pleased that funding from the Government’s Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) has supported the Cook Government to deliver this vital connectivity boost for locals, tourists and workers at Learmonth airport. 

    “The Albanese Government is committed to narrowing the digital divide in rural and regional Australia, which is why we’re investing $1.1 billion through our Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia to deliver additional rounds of the RCP.” 

    Comments attributed to Western Australian Minister for Regional Development, the Hon Don Punch MLA: 

    “This new infrastructure at Learmonth airport will deliver better mobile connectivity for tourists visiting this stunning area, local residents, and fly-in fly-out workers.

    “These vital improvements will also help ensure the airport and ancillary services can embrace emerging technologies.

    “The Regional Connectivity Program is a great example of Commonwealth-State collaboration to improve digital connectivity and boost business capacity in regional and remote communities.

    “Since 2017, the WA Labor Government has committed $154 million to complement Commonwealth and industry investments in our State’s telecommunications infrastructure and will continue to work with the Commonwealth to bridge the ‘digital divide’ in our regions.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Access to a GP can make all the difference in surviving lung cancer – and that is a problem for Māori

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ross Lawrenson, Professor of Population Health, University of Waikato

    Surviving lung cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand could depend on whether you can access a GP – raising questions about equity in the country’s health system.

    Our new research examines the outcomes for patients who are diagnosed with lung cancer through their GP versus those who are diagnosed at the emergency department (ED).

    Examining 2,400 lung cancer diagnoses in Waikato between 2011 and 2021, we found those who are diagnosed with lung cancer after ED visits tended to have later-stage disease and poorer outcomes compared to those diagnosed after a GP referral.

    We also found diagnosis after ED attendance was 27% higher for Māori than non-Māori and 22% higher for men than women.

    These results raise important questions about health inequity in New Zealand and highlight the need to ensure everyone is able to access an early cancer diagnosis.

    Limited access to everyday health care

    Currently half of all general practices have closed their books to new patients, leaving 290,000 patients unenrolled and reliant on emergency departments for their health care.

    Some 80% of practices have closed their books to new patients at some point since 2019.

    For those who are enrolled in a practice, the wait times for appointments are often such that the only option is to go to the ED for help.

    This is especially true in rural areas where the hospital can become the default route to diagnosis.

    Lung cancer is New Zealand’s single biggest cause of cancer deaths, with over 1,800 per year. Some 80% of those who are diagnosed with lung cancer present with advanced disease and very poor prospects of survival.

    It’s also the cancer with the largest equity gap. The mortality rate for Māori with lung cancer is three to four times that of people of European descent.

    While much of this disparity is due to differences in the rates of smoking among ethnic groups, there is also evidence delays in diagnosis and poorer access to surgery are also major influences on survival rates.

    Identifying lung cancer

    Lung cancer usually starts in the tissue lining the airways and symptoms can initially be relatively minor – some shortness of breath during exercise, a niggly cough or sharp pains while breathing.

    Patients with these sorts of symptoms usually go to a GP to check whether this is something that needs further investigation.

    But if someone cannot get an appointment, or does not recognise the symptoms as serious, then they are likely to delay taking action.

    Advanced symptoms of lung cancer include coughing up blood or having lumps in the neck due to lymphatic spread of the cancer. People with these alarming symptoms tend to go to the hospital for treatment.

    Our study confirms earlier findings that those diagnosed through the emergency department are:

    • more likely to have advanced disease
    • more likely to have a more aggressive type of cancer (called small cell cancer), and
    • have substantially poorer likelihoods of survival.

    The median survival for those who never went to the ED was 13.6 months, while the median survival for those with one ED visit was just three months.

    That said, attending an emergency department has some advantages. These include being seen by a doctor within a few hours, immediate access to x-rays and, in our major hospitals, access to the definitive diagnostic tool for a lung cancer – a computed tomography (CT) machine.

    Our study found 25% of cases went to the ED two or more times in the two weeks before their diagnosis. This was especially true for those going to one of the Waikato rural hospitals, where a second or third visit was more likely before being diagnosed.

    Barriers to care

    It is clear New Zealand still has several barriers to primary care. This has lead to an over-reliance on emergency departments for diagnosing cancer, despite the long-running faster cancer treatment targets.

    The situation is unlikely to improve. Access to GPs is getting worse, in part due to increasing fees.

    Māori and Pacific patients with lung cancer were less likely than other ethnic groups to have been enrolled with a primary health organisation when they were diagnosed. They were also less likely to have visited a GP in the three months prior to diagnosis.

    Making it easier to see a GP

    Making general practice care more accessible is the most effective way of addressing the inequities in our lung cancer statistics.

    Currently, New Zealand has only 74 GPs per 100,000 people, compared to 110 in Australia.

    It is clear we need to substantially increase the number of GPs. This is a long-term project but needs to be a strategic goal for the health sector.

    In the meantime, we need to make primary care more accessible by increasing patient subsidies and reducing the direct patient costs to see a doctor. At the same time, we need to better equip GPs with access to diagnostic facilities, including in our rural hospitals.

    Ross Lawrenson receives funding from NZ Health Research Council. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.

    Chunhuan Lao receives funding from NZ Health Research Council.

    – ref. Access to a GP can make all the difference in surviving lung cancer – and that is a problem for Māori – https://theconversation.com/access-to-a-gp-can-make-all-the-difference-in-surviving-lung-cancer-and-that-is-a-problem-for-maori-239808

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HARRISBURG – Shapiro Administration to Encourage Pennsylvanians to Get Updated Vaccines as Respiratory Virus Season Begins

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    September 27, 2024 – Harrisburg, PA

    ADVISORY – HARRISBURG – Shapiro Administration to Encourage Pennsylvanians to Get Updated Vaccines as Respiratory Virus Season Begins

    Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen and Pennsylvania Insurance Department Commissioner Michael Humphreys will join area pharmacists at the See-Right Pharmacy in Harrisburg to stress the importance of getting their annual vaccinations against COVID-19, flu and RSV to safeguard their health as respiratory virus season begins.

