Have your say on Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill
The Finance and Expenditure Committee is calling for submissions on the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill. The closing date for submissions is 11.59pm on Monday, 23 June 2025.
This bill is one of three that the Finance and Expenditure Committee is considering related to financial services. The other two bills are the Financial Service Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Amendment Bill and the Financial Markets Conduct Amendment Bill.
Please take care to upload your submission on the relevant bill.
This bill would:
transfer regulatory responsibility for credit contracts and consumer finance from the Commerce Commission to the Financial Markets Authority
make certain alignments between the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 and other financial markets legislation to support a consistent and proportionate regulatory system, including transitioning lenders from a certification to a licensing regime
remove features of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 (such as the due diligence duty for directors and senior managers) that are unnecessary because of, or do not fit as well with, the new regulatory approach (including the adoption of a licensing model)
limit the situations in which a creditor’s failure to make required initial or variation disclosure can mean that the debtor is not liable for the costs of borrowing.
Tell the Finance and Expenditure Committee what you think:
Make a submissionon the bill by 11.59pm on Monday, 23 June 2025.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
On May 16, under the theme of “Opening Up a New Lhasa, Opening Up New Opportunities for Everyone”, the 2nd Lhasa Import Expo 2025 opened in Pavilion 2 of the Xizang Exhibition Center. More than 250 companies and nearly 600 representatives from 31 countries and regions including Europe, Africa, South America, South Asia, Central Asia, ASEAN, Japan, the Republic of Korea, as well as Xiangang, Macao and Taiwan are participating in the event. As one of the key events celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Xizang Autonomous Region, the scale of the expo has been significantly expanded compared with the first session. Its aim is to build an international platform for economic cooperation and promote the deepening integration of Lhasa into foreign trade and the global supply chain.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China is known for its tea, and its many varieties are proof of that. Currently, over a thousand tea varieties in China claim to be “famous.” Among all this tea diversity, there are many that are truly widely known. If there were a hit parade for tea, the votes would likely be distributed in favor of different winners. Below we present just one of the many points of view:
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) — The 29th World Gas Conference (WGC2025) opened in Beijing on Tuesday. In its nearly 100-year history, the event is being held in China for the first time.
The conference, held under the motto “Energizing a Sustainable Future,” brought together over 3,000 participants from 70 countries and regions of the world, ready to engage in an in-depth exchange of views and reach consensus on issues related to the global energy transition, trends in the development of the gas sector, and the search for a path to a sustainable future.
The conference was jointly organised by the International Gas Union (IGU), Beijing Gas and Beijing Capital Group Exhibitions.
The forums cover various topics: development of the LNG segment, integration of natural gas and renewable energy sources, energy security, digital transformation, etc. Over 400 participants – industry leaders and experts from the gas sector – will exchange opinions on development trends and technological innovations.
The exhibition is expected to attract over 30,000 visitors. Leading global oil and gas companies, gas infrastructure and city gas supply firms will showcase achievements in the development of traditional gas sector links, as well as technological breakthroughs.
As one of the flagship events under the auspices of the IGU, WGC2025 will run until May 23 at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) — Electricity consumption, a key barometer of a country’s economic activity, showed steady growth in China in April, official data showed Tuesday.
In April, energy consumption increased by 4.7 percent year-on-year and reached 772.1 billion kWh, the State Energy Administration of China noted.
In particular, electricity consumption in the primary and secondary sectors of the economy increased by 13.8 and 3 percent, respectively, compared to April 2024, and in the tertiary sector of the economy increased by 9 percent.
Electricity consumption for domestic needs of urban and rural households reached 93.6 billion kWh in April, an increase of 7 percent year-on-year.
From January to April, the country’s total energy consumption increased by 3.1 percent to 3.16 trillion kWh. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Minsk, May 21 /Xinhua/ — The one-China principle cannot be challenged, UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 cannot be distorted, Chinese Ambassador to Belarus Zhang Wenchuan said in an article published in the SB. Belarus Segodnya newspaper on Monday.
He noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Taiwan. The return of Taiwan to China is an important part of the results of the victory in World War II and the post-war international order.
“I have noticed that recently, some countries have been distorting and challenging UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, spreading absurd claims such as that the resolution ‘does not confirm, equate or reflect the consensus on the one-China principle’, and rekindling the so-called ‘undefined status of Taiwan’ theory, thereby attempting to undermine the legal basis of the one-China principle. Such rhetoric, like the attempts of some countries to deny the enormous contribution of the Soviet people, including the Belarusian people, to World War II, not only distorts historical facts, but also openly challenges the authority of the UN and the post-war world order. This is extremely absurd and dangerous,” Zhang Wenchuan notes in his article.
The diplomat particularly emphasized that the historical context and legal facts of Taiwan’s belonging to China since ancient times are obvious. There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan has been an integral part of China’s territory since time immemorial, which has long been a historical fact and international consensus.
He also pointed out in the article that UNGA Resolution 2758 resolved the issue of who is the legitimate representative of China, which strengthened the international community’s commitment to the one-China principle. This resolution completely and finally secured China’s sole place in the UN from the political, legal and procedural points of view, and completely excluded any questions about the so-called “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan”. Challenging UNGA Resolution 2758 is tantamount to challenging the post-World War II world order and the authority of the UN.
“Any action that challenges UNGA Resolution 2758 is not only a challenge to China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also a challenge to the authority of the UN and the international order established after World War II, and a flagrant reversal of history. Not only will 1.4 billion Chinese never agree with this, but all people around the world who defend truth and peace will also not support it,” the diplomat emphasized.
