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Category: Australia

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 25, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 25, 2025.

    Bats get fat to survive hard times. But climate change is threatening their survival strategy
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicholas Wu, Lecturer in Wildlife Ecology, Murdoch University Rudmer Zwerver/Shutterstock Bats are often cast as the unseen night-time stewards of nature, flitting through the dark to control pest insects, pollinate plants and disperse seeds. But behind their silent contributions lies a remarkable and underappreciated survival strategy: seasonal

    Japanese prime minister’s abrupt no-show at NATO summit reveals a strained alliance with the US
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Craig Mark, Adjunct Lecturer, Faculty of Economics, Hosei University Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has sent a clear signal to the Trump administration: the Japan–US relationship is in a dire state. After saying just days ago he would be attending this week’s NATO summit at The Hague,

    Why have athletes stopped ‘taking a knee’?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ciprian N. Radavoi, Associate Professor in Law, University of Southern Queensland Eli Harold, Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid of the San Francisco 49ers kneel ahead of a game in 2016. Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images It’s almost a decade since San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick started

    Nearly half of Kiwis oppose automatic citizenship for Cook Islands, says poll
    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist A new poll by the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union shows that almost half of respondents oppose the Cook Islands having automatic New Zealand citizenship. Thirty percent of the 1000-person sample supported Cook Islanders retaining citizenship, 46 percent were opposed and 24 percent were unsure. The question asked: The Cook

    Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders discuss Middle East conflict before ceasefire
    RNZ Pacific Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape says the Middle East conflict was one of the discussions of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) in Suva this week — and Pacific leaders “took note of what is happening”. The Post-Courier reports Marape saying the “12 Day War” between Israel and Iran was based on

    The ancients also had to deal with a cost-of-living crisis. Here’s how they managed
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History, The University of Western Australia Louis Le Brun, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY Talk to anyone today, and they will probably have something to say about how expensive life has become. While the rate of inflation has

    Video games can help trans players feel seen and safe. It all starts with design
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Phoebe Toups Dugas, Associate Professor of Human-Centred Computing, Monash University Shano Liang There is a comfort in finding and being yourself. Video games offer opportunities for this comfort. They allow people to exist in safe spaces, to develop community, and to explore the self – as well

    How old are you really? Are the latest ‘biological age’ tests all they’re cracked up to be?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hassan Vally, Associate Professor, Epidemiology, Deakin University We all like to imagine we’re ageing well. Now a simple blood or saliva test promises to tell us by measuring our “biological age”. And then, as many have done, we can share how “young” we really are on social

    Global rankings fuel hype, but students have more to consider when choosing a uni
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kylie Message, Professor of Public Humanities and Director of the ANU Humanities Research Centre, Australian National University At this time of year, many year 12 students are seriously turning their minds to the future. Should they go to university next year? If so, which one? June is

    Playful or harmful? David Seymour’s posts raise questions about what’s OK to say online
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kevin Veale, Senior Lecturer in Media Studies, part of the Digital Cultures Laboratory in the School of Humanities, Media, and Creative Communication, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images Deputy Prime Minister and ACT Party leader David Seymour says he is being “playful” and

    Shadow treasurer Ted O’Brien accepts invitation to government’s economic roundtable
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The federal opposition has accepted an invitation from Treasurer Jim Chalmers for shadow treasurer Ted O’Brien to attend the August economic roundtable. The acceptance contrasts with the position taken by former opposition leader Peter Dutton last term. He refused to

    Fiji advocacy group slams Indonesian role in MSG as a ‘disgrace’
    Asia Pacific Report A Fiji-based advocacy group has condemned the participation of Indonesia in the Melanesian Spearhead Group which is meeting in Suva this week, saying it is a “profound disgrace” that the Indonesian Embassy continues to “operate freely” within the the MSG Secretariat. “This presence blatantly undermines the core principles of justice and solidarity

    Will the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel hold? One factor could be crucial to it sticking
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University Amir Levy/Getty Images After 12 days of war, US President Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran that would bring to an end the most dramatic, direct conflict between the two nations in decades. Israel

    Ramzy Baroud: The fallout – winners and losers from the Israeli war on Iran
    COMMENTARY: By Ramzy Baroud, editor of The Palestinian Chronicle The conflict between Israel and Iran over the past 12 days has redefined the regional chessboard. Here is a look at their key takeaways: Israel:Pulled in the US: Israel successfully drew the United States into a direct military confrontation with Iran, setting a significant precedent for

    Iran and Israel agree to a fragile ceasefire. One factor could be crucial to it sticking
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University Amir Levy/Getty Images After 12 days of war, US President Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran that would bring to an end the most dramatic, direct conflict between the two nations in decades. Israel

    eSafety boss wants YouTube included in the social media ban. But AI raises even more concerns for kids
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tama Leaver, Professor of Internet Studies, Curtin University Irina WS/Shutterstock Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, today addressed the National Press Club to outline how her office will be driving the Social Media Minimum Age Bill when it comes into effect in December this year. The bill,

    Trouble getting out of bed? Signs the ‘winter blues’ may be something more serious
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kelvin (Shiu Fung) Wong, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, Swinburne University of Technology Justin Paget/Getty Winter is here. As the days grow shorter and the skies turn darker, you might start to feel a bit “off”. You may notice a dip in your mood or energy levels.

    A carbon levy on global shipping promises to slash emissions. We calculated what that means for Australia’s biggest export
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Brear, Director, Melbourne Energy Institute, The University of Melbourne Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images Moving people and things around the world by sea has a big climate impact. The shipping industry produces almost 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions – roughly the same as Germany – largely

    The war won’t end Iran’s nuclear program – it will drive it underground, following North Korea’s model
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anthony Burke, Professor of Environmental Politics & International Relations, UNSW Sydney The United States’ and Israel’s strikes on Iran are concerning, and not just for the questionable legal justifications provided by both governments. Even if their attacks cause severe damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities, this will only

    Iran’s internet blackout left people in the dark. How does a country shut down the internet?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mohiuddin Ahmed, Senior Lecturer of Computing and Security, Edith Cowan University Dylan Carr/Unsplash In recent days, Iranians experienced a near-complete internet blackout, with local service providers – including mobile services – repeatedly going offline. Iran’s government has cited cyber security concerns for ordering the shutdown. Shutting off

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why have athletes stopped ‘taking a knee’?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ciprian N. Radavoi, Associate Professor in Law, University of Southern Queensland

    Eli Harold, Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid of the San Francisco 49ers kneel ahead of a game in 2016. Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images

    It’s almost a decade since San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick started a worldwide trend and sparked fierce debate when he knelt during the US national anthem.

    In 2016, Kaepernick refused to follow the pre-game protocol related to the national anthem and knelt instead, saying:

    I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of colour.

    Soon, many athletes and teams began “taking a knee” at sports events to express their solidarity with victims of racial injustice.

    Now, they appear to have stopped, which prompted us to research the decline.

    Initial widespread support

    Following the intense public debate over the appropriateness of Kaepernick’s act, the ritual quickly spread worldwide, with athletes in major soccer leagues, cricket, rugby, Formula 1, top-tier tennis and the US’s Major League Baseball and National Basketball Association taking a knee.

    Athletes didn’t always kneel during national anthems, with the majority kneeling at certain points pre-game.

    Despite the occasional “defection” of a small number of players who would stand while their teammates knelt – such as Israel Folau in rugby league, Wilfried Zaha in soccer and Quinton de Kock in cricket – the ritual was widely embraced by teams and athletes and helped raise awareness of the issue.

    Even major sports organisations notorious for prohibiting any type of political activism generally accepted the kneeling ritual. For example, soccer’s International Football Federation (FIFA) showcased kneeling as a “stand against discrimination” and as human rights advocacy.

    The International Olympic Committee (IOC) initially stood firm by its Rule 50, which states “no kind of demonstration or political, religious, or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas”.

    But just three weeks before the 2021 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo, the IOC relaxed its interpretation, and athletes were permitted to express their views in ways that included taking a knee.

    A surprising turn of events

    Despite permission and even encouragement from sports governing bodies, our research shows the practice is disappearing from major sports competitions.

    Take soccer, for example. At the FIFA World Cup 2022, England and Wales were the only national teams that knelt at their games in Qatar.

    At the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, no teams or players knelt.

    The same happened at the 2024 Olympic soccer tournament in Paris.

    That only a handful of teams knelt in Tokyo at the 2021 Olympics, two at the FIFA Mens’ World Cup in Qatar in 2022, none at the FIFA Womens’ World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023, and again none at the Paris 2024 Olympics indicates a growing reluctance throughout the sports world.

    This surely cannot mean athletes have become indifferent to racial injustice or other forms of oppression in the interval between the late 2010s and the mid-2020s.

    The explanation must be sought elsewhere. A hint was provided when Crystal Palace soccer player Zaha, the first player of colour in the UK who refused to kneel, explained:

    I feel like taking the knee is degrading, because growing up my parents just let me know that I should be proud to be Black no matter what and I feel like we should just stand tall.

    The explanation may therefore be, at least in part, the players’ uncomfortable feelings related to the kneeling posture.

    In sociology, this bothersome state of mind is called “cognitive dissonance”: the mental conflict a person experiences in the presence of contrasting beliefs.

    A history of kneeling

    The body posture of kneeling is not deemed, in any culture, as expressing solidarity.

    Ancient Greek and the Roman societies, on whose values Western civilisation was built, rejected kneeling as improper, even when praying to gods.

    Then, with the spread of Christianity in the Western world, kneeling became widely used, but only as an act of worship, confessing guilt, or praying for mercy.

    When performed outside the church, kneeling meant submission to nobility or royalty.

    The significance of kneeling as humility is not limited to the Western world.

    In African tribal culture, the young kneel in front of elders, and everyone kneels before the king.

    In China in 1949, Chairman Mao famously proclaimed at the first plenary of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference:

    From now on our nation […] will no longer be a nation subject to insult and humiliation. We have stood up.

    With this in mind, kneeling may be deemed unfit at sporting events, which often feature a powerful cocktail of emotions, values and social expectations.

    The inconsistency between the excitement of competition and the expectation to kneel — a gesture associated with submission and humility — likely creates a bothersome state of mind for athletes.

    This potentially motivates some players to reject one of the two – in this case, the kneeling – to restore cognitive harmony.

    What could replace the kneeling ritual?

    After refusing, by unanimous players’ vote, to take a knee before their October 2020 game against the All Blacks, the Australian rugby union team chose instead to wear a First Nations jersey.

    The same year, several teams in German soccer’s top league chose to show their support for Black Lives Matter by wearing distinctive armbands.

    So it appears wearing a distinctive jersey or at least an armband is more easily accepted by modern-day athletes. This may be challenging given the governing bodies of many sports, such as FIFA, ban athletes from wearing political symbols on their clothing.

    Depending on whether sports code accept this type of activism in the future, wearing suportive clothing could replace taking a knee as symbolic communication of solidarity with oppressed minorities.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Why have athletes stopped ‘taking a knee’? – https://theconversation.com/why-have-athletes-stopped-taking-a-knee-259047

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Japanese prime minister’s abrupt no-show at NATO summit reveals a strained alliance with the US

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Craig Mark, Adjunct Lecturer, Faculty of Economics, Hosei University

    Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has sent a clear signal to the Trump administration: the Japan–US relationship is in a dire state.

    After saying just days ago he would be attending this week’s NATO summit at The Hague, Ishiba abruptly pulled out at the last minute.

    He joins two other leaders from the Indo-Pacific region, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, in skipping the summit.

    The Japanese media reported Ishiba cancelled the trip because a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump was unlikely, as was a meeting of the Indo-Pacific Four (IP4) NATO partners (Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan).

    Japan will still be represented by Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, showing its desire to strengthen its security relationship with NATO.

    However, Ishiba’s no-show reveals how Japan views its relationship with the Trump administration, following the severe tariffs Washington imposed on Japan and Trump’s mixed messages on the countries’ decades-long military alliance.

    Tariffs and diplomatic disagreements

    Trump’s tariff policy is at the core of the divide between the US and Japan.

    Ishiba attempted to get relations with the Trump administration off to a good start. He was the second world leader to visit Trump at the White House, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    However, Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs imposed a punitive rate of 25% on Japanese cars and 24% on all other Japanese imports. They are already having an adverse impact on Japan’s economy: exports of automobiles to the US dropped in May by 25% compared to a year ago.

    Six rounds of negotiations have made little progress, as Ishiba’s government insists on full tariff exemptions.

    Japan has been under pressure from the Trump administration to increase its defence spending, as well. According to the Financial Times, Tokyo cancelled a summit between US and Japanese defence and foreign ministers over the demand. (A Japanese official denied the report.)

    Japan also did not offer its full support to the US bombings of Iran’s nuclear facilities earlier this week. The foreign minister instead said Japan “understands” the US’s determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

    Japan has traditionally had fairly good relations with Iran, often acting as an indirect bridge with the West. Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe even made a visit there in 2019.

    Japan also remains heavily dependent on oil from the Middle East. It would have been adversely affected if the Strait of Hormuz had been blocked, as Iran was threatening to do.

    Unlike the response from the UK and Australia, which both supported the strikes, the Ishiba government prioritised its commitment to upholding international law and the rules-based global order. In doing so, Japan seeks to deny China, Russia and North Korea any leeway to similarly erode global norms on the use of force and territorial aggression.

    Strategic dilemma of the Japan–US military alliance

    In addition, Japan is facing the same dilemma as other American allies – how to manage relations with the “America first” Trump administration, which has made the US an unreliable ally.

    Earlier this year, Trump criticised the decades-old security alliance between the US and Japan, calling it “one-sided”.

    “If we’re ever attacked, they don’t have to do a thing to protect us,” he said of Japan.

    Lower-level security cooperation is ongoing between the two allies and their regional partners. The US, Japanese and Philippine Coast Guards conducted drills in Japanese waters this week. The US military may also assist with upgrading Japan’s counterstrike missile capabilities.

    But Japan is still likely to continue expanding its security ties with partners beyond the US, such as NATO, the European Union, India, the Philippines, Vietnam and other ASEAN members, while maintaining its fragile rapprochement with South Korea.

    Australia is now arguably Japan’s most reliable security partner. Canberra is considering buying Japan’s Mogami-class frigates for the Royal Australian Navy. And if the AUKUS agreement with the US and UK collapses, Japanese submarines could be a replacement.