    The vaccinations are updated to protect against severe illness from new virus variants circulating in Pennsylvania, and the United States. Health care providers recommend flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for people six months of age and older; older adults and pregnant women are encouraged to get RSV vaccinations.

    Vaccinations are especially important for high-risk groups including people 65 and older, people with certain medical conditions, and people at a higher risk of developing complications from respiratory illness.

    WHO:
    Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen
    Pennsylvania Insurance Department Commissioner Michael Humphreys
    Victoria Elliott, RPh, MBA, CAE, CEO of PA Pharmacists Association
    Paul Bowers, PharmD, Pharmacy Manager at See-Right Pharmacy

    WHEN:
    September 27, 2024; 1:00 PM

    WHERE:
    See-Right Pharmacy
    2647 North 6th Street
    Harrisburg, PA 17110

    VISUALS:
    Secretary Bogen and Commissioner Humphreys will receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine as part of the event.

    MEDIA RSVP: Media interested in attending must RSVP with the name of the reporter and photojournalist to ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov.

    MEDIA CONTACT:
    Mark O’Neill, ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov
    Diego Sandino, Insurance, ra-in-press@pa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Slotkin Highlights Bipartisan Wins in Speech on House Floor

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (MI-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-07) took to the House floor today to highlight the passage of three bipartisan bills she championed and call for bipartisan congressional action on additional legislative priorities. This week, the House passed the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Pilot Program Act, IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act, and Building Chips in America Act, which are now set to be signed into law.

    Slotkin also called upon her colleagues to work in a bipartisan way on legislation pertaining to other outstanding legislative priorities. She urged Congress to support the Department of Commerce’s efforts to restrict the import of advanced vehicles manufactured by China and pass a bipartisan Farm Bill and National Defense Authorization Act.

    “These bills are evidence that we do not need to be at each other’s throats. In fact, being at each other’s throats is principally against the mission of what it means to be a Representative. It means you’re not getting work done. It means you’re doing things for political posturing. It means that you care more about making a statement that makes the news or goes viral on Twitter than you are about actually moving the ball down the field for your constituents,” said Slotkin. “I hope that when Congress returns in November, and when a new Congress is sworn in next year, we can learn that basic lesson. We do our best work when we work together – even when it’s hard.”

    Slotkin full remarks on the House floor can be found HERE

    A transcript of Slotkin’s remarks as delivered can be found HERE

    The bipartisan Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Pilot Program Act would cut red tape for companies that transport goods across our borders by allowing more freight and warehouse companies to participate in Customs and Border Protection’s CTPAT program. 

    Through partnership between supply chain leaders and the federal government, the CTPAT program expedites freight through the country, reducing disruptions in international trade and supply chains while keeping the border secure.

    Slotkin introduced the bill, which is co-led by Reps. Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Morgan Luttrell (TX-08). Its Senate companion is led by Sens. Tom Carper (D-DE), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), James Lankford (R-OK), and John Cornyn (R-TX). 

    The bipartisan IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act would ensure survivors of human trafficking and law enforcement officers working to combat these terrible crimes receive the resources and support they need.

    The bill would make permanent and expand the Homeland Security Investigations Victim Assistance Program that helps provide support and services to individuals impacted by human trafficking. It would also make permanent the Investigators Maintain Purposeful Awareness to Combat Trafficking Trauma (IMPACTT) Program which supports the employees and partners who are exposed to repeated stress through their work combating these crimes. 

    Slotkin is an original co-sponsor of the bipartisan legislation, which is led by Rep. Dave Joyce (OH-14) and co-led by Ann Wagner (MO-02) and Dina Titus (NV-01). Its Senate companion is led by Sens James Lankford (R-OK) and Gary Peters (D-MI). 

    The bipartisan Building Chips in America Act, of which Slotkin is a cosponsor, would streamline approval processes for domestic semiconductor manufacturing projects that receive funding through the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act.

    And on Monday, the Department of Commerce announced a new proposed rule to restrict the import of advanced, connected vehicles manufactured by China that pose a risk to U.S. national security. Slotkin applauded the announcement, and called upon Congress to pass her legislation that would strengthen America’s ability to address the threat posed by these vehicles.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Afghanistan: Calls for legal action against Taliban is ‘vital step’ to secure justice for women and girls

    Source: Amnesty International –

    © Kiana Hayeri / Amnesty International

    Taliban’s violation of women’s and girls’ rights likely amounts to a crime against humanity

    The international community should pursue all available avenues to end ongoing human rights violations in Afghanistan

    Governments also need to protect all those fleeing discrimination and oppression

    ‘The Taliban have made life for Afghan women and girls intolerable. They have erased them from all spheres of life’- Agnès Callamard

    Responding to the announcement by Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands during the UN General Assembly yesterday that they will initiate legal proceedings that could lead to action at the International Court of Justice against Afghanistan for numerous violations of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, said:

    “The Taliban have made life for Afghan women and girls intolerable. They have erased them from all spheres of life and systematically stripped away their rights and dignity.

    “Amnesty International welcomes any steps by states to hold the Taliban accountable under international law for the widespread and institutionalised violation of women’s and girls’ human rights, which most likely amount to the crime against humanity of gender persecution.

    “The international community should pursue all available avenues to end ongoing pervasive human rights violations in Afghanistan, including through the International Court of Justice.