“China and Belarus are all-weather and comprehensive strategic partners. Both sides unswervingly and firmly support each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major issues, jointly safeguard the results of the victory in World War II and the post-war international order, and unite against all vile acts aimed at distorting the truth and history. China and Belarus will continue to uphold historical justice, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and jointly advance the great cause of building a community with a shared future for mankind,” Zhang Wenchuan concluded. -0-
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)
(Washington, DC) — U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) was presented with the 2025 Statesmanship Award by the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC) in a ceremony tonight in Washington, D.C.
In presenting the prestigious award to Case, the FMC said: “U.S. Representative Ed Case, who has the rare distinction of being both a current Member and a former Member, is a leader on issues ranging from education to environmental protection and more, bringing his collaborative and collegial approach to often-difficult debates as a member of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations and otherwise.
“He exemplifies a pragmatic and productive approach to legislating that FMC considers essential for the nation’s success.”
Case was joined in receiving this year’s award by U.S. Representative Young Kim (R-CA, and a graduate of St. Andrews Priory (now St. Andrews Schools) in Honolulu), and U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Cory Booker (D-NJ).
On receiving the award, Case said: “I’m deeply honored and somewhat embarrassed to receive this award, as there are a number of my House colleagues who deserve it.
“I have always believed as they do that our representative democracy relies absolutely on inclusion and responsiveness to real citizen concerns with real practical problem solving. That is the only approach that will lead us out of this disturbing time to deep national division and polarization and validate to the rest of our world that democracy remains the best path forward.
“It doesn’t mean that we ignore deep policy disagreements and debates and make the tough decisions when required. But it does mean that we must consciously and constantly work to strengthen the institutions and ability of our government to solve them.
The FMC (https://www.usafmc.org/) was founded over a half century ago and, at some 800 members today, is a “bipartisan, nonprofit, voluntary alliance of former United States Senators and Representatives, advocating for representative democracy at home and abroad.”
Its annual Statesmanship Award is given to Members who have demonstrated a life-long dedication to solutions-based governing, respectful debate, and placing the interests of citizens above politics.
Case served as U.S. Representative for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District from 2002 to 2007, following which he continued his involvement with Congress on various FMC efforts. He was re-elected to the U.S. House in 2018 and is now serving his sixth full term in the House. He has served on the House Committee on Appropriations since his return to Congress, currently on the Subcommittees on Defense and on Homeland Security. Among other activities, he serves as Vice Chair of the House Problem Solvers Caucus (https://problemsolverscaucus.house.gov/), a bipartisan group of Members of Congress -evenly split between Republicans and Democrats – committed to advancing common-sense solutions to key issues facing our nation.
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Attachments: Pictures of U.S. Representatives Ed Case and Young Kim at tonight’s Statesmanship Awards ceremony, along with the Award to Case.
Since the recent explosion of widely available generative artificial intelligence (AI), it now seems that a new AI tool emerges every week.
With varying success, AI offers solutions for productivity, creativity, research, and also accessibility: making products, services and other content more usable for people with disability.
Directed by blind director Adam Morse, it showcases an AI-powered feature that uses audio cues, haptic feedback (where vibrating sensations communicate information to the user) and animations to assist blind and low-vision users in capturing photos and videos.
Javier in Frame showcases an accessibility feature found on Pixel 8 phones.
The ad was applauded for being disability inclusive and representative. It also demonstrated a growing capacity for – and interest in – AI to generate more accessible technology.
AI is also poised to challenge how audio description is created and what it may sound like. This is the focus of our research team.
Audio description is a track of narration that describes important visual elements of visual media, including television shows, movies and live performances. Synthetic voices and quick, automated visual descriptions might result in more audio description on our screens. But will users lose out in other ways?
AI as people’s eyes
AI-powered accessibility tools are proliferating. Among them is Microsoft’s Seeing AI, an app that turns your smartphone into a talking camera by reading text and identifying objects. The app Be My AI uses virtual assistants to describe photos taken by blind users; it’s an AI version of the original app Be My Eyes, where the same task was done by human volunteers.
There are increasingly more AI software options for text-to-speech and document reading, as well as for producing audio description.
Audio description is an essential feature to make visual media accessible to blind or vision impaired audiences. But its benefits go beyond that.
Traditionally, audio description has been created using human voices, script writers and production teams. However, in the last year several international streaming services including Netflix and Amazon Prime have begun offering audio description that’s at least partially generated with AI.
Yet there are a number of issues with the current AI technologies, including their ability to generate false information. These tools need to be critically appraised and improved.
Is AI coming for audio description jobs?
There are multiple ways in which AI might impact the creation – and end result – of audio description.
However, in the audio description industry many are worried AI could undermine the quality, creativity and professionalism humans bring to the equation.
The language-learning app Duolingo, for example, recently announced it was moving forward with “AI first” development. As a result, many contractors lost jobs that can now purportedly be done by algorithms.
On the one hand, AI could help broaden the range of audio descriptions available for a range of media and live experiences.
But AI audio description may also cost jobs rather than create them. The worst outcome would be a huge amount of lower-quality audio description, which would undermine the value of creating it at all.
AI shouldn’t undermine the quality of assistive technologies, including audio description. Ground Picture/Shutterstock
Can we trust AI to describe things well?
Industry impact and the technical details of how AI can be used in audio description are one thing.
What’s currently lacking is research that centres the perspectives of users and takes into consideration their experiences and needs for future audio description.
Accuracy – and trust in this accuracy – is vitally important for blind and low-vision audiences.
If AI tools simply fabricate content rather than make existing material accessible, it would even further distance and disadvantage blind and low-vision consumers.
We can use AI for accessibility – with care
AI is a relatively new technology, and for it to be a true benefit in terms of accessibility, its accuracy and reliability need to be absolute. Blind and low-vision users need to be able to turn on AI tools with confidence.