    Ishiba under domestic political pressure

    There are also intensifying domestic political pressures on Ishiba to hold firm against Trump, who is deeply unpopular among the Japanese public.

    After replacing former prime minister Fumio Kishida as leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) last September, the party lost its majority in the lower house of parliament in snap elections. This made it dependent on minor parties for legislative support.

    Ishiba’s minority government has struggled ever since with poor opinion polling. There has been widespread discontent with inflation, the high cost of living and stagnant wages, the legacy of LDP political scandals, and ever-worsening geopolitical uncertainty.

    On Sunday, the party suffered its worst-ever result in elections for the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, winning its lowest number of seats.

    The party could face a similar drubbing in the election for half of the upper house of the Diet (Japan’s parliament) on July 20. Ishiba has pledged to maintain the LDP’s majority in the house with its junior coalition partner Komeito. But if the government falls into minority status in both houses, Ishiba will face heavy pressure to step down.

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

    – ref. Japanese prime minister’s abrupt no-show at NATO summit reveals a strained alliance with the US – https://theconversation.com/japanese-prime-ministers-abrupt-no-show-at-nato-summit-reveals-a-strained-alliance-with-the-us-259694

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Bats get fat to survive hard times. But climate change is threatening their survival strategy

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicholas Wu, Lecturer in Wildlife Ecology, Murdoch University

    Rudmer Zwerver/Shutterstock

    Bats are often cast as the unseen night-time stewards of nature, flitting through the dark to control pest insects, pollinate plants and disperse seeds. But behind their silent contributions lies a remarkable and underappreciated survival strategy: seasonal fattening.

    Much like bears and squirrels, bats around the world bulk up to get through hard times – even in places where you might not expect it.

    In a paper published today in Ecology Letters, we analysed data from bat studies around the world to understand how bats use body fat to survive seasonal challenges, whether it’s a freezing winter or a dry spell.

    The surprising conclusion? Seasonal fattening is a global phenomenon in bats, not just limited to those in cold climates.

    Even bats in the tropics, where it’s warm all year, store fat in anticipation of dry seasons when food becomes scarce. That’s a survival strategy that’s been largely overlooked. But it may be faltering as the climate changes, putting entire food webs at risk.

    Climate shapes fattening strategies

    We found bats in colder regions predictably gain more weight before winter.

    But in warmer regions with highly seasonal rainfall, such as tropical savannas or monsoonal forests, bats also fatten up. In tropical areas, it’s not cold that’s the enemy, but the dry season, when flowers wither, insects vanish and energy is hard to come by.

    The extent of fattening is impressive. Some species increased their body weight by more than 50%, which is a huge burden for flying animals that already use a lot of energy to move around. This highlights the delicate balancing act bats perform between storing energy and staying nimble in the air.

    Sex matters, especially in the cold

    The results also support the “thrifty females, frisky males” hypothesis.

    In colder climates, female bats used their fat reserves more sparingly than males – a likely adaptation to ensure they have enough energy left to raise young when spring returns. Since females typically emerge from hibernation to raise their young, conserving fat through winter can directly benefit their reproductive success.

    Interestingly, this sex-based difference vanished in warmer climates, where fat use by males and females was more similar, likely because more food is available in warmer climates. It’s another clue that climate patterns intricately shape behaviour and physiology.

    Climate change is shifting the rules

    Beyond the biology, our study points to a more sobering trend. Bats in warm regions appear to be increasing their fat stores over time. This could be an early warning sign of how climate change is affecting their survival.

    Climate change isn’t just about rising temperatures. It’s also making seasons more unpredictable.

    Bats may be storing more energy in advance of dry seasons that are becoming longer or harder to predict. That’s risky, because it means more foraging, more exposure to predators and potentially greater mortality.

    The implications can ripple outward. Bats help regulate insect populations, fertilise crops and maintain healthy ecosystems. If their survival strategies falter, entire food webs could feel the effects.

    Fat bats, fragile futures

    Our study changes how we think about bats. They are not just passive victims of environmental change but active strategists, finely tuned to seasonal rhythms. Yet their ability to adapt has limits, and those limits are being tested by a rapidly changing world.

    By understanding how bats respond to climate, we gain insights into broader ecosystem resilience. We also gain a deeper appreciation for one of nature’s quiet heroes – fattening up, flying through the night and holding ecosystems together, one wingbeat at a time.

    Nicholas Wu was the lead author of a funded Australian Research Council Linkage Grant awarded to Christopher Turbill at Western Sydney University.

    – ref. Bats get fat to survive hard times. But climate change is threatening their survival strategy – https://theconversation.com/bats-get-fat-to-survive-hard-times-but-climate-change-is-threatening-their-survival-strategy-259560

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACCC authorises collaboration to improve the sustainability of cash-in-transit services

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The ACCC has issued a determination granting authorisation with conditions to allow the Australian Banking Association Ltd (ABA), major banks, major retailers and supermarkets, Australia Post and other industry participants to collaborate on the future continuity of cash-in-transit services.

    The authorisation allows the major banks and retailers to provide financial support to Armaguard and for the parties to discuss, agree and implement operational sustainability and efficiency measures across the services provided by Armaguard’s cash-in-transit business to those banks and retailers.

    The authorisation also allows the parties to develop, but not implement, an independent pricing mechanism in respect of their cash services agreements with Armaguard.

    “We consider that the conduct would be likely to reduce the risk of disruption to Armaguard’s cash-in-transit services in the immediate future, while the increased sustainability of those services would support ongoing access to cash across Australia,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.

    “This is a significant public benefit.”

    The ACCC considers that, with the conditions set out in this determination, the conduct is likely to result in minimal public detriments.

    “This decision will increase future consultation in the cash-in-transit industry,” Mr Keogh said.

    “The ABA is now required to ensure that an independent expert will conduct reasonable consultation with stakeholders in the development of an independent pricing mechanism proposal.”

    Further information about the ACCC’s final determination is available on the authorisations public register.

    Note to editors

    The ACCC’s role is to consider requests for exemptions from competition laws that may be breached to enable competitors to collaborate on such arrangements.

    ACCC authorisation provides statutory protection from court action for conduct that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth).

    Broadly, s 91 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) allows the ACCC to grant an authorisation when it is satisfied that the public benefit from the conduct outweighs any public detriment.

    Background

    Cash-in-transit services involve providing cash transport, management, and processing services. These services are provided to banks, retailers, and independent ATM operators.

    On 13 June 2023, the ACCC granted merger authorisation to Armaguard and Prosegur Australia to combine their cash distribution, management and other businesses in Australia, and accepted a court-enforceable undertaking, which is a condition of the merger authorisation. Following this merger, Armaguard became the major supplier of cash-in-transit services in Australia.

    On 27 May 2024, the ACCC granted authorisation with conditions to the ABA, the Customer Owned Banking Association, banks, retailers and other industry participants to allow them to develop responses to support the distribution of cash across Australia. 

    On 3 July 2024, the ACCC granted interim authorisation with a condition to allow the ANZ Bank, Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank, Westpac, Australia Post, Coles, Wesfarmers and Woolworths (the Funding Parties) to provide financial contributions to Armaguard. 

    On 12 September 2024, the ACCC revoked the interim authorisation dated 3 July 2024 and granted a new interim authorisation for an expanded range of conduct with 4 conditions.

    On 11 December 2024, the ACCC issued a draft determination proposing to grant authorisation with conditions until 30 June 2026. Also on 11 December 2024, the ACCC revoked the interim authorisation with conditions dated 12 September 2024 and granted a new interim authorisation with amended conditions.

    On 25 June 2025, the ACCC granted authorisation with 6 conditions which broadly require:

    • the ABA provide regular reports to the ACCC, Reserve Bank and Treasury about discussions, developments and decisions made under the authorisation relating to operational sustainability and Efficiency Measures and the Independent Pricing Mechanism, including any consultation undertaken
    • prior to any operational sustainability and Efficiency Measures being implemented, the ABA to provide a report to the ACCC, the RBA and Treasury which describes the measure in detail and sets out the consultation undertaken with other parties (smaller ABA members, COBA, IGA/Metcash, the Australian Hotels Association and Clubs Australia) about the measure including its potential impact on the accessibility of cash in regional and remote areas
    • discussions, contracts, arrangements or understandings regarding any operational sustainability and Efficiency Measure and/or Independent Pricing Mechanism to occur at, in preparation for, or arise out of, a meeting, meetings or communications of the ABA Weekly Cash SteerCo or a meeting involving the Reserve Bank or Treasury
    • the ABA to ensure that Deloitte (or any alternative independent facilitator) conducts reasonable consultation with specified parties in respect of the development of the Independent Pricing Mechanism prior to any in-principle agreement.

    The authorisation made on 25 June 2025 does not extend to the implementation of any pricing proposal. A further application for authorisation of implementation of the pricing proposal is anticipated once agreement between the Funding parties and Armaguard is reached on the proposal.

    A separate application lodged by the ABA relating to cash-in-transit sustainability measures and business continuity measures remains before the ACCC for consideration.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Beneficient Enters into $1.91 Million GP Primary Capital Transaction

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beneficient (NASDAQ: BENF) (“Ben” or the “Company”), a technology-enabled platform providing exit opportunities and primary capital solutions and related trust and custody services to holders of alternative assets through its proprietary online platform AltAccess, today announced it has closed on the financing of a $1.91 million primary capital commitment for Mendoza Ventures Growth Fund III, LP (“Fund”), a fund managed by Mendoza Ventures Growth GP III, L.L.C., LP (“Fund Manager”), an asset manager focused on investing in technology companies where there is an opportunity for innovation, modernization, and disruption.

    The transaction represents Ben’s third GP Primary transaction of the fiscal year and fourth since formally launching the program in late 2024. In exchange for an interest in the Fund, the Fund received approximately $1.91 million in stated value of shares of the Company’s Resettable Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”), which is convertible at the election of the holder into shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, subject to the terms and conditions of the transaction documents. As a result of the transaction, the collateral for the Company’s ExAlt loan portfolio is expected to increase by approximately $1.91 million of interests in alternative assets. Concurrently, the Company also entered into a Preferred Liquidity Provider Program Agreement with the Fund, whereby the Company may facilitate ongoing liquidity solutions for the Fund and its limited partners.

    “We are excited to continue recent momentum by completing another GP primary capital transaction, our second transaction with a fund managed by the Fund Manager,” said Beneficient management. “We will continue to pursue additional opportunities that align with our strategic vision and growth objectives.”

    Beneficient’s GP Primary Commitment Program is focused on providing primary capital solutions and financing anchor commitments to general partners during their fundraising efforts while immediately deploying capital into our equity. Through the program, Beneficient seeks to help satisfy the up to $330 billion of potential demand for primary commitments to meet fundraising needs.

    About Beneficient 
    Beneficient (Nasdaq: BENF) – Ben, for short – is on a mission to democratize the global alternative asset investment market by providing traditionally underserved investors − mid-to-high net worth individuals, small-to-midsized institutions and General Partners seeking exit options, anchor commitments and valued-added services for their funds− with solutions that could help them unlock the value in their alternative assets. Ben’s AltQuote® tool provides customers with a range of potential exit options within minutes, while customers can log on to the AltAccess® portal to explore opportunities and receive proposals in a secure online environment.         
    Its subsidiary, Beneficient Fiduciary Financial, L.L.C., received its charter under the State of Kansas’ Technology-Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institution (TEFFI) Act and is subject to regulatory oversight by the Office of the State Bank Commissioner. 

    For more information, visit www.trustben.com or follow us on LinkedIn. 

    Contacts
    Matt Kreps: 214-597-8200, mkreps@darrowir.com
    Michael Wetherington: 214-284-1199, mwetherington@darrowir.com
    Investor Relations: investors@beneficient.com

    Important Information and Where You Can Find It
    This press release may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of a vote of stockholders to approve the issuance of the Company’s Class A common stock upon conversion of the Preferred Stock (the “Transactions”). In connection with the requisite stockholder approval, Ben will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a preliminary proxy statement and a definitive proxy statement, which will be sent to the stockholders of Ben, seeking such approvals related to the Transactions.

    INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF BEN AND THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES ARE URGED TO READ, WHEN AVAILABLE, THE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTIONS, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BEN AND THE TRANSACTIONS. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain a free copy of the proxy statement, as well as other relevant documents filed with the SEC containing information about Ben, without charge, at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Ben can also be obtained, without charge, by directing a request to Investor Relations, Beneficient, 325 North St. Paul Street, Suite 4850, Dallas, Texas 75201, or email investors@beneficient.com.

    Participants in the Solicitation of Proxies in Connection with Transactions
    Ben and certain of its directors, executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the requisite stockholder approvals under the rules of the SEC. Information regarding Ben’s directors and executive officers is available in its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on July 9, 2024 and certain current reports on Form 8-K filed by Ben. Other information regarding the participants in the solicitation of proxies with respect to the Transactions and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC. Free copies of these documents, when available, may be obtained as described in the preceding paragraph.

    Not an Offer of Securities
    The information in this communication is for informational purposes only and shall not constitute, or form a part of, an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. The securities that are the subject of the Transactions have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.

    Forward Looking Statements
    Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Transactions. The words ”anticipate,” “believe,” ”continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” ”plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, them. Because such statements are based on expectations as to future financial and operating results and are not statements of fact, actual results may differ materially from those projected.

    Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements include, among others: the ultimate outcome of the Transactions, including obtaining the requisite vote of securityholders, and the risks, uncertainties, and factors set forth under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and its subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, subsequent events, or circumstances or other changes affecting such statements except to the extent required by applicable law.

    Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 06/24/2025 Blackburn, Blumenthal, Lee, Klobuchar, and Durbin Introduce Bipartisan Antitrust Bill to Promote App Store Competition

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduced the bipartisan Open App Markets Act, which would set fair, clear, and enforceable rules to promote competition and strengthen consumer protections within the app market. Google and Apple currently have gatekeeper control of the two dominant mobile operating systems and their app stores that allow them to exclusively dictate the terms of the app market, inhibiting competition and restricting consumer choice.