    “This is a vital step towards securing justice for violations, it should be complemented by other comprehensive efforts to address the full range of past and ongoing atrocities, including those against women and girls, that the Taliban and other state and non-state actors have committed throughout the continuous cycle of conflict in Afghanistan for more than 40 years.

    “The world must act in solidarity with the courageous women and girls of Afghanistan by advocating for their rights and holding the Taliban regime to account.

    “This welcome legal initiative should also serve as a timely reminder that governments have a responsibility to provide international protection to all those fleeing systematic discrimination and oppression in Afghanistan.”

    View latest press releases

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Joint statement by Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic, and Joe Biden, President of the United States of America.

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    It is time to reach a settlement on the Israeli-Lebanese border that guarantees security and allows civilians to return to their homes.

    The exchanges of fire that have taken place since October 7, and particularly over the past two weeks, threaten to widen the conflict and harm civilians.

    That is why we have been working together in recent days on a joint call for a temporary ceasefire to give diplomacy a chance to succeed and avoid further escalation on both sides of the border.

    The declaration we negotiated is now endorsed by the United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Qatar. We call for broad adherence and immediate support from the governments of Israel and Lebanon.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New digital features making Medicare easier

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    Minister for Government Services the Hon. Bill Shorten visited the Services Australia service centre in Bankstown today, in the same shopping centre where former Prime Minister Paul Keating, then Treasurer, opened the first Medicare office 40 years ago in 1984.

    After 40 years of universal health care in Australia, the Albanese Government is continuing to roll out new digital features to keep Medicare future-focussed and fit for purpose.

    “When Paul Keating opened the first Medicare centre here in Bankstown 40 years ago, he said it was cheaper, fairer and simpler,” Minister Shorten said.

    “A lot has changed since Medicare was introduced in 1984, but the original premise remains intact and as ambitious as ever.

    “These days Australians want to access their services online – in fact, 99.7 per cent of Medicare claims handled by Services Australia last year were digital.

    “We’re working to transform Medicare’s online platforms, to make sure the 27 million Australians using Medicare can do so in a way that works for them.

    “We recently launched the new Medicare claims tracker, allowing people to follow the progress of their claim in their Medicare Online Account and Express Plus Mobile App.

    “Before this, people had to call to see how their claim was tracking – now, they can find it with a few taps on their phone.

    “The tracker has already been used over 915,000 times, with customers using the new feature for an average of just 12 seconds.

    “We’ve expanded the options for people to enrol in Medicare, with a new online enrolment option helping over 53,000 people access the Medicare entitlements they’re eligible for faster.

    “Online applications progress around two times faster than paper forms, as they ensure all required information is included when the form is first submitted, reducing double handling.

    “These new features come alongside several other recent upgrades, like online appointment bookings and myGov passkeys, that are making our services easier and safer.”

    These digital enhancements are part of the Government’s Health Delivery Modernisation program. For information about Medicare’s online services visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicareonline.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: City purchases Backhaus Oval to support junior sport in Golden Square

    Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

    The City of Greater Bendigo has purchased a strategic piece of land in Golden Square to support the future provision of active open space.

    Backhaus Oval was identified in the 2020 Golden Square Recreation Reserve Master Plan and 2022 Golden Square Structure Plan as an ideal site to address Golden Square’s undersupply of public open space.

    The City negotiated the sale of the site from the Diocese of Sandhurst.

    Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cooney said the City would invest in the coming years to bring the oval and facilities up to a standard suitable for community sport.

    “This is an important parcel of land that is considered in adopted strategies as an ideal site to provide more open space in Golden Square, particularly to support junior sport,” Mr Cooney said.

    “This investment will help to address the current overuse of Golden Square Recreation Reserve (Wade Street) by spreading the load for junior and senior football training and games, support the growth in women’s participation and support forecast population growth in the local area.

    “Backhaus Oval is also ideally located, with links to the Bendigo Creek Trail walking and cycling corridor, which will soon include the Bendigo Low Line connection, and the site is already an existing recreation facility and appropriately zoned for community sport.

    “The City’s immediate priority will be make good works to ensure structures on the site are safe. An upgrade program will be prepared to guide staged future investment.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Eight ways to make the school holidays magical for the whole family!

    Source: Auckland Council

    School holidays are just around the corner, and with them come a vast array of options to keep the whānau entertained for the duration of the break. 

    From outdoor adventures to exploring your local maunga; indoor fun with roller skating to rock climbing, and even hydro sliding – there’s something for everyone. Have a look at the list below to get yourself inspired and ready for an active holiday with your tamariki – brought to you by Auckland Council. 

    1. Check out the Auckland Heritage Festival

    Explore Pacific ties at the Auckland Heritage Festival, which runs from 28 September to 13 October, with the theme of Moana Oceania – over130 free or low-cost events! Returning for its 20th year, the two-week festival includes talks, walks, exhibitions, performances, and workshops right across Tāmaki Makaurau – explore and commemorate the region’s Pacific history and heritage with friends and whānau.  

    Visit Auckland Heritage Festival for the full programme.  

    Event highlights include: 

    Exploring the King of Tonga’s Trees at Atalanga 

    Learn about the unique history and value of some of Auckland’s finest trees in their historic settings on The Tree Council’s guided walking tour of Atalanga, the King of Tonga’s Auckland Residence in Epsom.  