In the current “AI rush” to make audio description cheaper, quicker and more available, it’s vital that the people who need it the most are closely involved in how the tech is deployed.
Kathryn Locke is employed as a researcher on the Australian Research Council’s discovery grant, “Diversifying audio description in the Australian digital landscape”.
Tama Leaver receives funding from the Australian Research Council. This work is supported by the discovery grant, “Diversifying audio description in the Australian digital landscape”. He is a chief investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child.
Police have made two arrests and removed a firearm from the community in Manurewa.
On Tuesday afternoon, Manurewa Police were called to a Great South Road property after a man was reportedly trying to gain entry.
Counties Manukau Central Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Warrick Adkin says Police were called at about 3.40pm.
“It was reported that a known offender was likely involved, and concerningly for us it was reported that he was in possession of a firearm,” he says.
“Armed staff made an approach to the address, and located the victim who was unharmed, and the offender had not gained entry.”
Meanwhile, the Police Eagle helicopter had deployed into the Manurewa area and located a vehicle of interest parked in Browns Road.
“Eagle observed a man and woman exit an address and get into this vehicle and tracked it to South Mall,” Inspector Adkin says.
Armed Police staff approached the parked vehicle and quickly took both occupants into custody.
Inspector Adkin says methamphetamine was located in the vehicle, and a 42-year-old woman was arrested in relation to this.
“No firearm was located in the vehicle; however a search of the Browns Road property located a cut down firearm, which is an excellent outcome.”
“Seizing illegal firearms such as this, will reduce harm in our community and enhance public safety.”
A 38-year-old man will appear in the Manukau District Court charged with unlawful possession of a pistol and ammunition, along with speaks threateningly.
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) led a bipartisan group of senators in introducing a resolution calling for the return of abducted Ukrainian children before any peace agreement is finalized ending the war against Ukraine.
The resolution condemns Russia’s abduction and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children and notes Russia’s invasion has increasingly exposed children to human trafficking and exploitation, child labor, sexual violence, hunger, injury, trauma and death.
“Putin’s inhumane and unprovoked attack on Ukraine started the largest war in Europe since World War II. He has kidnapped thousands of children to brainwash and Russify them in an attempt to destroy their cultural identity and heritage. The United States ought to demand these children are returned before inking a deal to end the war in Ukraine,” Grassley said.
“The mass kidnapping of Ukrainian children by Russia is an atrocity. We cannot accept a world where children are abducted during wartime and used as a form of hostage-taking for negotiations. These children must be returned unconditionally before any peace deal is finalized,” Klobuchar said.
Additional cosponsors are Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.).
Organizations endorsing the resolution include: World Relief, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (Southern Baptist Convention), Christian Life Commission & Center for Cultural Engagement (Texas Baptists) and Peace & Power Ukraine Host Gary Marx.
The resolution follows an April letter sent by forty religious leaders to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling for the return of the nearly 20,000 children forcibly transferred to Russia and Russian-controlled territories.
Find text of the resolution HERE.
Background:
Ukrainian authorities have received at least 19,546 confirmed reports of unlawful deportations and forced transfers of Ukrainian children to Russia, Belarus or Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. The abductions aim to erase the children’s Ukrainian names, language and identity. As of April 16, Ukraine and its partners have only managed to return 1,274 abducted children.
The State Department’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report found Russia recruits or uses child soldiers, has a state-sponsored policy or pattern of human trafficking and is among the worst hubs for human trafficking in the world.
Grassley’s ongoing work to support Ukraine:
For years, Grassley has been an outspoken critic of Russia’s threats and aggressive actions. After the invasion, Grassley immediately condemned Russia’s assault on Ukraine, calling it “inhumane” and pointing out that Putin is tragically “killing innocent people like Stalin did in the 1930s.” Grassley spoke on the Senate floor to call for victory in Ukraine noting, “Anything short of a Ukrainian victory is an invitation for future Russian aggression.”
After Russia began indiscriminately bombing Ukraine and murdering innocent civilians, Grassley joined his colleagues in introducing a resolution to hold Putin and his allies accountable for war crimes. This resolution passed the Senate unanimously.
In March, Grassley co-led a bipartisan letter calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to continue supporting efforts to investigate Russia’s abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children.
Read more about Grassley’s efforts to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable HERE.
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Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HONG KONG, May 20 — China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Tuesday announced nine projects to be implemented by the city’s working group on developing tourist hotspots.
The nine projects to be implemented are: Hong Kong Industrial Brand Tourism, Victoria Park Bazaar, Creating a Pink Trumpet Tree Garden, Featured community: In-depth travel in Old Town Central, Featured community: In-depth travel in Kowloon City, Disciplinary Services Pioneer Tours, Opening of the Former Yau Ma Tei Police Station, “Four Peaks” Tourism, and Revistalizing the Former Hung Hom Railway Freight Yard Pier.
The hotspots span across the territory, underlining the concept of “tourism is everywhere in Hong Kong.” There are indoor and outdoor hotspots, locales for visits and explorations, as well as places for enjoying the ecology and scenery.
Cheuk Wing-hing, deputy chief secretary for Administration of the HKSAR government, said that new travel patterns and tourists’ preferences increasingly value hotspots with unique features that are part of the flavor of Hong Kong. The nine projects will bring tourists new experiences that are more in-depth and fascinating.