    “The days of Big Tech’s anticompetitive, price-gouging business practices are over;” saidSenator Durbin. “Our bipartisan Open App Markets Act places important limits on dominant gatekeeping companies in the app store market, like Apple and Google. These clear, fair, and enforceable rules will open the app markets back up to competition and give consumers more choices. I look forward to working with Republicans and Democrats to make it law.”
    BACKGROUND
    Mobile devices are central to consumers’ economic, social, and civic lives, and the mobile app market is a significant part of the digital economy. In 2024 alone, consumers worldwide spent 92 billion U.S. dollars on the Apple App Store, and about 35.7 billion U.S. dollars on the Google Play Store.
    Both Apple and Google have appeared to use their powerful gatekeeper control to stifle competition in the app store market.
    Apple has prevented the creation of third-party app stores on iPhones, required that apps exclusively use their own expensive payment system, and penalized app developers for telling users about discounted offers.
    These strict terms close off avenues of competition and drive up prices for consumers.
    Startups also face serious challenges when Big Tech gatekeepers are able to prioritize their own apps to the disadvantage of others, make use of competitors’ confidential business information, and block developers from using features on a consumer’s phone.
    THE OPEN APP MARKETS ACT
    The Open App Markets Act would:
    Protect developers’ rights to tell consumers about lower prices and offer competitive pricing;
    Protect sideloading of apps;
    Promote competition by opening the market to third-party app stores, startup apps, and alternative payment systems;
    Make it possible for developers to offer new experiences that take advantage of consumer device features;
    Give consumers greater control over their devices;
    Prevent app stores from disadvantaging developers; and
    Establish safeguards to preserve consumer privacy, security, and safety.
    Click here for bill text.
    ENDORSEMENTS
    The Open App Markets Act is endorsed by numerous technology and consumer groups, including Spotify, the American Economic Liberties Project, the American Principles Project, Epic Games, the Bull Moose Project,  the Coalition for App Fairness, Consumer Action for a Strong Economy, the Digital First Project, the Digital Progress Institute, The Ethics and Public Policy Center, the Foundation for American Innovation, the Internet Accountability Project, the National Security Institute, Proton, Public Knowledge, Tech Oversight Project, and Y Combinator:

    “We applaud Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal for reintroducing the Open App Markets Act, continuing the fight for a free and fair internet in the United States. This bill takes a targeted, strategic approach that will create more economic opportunity, unlock innovation, reduce barriers for businesses and creators, and give American consumers lower prices and more control over purchases made through their iPhones,” said Dustee Jenkins, Spotify Chief Public Affairs Officer.

    “Hundreds of billions of dollars pass through mobile app stores annually, and both Apple and Google have gone to extraordinary, illegal lengths to make sure they are the only stores in town, stealing untold billions from developers and consumers in the process. While Apple and Google drag out their appeals in federal court, the Open App Markets Act would tear down walled gardens, stimulate innovation, and protect developers and consumers from unfair app store taxes today,” said Lee Hepner, Senior Counsel, American Economic Liberties Project.

    “The American Principles Project strongly supports the Open App Markets Act as essential legislation to protect American families from Big Tech’s monopolistic control. Apple and Google’s stranglehold over the app marketplace has created a rigged system that stifles economic opportunity for small businesses and undermines free expression online. This legislation will restore free market principles while ensuring that families have access to diverse viewpoints and applications that reflect their values. The current 30 percent tax imposed by these gatekeepers amounts to corporate welfare for Big Tech at the expense of Main Street America, and it’s time for Congress to stand with American families and small businesses against Silicon Valley’s unchecked power,” stated the American Principles Project.

    “The Open App Markets Act is a must-pass bill that would force Apple and Google to end their anticompetitive mobile app store practices. Apple and Google’s unfair terms and exorbitant fees stifle competition and crush innovation, hurting developers and consumers alike. We look forward to swift passage of this bill and an open mobile app ecosystem in the U.S. with alternative app stores and in-app payment systems,” said Bakari Middleton, VP of Public Policy at Epic Games.

    “The future of digital innovation depends on fair access—not corporate gatekeeping. The Open App Markets Act is a crucial step towards breaking the stranglehold of Big Tech, levels the playing field, and puts power back where it belongs: with users and creators,” stated the Bull Moose Project.

    “CAF commends Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal for introducing the Open App Markets Act and Senators Lee and Klobuchar for co-sponsoring the bill. This groundbreaking, bipartisan legislation will open up Apple and Google’s mobile walled gardens to long-overdue competition. By banning harmful and anti-competitive practices, the bill would lead to lower prices and more choice  in how apps are accessed and distributed. Thanks to a recent court decision, US consumers are already benefiting from app developers offering alternative ways to make purchases. But legislation is needed to fully unlock the potential of the mobile app economy and unleash a competitive marketplace that benefits users and developers alike. We are grateful to Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal for their enduring leadership on these issues, and we encourage swift passage of this vital bill,” said Gene Burrus, Global Policy Counsel for the Coalition for App Fairness.

    “Imagine a fisherman sailing on a vast ocean yet having only two fishing poles from which to choose. This is our current mobile economy: vast seas of information, data, and innovation accessible only through the iron grip of the app-store duopoly of Google and Apple, who continue to game the rules in their favor. It’s time to open the digital high-seas for developers large and small, to spark more free-market innovation for America’s consumers and for our position as the global leader in digital technology,” stated Consumer Action for a Strong Economy.

    “Our team at Digital First Project is proud to support the reintroduction of the Open App Markets Act. This essential reform is a crucial step toward restoring competition and fairness in the digital marketplace by ending the gatekeeper control of dominant app store platforms such as Google and Apple. By promoting consumer choice and giving developers more freedom, this proposal fosters innovation among app developers and enables more choice for consumers,” stated theDigital First Project.

    “Apple and Google are the choke points of the mobile ecosystem and their Herculean control over app stores is at the heart of it. OAMA is a bipartisan, responsible approach to ensure the innovation economy can flourish and not be bridled by Big Tech. This is a welcomed and needed reform!” stated the Digital Progress Institute.

    “For years, Apple and Google have failed to protect children from harmful content on their app stores. Even worse, they have promoted inappropriate apps to children in their stores. But because of their market power, parents and children have no alternatives in the mobile ecosystem. The Open App Markets Act would enable different app stores and app distribution methods that cater to the specific needs of families. OAMA would critically allow for family-friendly and child-safe app stores to arise as competitors to give parents alternative options that better protect kids. I commend Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal for this effort and their continued leadership in protecting children from digital harms,” said Clare Morell, Fellow at The Ethics and Public Policy Center.

    “Apple and Google are the gatekeepers to the mobile ecosystem, and they have continually abused that power. Their app store monopoly rents are an effective tax on the entire app economy, and other anti-competitive practices have further limited choice and innovation. The Open App Markets Act would help lift the millstone that Apple and Google put on consumers and developers by bringing much-needed competition to mobile app stores and app distribution. I commend Senators Blackburn, Blumenthal, Lee, and Klobuchar for their leadership and urge all members of Congress to join this effort,” said Evan Swarztrauber, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for American Innovation.

    “The reintroduction of the Open App Markets Act is another crucial step in the battle to rein in the unchecked power of Big Tech. Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal deserve credit for their continued bipartisan leadership and commitment to restoring fairness and competition in the app marketplace. Apple and Google have operated as unaccountable, monopolistic gatekeepers on the app store market for far too long. This bill would finally give small businesses and entrepreneurs a real shot to compete. The Internet Accountability Project proudly supports this legislation that stands up for fairness and competition,” stated the Internet Accountability Project.

    “I have observed in my doctoral thesis of 2017 that there is a de facto app store duopoly between Apple and Google, controlling which apps are seen and under which conditions. Whether an app can even be found requires an investment in app store optimization (ASO). App developers have only two means to access end users, and there is limited competition on the conditions, leaving app developers as price takers. While there are benefits of centralization of app markets, there are tradeoffs in privacy and choice. In any event, the scale of such concentration would bring regulatory scrutiny in any other industry. The two app stores have enjoyed a relative regulatory free ride for a long time. Few policymakers have been interested in taking on this behemoth. Hence I applaud Senator Blackburn and Senator Blumenthal for their leadership,” said Roslyn Layton, PhD, Senior Fellow at the National Security Institute.

    “App stores are the lifeblood of all digital companies, including disruptors like Proton. Gatekeepers like Apple and Google have been consolidating market power in their app marketplaces for years, ultimately to the detriment of consumers. They have exploited their control to impose extortionate conditions on developers, like compelling use of their own payment systems and charging 30% transaction fees. This amounts to a massive tax on the Internet, one that often gets passed onto consumers through higher prices or reduced investment in competitive innovations. Ending these monopoly abuses on mobile payments would not only create fairer prices, but also promote competition while benefiting developers and consumers alike. Proton applauds Senators Blumenthal, Blackburn, and X for recognizing these realities, and drafting a bill that would unleash a seismic level of innovation,” said Andy Yen, Founder & CEO of Proton.

    “Too often, the tech giants have controlled the app marketplace, dictating who gets access and under what terms. The Open App Markets Act represents a much-needed shift toward a more competitive, open ecosystem where developers are empowered to innovate and users are the ultimate beneficiaries. We need policies that prioritize security, transparency, and choice, rather than allowing corporations to dictate the rules. It’s time for users, not Big Tech, to decide what apps thrive in the marketplace. This bill is a step toward restoring market fairness and putting users back in the driver’s seat,” stated Public Knowledge.

    “Google and Apple’s app store monopolies have not only artificially inflated prices, they’ve also blocked new and innovative products from hitting the market. Their gatekeeping has been a drag on our entire economy, and it’s time to make their monopolies illegal. The Open App Markets Act will help dislodge app store monopolies, lower prices, and build a better, more open internet,” said Sacha Haworth, Executive Director of the Tech Oversight Project.

    “This bipartisan legislation ends the practice of dominant app stores forcing their own payment systems and self-preferencing, while giving consumers the freedom to install and set third-party stores and payment options—common-sense rules already embraced in other markets. Enacting it will spur competition, lower prices, and unleash a new wave of American innovation that keeps our startup ecosystem the most dynamic in the world,” said Luther Lowe, Head of Public Policy for Y Combinator.
    RELATED

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Shared e-scooter and e-bike providers invited to operate in the ACT

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services



    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 25/06/2025

    Providers of shared e-scooter and e-bike services will soon be able to apply for a permit to operate in the ACT.

    From Wednesday 2 July 2025, a competitive permit application process will open to all interested shared e-scooter and e-bike providers.

    “The ACT Government is renewing its shared micromobility program to ensure ongoing, high-quality services that meet the diverse transport needs of our community and support our mode shift goals,” said Kirra Cox, Executive Branch Manager, Strategic Policy and Programs.

    “The ACT Government enabled shared pedal bikes from 2018 to 2023, and shared e-scooters have been operating since 2020. E-scooters have proven popular in the ACT, with around 1,650 trips per day taken since the scheme began.

    “This renewal is an opportunity to refresh our program with new approaches, services and devices – including the potential introduction of shared e-bikes, which can be ridden longer distances and may better suit some riders who are less comfortable using e-scooters.”

    Prospective providers will need to demonstrate how they will meet the ACT Government’s objectives, as outlined in the recently updated Dockless Shared Micromobility Policy for the ACT. These objectives include:

    • Ensuring the safety of users and non-users alike
    • Seamlessly integrating Canberra’s broader transport system
    • Contributing to a mode shift away from private vehicles trips
    • Promoting affordable and equitable access
    • Delivering economic and environmental benefits
    • Supporting community outcomes through collaborative design

    Depending on the proposals received, the ACT Government may issue one or more permits for a three-year period.

    An industry briefing will be held on Tuesday 8 July 2025, and the application process will formally close on Friday 1 August 2025. Successful applicant(s) are expected to commence operations in spring 2025.

    Providers interested in receiving an application package should register their interest by emailing TCCS.Sharedmicromobility@act.gov.au. Application documentation will be provided on Wednesday 2 July 2025, when the permit application period officially opens.

    For more information and to view the updated Dockless Shared Micromobility Policy for the ACT, visit the Transport Canberra website.

    – Statement ends –

    ACT Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate | Media Releases

    Media Contacts

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Arrest – Indecent Assaults – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Detectives from Southern Investigations have arrested a youth in relation to multiple indecent assaults in Alice Springs last week.

    On 20 June 2025, police received reports of an indecent assault on a female jogging along the Todd River by a male travelling on a bike.

    Following a call for information, three additional female victims came forward and alleged similar offending on the same day in the same area.

    Investigators identified a 14-year-old male, who was arrested at a residence in Gillen earlier today and processed into custody. He is expected to be charged with:

    • 1 x Act of Gross Indecency without Consent
    • 3 x Indecent Touching or Act

    Police would like to thank the victims who came forward and provided vital information and would continue to urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444 and reference job number NTP2500062998.

    You can also anonymously report crime via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S., Philippine Marines begin ACD 25.3 jungle training

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines — U.S. Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 25.3, and Philippine Marines from the 3rd Marine Brigade will conduct bilateral training at Palawan, Philippines, during Archipelagic Coastal Defense (ACD) 25.3, scheduled from June 23 to July 15, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: From 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Fuel tax credit rates (non-business)

    The following table contain the fuel tax credit rates for non-businesses from:

    For more information on non-profit organisations, refer to Non-profit emergency vehicles and vessels.

    Table 1: Rates for fuel acquired from 1 July 2025 to 3 August 2025

    Eligible fuel type

    Used in heavy emergency vehicles for travelling on public roads

    Used in heavy emergency vehicles to power auxiliary equipment; emergency vessels; emergency vehicles; domestic electricity generation

    Liquid fuels – for example, diesel or petrol
    Unit: cents per litre

    18.4(see note 3)

    50.8

    Blended fuels: B5, B20, E10
    Unit: cents per litre

    18.4(see note 3)

    50.8

    Blended fuel: E85
    Unit: cents per litre

    0 (see note 3)

    21.73

    Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) (duty paid)
    Unit: cents per litre

    0 (see note 3)

    16.6(see note 1)

    Liquefied natural gas (LNG) or compressed natural gas (CNG) (duty paid)
    Unit: cents per kilogram

    0 (see note 4)

    34.8(see note 2)

    Note 1: Fuel tax credits can’t be claimed for duty paid LPG supplied for domestic electricity generation if the fuel tax credits have already been claimed by the supplier or packager.

    Note 2: Fuel tax credits can rarely be claimed for LNG and CNG supplied for domestic electricity generation as they are rarely duty paid.

    Note 3: Fuel tax credit rates change for liquid fuel used in a heavy vehicle for travelling on a public road due to changes in the road user charge, which increases by 6% each year over 3 years, from:

    • 28.8 cents per litre in 2023–24, to
    • 30.5 cents per litre in 2024–25, and to
    • 32.4 cents per litre in 2025–26.

    Fuel tax credits are reduced to nil where the road user charge exceeds the fuel tax credit rate.

    Note 4: Fuel tax credit rates change for gaseous fuels due to changes in the road user charge, which increases by 6% each year over 3 years, from:

    • 38.5 cents per kilogram in 2023–24, to
    • 40.8 cents per kilogram in 2024–25, and to
    • 43.2 cents per kilogram in 2025–26.

    Currently, the road user charge reduces fuel tax credits for gaseous fuels to nil.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Bioplastic breakthrough: sustainable cooling film could slash building energy use amid rising global temperatures

    Source:

    25 June 2025

    An illustration of the bioplastic metafilm developed by UniSA and Zhengzhou University researchers,  proposed as a next-generation material for sustainable cooling

    An international team of scientists has developed a biodegradable material that could slash global energy consumption without using any electricity, according to a new study published today.

    The bioplastic metafilm – that can be applied to buildings, equipment and other surfaces – passively cools temperatures by as much as 9.2°C during peak sunlight and reflects almost 99% of the sun’s rays.

    Developed by researchers from Zhengzhou University in China and the University of South Australia (UniSA), the new film is a sustainable and long-lasting material that could reduce building energy consumption by up to 20% a year in some of the world’s hottest cities.

    The material is described in the latest issue of Cell Reports Physical Science.

    UniSA PhD candidate Yangzhe Hou says the cooling metafilm represents a breakthrough in sustainable materials engineering that could help combat rising global temperatures and hotter cities.

    “Our metafilm offers an environmentally friendly alternative to air-conditioning, which contributes significantly to carbon emissions,” says Hou, who is also from Zhengzhou University.

    “The material reflects nearly all solar radiation and theoretically allows internal building heat to emit directly into outer space. This enables the building to stay cool, even under direct sunlight.”

    Notably, the film continues to perform even after prolonged exposure to acidic conditions and ultraviolet light – two major barriers that have historically hindered similar biodegradable materials.

    Constructed from polylactic acid (PLA) – a common plant-derived bioplastic – the metafilm is fabricated using a low-temperature separation technique that reflects 98.7% of sunlight and minimises heat gain.

    “Unlike conventional cooling technologies, this metafilm requires no electricity or mechanical systems,” says co-author Dr Xianhu Liu from Zhengzhou University.

    “Most existing passive radiative cooling systems rely on petrochemical-based polymers or ceramics that raise environmental concerns. By using biodegradable PLA, we are presenting a green alternative that offers high solar reflectance, strong thermal emission, sustainability, and durability.”

    In real-world applications, the metafilm showed an average temperature drop of 4.9°C during the day and 5.1°C at night. Field tests conducted in both China and Australia confirmed its stability and efficiency under harsh environmental conditions. Even after 120 hours in strong acid and the equivalent of eight months’ outdoor UV exposure, the metafilm retained cooling power of up to 6.5°C.

    Perhaps most significantly, the simulations revealed that the metafilm could cut annual energy consumption by up to 13.1% in cities such as Sydney by reducing dependence on air conditioning.

    “This isn’t just a lab-scale success” says co-author Professor Jun Ma from the University of South Australia.

    “Our film is scalable and completely degradable,” he says.

    “This research aims to contribute to sustainable development by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and exploring feasible pathways to improve human comfort while minimising environmental impact.”

    The discovery addresses a major challenge in the field: how to reconcile high-performance cooling with eco-friendly degradation.

    The researchers are now exploring potential applications in buildings, transport, agriculture, electronics, and the biomedical field including cooling wound dressings.

    ‘A structural bioplastic metafilm for durable passive radiative cooling’ is published in Cell Reports Physical Science and is authored by Yangzhe Hou, Yamin Pan, Xianhu Liu, Jun Ma, Chuntai Liu and Changyu Shen. DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102664

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

    Contacts for interview:

    Researchers:

    Yangzhe Hou E: yangzhe.hou@unisa.edu.au;

    Prof Jun Ma E: jun.ma@unisa.edu.au

    Prof Xianhu Liu E: Xianhu.Liu@zzu.edu.cn

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

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders discuss Middle East conflict before ceasefire

    RNZ Pacific

    Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape says the Middle East conflict was one of the discussions of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) in Suva this week — and Pacific leaders “took note of what is happening”.

    The Post-Courier reports Marape saying the “12 Day War” between Israel and Iran was based on high technology and using missiles sent from great distances.

    “In the context of MSG, the leaders want peace always. And the Pacific remains friends to all, enemies to none,” he said.

    He said an effect on PNG would be the inflation in prices of oil and gas.

    Yesterday morning, US President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire had been agreed  between Israel and Iran, and so far it has been holding in spite of tensions.

    Australia had stepped in to help Papua New Guinea diplomats and citizens caught in the Middle East.

    Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko confirmed last week that a group was to be evacuated through Jordan.

    There had been six diplomats in lockdown at the PNG embassy in Jerusalem awaiting extraction.

    Meanwhile, a repatriation flight for Australians stuck in Israel had been cancelled.

    ABC News reported that it was the second day repatriation plans were scrapped at the last minute because of rocket fire. A bus meant to take people across the border into Jordan was cancelled the previous day.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Dendy pays penalties for alleged ‘drip pricing’ practices

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    Dendy Cinema Pty Ltd has paid a $19,800 penalty after the ACCC issued it with an infringement notice for allegedly failing to prominently show the total price, as a single figure, of movie tickets it sold online, in a practice commonly known as ‘drip-pricing’.

    The ACCC alleges that Dendy breached the Australian Consumer Law by failing to prominently display the total single price for tickets, including the unavoidable per ticket booking fee, at the earliest opportunity in the booking process.

    Instead, Dendy displayed prices that did not include the unavoidable per ticket booking fee, and did not display a total price for tickets until consumers reached the final stages of the online transaction.

    “Businesses must be upfront about the total minimum quantifiable price of a product or service,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

    “Consumers are sometimes lured into purchases they would not otherwise have made when businesses display only part of the price upfront and reveal the total price only towards the end of the purchasing process.

    “By initially only displaying part of the total price for a movie ticket, Dendy has reduced the ability of consumers to make an informed purchasing decision,” Ms Lowe said.

    The ACCC is also looking at pricing practices in the cinema industry more broadly to ensure that per ticket booking fees are being presented in a way that complies with the pricing obligations under the Australian Consumer Law.

    “We encourage all businesses to review their online pricing practices to ensure they are complying with their obligations under the law, including providing the total minimum quantifiable price of products and services in their advertising and at the earliest opportunity in the booking process,” Ms Lowe said.

    One of the ACCC’s Compliance and Enforcement Priorities for 2025-26 is ‘misleading surcharging practices and other add on costs’.

    Further information about pricing is available on the ACCC website at Price Displays.

    Background

    Dendy operates 52 screens across six cinemas in NSW, QLD, and the ACT.

    The total minimum quantifiable price is the lowest amount that a consumer could pay, including any mandatory fees or pre-selected optional fees, that can be determined at the time of stating the price.

    In November 2024, the ACCC took legal action against online travel booking site Webjet Marketing Pty Ltd for allegedly making false and misleading representations to consumers about flight prices and bookings. The ACCC alleged Webjet breached the Australian Consumer Law when it made statements about the minimum price of airfares which omitted compulsory fees.

    Note to editors

    The ACCC can issue an infringement notice when it has reasonable grounds to believe a person or business has contravened certain consumer protection provisions in the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

    The payment of a penalty specified in an infringement notice is not an admission of a contravention of the ACL. The ACL sets the penalty amount.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Aussie uni commencements bounce back big time

    Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

    After years of decline, the number of Australians getting a crack at university are bouncing back.

    When you take out the two COVID years, this year looks set to be the biggest year for Australians commencing an undergraduate or postgraduate university degree on record.

    Preliminary data for 2024 shows around 390,000 domestic students began a degree – a 3.7 per cent increase on 2023.

    This includes more than 20,000 new starters in nursing degrees (a 3 per cent increase) and more than 25,000 new starters in teaching degrees (a 9 per cent increase).

    Early, year to date figures for 2025 suggest that growth is continuing with commencements up another 3 per cent compared to the same time in 2024.

    This reverses the trend seen since 2017, excluding the COVID years, where the number of domestic students commencing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree have been steadily falling.

    Source: Higher Education Statistics – Student Data

    Notes: 2024 data are preliminary. Final, official statistics may vary. 2025 data are a preliminary forecast based on year-to-date (YTD) May 2025 data.  Final, full year 2025 data may differ if YTD May growth is not sustained at previous levels throughout the academic year.

    In addition, over 14,000 students have taken up Fee-Free Uni Ready courses this year.

    Fee-Free Uni Ready courses are short courses that help prepare people for university, acting as a bridge between school or work and higher education.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

    ‘We need more people with more skills. That means more people finishing schools and more people going to TAFE or uni, or both.

    “The Universities Accord sets a target that by 2050, 80 per cent of workers will have a TAFE or university qualification.

    “To hit that target, we need to break down that invisible barrier that stops a lot of Australians from disadvantaged backgrounds, from the regions and the outer suburbs from getting a crack at uni and succeeding when they get there.

    “That requires reform across the entire education system. That’s what the fully funding of our public schools is about. It’s also what the new funding system for our universities, that will roll out next year, is about.

    “That will deliver demand-driven funding for equity students and needs based funding ensuring students get the academic and wrap-around supports they need to succeed at university.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: More than $7,000 cut in child care costs as cheaper child care delivers cost of living relief

    Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

    Two years in, more than 1 million Australian families have benefited from the Albanese Government’s Cheaper Child Care, delivering real cost of living relief to household budgets.

    For a family earning $168,000, with one child in care 30 hours a week, Cheaper Child Care has cut out of pocket costs by around $7,440 than they otherwise would be.

    This is good for children, good for families, and good for Australia.

    Since the 2022 election there are 1,200 more early education services, around 95,000 more children in early education and around 48,000 more early childhood workers, but there is more work to do. 

    The Albanese Labor Government is rolling out a 15 per cent pay rise to early educators and capping fee increases for families.

    The Government will also implement the 3 Day Guarantee which will replace the current Activity Test from January 2026 with guaranteed 3 days a week of access to the Child Care Subsidy.

    Eligible families earning between $50,000 and $100,000 are expected to save on average $1,460 per year under the 3 Day Guarantee.

    Under the 3 Day Guarantee, more than 100,000 families will be entitled to more hours of subsidised education and care.

    The Government will also roll out the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund, which will boost access to early education and care in areas of need, including in the outer suburbs and regional Australia.

    This builds on the new, mandatory child safety measures to strengthen child safety in early childhood education and care services.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

    “We have made child care cheaper for more than 1 million families. 

    “We are delivering a 15 per cent pay rise to build the early education workforce. 

    “And next year we will roll out the 3 Day Guarantee to give more families access to the Child Care Subsidy.  

    “This is a key part of our plans to build a universal early education system.” 
     
    Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Jess Walsh:

    “We are delivering more affordable early education and care so that children and families can benefit.

    “Easing the family budget is one of the key parts of our reforms to create affordable, accessible and quality early learning.

    “The 3 Day Guarantee will provide at least three days of subsidies for early education for families eligible for the Child Care Subsidy, that would otherwise be locked out.”
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Culture – Ice skaters and Korean intergenerational storytelling: Ngā Kōrero Tuku Iho funding recipients 2025

    Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

    “I am delighted to announce this year’s Ngā Kōrero Tuku Iho Piki Ake! Kake Ake! recipients,” says Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae, Secretary for Culture and Heritage.
    12 grants totalling $101,075.00 are being awarded for this round of Ngā Kōrero Tuku Iho New Zealand Oral History Grants.
    “This year was a particularly difficult selection process for the assessment panel. What’s clear is that each of the successful awarded projects bring to the fore stories that are yet to be told.
    “The projects cover themes from the experiences of the Deaf community to survivors of abuse in care, Korean intergenerational storytelling to ice skating, and Pacific women in Porirua to kaumātua of Te Taiao (environmental guardians).
    “Both Selwyn Kātene’s work on religious leaders from all denominations and Ruth Greenaway’s oral history with Jocelyn Armstrong, an interfaith leader, have been funded.
    “A history of queer homemaking and houses in Aotearoa, the experience of those involved in assisted dying, and the Filipino community’s role in nursing and caregiving are also receiving grants in 2025.
    “For over thirty years, Ngā Kōrero Tuku Iho has supported community projects, and we are continuing to see an increased breadth of topics, areas and applicants. I’m excited for these lesser-known histories to be shared.
    “We’re really proud of this round of Ngā Kōrero Tuku Iho. I can’t wait to see these histories join Aotearoa’s extraordinary canon of oral histories,” says Leauanae.
    Ngā Kōrero Tuku Iho grants are selected by an external panel of experts. Manatū Taonga administers the grants, which were established by the Australian Sesquicentennial Gift Trust in 1990 to honour 150 years since the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The grants support community-based oral history projects that reflect diverse identities and perspectives.
    Each year around $100,000 is divided between approximately 12 grants.
    The 2025 Ngā Kōrero Tuku Iho New Zealand Oral History grant recipients are:
    • Emily Anderson, Assisted Dying in New Zealand – Three Years On, $10,000
    • Grace Bateman and Paul Garbett, Ice Skating in New Zealand, Part 2: 1980s onward, $8,000
    • Matilda Bercic, “Matakite: Ko taku whanautanga tenei – Seer: It is my birthright”, $6,000
    • Little Acres Survivors Group, Little Acre Survivors Oral History Project, $15,822
    • Ruth Greenaway, A life dedicated to interfaith dialogue – Jocelyn Armstrong, $5,000
    • Selwyn Katene, Religious Leaders in New Zealand, $9,354
    • Lori Leigh, “Homo Sweet Homo”: The History of Queer Houses in Aotearoa, $8,000
    • Sarah Lipura, Pangangalaga (Care) at Pamilya (Family): Filipino Nurses and Healthcare Workers’ Perspectives, Experiences and Aspirations in Aotearoa New Zealand, $7,500
    • SignDNA – Deaf National Archives, SignDNA: Preserving Deaf Stories for the Future, $10,000
    • Jenny Taotua-O’Carroll, P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Inc: Commemorating 50 Years of Pacific Women’s Allied Council in Porirua, $5,500
    • Maree Tapu, Pūkōrero Ani Martin: Rukuhia Te Puna O Te Roto Ōmāpere, $10,000
    • Joonseob Yi, Voices Across Generations: An Oral History of Korean New Zealanders, $5,899.
    Further information about the grants, including how to apply, can be found on the Manatū Taonga website.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Active Living Census closing date extended until Sunday July 6

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Residents are encouraged to complete the online Active Living Census (ALC) before it closes as responses to the census will help influence decision making about future infrastructure, health and wellbeing projects in the Loddon Campaspe region.

    Healthy Loddon Campaspe Coordinator Alicia O’Brien said the closing date to complete the ALC has been extended by a further two weeks until Sunday July 6, 2025 to ensure as many people as possible complete the online census.

    “For the two-week extension, we’re excited to be giving away some amazing prizes for anyone who completes the ALC online,” Ms O’Brien said.

    “Prizes include one $500 gift card, ten $100 gift cards and 100 home gardening packs. All valid responses to the ALC will have the chance to win these great prizes.

    “The data gathered through the ALC is important as it will help inform future infrastructure, health and wellbeing projects in the Loddon Campaspe region.

    “The future projects and programs will contribute to healthier lifestyles across the region, and support opportunities for residents to be more physically active and eat well.

    “It doesn’t matter your health or activity level, every response we receive will contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of residents living in the Loddon Campaspe region.

    “We are really grateful to everyone who has already completed the ALC so far. However, we’d love to see even more responses from right across the community as this will provide richer, more detailed information about residents’ health and wellbeing needs.

    “The more data we receive, the better it will guide investments, and influence funding for future projects and programs in our region,

    “Completing the census is easy, anonymous, and takes around 15-20 minutes.”

    The ALC is open until Sunday July 6.

    To participate in the Active Living Census, visit:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: BlackRock® Canada Announces Final June Cash Distributions for the iShares® Premium Money Market ETF

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK), today announced the final June 2025 cash distributions for iShares Premium Money Market ETF. Unitholders of record on June 25, 2025 will receive cash distributions payable on June 30, 2025.

    Details regarding the final “per unit” distribution amounts are as follows:

    Fund Name Fund Ticker Cash Distribution Per Unit
    iShares Premium Money Market ETF CMR $0.129

    Further information on the iShares ETFs can be found at http://www.blackrock.com/ca.

    About BlackRock
    BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate | Twitter: @BlackRockCA

    About iShares ETFs
    iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1500+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$4.3 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.

    iShares® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Canada.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.  

    Contact for Media:
    Sydney Punchard
    Email: Sydney.Punchard@blackrock.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Update 7: Alberta wildfire update (June 24, 3:30 p.m.)

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: BC Coroners Service shares April 2025 unregulated drug-toxicity data

    Preliminary reporting released by the BC Coroners Service (BCCS) finds that 165 people died from unregulated toxic drugs in April 2025.

    In 2025, deaths among those between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 68% of drug-toxicity deaths in the province, and 77% were male.

    April marks a return to more than 160 deaths attributed to unregulated drug toxicity reported to the BC Coroners Service after six consecutive months of reporting fewer than 160 deaths a month.

    By health authority in 2025, the highest number of unregulated drug deaths were in Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities (185 and 155 deaths, respectively) making up 57% of all such deaths during 2025.

    Consistent with reporting throughout the public-health emergency, fentanyl and its analogues continue to be the most common substance detected in expedited toxicological testing. More than three-quarters of decedents who underwent expedited testing in 2025 were found to have fentanyl in their systems (68%), followed by methamphetamine (51%) and cocaine (48%).

    It is important to note that data from the report is preliminary and subject to change as additional toxicological results are received and investigations conclude.

    Additional key findings in 2025 include:

    • the number of unregulated drug deaths in April 2025 equates to approximately 5.5 deaths per day;
    • the cities experiencing the highest number of unregulated drug deaths so far in 2025 are Vancouver, Surrey and Greater Victoria;
    • the highest rates of deaths reported were in Northern Health (46 deaths per 100,000 individuals) and Interior Health (35 per 100,000 individuals);
    • 47% of deaths reported occurred in a private residence, compared with 21% outdoors; and
    • smoking continues to be the primary mode of consumption of unregulated toxic drugs, with 64% of investigations indicating the decedent smoked their substances.

    Learn More:

    April 2025 Drug Toxicity Deaths:
    https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiM2JlNDY1MTItYjBiNS00NWNiLWJlZjAtNzAzNzQ3ZTYwMzg3IiwidCI6IjZmZGI1MjAwLTNkMGQtNGE4YS1iMDM2LWQzNjg1ZTM1OWFkYyJ9

    Youth Unregulated Drug Toxicity Deaths, 2019-23:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/birth-adoption-death-marriage-and-divorce/deaths/coroners-service/statistical/youth_unregulated_drug_toxicity_deaths_in_bc_2019-2023.pdf

    BC Coroners Service Death Review Panel: An Urgent Response to a Continuing Crisis:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/birth-adoption-death-marriage-and-divorce/deaths/coroners-service/death-review-panel/an_urgent_response_to_a_continuing_crisis_report.pdf

    BC Ministry of Health mental-health and substance-use supports:
    https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

    BC Centre on Substance Use: https://www.bccsu.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Bioplastic breakthrough: sustainable cooling film could slash building energy use by 20%

    Source:

    25 June 2025

    An illustration of the bioplastic metafilm developed by UniSA and Zhengzhou University researchers,  proposed as a next-generation material for sustainable cooling

    An international team of scientists has developed a biodegradable material that could slash global energy consumption without using any electricity, according to a new study published today.

    The bioplastic metafilm – that can be applied to buildings, equipment and other surfaces – passively cools temperatures by as much as 9.2°C during peak sunlight and reflects almost 99% of the sun’s rays.

    Developed by researchers from Zhengzhou University in China and the University of South Australia (UniSA), the new film is a sustainable and long-lasting material that could reduce building energy consumption by up to 20% a year in some of the world’s hottest cities.

    The material is described in the latest issue of Cell Reports Physical Science.

    UniSA PhD candidate Yangzhe Hou says the cooling metafilm represents a breakthrough in sustainable materials engineering that could help combat rising global temperatures and hotter cities.

    “Our metafilm offers an environmentally friendly alternative to air-conditioning, which contributes significantly to carbon emissions,” says Hou, who is also from Zhengzhou University.

    “The material reflects nearly all solar radiation but also allows internal building heat to escape directly into outer space. This enables the building to stay cooler than the surrounding air, even under direct sunlight.”

    Notably, the film continues to perform even after prolonged exposure to acidic conditions and ultraviolet light – two major barriers that have historically hindered similar biodegradable materials.

    Constructed from polylactic acid (PLA) – a common plant-derived bioplastic – the metafilm is fabricated using a low-temperature separation technique that reflects 98.7% of sunlight and minimises heat gain.

    “Unlike conventional cooling technologies, this metafilm requires no electricity or mechanical systems,” says co-author Dr Xianhu Liu from Zhengzhou University.

    “Most existing passive radiative cooling systems rely on petrochemical-based polymers or ceramics that raise environmental concerns. By using biodegradable PLA, we are presenting a green alternative that offers high solar reflectance, strong thermal emission, sustainability, and durability.”

    In real-world applications, the metafilm showed an average temperature drop of 4.9°C during the day and 5.1°C at night. Field tests conducted in both China and Australia confirmed its stability and efficiency under harsh environmental conditions. Even after 120 hours in strong acid and the equivalent of eight months’ outdoor UV exposure, the metafilm retained cooling power of up to 6.5°C.

    Perhaps most significantly, the simulations revealed that the metafilm could cut annual energy consumption by up to 20.3% in cities such as Lhasa, China, by reducing dependence on air conditioning.

    “This isn’t just a lab-scale success” says co-author Professor Jun Ma from the University of South Australia.

    “Our film is scalable, durable and completely degradable,” he says.

    “This research aims to contribute to sustainable development by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and exploring feasible pathways to improve human comfort while minimising environmental impact.”

    The discovery addresses a major challenge in the field: how to reconcile high-performance cooling with eco-friendly degradation.

    The researchers are now exploring large-scale manufacturing opportunities and potential applications in buildings, transport, agriculture, electronics, and the biomedical field including cooling wound dressings.

    ‘A structural bioplastic metafilm for durable passive radiative cooling’ is published in Cell Reports Physical Science and is authored by Yangzhe Hou, Yamin Pan, Xianhu Liu, Jun Ma, Chuntai Liu and Changyu Shen. DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102664

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

    Contacts for interview:

    Researchers:

    Yangzhe Hou E: yangzhe.hou@unisa.edu.au;

    Prof Jun Ma E: jun.ma@unisa.edu.au

    Prof Xianhu Liu E: Xianhu.Liu@zzu.edu.cn

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

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Looking back on Tuesday 24 June, the start of the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague

    Source: Government of the Netherlands

    News item | 24-06-2025 | 23:00

    The 2025 NATO Summit officially opened today in The Hague. Heads of government, ministers, experts and defence industry representatives as well as young people, academics and opinion leaders came together at various locations to discuss security, cooperation and innovation. Below is an overview of the day’s main events.

    Enlarge image
    Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    NATO Public Forum – live on YouTube

    The two-day NATO Public Forum began today and is being broadcast live online for everyone to watch. Participants from the Netherlands and around the world, including heads of government, ministers, young people, academics and opinion leaders discussed the themes of this year’s Summit and developments in the world that affect our security.
    On Wednesday 25 June the Forum will again be broadcast live on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ YouTube channel under NATO Public Forum Live. More information about the programme is available at www.natopublicforum.org.

    Meeting between defence ministers and industry

    The NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum also took place today. Ministers, experts and business leaders from NATO countries came together to discuss how the defence industry can quickly be scaled up and strengthened. The goal is a stronger, sustainable and future-proof defence industry.

    Meeting between NATO, EU and Ukraine

    NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and the EU and Ukraine met for talks in The Hague.

    President Zelenskyy visits House of Representatives and Prime Minister

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the House of Representatives, where he addressed members of parliament. In the morning, he had a special meeting with Prime Minister Dick Schoof at the Catshuis. This visit was not part of the official summit programme.

    Royal dinner at Huis ten Bosch Palace

    On Tuesday evening, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima hosted heads of state and government from NATO countries for an informal dinner. Leaders from Australia, New Zealand and Ukraine were also present, as was South Korea’s national security director and the presidents of the European Commission and the European Council.

    Enlarge image
    Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Working dinners for ministers of NATO countries

    Foreign ministers met for a working dinner of the NATO-Ukraine Council. At the same time, defence ministers convened for a working dinner of the North Atlantic Council. Both meetings took place at World Forum in The Hague and were preceded by a joint reception.

    The 2025 NATO Summit will continue on Wednesday 25 June at the World Forum in The Hague.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Video games can help trans players feel seen and safe. It all starts with design

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Phoebe Toups Dugas, Associate Professor of Human-Centred Computing, Monash University

    Shano Liang

    There is a comfort in finding and being yourself. Video games offer opportunities for this comfort. They allow people to exist in safe spaces, to develop community, and to explore the self – as well as the potential self.

    Our recently published study explores how video games can elicit feelings of gender euphoria for transgender people. This could be a result of a player developing a connection with a character they feel represented by. Or, they may simply appreciate the experience of a world in which they exist as their actual gender.

    Far from just providing an escape, our research shows video games can play a major role in fostering inclusion for trans people, and in promoting the joy of being trans.

    Why gender euphoria matters

    Much of the discourse around transgender and gender diverse identities is damage-centred. People have come to understand transness through a medicalised lens that emphasises gender dysphoria.

    Gender “dysphoria” refers to a person’s feelings of disconnection and dissatisfaction with their experience of gender, whether it’s their body, how others treat them, or how they present themselves to the world. For further reading, we recommend The Gender Dysphoria Bible (an online community resource), or Susan Stryker’s book Transgender History.

    Gender “euphoria” refers to feelings of excitement, completeness and affirmation that come when someone truly experiences their gender identity. For cisgender people, gender euphoria is often unremarkable. But for transgender people, discovering this feeling – especially in a hostile world – can be profound and lifesaving.

    In Cyberpunk 2077, Claire’s car interior displays the trans pride flag, signalling to the player that her identity is not a secret, nor a source of shame.
    Michelle Cormier/Monash University, CC BY-SA

    While gender “euphoria” is an old term used by the trans community to understand the potential for happiness, researchers have only recently begun studying it.

    As a group of longtime gamers and trans people, we knew of many games that offered this experience to us. And as researchers and game designers, we had the tools to tease apart these games to understand what makes them meaningful.

    Our study contributes language and a framework for analysing gender euphoria in video games. We hope it will help with developing games that are more inclusive and meaningful for trans players.

    A reflexive thematic analysis

    We used a qualitative research method called reflexive thematic analysis, which involves drawing from one’s own experiences as a source of data that frames the analysis.

    We developed a list of games that were known for trans themes, and/or authored by trans designers, and/or which we had personally found comfort in playing. The list included both indie and mainstream games, such as Cyberpunk 2077, Anna Anthropy’s dys4ia, Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Celeste.

    While analysing the games, we looked at the art, narratives, choices offered to players, and how characters were represented.

    We also identified various “themes” relating to trans experiences which were common among the games. We organised these themes into the categories of design, dynamics and experiences, building on prior design theory.

    A three-pronged framework

    Design elements are what the game maker creates, such as the main story, or how you can manipulate a character. Certain games can be designed in a way that normalises transgender people, such as by offering a range of gender expressions for players, or by allowing trans identity disclosure during play.

    In the game Celeste, the trans pride flag behind Madeline’s computer, and the pill bottle beside her bed, are intentional design choices that help the player understand Madeline’s identity.
    Michelle Cormier/Monash University, CC BY-SA

    The dynamics of a game refer to how it unfolds as a result of the design and players’ decisions. Dynamics, for instance, might address how players come to discover a trans character, or how they might encounter pain and healing through the story.

    And experiences are the emotions players feel as a result of playing, such as the excitement of finishing a level, or sadness over the loss of a beloved character. For trans players, gender euphoric experiences centre on the self and how it relates to the broader world.

    Although it has some issues with trans representation, the game Cyberpunk 2077 is a good example for understanding how we sorted our themes into these three categories.

    The character Claire Russel is designed as a woman street racer, whose trans identity is not made explicit. The player’s interactions with Claire create certain dynamics, after which her character confides she is transgender. This offers the player the experience of having comfortable interactions with a transgender character, and of understanding how the character relates to the larger game world.

    During an emotionally charged scene, Claire speaks candidly to the player about her past.
    Michelle Cormier/Monash University, CC BY-SA

    Unexpectedly, we found expressions of pain (including gender dysphoria) were an important aspect of some of the trans-inclusive games we analysed.

    The games created gender euphoric experiences for players by acknowledging the painful parts of the transgender experience, and then providing opportunities to resolve or live through them.

    Moving towards trans-inclusivity

    Of course, there is more to do. While our reflexive analysis centred trans-femme experiences, there is a range of gender identities out there. More work is needed to see what other designs, dynamics and experiences should be on offer for trans players.

    Gender euphoria is a salve to the unnecessary pain the world brings to trans people. It is therefore a worthy design goal – not just in video games, but in all kinds of interactive systems.

    If we want trans joy in the world, we will have to design for it.

    Phoebe Toups Dugas is affiliated with Monash University and is undertaking volunteer work with Transgender Victoria.

    Michelle Cormier is affiliated with Monash University and is managing a community project for Transgender Victoria as a volunteer.

    – ref. Video games can help trans players feel seen and safe. It all starts with design – https://theconversation.com/video-games-can-help-trans-players-feel-seen-and-safe-it-all-starts-with-design-257901

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The ancients also had to deal with a cost-of-living crisis. Here’s how they managed

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History, The University of Western Australia

    Louis Le Brun, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY

    Talk to anyone today, and they will probably have something to say about how expensive life has become. While the rate of inflation has slowed, prices for many goods and services are still much higher than pre-pandemic.

    Cost-of-living crises are not new. They have occurred at various times and places throughout the millennia.

    If we look at cost-of-living pressures in ancient Greek and Roman times and how people back then dealt with them, we can learn something about how to face our own issues.

    ‘The price of land has gone up’

    The cost of living was a conversation topic in antiquity, especially the price of land and food.

    The Roman writer Pliny the Younger (circa 61–113 CE) in one of his letters remarked to his friend about the rising cost of real estate:

    Have you heard that the price of land has gone up, particularly in the neighbourhood of Rome? The reason for the sudden increase in price has given rise to a good deal of discussion.

    The ancient Greek scholar Athenaeus, who lived in Naukratis, in Egypt, around 200 CE, wrote a long book called The Learned Banqueters, depicting a dinner party.

    The characters at this dinner party often complain about the price of food and goods. For example, one character complains about the price of fish:

    I don’t think I’ve ever seen fish more expensive. Poseidon, if you got 10% of what’s spent on them every day, you’d be far away the richest god there is!

    People often said that fish was exorbitantly expensive and thought fish sellers were trying to rip them off.

    In fact, the poet Antiphanes (circa 408–330 BCE) complained “there’s no group more abominable” than fish sellers and money lenders.

    How to lower costs?

    Ancient people were well aware that a cost-of-living crisis can cause political disturbances.

    As the Roman poet Lucan (39–65 CE) wrote:

    the causes of hatred and mainsprings of political popularity are determined by the price of food.

    So, how did ancient leaders deal with this sort of problem?

    One solution was for the ruler to cover the cost of inflation.

    For example, the Athenian statesman Demosthenes (384–322 BCE) mentions a problem with the price of grain that was solved by boosting imports:

    When grain earlier advanced in price and reached sixteen drachmae per medimnus, we imported more than ten thousand medimni of wheat, and measured it out at the normal price of five drachmae a medimnus.

    Alexander Severus helped trim the cost of meat.
    Creative commons, CC BY

    Another solution was to put extreme regulations on the market.

    For example, the Roman emperor Alexander Severus (ruled 222–235 CE) was once faced by a group of angry citizens.

    They demanded a reduction in the price of beef and pork, which had become unaffordable.

    Alexander Severus “did not proclaim a general reduction in prices”, says the anonymous biographer who recounts this anecdote. Instead, the emperor

    ordered that no one should slaughter a sow or a suckling pig, a cow, or a calf. In two years or even in little more than one year, there was such an abundance of pork and beef that while a pound previously cost eight minutili, the price of both these meats was reduced to two and even one per pound.

    The city is so expensive

    The Greek writer Plutarch of Chaeronea (46–119 CE) records a story about the famous philosopher Socrates (circa 470–399 BCE), who lived in Athens.

    One day, according to Plutarch, a friend of Socrates complained to him about “how expensive the city was”:

    Chian wine costs a mina, a purple robe three minae, a half-pint of honey five drachmas!

    In response, Socrates took his friend by the hand and told him to search for bargains or for cheaper items, saying:

    A sleeveless vest for ten drachmas! The city is cheap!

    Socrates’ point was that even in expensive times it’s still possible to find bargains to save money. You just have to look harder for them and lower your standard of living. It can be difficult to do that, but it’s necessary.

    Socrates also gave out employment advice for people who were struggling.

    According to Socrates’ friend, the historian Xenophon of Athens (430–350 BCE), when a poor veteran came to Socrates complaining about lack of money and asking how to cope with expenses, Socrates told him to

    take up some kind of work at once that will assure you a living when you get old.

    Socrates thought making sure you still have money when you
    are old is more important than fully enjoying your current job. You will likely have to put up with things you don’t like to achieve security.

    From ancient to modern

    Most ancient people would probably have said that during a cost-of-living crisis it’s best to be patient, live simply, and wait for better times to come.

    As Pliny the Younger (circa 61–113 CE) once wrote in one of his letters, “my income is small or precarious, but its deficiencies can be made up by simple living”.

    If politicians cannot solve the problems, then it is up to us to cope with them as best as we can.

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

    – ref. The ancients also had to deal with a cost-of-living crisis. Here’s how they managed – https://theconversation.com/the-ancients-also-had-to-deal-with-a-cost-of-living-crisis-heres-how-they-managed-257896

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Glacier Bancorp, Inc. to Expand Southwest Presence and Enter Texas by Acquisition of Guaranty Bancshares, Inc.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KALISPELL, Mont. and MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (“Glacier” or the “Company”) (NYSE: GBCI) and Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. (“Guaranty”) (NYSE: GNTY), the bank holding company for Guaranty Bank & Trust, N.A., a leading community bank headquartered in Mount Pleasant, Texas, today jointly announced the signing of a definitive agreement, pursuant to which Glacier will acquire Guaranty in an all-stock transaction. The acquisition marks Glacier’s 27th bank acquisition since 2000 and its 13th announced transaction in the past 10 years. As of March 31, 2025, Guaranty had total assets of $3.2 billion, total gross loans of $2.1 billion and total deposits of $2.7 billion.

    The boards of Glacier and Guaranty unanimously approved the transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, Guaranty shareholder approval, and other customary conditions of closing. The definitive agreement provides that upon closing of the transaction, Guaranty shareholders are to receive 1.0000 share of Glacier stock for each Guaranty share (subject to adjustment under certain circumstances). Based on the closing price of $41.58 for Glacier shares on June 23, 2025, the transaction would result in aggregate consideration of $476.2 million (inclusive of the value to Guaranty stock options) and value of $41.58 per Guaranty share. Upon closing of the transaction, which is anticipated to take place in the fourth quarter of 2025, Guaranty Bank & Trust will operate as a new banking division under the name “Guaranty Bank & Trust, Division of Glacier Bank,” representing Glacier’s 18th separate bank division.

    “We are thrilled to add Guaranty Bank & Trust to the Glacier family of banks as a new banking Division,” said Randy Chesler, Glacier’s President and CEO. “This is a compelling opportunity to further expand our presence in the Southwest. Guaranty fits strategically and culturally within the unique Glacier business model and will allow us to enter a complementary state with an exceptional demographic profile, strong growth prospects, and a business-friendly operating environment. The Texas economy is estimated to be worth $2.7 trillion, and if Texas were an independent country, its economy would be the 8th largest in the world.” Chesler also noted that “This acquisition continues our long history of consistently adding high quality community banks to our proven banking model and we are very enthusiastic about the future opportunities this partnership will provide.”

    “Guaranty Bank & Trust has a 100+ year history of doing business in the State of Texas, and we are pleased to find a partner that emphasizes the relationship banking model that has been core to our success over many decades and through many business cycles,” said Ty Abston, Guaranty’s Chairman and CEO. “The opportunity to join Glacier Bancorp, which is a family of community banks that collectively share our banking philosophy, culture and character, was a perfect opportunity to position Guaranty Bank & Trust for the future. We will continue to grow and invest in our communities and our customers will be dealing with the same familiar faces, led by the same management team, in each of our markets. This partnership gives Guaranty added strength, with the support of a larger balance sheet and the resources to invest in the latest technologies and products to serve our existing and future customers. We are excited to join the Glacier family of banks and look forward to the opportunities and benefits this combination will bring to our clients, employees, communities and shareholders.”

    Glacier management will review additional information regarding the transaction on a conference call beginning at 7:00 a.m. Mountain Time on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

    Investors who would like to join the call may now register by following this link to obtain dial-in instructions: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIdfefa202793d4cf9b9b8d5068cef9318

    To participate via the webcast, log on to: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/n3vugmow

    If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the call will be archived on our website, www.glacierbancorp.com.

    A slide presentation to accompany management’s commentary may be accessed from Glacier’s June 24, 2025, Form 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or at https://www.glacierbancorp.com/news-market-information/annual-reports-presentations.

    Glacier was advised in the transaction by Stephens Inc. as financial advisor and Miller Nash LLP as legal counsel. Guaranty was advised by Keefe Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company as financial advisor and Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP as legal counsel.

    About Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

    Glacier Bancorp, Inc. is the parent company for Glacier Bank and its bank divisions: Altabank (American Fork, UT), Bank of the San Juans (Durango, CO), Citizens Community Bank (Pocatello, ID), Collegiate Peaks Bank (Buena Vista, CO), First Bank of Montana (Lewistown, MT), First Bank of Wyoming (Powell, WY), First Community Bank Utah (Layton, UT), First Security Bank (Bozeman, MT), First Security Bank of Missoula (Missoula, MT), First State Bank (Wheatland, WY), Glacier Bank (Kalispell, MT), Heritage Bank of Nevada (Reno, NV), Mountain West Bank (Coeur d’Alene, ID), The Foothills Bank (Yuma, AZ), Valley Bank (Helena, MT), Western Security Bank (Billings, MT), and Wheatland Bank (Spokane, WA).
    Visit Glacier’s website at www.glacierbancorp.com.

    About Guaranty Bancshares

    Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. is the parent company for Guaranty Bank & Trust, N.A. and has 33 banking locations across 26 Texas communities located within the East Texas, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and Central Texas regions of the state. As of March 31, 2025, Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. had total assets of $3.2 billion, total loans of $2.1 billion and total deposits of $2.7 billion.

    Visit Guaranty’s website at www.gnty.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This presentation contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “estimate,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “will,” and similar references to future periods. Such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements regarding the expected closing of the transaction and its timing and the potential benefits of the business combination transaction involving Glacier and Guaranty, including future financial and operating results, the combined company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, and other statements that are not historical facts regarding either company or the proposed combination of the companies. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control, that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those projected, including but not limited to the following: risks that the proposed merger transaction will not close when expected or at all because required regulatory, shareholder or other approvals or conditions to closing are delayed or not received or satisfied on a timely basis or at all; risks that the benefits from the transaction may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected, including as a result of changes in general economic and market conditions, interest and exchange rates, monetary policy, laws and regulations and their enforcement, and the degree of competition in the geographic and business areas in which Glacier and Guaranty operate; uncertainties regarding the ability of Glacier Bank and Guaranty Bank & Trust to promptly and effectively integrate their businesses, including into Glacier Bank’s existing division structure; changes in business and operational strategies that may occur between signing and closing; uncertainties regarding the reaction to the proposed transaction of the companies’ respective customers, employees, and contractual counterparties; and risks relating to the diversion of management time on merger-related issues. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made and reflect management’s current estimates, projections, expectations and beliefs. Glacier undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update the forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date of this report. For more information, see the risk factors described in Glacier’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the SEC.

    Important Information and Where You Can Find It

    This communication relates to the proposed merger transaction involving Glacier and Guaranty. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval.

    In connection with the proposed merger transaction, Glacier expects to file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) that will include a Preliminary Proxy Statement of Guaranty and a Preliminary Prospectus of Glacier, as well as other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. After the Registration Statement is declared effective, Guaranty will mail a Definitive Proxy Statement/Prospectus to its shareholders. This communication is not a substitute for the Proxy Statement/Prospectus or Registration Statement or for any other document that Glacier or Guaranty may file with the SEC and send to Guaranty’s shareholders in connection with the proposed merger transaction. Shareholders of Guaranty are urged to read carefully the Registration Statement and accompanying Proxy Statement/Prospectus regarding the proposed merger transaction when it becomes available and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements to those documents, because they will contain important information.

    Free copies of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus included in the Registration Statement, as well as other filings containing information about Glacier, Guaranty, and the proposed transaction, may be obtained at the SEC’s Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). You will also be able to obtain these documents, free of charge, from Glacier at www.glacierbancorp.com under the tab “SEC Filings” and in the “Investors” section of GNTY’s website, www.gnty.com, under the heading “Financial Information – SEC Filings” or by requesting them in writing or by telephone from Glacier at: Glacier Bancorp, Inc., 49 Commons Loop, Kalispell, Montana 59901, ATTN: Corporate Secretary; Telephone (406) 751-7706 or by requesting them in writing or by telephone from Guaranty at: Guaranty Bancshares, Inc., 16475 Dallas Parkway, Suite 600, Addison, Texas 75001 ATTN: Corporate Secretary; Telephone (888) 572,9881.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    GBCI and GNTY and certain of their directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of GNTY in connection with the proposed merger transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of GBCI is set forth in the proxy statement for GBCI’s 2025 annual meeting of shareholders, as filed with the SEC on Schedule 14A on March 12, 2025. Information about the directors and executive officers of GNTY is set forth in the proxy statement for Guaranty’s 2025 annual meeting of shareholders, as filed with the SEC on Schedule 14A on March 31, 2025. Additional information regarding the interests of those participants and other persons who may be deemed participants may be obtained by reading the Proxy Statement/Prospectus included in the Registration Statement and other relevant documents regarding the proposed merger transaction filed with the SEC when they become available. Copies of these documents may be obtained free of charge from the sources described above.

    CONTACT: Randall M. Chesler
    (406) 751-4722

    Ron J. Copher
    (406) 751-7706

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Glacier Bancorp, Inc. to Expand Southwest Presence and Enter Texas by Acquisition of Guaranty Bancshares, Inc.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KALISPELL, Mont. and MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (“Glacier” or the “Company”) (NYSE: GBCI) and Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. (“Guaranty”) (NYSE: GNTY), the bank holding company for Guaranty Bank & Trust, N.A., a leading community bank headquartered in Mount Pleasant, Texas, today jointly announced the signing of a definitive agreement, pursuant to which Glacier will acquire Guaranty in an all-stock transaction. The acquisition marks Glacier’s 27th bank acquisition since 2000 and its 13th announced transaction in the past 10 years. As of March 31, 2025, Guaranty had total assets of $3.2 billion, total gross loans of $2.1 billion and total deposits of $2.7 billion.

    The boards of Glacier and Guaranty unanimously approved the transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, Guaranty shareholder approval, and other customary conditions of closing. The definitive agreement provides that upon closing of the transaction, Guaranty shareholders are to receive 1.0000 share of Glacier stock for each Guaranty share (subject to adjustment under certain circumstances). Based on the closing price of $41.58 for Glacier shares on June 23, 2025, the transaction would result in aggregate consideration of $476.2 million (inclusive of the value to Guaranty stock options) and value of $41.58 per Guaranty share. Upon closing of the transaction, which is anticipated to take place in the fourth quarter of 2025, Guaranty Bank & Trust will operate as a new banking division under the name “Guaranty Bank & Trust, Division of Glacier Bank,” representing Glacier’s 18th separate bank division.

    “We are thrilled to add Guaranty Bank & Trust to the Glacier family of banks as a new banking Division,” said Randy Chesler, Glacier’s President and CEO. “This is a compelling opportunity to further expand our presence in the Southwest. Guaranty fits strategically and culturally within the unique Glacier business model and will allow us to enter a complementary state with an exceptional demographic profile, strong growth prospects, and a business-friendly operating environment. The Texas economy is estimated to be worth $2.7 trillion, and if Texas were an independent country, its economy would be the 8th largest in the world.” Chesler also noted that “This acquisition continues our long history of consistently adding high quality community banks to our proven banking model and we are very enthusiastic about the future opportunities this partnership will provide.”

    “Guaranty Bank & Trust has a 100+ year history of doing business in the State of Texas, and we are pleased to find a partner that emphasizes the relationship banking model that has been core to our success over many decades and through many business cycles,” said Ty Abston, Guaranty’s Chairman and CEO. “The opportunity to join Glacier Bancorp, which is a family of community banks that collectively share our banking philosophy, culture and character, was a perfect opportunity to position Guaranty Bank & Trust for the future. We will continue to grow and invest in our communities and our customers will be dealing with the same familiar faces, led by the same management team, in each of our markets. This partnership gives Guaranty added strength, with the support of a larger balance sheet and the resources to invest in the latest technologies and products to serve our existing and future customers. We are excited to join the Glacier family of banks and look forward to the opportunities and benefits this combination will bring to our clients, employees, communities and shareholders.”

    Glacier management will review additional information regarding the transaction on a conference call beginning at 7:00 a.m. Mountain Time on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

    Investors who would like to join the call may now register by following this link to obtain dial-in instructions: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIdfefa202793d4cf9b9b8d5068cef9318

    To participate via the webcast, log on to: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/n3vugmow

    If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the call will be archived on our website, www.glacierbancorp.com.

    A slide presentation to accompany management’s commentary may be accessed from Glacier’s June 24, 2025, Form 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or at https://www.glacierbancorp.com/news-market-information/annual-reports-presentations.

    Glacier was advised in the transaction by Stephens Inc. as financial advisor and Miller Nash LLP as legal counsel. Guaranty was advised by Keefe Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company as financial advisor and Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP as legal counsel.

    About Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

    Glacier Bancorp, Inc. is the parent company for Glacier Bank and its bank divisions: Altabank (American Fork, UT), Bank of the San Juans (Durango, CO), Citizens Community Bank (Pocatello, ID), Collegiate Peaks Bank (Buena Vista, CO), First Bank of Montana (Lewistown, MT), First Bank of Wyoming (Powell, WY), First Community Bank Utah (Layton, UT), First Security Bank (Bozeman, MT), First Security Bank of Missoula (Missoula, MT), First State Bank (Wheatland, WY), Glacier Bank (Kalispell, MT), Heritage Bank of Nevada (Reno, NV), Mountain West Bank (Coeur d’Alene, ID), The Foothills Bank (Yuma, AZ), Valley Bank (Helena, MT), Western Security Bank (Billings, MT), and Wheatland Bank (Spokane, WA).
    Visit Glacier’s website at www.glacierbancorp.com.

    About Guaranty Bancshares

    Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. is the parent company for Guaranty Bank & Trust, N.A. and has 33 banking locations across 26 Texas communities located within the East Texas, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and Central Texas regions of the state. As of March 31, 2025, Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. had total assets of $3.2 billion, total loans of $2.1 billion and total deposits of $2.7 billion.

    Visit Guaranty’s website at www.gnty.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This presentation contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “estimate,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “will,” and similar references to future periods. Such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements regarding the expected closing of the transaction and its timing and the potential benefits of the business combination transaction involving Glacier and Guaranty, including future financial and operating results, the combined company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, and other statements that are not historical facts regarding either company or the proposed combination of the companies. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control, that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those projected, including but not limited to the following: risks that the proposed merger transaction will not close when expected or at all because required regulatory, shareholder or other approvals or conditions to closing are delayed or not received or satisfied on a timely basis or at all; risks that the benefits from the transaction may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected, including as a result of changes in general economic and market conditions, interest and exchange rates, monetary policy, laws and regulations and their enforcement, and the degree of competition in the geographic and business areas in which Glacier and Guaranty operate; uncertainties regarding the ability of Glacier Bank and Guaranty Bank & Trust to promptly and effectively integrate their businesses, including into Glacier Bank’s existing division structure; changes in business and operational strategies that may occur between signing and closing; uncertainties regarding the reaction to the proposed transaction of the companies’ respective customers, employees, and contractual counterparties; and risks relating to the diversion of management time on merger-related issues. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made and reflect management’s current estimates, projections, expectations and beliefs. Glacier undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update the forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date of this report. For more information, see the risk factors described in Glacier’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the SEC.

    Important Information and Where You Can Find It

    This communication relates to the proposed merger transaction involving Glacier and Guaranty. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval.

    In connection with the proposed merger transaction, Glacier expects to file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) that will include a Preliminary Proxy Statement of Guaranty and a Preliminary Prospectus of Glacier, as well as other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. After the Registration Statement is declared effective, Guaranty will mail a Definitive Proxy Statement/Prospectus to its shareholders. This communication is not a substitute for the Proxy Statement/Prospectus or Registration Statement or for any other document that Glacier or Guaranty may file with the SEC and send to Guaranty’s shareholders in connection with the proposed merger transaction. Shareholders of Guaranty are urged to read carefully the Registration Statement and accompanying Proxy Statement/Prospectus regarding the proposed merger transaction when it becomes available and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements to those documents, because they will contain important information.

    Free copies of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus included in the Registration Statement, as well as other filings containing information about Glacier, Guaranty, and the proposed transaction, may be obtained at the SEC’s Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). You will also be able to obtain these documents, free of charge, from Glacier at www.glacierbancorp.com under the tab “SEC Filings” and in the “Investors” section of GNTY’s website, www.gnty.com, under the heading “Financial Information – SEC Filings” or by requesting them in writing or by telephone from Glacier at: Glacier Bancorp, Inc., 49 Commons Loop, Kalispell, Montana 59901, ATTN: Corporate Secretary; Telephone (406) 751-7706 or by requesting them in writing or by telephone from Guaranty at: Guaranty Bancshares, Inc., 16475 Dallas Parkway, Suite 600, Addison, Texas 75001 ATTN: Corporate Secretary; Telephone (888) 572,9881.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    GBCI and GNTY and certain of their directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of GNTY in connection with the proposed merger transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of GBCI is set forth in the proxy statement for GBCI’s 2025 annual meeting of shareholders, as filed with the SEC on Schedule 14A on March 12, 2025. Information about the directors and executive officers of GNTY is set forth in the proxy statement for Guaranty’s 2025 annual meeting of shareholders, as filed with the SEC on Schedule 14A on March 31, 2025. Additional information regarding the interests of those participants and other persons who may be deemed participants may be obtained by reading the Proxy Statement/Prospectus included in the Registration Statement and other relevant documents regarding the proposed merger transaction filed with the SEC when they become available. Copies of these documents may be obtained free of charge from the sources described above.

    CONTACT: Randall M. Chesler
    (406) 751-4722

    Ron J. Copher
    (406) 751-7706

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Anterix Inc. Reports Full Fiscal Year 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WOODLAND PARK, N.J., June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anterix (NASDAQ: ATEX) today announced fiscal 2025 fourth quarter and full fiscal year financial results and filed its 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2025. The Company also issued an update on its Demonstrated Intent metric which can be found on Anterix’s website at https://investors.anterix.com/events-presentations.

    Full Year FY2025 Financial and Operational Highlights

    • Appointed Scott Lang as President and Chief Executive Officer effective October 8, 2024
    • Appointed Thomas Kuhn as Executive Chairman of the Board in January 2025
    • Executed new spectrum sale agreements with Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC (“Oncor”) for $102.5 million in June 2024 and Lower Colorado River Authority (“LCRA”) for $13.5 million in January 2025
    • Received milestone payments of $8.5 million from Ameren Corporation (“Ameren”) and $44.0 million from Oncor
    • Approximately $147 million of contracted proceeds outstanding with approximately $80 million to be received in fiscal 2026
    • Exchanged narrowband for broadband licenses in 67 counties and recorded a $22.8 million gain
    • Invested $18.1 million in spectrum clearing costs
    • Secured FCC approval of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to expand the current paired 3 x 3 MHz broadband segment to a paired 5 x 5 MHz broadband segment within the 900 MHz band in January 2025
    • Initiated a strategic review process after receiving inbound interest in the Company in February 2025 which remains ongoing
    • Launched the AnterixAccelerator™ industry engagement initiative in March 2025 to speed up utility adoption of private broadband networks; the program is now oversubscribed with utilities actively engaged in discussions and negotiations for $250 million in 900 MHz spectrum incentives
    • Approximately $3 billion pipeline of prospective contract opportunities across 60+ potential customers

    Fourth Quarter FY2025 Financial Highlights

    • Exchanged narrowband for broadband licenses in 47 counties and recorded a $2.0 million gain
    • Transferred four broadband licenses to Oncor and recorded an $18.3 million gain on the sale of intangible assets
    • Invested $5.5 million in spectrum clearing costs
    • Successfully identified and executed on several measures to reduce operating expenses, mainly through cuts in consulting fees and headcount costs

    Liquidity and Balance Sheet

    At March 31, 2025, the Company had no debt and cash and cash equivalents of $47.4 million. In addition, the Company had a restricted cash balance of $7.7 million in escrow deposits.

    The Company has an authorized share repurchase program for up to $250.0 million of the Company’s common stock on or before September 21, 2026. In the fiscal 2025 fourth quarter and full fiscal, Anterix had share repurchase activity of $2.0 million and $8.4 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2025, $227.7 million is remaining under the share repurchase program.

    Conference Call Information

    Anterix senior management will hold an analyst and investor conference call to provide a business update at 9:00 A.M. ET on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Participants interested in joining the call’s live question and answer session are required to pre-register by clicking on the following link https://investors.anterix.com/events/event-details/q4-fy2025-anterix-earnings-conference-call to obtain a dial-in number and unique PIN. It is recommended that you join the call at least 10 minutes before the conference call begins. The call is also being webcast live and will be accessible on the Investor Relations section of Anterix’s website at https://investors.anterix.com/events-presentations. Following the event, a replay of the call will also be available on the Anterix website.

    About Anterix Inc.

    At Anterix, we work with leading utilities and technology companies to harness the power of 900 MHz broadband for modernized grid solutions. Leading an ecosystem of more than 125 members, we offer utility-first solutions to modernize the grid and solve the challenges that utilities are facing today. As the largest holder of licensed spectrum in the 900 MHz band (896-901/935-940 MHz) throughout the contiguous United States, plus Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, we are uniquely positioned to enable private wireless broadband solutions that support cutting-edge advanced communications capabilities for a cleaner, safer, and more secure energy future. To learn more and join the 900 MHz movement, please visit www.anterix.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future events or achievements such as statements in this press release related to Anterix’s business, financial results, outlook, or opportunities. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contemplated in this press release. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such statements, as they are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause Anterix’s actual future results to differ materially from results indicated in the forward-looking statement. Such statements are based on assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including: (i) the timing of payments under customer agreements; (ii) Anterix’s ability to clear the 900 MHz Broadband Spectrum on a timely basis and on commercially reasonable terms; (iii) Anterix’s ability to timely secure broadband licenses; (iv) Anterix’s ability to successfully commercialize its spectrum assets to its targeted utility customers in accordance with its plans and expectations; (v) Anterix’s ability to execute on its customer engagement initiatives; (vi) the timing and outcome of Anterix’s strategic review process; (vii) whether Anterix will be able to identify, develop or execute on any actions as a result of its strategic review process and (viii) competition in the market for spectrum and spectrum solutions offered by Anterix. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contemplated in this press release. Anterix’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which you may obtain for free at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, discuss some of the important risk factors that may affect the Company’s financial outlook, business, results of operations and financial condition. Anterix undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein.

    Shareholder Contact

    Natasha Vecchiarelli
    Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
    Anterix
    973-531-4397
    nvecchiarelli@anterix.com

     
     
    Anterix Inc.
    Earnings Release Tables
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)
     
      March 31, 2025   March 31, 2024
    ASSETS
    Current assets      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 47,374     $ 60,578  
    Non-trade receivable   2,926       —  
    Spectrum receivable   7,107       8,521  
    Escrow deposits   547       —  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   2,801       3,912  
    Total current assets   60,755       73,011  
    Escrow deposits   7,103       7,546  
    Property and equipment, net   1,302       2,062  
    Right of use assets, net   4,829       4,432  
    Intangible assets   228,983       216,743  
    Deferred broadband costs   28,944       19,772  
    Other assets   1,188       1,328  
    Total assets $ 333,104     $ 324,894  
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    Current liabilities      
    Accounts payable and other accrued expenses $ 9,075     $ 8,631  
    Accrued severance and other related charges   2,265       —  
    Due to related parties   30       —  
    Operating lease liabilities   1,643       1,850  
    Contingent liability   8,093       1,000  
    Deferred revenue   6,095       6,470  
    Total current liabilities   27,201       17,951  
    Operating lease liabilities   3,747       3,446  
    Contingent liability   15,336       15,000  
    Deferred revenue   118,577       115,742  
    Deferred gain on sale of intangible assets   4,911       4,911  
    Deferred income tax   6,606       6,281  
    Other liabilities   125       531  
    Total liabilities   176,503       163,862  
    Commitments and contingencies      
    Stockholders’ equity      
    Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized and no shares outstanding at March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024   —       —  
    Common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized and 18,612,804 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and 18,452,892 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2024   2       2  
    Additional paid-in capital   548,542       533,203  
    Accumulated deficit   (391,943 )     (372,173 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   156,601       161,032  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 333,104     $ 324,894  
           
    Anterix Inc.
    Earnings Release Tables
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)
                   
      Three Months Ended March 31,   Year Ended March 31,
        2025       2024       2025       2024  
    Spectrum revenue $ 1,389     $ 1,260     $ 6,031     $ 4,191  
                   
    Operating expenses              
    General and administrative   9,220       9,593       42,671       44,423  
    Sales and support   1,594       1,728       6,110       5,693  
    Product development   1,089       2,243       5,735       5,697  
    Severance and other related charges   258       —       3,771       —  
    Depreciation and amortization   76       191       548       844  
    Operating expenses   12,237       13,755       58,835       56,657  
    Gain on exchange of intangible assets, net   (1,953 )     (1,989 )     (22,799 )     (35,024 )
    Gain on sale of intangible assets, net   (18,294 )     —       (18,294 )     (7,364 )
    Loss from disposal of long-lived assets, net   3       5       3       44  
    Income (loss) from operations   9,396       (10,511 )     (11,714 )     (10,122 )
    Interest income   446       926       2,159       2,374  
    Other income   40       44       75       233  
    Income (loss) before income taxes   9,882       (9,541 )     (9,480 )     (7,515 )
    Income tax expense (benefit)   674       (130 )     1,892       1,613  
    Net income (loss) $ 9,208     $ (9,411 )   $ (11,372 )   $ (9,128 )
    Net income (loss) per common share basic $ 0.50     $ (0.51 )   $ (0.61 )   $ (0.49 )
    Net income (loss) per common share diluted $ 0.49     $ (0.51 )   $ (0.61 )   $ (0.49 )
    Weighted-average common shares used to compute basic net income (loss) per share   18,577,700       18,483,292       18,562,446       18,765,190  
    Weighted-average common shares used to compute diluted net income (loss) per share   18,709,205       18,483,292       18,562,446       18,765,190  
                   
    Anterix Inc.
    Earnings Release Tables
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (in thousands)
                   
      Three Months Ended March 31,   Year Ended March 31,
        2025       2024       2025       2024  
    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES              
    Net income (loss) $ 9,208     $ (9,411 )   $ (11,372 )   $ (9,128 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities              
    Depreciation and amortization   76       191       548       844  
    Stock compensation expense   2,912       3,483       13,531       15,507  
    Deferred income taxes   (130 )     (51 )     325       841  
    Rights of use assets   431       2,770       1,657       1,512  
    Gain on exchange of intangible assets, net   (1,953 )     (1,989 )     (22,799 )     (35,024 )
    Gain on sale of intangible assets, net   (18,294 )     —       (18,294 )     (7,364 )
    Loss from disposal of long-lived assets, net   3       5       3       44  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities              
    Non-trade receivable   (2,926 )     —       (2,926 )     —  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets   (139 )     (1,493 )     1,126       (1,171 )
    Accounts payable and other accrued expenses   167       348       550       1,936  
    Accrued severance and other related charges   (25 )     —       2,265       —  
    Due to related parties   30       —       30       (533 )
    Operating lease liabilities   (507 )     (2,865 )     (1,960 )     (1,924 )
    Contingent liability   (4,001 )     —       5,999       15,000  
    Deferred revenue   (1,389 )     15,152       2,460       61,453  
    Other liabilities   (18 )     —       (406 )     —  
    Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities   (16,555 )     6,140       (29,263 )     41,993  
    CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES              
    Purchases of intangible assets, including refundable deposits, retuning costs and swaps   (5,474 )     (2,222 )     (18,095 )     (17,031 )
    Proceeds from sale of spectrum   40,935       —       40,935       25,427  
    Purchases of equipment   (46 )     (40 )     (87 )     (307 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   35,415       (2,262 )     22,753       8,089  
    CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES              
    Proceeds from stock option exercises   1,691       770       3,651       777  
    Repurchase of common stock   (1,955 )     (5,970 )     (8,398 )     (24,676 )
    Payments of withholding tax on net issuance of restricted stock   —       (104 )     (1,843 )     (1,241 )
    Net cash used in financing activities   (264 )     (5,304 )     (6,590 )     (25,140 )
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash   18,596       (1,426 )     (13,100 )     24,942  
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH              
    Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the year   36,428       69,550       68,124       43,182  
    Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the year $ 55,024     $ 68,124     $ 55,024     $ 68,124  
                   

    The following tables provide a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:

      March 31, 2025   March 31, 2024   March 31, 2023
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 47,374     $ 60,578     $ 43,182  
    Escrow deposits   7,650       7,546       —  
    Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 55,024     $ 68,124     $ 43,182  
               
          December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    Cash and cash equivalents     $ 28,797     $ 62,033  
    Escrow deposits       7,631       7,517  
    Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash     $ 36,428     $ 69,550  
               
    Anterix Inc.
    Earnings Release Tables
    Other Financial Information
    (in thousands except per share data)
                   
      Three Months Ended March 31,   Year Ended March 31,
        2025       2024       2025       2024  
    Number of shares repurchased and retired   50       173       245       736  
    Average price paid per share* $ 38.63     $ 33.80     $ 33.71     $ 33.72  
    Total cost to repurchase $ 1,955     $ 5,970     $ 8,398     $ 24,676  
    * Average price paid per share includes costs associated with the repurchases, excluding excise taxes associated with the share repurchases.
       

    As of March 31, 2025, $227.7 million is remaining under the share repurchase program.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Global rankings fuel hype, but students have more to consider when choosing a uni

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kylie Message, Professor of Public Humanities and Director of the ANU Humanities Research Centre, Australian National University

    At this time of year, many year 12 students are seriously turning their minds to the future. Should they go to university next year? If so, which one?

    June is also the start of the global ranking season. Last week saw the release of the QS Quacquarelli Symonds 2026 world university rankings, amid reports of a “wake-up call” for Australian universities. About 70% of Australian universities fell in the rankings albeit only by small margins.

    Should students be worried about this? What should they – and the rest of us – understand about global rankings?

    What are rankings?

    Global university rankings aim to evaluate all universities in the world through a a single comparative framework.

    Apart from QS, other high-profile global rankings include those by Shanghai Ranking and the Times Higher Education.

    Each ranking system has a slightly different focus and methodology.

    QS looks at student-to-staff ratios, student employability, the reputation of the university as an employer, sustainability, global engagement and academic citations. It also ranks specific subjects across universities, which can be helpful if you want to know about the quality of teaching in a particular discipline or field.

    It is comprehensive. QS included 36 of Australia’s 43 universities in their latest assessment. These universities were also compared to more than 1,400 other institutions across 105 other countries.

    What impact do rankings have?

    These rankings are promoted as objective indicators and markers of prestige. They can be very influential in terms of attracting potential donors and students.

    One analysis suggests academic rankings are more influential than are research results for attracting philanthropic investment in Australian universities.

    The rankings can also directly affect the resources available for students.

    We know rankings can influence where international students (and the resources that accompany them) go. Australian universities have long relied on fees from international students to support funding shortfalls.

    Rankings are not everything

    But global rankings have many critics. They may include a lot of information but this is not necessarily what students in diverse situations and locations need.

    The rankings also do not reflect how much time and how many resources some universities put into the information that goes back to the ranking process.

    In November 2023, an independent expert group, convened by the United Nations issued a statement criticising the rankings system.

    It said “the very idea of global university rankings is fundamentally flawed”.

    It is simply not possible to produce a fair and credible global league table of universities given their multiple missions and their diverse social, economic and political contexts around the world.

    It also noted the rankings advantaged “historically privileged institutions”.

    The statement also said there was a bias towards the English language, certain types of research, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. “This undermines the importance of teaching and of the humanities and social sciences,” it said.

    A bias against regional unis?

    The rankings also do not favour regional universities, which is particularly relevant for Australian students.

    The QS 2026 survey shows four regional Australian universities slipped in rank and all are positioned outside the global top 400.

    This shows how global rankings are a blunt instrument and don’t account for the broader place of universities in regional areas. Here they play a vital role in their communities, driving economic growth and providing essential services.

    What should prospective students consider?

    Although universities within countries are ranked as better or worse than each other in a global league table, it is important to recognise specific national factors are not considered in the rankings. And individual student experience is rarely taken into account.

    Student experience includes the quality of teaching and the types of support individuals have access to, as well as the facilities and the culture on and around campus. We also know student experience continues to be affected by loneliness in the post-Covid era.

    So prospective students should be careful when it comes to making a decision about where to go to university. Rankings are a useful tool but so is talking to friends and family and going to open days.

    More than anything else, Year 12 students should know this is not the most important decision of their lives. They can take a gap year or change degrees. In fact many students do one or both of these things.

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

    – ref. Global rankings fuel hype, but students have more to consider when choosing a uni – https://theconversation.com/global-rankings-fuel-hype-but-students-have-more-to-consider-when-choosing-a-uni-259443

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Playful or harmful? David Seymour’s posts raise questions about what’s OK to say online

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kevin Veale, Senior Lecturer in Media Studies, part of the Digital Cultures Laboratory in the School of Humanities, Media, and Creative Communication, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University

    Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

    Deputy Prime Minister and ACT Party leader David Seymour says he is being “playful” and having “fun” with his “Victim of the Day” social media posts, targeting opponents of his Regulatory Standards Bill.

    But the posts – which have singled out academics and MPs who have criticised or made select committee submissions against the bill, accusing them of suffering from “Regulatory Standards Derangement Syndrome” – have now led to at least two official complaints to Cabinet.

    Wellington City mayor Tory Whanau has alleged they amounted to “online harassment and intimidation” against academics and were in breach of the Cabinet Manual rules for ministers. According to the manual, ministers should

    behave in a way that upholds, and is seen to uphold, the highest ethical and behavioural standards. This includes exercising a professional approach and good judgement in their interactions with the public, staff, and officials, and in all their communications, personal and professional.

    Academic Anne Salmond, one of those targeted by the posts, has also alleged Seymour breached the behaviour standards set out by the manual. According to Salmond:

    This “Victim of the Day” campaign does not match this description. It is unethical, unprofessional and potentially dangerous to those targeted. Debate is fine, online incitements are not.

    When is a joke not a joke?

    Seymour’s claim he was being “playful” while using his platform to criticise individuals follows a pattern of targeting critics while deflecting criticism of his own behaviour.

    For example, in 2022 Seymour demanded an apology from Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi, after Waititi earlier joked about poisoning Seymour with karaka berries. At the time, Seymour said:

    I’m genuinely concerned that the next step is that some slightly more radical person doesn’t think it’s a joke.

    But the same year, Seymour defended Tauranga by-election candidate Cameron Luxton’s joke that the city’s commission chair Anne Tolley was like Marie Antoinette and should be beheaded.

    In 2023, Seymour joked about abolishing the Ministry of Pacific Peoples:

    In my fantasy, we’d send a guy called Guy Fawkes in there and it’d be all over, but we’ll probably have to have a more formal approach than that.

    Māori researcher and advocate Tina Ngata criticised Seymour’s argument that he was joking:

    Calling it a joke does not make it any less white-supremacist. What it does is point to the fact that in David Seymour’s mind, violence against Pacific peoples is so normalised, that he can make a joke out of it […] but he’s not any person is he? He is a politician, a leader of a political party, with a significant platform and the means and opportunities to advance that normalised violence into policy and legislation.

    Designed to silence

    An analysis of Seymour’s recent social media posts by researcher Sanjana Hattotuwa at the Disinformation Project has argued they have the potential to lead to online harassment, saying they are:

    designed to silence opposition to the controversial Regulatory Standards Bill whilst maintaining plausible deniability about the resulting harassment, harms and hate.

    The “Victims of the Day” posts about Anne Salmond and former Green leader Metiria Turei were textbook examples of “technology-facilitated gender-based violence and online misogyny”, Hattotuwa argued. And the use of the term “derangement” framed academic criticism as a mental disorder – undermining expertise.

    As my own research shows, online harassment and violent rhetoric can raise the chances of real-world violence.

    Since the early 2000s, researchers have used the term “stochastic terrorism” to describe a way of indirectly threatening people. Nobody is specifically told “harm these people”, so the person putting them at risk has plausible deniability.

    Seymour is already aware of these dynamics, as shown by his demand for an apology from Waititi over the karaka berry poisoning “joke”.

    Free speech for who?

    Seymour and ACT have long presented themselves as champions of free speech:

    Freedom of expression is one of the most important values our society has. We can only solve our most pressing problems in an open society in which free thought and open enquiry are encouraged.

    By going after critics of the Regulatory Standards Bill, Seymour may only be ridiculing speech he does not like. But he has taken things further in the past.

    In 2023, he criticised poet Tusiata Avia for her poem “Savage Coloniser Pantoum”, which Seymour said was racist and would incite racially motivated violence. He made demands that the government withdraw NZ$107,280 in taxpayer money from the 2023 Auckland Arts Festival in response.

    ACT list MP Todd Stephenson also threatened to remove Creative NZ funding after Avia received a Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement. Avia said she received death threats after ACT’s criticism of her work.

    The more serious purpose of saying something contentious is “just a joke” is to portray those who disagree as humourless and not deserving to be taken seriously.

    ACT’s “Victim of the Day” campaign does something similar in attempting to discredit serious critics of the Regulatory Standards Bill by mocking them.

    But in the end, we have to be alert to the potential political double standard: harmless jokes for me, but not for you. Dangerous threats from you, but not from me.

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

    – ref. Playful or harmful? David Seymour’s posts raise questions about what’s OK to say online – https://theconversation.com/playful-or-harmful-david-seymours-posts-raise-questions-about-whats-ok-to-say-online-259658

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –