NewzIntel.com

Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Two members of Outlaws Motorcycle Club charged with drug offences

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Two members of Outlaws Motorcycle Club charged with drug offences

    Friday, 4 July 2025 – 11:00 am.

    Detectives from Tasmania Police have charged two members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, including a senior club official, with serious drug offences following an ongoing investigation into organised criminal activity in the state’s North West.
    A 36-year-old man and 51-year-old man were arrested and have been formally charged with multiple drug-related offences, including trafficking in a controlled substance and dealing with proceeds of crime.
    The arrests were made as part of a targeted police operation aimed at disrupting the distribution of illicit drugs and dismantling the criminal networks facilitating their supply.
    Search warrants were executed at multiple properties in the Devonport area, resulting in the seizure of a quantity of amphetamine, methylamphetamine, steroids, drug paraphernalia, and a significant amount of cash suspected to be the proceeds of crime.
    “These arrests demonstrate Tasmania Police’s ongoing commitment to targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs and reducing the harm they cause in our communities through drug distribution and organised criminal activity,” said Detective Inspector Michelle Elmer.
    Both men will appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court at a later date.
    Investigations remain ongoing, and police urge anyone with information about illegal drug activity to contact  police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperstas.com.au.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Self-governance checklist for not-for-profit organisations

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    This check list will help you:

    • review your organisation’s status as a not-for-profit (NFP) organisation
    • check how well your organisation understands its tax and super obligations.

    We recommend you give the completed checklist to your board, committee or trustee, to ensure they are better informed about their tax and super risks.

    Next steps:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s new lung cancer screening program has chosen simplicity over equity, and we’re concerned

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa J. Whop, Associate Director of Research and Senior Fellow, Yardhura Walani, National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research, Australian National University

    Thurtell/Getty Images

    Australia’s lung cancer screening program launched on July 1, and marks real progress and opportunity.

    It aims to reduce the number of people dying from lung cancer by offering regular low-dose CT scans to people who smoke, and those who have quit. The aim is to detect and treat cancer early before it has spread.

    But the program’s design may further disadvantage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who are disproportionately affected by lung cancer.

    So Australia’s first new cancer screening program in almost 20 years risks entrenching health inequities rather than addressing them.

    Lung cancer is a particular burden

    Lung cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are 2.1 times more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer, and 1.8 times likely to die from it, compared with non-Indigenous Australians.

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are also more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer at a younger age than non-Indigenous Australians.

    Understanding the broader context of lung cancer risk among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is crucial.

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been paid in tobacco rations rather than wages up until the 1960s, excluded from economic and health systems, and targeted by tobacco industry marketing.

    Indigenous-led tobacco control and quit-smoking programs, such as the Tackling Indigenous Smoking program, have made significant progress in reducing smoking rates. Indigenous communities are leading the resistance against tobacco industry harms.

    However, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples face major barriers to lung cancer screening. This is particularly in rural and remote areas where access to GPs, radiology services and culturally safe care is limited.

    Lung cancer screening should account for this

    Initially, the lung cancer screening program was designed with a lower screening age for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – 50 years compared with 55 years for non-Indigenous Australians. This made sense in the face of the earlier and higher risk of lung cancer.

    However, the Medical Services Advisory Committee, the body responsible for assessing applications for public funding, removed this risk-based distinction. Now there’s a general age eligibility of 50-70 years.

    This is a shift from equity (fairness) to equality (sameness). In health, treating everyone equally deepens inequities.

    By contrast, many public health programs strive for equity and reflect the differing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For instance, heart health checks and many vaccines are offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at a younger age.

    There are also possible consequences of lowering the screening age for non-Indigenous Australians from 55 (as originally intended) to 50. Cancer Australia’s report warned this would not provide a favourable balance of benefits and harms, nor would it be cost-effective.

    In this lower-risk population, this could increase the likelihood of detecting slow-growing lung nodules unlikely to cause harm. This can lead to unnecessary tests and procedures, anxiety, psychological distress, overtreatment and even harm.

    While Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can also experience these potential harms, the higher risk of lung cancer earlier means the potential benefit from early detection outweighs these risks.

    Let’s call it for what it is – structural racism

    So current eligibility criteria expands the eligibility for lower risk groups. Yet it ignores Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ higher risk and cumulative impacts of remoteness, limited access to health services and other health conditions.

    This decision significantly increases the number of people accessing the program. While this may appear equal on the surface, it risks a misallocation of limited health system resources, particularly in an already overstretched health system.

    That’s a clear example of structural racism – when policies that seem neutral actually uphold longstanding inequities, and reinforce disadvantages.

    This has parallels with concerns raised in the United States. Screening guidelines there have been criticised for failing to account for higher rates of lung cancer in African Americans.

    What should we do next?

    If we’re serious about a commitment to equity in cancer outcomes – as outlined in the Australian Cancer Plan and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan – we must ensure screening policies do not inadvertently widen inequities.

    We must revisit who’s eligible for screening and how eligibility is determined. This may mean not only considering age and smoking history, but other factors such as a family history of cancer.

    It might also mean predicting lung cancer risk using models such as the PLCOm2012 risk prediction model. However, this particular model has not been validated in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, which needs to be a priority.

    Instead, the Medical Services Advisory Committee has prioritised the same screening age for all – administrative simplicity over this more sensitive way of assessing risk.

    We must prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on screening waitlists and follow-up, and strengthen the cultural safety of services.

    We must ensure robust data collection and reporting to evaluate the screening program. Evaluation needs to assess if the program delivers equitable access and outcomes, as well as delivering on effectiveness, safety and cost.

    All these actions are essential to address the higher burden of lung cancer among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and uphold equity and the right to health over administrative simplicity.

    This is the final article in our ‘Finding lung cancer’ series, which explores Australia’s first new cancer screening program in almost 20 years. Read other articles in the series.

    More information about the program is available, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. If you need support to quit smoking, see your doctor or call Quitline on 13 78 48.

    Lisa J. Whop has received funding from Australian government National Health and Medical Research Council, Cancer Australia, and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Whop is the Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group of Cancer Australia and has been an investigator on lung cancer screening consultation projects funded by Cancer Australia. The views in this article are their own.

    Alison Brown has been a co-investigator on lung cancer screening consultation projects funded by Cancer Australia.

    Raglan Maddox has received funding from Australian government National Health and Medical Research Council, Cancer Australia, and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Maddox has been an investigator on lung cancer screening consultation projects funded by Cancer Australia. The views in this article are their own.

    – ref. Australia’s new lung cancer screening program has chosen simplicity over equity, and we’re concerned – https://theconversation.com/australias-new-lung-cancer-screening-program-has-chosen-simplicity-over-equity-and-were-concerned-253614

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s new lung cancer screening program has chosen simplicity over equity, and we’re concerned

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa J. Whop, Associate Director of Research and Senior Fellow, Yardhura Walani, National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research, Australian National University

    Thurtell/Getty Images

    Australia’s lung cancer screening program launched on July 1, and marks real progress and opportunity.

    It aims to reduce the number of people dying from lung cancer by offering regular low-dose CT scans to people who smoke, and those who have quit. The aim is to detect and treat cancer early before it has spread.

    But the program’s design may further disadvantage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who are disproportionately affected by lung cancer.

    So Australia’s first new cancer screening program in almost 20 years risks entrenching health inequities rather than addressing them.

    Lung cancer is a particular burden

    Lung cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are 2.1 times more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer, and 1.8 times likely to die from it, compared with non-Indigenous Australians.

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are also more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer at a younger age than non-Indigenous Australians.

    Understanding the broader context of lung cancer risk among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is crucial.

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been paid in tobacco rations rather than wages up until the 1960s, excluded from economic and health systems, and targeted by tobacco industry marketing.

    Indigenous-led tobacco control and quit-smoking programs, such as the Tackling Indigenous Smoking program, have made significant progress in reducing smoking rates. Indigenous communities are leading the resistance against tobacco industry harms.

    However, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples face major barriers to lung cancer screening. This is particularly in rural and remote areas where access to GPs, radiology services and culturally safe care is limited.

    Lung cancer screening should account for this

    Initially, the lung cancer screening program was designed with a lower screening age for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – 50 years compared with 55 years for non-Indigenous Australians. This made sense in the face of the earlier and higher risk of lung cancer.

    However, the Medical Services Advisory Committee, the body responsible for assessing applications for public funding, removed this risk-based distinction. Now there’s a general age eligibility of 50-70 years.

    This is a shift from equity (fairness) to equality (sameness). In health, treating everyone equally deepens inequities.

    By contrast, many public health programs strive for equity and reflect the differing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For instance, heart health checks and many vaccines are offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at a younger age.

    There are also possible consequences of lowering the screening age for non-Indigenous Australians from 55 (as originally intended) to 50. Cancer Australia’s report warned this would not provide a favourable balance of benefits and harms, nor would it be cost-effective.

    In this lower-risk population, this could increase the likelihood of detecting slow-growing lung nodules unlikely to cause harm. This can lead to unnecessary tests and procedures, anxiety, psychological distress, overtreatment and even harm.

    While Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can also experience these potential harms, the higher risk of lung cancer earlier means the potential benefit from early detection outweighs these risks.

    Let’s call it for what it is – structural racism

    So current eligibility criteria expands the eligibility for lower risk groups. Yet it ignores Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ higher risk and cumulative impacts of remoteness, limited access to health services and other health conditions.

    This decision significantly increases the number of people accessing the program. While this may appear equal on the surface, it risks a misallocation of limited health system resources, particularly in an already overstretched health system.

    That’s a clear example of structural racism – when policies that seem neutral actually uphold longstanding inequities, and reinforce disadvantages.

    This has parallels with concerns raised in the United States. Screening guidelines there have been criticised for failing to account for higher rates of lung cancer in African Americans.

    What should we do next?

    If we’re serious about a commitment to equity in cancer outcomes – as outlined in the Australian Cancer Plan and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan – we must ensure screening policies do not inadvertently widen inequities.

    We must revisit who’s eligible for screening and how eligibility is determined. This may mean not only considering age and smoking history, but other factors such as a family history of cancer.

    It might also mean predicting lung cancer risk using models such as the PLCOm2012 risk prediction model. However, this particular model has not been validated in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, which needs to be a priority.

    Instead, the Medical Services Advisory Committee has prioritised the same screening age for all – administrative simplicity over this more sensitive way of assessing risk.

    We must prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on screening waitlists and follow-up, and strengthen the cultural safety of services.

    We must ensure robust data collection and reporting to evaluate the screening program. Evaluation needs to assess if the program delivers equitable access and outcomes, as well as delivering on effectiveness, safety and cost.

    All these actions are essential to address the higher burden of lung cancer among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and uphold equity and the right to health over administrative simplicity.

    This is the final article in our ‘Finding lung cancer’ series, which explores Australia’s first new cancer screening program in almost 20 years. Read other articles in the series.

    More information about the program is available, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. If you need support to quit smoking, see your doctor or call Quitline on 13 78 48.

    Lisa J. Whop has received funding from Australian government National Health and Medical Research Council, Cancer Australia, and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Whop is the Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group of Cancer Australia and has been an investigator on lung cancer screening consultation projects funded by Cancer Australia. The views in this article are their own.

    Alison Brown has been a co-investigator on lung cancer screening consultation projects funded by Cancer Australia.

    Raglan Maddox has received funding from Australian government National Health and Medical Research Council, Cancer Australia, and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Maddox has been an investigator on lung cancer screening consultation projects funded by Cancer Australia. The views in this article are their own.

    – ref. Australia’s new lung cancer screening program has chosen simplicity over equity, and we’re concerned – https://theconversation.com/australias-new-lung-cancer-screening-program-has-chosen-simplicity-over-equity-and-were-concerned-253614

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Kilmore mum urges parents to check where devices are charging

    Source:

    A Kilmore family is urging Victorians to install smoke alarms in their bedrooms and to not charge their devices on bedding after their house was recently damaged by a fire in the early hours.

    Just after 4am on Monday, 9 June, Kilmore, Wallan and Broadford CFA crews attended the scene after an iPad that was on charge under a pillow caught fire.

    Mother of four, Jessica, said the iPad, charging between the bedhead and the pillow on the top bunk in the bedroom of two of her children, exploded from the heat and ignited a large flame.

    “I was alerted by my son yelling and screaming because he got burnt from debris falling from the top of the bunk. He woke us up by saying there was fire on his bed,” Jessica said.

    “I was in pure shock and surprise. All I wanted to do was make sure my kids were safe.

    “My initial actions were to try and put the fire out, so we put water on it, and that obviously didn’t work, so we closed the door and ran safely out of the house.”

    With no existing home fire escape plan in place, Jessica wishes she could go back in time, having had conversations with her family earlier about what they would do in an emergency.

    “Although you often feel a charger heat up, you never think anything will actually happen,” Jessica said.

    “My son was extremely terrified. He is fully aware of the dangers and now doesn’t charge his phone anywhere near the bed.”

    Due to the family closing the bedroom doors, the fire was able to be contained to the bedroom, however both Jessica and her son sustained injuries from the blaze.

    “I got burnt on my toe, and my 14-year-old got third degree burns on his arm,” Jessica said.

    With school holidays approaching and families spending more time indoors, Jessica strongly urges parents to ensure all their devices are not being put on charge inside bedrooms.

    “To have had this happen, it was just so scary and traumatic. I’d love for people to remain safe and not encounter what we went through,” Jessica said.

    “Please be mindful of where you are charging devices. I’d recommend charging on benches away from any kind of fabric materials and preferably not overnight.”

    Although smoke alarms were installed in the hallway, just outside the closed bedroom doors, Jessica was in such shock she did not hear them.

