Category: Commerce

MIL-OSI Russia: Salymbekov University and Polytechnic intend to launch joint double degree programs

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

A delegation from Salymbekov University (Kyrgyzstan), headed by President Amangeldi Zhumadilov, visited Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University to discuss prospects for cooperation in education and science. The partners agreed to jointly implement educational programs, research projects, and academic exchanges aimed at training highly qualified specialists for high-tech sectors of the economy.

The key topic of the negotiations was the creation of joint educational programs, including double degrees, in various areas of secondary vocational and higher education. The pilot areas planned for launch this fall include “Information Systems and Programming”, “International Logistics” and “International Business”, “Digital Enterprise Economics” and IT specialties. This is necessary in order to purposefully train highly qualified specialists in professions that are really in demand in the region.

Vice-Rector for International Affairs of SPbPU Dmitry Arsenyev noted: We see great potential in cooperation with Salymbekov University. Specific projects that can be implemented in the short term are already being discussed. This indicates a high degree of mutual trust and interest in developing partnership.

Director of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade Vladimir Shchepinin emphasized: Our institute has unique experience in training specialists in economics and management, adapted to the real needs of industry. Joint programs with Kyrgyz colleagues will allow us to train personnel that are in demand not only in Kyrgyzstan, but also on the international market.

The meeting discussed issues of organizing internships for students in Russian companies, developing programs for improving the qualifications of teachers, and developing cooperation in the field of biotechnology and biomedical systems. Representatives of Salymbekov University expressed interest in adapting SPbPU educational programs to train specialists in these promising areas.

The colleagues agreed to develop a roadmap for cooperation, which provides for the exchange of curricula, joint research, and the organization of academic exchanges. The first student intake for joint programs is planned for September of this year.

President of Salymbekov University Amangeldi Zhumadilov noted: Our university occupies a leading position in the national rankings of Kyrgyzstan and first place among the young universities of the country. Partnership with SPbPU is an important step in expanding international cooperation and improving the quality of Kyrgyz education.

The visit ended with the signing of a memorandum of understanding, which laid the foundation for further joint work. The next step will be a detailed elaboration of mechanisms for implementing the agreed initiatives and the preparation of the necessary documents for launching the first joint programs.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: ESET announces major integration with Splunk SIEM
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- ESET PROTECT, including its Detection and Response capabilities, integrates seamlessly with Splunk SIEM.
- This integration empowers security admins to benefit from endpoint protection data correlated with other security insights in Splunk, facilitating rapid investigation and automated workflows.
- Easier aggregation of ESET detection events with broader security telemetry within Splunk ensures holistic insight and a way for security teams to do more with fewer tools and less manual work.
SAN FRANCISCO, April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, today announced a new major integration of its ESET Endpoint Management Platform (ESET PROTECT) with Splunk, a leading security information and event management (SIEM) platform.

Security professionals often find themselves stretched thin due to a general lack of resources, including talent. This presents opportunities for incomplete visibility and delayed response, which can be devastating in an era of burgeoning cyber-attacks. Thus, there is a demand for simpler workflows and enhanced efficiencies. This though requires a different approach, which is why integrations have become critical.

At ESET, we’ve already integrated our ESET PROTECT Platform or its modules with multiple solutions such as Microsoft Sentinel, Stellar Cyber, or IBM QRadar, and we are continuing this journey with the Splunk SIEM.

Splunk is widely used for IT operations, security, and business analytics, helping organizations gain valuable insights from their data. It is designed for searching, monitoring, and analyzing machine-generated big data via a web-style interface. It captures, indexes, and correlates real-time data in a searchable repository from which it can generate graphs, reports, alerts, dashboards, and visualizations. It supports a wide range of data sources and provides tools for data ingestion, processing, and visualization, making it a versatile solution for managing and interpreting large volumes of data efficiently.

The ESET PROTECT Platform, including its Detection and Response capabilities (ESET Inspect), integrates seamlessly with Splunk SIEM, enabling organizations to consolidate security alerts and telemetry into a single pane of glass by:
- Streaming ESET endpoint alerts directly to Splunk in real-time, allowing for immediate correlation with firewall logs, IDS/IPS data, and user activities.
- Splunk can also query ESET for deeper endpoint insights and response actions. ESET can leverage Splunk’s advanced analytics and customized detection rules.
- Splunk’s alerting and workflow capabilities can automatically trigger containment and remediation actions.
To achieve all this, ESET is supporting two approaches to data sharing:
- Syslog-based integration – ESET PROTECT can export syslog-format events to Splunk.
- API-based integration – ESET provides REST APIs allowing Splunk to query and pull relevant security events and telemetry directly.
Thanks to our varied data sharing methods, we can cater to diverse client architectures, leaving no one behind when it comes to their security needs or wants. Businesses of any size can benefit here, achieving a prevention-first security posture with a streamlined approach to threat response.

“At ESET, we are committed to improving our customers’ experience. This integration can augment their existing security toolset, supplying ESET threat data with network and user activity logs, enabling faster threat detection without the need to hop between multiple consoles,” said Pavol Šalátek, Director of Global Business Partnerships and Alliances at ESET. “This is also a boon for MSPs, which can integrate ESET data into their existing Splunk environments, offering advanced detection and response services for their diverse clientele,” he added.

Security analysts, incident responders or IT admins will find that by harnessing the award-winning power of the ESET PROTECT Platform, with its low impact on performance and capability to offer deep insight into devices, can enhance any existing setup, leading to risk reduction, satisfying business leadership and regulatory compliance.

Learn more about the way we approach integrations on our dedicated ESET integrations webpage.

Discover more about the ESET PROTECT Platform’s comprehensive power.

Find out how Splunk enhances threat response.

About ESET

ESET^® provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of emerging global cyberthreats, both known and unknown— securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether it’s endpoint, cloud, or mobile protection, our AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multifactor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. The ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive approach to security: ESET is committed to world-class research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow our social media, podcasts and blogs.

The MIL Network –
April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: APO Group joins forces with AFRICA24 Group, Africa’s leading TV and digital media company
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
APO Group joins forces with AFRICA24 Group, Africa’s leading TV and digital media company All text, images, video and audio content distributed by APO Group will be published on AFRICA24 Group’s website in English and French PARIS, France, April 28, 2025/APO Group/ — APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, today announced a content agreement with Africa’s leading TV and digital media company (www.Africa24TV.com). The partnership means that all text, images, video and audio content distributed by APO Group will be published on AFRICA24’s website in English and French. Watch the video: https://apo-opa.co/42w8uFD Launched in 2009 by its founder Constant Nemale, a reference in the media and communications industry, the AFRICA24 Group is the world leader in news and television on Africa, with a global daily audience of more than 80 million households on the continent and in the global African diaspora. The AFRICA24 Group is the only media conglomerate focused on Africa, with 4 high-audience television & digital channels available on leading operators: – AFRICA24 TV: (French), world leader in Francophone African news – AFRICA24 English: the reference for news in English – AFRICA24 Sport: leader in African sports news and competitions – AFRICA24 infinity: leader in creative industries, culture, music and art The AFRICA24 Group is regularly ranked in the Top 5 of television channels most watched by African policy makers, business executives and leaders – providing leadership alongside channels such as CNN, BBC World News and Al Jazeera. Available worldwide on all the major operators: Canal+, Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Bell, etc. AFRICA24 has been the most watched French-speaking African channel for over 15 years without interruption. The AFRICA24 Group has innovated on the digital front with the launch of the myafrica24 application, the first and only HD streaming platform on Africa available on all digital media (smartphone, tablet, computer, SmartTV). A leader in digital, the AFRICA24 Group has a substantial online audience with 1 million subscribers on Facebook, 1 million subscribers on X (Twitter), and 802,000 on YouTube. The AFRICA24 Group has the largest online catalogue on Africa with its replay offer accessible on the www.Africa24TV.com website, which has become a key vector, accounting for hundreds of thousands of monthly visitors. For several years now, Africa’s leading institutions have chosen the AFRICA24 Group as their partner of reference:
- African Union: In 2019, the continent’s leading institution signs an MOU that will make AFRICA24 Group the one and only official media partner of the prestigious African Union. The two organisations have joined forces to produce and broadcast content aimed at promoting Africa’s image and its development narrative. The AFRICA24 group launched in 2022, with huge success the weekly magazine ‘African Union Journal’ the first and only exclusive weekly television programme providing news, features, interviews and analysis and on the activities of the African Union organisation and its member states.
- AfCFTA: In 2024, the AFRICA24 Group was chosen by AfCFTA, the African Union body responsible for promoting the Free Trade Area, to promote African economic integration through high-impact initiatives. The AFRICA24 Group thus becomes the one and only flagship media chosen to promote a single common market of 1.5 million inhabitants and Africa’s economic prosperity.
The AFRICA24 Group is also the official media partner of many leading institutions and companies such as Afreximbank, UBA, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the United Nations for Africa (UNECA), the World Bank, the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organisation mondiale de la Francophonie (OIF), the Attijariwafa Bank Group, the OCP Group, etc. The partnership with APO Group gives AFRICA24 Group access to authoritative content from all over Africa, from more than 300 multinational companies operating in Africa, as well as major international institutions, sports organisations and African governments, which will be published on www.Africa24TV.com. APO Group is thus completing a cycle of partnerships with leading African and international media that enable it to constantly improve the reach of its press release distribution service. These partnerships are mutually beneficial. Through a significant increase in the impact and visibility of content for APO Group’s clients, but also through access for media such as those of AFRICA24 Group to a qualitative flow of information from the largest organisations operating in Africa. Content distributed by APO Group is automatically published on more than 320 African news sites and on international platforms such as Bloomberg Terminal, Thomson Reuters Eikon, Lexis Nexis and Factiva. AFRICA24 Group and APO Group share a common vision of Africa. APO Group worked closely with the African Union, providing pro bono support to the African Union Commission through a full range of strategic communications services for the duration of the Dubai World Expo. “APO Group is the undisputed leader in high-quality news and certified content from organisations operating in Africa,’ said Constant Nemale, founder and chairman of AFRICA24 Group. ‘We are delighted to be able to strengthen our online presence by publishing some of the most important and relevant information about Africa.” “APO Group is always committed to offering its customers direct access to the heart of Africa and beyond,’ said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), founder and chairman of APO Group. ‘The AFRICA24 Group has the most dominant African television channels in their segment. The AFRICA24 Group enjoys the confidence of Africa’s political decision-makers and business leaders, as well as Africa’s international partners. We share the same vision of changing the narrative about Africa and bringing positive African news to new audiences around the world.” This is a joint press release by APO Group and AFRICA24 media group. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group. Media contact: APO Group marie@apo-opa.com AFRICA24 infos@africa24tv.com Follow on: Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4lGn4BU Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/44cDpIh YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3GuCQzR About APO Group: Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. We assist private and public organizations in sharpening their reputation and increasing their brand equity in target countries across Africa. Our role as a trusted partner is to leverage the power of media and build bespoke strategies that enable organisations to produce a real, measurable impact in Africa and beyond. The trust and recognition granted to APO Group by global and multinational companies, governments, and NGOs inspires us to continuously enhance our value proposition within Africa to better cater to our clients’ needs. Among our prestigious clients: Facebook, Dangote Group, Nestle, GE, NBA, Canon, Coca-Cola, DHL, Marriott Group, Ecobank, Siemens, Standard Chartered, Orange, Jack Ma Foundation, African Development Bank, World Health Organization, Islamic Development Bank, Liquid Telecom, Rotary International, Kaspersky, Greenpeace… Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland | Offices in Senegal, Dubai and Hong Kong For further information, please visit our website: https://www.APO-opa.com About AFRICA24: AFRICA24 is the first African-owned global news channel and was launched in 2009. The network is devoted to news about Africa, and broadcasts 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week to audiences in Africa, North America, the Middle East and Europe. AFRICA24 embodies the leading continental media which endows Africa its own tribune in the international media scene. Since its launch in 2009, AFRICA24 has been the reference for African news. AFRICA24 is the reference media partner of the Continent’s institutions and major events such United Nations, African Union, US Africa Business Summit… AFRICA24 is the reference media for all leaders across the world to address Africa related topics. AFRICA24 group will launched new channel, full HD, 24/24, starting in 2022 : AFRICA24 English, AFRICA24 infinity (Music, fashion, Culture…) and AFRICA24 Sport. Headquarters: Dubaï, UAE | Offices in Morocco, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Cameroon. Find out more by visiting www.Africa24TV.com.
Text copied to clipboard.

MIL OSI Africa –
April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Synaptics Unveils First Veros™ Wi-Fi 7 Family Tailored for the IoT
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN JOSE, Calif., April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Synaptics^® Incorporated (Nasdaq: SYNA) announced it has extended its Veros wireless portfolio with its first family of Wi-Fi^® 7 systems-on-chips (SoCs) tailored for the Internet of Things (IoT). Comprising the SYN4390 and SYN4384, the scalable offering supports bandwidths up to 320 MHz to deliver 5.8 Gbps peak speed and low latency. The triple-combo SoCs integrate Wi-Fi 7 with Bluetooth^® 6.0 and Zigbee/Thread, support Matter, and are designed to minimize system cost and power consumption. They target IoT applications requiring reliable performance-over-range for enhanced user experiences across use cases that include 8K video streaming, interactive gaming, security monitoring, immersive AR/VR, and home and automotive entertainment.

Wi-Fi 7’s multi-link operation (MLO) allows the devices to send and receive a data stream using multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz) simultaneously in support of low latency, reliable connections, and high throughput for real-time applications like video calls and gaming. Synaptics’ architecture provides a power-efficient, cost-effective way to deliver the benefits of MLO.

“Growing adoption of Wi-Fi 7 in wireless networking infrastructure has created an opportunity to address a massive and diverse array of Wi-Fi 7-enabled IoT end-user devices by extending our Veros portfolio,” said Venkat Kodavati, SVP and GM of Wireless Products at Synaptics. “We are bringing the benefits of Wi-Fi 7 in a versatile solution for high-performance, low-power IoT devices. Combined with the ease of integration with our Astra AI-Native compute platform, we expect that developers will have an efficient solution for implementing next-generation connected and AI-enriched IoT products with features such as Wi-Fi Sensing.”

ABI Research forecasts annual shipments of Wi-Fi 7 chipsets to reach more than 2 billion by 2029, achieving a CAGR of 56% between 2024 and 2029.¹

“Wi-Fi 7 is ushering in a new era of more enriching and sophisticated use cases for connected devices thanks to its channel bandwidth, throughput, and latency improvements,” said Andrew Zignani, Senior Research Director, ABI Research. “However, the requirements for implementation vary by product type, and edge IoT introduces challenges that differ from PCs or infrastructure applications. Synaptics’ diverse Wi-Fi 7 solutions are tailored to address these unique needs, including low power, support for multiple connectivity protocols, and AI. These will be critical in enabling Wi-Fi 7’s expansion across multiple IoT segments, reaching billions of annual device shipments over the next few years.”

Wi-Fi 7 family highlights
The Wi-Fi 7 IoT family’s support of Matter and its triple combo design provides the interoperability required to allow the devices to serve as versatile home hubs that can operate across Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee/Thread networks in heterogeneous wireless environments. Features support²:
- Peak speed of up to 5.8 Gbps, using 2×2 + 2×2 MLO, 320 MHz channel bandwidth, and 4K QAM
- Integrated RF front-end and power management IC (PMIC) that contribute to reduced system cost and power consumption
- Dual-core Bluetooth 6.0 for LE Audio, Channel Sounding, and LE Long Range
- Matter and an integrated 802.15.4 radio capable of enabling Zigbee and Thread networking³
- Integrated Arm cores and memory to enable offloading of networking functions from the host processor to help reduce system power consumption⁴
Availability
The SYN4390 is available now for sale, and the SYN4384 is available now in limited quantities for evaluation. For more:

About Synaptics Incorporated
Synaptics (Nasdaq: SYNA) is driving innovation in AI at the Edge, bringing AI closer to end users and transforming how we engage with intelligent connected devices, whether at home, at work, or on the move. As a go-to partner for forward-thinking product innovators, Synaptics powers the future with its cutting-edge Synaptics Astra™ AI-Native embedded compute, Veros™ wireless connectivity, and multimodal sensing solutions. We’re making the digital experience smarter, faster, more intuitive, secure, and seamless. From touch, display, and biometrics to AI-driven wireless connectivity, video, vision, audio, speech, and security processing, Synaptics is the force behind the next generation of technology enhancing how we live, work, and play. Follow Synaptics on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook, or visit www.synaptics.com. 

Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including those relating to the Company’s focus on its extended Veros wireless portfolio with its first family of Wi-Fi^® 7 systems-on-chips (SoCs) tailored for the Internet of Things (IoT), customer adoption of these products, and/or performance as intended These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, effects of geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in or cost increases related to completing development, engineering and manufacturing of these products, changes in customer order patterns, supply chain delays or volatility for critical components, changes in tax rates or tax regulations, such as increased tariffs, and various other factors beyond our control. These risks and uncertainties also include such additional risk factors as are discussed in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made, except as required by law.

Synaptics and the Synaptics logo are trademarks of Synaptics in the United States and/or other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Media Contact

Synaptics Incorporated
Patrick Mannion
patrick.mannion@synaptics.com

¹ Source: ABI Research Article: Wireless Connectivity Technology Segmentation and Addressable Markets by Andrew Zignani (published January 27, 2025) ©2025 Allied Business Intelligence, Inc.
² Actual performance may vary based on deployment environment and device configuration
³ Certification status may vary by implementation
⁴ Power savings may vary based on system design and workload

The MIL Network –
April 28, 2025

MIL-OSI: NBPE Announces Audited 2024 Results and 31 March 2025 Est. NAV

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO AUSTRALIA, CANADA, ITALY, DENMARK, JAPAN, THE UNITED STATES, OR TO ANY NATIONAL OF SUCH JURISDICTIONS

St Peter Port, Guernsey 28 April 2025

NB Private Equity Partners (NBPE), the $1.3bn FTSE 250 listed private equity investment company managed by Neuberger Berman, today releases its 2024 Annual Financial Report and 31 March 2025 Monthly NAV Update.

Audited Annual Results Highlights (31 December 2024)

NAV per share of $27.53 (£21.98)
1.5% NAV TR in the 12 months to 31 December 2024, driven by an increase in private valuations, offset by quoted holdings and FX
Private portfolio value increased 6.9% in 2024 on a constant currency basis
Strong portfolio company operating performance: LTM revenue and EBITDA growth of 8.0% and 13.1%, respectively, during 2024¹
$179 million of proceeds from realisations received during 2024
Well positioned to take advantage of investment opportunities – $283 million of cash and undrawn credit line available
$0.94 per share of dividends paid during 2024

As of 31 December 2024	2024	3 years	5 years	10 years
NAV TR (USD)* Annualised	1.5%	(4.0%) (1.3%)	68.8% 11.0%	166.2% 10.3%
MSCI World TR (USD)* Annualised	19.2%	22.0% 6.9%	73.9% 11.7%	171.9% 10.5%

Share price TR (GBP)* Annualised	(1.1%)	(2.3%) (0.8%)	62.1% 10.1%	231.2% 12.7%
FTSE All-Share TR (GBP)* Annualised	9.5%	18.5% 5.8%	26.5% 4.8%	81.9% 6.2%

*Reflects cumulative returns over the time periods shown and are not annualised.

Peter Von Lehe, Managing Director and Head of Investment Solutions & Strategy at Neuberger Berman commented:

“NBPE ended 2024 with net assets of $1.3 billion, reflecting a NAV per share of $27.53 and a total NAV return of 1.5% for the year. This performance was driven by the strong operating performance of our private investment portfolio, which grew in value by 6.9% on a constant currency basis. However, these gains were partially offset by the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations and public holdings. Despite a more challenging environment for private equity exits, NBPE delivered solid realisations in 2024, generating $179 million in proceeds – equivalent to 14% of the portfolio’s opening fair value.

NBPE ended the year in a strong financial position with $283 million of available liquidity and an investment level of 102%, which is at the lower end of the long-term target investment level range of 100-110%.”

Paul Daggett, Managing Director of Neuberger Berman, continued:

“Overall, the underlying portfolio of private companies continued to perform well, reporting a weighted average LTM revenue and EBITDA growth¹ of 8.0% and 13.1%, respectively. It is encouraging to see that the four new investments made in 2024 are off to a good start, being valued at a 1.1x gross multiple of capital and generating a 22% IRR on a combined basis as of 31 December 2024.

Despite recent market volatility and uncertainty, we remain confident that NBPE is well-positioned to perform across a range of economic scenarios. The portfolio remains well-diversified across our two key themes, and we believe it is well-positioned to continue to deliver growth over the long term.”

The Company’s 2024 Annual Report and a video from Neuberger Berman to accompany the results are available to view at: https://www.nbprivateequitypartners.com/

Portfolio Update to 31 March 2025

NAV TR increase of 0.4% YTD 2025

31 March 2025 NAV per share of $27.17 (£21.05)
YTD NAV driven by positive FX adjustments, offset by declines in quoted holdings
31 March 2025 monthly NAV estimate does not include any Q1 2025 private company valuations

Realisations from the portfolio in 2025

$47 million of proceeds received in the first three months of 2025
- Realisations to date driven by full exits of USI and Kyobo Life Insurance, partial realisations of Tendam, Qpark, Clearent, and Osaic, as well as full and partial realisations of certain quoted holdings and income investments
A further ~$20 million of proceeds is expected in the coming months from pending transactions

Robust liquidity – well positioned to take advantage of opportunities

$283 million of available liquidity ($73 million cash/liquid investments and $210 million of credit line)

2025 Share Buybacks

Through 25 April 2025, NBPE has repurchased approximately 624k shares for $12.3 million at a weighted average discount of 29%, resulting in a NAV accretion of approximately $0.10 per share

Portfolio Valuation
The fair value of NBPE’s portfolio as of 31 March 2025 was based on the following information:

6% of the portfolio was valued as of 31 March 2025
- 6% in public securities

94% of the portfolio was valued as of 31 December 2024
- 93% in private direct investments
- 1% in private fund investments

For further information, please contact:

NBPE Investor Relations +44 20 3214 9002
Luke Mason NBPrivateMarketsIR@nb.com

Kaso Legg Communications +44 (0)20 3882 6644
Charles Gorman nbpe@kl-communications.com
Luke Dampier
Charlotte Francis

Supplementary Information (as at 31 March 2025)

Company Name	Vintage	Lead Sponsor	Sector	Fair Value ($m)	% of FV
Action	2020	3i	Consumer	76.8	6.1%
Osaic	2019	Reverence Capital	Financial Services	63.5	5.0%
Solenis	2021	Platinum Equity	Industrials	60.5	4.8%
BeyondTrust	2018	Francisco Partners	Technology / IT	50.1	4.0%
Monroe Engineering	2021	AEA Investors	Industrials	42.6	3.4%
Business Services Company*	2017	Not Disclosed	Business Services	40.1	3.2%
Branded Cities Network	2017	Shamrock Capital	Communications / Media	38.9	3.1%
GFL (NYSE: GFL)	2018	BC Partners	Business Services	38.5	3.0%
Mariner	2024	Leonard Green & Partners	Financial Services	33.7	2.7%
True Potential	2022	Cinven	Financial Services	33.5	2.6%
FDH Aero	2024	Audax Group	Industrials	32.9	2.6%
Marquee Brands	2014	Neuberger Berman	Consumer	31.8	2.5%
Staples	2017	Sycamore Partners	Business Services	29.7	2.3%
Auctane	2021	Thoma Bravo	Technology / IT	28.7	2.3%
Fortna	2017	THL	Industrials	28.7	2.3%
Viant	2018	JLL Partners	Healthcare	27.1	2.1%
Stubhub	2020	Neuberger Berman	Consumer	26.4	2.1%
Benecon	2024	TA Associates	Healthcare	25.5	2.0%
Agiliti	2019	THL	Healthcare	25.3	2.0%
Engineering	2020	NB Renaissance / Bain Capital	Technology / IT	25.0	2.0%
Solace Systems	2016	Bridge Growth Partners	Technology / IT	24.5	1.9%
Addison Group	2021	Trilantic Capital Partners	Business Services	23.8	1.9%
Kroll	2020	Further Global / Stone Point	Financial Services	23.7	1.9%
Exact	2019	KKR	Technology / IT	22.2	1.8%
CH Guenther	2021	Pritzker Private Capital	Consumer	22.0	1.7%
Excelitas	2022	AEA Investors	Industrials	21.9	1.7%
Bylight	2017	Sagewind Partners	Technology / IT	19.9	1.6%
Real Page	2021	Thoma Bravo	Technology / IT	18.5	1.5%
AutoStore (OB.AUTO)	2019	THL	Industrials	18.2	1.4%
Constellation Automotive	2019	TDR Capital	Business Services	18.2	1.4%
Total Top 30 Investments				$972.3	76.9%

*Undisclosed company due to confidentiality provisions.

Geography	% of Portfolio
North America	77%
Europe	22%
Asia / Rest of World	1%
Total Portfolio	100%

Industry	% of Portfolio
Tech, Media & Telecom	23%
Consumer / E-commerce	21%
Industrials / Industrial Technology	18%
Financial Services	13%
Business Services	12%
Healthcare	8%
Other	4%
Energy	1%
Total Portfolio	100%

Vintage Year	% of Portfolio
2016 & Earlier	10%
2017	16%
2018	14%
2019	14%
2020	13%
2021	18%
2022	5%
2023	2%
2024	8%
Total Portfolio	100%

About NB Private Equity Partners Limited
NBPE invests in direct private equity investments alongside market leading private equity firms globally. NB Alternatives Advisers LLC (the “Investment Manager”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group LLC, is responsible for sourcing, execution and management of NBPE. The vast majority of direct investments are made with no management fee / no carried interest payable to third-party GPs, offering greater fee efficiency than other listed private equity companies. NBPE seeks capital appreciation through growth in net asset value over time while paying a bi-annual dividend.

LEI number: 213800UJH93NH8IOFQ77

About Neuberger Berman
Neuberger Berman is an employee-owned, private, independent investment manager founded in 1939 with over 2,800 employees in 26 countries. The firm manages $515 billion of equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate and hedge fund portfolios for global institutions, advisors and individuals. Neuberger Berman’s investment philosophy is founded on active management, fundamental research and engaged ownership. Neuberger Berman has been named by Pensions & Investments as the #1 or #2 Best Place to Work in Money Management for each of the last eleven years (firms with more than 1,000 employees). Visit www.nb.com for more information. Data as of March 31, 2025.

This press release appears as a matter of record only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any security.

NBPE is established as a closed-end investment company domiciled in Guernsey. NBPE has received the necessary consent of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. The value of investments may fluctuate. Results achieved in the past are no guarantee of future results. This document is not intended to constitute legal, tax or accounting advice or investment recommendations. Prospective investors are advised to seek expert legal, financial, tax and other professional advice before making any investment decision. Statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of NBPE’s investment manager. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Additionally, this document contains “forward-looking statements.” Actual events or results or the actual performance of NBPE may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such targets or forward-looking statements.

Attachments

The MIL Network –

April 28, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: Pokies line the coffers of governments and venues – but there are ways to tame this gambling gorilla

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Charles Livingstone, Associate Professor, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University

Recently, much public attention has been given to the way online wagering and its incessant promotion has infiltrated sport and our TV screens.

Despite a 2023 parliamentary inquiry that recommended new restrictions on online (especially sport) gambling advertising, the federal government neglected to implement any of the 31 recommendations.

Read more:
Will the government’s online gambling advertising legislation ever eventuate? Don’t bet on it

This seems to have resulted from a furious and well resourced campaign by gambling’s ecosystem: wagering companies, broadcasters, sporting leagues, and others who currently drink from the fountain of gambling revenue.

Naturally, this issue garnered a great deal of attention, as it should.

But there’s another even bigger gambling gorilla that has steadily rebuilt its profits post-pandemic. You’ll probably find some at a hotel or social club near you.

This is, of course, pokies: Australia’s version of slot machines.

Australia’s major source of gambling problems

Australians lost A$15.8 billion on pokies in 2022–23, over half of that ($8.1 billion) in New South Wales. That’s an increase of 7.6% from 2018–19 (before pandemic restrictions closed many venues or restricted operations).

Wagering (sports and race betting) losses grew a hefty 45% over the same period, to around $8.4 billion. Even so, it remains way behind the pokies as Australia’s biggest source of gambling losses and problems.

Casino losses dropped by 35.5%. Casinos are also poke venues, but also offer other forms of gambling. Pokies in casinos are counted as “casino” gambling in national gambling statistics, while pokies in clubs and pubs continue to be counted separately.

A recent study found pokies responsible for between 52% and 57% of gambling problems in Australia. Wagering was estimated at 20%.

Recent growth may have altered these a little but pokies are still responsible for half of Australia’s gambling losses.

The gambling industry is fond of pointing out only a modest proportion of the population have serious gambling problems. That’s true, according to most prevalence studies.

But what also has to be remembered is, most people never use pokies. In 2024, the latest population study for NSW found only 14.3% of adults used pokies at all.

But around 18.5% of pokie users are either high or moderate risk gamblers: 35% of gamblers who use pokies at least once a month are classified as either high or moderate risk gamblers.

And in 2010 the Productivity Commission estimated 41% of the money lost on pokies came from the most seriously addicted, with another 20% coming from those with more moderate issues. Overall, well over half of the losses.

It’s little wonder pokie operators resist reforms.

Why are pokies so profitable?

The first and obvious answer to this is that there are a lot of them: they are widely accessible across Australia (apart from Western Australia, where they’re only in a single casino).

NSW alone has about 87,500. Queensland has about half that number, and Victoria about 26,000.

All of these are located in pubs or clubs, and in NSW they collect (on average) $93,000 per machine per year.

Second, they’re overwhelmingly concentrated in areas where people are doing it tough. Stress and strain are common where there are pokies.

Some people start to use them thinking they might alleviate financial woes. They don’t, of course. But they do provide an escape from the vicissitudes of daily life.

Once sampled, that can become addictive.

People who use pokies a lot call this escape from reality “the zone” – once you’re there, nothing matters, except staying there.

The zone is also known as “immersion”, or “loss of executive control”: people using pokies find it very difficult, if not impossible, to stop. Once the money’s gone, reality crashes in.

Pokies are also extremely addictive. Along with online casino games (which includes virtual pokies or slot machines), they are generally regarded as the most addictive and harmful gambling products.

They have a host of features engineered into them, including “losses disguised as wins”, “near misses” and many others.

They are engineered with 10 million or more possible outcomes and it is not possible for anyone to predict what outcome will come next.

Crucially, the house always wins. In a machine where the “return to player ratio” is set at 87% (a common, completely lawful setting), the machine would retain 13% of all wagers.

Unfortunately, few pokie users understand these characteristics.

Can’t we rein in the pokies?

So why do politicians resist reform?

One reason for this is the pokie revenue that flows into government coffers.

In 2022–23, state governments received a total of more than $9 billion in gambling taxes – 7.8% of all state tax revenue. Of this, $5.3 billion came from pokies. NSW alone got $2.23 billion from pokies, Victoria $1.3 billion, and Queensland $1.1 billion.

The venues, of course, receive a great deal more. One of the consequences of all that money flowing into the coffers of pubs and clubs is political access and influence.

We can, however, tame the pokies if we want to.

Various solutions are available, including pre-commitment, generally believed to be the most likely candidate.

This involves pokie users being required to set a limit prior to using the machines, which is now common in many countries in Europe, and has been proposed (but delayed or scuttled) in Australia for Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales.

More broadly however, this has been strongly resisted by the gambling ecosystem, including parties such as ClubsNSW and the Tasmanian Hospitality Association. Their influence appears profound.

Change is needed, urgently

Australia’s reputation as the world’s biggest gambling losers is unenviable: we lose $32 billion on gambling products every year.

Clearly, prohibition of gambling ads, and the termination of sports sponsorships that tie football, cricket and other major sports to gambling is needed urgently.

But if we really want to reduce gambling problems and their extraordinary catalogue of harm, reining in the pokies is a must.

That may take some serious effort.

Charles Livingstone has received funding from the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, the (former) Victorian Gambling Research Panel, and the South Australian Independent Gambling Authority (the funds for which were derived from hypothecation of gambling tax revenue to research purposes), from the Australian and New Zealand School of Government and the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, and from non-government organisations for research into multiple aspects of poker machine gambling, including regulatory reform, existing harm minimisation practices, and technical characteristics of gambling forms. He has received travel and co-operation grants from the Alberta Problem Gambling Research Institute, the Finnish Institute for Public Health, the Finnish Alcohol Research Foundation, the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Committee, the Turkish Red Crescent Society, and the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand. He was a Chief Investigator on an Australian Research Council funded project researching mechanisms of influence on government by the tobacco, alcohol and gambling industries. He has undertaken consultancy research for local governments and non-government organisations in Australia and the UK seeking to restrict or reduce the concentration of poker machines and gambling impacts, and was a member of the Australian government’s Ministerial Expert Advisory Group on Gambling in 2010-11. He is a member of the Lancet Public Health Commission into gambling, and of the World Health Organisation expert group on gambling and gambling harm. He made a submission to and appeared before the HoR Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm.

– ref. Pokies line the coffers of governments and venues – but there are ways to tame this gambling gorilla – https://theconversation.com/pokies-line-the-coffers-of-governments-and-venues-but-there-are-ways-to-tame-this-gambling-gorilla-252038

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer Joins Over 175 Members of Congress to Demand Trump Administration Preserve and Expand Free Tax Filing Program
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – In response to recent reporting that the Trump administration plans to end the Direct File program, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) led over 175 Congressional Democrats in a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Acting IRS Commissioner Michael Faulkender, slamming the administration’s reported decision and demanding instead that officials preserve and expand Direct File.

Direct File is a free, easy-to-use tax filing program that has already delivered significant benefits to taxpayers. In 2024, during the program’s pilot phase, Direct File saved the average user $160 in tax return fees and hours of effort preparing their return. Users overwhelmingly love the program: 98 percent of Direct File taxpayers in 2025 were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their experience, a world-class figure. Yet, new reporting indicates that the Trump Administration “plans to eliminate the IRS’ Direct File program.”

“The Trump Administration’s dismantling of a program that makes tax filing easier and free for millions of Americans is shameful. Taxpayers have spoken loudly and clearly: Direct File works well for them, and more Americans want access to it,” wrote the lawmakers.

Even before reports that the Trump Administration planned to end Direct File, the Trump Administration had already sabotaged the program during its time in office. This filing season, the Trump Administration fired the team at the Treasury Department that had been running awareness campaigns about Direct File, scaled back communications promoting the program, and did little to partner with local groups and media outlets to promote the program. In February, Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tweeted that the team that helped build Direct File, “has been deleted.” While Direct File remained operational after Musk’s tweet, “Direct File usage immediately fell by roughly one quarter.”

The lawmakers demanded that Secretary Bessent and Acting IRS Commissioner Faulkender provide a written commitment to preserve and expand Direct File for the 2026 tax season and beyond by May 5, 2025.

You can read the full letter to Secretary Bessent and Commissioner Michael Faulkender here or below:

Dear Secretary Bessent and Acting Commissioner Faulkender:

We write in response to public reporting indicating that the Trump Administration plans to end the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Direct File program. Ending this free, easy-to-use, and popular program would be an insult to American taxpayers, eliminating an important alternative to commercial options provided by the tax prep industry. We write to seek your written commitment that you will preserve and expand Direct File for next year’s tax filing season and beyond.

In the first two years of its existence, Direct File has already delivered significant benefits to taxpayers across the country. In 2024, during the program’s pilot phase, Direct File saved the average user $160 in return fees and hours of effort preparing their return. Ninety percent of users rated their experience with the program positively. A year later, Direct File has improved in important ways. For this year’s tax filing season, Direct File was accessible in 25 states and used pre-populated taxpayer data to make the filing process smoother. Users delivered rave reviews: 98 percent of Direct File taxpayers in 2025 were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their experience, a world-class figure.

However, the tax prep industry has fought Direct File at every turn, even before its inception. It’s no secret why: a free, easy-to-use tax filing program requires the industry to compete for taxpayer business and is a direct threat to the industry’s bottom line. Accordingly, these companies have spent millions on lobbying in the hopes of ending Direct File, encouraging Republican Members of Congress to ask the Trump Administration to kill the program.

New reporting indicates that the Trump Administration “plans to eliminate the IRS’ Direct File program.” But even before this reporting, the Trump Administration had been sabotaging Direct File’s success since taking office. For example:
- The Trump Administration fired the team at the Department of the Treasury that had been running awareness campaigns about Direct File
- The Trump Administration dramatically scaled back communications efforts at the IRS and Treasury to promote Direct File. In contrast to the Biden Administration’s efforts last year, the Trump Administration issued almost no public statements promoting the program and did little to partner with local organizations and media outlets to promote Direct File.
- Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tweeted that 18F, a group that helped agencies build digital services like Direct File, had been “deleted.” In response to the tweet, public reporting, with little pushback from the Trump Administration, suggested that Direct File had been ended as well. While Direct File remained operational after Musk’s tweet, “Direct File usage immediately fell by roughly one quarter.”
According to partners and state governments, uncertainty about Direct File’s future and the future of the IRS itself created by DOGE’s attacks on the IRS and public reports of DOGE’s improper access to taxpayer data may also have hampered the program’s success.

The Trump Administration’s dismantling of a program that makes tax filing easier and free for millions of Americans is shameful. Taxpayers have spoken loudly and clearly: Direct File works well for them, and more Americans want access to it. On behalf of those taxpayers, we seek your written commitment by May 5, 2025 that you will preserve and expand Direct File for the 2026 tax season and beyond.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

The following Senators also signed the letter: Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai’i), Timothy Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elisa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

The following Representatives signed the letter as well: Alma Adams (D-N.C.), Gabo Amo (D-R.I.), Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-Calif.), Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), Donald Beyer (D-Va.), Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-Ga.), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), Andre Carson (D-Ind.), Troy Carter (D-La.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Sean Casten (D-Ill.), Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Gilbert Cisneros (D-Calif.), Yvette Clark (D-N.Y.), Steven Cohen (D-Tenn.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.),, Herbert Conaway (D-N.J.), Gerald Connolly (D-Va.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), Jason Crow (D-Colo.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), April McClain Delaney (D-Md.), Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Suzan K. DelBene (D-Wash.), Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Cleo Fields (D-La.), Bill Foster (D-Ill.), Valerie P. Foushee (D-N.C.), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.), John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-Ill.), Sylvia R. Garcia (D-Texas), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Al Green (D-Texas), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.), Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Md.), Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.), Val Hoyle (D-Ore.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), Jonathan L. Jackson (D-Ill.), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-Ga.), Julie Johnson (D-Texas), Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), William R. Keating (D-Mass.), Robin L. Kelly (D-Ill.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), George Latimer (D-N.Y.), Summer L. Lee (D-Pa.), Stephen F. Lynch (D-Mass.), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.), Jennifer L. McClellan (D-Va.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), James P. McGovern (D-Mass.), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), Robert J. Menendez (D-N.J.), Grace Meng (D-N.Y.), Dave Min (D-Calif.), Kelly Morrison (D-Minn.), Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (D-Md.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Mark Pocan (D-Wisc.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Mich.), Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-Calif.), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.), Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Bradley Scott Schneider (D-Ohio), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.), Terri A. Sewell (D-Ala.), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), Mikie Sherrill (D-N.I.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Darren Soto (D-Fla.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Ohio), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), Derek T. Tran (D-Calif.), Nikema Williams (D-Ga.), Frederica S. Wilson (D-Fla.), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.), Marc A. Veasey (D-Texas), Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.), Eugene Simon Vindman (D-Va.), and George Whitesides (D-Calif.).

The following groups endorsed the letter: Americans for Tax Fairness, Public Citizen, Economic Security Project Action, MoveOn, United for Respect, P Street, 20/20 Vision, Young Invincibles, Patriotic Millionaires, Groundwork Action, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, Meals4Families, Beyond Careers, Grow Brooklyn, National Consumer Law Center, Color of Change, End Child Poverty California, Consumer Action, United Ways of the Pacific Northwest, Northwest Progressive Institute, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Shriver Center on Poverty Law, Accountable.US, United for a Fair Economy, Responsible Wealth, National Association of Social Workers, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Golden State Opportunity, OnTrack Financial Education & Counseling, North Carolina Council of Churches.

MIL OSI USA News –
April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Awards – Master Plumbers welcomes Cabinet approval of self-certification for plumbers and drainlayers

Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers

Master Plumbers is pleased the Government is progressing with a self-certification scheme that makes plumbers accountable for their work, rather than relying on council inspectors.

“We have been advocating for years that plumbers and drainlayers should be able to self-certify, just as gasfitters – who are also plumbers in most instances – and electricians can,” Master Plumbers Chief Executive Greg Wallace says.

Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk announced today that the Government has agreed on a new self-certification scheme for plumbers and drainlayers allowing them to sign off on their own work.

The new scheme does come with some caveats: it will be opt-in and limited to plumbers and drainlayers carrying out work on simple residential dwellings. Trades that are currently able to self-certify are not required to opt-in or be restricted to a specific category of work.

“For plumbers and drainlayers to be competitive, we believe all of the industry should opt-in,” Mr Wallace says. “While the Minister has limited the scheme to simple residential dwellings, we hope this is the first phase and that, in future, it will expand to all work.”

“Ultimately, we want the same system as electricians and gasfitters, but we understand this may be a staged approach.”

Mr Wallace says there’s a common misconception that liability moves to Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) once an inspection has been completed. “The reality is that tradespeople are still accountable for their workmanship. Under the Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Act, qualified plumbers and drainlayers are responsible for all work – including large-scale industry installations.”

Plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers are overseen by an independent regulatory board, the PGDB. Consumers can have confidence that certified plumbing professionals are highly skilled and their work completed to a professional standard. It takes seven years to obtain the qualification of a Certifying Plumber and two years for a Certifying Drainlayer.

In addition, Master Plumbers members are subject to a rigorous quality assurance process and carry a guarantee for their work.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Master Plumbers welcomes Cabinet approval of self-certification for plumbers and drainlayers

Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers

Master Plumbers is pleased the Government is progressing with a self-certification scheme that makes plumbers accountable for their work, rather than relying on council inspectors.

“We have been advocating for years that plumbers and drainlayers should be able to self-certify, just as gasfitters – who are also plumbers in most instances – and electricians can,” Master Plumbers Chief Executive Greg Wallace says.

Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk announced today that the Government has agreed on a new self-certification scheme for plumbers and drainlayers allowing them to sign off on their own work.

The new scheme does come with some caveats: it will be opt-in and limited to plumbers and drainlayers carrying out work on simple residential dwellings. Trades that are currently able to self-certify are not required to opt-in or be restricted to a specific category of work.

“For plumbers and drainlayers to be competitive, we believe all of the industry should opt-in,” Mr Wallace says. “While the Minister has limited the scheme to simple residential dwellings, we hope this is the first phase and that, in future, it will expand to all work.”

“Ultimately, we want the same system as electricians and gasfitters, but we understand this may be a staged approach.”

Mr Wallace says there’s a common misconception that liability moves to Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) once an inspection has been completed. “The reality is that tradespeople are still accountable for their workmanship. Under the Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Act, qualified plumbers and drainlayers are responsible for all work – including large-scale industry installations.”

Plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers are overseen by an independent regulatory board, the PGDB. Consumers can have confidence that certified plumbing professionals are highly skilled and their work completed to a professional standard. It takes seven years to obtain the qualification of a Certifying Plumber and two years for a Certifying Drainlayer.

In addition, Master Plumbers members are subject to a rigorous quality assurance process and carry a guarantee for their work.

Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 18 regional Associations and Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.

Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.

NZ Plumber is the award-winning, bi-monthly magazine for New Zealand’s plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. It is owned by Master Plumbers.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Businesses reminded to review their card surcharges and pricing information

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC is encouraging businesses to review their card payment surcharges to ensure they are in line with their cost of accepting card payments.

Businesses should also ensure they adequately disclose upfront any card payment surcharges that apply, so that their customers can make informed decisions before ordering, booking and paying for a product or service.

Misleading surcharging practices and other add-on costs is a compliance and enforcement priority for the ACCC in the 2025-26 financial year.

“Businesses need to ensure their customers know about any card payment surcharges upfront, and that they are only charging what it costs them to accept those card payments,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.

The Australian Consumer Law prohibits businesses from misleading people about the prices they charge.

The Competition and Consumer Act also prohibits businesses from charging a card payment surcharge that is excessive. A card payment surcharge is considered excessive if it is higher than the business’s ‘cost of acceptance’.

For example, if a business’s ‘cost of acceptance’ for Visa credit card payments, including the merchant service fee and all other permissible costs, is 1 per cent, and they choose to charge a card payment surcharge, they can only apply a surcharge of up to 1 per cent to their customers that pay using a Visa credit card.

The ACCC has commenced an education and compliance campaign to inform businesses, particularly small businesses, of their obligations and help them to comply with the relevant laws.

As part of this campaign, the ACCC is helping businesses to comply with the law through advertisements and updated guidance material. It will also be engaging closely with relevant industry representatives to help them support their small business members in complying with the laws.

The ACCC will also be actively monitoring business compliance, and may take appropriate compliance or enforcement action, in line with our Compliance and Enforcement Policy.

“We understand that small businesses need to be across a lot of information to comply with all of the laws that apply to their business, however, charging excessive surcharges and not being upfront with customers about pricing can result in small businesses losing customers,” Mr Keogh said.

“It is important for small businesses to ensure they understand their obligations and check their costs of acceptance to know what amounts they can legally charge their customers as a payment surcharge, as well as reviewing how they inform customers of their prices, including any applicable surcharges.”

More information to help businesses comply with the law is available on the ACCC website.

Businesses may also wish to seek advice from their bank or payment facilitator, an accountant or business advisor to assist them with working out what their ‘cost of acceptance’ is.

Background

A standard set by the Reserve Bank of Australia sets out the costs that businesses can include when working out their ‘cost of acceptance’ for each payment type they accept. More information about this can be found on the Reserve Bank of Australia’s website.

Businesses’ banks or payment facilitators provide businesses with statements or similar payment processing information, which includes their main costs of accepting different payment types, typically shown as a percentage figure amount.

There are other costs that businesses may be able to include when calculating their ‘cost of acceptance’. Businesses need to be able to verify and calculate these costs with reference to contracts, statements or invoices from their providers.

The costs for accepting card payments can vary between businesses. This means that the card payment surcharges charged to customers can also vary between businesses.

The ACCC’s education and compliance engagement campaign is about the existing surcharging laws.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is currently finalising a Review of Retail Payments Regulation – Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging.

MIL OSI News –

April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: UniSA secures a box seat in $500 million research centres to help advance Australia’s manufacturing sector

Source:

28 April 2025

Future Industries Institute researchers Professor Colin Hall and Professor Allison Cowin.

UniSA researchers are the big winners in a Federal Government announcement of two new industry-led collaborative research centres designed to strengthen Australia’s manufacturing sector.

The Future Industries Institute will play a major role in both the Additive Manufacturing CRC and the SMART CRC, collectively awarded more than $500 million in funding from industry, research organisations and government.

FII Industry Professor Colin Hall is one of the key researchers in the newly established AMCRC, that involves 73 industry partners, 14 research organisations and five government departments, sharing in $57.5 million in government funding and $213 million in partner contributions.

He says that additive manufacturing – commonly known as 3D printing – is revolutionising the way that many industries work.

“Once limited to plastic prototype parts, 3D printing today includes metal, ceramic and composite materials that are on the cusp of full-scale adoption across Australia’s manufacturing sector,” Prof Hall says.

“Additive manufacturing offers significant advantages, boosting productivity, reducing waste and accelerating product development.”

Over the next seven years, the AMCRC will tackle some significant challenges hampering the advancement of 3D printing, so that processes can be optimised, new materials developed, and the workforce upskilled.

UniSA Business entrepreneurship and innovation researcher, Associate Professor Shruti Sardeshmukh, will lead the Sustainable Manufacturing research theme in the AMCRC, helping to develop sustainable 3D printing solutions to transform manufacturing businesses across Australia.

“By embedding environmental, social and governance principles, 3D printing can fuel innovation, drive business transformation and propel Australian businesses towards a more resilient future,” Assoc Prof Sardeshmukh says.

The other themes are Applications and Materials Development; Technology and Process Development; and Surface Technologies and Post-Processing, which will be the major focus of UniSA’s FII researchers.

“From a South Australian perspective, this CRC means that UniSA can engage with some of our long-term industry partners, including SMR Automotive, Starke-AMG, EntX and Laserbond to take our industry research and workforce development to a higher level,” Prof Hall says.

FII Professor Allison Cowin, an international leader in wound healing and regenerative medicine, will be a key researcher in the $238 million Solutions for Manufacturing Advanced Regenerative Therapies (SMART) CRC.

The SMART CRC involves 63 partners spanning government, industry, medical providers, universities and research institutes, all focused on helping Australian biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies bring a 10-year pipeline of regenerative therapy projects to market.

A $65 million commitment from the Federal Government will be boosted by an additional $173 million in partner contributions.

Prof Cowin, recognised as one of 10 of the best NHMRC researchers in 2025, will be joined on the SMART CRC Management team by Professor Joy Rathjen from SA Pathology, University of Adelaide Professor Simon Barry and former SA Chief Scientist Dr Leanna Read, who will chair its Board.

“The SMART CRC will accelerate the Australian regenerative therapy industry,” Prof Cowin says. “It will catalyse, drive and co-ordinate a national effort, guiding industry growth in the cell and gene therapy sectors.

“Regenerative therapies aim to cure, rather than treat diseases. They replace, engineer and regenerate human cells, tissues and organs that will restore normal function in patients with diseases such as cancer, diabetes, wounds and blood disorders.”

The SMART CRC is expected to create 1500 skilled jobs and generate $4.5 billion worth of business over the next decade, setting Australia up as a global leader in technologies that can cure disease rather than treating symptoms.

Along with the Additive Manufacturing CRC, it will build sovereign manufacturing capability, anchoring companies and their technology to Australia, instead of relying on foreign supply chains.

UniSA Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research and Enterprise, Professor Peter Murphy, says once UniSA and the University of Adelaide merge in 2026 to become Adelaide University, the new institution can expect to share in more than $26 million worth of projects through the AMCRC and SMART CRC.

“This is a fantastic outcome for the Australian manufacturing sector and will lead to exciting times ahead, not only for our researchers but for the nation as a whole,” Prof Murphy says.

The third Cooperative Research Centre announced by the Federal Government is the Care Economy CRC, a partnership between 60 research, government and industry organisations to revolutionise the care sector by customising the commercialising new technologies, data solutions and models of care.

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

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

MIL OSI News –

April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Energy Sector – NZ energy professional selected for World Energy Council delegation

Source: BusinessNZ

New Zealand energy professional Esther Tomkinson has been selected to join the World Energy Council’s Future Energy Leaders Programme.

Esther Tomkinson is a Sustainability and Strategy Analyst at Mercury Energy and Co-Chair of the Young Energy Professionals Network of the BusinessNZ Energy Council.

The Future Energy Leaders Programme is a global network of young energy professionals who contribute to national, regional, and international activities aimed at solving the world’s most pressing energy and sustainability challenges.

Tina Schirr Executive Director of the BusinessNZ Energy Council said, “We are incredibly proud of Esther Tomkinson’s selection for the Future Energy Leaders Programme. Her dedication to sustainability and the local Future Energy Leaders Programme – YEPN – will be extremely valuable to the global and New Zealand energy community. This recognition also highlights the exceptional talent we have in New Zealand’s energy sector.”

The first opportunity to convene with future energy leaders from across the globe will be at the World Energy Week in Panama from 6-9 October 2025, followed by the World Energy Congress in Saudi Arabia from 26-29 October 2026.

Schirr says, “This year, 25 young energy professionals from 21 countries will join the Future Energy Leaders Programme, including Esther Tomkinson, the only New Zealand delegate.

“At the same time, we farewell two outstanding Kiwis from the Future Energy Leaders Programme, Emily Hilton, the HSEQ Manager at Hiringa Energy, and Mark Todoroff, Business Development Director at Yes Energy.”

The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Williams Introduces Resolution Backing the Second Amendment on National “2A Day”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

Washington, D.C. – Today, in honor of National Second Amendment Day, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) introduced a resolution reaffirming the House of Representatives’ continued support for the Second Amendment and commending the Trump Administration’s actions to protect American gun owners by dismantling Biden’s infringements on our constitutional freedoms.

“Our founding fathers fought to establish a nation where every citizen has the right to protect themselves, their property, and their family,” said Congressman Roger Williams. “For too long, the Biden Administration and radical leftists went to extreme lengths to criminalize law-abiding gun owners, jeopardizing the Second Amendment. My resolution reaffirms Congressional support for the Second Amendment and commends President Trump’s actions to protect American gun owners by dismantling Biden’s infringements on our constitutional freedoms.”

Background:
- April 17^th is a national day of observation and commemoration of the Second Amendment to honor our forefathers’ wisdom and the freedoms protected by the U.S. Constitution.
- Original cosponsors: Reps. Babin, Biggs, Cline, Cloud, Crane, Crenshaw, Downing, Fallon, Haridopolos, Hudson, Luna, McDowell, Schmidt, Taylor, Weber, and Wied.
- Supporting orgs: National Rifle Association (NRA), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).
- First reported on Fox.
Read the bill text here.

###

Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.

MIL OSI USA News –
April 28, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Peter Dutton declares Welcome to Country ceremonies are ‘overdone’ in heated final leaders’ debate

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andy Marks, Vice-President, Public Affairs and Partnerships, Western Sydney University

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have had their fourth and final leaders’ debate of the campaign. The skirmish, hosted by 7News in Sydney, was moderated by 7’s Political Editor Mark Riley.

Cost of living and housing affordability featured in the clash, with both leaders acknowledging the price pain being felt by many Australians. Immigration, US President Donald Trump, energy policy and welcome to country ceremonies were also thrashed out in a number of lively exchanges.

How did each leader perform? Have they done enough to convince undecided voters before polling day? Three experts give their analysis

Andy Marks, Western Sydney University

This is the election, Seven’s opening voiceover proclaimed, “that will decide the future of Welcome to Country ceremonies.”

Puzzled voters no doubt welcomed the promise of clarification. So Riley cut to the chase. Some people, he said, are “uncomfortable” with the ceremonies.

Dutton agreed:

I think a lot of Australians think it is overdone and cheapens the significance of what it was meant to do.“

Albanese said it was up to event organisers to decide whether to have a ceremony. On the lost Voice referendum? He “accepts the outcome”.

No fight. Just consensus from both leaders January 26 should remain as Australia Day.

Lack of spark was never going to stop Seven. A dramatic soundtrack rumbled away behind the leaders’ statements added an Oscars vibe, with each rushing their answers before being played off.

It worked. Halfway in, a fire was lit. “It’s hard to believe anything you say”, Dutton said to his opponent. “You’ve made promises you haven’t delivered. People are getting smashed.”

Albanese shot back. “Peter can attack me. But I won’t let him attack the wages of working people.”

Hostilities abated as Riley asked Albanese if he had Trump’s mobile number. “Do you have [UK Prime Minister] Keir Starmer’s?” Dutton added.

Nuclear power reheated the debate. “I am proud”, Dutton said of the Coalition’s energy plans. But he would not commit to visiting any of the proposed sites in the final days of the campaign.

Suddenly it became a science lesson. Dutton asked “how will solar work at night?” When you turn on a tap, Albanese responded, water still comes out even when it isn’t raining.

A highlight? Dutton almost quoted Taylor Swift. “The prime minister promises a band-aid on a bullet wound” he quipped on cost of living.

Blair Williams, Monash University

“This is the debate for every Australian”, the Channel 7 voiceover said at the start of the debate. However, to reference Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw, I couldn’t help but wonder if this debate would truly include everyone.

We saw the usual quibbles between Albanese and Dutton over various crises, such as housing and the cost of living. Albanese argued he would help through initiatives such as cheaper medicines and childcare.

However, he put his foot down on scrapping negative gearing as it’s a measure that “will not build supply”.

Dutton’s response made it clear he was not planning to include “everyone” in this debate, as he quickly blamed immigrants for the housing crisis in Australia.

Riley posed a question to both leaders about Welcome to Country, saying booing during an ANZAC event sparked an “important discussion […] there are people in Australia who are uncomfortable being welcomed to Country”.

Riley asked both leaders if the ceremonies are “overdone”.

Dutton argued they do have a place but he wants “everyone to be equal” as “we are all equal”. Dutton said he wanted the country to be “one”. This overlooks how structural disadvantages, such as racism and sexism, result in inequality.

Albanese took a more Keating-esque perspective, citing ANZAC Day in New Zealand and the central place of Maori language in their events, emphasising the importance of First Nations people and multiculturalism in Australia.

The debate ended without any discussion of violence against women. So far this year, 24 women have been killed as a result of gendered violence, with three in just the past week. Yet both parties have barely mentioned it during the campaign or the debates.

Women’s issues were also barely raised. While Albanese mentioned cheaper childcare, Dutton failed to reference any issues that might specifically impact women. He has done little in this campaign and during this debate to win them over.

Instead, both leaders wasted time arguing over the Coalition’s plan to produce nuclear energy in 2035.

“Is this helping you decide?” Channel 7 asked viewers. For many women – and other – around the country, it merely showed two white men in suits and ties yelling over each other. This could explain why a third of Australians will preference a minor party or independent at the ballot box. Perhaps these are the voters who have felt left out.

Michelle Cull, Western Sydney University

While the debate started off friendly, it became quite heated very quickly. Dutton found it difficult to finish his talking points on time but had no problem interrupting Albanese. Cost of living was central to the debate.

There wasn’t much the leaders could agree on – no surprises there. Although both concurred there should be no change to the date for Australia Day.

When asked about Welcome to Country ceremonies, Dutton mentioned them happening at the “start of every meeting at work” and they were “divisive”. Perhaps there was some confusion here with Acknowledgement of Country.

Dutton focused on short-term cost-of-living relief and his fuel excise cuts. He blamed Albanese for high inflation, high interest rates and housing affordability issues. The prime minister was quick to remind him not everything was “hunky dory” when Labor took office.

Albanese did well to promote many of the Labor policies targeted at reducing cost of living through lower HECS-HELP, free TAFE and cheaper childcare. He was the only leader to include what his party was doing for renters and those in social housing, as well as first home buyers. Albanese also responded to Dutton’s short-term cost-of-living relief with Labor’s more permanent help through wage increases and tax cuts.

Dutton was clever enough to throw Labor’s proposed superannuation changes into the debate by referring to the plan to tax unrealised capital gains on superannuation balances greater than A$3 million. But this didn’t seem to make it much further in the debate, as it did not relate to the question being asked.

We’ll now have to wait until Saturday to see if the leaders really managed to sway any undecided voters.

Michelle Cull is an FCPA member of CPA Australia, member of the Financial Advice Association Australia and President Elect of the Academy of Financial Services in the United States. Michelle is an academic member of UniSuper’s Consultative Committee. Michelle co-founded the Western Sydney University Tax Clinic which has received funding from the Australian Taxation Office as part of the National Tax Clinic Program. Michelle has previously volunteered as Chair of the Macarthur Advisory Council for the Salvation Army Australia.

Andy Marks and Blair Williams 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. Peter Dutton declares Welcome to Country ceremonies are ‘overdone’ in heated final leaders’ debate – https://theconversation.com/peter-dutton-declares-welcome-to-country-ceremonies-are-overdone-in-heated-final-leaders-debate-255102

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company, LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds and Cashews in Mauna Loa Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias (0.6OZ and 4OZ)

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
April 26, 2025
FDA Publish Date:
April 26, 2025
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:

Recall Reason Description
Undeclared cashew, almond

Company Name:
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company LLC
Brand Name:

Brand Name(s)
Mauna Loa

Product Description:

Product Description
Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias

Company Announcement
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company LLC of Kea’au, HI is voluntarily recalling Mauna Loa Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias (0.6oz and 4oz bags), due to the possible presence of undeclared almonds and cashews. Consumers who have allergies or severe sensitivity to almonds and cashews run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.
The recalled Mauna Loa Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias are packaged in 0.6oz and 4oz bags and were distributed to multiple retail locations in AZ, CA, CO, FL, HI, IL, ME, MI, NJ, OR, PA, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, and Guam.
The affected 0.6oz bag has the UPC 0 72992 05464 4, marked with lot numbers K5069C1 and K5069C2 and best by date 10/2026.
The affected 4oz bag has the UPC 0 72992 05556 6, marked with lot numbers B4339E1 and B4340E1 and best by date 07/2026.
No illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported to date in connection with this issue.
The recall was initiated after Mauna Loa’s internal quality control process identified that the affected batch, manufactured by a third-party co-manufacturer, contained undeclared almonds and cashews. Immediate action was taken to contain the affected product, notify the third-party co-manufacturer, alert consumers and distributors, and report the issue to the FDA.
Consumers who have purchased the affected Mauna Loa Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias 0.6oz and 4oz bags and have an almond or cashew allergy are urged not to consume the product and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers with questions may contact Customer Service at 1-888-255-5998, Monday through Friday.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and remain committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality in our products.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Customer Service
888-255-5998

Media:
Chris Rabago
808-842-7355

Product Photos

Content current as of:
04/26/2025

Regulated Product(s)

Follow FDA

MIL OSI USA News –

April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Skilled migrants are leaving the U.S. for Canada — how can the north gain from the brain drain?
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ashika Niraula, Senior Research Associate, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration & Integration Program, Toronto Metropolitan University

Skilled migrants and international students are leaving the United States for Canada in growing numbers. A March 2025 report by Statistics Canada reveals a sharp rise in the numbers of American non-citizen residents moving to Canada. Reasons given are largely restrictive U.S. immigration policies, visa caps and long wait times for green cards.

This is a shift from earlier decades when American-born citizens dominated the trend. By 2019, nearly half of those making the move were U.S. non-citizen residents.

Since U.S. President Donald Trump’s election win and early days in office, Google searches by American residents on how to move to Canada, New Zealand and Australia have surged.

Several high-profile academics have relocated to Canadian universities amid growing concerns over threats to academic freedom.

British Columbia recently announced plans to launch landmark policies to streamline the credential recognition process for internationally trained health-care professionals, particular American doctors and nurses.

Skilled talent like health-care professionals, researchers and engineers are essential to building innovative, future-ready economies. But attracting them requires staying competitive in an increasingly global bid for talent.

Global competition for talent

In this global race for talent, Canada and Australia need to offer not only efficient immigration pathways but also faster credential recognition and better integration support.

Yet both nations find themselves walking a tightrope. Once both celebrated as welcoming destinations for global talent, each country has experienced recent immigration restrictions and growing anti-immigration sentiments, undermining those reputations.

Read more:
Canada at a crossroads: Understanding the shifting sands of immigration attitudes

What can these countries learn from each other to stay competitive and benefit from this talent flow?

Research from Toronto Metropolitan University’s Migration and Integration Program shows Canada’s appeal for skilled migrants is rooted in a mix of practical and aspirational factors. This includes a combination of high living standards, the promise of better career prospects, more accessible permanent residency pathways and a broadly welcoming society.

But for migrants in Canada, these goals are becoming harder to attain.

A more cautious approach

Since the pandemic, Canada’s immigration approach has shifted. During the early COVID-19 years, Canada was praised for its inclusive response, including recognizing immigrants as essential to economic recovery. Temporary workers, including essential workers, international student graduates and French-speaking immigrants, were offered new routes to permanent residency through a federal program.

However, since 2024, Canada has taken a more cautious approach.

New policy changes that target international students and cut temporary and permanent migration numbers have tarnished Canada’s global reputation as a welcoming place.

While permanent residency is still more accessible than in the U.S., skilled migrants are increasingly questioning whether the wait for permanent residency is worth it.

Australia visa rules slow things down

Australia faces similar dilemmas. In late 2023, the government launched a new migration strategy to address critical workforce shortages in construction, tech and health care. The Skills in Demand visa promised faster processing and clearer pathways to permanent residency for workers in priority sectors.

Yet a recent report by the Grattan institute warns that tighter eligibility rules risk excluding much-needed talent, potentially weakening Australia’s competitiveness.

Growing visa delays are also noted to be an additional barrier that may deter both prospective migrants and employers.

Working in jobs far below qualifications

Migration data often tells a story of numbers, categories and eligibility thresholds. However, the human stories behind the numbers reveal deep systemic issues and missed opportunities. One recurring issue is the widespread phenomenon of deskilling.

In both Canada and Australia, many skilled migrants often find themselves working in jobs far below their qualifications.

These experiences are part of a pattern that affects not only individuals but also national economies, which lose out on the full potential of their skilled workforce.

Credential recognition systems are opaque, inconsistent and frequently biased.

Another overlooked issue is that many skilled migrants do not move alone. People arrive with spouses, children and sometimes elderly parents.

Yet immigration and settlement systems in both countries are largely structured around individual economic migrants rather than families. In Canada, for instance, federally funded settlement services are mainly geared toward supporting only permanent residents.

Many spouses, particularly women, face even greater barriers to employment. Issues also include things like high fees for visa processing for parents. Other considerations include children who may struggle with schooling and identity in unfamiliar environments.

Housing shortages and high costs in major urban centres compound these challenges, pushing newcomers into unaffordable living conditions.

All this contributes to growing disillusionment. Migrants initially drawn to Canada or Australia as alternatives to unwelcoming environments elsewhere may choose to still come, but it doesn’t mean they will stay.

Read more:
Canada halts new parent immigration sponsorships, keeping families apart

Learning from each other: Canada and Australia

The experiences of skilled migrants in Canada and Australia show that attracting talent is only half the battle. The real challenge is in retention and integration.

Many countries like Germany, Japan, South Korea and some Gulf states have begun offering more competitive pathways to immigration along with promises of a work-life balance, streamlined visa programs and competitive salaries. This means skilled migrants are increasingly mobile.

Read more:
The states want a bigger say in skilled migration – but doing that actually leaves them worse off

Australia has made strides in streamlining visa categories and targeting sectoral needs, while Canada has built a strong narrative around inclusion and multiculturalism.

However, there is a need to combine Australia’s responsiveness and Canada’s inclusive ethos to build resilient migration systems.

Build future-ready migration systems

In an era defined by geopolitical uncertainties, countries can no longer afford to treat skilled migrants as temporary fixes or just economic inputs. They are people with aspirations, with families and with dreams.

They must be seen and supported as future citizens. To build future-ready migration systems Canada must:
- Ensure transparency and consistency in immigration pathways to reduce uncertainties caused by policy reversals and lengthy processing times.
- Improve credential recognition and career support to help skilled migrants, including temporary residents, transition into roles that match their qualifications.
- Develop regional settlement strategies to address where migrants settle and ensure equitable access to services, job markets and housing, especially outside major cities.
- Adopt inclusive, intersectional policies that consider gender, race and class in shaping the migrant experience, including support for spouses, children and aging parents.
- Foster collaborative and responsive policymaking. This involves connecting researchers, employers, community organizations and migrants to inform policy making.
For Canada, the challenge ahead is clear. It’s not just about opening the door. It’s about making sure that once here, migrants have the support, rights and opportunities to walk through that door — and thrive.

Ashika Niraula works as a Senior Research Associate at the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration & Integration Program at Toronto Metropolitan University. The Skilled Migrant Decision Making Under Uncertainty project has received financial support from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Insight Grant (435-2021-0752) and from the wider program of the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Iori Hamada 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. Skilled migrants are leaving the U.S. for Canada — how can the north gain from the brain drain? – https://theconversation.com/skilled-migrants-are-leaving-the-u-s-for-canada-how-can-the-north-gain-from-the-brain-drain-254435
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ5: Nurturing foreign language talents

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ5: Nurturing foreign language talents
Question:

     In 2018, the State President stated at the National Conference on Education that vigorous efforts should be made to nurture international talents proficient in foreign languages and adept at Chinese-foreign negotiations and communications. There are views that as the country’s super connector and super value-adder, as well as the premier international financial centre connecting the country and the Middle East market, Hong Kong needs to nurture a large pool of foreign language talents. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) when Government officials make overseas visits and when the Government releases videos and hands out publications overseas to promote Hong Kong, whether local mother tongues of the relevant places have been used as the medium of communication; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) as it is learnt that there are a number of language universities in the country, such as Beijing Foreign Studies University, which is approved to teach more than a hundred foreign languages, whether the Government will study allocating more resources to tertiary institutions to strengthen training in foreign languages other than English, or establishing foreign language universities drawing on the models of the Mainland, with a view to nurturing multilingual talents in public and private organisations, so that they can tell the good stories of Hong Kong in different languages; and

(3) whether it will study enhancing the existing “biliterate and trilingual” policy by turning it into a “triliterate and quadrilingual” policy?

Reply:

President,

     Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city. In recent years, various national strategies have even brought about tremendous development opportunities for Hong Kong, which require us to strengthen exchanges and co-operation with the Mainland and overseas regions and countries by capitalising on our advantage of “linkage with our Motherland and close connection to the world”. To enhance our international competitiveness and strengthen our position as an international post-secondary education hub, we have been striving to nurture talents who are biliterate and trilingual, and proficient in other languages.

     Having consulted the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Information Services Department (ISD), I would like to reply to the Hon Benson Luk’s questions as follows:

(1) Currently, in taking forward overseas promotion work, the overseas Economic and Trade Offices (ETOs) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) will make appropriate arrangements taking into account the common languages of the relevant places. For instance, apart from the English version of the relevant ETOs’ websites, languages commonly used in the countries/regions under their respective purview are also available, e.g. Japanese, Thai, German, Arabic to facilitate local people in understanding the information disseminated by ETOs. Also, for meetings between officials of the HKSAR Government and local officials/representatives of the political and business sectors and preparation of relevant promotional materials, the ETOs concerned will arrange interpretation and prepare and issue the relevant promotion materials in local languages as appropriate.

     In addition, to facilitate investors from around the world to understand the latest information about Hong Kong’s business environment, InvestHK’s website is available in a number of major languages, including simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, English, Japanese, Spanish, French, Italian, as well as Arabic, which has been newly added. Separately, InvestHK’s promotional videos are mainly in English and Putonghua. Depending on the origin of individual successful case studies, subtitles may be available in the local language. As for InvestHK’s client meetings and promotional materials, Putonghua and simplified Chinese are used on the Mainland, while English and the local language where necessary are used in overseas markets. Interpretation will also be arranged at investment promotion seminars.

     On external promotion, the ISD produces a series of creative contents in multiple languages for placement in overseas and Mainland cities through digital and social media platforms, as well as outdoor advertising, in the form of short videos and banner advertisements to tell the good stories of Hong Kong. These creative contents are available in Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Thai, Vietnamese, etc. The ISD also translated and printed the promotional booklet entitled “HK Connect” into foreign languages such as Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia, Malay and Thai for distribution to target recipients at promotional activities during senior officials’ overseas visits.

     Moreover, the ISD has held the “Immersive Hong Kong” promotional roving exhibitions in Jakarta, Indonesia; Bangkok, Thailand; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Guangzhou, China since July 2023. It will also be staged in Dubai, the Middle East next month. In addition to English, the exhibition information is also available in the local languages of each stop to enhance the publicity effect.

(2) The eight University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities have all along been making flexible use of their resources to offer a wide range of publicly-funded programmes with regard to their respective roles and positioning, as well as providing diversified learning opportunities for students in response to market demands. Learning foreign languages can help students to understand multiculturalism and strengthen their connections with different parts of the world, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in entering the workforce, pursuing further studies or starting their own businesses in the future. University education also aims to encourage students to acquire knowledge and skills in different fields, and nurture the high-calibre talents required by different industries, so as to inject impetus into the development of Hong Kong.

     In recent years, the eight UGC-funded universities have offered as many as 12 contemporary foreign languages for learning, including Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Kiswahili, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Spanish and Thai. They also offer a range of specialised programmes majoring in individual foreign languages or cultures for students who aspire to become professionals in relevant fields in the future. As for students pursuing undergraduate programmes in other areas such as engineering technology, business or social sciences, a number of universities also offer minor options or foreign language courses as free electives for interested students to pursue having regard to their personal aspirations and abilities. In addition, a number of self-financing institutions at present offer post-secondary programmes related to different foreign languages and relevant elective subjects according to market demand.

     The above arrangements for major, minor and free electives enable students to study foreign languages having regard to their learning objectives in an appropriate manner. The existing arrangements meet practical needs with flexibility; hence the Government has no plans to set up a foreign language university. Nevertheless, we will continue to encourage the UGC-funded universities to provide students with opportunities to learn foreign languages, and through various avenues, such as student exchange programmes and experiential learning activities, enable students to gain exposure to the cultures of more places, broaden their horizons, seize Hong Kong’s unique advantages, and be better prepared for their future development.

(3) Over the years, the Government has been collaborating with the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research, other advisory bodies and stakeholders to enable the Hong Kong people, particularly students and working adults, to become biliterate and trilingual, through sponsoring and implementing various measures using the Language Fund. Moreover, the Education Bureau (EDB) endeavours to develop students’ multilingual competence, enabling them to make life planning based on their own interests, abilities and aspirations, and to connect to the world. Over the years, the EDB has offered “other languages” courses (Note 1) (Category C of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination) for senior secondary students to study as an elective subject. As announced in the 2024 Policy Address, the EDB will implement a pilot scheme to invite schools to apply for additional resources to provide opportunities for junior secondary students to learn “other languages” (Note 2), in order to facilitate a stronger articulation in their learning of “other languages” as an elective subject at the senior secondary level.

     Thank you, President.

Note 1: The EDB subsidises schools to offer courses of the six “other languages”, i.e. French, German, Japanese, Korean, Spanish and Urdu, for secondary four to six students.

Note 2: Schools can use the funding to offer junior secondary courses of the six designated “other languages” (i.e. French, German, Japanese, Korean, Spanish and Urdu), which are the senior secondary elective subjects. Arabic and Russian could also be considered.
Issued at HKT 15:40

NNNN

CategoriesMIL-OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China refines departure tax refund policy to encourage inbound consumption

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

BEIJING, April 27 — China unveiled a set of measures on Sunday to further optimize its departure tax refund policy to meet overseas tourists’ needs better and expand inbound consumption.

The minimum purchase threshold for departure tax refunds has been lowered, allowing overseas travelers to apply for a refund if they spend at least 200 yuan (about 27.75 U.S. dollars) at the same store on the same day and meet other relevant requirements, according to a circular jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce and five other government departments.

While ensuring proper risk management, refunds will be made available through multiple channels, including mobile payments, bank cards and cash, to better accommodate the diverse payment preferences of overseas travelers. The upper limit for cash refund has been raised to 20,000 yuan.

The circular also outlines steps to expand the number of departure tax refund stores, enrich the supply of related goods and improve related services.

More departure tax refund stores will be set up in major shopping areas, pedestrian streets, tourist sites, resorts, cultural venues, airports, passenger ports and hotels, according to the circular.

Departure tax refund stores are encouraged to broaden product offerings to include time-honored brands, renowned Chinese consumer goods, smart devices, intangible cultural heritage items, crafts and specialty products, among others.

A series of activities to promote shopping in China will be launched to support local efforts to cultivate and promote high-quality signature products, such as “city gifts” and “must-buy” items, in departure tax refund stores.

Meanwhile, the regulations regarding departure tax refund have been revised to optimize related services and streamline the refund process to help overseas travelers more easily benefit from departure tax refund policies, according to the country’s taxation authorities.

Earlier this month, China announced a nationwide shift from a refund-upon-departure model to a refund-upon-purchase model for departure tax refund, enabling foreign visitors to instantly claim value-added tax rebates at tax-free stores across the country.

“Providing overseas travelers with a greater variety of shopping options and improved, more convenient tax refund services will help stimulate inbound consumption and support high-standard opening up and economic growth,” said Chen Binkai, vice president of the Central University of Finance and Economics.

MIL OSI China News –

April 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coke shipment keeps British Steel’s blast furnaces burning
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Coke shipment keeps British Steel’s blast furnaces burning

The Government has confirmed the arrival of a new raw materials shipment for use in British Steel’s Scunthorpe blast furnaces.
Steelmaking in Scunthorpe will continue as the Government confirmed the arrival of a new shipment of raw materials today this weekend – bolstering the UK’s national security by protecting the vital capability of domestic steel production.

A shipment of over 55,000 tonnes of blast furnace coke – more than four times the weight of the Shard – from Bluescope Steel’s plant in Australia arrived at Immingham Bulk Terminal today on the MV (merchant vessel) Navios Alegria. It will now be transferred by rail to Scunthorpe.

The coke is crucial to helping ensure both blast furnaces at British Steel can keep running for the coming months and a vital part of efforts to provide a steady pipeline of materials for continued steelmaking.

Another shipment of more than 66,000 tonnes of iron ore pellets and 27,000 tonnes of iron ore fines is due to arrive from Sweden next week, and has been paid for directly by government using existing DBT budgets – as part of this government’s commitment to backing UK industry to succeed.

In further efforts to shore up the company, British Steel has confirmed two more crucial appointments to its leadership team with a new interim Chief Operating Officer and HR Director, both of whom have more than 30 years’ experience in the steel industry.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

This government is on the side of British workers and British industry. The action we’ve taken to secure primary steelmaking at Scunthorpe will not only support our national security but help our steel sector supply the construction of the homes and infrastructure of the future, as part of our Plan for Change.

By securing the raw materials we need to keep Scunthorpe going for the foreseeable future we’ve helped protect thousands of crucial steel jobs. Now, British Steel workers and their families can breathe a sigh of relief and know that we are on their side.

Allan Bell, Interim CEO of British Steel said:

We’ve successfully secured the raw materials we need to keep the blast furnaces running, meaning our production of steel can continue. We would not be here today without the hard work and dedication of our specialist procurement, technical and operational teams who have worked tirelessly on short timescales to secure the required raw materials.

Over the coming months our focus will be on stabilising our operations for the long-term, cementing British Steel as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of steel.

Community Assistant General Secretary Alasdair McDiarmid said:

The imminent shipments of coke and other raw materials needed to keep the blast furnaces running over the months ahead provide much-needed assurance for our members on site in Scunthorpe. We are grateful to British Steel and the government for the decisive work they have undertaken to secure a future for the business – we have seen their commitment and dedication first-hand.

After years of neglect, we now have a UK Government which understands the vital strategic importance of steel, and is backing this up with action.

The latest delivery of vital raw materials reinforces the UK’s primary steelmaking capacity by ensuring both blast furnaces at Scunthorpe can remain operational and gives certainty to the workforce of around 3,000 employed at the steelworks.

It also comes after British Steel announced earlier this week that it has ended a consultation on staff redundancies launched in March by its owners Jingye, and confirmed it would keep both blast furnaces running, securing thousands of jobs thanks to the Government’s decisive action to step in and save the company.

Now that the necessary supplies of raw materials for the blast furnaces have been confirmed, the Government is continuing to focus on securing the long-term future of British Steel with private sector investment, working closely with a range of third parties on potential options.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 27 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Sherman Hosts Passionate In-Person Town Hall, Draws +1,000 at Cal State Northridge Arena

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

Northridge, California – On April 26th, Congressman Brad Sherman welcomed over 1,000 residents of California’s 32nd Congressional District to an in-person Town Hall at California State University, Northridge (CSUN).

The event drew a packed and passionate crowd as Congressman Sherman addressed critical issues impacting both the district and the nation. Topics ranged from the chaos and recklessness of the Trump administration’s agenda, its dismantling of critical services — from Social Security to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – our recovery efforts from the Los Angeles wildfires and much more.

Passions ran high throughout the evening as constituents voiced deep concerns about national political trends and the erosion of public trust. Despite the charged atmosphere, the meeting showcased the district’s strong civic engagement and commitment to holding leaders accountable.

“I am proud to represent a district that cares deeply about the future of our democracy and isn’t afraid to speak out,” said Congressman Sherman. “Our challenges are serious, but our passion and involvement are stronger.”

Today’s Town Hall was part of Sherman’s long-standing tradition of maintaining open and direct communication with the residents he serves during critical periods in our nation’s history.

During the Town Hall, Sherman requested input from residents by asking a series of survey questions about their thoughts and concerns.

The results of the survey questions are as follows:

1) Do you approve of President Trump’s performance as President so far?

– Approve: 10%
– Disapprove: 88%
– Unsure: 2%

2) Should your Member of Congress vote for legislation that they think is good for the country, or should they vote NO on everything that Republican Speaker Johnson is willing to propose and Trump is willing to sign?

– Obstruction & Resistance: Vote NO on all of Speaker Johnson and President Trump’s legislation: 44%

– Negotiate with Republicans but only vote for a bill Democrats think is good: 42%

– Vote with Republicans: 10%

-Unsure: 4%

3) Since October 7th, 2023, we’ve provided aid to Israel of $14.1 billion, which is about one-tenth of what we have provided Ukraine, whichwas also attacked a couple of years ago. Should we continue to provide arms aid to Israel?

– Yes, provide arms aid to Israel: 30%
– No, do not provide arms aid to Israel: 55%
– Unsure: 15%

4) Should U.S. tax dollars be used to purchase Bitcoin, Dogecoin, or Trump coin?

– Yes, take our tax dollars and buy cryptocurrency: 1%
– No, do not buy crypto with tax dollars: 98%
– Unsure: 1%

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Accelerating the roll-out of public EV chargers

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is updating the way it co-invests in public electric vehicle (EV) chargers with the private sector to accelerate the delivery of EV chargers across New Zealand, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Energy Minister Simon Watts say.

“New Zealand needs more EV chargers. We have fewer public chargers per EV than many other countries in the OECD, and we know that this is a barrier to Kiwis purchasing EVs,” Mr Bishop says.

“People buying an EV need confidence that they can charge where and when they need to on a comprehensive public network.

“The number of EV charge points (as of 31 December 2024) is 1,378 – around one for every 84 EVs (battery electric and plug in hybrid). The Government is targeting 10,000 by 2030, so that there will be one public charge point to around 40 EVs. This will remove people’s ‘range anxiety’ and make owning an EV as easy as possible.

“The Government will therefore utilise the highly successful Ultra-Fast Broadband model to accelerate the roll-out of EV chargers. Under the status quo, the private sector are reluctant to invest in charging infrastructure until there’s sufficient demand, but demand for charging won’t grow until the purchase of EVs stops being hampered by a lack of public charging. This chicken-and-egg situation is hampering the roll-out and justifies government action.

“Since 2016, government investment in EV chargers has consisted of direct grants. This made sense when the market for public EV charging was being established. This model is now outdated, with EVs now making up over 2 per cent of the light vehicle fleet, and expected to make up around 11 per cent by 2030. A range of charge point operators have now also entered the market.

“The Government is moving to a more sophisticated, commercial procurement model. We have set aside up to $68.5 million in currently held grant funding, to provide concessionary loans to private operators to co-invest in public EV charging infrastructure. Loans will be quicker to implement and will help achieve the Government’s objectives with less complexity, cost and risk.

“Concessionary loans will bring forward private investment in public EV charging infrastructure by lowering the cost of capital. They will also provide better value for money by maximising private sector investment while keeping the taxpayers’ contribution to a minimum.

“Loans will be awarded through contestable co-investment rounds, and applications will be open to proposals to establish portfolios of public EV charging sites (i.e. multiple charging locations). This is the best way to support scaled-up development and to maximise competitive tension between providers.

“Giving effect to commitments made on the National-Act Coalition agreement, this competitive tension will help ensure public investment flows to proposals delivering the best value-for-money. A cost benefit analysis will also be applied at the point loan applications are assessed, with a successful applicant having demonstrated that the benefits to New Zealand of its project outweigh the costs.”

Mr Watts says that EVs make a huge amount of sense for New Zealand.

“With our bountiful renewable energy resources EVs are a winner for New Zealand. Kiwis charging their EVs are essentially filling their cars with predominantly water, wind, and geothermal energy – rather than fossil fuels – due to our high level of renewable energy.

“There are real benefits to owning an EV. Not only does it support our economic and climate goals, but it also delivers long-term benefits to users by helping keep running costs low. This Government is focused on growing the economy so Kiwis can get ahead.

“By giving people more options to reduce everyday expenses like transport, we’re helping households stay ahead and build a more sustainable future. By co-investing to accelerate public EV infrastructure ahead of demand, we will give more Kiwis the confidence to go electric.”

The new EV charging initiative will be administered by National Infrastructure Funding and Financing (NIFFCo), the successor organisation to Crown Infrastructure Partners (which delivered Ultra-Fast Broadband). EECA will provide assistance as required.
Editor’s notes

Increasing the number of chargers to support rapid EV uptake will help to reduce New Zealand’s light road transport emissions. An EV used in New Zealand emits at least 60 percent fewer emissions over its full life cycle than do petrol vehicles.
The concessionary loans will offer up to 50 percent of project costs, have a zero percent interest rate, and a maximum tenure of 13 years. The loans will be awarded through a contestable co-investment bid process.
Applications will be assessed against value-for-money criteria to ensure loans are awarded to projects of greatest benefit and that New Zealand’s EV charging network grows at pace. A Request for Proposals (RFP) for interested parties is expected to be released shortly.
Consumer monitoring by EECA consistently shows that some of the main perceived disadvantages of EVs include that the driving range is not suitable for long distance travel, and that there are not enough public chargers available. Increasing the availability of public charging infrastructure gives drivers the confidence to switch to an electric vehicle. See EECA’s Transport Monitor: https://www.eeca.govt.nz/assets/EECA-Transport-Monitor-Mar-Jun-2024.pdf

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Krishnamoorthi Concludes “Trump Tariff Tour,” Highlights Devastating Impact of Trump’s Tariffs on Illinois Families and Small Businesses

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

SCHAUMBURG, IL – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi concluded a three-stop “Trump Tariff Tour” across Illinois to highlight the destructive economic impact of President Donald Trump’s blanket tariff policies. From Chicago to Atlanta to Urbana, Congressman Krishnamoorthi heard directly from small business owners, farmers, and workers about how Trump’s tariffs are driving up costs, shrinking margins, and threatening jobs across the state.

“Whether it’s a family farm, a neighborhood kombucha brewery, or a local produce distributor, Illinois businesses and working families are footing the bill for Donald Trump’s reckless tariff war,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “These tariffs are a hidden tax on hardworking families and small businesses, and they’re already doing real damage to our economy. Illinoisans shouldn’t have to pay the price for Trump’s self-inflicted economic wounds. It’s time to end these tariffs now.”

“Many of the small businesses that drive our economy have been rocked by the uncertainty of shifting tariffs and trade policies,” said Elliot Richardson, president of the Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC). “These small businesses face the prospect of rising costs, shrinking margins, and disrupted supply chains. Small businesses do not have the resources to suddenly and frequently pivot, making transparency and certainty so important to the small business community. The SBAC continues to urge an intentional approach to trade policies that considers the impact on small businesses so they do not become collateral damage in escalating trade wars.

The tour kicked off in Chicago at Testa Produce, where the congressman met with CEO Peter Testa and small business leaders from the Small Business Advocacy Council. There, he emphasized that tariffs are inflating operating costs for food distributors and retailers across the state. From there, Congressman Krishnamoorthi traveled to Kindred Farms in Atlanta, Illinois, where he stood with local agricultural leaders to call out the impact of retaliatory tariffs on Illinois’ $200 billion agricultural sector. The tour concluded at Cloud Mountain Kombucha Brewery in Urbana, where the congressman met with small business owners and local leaders to discuss the ripple effects of higher import costs.

Across the state, the congressman warned that if fully implemented, Trump’s proposed tariffs could cost the average Illinois household at least $4,400 per year, with 44% of small businesses already bracing for revenue losses. As the Trump administration continues to pursue its costly trade policies, Congressman Krishnamoorthi is fighting to protect Illinois families and the small businesses that drive our economy.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Hosts Town Halls Across Nebraska

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) hosted three town halls across Nebraska. The town halls took place in Kearney, Valentine, and Scottsbluff. Senator Ricketts gave an update on his work in Washington, D.C. He also answered questions directly from Nebraskans.
“As Governor and now as Senator, I’ve made it a priority to be accessible to Nebraskans,” said Ricketts. “These town halls are one of many ways I stay connected to the priorities and values of my constituents. I’ll continue fighting every day to make sure Nebraskans’ voices are heard in Washington.”
The events drew strong attendance from community members. During each stop, Ricketts highlighted his ongoing efforts to secure the southern border, deliver meaningful tax relief, and support Nebraska agriculture. Constituents raised questions on a range of issues, including taxes, foreign affairs, and serving Nebraska.
Ricketts also presented a legislative update to the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce luncheon, and took questions, this week.
In 2024, Ricketts held 87 public events in Nebraska. His constituent services team held Mobile Office Hours in all 93 Nebraska counties – twice. These events were part of nearly 700 outreach events held in 2024. In addition, Ricketts’ team helped nearly 800 Nebraskans access federal services.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SENATOR: TRUMP TARIFFS ARE COSTING LI-ERS $5,000 MORE A YEAR; SENATOR REVEALS ICONIC LONG ISLAND FASHION BUSINESS COSTS HAVE JUMPED 30%—WITH NO END IN SIGHT; SENATOR STANDS WITH OWNER—WHO VOTED FOR…

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
Schumer Stands With Long Island Trump Voters Who Love “MAGA” – But Hate Tariffs & Want White House To Get The Message That They Are Killing LI Economy, Consumers & Small Biz
Senator Says If Trump Tariff War Continues Nassau Could Lose 10,900 Jobs & Suffolk Could Lose 24,400; LI Fashion Staple, TandyWear, Just Expanded Last Year But All This Success Could Be Snuffed Out & LI Could Suffer
Schumer: Trump Tariffs Are Unraveling LI Fashion Company – And Things Could Get Worse If GOP Refuses To Put Big Boy/Girl Pants On & Help Dems End Tariffs
Alongside self-described Trump voters at an iconic Long Island fashion brand company, TandyWear, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer addressed the issue of Trump tariffs that are costing Long Islanders nearly $5,000 a year, while squeezing small businesses and slashing local profits. Schumer and the owner of the company, who voted for President Trump, said the trade war is bad for business and consumers on Long Island. Schumer also revealed that TandyWear’s costs have jumped 30% since the trade war began, and this needless increase in costs comes at the same exact time the Long Island company was planning to expand and hire more employees.
“TandyWear’s story, a Long Island company that was bouncing back from COVID, on the up, even expanding, but now is facing dramatically higher costs and overall uncertainty, is not their story alone—this is now the story of so many businesses across New York and the nation, and it is a needless harbinger of what might come if the President’s tariff war wages on,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “This trade war will cost Long Islanders $5,000 more a year, and right here on Long Island, more than 35,000 jobs are at risk. For business owners like Tandy, costs are up 30% with no end in sight, so we have to try and fix this, not in the name of politics, but in the name of logic.”
Schumer detailed that more than 35,000 jobs across Long Island are at risk, and said this one story is part of a bigger narrative threatening the nation’s and New York’s economy. The owner of TandyWear said she is not passing her 30% increase in costs onto her consumers, but, instead, is absorbing them for the moment, because the Long Island economy is feeling ‘shaky’ already. She said her customers cannot afford to pay 30% more.
Schumer also announced that next week he will force a vote in the Senate to end the Trump trade war. Schumer said the House must also act and that Long Island’s Republican members of Congress have real sway to pressure the GOP—and that they should use their voice. Schumer stood with Trump voters, the owner of TandyWear, her employees and an economics professor from Hofstra as he made the case to help improve the Long Island economy, not stifle it.
“Next week, I will force a vote in the Senate to end this trade war, because what’s happening right now is just bad business. No matter what your vantage: the business, the consumer, the industry—it is one giant mess, and my vote to try and fix this problem will likely get Republican support,” Schumer added. “If this trade war just goes on and on, Nassau could lose more than 10,000 jobs, and Suffolk could lose more than 24,000. This is not winning. It’s losing. But worse, it is Long Island suffering. We cannot sit back and do nothing while Trump’s tariffs unravel this Long Island fashion company, or any company for that matter.”
Schumer said in the early days of the trade war news, the fashion and garment industry was facing price increases of at least 10 to 17%. Now, Schumer says, that number is much higher, much closer to the 30% being faced by TandyWear. Schumer also said NYC is a fashion and garment hub, from leathers to other textiles, and that the current tariff ‘plan’ will rip the threads out of the NYC and Long Island’s fashion and commerce economy.
When the Senate returns, Schumer says he will force a vote on a bipartisan resolution that would terminate the emergency declared by Trump to authorize his global tariffs. If the resolution is enacted into law, the tariffs would be rescinded. The Senate also previously passed a bipartisan resolution terminating Trump’s national emergency that is justifying his destructive tariffs, which Schumer said the House needs to vote on and that Long Island Republicans have real sway over. Schumer has been a vocal supporter of both resolutions.
Schumer explained how New York, Long Island and its metro area is especially vulnerable to the President’s needless tariff war because it is one of the world’s largest trade hubs. Schumer explained that the New York port and area import and export hubs hum with activity that pumps billions of dollars into the New York/Long Island economy each year.
Specifically, Schumer said that the President’s tariffs also put over 260,000 New York jobs tied to exports at, what he calls, a “direct hit” economic risk. Schumer explained that JP Morgan recently released data showing the nation’s chances of a recession are now at 60%—but Schumer says, in New York, the number is much higher.
Schumer also pointed to Barclays, and brokerages HSBC, Deutsche Bank and BofA warned last Thursday that the U.S. economy faces a higher risk of slipping into a recession this year if the President’s tariffs remain in place.
Financial reports say that if the tariffs are sustained, “recession risks will likely rise materially,” Deutsche Bank said in a note, while BofA noted the economy could be pushed to “the precipice of recession,” according to reports. Both Deutsche Bank and BofA predicted tariffs could ‘potentially shave 1-1.5 percentage points from U.S. economic growth this year.’

MIL OSI USA News –

April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Deep sea mining ‘piracy in policy’: Greenpeace condemns Trump, The Metals Company for mining support

Source: Greenpeace Statement –

Washington/Sydney, Saturday 26 April 2025 — Greenpeace Australia Pacific has slammed Donald Trump’s support of deep sea mining as a ‘gross betrayal of the Pacific’ after the Trump administration signed an executive order advancing U.S. ambitions to launch deep sea mining in U.S. and international waters.

This rogue action is highly politically controversial for appearing to bypass the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the regulatory body set up by the United Nations to protect the deep sea as the common heritage of humankind and decide whether deep sea mining can start in the international seabed.

The Metals Company (TMC) – a deep sea mining company – recently declared its intention to work with the Trump Administration outside of the UN-established regulatory framework, to try to start mining in the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the Pacific – a region that sits outside jurisdiction. The Executive Order instructs the Secretary of Commerce to expedite the process for reviewing and issuing exploration and commercial recovery permits under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA), breaking the longstanding tradition of the US being a good-faith actor on UNCLOS (The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).

The order outlines that the Trump administration seeks to identify minerals for defence, infrastructure and energy purposes, and makes no mention of addressing the climate crisis.

Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “By authorising deep sea mining outside of international law, the Trump Administration is dressing up a disaster in a suit and tie, signing policies in boardrooms that will drown Pacific nations in financial, economic, cultural and environmental disaster. It’s neocolonialism with a letterhead.

“The Metals Company steam-rolled its way over multilateralism at the ISA and straight through the doors of Donald Trump, without a look back at the Pacific nations it is betraying. Pushing ahead with deep sea mining is a slap in the face to multilateralism, an insult to the UN’s regulatory body, and a gross betrayal of the Pacific.”

If approved, the plans could allow TMC to start mining in the CCZ – a region known for an abundance of polymetallic nodules – and threaten to derail years of negotiations between TMC and its sponsoring states including Nauru, Tonga and Kiribati.

“This move risks leaving Nauru, Kiribati and Tonga high and dry; TMC promised the people of Nauru jobs and prosperity from this agreement, saying that mining their waters would help fix the climate crisis. But it has taken the first chance it got to turn its back on Nauru and it will do the same to any other Pacific country. TMC is a money-hungry machine, using and abusing its Pacific partners without a care for the people, their cultural connection to the ocean, jobs, prosperity or the climate crisis,” Gounden said.

“Deep sea mining is piracy in policy – allowing governments to raid resources and leave wreckage behind. The Trump administration is looking for minerals to build weapons for America – not help the Pacific. This should be a warning to all Pacific leaders: the deep sea mining industry is not our friend, it is an industry of lies and betrayal. Pacific leaders must now unite to protect our Pacific Ocean and call for a moratorium on deep sea mining.”

According to The Metals Company, it will apply for permits “in the second quarter of 2025”, with reports stating intent to commence mining operations as soon as 2027. Gerard Barron, the Australian CEO of The Metals Company, has gone on the record with his company’s willingness and desire to bypass internationally agreed regulations, stating in reference to the ongoing negotiations at the ISA “by all means, go ahead and sign your treaty…we’ll be out there”.

Currently, 32 countries have backed a moratorium or precautionary pause on deep sea mining, including Tuvalu, Palau, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, Vanuatu and Samoa. Australia has not.

—ENDS—

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Kimberley Bernard on +61 407 581 404 or [email protected]

Photos available in the Greenpeace Media Library

MIL OSI NGO –

April 26, 2025

MIL-OSI: U.S. Rep. Young Kim Joins Orange County Business Council and FHLBank San Francisco for Affordable Housing Roundtable

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN FRANCISCO and IRVINE, Calif., April 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a continued effort to address the growing affordable housing crisis in Southern California, U.S. Rep. Young Kim (CA-40) convened a roundtable discussion today with the Orange County Business Council and the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) in Irvine, California. Kim co-chairs the bi-partisan Congressional Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus and serves on the House Committee on Financial Services. The roundtable convened housing advocates, financial institutions, community organizations, and other key stakeholders that hold a vested interest in creating generational wealth through homeownership and a greater understanding of financial well-being.

“Rising housing prices are making life unaffordable for too many hardworking families in our community,” said Rep. Kim. “We need all hands-on deck to combat this housing crisis, which is why I appreciate local community leaders from public and private sectors for joining me for a productive roundtable discussion on how we can create more affordable housing options and help families struggling to make ends meet.”

Kim represents California’s 40th District, covering portions of Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties. She serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and is a strong advocate for economic development, financial literacy, and regulatory frameworks that support growth. She also co-chairs the Women in STEM Caucus and the Maternity Care Caucus. Through her partnership with FHLBank San Francisco and its member financial institutions, Kim is advancing practical solutions to support her constituents and strengthen the Southern California business community.

“Housing availability at all levels is fundamental to OCBC’s mission of advancing economic development in Orange County,” said OCBC President and CEO Jeff Ball. “We are fortunate to have leaders like Congresswoman Kim who understand that expanding our housing supply is essential to sustaining the region’s growth and quality of life. By supporting increased housing options, we can ensure that our workforce has the opportunity to live closer to their jobs. Congresswoman Kim has been a steadfast advocate for Orange County, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with her.”

FHLBank San Francisco has joined public officials at 10 roundtables over the past year as part of its mission-driven focus to partner with its member financial institutions, housing developers and community stakeholders to foster economic growth and resilience across communities.

“Today’s conversation with Congresswoman Kim and regional leaders underscores the urgent need for collaborative, cross-sector action,” said Joe Amato, interim president and chief executive officer of FHLBank San Francisco. “The aftermath of recent Southern California wildfires has only deepened the housing challenges in this region. We’re committed to working alongside our members and community partners to increase access to affordable housing, expand financial literacy, and support economic opportunity throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada.”

Attendees at the roundtable included:

•	Rep. Young Kim	Congresswoman (CA-40)
•	Stephanie Cuevas	California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues
•	Irma Gorrocino	California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues
•	Adam Wood	California Building Industry Association
•	Jeremy Empol	FHLBank San Francisco
•	Greg Ward	FHLBank San Francisco
•	Laura Archuleta	Jamboree
•	Ana Fonseca	Logix Federal Credit Union
•	Michael Ruane	National Core
•	Jeff Ball	Orange County Business Council
•	Tim Shaw, RCE	Pacific West Association of REALTORS®
•	Diana Kot	SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
•	William Shopoff	Shopoff Realty
•	Cesar Covarrubias	The Kennedy Commission
•	Matthew Kemfer	The Kennedy Commission
•	Maggie Pacheco	Wescom Credit Union

FHLBank San Francisco’s Impact in California’s 40th District

Since 1990, FHLBank San Francisco has awarded $4.5 million in grants for affordable housing and to boost homeownership in California’s 40th Congressional District, supporting the development of 401 affordable housing units for low-income individuals and families. In addition, through its Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership (WISH) program, FHLBank San Francisco has partnered with member financial institutions to provide $887,000 in grants since 2003, helping 57 first-time homebuyers — including teachers, healthcare workers, and service industry professionals — achieve homeownership.

Across its three-state district of Arizona, California, and Nevada, FHLBank San Francisco is committed to supporting a range of housing initiatives in partnership with its member community financial institutions. Since the Affordable Housing Program’s inception, the Bank has awarded over $1.38 billion in grants, helping to construct, rehabilitate, or purchase more than 155,000 affordable housing units — including $61.8 million awarded in 2024 alone. As part of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, FHLBank San Francisco is one of the nation’s largest privately capitalized sources of affordable housing grant funding.

About Orange County Business Council

For 30 years, Orange County Business Council (OCBC) has been representing and promoting the region’s business community together with government and academia to enhance the economic development of Orange County, California. The Council’s core initiatives include developing pro-business solutions that lead to economic growth, education development that leads to a competitive workforce, advocating for a range of housing alternatives, and promoting appropriate investment in regional and statewide infrastructure for the nation’s sixth most populous county. Member organizations include businesses and local organizations representing a diverse cross section of industries including biomedical, construction, education, financial services, health care, manufacturing, municipalities, nonprofit, technology, tourism, transportation, real estate and utilities. For more information, visit ocbc.org.

About Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in Arizona, California, and Nevada build strong communities, create opportunity, and change lives for the better. The tools and resources we provide to our member financial institutions — commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions — propel homeownership, finance quality affordable housing, drive economic vitality, and revitalize whole neighborhoods. Together with our members and other partners, we are making the communities we serve more vibrant and resilient.

The MIL Network –

April 26, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: My Life Inc Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in ML Natural Premium Quality Lactoferrin as Apolactoferrin

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
April 25, 2025
FDA Publish Date:
April 25, 2025
Product Type:
Food & BeveragesAllergens
Reason for Announcement:

Recall Reason Description
Undeclared milk

Company Name:
My Life Inc.
Brand Name:

Brand Name(s)
ML Natural

Product Description:

Product Description
Lactoferrin as Apolactoferrin

Company Announcement
April 25, 2025, My Life Inc. of Federal Way, WA is recalling approximately 65 bottles of ML Naturals Premium Quality Lactoferrin as Apolactoferrin 300mg. capsules dietary supplement, lot FL2407511L19, expiration date 10/2027, because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product
The recalled Lactoferrin as Apolactoferrin dietary supplement has the lot FL2407511L19, expiration date 10/2027, UPC 850062 613157. Product is packaged in a black plastic bottle and black lid, and each bottle contains 60 vegetable capsules, 300mg per capsule. Product was sold directly to internet consumers from Amazon website and consumers were also received product through Amazon VINE Program with the ASIN #BODNLMBHGG and SKU #FC-6UFC-K026.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
The recall was initiated after it was discovered during the FDA inspection that product containing milk was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk. This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Consumers who have purchased affected product and have a milk allergy or sensitivity are urged not to consumer product and return for a full refund or disposed of safely if returning the product is not possible. Consumers with questions about how to return product, request refund or product replacement may contact the company via email at support@mlnaturals.com.
Company Statement: ML Naturals takes the safety and trust of our customers very seriously. We are taking immediate steps to ensure all labeling and manufacturing processes prevent such issues in the future.

Company Contact Information

Media:
Eric Kim, Head of Quality Control
253-332-9566

Product Photos

Content current as of:
04/25/2025

Regulated Product(s)

Topic(s)

Follow FDA

MIL OSI USA News –

April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: US government confirms their support for deep sea mining plans that bypass United Nations, Greenpeace response
Source: Greenpeace Statement –

Greenpeace USA activists unfurl a banner calling on the US government to Stop Deep Sea Mining in front of Trump Tower on 5th Avenue in New York City.

Washington DC, USA, (April 24, 2025) – President Trump today signed a sweeping executive order advancing U.S. ambitions to launch deep sea mining in U.S. and international waters. This rogue action is highly politically controversial for appearing to bypass the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the regulatory body set up by the United Nations to protect the deep sea as the common heritage of humankind and decide whether deep sea mining can start in the international seabed.

This unilateral action by the U.S. government fundamentally undermines multilateral cooperation and the United Nations. The Metals Company – a deep sea mining company – recently declared its intent to work with the Trump Administration outside of the UN-established regulatory framework to try to start mining in the Clarion Clipperton Zone in the Pacific – a region that sits outside US jurisdiction. This was met with swift and strong international rebuke. The Executive Order instructs the Secretary of Commerce to expedite the process for reviewing and issuing exploration and commercial recovery permits under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA), breaking the longstanding tradition of the US being a good-faith actor on UNCLOS (The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).

Arlo Hemphill, Project Lead on Greenpeace USA’s campaign to stop deep sea mining, said: “Authorizing deep-sea mining outside international law is like lighting a match in a room full of dynamite — it threatens ecosystems, global cooperation, and U.S. credibility all at once. We condemn this administration’s attempt to launch this destructive industry on the high seas in the Pacific by bypassing the United Nations process. This is an insult to multilateralism and a slap in the face to all the countries and millions of people around the world who oppose this dangerous industry.”

“But this Executive Order is not the start of deep sea mining. Everywhere governments have tried to start deep sea mining, they have failed. This will be no different. We call on the international community to stand against this unacceptable undermining of international cooperation by agreeing to a global moratorium on deep sea mining. The United States government has no right to unilaterally allow an industry to destroy the common heritage of humankind, and rip up the deep sea for the profit of a few corporations.”

Despite now fundamentally moving to undermine the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the United States has benefited significantly from the Convention [1]. Although these benefits have been disproportionately favorable to a single nation, the Executive Order now undermines this agreement, signaling an end to U.S. leadership in global maritime affairs.

Hemphill continued: “This is a clear sign that the U.S. will no longer be a global leader on protecting the oceans, which support all life on this planet.”

Today’s act follows recent negotiations at the ISA, where governments refused to give The Metals Company a clear pathway to an approved mining application via the ISA. This March, the ISA meeting took a notably different tone from previous meetings, with over 20 countries voicing support for a general environmental policy to be developed at the ISA.

According to The Metals Company, they will apply for permits “in the second quarter of 2025,” with reports stating intent to commence mining operations as soon as 2027. Gerard Barron, the CEO of The Metals Company, has gone on the record with his company’s willingness and desire to bypass internationally agreed regulations, stating in reference to the ongoing negotiations at the ISA “by all means, go ahead and sign your treaty…we’ll be out there”.

32 countries around the world publicly support a moratorium on deep sea mining. Millions of people have spoken out against this dangerous emerging industry. ISA Member states and the body’s newly appointed Secretary-General, Leticia Carvalho, swiftly condemned an earlier announcement from TMC, on the penultimate day of the ISA’s 30th Council session, as a blatant attempt to sidestep international law and undermine multilateral governance of the global commons.

Notes:

Photos are available in the Greenpeace Media Library.

[1]
- UNCLOS codifies the principle of freedom of navigation, advancing U.S. maritime power globally by preserving the right of the U.S. military to use the world’s oceans and for U.S. commercial vessels to carry cargo globally. It also provides a framework for maintaining maritime security and stability, vital for U.S. national interests.
- UNCLOS protects U.S. interests across maritime industries, including fishing, shipping, and offshore extractive industries.
- In 2024, the U.S. government filed an extended continental shelf claim for a million square miles of the Arctic seabed, a provision authorized to States via UNCLOS for the purposes of securing mineral and oil rights in areas beyond a country’s 200 nautical mile EEZ in places where the continental shelf extends beyond this measure. The move to claim this extension was criticized by a number of countries due to the U.S.’s failure to ratify the agreement, while continuing to benefit from it.
Contact: Tanya Brooks, Senior Communications Specialist at Greenpeace USA
(+1) 703-342-9226, [email protected]

Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.
MIL OSI NGO –
April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Lt. Governor Primavera Celebrates Arbor Day at CSU Spur

Source: US State of Colorado

DENVER — In celebration of Arbor Day, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera joined the Colorado State Forest Service and CSU Spur for an afternoon of community, conservation, and environmental education.

The event, held at CSU Spur in Denver, brought together forestry professionals, sustainability advocates, and community members to recognize the importance of planting trees and protecting Colorado’s natural environment. The Lt. Governor emphasized the shared responsibility to protect the landscapes that make Colorado special.

“Arbor Day reminds us that planting a tree is a promise to future generations,” said Lt. Governor Primavera. “A promise of clean air, resilient ecosystems, and communities that are healthier and more connected. I’m grateful to the Colorado State Forest Service for leading this work and for reminding us that sustainability starts at the roots.”

Following the speaking program, attendees participated in a ceremonial tree planting, marking a shared commitment to sustainability and environmental education.

The Arbor Day celebration was hosted in partnership with the Colorado State Forest Service and CSU Spur, and supported by sponsors including Supertrees, Deyvis Tree Care, Davey Resource Group, PlanIT Geo, and Amazon Business.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Joins Colleagues in Calling Out Trump Admin’s Attacks on Head Start & Demanding It Release Funding and Reverse Firings

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined Senate colleagues in a letter calling out the Trump Administration’s direct attacks on Head Start, reminding Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of his legal obligation to administer the program, and demanding the Department of Health and Human Services immediately release Head Start funding and reverse the mass firing of Head Start staff and gutting of its offices.
Head Start is a federally funded early education program that provides no-cost educational, health, nutritional, social, and other services to more than half a million children, including thousands of Nevada children. Last week, Senator Rosen visited a local Head Start classroom in Carson City, Nevada – where she reaffirmed her commitment to this early childhood education program.
“We write to express our strong opposition to the actions you have taken to directly attack and undermine the federal Head Start program. Since day one, this Administration has taken unacceptable actions to withhold and delay funding, fire Head Start staff, and gut high-quality services for children,” wrote the Senators. “Already this year, this Administration has withheld almost $1 billion in federal grant funding from Head Start programs, a 37 percent decrease compared to the amount of funding awarded during the same period last year. It is abundantly clear that these actions are part of a broader effort to ultimately eliminate the program altogether, as the Administration reportedly plans to do in its fiscal year 2026 budget proposal.”
“The Administration has a legal and moral obligation to disburse Head Start funds to programs and to uphold the program’s promise to provide high-quality early education services to low income children and families across this country. There is no justifiable reason for the delay in funding we have seen over the last two months, and you have refused to offer any kind of explanation,” the Senators’ letter continued. “[W]e urge you to immediately reinstate fired staff across all Offices of Head Start, and cease all actions to delay the awarding and disbursement of funding to Head Start programs across this country.”
The full letter can be found HERE.
Studies have shown that high-quality early childhood education programs, like Head Start, contribute to success later in life. According to the National Head Start Association, children who participate in the Head Start program are more likely to meet key educational benchmarks, have been shown to perform considerably better on cognitive and social-emotional measures, exhibit fewer attention problems, and display fewer negative behaviors. Head Start children also have a higher likelihood of graduating from high school, attending college, and receiving a post-secondary degree, license, or certification.
Senator Rosen has been a strong advocate for the Head Start program, repeatedly pushing for additional funding to ensure that early education programs can continue serving Nevada families. Earlier this week, she criticized the Trump Administration’s budget proposal, which would eliminate all funding for Head Start. Senator Rosen has also actively worked to reduce costs and expand access to child care for Nevadans. Earlier this year, she introduced the bipartisan Small Business Child Care Investment Act, which allows non-profit child care providers that otherwise qualify as small businesses to access larger and more flexible loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, and it passed out of committee.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 26, 2025

Category: Commerce

Australia’s major source of gambling problems

Why are pokies so profitable?

Can’t we rein in the pokies?

Change is needed, urgently

Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers

Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers

Background

Source: BusinessNZ

Andy Marks, Western Sydney University

Blair Williams, Monash University

Michelle Cull, Western Sydney University

Global competition for talent

A more cautious approach

Australia visa rules slow things down

Working in jobs far below qualifications

Learning from each other: Canada and Australia

Build future-ready migration systems

Coke shipment keeps British Steel’s blast furnaces burning

Share this page

Updates to this page