    Tongan Indigenous Knowledge Showcase 

    Our elderly Tongans possess a wealth of Tongan indigenous knowledge, and Fe’unukoula – Academy of Tongan Arts, Dance and Culture – would like to honour the uniqueness of these skills and knowledge in the Heritage Festival. Fe’unukoula Director Losalia Pusiaki Fifita leads a showcase explaining different types of attire worn by Tongan people. Visit our Tongan village and join in to learn about the skills of making table mats, wall hangings, laundry baskets, beautiful and colourful leis, the art of mat weaving and sinnet braiding, Tongan dancing and lots more. 

    Guided Pasifika Heritage Walk of Ponsonby 

    Take a stroll with charismatic Samoan street historian Reverend Mua Strickson-Pua along Ponsonby Road and discover the Pacific urban history and stories of Ponsonby. Hear about Pacific urban migration, dawn raids on overstayers, the Springbok Tour protest, the Polynesian Panthers, and much more. 

    Tuia Mātauranga: The Ocean That Binds Us Together 

    Uncover the rich voyaging traditions and cultures of Moana Oceania – the Pacific Ocean. Embark on a journey with storytellers Sonny Natanielu and Tony Marsters as they take you through the extraordinary achievements of the Pacific voyagers, highlighting their mātauranga, innovation and navigation prowess across the vast Pacific Ocean. Immerse yourself in the Tuia exhibition, delving into the tapestry of our migration history and settlement, prompting reflection on Aotearoa today and our collective aspirations for the future. 

    Fakafetuiaga 

    Reminisce and celebrate our beautiful Niue! Niue celebrates its 50th anniversary of self-governing, highlighting its relationship with Aotearoa. The island is commonly referred to as ‘The Rock’ of Polynesia, and it was European sailor Captain Cook who coined the famous phrase ‘Savage Islands’. Through historical imagery, we explore the timeless stories of Niue, the memories and identity that grounds our Niuean communities here in Aotearoa and abroad. 

    Sustainable Conservation of Pacific Art and Heritage 

    The team at Studio Izzo talk about their experiences working with Pacific artists on their artworks and more. As part of its everyday activities, Studio Izzo receives many items including those from public art galleries and communities. The talk explores some of these items, their meanings, and sustainable conservation methods for Pacific treasures. You are welcome to bring your own objects to discuss – the team is keen for questions about your treasures! 

    2. Tūpuna Maunga – explore your maunga

    Join a guided hīkoi on one of your local maunga. Choose from three specially selected sites to gather, honour, and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains) of Tāmaki Makaurau. This culturally enriching experience is open to everyone—register now through our Love Your Maunga Facebook page to secure your spot! 

    Te Pane o Mataoho / Te Ara Pueru / Māngere Mountain  

    • Friday, 4 October and Friday, 11 October, 9.30 am – 11.30 am  
    • Hosted by Māngere Mountain Education Centre 

    Maungauika / North Head  

    • Friday, 4 October, 9.30 am – 11.30 am 
    • Hosted by Explore Tāmaki  

    Maungarei / Mount Wellington  

    • Friday, 11 October, 9.30 am – 11.30 am 
    • Hosted by Explore Tāmaki 

    3. Head to your local library

    Our libraries are always buzzing with activity, but even more so during school holidays! For a list of what’s on at your local library, check out the Auckland Council Libraries school holiday event listings. You can also visit your local libraries Facebook page for more info. 

    A few examples of the types of activities you can expect include author readings, art events, even live performances: 

    Author Readings: 

    Whangaparāoa Library

    • Tuesday 1 October, 10.30am
    •  Nicky Gumbrell will be in to read her adorable book “Mr. Bingley is Different” and she will be bringing some very special guests… the REAL DOGS who inspired the book, Mr Bingley and Manny! 

    PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THERE WILL BE DOGS IN ATTENDANCE. 

    Titirangi Library 

    • Friday 4 October, 10.30am – 11.30am 
    • ‘The Squeakling’ Storytime with local illustrator, Ronja Schipper and author, Kristin Kelly. Join us for the launch of ‘The Squeakling’! Illustrator, Ronja Schipper, and author, Kristin Kelly will have a special reading of their new book followed by an opportunity to ask questions and learn about their creative processes. Suitable for the whole whanau! 

    Art events: 

    Northcote Library 

    Pakuranga Library 

    Live Performances: 

    Warkworth Library 

    Blockhouse Bay Library 

    4. Learn to swim

    Dive right in for some swimming lessons at select swim schools – for adults and kids alike! Our Pool and Leisure teams are offering intensive swim lesson blocks that you can book for one or two weeks, with a lesson each day. By attending daily and building on the progress from the previous session, you’ll be able to boost your confidence and improve your swimming skills significantly.  

    Swim lessons available over school holidays at: 

    • Albany Stadium Pool 
    • WestWave Pools and Leisure 
    • Takapuna Pools and Leisure 
    • Tepid Baths 
    • Manurewa Pools and Leisure 
    • Glenfield Pools and Leisure 

    5. More indoor fun

    Become a gymnast with Tristar Gymnastics! Their holiday programme has something on offer every weekday, including tumbling, rhythmic, tramp or parkour to ensure an action-packed holiday break.

    Other fun activities to try during the break include: 

    6. Discover the great outdoors

    Tāmaki Makaurau has a great variety of parks and reserves right across the region – that’s 28 regional parks, to be exact! For those keen on an outdoor adventure walk over the school holidays, here’s a few to choose from: 

    Whakanewha Forest Path  (80 mins) 

    Enjoy unique forests, a stunning beach, native bird song and scenic views on your next Waiheke trip.  

    Mahurangi West– Cudlip Point Path (90 mins) 

    A great stop if you’re exploring North Auckland. You’ll find sheltered bays, native bush, open pasture and historic sites.  

    Auckland Botanic Gardens (90 mins)  

    A must do any day in South Auckland and it’s dog friendly! 

    Ōmana Perimeter Walk (60 mins) 

    An ideal family park in East Auckland, with a shelly beach, shady pōhutukawa and outstanding views.  

    Montana Trail – Cascade Kauri  (4.5 hours return loop) 

    Head west for this walk and back in time, through some of the Waitakere ranges’ oldest and most precious stands of kauri.

    7. Book an Auckland Council holiday park

    Consider an affordable holiday escape with the whānau, right here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Bookings are available at any one of Auckland Council’s three holiday parks: Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park, Martins Bay Holiday Park and Whangateau Holiday Park – and for a lot less than a trip to Fiji! 

    All Auckland Council holiday parks have a wide range of accommodation options and facilities to suit your needs. There’s also plenty of extra in and around each holiday park to keep everyone entertained for the duration of your stay. 

    8. Add some sparkle with Vector Lights

    Light up your weekends with Vector Lights Celebrating Auckland. Enjoy a stunning light and sound show celebrating Tāmaki Makaurau every Friday and Saturday night from 8pm until midnight, playing every 15 minutes.  

    Get your friends and whānau together, head to one of the prime viewing spots and listen live at vector.co.nz/lights. Some of the best places to see the shows are: 

    • Westhaven Marina 
    • Silo Park 
    • The end of Halsey Wharf (just out from the Viaduct Events Centre) 
    • The end of Princes Wharf (outside the Hilton Auckland hotel) 
    • The end of Queens Wharf (in front of The Cloud and The Lighthouse) 
    • Little Shoal Bay 
    • Hinemoa Park next to the Birkenhead Ferry Terminal 
    • Maungawhau Mt Eden 
    • Bayswater Marina 
    • Takurunga Mt Victoria 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Is an ankle sprain also a brain injury? How neuroscience is helping athletes, astronauts and ‘average Joes’

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gordon Waddington, AIS Professor of Sports Medicine Research, University of Canberra

    Have you ever thought of an ankle sprain as a brain injury? Most people probably wouldn’t.

    However, we are starting to understand how the brain is constantly adapting, known as plasticity.

    Even though the damage of an ankle sprain happens at the ankle, there may also be some changes going on in the brain to how it well it senses pain or movement.

    One of our doctoral students, Ashley Marchant, has shown something similar happens when we change how much weight (or load) we put on the muscles of the lower limb. The closer the load is to normal earth gravity, the more accurate our movement sense is; the lower the muscle load, the less accurate we get.

    This work means we need to rethink how the brain controls and responds to movement.

    Solving an important puzzle

    Historically, movement science has attempted to improve muscle function through resistance training, cardiovascular exercise and flexibility.

    One of the big issues in the treatment and prevention of sport injuries is that even when the sports medicine team feels an athlete is ready to return, the risk of a future injury remains twice to eight times higher than if they’d never had an injury.

    This means sports medicos have been missing something.

    Our work at the University of Canberra and the Australian Institute of Sport has targeted sensory input in an attempt to solve this puzzle. The goal has been to assess the ability of the sensory reception, or perception, aspect of movement control.

    Input (sensory) nerves outnumber output (motor) nerves by roughly ten to one.

    Over 20 years, scientists have developed tools to allow us to determine the quality of the sensory input to the brain, which forms the basis of how well we can perceive movement. Gauging this input could be useful for everyone from astronauts to athletes and older people at risk of falls.

    We can now measure how well a person gets information from three critical input systems:

    • the vestibular system (inner ear balance organs)
    • the visual system (pupil responses to changes in light intensity)
    • the position sense system in the lower limbs (predominantly from sensors in the muscles and skin of the ankle and foot).

    This information allows us to build a picture of how well a person’s brain is gathering movement information. It also indicates which of the three systems might benefit from additional rehabilitation or training.

    Lessons from space

    You may have seen videos of astronauts, such as on the International Space Station, moving around using only their arms, with their legs hanging behind them.

    The crew of the International Space Station have some fun with ‘synchronised space swimming’ in 2021.

    This shows how when people leave earth’s gravity, they get minimal information to the sensory system from the skin and muscles of their legs.

    The brain rapidly deactivates the connections it normally uses for controlling movement. This is OK while the astronaut is in space but as soon as they need to stand or walk on the earth or moon surface, they are at greater risk of falls and injury.

    Similar brain changes might be occurring for athletes due to changes in movement patterns after injury.

    For example, developing a limp after a leg injury means the brain is receiving very different movement information from that leg’s movement patterns. With plasticity, this may mean the movement control pattern doesn’t return to an optimum pre-injury status.

    As mentioned previously, a history of injury is the best predictor of future injury.

    This suggests something changes in the athlete’s movement control processes after injury – most likely in the brain – which extends beyond the time when the injured tissue has healed.

    Measures of how well an athlete perceives movement are associated with how well they go on to perform in a range of sports. So sensory awareness could also be a way to identify athletic talent early.

    In older people and in the context of preventing falls, poor scores on the same sensory input perception measures can predict later falls.

    This might be due to reduced physical activity in some older people. This “use it or lose it” idea might show how brain connections for movement perception and control can degrade over time.

    Precise health care

    New technologies to track sensory ability are part of a new direction in health care described as precision health.

    Precision health uses technologies and artificial intelligence to consider the range of factors (such as their genetic make-up) that affect a person’s health and provide treatments designed specifically for them.

    Applying a precision health approach in the area of movement control could allow much more targeted rehabilitation for athletes, training for astronauts and earlier falls prevention for older people.

    Gordon Waddington owns shares in Prism Neuro Pty Ltd a perceptual neuroscience ability measurement company. He receives funding from the Medical Research Futures Fund, Australian Research Council, NSW Institute of Sport, Queensland Academy of Sport and the Australian Institute of Sport.

    Jeremy Witchalls receives funding from the NSW Institute of Sport and the Australian Institute of Sport.

    – ref. Is an ankle sprain also a brain injury? How neuroscience is helping athletes, astronauts and ‘average Joes’ – https://theconversation.com/is-an-ankle-sprain-also-a-brain-injury-how-neuroscience-is-helping-athletes-astronauts-and-average-joes-230416

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Joint statement by President  Biden and President  Macron

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    It is time for a settlement on the Israel-Lebanon border that ensures safety and security to enable civilians to return to their homes. The exchange of fire since October 7th, and in particular over the past two weeks, threatens a much broader conflict, and harm to civilians. We therefore have worked together in recent days on a joint call for a temporary ceasefire to give diplomacy a chance to succeed and avoid further escalations across the border. The statement we have negotiated is now endorsed by the United States, Australia, Canada, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Qatar. We call for broad endorsement and for the immediate support of the Governments of Israel and Lebanon.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The common raupō once kept NZ’s wetlands and lakes thriving – now it could help restore them

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rewi Newnham, Professor in Physical Geography, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

    Shutterstock/Sketchart

    With about 90% of New Zealand’s natural wetlands drained or severely damaged during the past decades, we need to understand the role of native plants in the restoration of these important habitats.

    Raupō is a resilient plant and acts as an ecological buffer.
    Wikimedia Commons/Grapeman4, CC BY-SA

    Our new research details the history of raupō (bulrush) from the time before people arrived in Aotearoa. It shows this resilient, opportunistic plant – and taonga species – can play an important role restoring wetlands and freshwater quality.

    An unexpected finding was that the decline of freshwater quality in many lakes did not really kick in until the mid-20th century with intensification of agriculture. Until then, lake water quality indicators generally showed these ecosystems remained healthy. The prolific expansion of raupō after Aotearoa was first settled may have helped.

    Thriving on material washed from disturbed catchments, raupō acted as an ecological buffer, intercepting nutrients and sediments, and reducing potentially harmful effects on freshwater ecosystems.

    From the mid-20th century, as water quality began to deteriorate, raupō populations – and any buffering effects – were generally in decline as wetlands and lake shallows were drained for grazing land and better access to water supply.

    Lessons from this plant’s past can be put to good use today as we strive to bring back the mauri (life force) of our freshwater systems.

    Survival strategies for hard times

    Before settlement, when dense forest covered most of the country, raupō was surviving on the fringes. As a wetland plant, it likes its roots submerged, but needs light to grow.

    Its preferred niche is the shallow margins of lakes, ponds and streams or nutrient-rich swamps. Before people, these places were much less common. Forests typically grew right up to the water’s edge and extended across some swamps.

    Under these conditions, raupō evolved strategies for survival: aerated roots to cope with water logging; tiny, abundant seeds that spread far and wide on the wind; rhizomes (underground stems) that extend from the mother plant and store carbohydrates to keep the plant alive in lean times.

    Raupō has several attributes that allow it to grow on disturbed land. 1. large, resilient structures; 2. small, wind-dispersed seeds; 3. long-lived seed bank; 4. flowers produce abundant pollen; 5. aerated roots; 6. rhizomes store energy over winter; 7. rhizomes anchor in substrate, trapping sediment; 8. aggressive clonal propagation; 9. floating rhizome mats.
    Author provided, CC BY-SA

    Raupō can even build floating root mats, from sediment trapped by its rhizomes, that extend out across open water and even detach from the shoreline to become mobile raupō islands.

    With these survival strategies, raupō could wait for better times which, in Aotearoa’s dynamic environment, duly arrived.

    Episodic agents of disruption – storms, floods, earthquakes, landslides, volcanic ashfall – created opportunities. Local forest damage allowed light to penetrate to ground level, and slips and floods brought nutrient-rich sediment from soils.

    Raupō would seize these opportunities to expand. But they were typically short-lived as the inevitable process of forest succession returned the environment to stability – and raupō back to a state of patient hibernation.

    Hitting the jackpot

    Then people arrived, with fire and hungry mouths to feed. This time, the disturbances persisted. Forest clearances endured, sediments rich in nutrients flooded wetlands and lakes, and raupō, supremely equipped for just this scenario, spread across swamps and lake shores as wildfires spread on land.

    Our tūpuna (ancestors) observed this behaviour, as well as what was happening around raupō. Insects and birds were feeding and nesting. Freshwater fish, crays, shellfish and eel spawned among its fertile beds.

    This new-found abundance also offered a range of resource opportunities. Raupō’s flax-like leaves were woven into mats, rope and string. Leaves and stems were used like thatch to cloak the roofs and walls of whare.

    This graphic shows how raupō responded to environmental changes during the past millennium (upper panels), informed by pollen analysis of lake sediments (lower panels).
    Author provided, CC BY-SA

    Traditional poi were often made from raupō leaves. Some iwi, particularly in the south, used the stems to build lightweight boats for navigating rivers and lakes. Flower stalks, shoots and young leaves were eaten, and the rhizomes and roots, when cooked, provided edible carbohydrates. The most cherished raupō kai, however, were cakes baked using the copious raupō pollen.

    Unsurprisingly, for many iwi raupō remains a taonga species today, treasured for this array of resources and for its ecological and even spiritual roles in maintaining the mauri of freshwater habitats, upon which so much depends.

    For some iwi, raupō are seen as kaitiaki (guardians) watching over a lake or wetland, and signalling its health. In these ways, raupō also connects us with other Indigenous communities. Although raupō is native to this country, the same species is found in Australia and parts of East Asia, while relatives in the genus Typha (Greek for marsh) occur naturally on all continents, except Antarctica.

    Similar practices occurred wherever raupō and its relatives are found.
    This connection between cultural and ecological roles is one of the fascinating findings from our research. We describe raupō as a “human-associated species”, not just because of its taonga status, but because its fate seems so closely linked to people.

    More work needs to be done, but history tells us raupō has an important role in restoring the health of our freshwater ecosystems. Not only can it soak up nutrients and contaminants, but as both a native and taonga species it can assist remediation solutions that are ecologically and culturally supportive and sustainable.

    This research was funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment research programmes – Our lakes’ health; past, present, future (C05X1707) and Our lakes, Our future (CAWX2305).

    – ref. The common raupō once kept NZ’s wetlands and lakes thriving – now it could help restore them – https://theconversation.com/the-common-raupo-once-kept-nzs-wetlands-and-lakes-thriving-now-it-could-help-restore-them-238887

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: EnergyAustralia to pay $14m for making misleading statements and breaching the Electricity Retail Code

    Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

    The Federal Court has ordered EnergyAustralia to pay $14 million in penalties for making false, misleading or deceptive statements to hundreds of thousands of consumers about electricity prices, and failing to provide mandatory information required by the Electricity Retail Code (the Code).

    EnergyAustralia admitted it had breached the Australian Consumer Law and the Code in its communications sent between 20 June and 12 September 2022 to around 566,000 consumers about electricity prices, by failing to state the lowest possible price in the communications and misrepresenting the estimated annual price of its electricity offer for an “average” customer.

    In addition, Energy Australia admitted, that between 1 July and 27 September 2022, it published 27 electricity offers online that failed to state the difference between the reference price and the unconditional price expressed as a percentage of the reference price, or the ‘lowest possible price’ as required under the Code. These offers were viewed about 220,000 times.

    “EnergyAustralia breached laws which were designed to help consumers to compare electricity offers and identify the best deal by increasing transparency,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

    “EnergyAustralia’s failure to fully inform consumers meant they could not accurately compare offers from competing retailers and may have been denied the opportunity to choose the best deal for them.”

    “Some consumers may also have been misled by EnergyAustralia’s statements into thinking that a price change was less than it actually was, causing them to stay with their existing plan when in fact a different plan may have represented a better deal,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    This conduct occurred when electricity prices were rising and many consumers were looking to switch to cheaper plans.

    “It is essential that electricity retailers provide consumers with accurate information so they can compare and access the most competitive prices in the market. This enforcement action is a reminder that the ACCC is closely monitoring the electricity market, conducting regular compliance checks and ready to take strong action when appropriate,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    The Court also ordered EnergyAustralia to review its compliance program and pay a contribution to the ACCC’s costs.

    Note to editors

    The Electricity Retail Code applies to all electricity retailers that supply electricity to residential and small business customers in applicable distribution regions in New South Wales, South Australia, and South-East Queensland. It is a mandatory industry code under the Competition and Consumer Act and establishes enforceable requirements in relation to how electricity retailers must communicate pricing information to small customers. It was introduced to increase transparency in the retail electricity market and allow consumers to easily compare offers against a common benchmark. Under the Code, electricity retailers must include certain information when communicating prices. These requirements include the difference between the reference price and the unconditional price as a percentage of the reference price, as well as the lowest possible price.

    The ‘reference price’ is the per-customer annual price based on the Default Market Offer determined by the Australian Energy Regulator. It is used as a benchmark to compare market offer prices.

    The ‘lowest possible price’ is the total amount a representative customer would be charged for the supply of electricity in the financial year at the offered prices, assuming that all conditional discounts (if any) are met. (If there are no conditional discounts, the lowest possible price is the same as the unconditional price.)

    Since the Code was introduced in 2019, the ACCC has issued infringement notices to Locality Planning Energy, CovaU, ReAmped Energy and Dodo Power & Gas for allegedly failing to include certain mandatory information when communicating prices. The ACCC has also accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from CovaU and Dodo in response to breaches of the Code.

    The proceedings against Energy Australia were the first court proceedings brought by the ACCC in relation to alleged breaches of the Code.

    Consumers can compare electricity plan information on the Government comparison website Energy Made Easy and Victorian Energy Compare. For further information for consumers on comparing energy plans, see the ACCC website.

    Background

    EnergyAustralia is one of the ‘big three’ energy retailers.

    In September 2023, the ACCC commenced proceedings against EnergyAustralia in relation to these alleged breaches of the Code and the Australian Consumer Law.

    EnergyAustralia’s conduct was identified by the ACCC’s regular compliance checks of electricity retailer’s compliance with the Code.

    Previously, in April 2014, the Federal Court imposed a $1.2 million penalty on EnergyAustralia for making false and misleading representations and engaging in misleading and deceptive conduct while calling on consumers at their homes to negotiate agreements for the supply of retail electricity, in proceedings brought by the ACCC.

    In March 2015, the Federal Court also ordered EnergyAustralia to pay a $1 million penalty for making false or misleading representations and engaging in misleading or deceptive conduct when dealing with certain consumers to sell electricity and gas plans, in proceedings brought by the ACCC.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s FAST telescope continues to contribute to global radio astronomy research

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 25, 2024 shows the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Core Array of China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in southwest China’s Guizhou Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The construction of the Core Array of China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) started Wednesday, highlighting China’s growing potential in global radio astronomy research.
    As a proposed extension of FAST, the world’s largest single-dish radio telescope, the Core Array integrates 24 secondary 40-meter antennas implanted within 5 kilometers of the FAST site, said Jiang Peng, deputy director of the National Astronomical Observatories under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
    The Chinese-designed array will combine the unprecedented sensitivity of FAST with a high angular resolution, thereby exceeding the capabilities at similar frequencies of next-generation arrays in the world.
    The FAST Core Array is estimated to be completed and put into operation in 2027.
    According to a study conducted by CAS, the Core Array will be equipped with advanced devices to improve the survey efficiency of FAST, whose broad frequency coverage and large field of view (FOV) will be essential to study transient cosmic phenomena such as fast radio bursts and gravitational wave events; conduct surveys and resolve structures in neutral hydrogen galaxies; monitor or detect pulsars; and investigate exoplanetary systems.
    Jiang said that once operational, the FAST Core Array could provide more possibilities for global radio astronomy research, owing to a wide range of potential scientific applications from cosmology to exoplanet science.
    Wednesday also marks the eighth anniversary of the launch of FAST. In less than a decade, FAST has already significantly expanded its astronomical observation capability, and the FAST Core Array is set to enhance its observational capabilities further.
    Jiang said observations made solely with FAST are like using a pencil to draw a sketch, while the FAST Core Array is akin to capturing the night sky with a digital camera.
    To date, FAST has identified more than 900 new pulsars since its launch in 2016. The number of new pulsars discovered by FAST is more than three times the total number of pulsars found by foreign telescopes during the same period.
    FAST started formal operations in January 2020 and was officially opened to the world in March 2021. The telescope provides astronomers around the globe with a powerful tool to uncover the mysteries and evolution of the universe.
    Since its formal opening to the global scientific community on March 31, 2021, FAST has facilitated over 900 hours of observations for research teams from 15 countries, including the United States, the Netherlands, and Australia, covering various scientific objectives.
    On April 6 this year, FAST reopened applications for observation projects for the 2024-2025 season, offering 1,600 hours of telescope time for freely applied projects.
    British astronomer Ralph Eatough said that opening up FAST to the world means that astronomers can now perform experiments that were previously not possible due to insufficient telescope sensitivity, with a prime example of this being the potential to detect pulsars located in external galaxies.
    Chen Xianhui, an academician at CAS, said, “FAST is helping mankind explore the origins, evolution, and structure of the universe, providing crucial observational data for understanding pressing scientific questions, while also serving as an important platform for international scientific exchange and collaboration.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-Australia ties see positive progress: Chinese FM

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Sept. 24, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China-Australia relations have made positive progress, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi when meeting his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.

    Both sides should continue to build a more mature, stable, and fruitful comprehensive strategic partnership, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

    Both sides should properly handle the issues in bilateral exchanges and not define China-Australia relations from the perspective of differences, Wang said, hoping Australia joins hands with China to ensure that bilateral relations go on the right track and achieve more results.

    Wong, for her part, said Australia is ready to work with China to strengthen economic and trade cooperation, engage in constructive communication on issues of differences, and promote the stable development of bilateral relations.

    The Australian side’s adherence to the one-China policy has not changed, Wong said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Eight years on, China’s FAST telescope continues to contribute to global radio astronomy research

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The construction of the Core Array of China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) started Wednesday, highlighting China’s growing potential in global radio astronomy research.
    As a proposed extension of FAST, the world’s largest single-dish radio telescope, the Core Array integrates 24 secondary 40-meter antennas implanted within 5 kilometers of the FAST site, said Jiang Peng, deputy director of the National Astronomical Observatories under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
    The Chinese-designed array will combine the unprecedented sensitivity of FAST with a high angular resolution, thereby exceeding the capabilities at similar frequencies of next-generation arrays in the world.
    The FAST Core Array is estimated to be completed and put into operation in 2027.
    According to a study conducted by CAS, the Core Array will be equipped with advanced devices to improve the survey efficiency of FAST, whose broad frequency coverage and large field of view (FOV) will be essential to study transient cosmic phenomena such as fast radio bursts and gravitational wave events; conduct surveys and resolve structures in neutral hydrogen galaxies; monitor or detect pulsars; and investigate exoplanetary systems.
    Jiang said that once operational, the FAST Core Array could provide more possibilities for global radio astronomy research, owing to a wide range of potential scientific applications from cosmology to exoplanet science.
    Wednesday also marks the eighth anniversary of the launch of FAST. In less than a decade, FAST has already significantly expanded its astronomical observation capability, and the FAST Core Array is set to enhance its observational capabilities further.
    Jiang said observations made solely with FAST are like using a pencil to draw a sketch, while the FAST Core Array is akin to capturing the night sky with a digital camera.
    To date, FAST has identified more than 900 new pulsars since its launch in 2016. The number of new pulsars discovered by FAST is more than three times the total number of pulsars found by foreign telescopes during the same period.
    FAST started formal operations in January 2020 and was officially opened to the world in March 2021. The telescope provides astronomers around the globe with a powerful tool to uncover the mysteries and evolution of the universe.
    Since its formal opening to the global scientific community on March 31, 2021, FAST has facilitated over 900 hours of observations for research teams from 15 countries, including the United States, the Netherlands, and Australia, covering various scientific objectives.
    On April 6 this year, FAST reopened applications for observation projects for the 2024-2025 season, offering 1,600 hours of telescope time for freely applied projects.
    British astronomer Ralph Eatough said that opening up FAST to the world means that astronomers can now perform experiments that were previously not possible due to insufficient telescope sensitivity, with a prime example of this being the potential to detect pulsars located in external galaxies.
    Chen Xianhui, an academician at CAS, said, “FAST is helping mankind explore the origins, evolution, and structure of the universe, providing crucial observational data for understanding pressing scientific questions, while also serving as an important platform for international scientific exchange and collaboration.”

    MIL OSI China News –