    Residents are reminded smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom and living area and to assist in helping your family to safety, interconnected smoke alarms are recommended, so that when one alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound.

    “I’m now focusing on getting safer cords with surge and overload protection and I’m also going to deck my house out with more smoke alarms insides our bedrooms and fire extinguishers throughout the house,” Jessica said.

    Learn how you can further safeguard your family during emergencies at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/smokealarms.

    Submitted by CFA media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Charges – Violent act cause Death – Wadeye

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police have charged a 29-year-old male in relation to a death in September last year.

    On 19September 2024, a 49-year-old male presented to the Wadeye clinic reporting he had been assaulted. Whilst at the clinic the male collapsed and was airlifted to Royal Darwin Hospital but died five days later. 

    After exhaustive investigations including forensic examinations, witness canvassing and ongoing consultations with the Department of Prosecutions, Major Crime Detectives attended Wadeye on 3 July 2025 where they arrested a 29-year-old male in relation to the death.

    He has been charged with Violent act causing death and was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on 4 July 2025.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Sudan: Ongoing mass atrocities against civilians in and around El Fasher, North Darfur, documented in latest MSF report

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

    Paris, 4 July 2025— Mass atrocities are underway in Sudan’s North Darfur region, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warned in a report today, urging the warring parties to halt indiscriminate and ethnically targeted violence and facilitate an immediate large-scale humanitarian response. MSF is extremely concerned about the threats of a full-blown assault on the hundreds of thousands of people in the state capital of El Fasher, which would lead to further bloodshed.

    As the conflict has intensified in the area since May 2024, civilians have continued to be the main victims. The report Besieged, Attacked, Starved, outlines a desperate situation for civilians in and around El Fasher that requires immediate attention and response. “People are not only caught in indiscriminate heavy fighting between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and their respective allies – but also actively targeted by the RSF and its allies, notably on the basis of their ethnicity,” says Michel Olivier Lacharité, MSF head of emergencies.

    Based on MSF data, direct observations and over 80 interviews conducted between May 2024 and May 2025 with patients and people who were displaced from El Fasher and nearby Zamzam camp, the report exposes systematic patterns of violence that include looting, mass killings, sexual violence, abductions, starvation and attacks against markets, health facilities and other civilian infrastructures.  

    “As patients and communities tell their stories to our teams and asked us to speak out, while their suffering is hardly on the international agenda, we felt compelled to document these patterns of relentless violence that have been crushing countless lives in general indifference and inaction over the past year,” says Mathilde Simon, MSF’s humanitarian affairs advisor.

    Besieged, Attacked, Starved also details how the Rapid Support Forces and their allies conducted a large-scale ground offensive in April on Zamzam displacement camp, outside of El Fasher, causing an estimated 400,000 people to flee in less than three weeks in appalling conditions. A large portion of the camp population fled to El Fasher, where they remained trapped, out of reach of humanitarian aid and exposed to attacks and further mass violence. Tens of thousands more escaped to Tawila, about 60 kilometers away, and to camps across the Chadian border, where hundreds of survivors of violence received care from MSF teams.

    “In light of the ethnically motivated mass atrocities committed on the Masalit in West Darfur back in June 2023, and of the massacres perpetrated in Zamzam camp in North Darfur, we fear such a scenario will be repeated in El Fasher. This onslaught of violence must stop,” says Simon.

    Several witnesses report that RSF soldiers spoke of plans to ‘clean El Fasher’ of its non-Arab community. Since May 2024, the RSF and their allies have besieged El Fasher, Zamzam camp and other surrounding localities, cutting communities from food, water, and medical care. This has contributed to the spread of famine and debilitated the humanitarian response.

    Repeated attacks on healthcare facilities forced MSF to end our medical activities in El Fasher in August 2024 and in Zamzam camp in February 2025. In May 2024 alone, health facilities supported by MSF in El Fasher endured at least seven incidents of shelling, bombing or shooting by all warring parties. Indiscriminate airstrikes conducted by the SAF had devastating consequences, as a 50-year-old woman highlights: “The SAF bombed our neighborhood by mistake, then came to apologise. SAF planes sometimes bombed civilian areas without any RSF [presence], I saw it in different places”.

    The harrowing level of violence on the roads out of El Fasher and Zamzam means that many people are trapped or take life-threatening risk when fleeing. Men and boys are at high risk of killing and abduction, while women and girls are subjected to widespread sexual violence. Most witnesses also report increased risks for Zaghawa communities. “Nobody could get out [of El Fasher] if they said they were Zaghawa,” says a displaced woman. Another man tells us that RSF and its allies were “asking people if they belonged to the Zaghawa, and if they did, they would kill them.”

    “They would only let mothers with small children under the age of five through,” recalls a woman about her journey fleeing to eastern Chad. “Other children and adult men didn’t go through. Men over fifteen can hardly cross the border [into Chad]. They take them, they push them aside and then we only hear a noise, gunshots, indicating that they are dead, that they have been killed […] Fifty families came along with me. Not even one boy of 15 years old or above was among us.”  

    The catastrophic nutritional situation continued deteriorating as the siege tightened: “[Three months ago] in Zamzam, we sometimes had 3 days a week without eating,” one man tells our teams. “Children died from malnutrition. We were eating ambaz [residue of peanuts ground for oil], like everyone, although usually it’s used for animals,” says displaced woman. “Zamzam was completely blocked,” another displaced person tells us. “Water wells depend on fuel and there was no access to fuel, so all of them stopped working. Water was very limited and very expensive.”

    MSF urges the warring parties to spare civilians and respect their obligations under International Humanitarian Law. The RSF and their allies must immediately stop ethnic violence perpetrated against non-Arab communities, lift the siege of El Fasher and guarantee safe routes for civilians fleeing violence. Safe unrestricted access to El Fasher and its surroundings must be granted for humanitarian agencies to provide critically needed assistance.  International actors, including UN institutions and member states, and States who provide support to the warring parties must urgently mobilise and exert pressure to prevent further mass violence and allow emergency aid delivery. The recent unilateral announcements of a possible local ceasefire have not yet been translated into concrete change on the ground, and time is running out.

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: On Country and in demand: Tackling remote teacher shortages

    Source:

    04 July 2025

    Sports day on Country.

    When a dry creek bed is your classroom, science connects to the land, and sports day kicks off amid a cloud of red dust, you know you’re on Country out bush.

    For a group of UniSA student teachers, the opportunity to teach in remote South Australia offers more than cultural immersion – it’s a chance to connect with community, embrace new ways of learning, and potentially spark a career in Aboriginal education.

    This National NAIDOC Week, UniSA is highlighting its remote teaching placements in the Anangu Lands, spanning Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) and Yalata Lands, aiming to inspire future teachers, while addressing workforce shortages in regional and remote Australia.

    The timing is significant, with the State’s Aboriginal Education Strategy, Impact Report showing that teaching support in the APY Lands has helped deliver the highest average preschool attendance in five years.

    Already, four of last year’s eight placement students have returned to continue teaching in the APY Lands while completing their degrees.

    With more than 30 years’ experience in Aboriginal education, UniSA’s Associate Director: Regional Engagement, Dr Sam Osborne, says encouraging students to explore remote teaching placements is vital to building the remote workforce.

    “When there’s a teacher shortage in Australia, we know there’s a desperate teacher shortage in rural and remote Australia,” Dr Osborne says.

    “These areas can seem daunting – they’re unfamiliar, far from family and friends, and may lack creature comforts – but they also offer incredibly rewarding experiences in close-knit and supportive communities.

    “Our placement program provides third-year education students with a unique opportunity to spend six weeks living and teaching in Anangu communities, alongside the world’s oldest continuing culture.

    “They live, learn and teach between the classroom, and on Country. Whether it’s working with Elders to link native plants with science, teaching kindy kids colours in Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara, or making maths fun by tallying bird species observed on Country.

    “Importantly, students are supported by the community as they learn their craft in a cultural and language context that few Australians ever encounter.”

    The Anangu schools’ partnership includes 10 schools spanning the far north and west of South Australia, including The APY Lands, Maralinga Tjarutja, and Yalata with around 200 local and non-local educators working in these schools.

    UniSA student teachers and team connecting at Yulara.

    Sophia, a third-year UniSA education student who recently returned from a six-week placement in Pipalyatjara Anangu School, says her stay was transformative.

    “One of the first things you notice is the scale of the Australian outback. From the desert plains to endless skies over the mountain ranges, you know you’re about to experience something completely different,” Sophia says.

    “Teaching at an Anangu school was so unique, and it very strongly connected to culture.

    “We often took learning outdoors – using hopscotch or other made-up games to teach language and numbers – which the kids loved because they’re such outdoor people.

    “There were also amazing opportunities to learn from people in the community. On family days, we’d sit with an Elder to hear stories of their history, their travels, or more practical things like how to mix bush medicines or make spears.

    “The local people are beautiful – gentle, kind and insightful, and they have a quiet confidence that really stayed with me.

    “This placement was unlike anything I’ve ever done. I felt welcomed in the community and I can’t wait to return – hopefully next year.”

    The program includes a three-day language and culture orientation run by Iwiri Aboriginal corporation, a mid-placement visit to the UniSA site at Ernabella, and a post-placement debrief at Uluru. Students are supported by experienced staff and take part in on-Country experiences and excursions.

    “This program provides high-quality support for preservice teachers who want to challenge themselves personally and professionally in a new context,” Dr Osborne says.

    “They are developing far more than classroom skills – they’re building cultural understanding, lasting connections, and for many, a sense of purpose that could shape their careers.”

    In partnership with the SA Department for Education, UniSA is also running a two-week field trip for students interested in teaching in remote areas.

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

    Contact for interview: Dr Sam Osborne E: Sam.Osborne@unisa.edu.au
    Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Cleanaway’s proposed acquisition of Contract Resources not opposed

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The ACCC will not oppose Cleanaway Waste Management Limited’s (ASX:CWY) proposed acquisition of Contract Resources Group Pty Ltd.

    Cleanaway and Contract Resources both supply a range of industrial services in Australia, including maintenance and cleaning of industrial facilities and equipment. Cleanaway is also one of the largest waste management companies in Australia.

    The ACCC’s review considered the likely effect of the proposed acquisition on competition for the provision of industrial services.

    The review found Contract Resources primarily provides specialist industrial services, such as catalyst handling, which Cleanaway does not supply.

    For other types of industrial services that both Cleanaway and Contract Resources supply, the ACCC’s review found the merged entity would continue to face competition from alternative suppliers and, in some cases, customers would be able to effectively sponsor the entry of a new supplier.

    “Cleanaway and Contract Resources compete mainly for customers in the oil and gas sector. These customers are generally large, well-resourced organisations that could sponsor new entry or sponsor the expansion of existing rival suppliers” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.

    “We have seen oil and gas companies sponsor new entry before”.

    The ACCC’s review also considered the likely effect of the acquisition on competition in the supply of waste management services.

    The review focused on whether the merged entity would be able to profitably leverage Contract Resources’ strong position in the supply of specialist industrial services into Cleanaway’s waste management offering – for example, by requiring customers to acquire their waste management services as a condition of supplying specialist industrial services. 

    The ACCC found that this is unlikely to be a profitable strategy because customers have other options to source these specialist industrial services.

    “Overall, we did not find that the proposed acquisition is likely to substantially lessen competition in the supply of industrial services or waste management services,” Dr Williams said.

    More information can be found on the ACCC’s public register here: Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd – Contract Resources Group Pty Ltd

    Notes to editor

    In considering the proposed acquisition, the ACCC applies the legal test set out in section 50 of the Competition and Consumer Act.

    In general terms, section 50 prohibits acquisitions that would have the effect, or be likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition in any market.

    Background

    Cleanaway Waste Management Limited (Cleanaway) proposes to acquire 100 per cent of the shares in Contract Resources Group Pty Ltd (Contract Resources). Contract Resources’ majority shareholders are two private equity firms, SCF Partners Inc and Viburnum Funds Pty Ltd.

    Cleanaway is an Australian-based recycling, waste management, and industrial services company.

    Contract Resources is a specialist provider of industrial services for complex and high value assets in the energy and oil and gas sectors.

    Industrial services involve the provision of maintenance and cleaning services to industrial facilities, plants, and equipment, with many customers for these services operating in the mining, infrastructure, and oil and gas sectors.

    Cleanaway and Contract Resources each provide ‘baseline’ industrial services, including high pressure water services, vacuum loading, non-destructive digging, cold cutting, tank cleaning and maintenance, emergency response, and decontamination and chemical cleaning.

    Contract Resources also provides specialist industrial services such as catalyst handling and specialised mechanical services:

    • ‘catalyst handling’ involves the removal, replacement and maintenance of catalysts used in energy and industrial processes, and
    • ‘specialised mechanical services’ involves the repair and maintenance of complex industrial equipment such as reactors and heat exchangers.

    Customers of specialist industrial services are generally customers in oil, gas and mining sectors.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Transcript – 7:30 with Sarah Ferguson

    Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

    SARAH FERGUSON: It emerged today that accused child sex offender Joshua Brown may have worked at several child care centres in Victoria longer than authorities originally thought. It means more parents now face the excruciating prospect that their children may be involved and may be required to undergo health screening. On Tuesday, Brown was charged with more than 70 offences, including sexual assault, relating to eight alleged victims at a child care centre in Melbourne’s west. Authorities had also listed more than 20 other centres he’d worked at across the city. These allegations will now be tested in court. But as our reporter Adele Ferguson told us when the story broke, it’s not the first time parents have had to consider the possibility their children may have been the victims of assault while in childcare. 

    ADELE FERGUSON: If you look across at the data, at least one report a day of sexual misconduct comes from child care centres, which is a heck of a lot. 

    SARAH FERGUSON: The latest allegations put pressure on the Federal Government to overhaul the regulation of child care in Australia. Education Minister Jason Clare is the Minister responsible. Jason Clare, welcome.

    JASON CLARE, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION: Thank you.

    FERGUSON: Now you learnt about the allegations being made against the child care worker in Melbourne over a week ago. What action did you take?

    CLARE: The first step I took was to put this on the top of the agenda for Education Ministers when we met last week. Last week, two things happened. I was informed that a person had been arrested for the alleged behaviour in child care centres in Victoria. But a second thing happened. The Wheeler Report was released by the NSW Government, and their initial response. And as you know, that was an investigation conducted by the former Deputy Ombudsman of NSW, Chris Wheeler, in response to the Four Corners exposé earlier this year, which revealed horrifying examples of physical abuse and neglect in child care centres. I thought it was necessary to put this at the top of the agenda for Education Ministers last week so we could pull together the recommendations from Chris and he briefed us, but also recommendations from Gabrielle Sinclair, who’s the head of the federal regulator, about what are the next steps we need to take to keep our kids safe in child care.

    FERGUSON: We’ll come to some of those in a minute. I just want to stay with the situation in Melbourne and just repeating that these are now allegations, the man has been charged and will face trial. How is it possible that if you knew a week ago, some parents only found out when they went to the childcare centres that there was a problem?

    CLARE: Let me be very clear. I was informed by the Victorian Government that someone had been arrested, I wasn’t briefed on the details of this, and nor were Ministers at the Education Ministers meeting last week. To the best of my knowledge, the Victorian Government has made sure that they’ve informed parents as soon as they possibly can. As you would have heard —

    FERGUSON: Well, it’s not – it can’t be as soon as they possibly could because we had an incident of a mother on the program last night who did receive a text message. The text message was very confusing. The media were at the child care centre. She didn’t know, walked into a child care centre.

    CLARE: Fair point. Let me correct that. The Victorian Government were informing parents when they believed that they were ready to do so. One of those people is a friend of mine. She’s directly affected by this. Her girls are caught up in this. I know the white-hot anger of all parents that are affected by this and the confusion that they’re facing and feeling right now. I don’t want to make any points specifically about the alleged offender because this will go before the courts. But this is serious, it’s sickening. People want to turn away from this and turn off their TVs, but you can’t. It requires serious action. I’ve been pretty blunt about this today and yesterday. We’re taking action, but not enough action has happened and not fast enough.

    FERGUSON: Alright, let’s talk about that. But just in the case of your friends, and obviously we offer them all our sympathy, how did they find out, and how did they think the matter was treated?

    CLARE: They received a text message.

    FERGUSON: Did they understand the text message?

    CLARE: Yeah, they did. They did, but then they received further details. She’s gone off to see a GP, but to be honest, she’s still confused, wanting to find out what tests she needs to get her daughters to do, whether those tests might cause more trauma than the girls. The girls don’t know about it at the moment. She’s keeping it from them, as you expect that she would. But at some point, they need to get tests done. She needs to know what those tests involve and what the potential impact of them might be on the girls.

    FERGUSON: Are paedophiles targeting child care centres because they can get easy access to children?

    CLARE: We’ve seen evidence of this, Sarah. We saw evidence of this in Queensland, where Australia’s worst paedophile was arrested and charged and convicted a couple of years ago. It’s why I asked the federal regulator to conduct a review into child safety. It’s why the sort of actions that are rolling out now are happening, because you have seen paedophiles do this.

    FERGUSON: We will talk about what came out of that review, but there are figures that show, and these are just in the jurisdictions that have reporting requirements, at least one incident of sexual misconduct a day. And that doesn’t include any figures from Queensland, the Northern Territory and South Australia. How do you defend those statistics?

    CLARE: I don’t. No reasonable person would. What those statistics show you is that we’ve got a serious problem, and we’ve got to take serious action. The honest answer to you is that this job will never be done, that there will always be bad people that try and break through the net. That doesn’t mean that you do nothing, though. That means that we’ve got to do everything that we possibly can to make sure that our children are safe. That’s why people are talking now about CCTV or about an educator register, about improving working with children checks. None of that is a silver bullet. None of that is going to guarantee every child is safe. But all of it are the sort of things that are necessary if we’re fair dinkum about doing our jobs.

    FERGUSON. So, what is your view on each of those things? Just one at a time? CCTV. Should there be CCTV in child care centres?

    CLARE: Yes, there should. Chris talked about this in his report that was handed down last week —

    FERGUSON: When can we expect to see that?

    CLARE: Hang on a sec. So, what Mr. Wheeler said in his report, based on the Four Corners investigation, is that that should be targeted to certain centres based on the fact that some centres haven’t been up to scratch. And so, Education Ministers are looking at –

    FERGUSON: Just hold it. Just hold it there. You’re talking about the need for CCTV in a child care centre that is not up to scratch. Should any centre that is required to have CCTV for the safety of its – for the children attending it, should that centre be in operation?

    CLARE: The short answer to that is no, and that’s why I’m going to introduce legislation when the Parliament returns in the first sitting fortnight that will cut funding to child care centres that aren’t up to scratch, that aren’t meeting the quality and safety standards that Australians would expect and that our kids deserve. This is the big weapon that the Commonwealth Government has to wield here. We fund centres, 70 per cent of the funding for these centres comes from taxpayers —

    FERGUSON. So, you have all the levers.

    CLARE: That is the big lever that the Commonwealth Government has. States have other levers, but that’s the big one. A centre can’t run without taxpayer funding or taxpayer support. And so, that’s why we’ve said this was something that we announced in March. That’s a major important measure to make sure that our kids are safe. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t have CCTV as well. Chris gave us recommendations about that, and that’s one of the things Ministers are going through right now.

    FERGUSON: One of the standards that you’ve already talked about that’s coming in in September is mandatory reporting of any physical or sexual abuse within 24 hours. Why not bring that in immediately?

    CLARE: We’re bringing it in as quick as we possibly can. I’m conscious here no one is interested in any excuses here. But the honest answer to this is out of the review that we did, that we asked the National Regulator to conduct for us, they recommended a suite of changes, about 16 different reforms. Some of them are the responsibility of Education Ministers, some the Attorney-General, some building Ministers. One of them was around mobile phones, one of them was around mandatory reporting. I’ve told my department, I’ve told Ministers across the country, we need to implement these as quick as we possibly can, and that’s one of them.

    FERGUSON. So, the beginning of September is the earliest you can possibly do that. There is no mechanism under which you could make that immediate because I think that’s something that people will be puzzled about. If you have an existing requirement that says you have to report within seven days, that seems extremely long. Why can’t you move more quickly on that?

    CLARE: I think anyone listening would say, why is it seven days now?

    FERGUSON: Yes, indeed.

    CLARE: Why hasn’t this been fixed yet?

    FERGUSON: What’s the answer?

    CLARE: The answer is it should have been fixed yesterday. I’m determined to get it fixed as soon as it possibly can. The best advice I’ve got is the way this system works is we can get it done in September.

    FERGUSON: How do you propose to fix a system that fails to punish centres that offer substandard care?

    CLARE: There’s at least two parts to this. The penalties that centres cop at the moment are insufficient. This is another thing that Chris Wheeler pointed to in his report last week. For an individual that breaches —

    FERGUSON: Do you need Chris Wheeler’s report to tell you that?

    CLARE: No. I think any right-minded person, when they find out that a maximum penalty under the existing law for an individual is about $9,000, for a centre or a provider is about $45,000, would say, “well, that’s probably not enough to make sure that people are doing what they should be doing”.

    FERGUSON: Why did it take a television program to make this an urgent matter of business development?

    CLARE: It shouldn’t, but there’s a bit of a history here at the ABC of Four Corners doing the right thing.

    FERGUSON: But I want to know what the Government’s been doing because this information was not held secretly from you or your department.

    CLARE: No, I get all of that —

    FERGUSON: So, what have you been doing for the last three years?

    CLARE: The bottom line is that Ministers haven’t been doing enough fast enough, right?

    FERGUSON: Including you?

    CLARE: Including me, and I take my fair share of responsibility for it. I’ve been pretty blunt about that. But I tell you what, I’ve got the job now and I’m determined to act. Part of that is significantly beefing up those penalties. The other part in answering your question is about cutting off the funding to centres who don’t comply if they’re persistently not meeting safety standards. If they’re persistently not meeting the sort of quality that we expect, whether it’s for a for-profit centre or a not-for-profit community centre, then we’ve got to have the ability to cut off funding, pull the funding for them. That’s what’s going to help get centres up to the sort of safety and quality standards we expect —

    FERGUSON: What should the threshold be? Is one breach of a serious safety standard enough?

    CLARE: We’re working through the details of that bill that I’ll introduce now, so I won’t pre-empt that, but there needs to be stages there so that potentially we can set conditions on centres. But ultimately, you’ve got to have the power to pull the funding.

    FERGUSON: The Federal Government undertook a drive, the Albanese Government, when it came into power, a drive to provide what were urgently needed childcare places across the country. Have you pushed the sector to expand too fast at the expense of children’s safety?

    CLARE: No, I don’t think that’s right. We have seen the centre grow over the last three years. There’s 100,000 more children in early education and care today than there were three years ago.

    FERGUSON: And we’ve got a crisis of quality. So, doesn’t that make the answer to that question yes?

    CLARE: There’s about one and a half million children in the sector right now, so it’s gone from about 1.4 to 1.5. So, we’re seeing that grow. That’s good for parents because it’s an essential service. It’s good to have more children in early education and care because it’s helping to get them ready for school —

    FERGUSON: Sure, but this is a debate about quality.

    CLARE: I get that. I’m determined to make sure that we hit those quality standards. So, the question then is, how do you make sure you hit those quality and safety standards? What do businesses in this sector listen to? Money. And if you cut off the funding, then you end up closing down the centre. That’s going to be the real tool that we’ve got here to help boost those standards.

    FERGUSON: So do you – As things stand, do you accept that there is a correlation between for-profit in this sector and low quality?

    CLARE: What I would say is that in the community or the not-for-profit sector, we’re seeing overwhelmingly higher levels of achieving the sort of quality we want and expect than in the for-profit sector. But whether it’s for-profit or not-for-profit, everybody has to meet those sort of standards. We’ve got to make sure that the safety of our children is number one, and one of the ways we can do that is with the lever of Commonwealth money.

    FERGUSON: Long way to go on this. Thank you very much indeed for coming in. 

    CLARE: Thanks, Sarah.
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish recipients of The Elizabeth Emblem

    Source: Scottish Government

    First Minister marks lives given in public service.

    First Minister John Swinney has paid tribute to the eight Scottish recipients of The Elizabeth Emblem.

    The emblem is awarded posthumously to family members of those who died in public service. It is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or a terrorist attack.

    The First Minister said:

    “I warmly welcome the awarding of The Elizabeth Emblem to these individuals and their families.

    “This recognition enables us to remember their sacrifice and their lives dedicated to public service. They made Scotland a better place for us all and we continue to honour their memory.”

    The family of Dunblane Primary School teacher Gwen Mayor including her husband Rodney Mayor said:

    “As a family we are extremely proud and honoured to be receiving this award on behalf of Gwen. We always believed her actions that day deserved more recognition.

    “You would have to have known Gwen to know that she would have done whatever trying to protect the children in her care. She paid the ultimate price for that commitment. Finally we now feel that she has been honoured for what happened that day.”

    The full list of Scottish recipients of The Elizabeth Emblem are:

    • Joseph Stewart Drake, a Constable with Stirling and Clackmannan Constabulary. He died on 11 August 1967 when a stolen lorry intentionally struck his car at Dennyloanhead as he tried to intercept it. 
    • Gwen Mayor, Primary 1 teacher at Dunblane Primary School died on 13 March 1996 alongside 15 of her pupils when a gunman entered the school.
    • Rodney (Rod) Moore, a retired NHS paramedic from Falkirk with 40 years’ service, rejoined the Scottish Ambulance Service to support its Covid-19 response and died on 21 November 2020 having contracted coronavirus.
    • Roderick Nicolson, a Scottish Fire & Rescue Service firefighter died at Perth Harbour on 4 December 1995. He was attempting to rescue workers who became trapped in a silo filled with five tonnes of sodium carbonate ash.
    • Richard Paul North, a Constable with Tayside Police died on 17 March 1987. He was on duty driving a marked police patrol car when it collided with another vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was under the influence of drink and drugs.
    • William Oliver of the Glasgow Salvage Corps died at the Cheapside Street whisky bond fire on 28 March 1960. He was instantly killed alongside 18 others when some casks ruptured causing a massive boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion.
    • Ewan Williamson, a Scottish Fire & Rescue Service firefighter with Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service. He became trapped in a fire at the Balmoral Bar public house in Edinburgh and died on 12 July 2009.
    • Alastair Soutar, of HM Customs and Excise died of his injuries on 29 July 1996 after he was crushed between ‘The Sentinel’ HM Customs and Excise vessel and the ‘Ocean Jubilee’ smugglers vessel. Mr Soutar, from Dundee, was participating in Operation Balvenie to apprehend drug smugglers.

    Background

    The Elizabeth Emblem is a national form of recognition conferred by His Majesty The King and was established last year.
    The design of the Emblem incorporates a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, which surrounds the Tudor Crown. It is inscribed with ‘For A Life Given In Service’, and will have the name of the person for whom it is in memoriam inscribed on the reverse of the Emblem. It will include a pin to allow the award to be worn on clothing by the next of kin of the deceased.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Charges – Sexual assault – Berrimah

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Yesterday, Northern Territory Police arrested a man in relation to a sexual assault that occurred in Berrimah on Friday 27 June 2025.

    It is alleged the 60-year-old man sexually assaulted a woman who is known to him at an address in Berrimah.

    He has since been arrested and charged with sexual intercourse without consent and will face Darwin Local Court 4 July 2025.

    Police from the Sex Crimes Section are continuing to investigate the incident.

    Detectives urge anyone who has information about the assault to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2500065760.

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

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: City to hold free nature events during July school holidays

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    The City of Greater Bendigo is again holding a series of free events to highlight the region’s natural environment and biodiversity during the July School Holidays.

    City of Greater Bendigo Climate Change and Environment Manager Michelle Wyatt said the free events will both educate and entertain participants.

    “We held a series of similar events during the last school holidays which proved very popular,” Ms Wyatt said.

    “Our region has a diversity of wildlife and the free sessions help residents to learn about their unique characteristics and understand the importance of caring for the habitats they live in.”

    The free events include:

    • Evening Bat Fly-out on Tuesday July 8 and Tuesday July 15, 5pm – 6.30pm at Rosalind Park
    • Nature by Night on Thursday July 10 and Thursday July 17, 5.30pm – 7pm along the O’Keefe Rail Trail
    • Winter Wander on Saturday July 12, 10am – 12pm in Junortoun Flora and Fauna Reserve
    • Bats of Bendigo on Tuesday July 15, 10am – 11.30am at Rosalind Park
    • Nature in the Mall on Thursday July 17, 11am – 2pm at Hargreaves Mall

    For more information, or to book, visit:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Desert retrofit housing project boosts energy efficiency and comfort in APY Lands

    Source:

    04 July 2025

    A local tradesmen laying insulation in the roof of an existing home in the APY Lands.

    An ambitious housing project led by the University of South Australia, the SA Government and industry partners is making homes in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands more comfortable and energy efficient.

    The APY Lands Energy Efficiency Retrofit Pilot, part of the national RACE for 2030 Cooperative Research Centre, is improving energy efficiency in desert housing, where summer temperatures soar above 45°C and winter nights plunge below freezing.

    Since launching the pilot in December 2023, the project team has installed energy monitoring devices in 12 households and completed retrofits on six homes in an APY community. The homes are managed by key project delivery partner, the SA Housing Trust.

    The trial retrofits are targeted solutions to reduce air leakage, increase insulation, and reduce thermal bridging – where heat or cold bypasses insulation through the steel building frames.

    With 15 project and industry partners, the team has assessed 20 homes, interviewed residents, installed monitoring equipment, built two test rooms in Adelaide, and modelled over 100 retrofit scenarios.

    In addition to the retrofit work, the team has produced household energy efficiency and trade training education materials in consultation with the community, to ensure residents know how to get the best outcomes in their homes. Local trades will take part in rolling out the retrofits to remaining APY households.

    Lead investigator, UniSA Sustainable Engineering Systems researcher Professor Ke Xing, says the project combines scientific rigour with practical on-the-ground training.

    Local tradespeople were trained on site, supported by housing retrofit experts.

    “This pilot is not only improving living conditions in one of the toughest climates in Australia; it’s also creating a blueprint for future upgrades in remote and regional communities across the country,” Prof Xing says.

    “In the past year we have collaborated closely with the community, local maintenance workers and our industry partners, all of whom have shown an extraordinary commitment.”

    Key findings so far show that addressing uncontrolled air leakage delivers the greatest improvements in thermal comfort and energy efficiency.

    Currently winter – more so than summer – is the most uncomfortable period for APY communities. Households rely heavily on inefficient electric radiant heaters, with some resorting to ovens for warmth – an unsafe and costly practice.

    Upgrades so far include new bulk insulation in the roof and adding continuous insulation to external walls, self-closing exhaust fans, evaporative cooling dampers, and sealing common air leakage points throughout the homes.

    Local tradespeople were trained on-site, supported by custom training resources and guidance from retrofit experts.

    Importantly, residents themselves are noticing the difference.

    “Common feedback from residents was that their homes were cooler this summer, due to the retrofits. That anecdotal feedback supports our early testing, and we are in the process of conducting full evaluations over the 2025 winter,” says Prof Xing.

    UniSA researchers partnered with the SA Department for Energy and Mining, the SA Housing Trust, and community focused organisations such as Healthabitat and Nganampa Health Council. They worked closely with the Iwantja Community Council and local residents, including Aṉangu Energy Education Workers supported by MoneyMob Talkabout.

    The project also involves organisations with technical expertise who have provided knowledge and product support, including the Insulation Council of Australia and New Zealand (ICANZ), Kingspan, Sika Australia, Powertech Energy, Efficiency Matrix, and the Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association (ATTMA).

    Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation in the Attorney-General’s Department has also partnered and contributed to the project, and TAFE SA, CodeSafe Solutions and Pointsbuild have contributed the development to the trade training program.

    As part of the Pilot’s legacy, trade training programs have been developed to support a broader rollout of housing retrofit skills in remote communities. A “train-the-trainer” event was held in Adelaide in 2024, involving TAFE, SA Housing Trust, Renewal SA and Building Contractor (Furnell’s) staff. Local TAFE students were provided with Net Zero Energy Builder Scholarships to support energy efficient construction in the APY Lands.

    The next steps include re-testing the retrofitted homes and expanding the model to other APY communities.

    “Ultimately, we want this project to inform national guidelines for remote housing upgrades, tailored to the needs and voices of Aboriginal communities,” says SA Department for Energy and Mining Project Manager Lynda Curtis.

    “Aboriginal people have lived in Australia’s desert regions for tens of thousands of years, but temperature extremes have become more pronounced due to climate change,” Ms Curtis says.

    “With broader climate extremes and overall hotter summers predicted for the future, how people are living and maintaining healthy communities on Country is of growing concern, and we are invested in providing solutions to those challenges.”

    Notes for editors

    RACE for 2030 (Reliable, Affordable Clean Energy) is an innovative, collaborative research centre for energy and carbon transition. The Federal Government has provided $68.5 million, supplemented by $280 million in cash and in-kind contributions from partners. Its aim is to deliver $3.8 billion of cumulative energy productivity benefits and 20 megatons of cumulative carbon emission savings by 2030.

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

    Contact for interview: Professor Ke Xing E: ke.xing@unisa.edu.au

    Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: DP World Australia’s proposed acquisition of Silk Logistics not opposed

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The ACCC will not oppose DP World Australia Limited’s proposed acquisition of Silk Logistics Holdings Limited (ASX:SLH).

    Following an extensive investigation, including considering detailed responses to its statement of issues, the ACCC concluded that the proposed acquisition would not likely result in a substantial lessening of competition.

    DP World Australia operates container stevedores at the Ports of Botany (Sydney), Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle. On average, DP World Australia services approximately a third of the containers processed at these ports.

    Silk is a national container logistics provider in Australia. It hauls import and export containers using trucks to and from ports where DP World Australia operates.

    The ACCC considered the integration of DP World Australia’s container terminals with Silk’s national container transport and warehousing business and the potential impact on container transport service providers in the supply chain. 

    The ACCC focussed on whether DP World Australia would have the ability and incentive to engage in discriminatory conduct against Silk’s container transport rivals by raising their costs or lowering their quality of access to DP World Australia’s terminals.

    ACCC analysis indicated that DP World Australia is unlikely to engage in forms of discriminatory conduct which would lead to material operational delays and disruption at DP World’s terminals. A reduction in DP World Australia’s ability to efficiently process containers at its terminals would risk DP World Australia losing shipping lines to other terminals, damaging its own business. 

    “Although DP World Australia may be able to engage in subtle forms of discrimination without adversely affecting its primary function as a container terminal, such conduct is unlikely to reach a level so as to substantially lessen competition,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.

    “DP World Australia would continue to face competition from a range of established and prospective container transport providers.”

    The ACCC has an ongoing role in monitoring Australia’s container freight industry. This involves tracking prices, costs and profits of container terminals, gathering information from the container freight industry, and providing a monitoring report to the government each year.

    More information on the ACCC’s role in this area can be found here: Container stevedoring monitoring.

    Further information on this transaction can be found on the ACCC’s public register: DP World Australia Limited – Silk Logistics Holdings Limited.

    Background

    Container stevedores are responsible for lifting containers on and off container ships. They are a key part of international trade.

    DP World Australia provides port and general logistics services. Its main business is the provision of container stevedoring services and operation of container terminals at each of the Ports of Melbourne, Botany, Brisbane and Fremantle.

    In addition to its stevedoring services, DP World Australia:

    • operates an empty container park in each of the areas surrounding the Ports of Brisbane, Melbourne and Botany,
    • has a 50 per cent interest in a vehicle booking system, that container transport providers use for the purpose of collecting/delivering containers at several Australian ports, and
    • operates a limited fleet of container transport trucks in Melbourne and Sydney.

    DP World Australia is an indirect subsidiary of DP World Limited (DPW). DPW provides freight forwarding and contract logistics services in Australia.

    Silk is an ASX listed port-to-door services provider offering warehousing, distribution and port logistics services. It operates 46 facilities across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

    Silk’s operations are categorised into two divisions:

    • port logistics: road transport of import and export containers to and from ports in Australia, in addition to ancillary services (such as fumigation, quarantine inspection, packing/unpacking services), and
    • contract logistics: warehousing and distribution services. Warehousing services relate to receiving containerised freight, unpacking it, palletising it, storing it and then packing and dispatching it to the destination. Distribution services refer to the transportation of goods from warehouses to delivery points, such as retail premises, factories or households.

    Below is a diagram summarising the movement of containers along the supply chain and the typical commercial relationships between key parties. The blue boxes refer to parts of the supply chain at the port precinct.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Quarter 4 business activity statements are due on 28 July

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    If you lodge your BAS quarterly, there’s one thing you can do to make things easier for yourself this tax time: make sure you’re up to date with your BAS lodgment for the financial year (including your quarter 4 BAS) before you lodge your tax return.

    This will help with:

    • reconciling your figures – the amounts you report in your BAS will affect what appears in your tax return
    • ensuring your records are accurate before you prepare your tax return
    • avoiding discrepancies.

    Check out our updated BAS and GST tips for more tips to help you get your GST right, and prepare and lodge your BAS, including:

    • record keeping and invoicing tips
    • how to avoid manual errors for GST
    • tips when completing your BAS
    • how to fix a mistake or make an adjustment.

    If you’ve had nothing to report and have been lodging ‘nil’ BAS for a while, consider whether you should cancel your GST and other registrations. You’ll stop receiving BAS and reminders if you no longer need to lodge a BAS. However, make sure you’ve met all your tax and super lodgment, reporting and payment obligations before you cancel them.

    Remember, you may receive more time to lodge and pay if you lodge online or through a registered tax or BAS agent.

    Keep up to date

    We’ve set up tailored communication channels for small businesses. They will keep you updated on important information and changes.

    Read more articles in our Small business newsroom.

    Subscribe to our free monthly Small business email newsletterExternal Link

    Get email notifications about new and updated information on our website. You can choose to receive updates that matter to you. Select the ‘Business and organisations’ category. This way, your subscription will get notifications for more Small business newsroom articles like this one.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Albanese Government backs bold ideas to solve real-world challenges

    Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

    From solar-powered hydrogen reactors to wi-fi that works deep underground, 39 research projects have been awarded support through the Albanese Government’s Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Innovate program.

    More than $93 million in grants has been awarded to projects including:

    • A cleaner energy future – The University of Adelaide is working with industry to develop a solar hydrogen reactor that could dramatically cut the cost of green hydrogen production.
    • Smarter farming – The University of Melbourne is developing an affordable soil monitoring system for shallow and deep-rooted crops, helping farmers grow more with less.
    • Safer mining – The University of Sydney is creating a long-range wi-fi system to keep underground workers connected in real time.
    • High-tech weed control – Central Queensland University is teaming up with Aussie businesses to create an innovative weed management system that reduces the need for chemicals.

    These projects are part of a broader push to fast-track commercialisation of Australian research in critical areas like renewables, agriculture, medical technology, defence and critical minerals.

    AEA is designed to bridge the gap between research and real-world application and help researchers partner with industry to take ideas out of the lab and into the economy.

    The Olives the Australian Way project from the University of South Australia is an example of AEA in action. Starting in the Seed round and now progressing to Innovate, the project aims to double Australia’s olive plantations by 2035 and create new jobs in rural and regional areas.

    More than $178 million has now been awarded to Australian innovators through AEA Seed, Ignite and Innovate rounds as part of the $1.6 billion AEA program.

    The next round of Ignite and Innovate grants will open on 23 July, making an additional $150 million available to projects with potential to deliver the next wave of breakthroughs.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

    “These investments allow our world-class universities and researchers to work on game-changing projects that are good for our economy and good for Australia. 

    “This is a strategic investment that will help to deliver the solutions we need for the challenges ahead.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: TransAlta to Host Second Quarter 2025 Results Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TransAlta Corporation (“TransAlta”) (TSX:TA)(NYSE:TAC) will release its second quarter 2025 results before markets open on Friday, August 1, 2025. A conference call and webcast to discuss the results will be held for investors, analysts, members of the media and other interested parties the same day beginning at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time (11:00 a.m. ET).

    Second Quarter 2025 Conference Call:
    Webcast link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/zpy9addj

    To access the conference call via telephone, please register ahead of time using the call link below: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI215de673b3704e0da46b2a02e0f35bb0. Once registered, participants will have the option of 1) dialing into the call from their phone (via a personalized PIN); or 2) clicking the “Call Me” option to receive an automated call directly to their phone.

    Related materials will be available on the Investor Centre section of TransAlta’s website at https://transalta.com/investors/presentations-and-events/. If you are unable to participate in the call, the replay will be accessible at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/zpy9addj. A transcript of the broadcast will be posted on TransAlta’s website once it becomes available.