The HKSAR government proposed in the 2024 Policy Address to set up a Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots, aiming to identify and develop tourist hotspots of high popularity to enhance the travel experience for tourists.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
‘China Travel’ boom: Mohan Port in SW China sees surging foreign visitors
Updated: May 21, 2025 09:55Xinhua
Foreign travelers are flocking this year to China’s Yunnan Province. With new language services and rising tourism enthusiasm, Mohan Port is breaking records for visa-free entries.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Beijing, capital of China, May 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
China welcomes and supports Pakistan and India in properly handling their differences through dialogue, achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire and seek fundamental solutions, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Beijing on Tuesday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when holding talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar, saying that this is in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of both sides, conducive to regional peace and stability, and also the common expectation of the international community.
China and Pakistan have maintained close strategic communication on consolidating traditional friendship, strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation and jointly addressing challenges, which reflects the high level of bilateral relations, Wang said.
He added that as ironclad friends, China will, as always, firmly support Pakistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, in resolutely combating terrorism, and in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs. Wang also emphasized China’s commitment to continuously deepening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with Pakistan.
He called on both sides to join hands to create an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and promote cooperation on industry, agriculture, energy and minerals, human resources development, counter-terrorism and security.
Dar said Pakistan cherishes the brotherly friendship with China, firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and supports China in safeguarding its national interests and dignity.
He added that Pakistan admires China’s new development achievements, especially in innovation and sci-tech progress, looks forward to strengthening all-round cooperation with China, and hopes to continue to receive strong support from China in overcoming current difficulties and promoting national development, security and stability.
Pakistan will do its best to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, he said.
Dar briefed on the latest situation following the ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India, as well as Pakistan’s considerations. He thanked China for upholding justice and making unremitting efforts and significant contributions to the ceasefire and promoting peace, noting that Pakistan will resolutely safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and is willing to maintain dialogue with India and ease the situation.
The two sides also exchanged views on strengthening regional cooperation and deepening coordination in multilateral mechanisms.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced on Tuesday that Britain has suspended trade negotiations with Israel over its Gaza blockade. Lammy also said the Israeli ambassador had been summoned.
Lammy said in a statement in the House of Commons, lower house of the British parliament, that Israel’s blockade of Gaza is “morally wrong, unjustifiable, and it needs to stop.”
Lammy said he thinks all lawmakers “should be able to utterly condemn the Israeli government’s denial of food to hungry children.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza on Tuesday, describing the ongoing civilian suffering as “utterly intolerable,” and called for an immediate ceasefire.
Addressing the parliament, Starmer said, “The level of suffering, innocent children being bombed again, is utterly intolerable,” and went on to say Britain and their French and Canadian allies are “horrified by the escalation from Israel.” He said an “immediate ceasefire” remains “the only way to free the hostages.”
He also reaffirmed Britain’s opposition to Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and called for a dramatic scale-up in humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“The recent announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is totally and utterly inadequate,” Starmer said. “We must coordinate our response, because this war has gone on for far too long. We cannot allow the people of Gaza to starve.”
Britain, France and Canada said on Monday in a joint statement that “if Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid,” they will take further concrete actions.
Israel halted the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the expiration of the first phase of a January ceasefire agreement with Hamas. It resumed attacks on Gaza on March 18, which have so far killed more than 3,300 people and injured over 9,350, according to the Gaza-based health authorities.
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would allow the entry of a “minimal and basic” quantity of aid into Gaza to prevent “images of mass starvation.” Later, five UN aid trucks entered Gaza through Israel’s Kerem Shalom border crossing on Monday after undergoing security inspections.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The 78th World Health Assembly is held in Geneva, Switzerland, May 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
The World Health Assembly (WHA), the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), adopted the global pandemic agreement on Tuesday.
The “pandemic agreement” proposes the establishment of a series of new platforms and mechanisms aimed at comprehensively reforming the existing systems for pandemic surveillance, prevention, and response. It seeks to promote research and equitable sharing of pandemic-related products, adjust the production and distribution order of such products, and further improve the global public health governance system, with a particular focus on addressing fairness challenges in international health development.
WHO member states, meeting on Monday in Committee A of the WHA, approved a resolution calling for adoption of the pandemic agreement. According to a press release on the WHO website, the resolution outlines several steps to advance global preparedness and pave the way for the agreement’s implementation.
It includes the launch of a process to draft and negotiate an annex to the agreement that would establish a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system (PABS) through an Intergovernmental Working Group. The result of this process will be considered at next year’s WHA. Once the Assembly adopts the PABS annex, the pandemic agreement will then be open for signature and consideration of ratification, including by national legislative bodies.
Following the adoption of the agreement, the Chinese delegation told Xinhua that China has been actively engaged in the agreement negotiation process. Guided by the vision of building a global community of health for all, China has upheld true multilateralism, advocated for greater solidarity and cooperation among countries, and supported the WHO in playing its central coordinating role.
The Chinese delegation also noted that China has worked with all parties to improve the global health governance system and strengthen global capacity for prevention, preparedness, and response. On technical issues such as pandemic prevention and surveillance, China maintained a science-based approach, put forward constructive textual proposals, and actively contributed to the drafting process, playing an important role in promoting consensus among member states.
In addition, China, along with countries including Brazil, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, actively responded to the legitimate concerns of developing countries regarding equitable access to health products under the framework of the Group for Equity. These efforts demonstrated China’s image as a responsible major country.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told the assembly that “the WHO pandemic agreement will run among the most significant achievements in the history of this organization and of global health,” underscoring that it places humanity in a stronger position than ever before to prepare for and respond to pandemics.
In November 2021, a special session of the WHA established an intergovernmental negotiating body tasked with drafting a pandemic agreement under the WHO framework to enhance global capacities for pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response.
On April 16 this year, the WHO announced that, following more than three years of intensive negotiations, member states had reached a consensus on the draft text of the agreement, which was then submitted for consideration at the 78th session.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Syrian foreign affairs chief Asaad al-Shibani (R, Rear) and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi (L, Rear) attend a joint press conference in Damascus, Syria, on May 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Syria and Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday to launch a coordination council aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The agreement was signed in Damascus by Syrian foreign affairs chief Assad al-Shibani and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. It outlines plans to enhance collaboration in key sectors such as energy, water, health, and transportation.
The council’s establishment, initially agreed upon during Safadi’s visit to Damascus on April 17, comes amid reports that the European Union intends to lift economic sanctions on Syria.
Shibani said the easing of European sanctions would facilitate broader regional cooperation.
Safadi said the coordination council aims to reactivate joint initiatives in critical infrastructure and humanitarian sectors, adding that “the stability of Syria is essential for the stability of the region.”
The two officials condemned repeated Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory, with Shibani claiming that Syria is “in communication with the U.S. and Europe” to put pressure on Israel.
Safadi stressed that Israeli attacks on southern Syria also endangered Jordan’s security. “External interference in Syria must end,” he said, adding that “Jordan sees Syria as its gateway to Europe, and Syria sees Jordan as its bridge to the Gulf.”
Shibani reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to open diplomacy and national reconstruction, saying that the country’s priority is to stabilize the economy, restore energy infrastructure, and facilitate the return of Syrian refugees.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A spokesperson for the Chinese Mission to the United Nations Office at Geneva on Tuesday urged the United States to end its politicization of COVID-19 origins tracing and stop exerting pressure on international organizations.
In response to the groundless remarks made by the U.S. delegation at the ongoing 78th World Health Assembly (WHA), the spokesperson said it is astonishing that the United States — a country that once announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) — is now baselessly attacking countries that have consistently stepped up support for the organization. The United States has evidently lost its basic sense of right and wrong. China has always offered selfless support, instead of so-called undue influence, to the WHO, the spokesperson said in a statement.
The spokesperson stressed that since the outbreak of COVID-19, China has shared information and the genetic sequence of the virus with the international community at the earliest possible time. It has also provided medical supplies and financial assistance to the WHO and 153 countries, including the United States. This reflects China’s commitment to safeguarding the common good of all humanity.
China supports scientific origins tracing led by the WHO and has invited WHO expert teams to China multiple times for joint studies. These efforts resulted in the authoritative scientific conclusion that a lab leak of COVID-19 from China is “extremely unlikely,” demonstrating China’s openness and transparency on the issue, the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson pointed out that certain countries, in an attempt to cover up their own poor pandemic response, have resorted to smearing others. Such political manipulation of pandemic issues is disgraceful and doomed to fail. The United States still owes the international community a convincing explanation for the concerns raised by various parties about the origins and handling of the pandemic on its own territory.
China urges the United States to share its early case data with the WHO and be transparent about Fort Detrick and its network of overseas biological laboratories. The United States should stop political manipulation over COVID-19 origins tracing and cease pressuring international organizations, the spokesperson stated.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Israeli troops are seen near the southern Israeli border with Gaza, on May 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
The Israeli military said on Tuesday that it will expand its ground offensive in Gaza and take control of additional territory.
“We will expand our operation, establish operational control over more territory, and clear and dismantle the terrorist infrastructure — until Hamas is decisively defeated,” Israel’s military chief Eyal Zamir said in a video statement from Gaza on the fourth day of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, Israel’s largest ground assault on the enclave in months.
Zamir said Hamas had been “severely weakened” but yet to be defeated.
At least 87 people were killed in Gaza on Tuesday, according to the territory’s health authorities, bringing the death toll from Israel’s 19-month offensive to 53,573.
The Israeli military said its warplanes struck more than 100 locations in Gaza over the past day. In northern Gaza, targets included militants, a weapons storage site, a military structure used by Islamic Jihad, and underground infrastructure. In the south, the strikes targeted militants, military compounds, and observation posts.
Meanwhile, 93 United Nations trucks carrying humanitarian aid, including flour for bakeries, infant food, medical equipment, and pharmaceuticals, entered Gaza on Tuesday via the Kerem Shalom crossing, according to COGAT, the Israeli Defense Ministry unit responsible for civilian affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories.
However, none of the trucks had reached their intended destinations due to logistical and security challenges, Israel’s Haaretz newspaper reported.
Five trucks entered Gaza on Monday, marking the first delivery after an 11-week Israeli blockade on food, medicine, and fuel. Israel said it would permit a limited amount of aid into Gaza due to mounting pressure from its close allies, as UN experts continue to warn of the spread of famine.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Tottenham Hotspur coach Ange Postecoglou insisted on Tuesday that his future at the club doesn’t depend on whether he leads it to success in Wednesday’s Europa League final against Manchester United in the Basque city of Bilbao.
The two sides travel to the San Mames Stadium after disastrous domestic seasons with Manchester United are 16th in the Premier League, while Tottenham is a place below in 17th after suffering 21 league defeats and conceding 61 goals.
Ange Postecoglou, manager of Tottenham Hotspur, attends the press conference at the Singapore Festival of Football held at the National Stadium in Singapore, July 25, 2023. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
That has left to speculation that even if Postecoglou’s side lifts the trophy and qualifies for the Champions League as a result, he will leave at the end of the season.
“Whatever happens beyond tomorrow is irrelevant when you think about the opportunity that exists right now and that is to provide something special for this football club, its supporters and everyone that has worked so hard for a trophy.”
“If I was worried about my tenure at this football club, it’s fair to say we wouldn’t be in this position because I would have been distracted long ago,” responded the coach when asked about his future.
Postecoglou said he was focused on “giving this football club its best opportunity that it has had for a while to do something special.”
“Whatever happens after that, I’m very comfortable that I will continue trying to win trophies wherever I am,” he continued.
Despite Tottenham’s poor league season, he insisted he has worked to the “process of getting the club to a position where they can challenge for trophies and at the same time, rejuvenate the squad and change the playing style. It has been a fair assignment with plenty of challenges along the way.”
“With such a big game tomorrow, there is an opportunity to fulfil at least the main task I was given which was to bring trophies to the club,” continued Postecoglou, who was annoyed by a journalist who asked if Wednesday’s result would mean he would go down in history or infamy.
“That depends on your outlook but I’ll tell you one thing, irrespective of tomorrow, I’m not a clown and never will be,” he replied.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim was realistic about his club’s season when he spoke to the press ahead of Wednesday’s Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.
The winner will earn a place in next season’s Champions League, but with Tottenham 17th in the Premier League and Manchester United just one place above in its worst season since the league was formed in 1992, Amorim admitted that winning a European trophy would not compensate for a bad year domestically.
“Nothing is going to change our season, but everybody knows winning a European title can help us have the feeling that can help us to build a future.”
Manchester United’s manager Ruben Amorim (R) walks to shake hands with Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot after the English Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United in Liverpool, Britain, Jan. 5, 2025. (Xinhua)
“A new future is not the case, but it’s going to help us to finish the season and many people will look at our team in a different way because winning a European title is really important,” said Amorim.
“Obviously, we know that in the Premier League we haven’t been as good as we want, and all the other cups the same because our aim is always to get to the end of the competitions and win the trophies,” continued the Portuguese.
Defeat would mean missing out entirely on a place in Europe next season and a blow to a club that has lost 300 million pounds over the last three years. The club has also implemented additional cutbacks to those introduced this season, although Amorim moved to play down the economic significance of losing European football.
“Our club can have revenues without the Champions League. It’s a big, massive club with fans around the world. It is a big brand. We just need to be focused and do things in the right way so I don’t see it like that,” he replied.
Amorim also revealed that Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot and Joshua Zirkzee would be in the matchday squad, although he added that they would struggle to play the full game.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
SCIO organizes media trip on robotics development
China SCIO | May 21, 2025
The State Council Information Office (SCIO) hosted a media trip in Beijing on Friday, inviting foreign journalists to explore China’s cutting-edge robotics industry.
During the trip, the journalists visited the Beijing Innovation Center of Humanoid Robotics and the Beijing World of Robots, both located in the robot industrial park in Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, also known as Beijing E-Town. The visitors engaged in discussions with officials and representatives from Beijing E-Town to learn more about China’s robotics development.
Xing Huina, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO, welcomes journalists in Beijing, May 16, 2025. [Photo by Liu Jian/China SCIO]
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE U.S.
TORONTO, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — O2Gold Inc. (NEX:OTGO.H) (“O2Gold” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide an additional update on its pending acquisition of a gold mining exploration property in Quebec through the purchase of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Quebec Aur Ltd. (the “Target”) pursuant to a share exchange agreement entered into by the Company with the Target and its shareholders dated April 15, 2024, as amended November 14, 2024 (the “Acquisition”).
The Company received an extension from the TSX Venture Exchange to close its previously announced non-brokered private placement financing of 14 million units and 16 million flow-through common shares for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $1.5 million (the “Offering”). The Company now has until June 23, 2025, to close the Offering, which, for clarity, shall not be for less than aggregate gross proceeds of $1.5 million.
The parties are working diligently to complete the remaining legal formalities in relation to the Acquisition, which is now expected to close in mid-2025, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions. The Acquisition is more fully described in the Company’s press releases dated April 15, 2024, April 23, 2024, April 24, 2024, May 30, 2024, and August 23, 2024, as well as the Company’s management information circular (the “Circular”) which was mailed to shareholders of record as of August 26, 2024. The Offering is more fully described in the Company’s press release dated April 8, 2025. The press releases and Circular are available under O2Gold’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
About O2Gold
O2Gold is a mineral exploration company.
For additional information, please contact:
Scott Moore, Chief Executive Officer Phone: (416) 861-1685 Email: smoore@miningsm.com
Regulatory Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the Offering and Acquisition, including closing conditions and timing, and other matters related thereto. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: receipt of necessary approvals; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; future mineral prices and market demand; accidents, labour disputes and shortages and other risks of the mining industry. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.
NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
If you’re browsing the supermarket fridge for reduced-fat milk, it’s easy to be confused by the many different types.
You canfind options labelled skim, skimmed, skinny, no fat, extra light, lite, light, low fat, reduced fat, semi skim and HiLo (high calcium, low fat).
So what’s the difference between two of these common milks – skim milk and light milk? How are they made? And which one’s healthier?
What do they contain?
Skim milk
In Australia and New Zealand, skim milk is defined as milk that contains no more than 1.5% milk fat and has at least 3% protein. On the nutrition information panel this looks like less than 1.5 grams of fat and at least 3g protein per 100 millilitres of milk.
Light milk is sometimes spelled “lite” but they’re essentially the same thing.
While light milk is not specifically defined in Australia and New Zealand, the term “light” is defined for food generally. If we apply the rules to milk, we can say light milk must contain no more than 2.4% fat (2.4g fat per 100mL).
In other words, light milk contains more fat than skim milk.
You can find the fat content by reading the “total fat per 100mL” on the label’s nutrition information panel.
How about other nutrients?
The main nutritional difference between skim milk and light milk, apart from the fat content, is the energy content.
Any milk sold as cow’s milk must contain at least 3% protein (3g protein per 100mL of milk). That includes skim or light milk. So there’s typically not much difference there.
Likewise, the calcium content doesn’t differ much between skim milk and light milk. It is typically about 114 milligrams to 120mg per 100mL.
You can check these and other details on the label’s nutrition information panel.
How are they made?
Skim milk and light milk are not made by watering down full-cream milk.
Instead, full-cream milk is spun at high speeds in a device called a centrifuge. This causes the fat to separate and be removed, leaving behind milk containing less fat.
Here’s how fat is removed to produce skim and light milk.
Who should be drinking what?
Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend we drink mostly reduced-fat milk – that is, milk containing no more than 2.4g fat per 100mL. Skim milk and light milk are both included in that category.
The exception is for children under two years old, who are recommended full-cream milk to meet their growing needs.
The reason our current guidelines recommend reduced-fat milk is that, since the 1970s, reduced-fat milk has been thought to help with reducing body weight and reducing the risk of heart disease. That’s because of its lower content of saturated fat and energy (kilojoules/calories) than full cream milk.
However, more recent evidencehas shown drinking full-cream milk is not associated with weight gain or health risks. In fact, eating or drinking dairy products of any type may help reduce the risk of obesity and other metabolic disorders (such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes), especially in children and adolescents.
The science in this area continues to evolve. So the debate around whether there are health benefits to choosing reduced-fat milk over full cream milk is ongoing.
Whether or not there any individual health benefits from choosing skim milk or light milk over full cream will vary depending on your current health status and broader dietary habits.
For personalised health and dietary advice, speak to a health professional.
Margaret Murray 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.
Australia’s underwhelming performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympics has raised serious questions about how well our adaptive sport system is working. The Paris games returned our lowest medal tally since 1988, from our smallest team since 2004.
This result hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Ahead of the 2032 Brisbane games, now is the time to rebuild and strengthen grassroots disability sport across the country.
To do this, we must focus on inclusive, sustainable and community-driven approaches that truly support people with disabilities from the very start.
Issues at grassroots level
Grassroots disability clubs are vital to the health of para sports in Australia.
These local clubs give people with disabilities the chance to be active, which supports both physical and mental wellbeing.
Just as importantly, they provide places where people can build friendships, feel included and develop a sense of belonging.
Many paralympians start their journey in these environments; they’re not just places to play sport, they’re key to developing future talent.
Current and former athletes have called for more and better participation opportunities in adaptive sport.
Paralympian Leanne Del Toso called for more support for women’s wheelchair basketball after Australia missed qualification for the Rio and Paris Olympics.
It shouldn’t be about funding, it shouldn’t be about access, it should be about equality.
The message is clear: we need to rebuild from the ground up, starting with a stronger and more supportive grassroots system.
Australia’s para sports system is often fragmented and inconsistent, especially compared to mainstream sports such as swimming or athletics, which usually have national pathways, structured support and a clear line from beginner to elite.
But adaptive sports are often run in disconnected ways across different states, clubs or organisations.
Another big part of the problem is the “mainstreaming” of adaptive sport: instead of creating separate systems designed specifically for people with disabilities, many sports fold disability sport into their existing structures.
While this can sound inclusive, it often creates problems.
Research shows this approach can actually narrow who gets to participate.
Even well-meaning attempts at inclusion can backfire if they don’t involve people with disability.
That’s why researchers now believe adaptive sport only works when paired with real disability-specific knowledge, community consultation and strong systems of accountability.
Without that, we risk reinforcing the very inequalities we’re trying to fix.
Another problem is the lack of participation data.
One of the main sources of sports participation data in Australia is the AusPlay survey.
This gives some insight into who is playing sport and being active, but it doesn’t give enough detail when it comes to disability sport.
For instance, while the AusPlay survey indicates 51% of adults with a disability engage in physical activity once per week, it lacks specificity regarding the activities these people participate in.
This makes it hard for policymakers, funders and sport organisations to make smart decisions, as they don’t have enough information about who is participating, where the gaps are or how things are changing over time.
With better data, we could target resources where they’re needed most, especially in communities that currently miss out.
Some possible solutions
If we want to fix these problems, we need a different approach.
That starts with co-design: involving people with disabilities in designing the systems, programs and policies that affect them.
It’s not just about asking for feedback, it’s about giving real decision-making power.
This success shows what’s possible when sport organisations stop designing systems for people with disabilities and start designing with them.
When people feel valued and heard, they are more likely to get involved and stay involved.
Recent initiatives, such as the new para unit launched by the Western Australian Institute of Sport (the original home of Australia’s Paralympic movement), demonstrate promising steps towards a more cohesive para sport system.
But grassroots sport isn’t about medals. While we all love to celebrate paralympic success, local sport has a much bigger role to play.
It helps people with disabilities stay healthy, feel included and connect with their communities. It can change lives on and off the field.
As we look to Brisbane 2032, it’s clear paralympic success doesn’t start at the top. It starts in the community and on local fields.
If we invest now in grassroots sport and centre people with disabilities in the design and delivery of programs, we can create a stronger and more inclusive future for para sport in Australia.
Katherine Raw 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.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
At the closed test site of the National Internet of Vehicles Pilot Zone in Tianjin City (Xiqing District), Yao Zhonghua, an intelligent and connected vehicle (ICV) test specialist, is fully engrossed in creating a test scenario to prepare for the discovery of the ICV’s automatic emergency braking (AEB) function.
“We use test equipment to conduct tests on the efficiency and reliability of intelligent and connected vehicle functions, and record test videos and data in real time,” said Yao Zhonghua, 33.
In July 2024, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of China and two other departments jointly released a list of 19 new occupations, and ICV tester is one of them.
According to analysis by Wang Linlin, dean of the Department of Human Resource Management at Nankai University Business School, over 70 percent of these new jobs are aimed at building new-quality productive forces, covering cutting-edge areas of “digital intelligence” such as the digital economy, green energy and intelligent manufacturing, which are the result of China’s technological revolution and industrial upgrading.
The introduction of new occupations leads to a broader range of products and services, allowing more people to make full use of their own advantages and open up new development opportunities. The new advanced occupations are highly consistent with the core content of the concept of “new quality productive forces” and reflect the vitality of China’s economic development.
At present, China’s renewing professional system has accelerated its development towards digitalization and intellectualization. Both the emergence of many new professions and the diversification of employers also reflect the acceleration of the country’s economic transformation and modernization.
“The emergence of new occupations creates a human resource base to ensure the growth of productive forces of new quality, promotes the movement of labor from low-value-added industries to high-skilled industries, and improves the overall quality of employment,” Wang Linlin said.
Taking the ICV industry as an example, more and more Chinese auto enterprises are pursuing innovative changes driven by new technologies. Digital workshops, smart factories, etc. are being built one after another, and innovative technological solutions and application scenarios are being introduced, leading to the constant emergence of new types of work and new professions.
She Hongzhi, deputy general manager of Yongtai Henji Investment (Tianjin), the operator of the National Internet of Vehicles Pilot Zone in Tianjin City (Xiqing District), said that in 2024, the total testing time at the closed testing site in the pilot zone exceeded 5,000 hours, showing a year-on-year increase of 150%.
“We have activated the development of the ICV industry, promoted the integration of enterprises into an industrial chain, created hundreds of vacancies in new professions, and the demand for skilled personnel in the fields of artificial intelligence, intelligent manufacturing and big data continues to grow,” She Hongzhi emphasized.
With the steady development of the digital economy, intelligent manufacturing and other fields, the demand for talent in new professions continues to grow. For example, according to forecasts in a report by consulting company McKinsey, by 2030, China’s demand for artificial intelligence specialists will reach 6 million people, and the shortage may reach 4 million people. According to the company’s estimates, the shortage of highly qualified digital specialists in China has already reached 25-30 million people, and it will continue to increase.
Following the incident the male was arrested and the victim was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital with serious injuries.
The 45-year-old male was initially charged with recklessly endanger serious harm and aggravated assault and was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on the 14 April 2025.
Over a week later on 2 March 2025, the victim passed away.
Serious Crime detectives upgraded the 45-year-old males charges to murder on the 14 April 2025 and he was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today.
All the above routes are excellent for walking, as are mountains including Mount Ainslie, Mount Taylor and Mount Majura.
To really make the most of the outdoors, why not visit one of the ACT’s 90 parks? They range from urban parks to the great Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
Outdoor fitness stations
There is free fitness equipment available across Canberra.
You’ll find most of them in public parks. Locations include:
John Knight Memorial Park
Theodore Neighbourhood Oval
Eddison District Park
Lake Ginninderra District Park
Haig Park
Lennox Gardens
Crace Community Recreation Park
Franklin Community Recreation Park
Moncrieff Community Recreation Park.
Our bike-friendly city offers an excellent network of shared paths and on-road bike lanes.
Incorporating bike riding into your daily commute is an environmentally friendly, affordable and easy way to increase your fitness.
Over 90 per cent of Transport Canberra buses have bike racks. There are also four bike racks in each light rail vehicle, so you can easily combine cycling with other transport methods.
You may have spotted the elevated metal baskets in parks across Canberra. These are part of a disc golf course and are available for public use.
Disc golf is like a cross between frisbee and golf using a flying discs.
There are courses in Belconnen’s John Knight Memorial Park, Eddison Park in Woden and Weston Park in Yarralumla.
Skateboarding
Whether you’re skating through the streets or doing tricks at a skatepark, skateboarding is a fun hobby that will keep you active.
There are seven major skate parks across Canberra suitable for all levels:
There are an additional 12 parks that offer skate features, so you’ll never be short of locations to practice.
If you like the idea of skating but aren’t quite ready to invest in a skateboard, you can drop into a free Learn to Skateboard session.
These are hosted by the Canberra Skateboarding Association with the help of local volunteer skateboarders.
Helmets and boards are provided, and all ages and experience levels are welcome.
Your local library might not be the first place you consider for trying out yoga, but perhaps it should be.
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of yoga books available to borrow from Libraries ACT.
With this large collection, you can find a type of yoga to meet your needs, including:
Yoga for arthritis
Yoga for people over 40
Yoga for pregnancy
Yoga for beginners
Yoga for children
Yoga for the inflexible male.
There are also e-books, audio books and DVDs available to borrow.
Northside Community Service also run free community yoga classes at the Salthouse Community Centre in Braddon.
From 1 July 2025, the ATO will pay super on government-funded Parental Leave Pay – known as a Paid Parental Leave Super Contribution (PPLSC). To be eligible, each person must receive Parental Leave Pay from Services Australia for a child born or adopted from 1 July 2025. PPLSC is:
paid as a lump sum after the end of the financial year in which Parental Leave Pay was received
paid to the super fund where superannuation contributions are currently paid (including SMSFs).
We’ll pay the first PPLSC in the 2026–27 financial year.
If Parental Leave Pay is shared with another person, a superannuation contribution will be paid to each person’s superannuation fund, based on their portion of the Parental Leave Pay.
Looking for the latest news for Super funds? You can stay up to date by visiting our Super funds newsroom and subscribingExternal Link to our monthly Super funds newsletter and CRT alerts.
On May 20, 2025, CBO transmitted an estimate of the budgetary effects of the 2025 reconciliation bill, as ordered reported by the House Committee on the Budget on May 18, 2025. CBO has not yet completed estimates of the effects of interactions among the titles of the legislation.
This letter responds to questions concerning the sequestration (the cancellation of budgetary resources) in accordance with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (S-PAYGO) that would occur if an enacted bill raised deficits by $2.3 trillion over 10 years.