    About TransAlta Corporation:

    TransAlta owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia with a focus on long-term shareholder value. TransAlta provides municipalities, medium and large industries, businesses and utility customers with affordable, energy efficient and reliable power. Today, TransAlta is one of Canada’s largest producers of wind power and Alberta’s largest producer of thermal generation and hydro-electric power. For over 114 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud member of the communities where we operate and where our employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Future-Fit Business Benchmark, which also defines sustainable goals for businesses. Our reporting on climate change management has been guided by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S2 Climate-related Disclosures Standard and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. TransAlta has achieved a 70 per cent reduction in GHG emissions or 22.7 million tonnes CO2e since 2015 and received an upgraded MSCI ESG rating of AA.

    For more information about TransAlta, visit its website at transalta.com.

    Note: All financial figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.

    For more information:

    Investor Inquiries: Media Inquiries:
    Phone: 1-800-387-3598 in Canada and U.S. Phone: 1-855-255-9184
    Email: investor_relations@transalta.com Email: ta_media_relations@transalta.com
       

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Diversified Royalty Corp. Announces July 2025 Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diversified Royalty Corp. (TSX: DIV and DIV.DB.A) (the “Corporation” or “DIV”) is pleased to confirm that DIV’s annual dividend has increased from 25.0 cents per share to 27.5 cents per share effective July 1, 2025 as previously announced on June 17, 2025. In accordance with the dividend increase, DIV is pleased to announce that its board of directors has approved a cash dividend of $0.02292 per common share for the period of July 1, 2025 to July 31, 2025, which is equal to $0.275 per common share on an annualized basis. The dividend will be paid on July 31, 2025 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on July 15, 2025.

    About Diversified Royalty Corp.

    DIV is a multi-royalty corporation, engaged in the business of acquiring top-line royalties from well-managed multi-location businesses and franchisors in North America. DIV’s objective is to acquire predictable, growing royalty streams from a diverse group of multi-location businesses and franchisors.

    DIV currently owns the Mr. Lube + Tires, AIR MILES®, Sutton, Mr. Mikes, Nurse Next Door, Oxford Learning Centres, Stratus Building Solutions, BarBurrito and Cheba Hut trademarks. Mr. Lube + Tires is the leading quick lube service business in Canada, with locations across Canada. AIR MILES® is Canada’s largest coalition loyalty program. Sutton is among the leading residential real estate brokerage franchisor businesses in Canada. Mr. Mikes operates casual steakhouse restaurants primarily in western Canadian communities. Nurse Next Door is a home care provider with locations across Canada and the United States as well as in Australia. Oxford Learning Centres is one of Canada’s leading franchisee supplemental education services. Stratus Building Solutions is a leading commercial cleaning service franchise company providing comprehensive janitorial, building cleaning, and office cleaning services primarily in the United States. BarBurrito is the largest quick service Mexican restaurant food chain in Canada. Cheba Hut is a fast casual toasted sub sandwich franchise with locations in the United States.

    DIV’s objective is to increase cash flow per share by making accretive royalty purchases and through the growth of purchased royalties. DIV intends to continue to pay a predictable and stable monthly dividend to shareholders and increase the dividend over time, in each case as cash flow per share allows.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “will”, ”project”, “should”, “believe”, “confident”, “plan” and “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information, although not all forward-looking information contains these identifying words. Specifically, forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements made in relation to: the amount and timing of the July 2025 dividend to be paid to DIV’s shareholders; DIV’s objective to continue to pay predictable and stable monthly dividends to shareholders; and DIV’s corporate objectives. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events, performance, or achievements of DIV to differ materially from those anticipated or implied by such forward-looking information.

    DIV believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information included in this news release are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. In particular there can be no assurance that: DIV will be able to make monthly dividend payments to the holders of its common shares; or DIV will achieve any of its corporate objectives. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned that forward-looking information included in this news release are not guarantees of future performance, and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. More information about the risks and uncertainties affecting DIV’s business and the businesses of its royalty partners can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of its Annual Information Form dated March 24, 2025 and in its most recent Management’s Discussion and Analysis, copies of each of which are available under DIV’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

    In formulating the forward-looking information contained herein, management has assumed that, among other things, DIV will generate sufficient cash flows from its royalties to service its debt and pay dividends to shareholders; the business and economic conditions affecting DIV and its royalty partners will continue substantially in the ordinary course, including without limitation with respect to general industry conditions, general levels of economic activity and regulations. These assumptions, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect.

    All of the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, DIV. The forward-looking information included in this news release is presented as of the date of this news release and DIV assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.

    THE TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR THE ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

    Additional Information

    Additional information relating to the Corporation and other public filings, is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

    Contact:
    Sean Morrison, Chief Executive Officer and Director
    Diversified Royalty Corp.
    (236) 521-8470

    Greg Gutmanis, President and Chief Financial Officer
    Diversified Royalty Corp.
    (236) 521-8471

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Linkage Global Inc Announces First Half 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TOKYO, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Linkage Global Inc (“Linkage Cayman”, or the “Company”), a cross-border e-commerce integrated services provider headquartered in Japan, today announced its unaudited financial results for the six months ended March 31, 2025.

    First Half 2025 Selected Financial Metrics

    • Total revenues decreased by approximately $1.30 million to approximately $3.50 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, compared to approximately $4.80 million for the same period of 2024.
    • Gross profit increased by approximately $1.99 million to $2.70 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, from approximately $0.71 million for the same period of 2024. Cross-border sales margin improved from 12.70% to 21.31%, while integrated e-commerce services margin rose from 50.67% to 93.56% during the same period.
    • Net loss increased from approximately $1.41 million for the six months ended March 31, 2024 to approximately $3.09 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025.

    First Half 2025 Financial Results

    Revenues

    Total revenues declined by approximately $1.30 million, or 27.02%, from approximately $4.80 million for the six months ended March 31, 2024, to approximately $3.50 million for the same period of 2025, mainly due to a sharp drop in cross-border sales.

    Revenues from cross-border sales fell by approximately $3.74 million, or 82.35%, from approximately $4.54 million for the six months ended March 31, 2024 to approximately $0.80 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025. EXTEND, our Japanese subsidiary, contributed $0.43 million or 12.32% of total revenue, down 87.66% year-over-year. This decline was driven by poor market response to its 3C electronics product strategy. In response, the Company shifted focus to higher-margin, fully managed e-commerce services and reallocated staff accordingly. The cross-border business is now being restructured, with new product selections and the Company plans to explore TikTok store and livestream sales in Japan.

    Revenues from Integrated e-commerce services surged by $2.44 million, or 930.08%, from approximately $0.26 million to $2.70 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, largely due to the launch of fully managed e-commerce operations in 2025. This new model, contributing $2.59 million in revenue and $2.46 million in gross profit, involves end-to-end store management for merchants, with fees based on gross merchandize volume (GMV).

    Revenues from digital marketing dropped from approximately $0.13 million for the six months ended March 31, 2024 to approximately $0.08 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, after ending the Google partnership in January 2025 and beginning deregistration in April. Revenues from training and consulting, TikTok agent services declined by $0.10 million, or 75.25%, from $0.13 million to $0.03 million.

    Cost of Revenues

    Cost of revenues fell 80.34%, from approximately $4.09 million for the six months ended March 31, 2024, to approximately $0.80 million for the same period in 2025. This was mainly due to a sharp drop in cross-border sales costs, which declined $3.33 million, or 84.09%, from $3.96 million to $0.63 million, reflecting reduced procurement in line with lower sales. In contrast, costs for integrated e-commerce services rose $0.04 million, or 34.55%, from $0.13 million to $0.17 million. Of this, $0.13 million was related to the new fully managed e-commerce business, primarily covering staff salaries. Commission costs declined due to the termination of related services.

    Gross Profit        

    Gross profit increased by approximately $1.99 million, or 280.57%, from approximately $0.71 million to approximately $2.70 million, mainly driven by the new fully managed e-commerce business, which contributed $2.46 million in profit with a 95.12% margin. The high margin was due to low operating costs, mostly staff salaries, with no enterprise resource planning development expenses in the current period as they were previously recognized. Cross-border sales margin improved from 12.70% to 21.31% due to a shift toward higher-margin products. Integrated e-commerce services margin rose from 50.67% to 93.56%, also driven by the new business model.

    Operating Expenses

    Operating expenses rose by 91.01%, from approximately $2.27 million to approximately $4.34 million, mainly due to higher general and administrative expenses, which increased 123.94%, from $1.74 million to $3.90 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, which was primarily attributable to the allowance for credit loss, stock-based compensation and post-IPO financial and legal consulting fees.

    Selling and marketing expenses dropped 31.15%, from approximately $0.23 million to approximately $0.16 million, due to lower freight and advertising costs, as well as lower marketing and promotion expenses.

    Research and development expenses declined 7.87%, from approximately $0.30 million to approximately $0.27 million, as ERP development staff shifted to operational roles and their salaries were reclassified under business costs.

    Other Expenses

    Other expenses mainly include non-operating income and interest expenses, net. Non-operating income rose from $998 to approximately $0.39 million. Net interest expenses increased significantly from approximately $0.06 million to approximately $1.50 million, mainly due to the issuance of $10 million in convertible bonds in October 2024, with an actual interest rate of 42.52%, generating $1.56 million in interest expenses during the reporting period.

    Income Tax (Provision)/Benefit

    Income tax (provision) /benefit decreased by approximately $0.56 million, from approximately $0.02 million of tax benefit for the six months ended March 31, 2024 to approximately $0.34 million of tax expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2025. This decrease was primarily attributable to net profit for the fully managed e-commerce operation services with a tax rate of 16.5%.

    Net Loss

    As a result, net loss increased by approximately $1.68 million, or 119.62%, from approximately $1.41 million to approximately $3.09 million.

    About Linkage Global Inc

    Linkage Global Inc is a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with no operations of its own. Linkage Cayman conducts its operations through its operating subsidiaries in Japan, Hong Kong, and mainland China. As a cross-border e-commerce integrated services provider headquartered in Japan, through its operating subsidiaries, the Company has developed a comprehensive service system comprised of two lines of business complementary to each other, including (i) cross-border sales and (ii) integrated e-commerce services. For more information, please visit www.linkagecc.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “assesses,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s annual reports on Form 20-F and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    For more information, please contact:

    Investor Relations

    WFS Investor Relations Inc.

    Connie Kang, Partner

    Email: ckang@wealthfsllc.com

    Tel: +86 1381 185 7742

       
    Linkage Global Inc
    UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    AS OF MARCH 31, 2025 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
    (In U.S. dollars, except for share and per share data, or otherwise noted)    		  
       
        As of
    March 31,
    2025    		     As of
    September 30,
    2024    		  
        USD  
    ASSETS            
    Current assets            
    Cash and cash equivalents     328,081       2,000,732  
    Accounts receivable, net     6,405,486       6,302,696  
    Inventories, net     35,675       66,331  
    Deposits paid to media platforms     —       482,650  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net     1,625,517       2,689,581  
    Amount due from related parties     1,243,450       —  
    Short-term loan to third party     8,993,306       410,000  
    Interest receivable from loan to third party     386,261       —  
    Total current assets     19,017,776       11,951,990  
                     
    Non-current assets                
    Property and equipment, net     50,594       85,807  
    Right-of-use assets, net     516,167       653,730  
    Total non-current assets     566,761       739,537  
    TOTAL ASSETS     19,584,537       12,691,527  
                     
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
    Current liabilities                
    Accounts payable     324,069       624,723  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     303,413       236,813  
    Short-term debts     —       32,810  
    Current portion of long-term debts     243,557       428,702  
    Contract liabilities     208,483       533,625  
    Amounts due to related parties     —       314,544  
    Lease liabilities – current     203,600       231,978  
    Convertible notes     7,884,325       964,865  
    Interest payable of convertible notes     1,555,689       —  
    Income tax payable     850,866       1,017,619  
    Total current liabilities     11,574,002       4,385,679  
                     
    Non-current liabilities                
    Long-term debts     734,023       839,560  
    Lease liabilities – non-current     334,973       441,504  
    Total non-current liabilities     1,068,996       1,281,064  
    Total liabilities     12,642,998       5,666,743  
                     
    Commitments and contingencies (Note 21)                
                     
    Shareholders’ equity                
    Class A ordinary shares (par value of US$0.0025 per share; 998,000,000 ordinary shares authorized, 3,080,000 and 2,150,000 ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and September 30, 2024, respectively) *     7,700       5,375  
    Class B ordinary shares (par value of US$0.0025 per share; 2,000,000 ordinary shares authorized, 700,000 and nil ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and September 30, 2024, respectively) *     1,750       —  
    Additional paid in capital     8,564,021       5,591,596  
    Treasury Shares     (500 )     —  
    Statutory reserve     11,348       11,348  
    Retained earnings     (1,474,142 )     1,613,217  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (168,638 )     (196,752 )
    Total shareholders’ equity     6,941,539       7,024,784  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     19,584,537       12,691,527  
       
    Linkage Global Inc
    UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
    FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2025 AND 2024
    (In U.S. dollars, except for share and per share data, or otherwise noted)    		  
       
        For the six months ended
    March 31,    		  
        2025     2024  
        USD  
    Revenues     3,501,947       4,798,363  
    Cost of revenues     (804,142 )     (4,089,486 )
    Gross profit     2,697,805       708,877  
                     
    Operating expenses                
    General and administrative expenses     (3,904,027 )     (1,743,309 )
    Selling and marketing expenses     (157,637 )     (228,956 )
    Research and development expenses     (274,371 )     (297,811 )
    Total operating expenses     (4,336,035 )     (2,270,076 )
    Operating loss     (1,638,230 )     (1,561,199 )
                     
    Other expenses                
    Interest expenses, net     (1,496,504 )     (60,726 )
    Other non-operating income     387,816       998  
    Total other expenses     (1,108,688 )     (59,728 )
                     
    Loss before income taxes     (2,746,918 )     (1,620,927 )
    Income tax (provision)/ benefit     (340,441 )     215,161  
    Net loss     (3,087,359 )     (1,405,766 )
    Net loss attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders     (3,087,359 )     —  
    Other comprehensive income/(loss)                
    Foreign currency translation adjustment     28,114       (10,107 )
    Total comprehensive loss attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders     (3,059,245 )     (1,415,873 )
                     
    Loss per ordinary share attributable to ordinary shareholders                
    Basic and Diluted*     (0.90 )     (0.67 )
    Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding                
    Basic and Diluted*     3,415,533       2,084,890  
       
    Linkage Global Inc
    UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2025 AND 2024
    (In U.S. dollars, except for share and per share data, or otherwise noted)    		  
       
        For the six months ended
    March 31,    		  
        2025     2024  
        USD  
    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:            
    Net loss     (3,087,359 )     (1,405,766 )
                     
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:                
    Effect of exchange rate changes     202,551       1,184  
    Allowance for credit loss     1,344,218       568,229  
    Interest payable of convertible notes     1,555,689       —  
    Interest receivable from loan to third party     (386,261 )     —  
    Stock-Based Compensation     1,209,000       —  
    Depreciation     22,205       40,959  
    Amortization of lease right-of-use assets     114,791       110,229  
    Inventory provision     4,328       2,203  
    Deferred tax benefits     —       (216,713 )
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
    Accounts receivable, net     (1,649,559 )     (725,166 )
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net     (261,232 )     (3,233,957 )
    Inventories, net     26,328       539,517  
    Accounts payable     (300,654 )     (320,628 )
    Contract liabilities     (325,142 )     25,350  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     66,600       (5,188 )
    Amounts due from related parties     341,426       —  
    Amounts due to related parties     (314,238 )     (16,189 )
    Tax payable     (166,753 )     928,135  
    Operating lease liabilities     (134,909 )     (103,326 )
    Net cash used in operating activities     (1,738,971 )     (3,811,127 )
                     
    Cash flow from investing activities                
    Repayments of loan to a related party     (99,876 )     —  
    Loan to third party     (8,640,000 )     —  
    Net cash used in investing activities     (8,739,876 )     —  
                     
    Cash flow from financing activities                
    Proceeds from issuance of Class A ordinary shares upon the completion of IPO     —       5,356,792  
    Proceeds from Issuance of convertible notes     9,002,368       —  
    Proceeds from short-term debts     —       132,258  
    Repayments of short-term debts     (32,810 )     (33,726 )
    Repayments of long-term debts     (124,959 )     (179,420 )
    Repayments of other long-term debts     (108,037 )     (878,962 )
    Payments of listing expenses     —       (150,606 )
    Net cash provided by financing activities     8,736,562       4,246,336  
    Effect of exchange rate changes     69,634       (58,969 )
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents     (1,672,651 )     376,240  
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period     2,000,732       1,107,480  
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period     328,081       1,483,720  
                     
    Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:                
    Income tax paid     —       150,124  
    Interest expense paid     33,056       65,901  
                     
    Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activities:                
    Obtaining right-of-use assets in exchange for operating lease liabilities     155,160       147,083  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Linkage Global Inc Announces First Half 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TOKYO, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Linkage Global Inc (“Linkage Cayman”, or the “Company”), a cross-border e-commerce integrated services provider headquartered in Japan, today announced its unaudited financial results for the six months ended March 31, 2025.

    First Half 2025 Selected Financial Metrics

    • Total revenues decreased by approximately $1.30 million to approximately $3.50 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, compared to approximately $4.80 million for the same period of 2024.
    • Gross profit increased by approximately $1.99 million to $2.70 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, from approximately $0.71 million for the same period of 2024. Cross-border sales margin improved from 12.70% to 21.31%, while integrated e-commerce services margin rose from 50.67% to 93.56% during the same period.
    • Net loss increased from approximately $1.41 million for the six months ended March 31, 2024 to approximately $3.09 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025.

    First Half 2025 Financial Results

    Revenues

    Total revenues declined by approximately $1.30 million, or 27.02%, from approximately $4.80 million for the six months ended March 31, 2024, to approximately $3.50 million for the same period of 2025, mainly due to a sharp drop in cross-border sales.

    Revenues from cross-border sales fell by approximately $3.74 million, or 82.35%, from approximately $4.54 million for the six months ended March 31, 2024 to approximately $0.80 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025. EXTEND, our Japanese subsidiary, contributed $0.43 million or 12.32% of total revenue, down 87.66% year-over-year. This decline was driven by poor market response to its 3C electronics product strategy. In response, the Company shifted focus to higher-margin, fully managed e-commerce services and reallocated staff accordingly. The cross-border business is now being restructured, with new product selections and the Company plans to explore TikTok store and livestream sales in Japan.

    Revenues from Integrated e-commerce services surged by $2.44 million, or 930.08%, from approximately $0.26 million to $2.70 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, largely due to the launch of fully managed e-commerce operations in 2025. This new model, contributing $2.59 million in revenue and $2.46 million in gross profit, involves end-to-end store management for merchants, with fees based on gross merchandize volume (GMV).

    Revenues from digital marketing dropped from approximately $0.13 million for the six months ended March 31, 2024 to approximately $0.08 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, after ending the Google partnership in January 2025 and beginning deregistration in April. Revenues from training and consulting, TikTok agent services declined by $0.10 million, or 75.25%, from $0.13 million to $0.03 million.

    Cost of Revenues

    Cost of revenues fell 80.34%, from approximately $4.09 million for the six months ended March 31, 2024, to approximately $0.80 million for the same period in 2025. This was mainly due to a sharp drop in cross-border sales costs, which declined $3.33 million, or 84.09%, from $3.96 million to $0.63 million, reflecting reduced procurement in line with lower sales. In contrast, costs for integrated e-commerce services rose $0.04 million, or 34.55%, from $0.13 million to $0.17 million. Of this, $0.13 million was related to the new fully managed e-commerce business, primarily covering staff salaries. Commission costs declined due to the termination of related services.

    Gross Profit        

    Gross profit increased by approximately $1.99 million, or 280.57%, from approximately $0.71 million to approximately $2.70 million, mainly driven by the new fully managed e-commerce business, which contributed $2.46 million in profit with a 95.12% margin. The high margin was due to low operating costs, mostly staff salaries, with no enterprise resource planning development expenses in the current period as they were previously recognized. Cross-border sales margin improved from 12.70% to 21.31% due to a shift toward higher-margin products. Integrated e-commerce services margin rose from 50.67% to 93.56%, also driven by the new business model.

    Operating Expenses

    Operating expenses rose by 91.01%, from approximately $2.27 million to approximately $4.34 million, mainly due to higher general and administrative expenses, which increased 123.94%, from $1.74 million to $3.90 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, which was primarily attributable to the allowance for credit loss, stock-based compensation and post-IPO financial and legal consulting fees.

    Selling and marketing expenses dropped 31.15%, from approximately $0.23 million to approximately $0.16 million, due to lower freight and advertising costs, as well as lower marketing and promotion expenses.

    Research and development expenses declined 7.87%, from approximately $0.30 million to approximately $0.27 million, as ERP development staff shifted to operational roles and their salaries were reclassified under business costs.

    Other Expenses

    Other expenses mainly include non-operating income and interest expenses, net. Non-operating income rose from $998 to approximately $0.39 million. Net interest expenses increased significantly from approximately $0.06 million to approximately $1.50 million, mainly due to the issuance of $10 million in convertible bonds in October 2024, with an actual interest rate of 42.52%, generating $1.56 million in interest expenses during the reporting period.

    Income Tax (Provision)/Benefit

    Income tax (provision) /benefit decreased by approximately $0.56 million, from approximately $0.02 million of tax benefit for the six months ended March 31, 2024 to approximately $0.34 million of tax expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2025. This decrease was primarily attributable to net profit for the fully managed e-commerce operation services with a tax rate of 16.5%.

    Net Loss

    As a result, net loss increased by approximately $1.68 million, or 119.62%, from approximately $1.41 million to approximately $3.09 million.

    About Linkage Global Inc

    Linkage Global Inc is a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with no operations of its own. Linkage Cayman conducts its operations through its operating subsidiaries in Japan, Hong Kong, and mainland China. As a cross-border e-commerce integrated services provider headquartered in Japan, through its operating subsidiaries, the Company has developed a comprehensive service system comprised of two lines of business complementary to each other, including (i) cross-border sales and (ii) integrated e-commerce services. For more information, please visit www.linkagecc.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “assesses,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s annual reports on Form 20-F and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    For more information, please contact:

    Investor Relations

    WFS Investor Relations Inc.

    Connie Kang, Partner

    Email: ckang@wealthfsllc.com

    Tel: +86 1381 185 7742

       
    Linkage Global Inc
    UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    AS OF MARCH 31, 2025 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
    (In U.S. dollars, except for share and per share data, or otherwise noted)    		  
       
        As of
    March 31,
    2025    		     As of
    September 30,
    2024    		  
        USD  
    ASSETS            
    Current assets            
    Cash and cash equivalents     328,081       2,000,732  
    Accounts receivable, net     6,405,486       6,302,696  
    Inventories, net     35,675       66,331  
    Deposits paid to media platforms     —       482,650  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net     1,625,517       2,689,581  
    Amount due from related parties     1,243,450       —  
    Short-term loan to third party     8,993,306       410,000  
    Interest receivable from loan to third party     386,261       —  
    Total current assets     19,017,776       11,951,990  
                     
    Non-current assets                
    Property and equipment, net     50,594       85,807  
    Right-of-use assets, net     516,167       653,730  
    Total non-current assets     566,761       739,537  
    TOTAL ASSETS     19,584,537       12,691,527  
                     
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
    Current liabilities                
    Accounts payable     324,069       624,723  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     303,413       236,813  
    Short-term debts     —       32,810  
    Current portion of long-term debts     243,557       428,702  
    Contract liabilities     208,483       533,625  
    Amounts due to related parties     —       314,544  
    Lease liabilities – current     203,600       231,978  
    Convertible notes     7,884,325       964,865  
    Interest payable of convertible notes     1,555,689       —  
    Income tax payable     850,866       1,017,619  
    Total current liabilities     11,574,002       4,385,679  
                     
    Non-current liabilities                
    Long-term debts     734,023       839,560  
    Lease liabilities – non-current     334,973       441,504  
    Total non-current liabilities     1,068,996       1,281,064  
    Total liabilities     12,642,998       5,666,743  
                     
    Commitments and contingencies (Note 21)                
                     
    Shareholders’ equity                
    Class A ordinary shares (par value of US$0.0025 per share; 998,000,000 ordinary shares authorized, 3,080,000 and 2,150,000 ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and September 30, 2024, respectively) *     7,700       5,375  
    Class B ordinary shares (par value of US$0.0025 per share; 2,000,000 ordinary shares authorized, 700,000 and nil ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and September 30, 2024, respectively) *     1,750       —  
    Additional paid in capital     8,564,021       5,591,596  
    Treasury Shares     (500 )     —  
    Statutory reserve     11,348       11,348  
    Retained earnings     (1,474,142 )     1,613,217  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (168,638 )     (196,752 )
    Total shareholders’ equity     6,941,539       7,024,784  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     19,584,537       12,691,527  
       
    Linkage Global Inc
    UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
    FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2025 AND 2024
    (In U.S. dollars, except for share and per share data, or otherwise noted)    		  
       
        For the six months ended
    March 31,    		  
        2025     2024  
        USD  
    Revenues     3,501,947       4,798,363  
    Cost of revenues     (804,142 )     (4,089,486 )
    Gross profit     2,697,805       708,877  
                     
    Operating expenses                
    General and administrative expenses     (3,904,027 )     (1,743,309 )
    Selling and marketing expenses     (157,637 )     (228,956 )
    Research and development expenses     (274,371 )     (297,811 )
    Total operating expenses     (4,336,035 )     (2,270,076 )
    Operating loss     (1,638,230 )     (1,561,199 )
                     
    Other expenses                
    Interest expenses, net     (1,496,504 )     (60,726 )
    Other non-operating income     387,816       998  
    Total other expenses     (1,108,688 )     (59,728 )
                     
    Loss before income taxes     (2,746,918 )     (1,620,927 )
    Income tax (provision)/ benefit     (340,441 )     215,161  
    Net loss     (3,087,359 )     (1,405,766 )
    Net loss attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders     (3,087,359 )     —  
    Other comprehensive income/(loss)                
    Foreign currency translation adjustment     28,114       (10,107 )
    Total comprehensive loss attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders     (3,059,245 )     (1,415,873 )
                     
    Loss per ordinary share attributable to ordinary shareholders                
    Basic and Diluted*     (0.90 )     (0.67 )
    Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding                
    Basic and Diluted*     3,415,533       2,084,890  
       
    Linkage Global Inc
    UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2025 AND 2024
    (In U.S. dollars, except for share and per share data, or otherwise noted)    		  
       
        For the six months ended
    March 31,    		  
        2025     2024  
        USD  
    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:            
    Net loss     (3,087,359 )     (1,405,766 )
                     
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:                
    Effect of exchange rate changes     202,551       1,184  
    Allowance for credit loss     1,344,218       568,229  
    Interest payable of convertible notes     1,555,689       —  
    Interest receivable from loan to third party     (386,261 )     —  
    Stock-Based Compensation     1,209,000       —  
    Depreciation     22,205       40,959  
    Amortization of lease right-of-use assets     114,791       110,229  
    Inventory provision     4,328       2,203  
    Deferred tax benefits     —       (216,713 )
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
    Accounts receivable, net     (1,649,559 )     (725,166 )
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net     (261,232 )     (3,233,957 )
    Inventories, net     26,328       539,517  
    Accounts payable     (300,654 )     (320,628 )
    Contract liabilities     (325,142 )     25,350  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     66,600       (5,188 )
    Amounts due from related parties     341,426       —  
    Amounts due to related parties     (314,238 )     (16,189 )
    Tax payable     (166,753 )     928,135  
    Operating lease liabilities     (134,909 )     (103,326 )
    Net cash used in operating activities     (1,738,971 )     (3,811,127 )
                     
    Cash flow from investing activities                
    Repayments of loan to a related party     (99,876 )     —  
    Loan to third party     (8,640,000 )     —  
    Net cash used in investing activities     (8,739,876 )     —  
                     
    Cash flow from financing activities                
    Proceeds from issuance of Class A ordinary shares upon the completion of IPO     —       5,356,792  
    Proceeds from Issuance of convertible notes     9,002,368       —  
    Proceeds from short-term debts     —       132,258  
    Repayments of short-term debts     (32,810 )     (33,726 )
    Repayments of long-term debts     (124,959 )     (179,420 )
    Repayments of other long-term debts     (108,037 )     (878,962 )
    Payments of listing expenses     —       (150,606 )
    Net cash provided by financing activities     8,736,562       4,246,336  
    Effect of exchange rate changes     69,634       (58,969 )
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents     (1,672,651 )     376,240  
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period     2,000,732       1,107,480  
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period     328,081       1,483,720  
                     
    Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:                
    Income tax paid     —       150,124  
    Interest expense paid     33,056       65,901  
                     
    Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activities:                
    Obtaining right-of-use assets in exchange for operating lease liabilities     155,160       147,083  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. Schedules Earnings Release of Third Fiscal Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. (the “Company”) (NYSE: PFLT) announced that it will report results for the third fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2025 on Monday, August 11, 2025 after the close of the financial markets.

    The Company will also host a conference call at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 to discuss its financial results. All interested parties are welcome to participate. You can access the conference call by dialing toll-free (888) 394-8218 approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the call. International callers should dial (646) 828-8193. All callers should reference conference ID #5487696 or PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. An archived replay will also be available on a webcast link located on the Quarterly Earnings page in the Investor section of PennantPark’s website.

    ABOUT PENNANTPARK FLOATING RATE CAPITAL LTD.

    PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. is a business development company which primarily invests in U.S. middle-market private companies in the form of floating rate senior secured loans, including first lien secured debt, second lien secured debt and subordinated debt. From time to time, the Company may also invest in equity investments. PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. is managed by PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC.

    ABOUT PENNANTPARK INVESTMENT ADVISERS, LLC

    PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC is a leading middle market credit platform, managing approximately $10 billion of investable capital, including potential leverage. Since its inception in 2007, PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC has provided investors access to middle market credit by offering private equity firms and their portfolio companies as well as other middle-market borrowers a comprehensive range of creative and flexible financing solutions.  PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC is headquartered in Miami and has offices in New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and Amsterdam.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement made herein. You should not place undue influence on such forward-looking statements as such statements speak only as of the date on which they are made.

    CONTACT:
    Richard T. Allorto, Jr.
    PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd.
    (212) 905-1000
    www.pennantpark.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: PennantPark Investment Corporation Schedules Earnings Release of Third Fiscal Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PennantPark Investment Corporation (the “Company”) (NYSE: PNNT) announced that it will report results for the third fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2025 on Monday, August 11, 2025 after the close of the financial markets.

    The Company will also host a conference call at 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 to discuss its financial results. All interested parties are welcome to participate. You can access the conference call by dialing toll-free (888) 394-8218 approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the call. International callers should dial (646) 828-8193. All callers should reference conference ID #3278368 or PennantPark Investment Corporation. An archived replay will also be available on a webcast link located on the Quarterly Earnings page in the Investor section of PennantPark’s website.

    ABOUT PENNANTPARK INVESTMENT CORPORATION

    PennantPark Investment Corporation is a business development company which principally invests in U.S. middle-market private companies in the form of first lien secured debt, second lien secured debt, subordinated debt and equity investments. PennantPark Investment Corporation is managed by PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC.

    ABOUT PENNANTPARK INVESTMENT ADVISERS, LLC

    PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC is a leading middle market credit platform, managing approximately $10 billion of investable capital, including potential leverage.  Since its inception in 2007, PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC has provided investors access to middle market credit by offering private equity firms and their portfolio companies as well as other middle-market borrowers a comprehensive range of creative and flexible financing solutions. PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC is headquartered in Miami and has offices in New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and Amsterdam.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. PennantPark Investment Corporation undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement made herein. You should not place undue influence on such forward-looking statements as such statements speak only as of the date on which they are made.

    CONTACT:
    Richard T. Allorto, Jr.
    PennantPark Investment Corporation
    (212) 905-1000
    www.pennantpark.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Discovery Alert: Scientists Spot a Planetary Carousel

    Source: NASA

    KOI-134 b and KOI-134 c 

    A new investigation into old Kepler data has revealed that a planetary system once thought to house zero planets actually has two planets which orbit their star in a unique style, like an old-fashioned merry-go-round. 

    The KOI-134 system contains two planets which orbit their star in a peculiar fashion on two different orbital planes, with one planet exhibiting significant variation in transit times. This is the first-discovered system of its kind. 

    Over a decade ago, scientists used NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope to observe the KOI-134 system and thought that it might have a planet orbiting, but they deemed this planet candidate to be a false positive, because its transits (or passes in front of its star) were not lining up as expected. These transits were so abnormal that the planet was actually weeded out through an automated system as a false positive before it could be analyzed further. 
    However, NASA’s commitment to openly sharing scientific data means that researchers can constantly revisit old observations to make new discoveries. In this new study, researchers re-analyzed this Kepler data on KOI-134 and confirmed that not only is the “false positive” actually a real planet, but the system has two planets and some really interesting orbital dynamics! 
    First, the “false positive” planet, named KOI-134 b, was confirmed to be a warm Jupiter (or a warm planet of a similar size to Jupiter). Through this analysis, researchers uncovered that the reason this planet eluded confirmation previously is because it experiences what are called transit timing variations (TTVs), or small differences in a planet’s transit across its star that can make its transit “early” or “late” because the planet is being pushed or pulled by the gravity from another planet which was also revealed in this study. Researchers estimate that KOI-134 b transits across its star as much as 20 hours “late” or “early,” which is a significant variation. In fact, it was so significant that it’s the reason why the planet wasn’t confirmed in initial observations. 
    As these TTVs are caused by the gravitational interaction with another planet, this discovery also revealed a planetary sibling: KOI-134 c. Through studying this system in simulations that include these TTVs, the team found that KOI-134 c is a planet slightly smaller than Saturn and closer to its star than KOI-134 b. 

    KOI-134 c previously eluded observation because it orbits on a tilted orbital plane, a different plane from KOI-134 b, and this tilted orbit prevents the planet from transiting its star. The two orbital planes of these planets are about 15 degrees different from one another, also known as a mutual inclination of 15 degrees, which is significant. Due to the gravitational push and pull between these two planets, their orbital planes also tilt back and forth. 
    Another interesting feature of this planetary system is something called resonance. These two planets have a 2 to 1 resonance, meaning within the same time that one planet completes one orbit, the other completes two orbits. In this case, KOI-134 b has an orbital period (the time it takes a planet to complete one orbit) of about 67 days, which is twice the orbital period of KOI-134 c, which orbits every 33-34 days. 
    Between the separate orbital planes tilting back and forth, the TTVs, and the resonance, the two planets orbit their star in a pattern that resembles two wooden ponies bobbing up and down as they circle around on an old-fashioned merry go round. 

    While this system started as a false positive with Kepler, this re-analysis of the data reveals a vibrant system with two planets. In fact, this is the first-ever discovered compact, multiplanetary system that isn’t flat, has such a significant TTV, and experiences orbital planes tilting back and forth. 
    Also, most planetary systems do not have high mutual inclinations between close planet pairs. In addition to being a rarity, mutual inclinations like this are also not often measured because of challenges within the observation process. So, having measurements like this of a significant mutual inclination in a system, as well as measurements of resonance and TTVs, provides a clear picture of dynamics within a planetary system which we are not always able to see. 

    A team of scientists led by Emma Nabbie of the University of Southern Queensland published a paper on June 27 on their discovery, “A high mutual inclination system around KOI-134 revealed by transit timing variations,” in the journal “Nature Astronomy.” The observations described in this paper and used in simulations in this paper were made by NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope and the paper included collaboration and contributions from institutions including the University of Geneva, University of La Laguna, Purple Mountain Observatory, the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Southern Queensland, and NASA’s retired Kepler Space Telescope.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE will participate in FELEG Annual Principals Meeting July 7-11 in California

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s acting Director Todd M. Lyons, who serves as the current Five Eyes Law Enforcement Group’s chair, is hosting the group’s Annual Principals Meeting next week in San Diego. Representatives from five countries will meet to discuss emergent technology and growing impacts on global safety.

    FELEG is a collaborative intelligence-sharing law enforcement community that encompasses the FBI, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, the Australian Federal Police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the U.K.’s National Crime Agency and the New Zealand Police.

    This year’s discussions will spotlight the race between law enforcement and criminal networks to harness emerging technologies like crypto, artificial intelligence and next-gen communications to stay ahead in a rapidly shifting digital world.

    “As criminal organizations rapidly adapt to new technologies, law enforcement agencies must be equally nimble and innovative,” said Lyons. “This meeting underscores our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge tools and global partnerships to protect communities and uphold the rule of law. By collaborating through the Five Eyes Law Enforcement Group, we can share critical intelligence, enhance our collective capabilities and respond more effectively to transnational threats. Our unified efforts are essential in maintaining security and ensuring justice across our nations, fosters a global partnership that strengthens our international security framework, and promotes mutual trust and cooperation on a global scale.”

    “The key to staying ahead of global criminal networks and emerging threats is collaboration with our most trusted international partners,” said FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino. “FELEG has long been an effective alliance fighting transnational crime and the FBI remains fully engaged and committed to this partnership.”

    “The annual principals meeting is an opportunity for FELEG to enhance coordination in the fight against transnational serious and organized crime,” said Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission CEO Heather Cook. “With criminal groups constantly increasing their sophistication and reach, enabled by evolving technologies, new and continued partnerships across government, industry and academia are integral in hardening the environment that criminal networks seek to exploit.”

    “While technology provides law enforcement with powerful tools to prevent and combat crime, it also creates new possibilities for exploitation by criminal organizations,” Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Lesa Gale said. “Countering the risks is a multidimensional challenge and requires effective coordination and collaborative efforts, making partnerships like FELEG more important than ever.”

    “Today’s criminal landscape has become increasingly complex with the use of technology as a tool used by serious and organized crime whether it be in drug trafficking, cybercrime, terrorism or financial crime,” said Royal Canadian Mounted Police Commissioner Mike Duheme. “This is why a forum such as FELEG is so important — to identify international criminal threats to public safety and to work together across domestic and FELEG partners to disrupt criminal organizations who care about making profits without regard to human lives.”

    “Serious and organized crime groups do not respect borders,” said National Crime Agency Director General Graeme Biggar. “The harm they cause is felt in communities across the world. While firearms and drug offenses play out on our streets, other crime types are taking place in dark corners online, such as encrypted platforms. The Five Eyes Law Enforcement Group, as a global intelligence sharing community, is crucial to our joint efforts to dismantle global criminal networks using technology to enhance their operations. We have a strong track record in doing just this alongside our FELEG partners, including the NCA-led global takedown of ‘Lockbit,’ the highest harm ransomware-as-a-service network, and the convictions of prolific online sex offenders who exploited and abused children across the world.”

    “Using contemporary technology and working with our most trusted partners continues to be crucial in combating international criminal networks who create harm in communities across the globe,” said New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chamber. “Law enforcement organizations need to be making use of technology advancements to meet the evolving challenges presented by these groups, with the ultimate mission to disrupt and dismantle their organizations.”

    Learn more about the international and national partnerships and HSI’s mission here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting in Brussels on Thursday, 3 July 2025 – Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand

    Source: European Parliament

    The next ordinary meeting of the Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand (DANZ) will take place on Thursday, 3 July 2025 at 13h00 in Brussels.

    It will be a preparatory meeting for the forthcoming 29th EU-New Zealand Inter-Parliamentary Meeting (IPM) scheduled on 21-23 July in New Zealand with an exchange of views with H.E. Mr Simon Draper, Head of mission and Ambassador of New Zealand to the EU and NATO and Mr Roland Honekamp, Deputy Head of Division for Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, EEAS.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: American Clean Power Statement: Final Passage of Congressional Budget Bill

    Source: American Clean Power Association (ACP)

    Headline: American Clean Power Statement: Final Passage of Congressional Budget Bill

    WASHINGTON, D.C., July 3, 2025 –The American Clean Power Association (ACP) issued the following statement from CEO Jason Grumet after the House voted today to concur with the Senate tax and spending bill: 
    “Today’s Congressional action is a dramatic swing in federal policy, disrupting the good faith investments of American companies that are powering our economy and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. The legislation restricts energy production, raises prices for American businesses and families, and challenges the reliability of our existing electric grid. 
    “While the new policies are a step backward, the combination of surging demand for electric power and economic benefits of renewable energy technologies ensure that clean power will continue to play a significant and growing role in our nation’s energy mix. 
    “America’s electricity demand is projected to surge by as much as 50% by 2040. That growth requires every available source of reliable power, including the clean energy technologies that are the only shovel-ready sources of additional power and the low-cost option across much of the nation. 
    “Our economic and national security requires that we support all forms of American energy. It is time for the brawlers to get out of the way and let the builders get back to work.”  
    FACTS ABOUT CLEAN ENERGY
    The country needs more electricity to power innovation and economic growth.

     U.S. electricity demand will surge by 35-50% between 2024 and 2040. And the current data center pipeline in the U.S. demands upwards of 100 GW of new power.

    Clean energy is a significant and growing part of our energy supply. 

    Utility-scale clean power capacity exceeds 320 GW nationwide — enough to power nearly 80 million American homes.

    Wind and solar alone account for approximately 16% of U.S. electricity generation.

    Last year, the industry invested $80 billion to deploy 49 GW, representing 93% of electricity capacity brought online.

    Looking forward, 95% of projects in line to connect to the grid are wind, solar, and storage. With more than 2,000 GW queued up, there is more than enough to meet the country’s needs.

    These resources support the U.S. economy beyond critical power supply. 

    The industry supports 1.4 million American jobs — 460,000 directly and nearly a million more in supply chains and supporting industries.

    200 existing manufacturing facilities are actively building primary clean power components in local communities across 38 states to supply the booming demand for new energy in America.

    The clean power manufacturing sector currently contributes $18 billion to U.S. GDP annually, spurs $33 billion in domestic spending annually, and supports 122,000 American jobs across the country.

    ###

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nathaniel Moran Honors 2nd Annual Texas Congressional Service Award Winners

    Source: Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01)

    Tyler, Texas – Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) proudly recognized this year’s recipients of the Texas First Congressional Award, an annual honor he created to spotlight outstanding high school students across the First District of Texas. Now in its second year, the award celebrates young leaders who demonstrate exceptional character, service, and commitment to their communities.

    “I am thrilled to announce this year’s recipients of the Texas First Congressional Service Award,” said Congressman Moran. “Each of these students has answered the call to serve with humility, dedication, and purpose. Their leadership is sincere, their impact is real, and their example is powerful. I’m confident that their service will inspire even more young Texans to step up and give back in the years ahead.” 

    The Texas First Congressional Service Award is not a scholarship, but a distinct honor designed to recognize students in the First Congressional District of Texas who have demonstrated a strong commitment to service. Schools are encouraged to nominate one male and one female student, ideally in their junior or senior year.

    To learn more or submit a nomination, please email Robbin.Bass@mail.house.gov.

    Recipients of the 2025 Texas First Congressional Service Award:

    Center High School, Center, TX: 

    Melody Khan

    Caleb Mosley

    Pittsburg High School, Pittsburg, TX: 

    Jareely Espinoza

    Connor Gilbert

     Tyler High School, Tyler, TX: 

    Ruby Ayala-Ponce

     Marshall High School, Marshall, TX: 

    Sydney Walsh

    Cameron Archield

     Pine Tree High School, Longview, TX: 

    Adrian Juarez Vega

    Rachel Malloy

     Gilmer High School, Gilmer, TX: 

    Marithza Jaramillo

     Mount Vernon High School, Mount Vernon, TX: 

    Abigail Bentley

    Brandyn Gutierrez

     Panola Early College High School, Carthage, TX: 

    Jason Meek

     Hallsville High School, Hallsville, TX: 

    Evelyn Labay

    Jose Juarez

     De Kalb High School, De Kalb, TX: 

    Caleb Bowles

    Kyndra Andrews

     New Diana High School, Diana, TX: 

    Olivia Carder

    Ayden Hamilton

     Carlisle High School, Rusk County, TX: 

    Jessica Gabriela Hernandez

     Mount Pleasant High School, Mount Pleasant, TX: 

    Diya Desai

    Tanner Marshall

     Texas High School, Texarkana, TX: 

    Kyndal Lee

    Bryce DePriest

     Cumberland High School, Tyler, TX: 

    Courtney Erickson

    Jose Sanchez

     New Boston High School, New Boston, TX: 

    Brook Higginbotham

    Sawyer Hobson

     Maud High School, Maud, TX: 

    James Slyder Sanders

     Jefferson High School, Jefferson, TX: 

    Aiden Slayde Cooner

    Eden Alexandria Hopes

     Trinity Schools of Texas, Longview, TX: 

    McKenzie Brown

     Mount Enterprise High School, Mount Enterprise, TX: 

    Jaxon Jones

    Carthage High School, Carthage, TX: 

    Jadyn Baker

    Hailey Compton

     West Rusk High School, New London, TX: 

    Dustyn Redden

     Bishop High School, Bishop, TX: 

    Nathan Glosson

    Allison Harrell

     Gladewater High School, Gladewater, TX: 

    Landon Henry Brown

    Trently Sky Gamel

     Tyler Legacy High School, Tyler, TX: 

    Caroline Hines

    Matthew Scheusner

     Spring Hill High School, Longview, TX: 

    Hannah Fiscus

    Caden Castleberry

     Rivercrest High School, Bogata, TX: 

    Ramsey Blagg

     Whitehouse High School, Whitehouse, TX: 

    Caroline Joy Weissmann

    Tony Starns

     BrookHill High School, Bullard, TX: 

    Caroline Smith

    Jacob McLain

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nathaniel Moran Honors 2nd Annual Texas Congressional Service Award Winners

    Source: Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01)

    Tyler, Texas – Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) proudly recognized this year’s recipients of the Texas First Congressional Award, an annual honor he created to spotlight outstanding high school students across the First District of Texas. Now in its second year, the award celebrates young leaders who demonstrate exceptional character, service, and commitment to their communities.

    “I am thrilled to announce this year’s recipients of the Texas First Congressional Service Award,” said Congressman Moran. “Each of these students has answered the call to serve with humility, dedication, and purpose. Their leadership is sincere, their impact is real, and their example is powerful. I’m confident that their service will inspire even more young Texans to step up and give back in the years ahead.” 

    The Texas First Congressional Service Award is not a scholarship, but a distinct honor designed to recognize students in the First Congressional District of Texas who have demonstrated a strong commitment to service. Schools are encouraged to nominate one male and one female student, ideally in their junior or senior year.

    To learn more or submit a nomination, please email Robbin.Bass@mail.house.gov.

    Recipients of the 2025 Texas First Congressional Service Award:

    Center High School, Center, TX: 

    Melody Khan

    Caleb Mosley

    Pittsburg High School, Pittsburg, TX: 

    Jareely Espinoza

    Connor Gilbert

     Tyler High School, Tyler, TX: 

    Ruby Ayala-Ponce

     Marshall High School, Marshall, TX: 

    Sydney Walsh

    Cameron Archield

     Pine Tree High School, Longview, TX: 

    Adrian Juarez Vega

    Rachel Malloy

     Gilmer High School, Gilmer, TX: 

    Marithza Jaramillo

     Mount Vernon High School, Mount Vernon, TX: 

    Abigail Bentley

    Brandyn Gutierrez

     Panola Early College High School, Carthage, TX: 

    Jason Meek

     Hallsville High School, Hallsville, TX: 

    Evelyn Labay

    Jose Juarez

     De Kalb High School, De Kalb, TX: 

    Caleb Bowles

    Kyndra Andrews

     New Diana High School, Diana, TX: 

    Olivia Carder

    Ayden Hamilton

     Carlisle High School, Rusk County, TX: 

    Jessica Gabriela Hernandez

     Mount Pleasant High School, Mount Pleasant, TX: 

    Diya Desai

    Tanner Marshall

     Texas High School, Texarkana, TX: 

    Kyndal Lee

    Bryce DePriest

     Cumberland High School, Tyler, TX: 

    Courtney Erickson

    Jose Sanchez

     New Boston High School, New Boston, TX: 

    Brook Higginbotham

    Sawyer Hobson

     Maud High School, Maud, TX: 

    James Slyder Sanders

     Jefferson High School, Jefferson, TX: 

    Aiden Slayde Cooner

    Eden Alexandria Hopes

     Trinity Schools of Texas, Longview, TX: 

    McKenzie Brown

     Mount Enterprise High School, Mount Enterprise, TX: 

    Jaxon Jones

    Carthage High School, Carthage, TX: 

    Jadyn Baker

    Hailey Compton

     West Rusk High School, New London, TX: 

    Dustyn Redden

     Bishop High School, Bishop, TX: 

    Nathan Glosson

    Allison Harrell

     Gladewater High School, Gladewater, TX: 

    Landon Henry Brown

    Trently Sky Gamel

     Tyler Legacy High School, Tyler, TX: 

    Caroline Hines

    Matthew Scheusner

     Spring Hill High School, Longview, TX: 

    Hannah Fiscus

    Caden Castleberry

     Rivercrest High School, Bogata, TX: 

    Ramsey Blagg

     Whitehouse High School, Whitehouse, TX: 

    Caroline Joy Weissmann

    Tony Starns

     BrookHill High School, Bullard, TX: 

    Caroline Smith

    Jacob McLain

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 6 simple questions to tell if a ‘finfluencer’ is more flash than cash

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dimitrios Salampasis, Associate Professor, Emerging Technologies and FinTech | FinTech Capability Lead, Swinburne University of Technology

    Oleg Golovnev/Shutterstock

    Images of flashy sports cars. Lavish lifestyle shots. These are just some of the red flags consumers should watch out for when they turn to social media for financial advice.

    Consumers should not believe everything they see on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube from the growing numbers of “finfluencers” – content creators who build their audience by giving out financial advice.

    The regulator responsible for financial products and advice, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), has issued warning notices to 18 social media finfluencers. ASIC said it suspects they have broken the law by promoting high-risk financial products or providing unlicensed financial advice. ASIC did not name them.

    So, why is regulated financial advice important and what are some of the common practices finfluencers use to attract followers and customers?

    Financial advice rules explained

    Australian Financial Services laws are designed to protect consumers and investors, while promoting the integrity of financial markets. It is both unethical and illegal to promote financial products without proper authorisation.

    In Australia, it is an offence under the Corporations Act to provide financial advice without an Australian Financial Services licence. Penalties include up to five years’ imprisonment or fines of A$1 million or more.

    ASIC issued a similar warning to online finfluencers in 2022. Since then, the number of social media posts by unauthorised finfluencers have substantially reduced.

    Many finfluencers became licensed or authorised representatives of a licensee, along with being more diligent about what they were posting online. Natasha Etschmann, with 300,000 Instagram and TikTok followers at @TashInvests, became licensed immediately after the 2022 warning.

    Some other finfluencers were arrested, issued fines or ordered to take down their websites.

    High-risk products

    However, some finfluencers who style themselves as “trading experts” continue to provide unauthorised financial advice, usually for a fee or commission. They promote high-risk, complex investment products that can cause consumers substantial harm.

    These products include contracts-for-difference
    and over-the-counter derivative products that do not trade on an exchange. ASIC says its current concerns lie with these content creators:

    Their social media content is often accompanied by misleading or deceptive representations about the prospects of success from the products or trading strategies they promote, sharing images of lavish lifestyles, sports cars and other luxury goods.

    What to watch on socials

    About 41% of young Australians aged 18 to 30 look online for financial information or advice.

    While budgeting tips can be helpful, it’s important to be extra careful with online financial advice. Consumers should not believe everything they see on social media.

    Conducting due diligence and checking finfluencers’ credentials on ASIC’s Professional Registers search tool is crucial. Choose expert and licensed finfluencers rather than accounts with large followings and exaggerated or misleading claims. Popularity does not always mean credibility.

    There are certain red flags to watch out for. Some finfluencers use pseudonyms. They promote “exclusive” financial advice content and access to “invitation-only” online communities for a fee. In many cases, they lack credible experience or certified financial planning training to provide financial advice.

    Your finfluencer vetting toolkit

    When choosing to follow or acquire the services of a finfluencer, ask:

    1. is this finfluencer licensed or authorised?

    2. how realistic are the promised financial outcomes? Are they too good to be true?

    3. does the finfluencer disclose their personal financial position or investments when discussing financial products or strategies?

    4. are they transparent about? their track record of accuracy or accountability?

    5. do they address publicly a case when their audience lost money from a strategy they recommended?

    6. does the finfluencer tailor content to different investment risk profiles or financial maturity levels in their audiences?

    Are you being sold a dream?

    Social media finfluencer content can often come with misleading or deceptive representations (such as the sports cars and luxury goods that ASIC has warned about). Content may overstate the prospects of success and potential profits.

    Some – usually unlicensed – finfluencers use social media content as “proof” of their financial expertise. One common practice is to try to lure consumers by creating a hyped world around their own personal lifestyle. Many finfluencers often extend invitations to consumers to join closed forums to “learn” their hidden secrets to success or copy their “famous” trading practices.

    These finfluencers usually try to convince consumers they can achieve a similar lifestyle by following their advice.

    Finfluencers are global

    ASIC issued the warnings as part of a recent global week of action. ASIC and eight regulators from the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Hong Kong and Canada took coordinated action to disrupt unlawful finfluencer activity.
    The global campaign aims to raise awareness about unlawful finfluencer activity, protect consumers, and prevent them from investing after encountering misleading content.

    Consumers need to distinguish between credible financial advice and self-serving or misleading content before trusting their money to anyone.

    Spotted unlicensed influencer activity? Report this misconduct to ASIC.

    Dimitrios Salampasis is a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA), member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and member of the Singapore Institute of Directors (SID).

    – ref. 6 simple questions to tell if a ‘finfluencer’ is more flash than cash – https://theconversation.com/6-simple-questions-to-tell-if-a-finfluencer-is-more-flash-than-cash-259906

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –