Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a $4.85 million package of initiatives aimed at understanding the prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), promoting better education and supporting women to stay alcohol free during pregnancy.
“People with FASD can experience lifelong physical, behavioural, learning, and mental health problems. Those impacts are shared by families, caregivers, and communities,” says Dr Reti.
“In April, I announced five initiatives that will benefit hundreds of New Zealand families affected by FASD. I am pleased to report we are already seeing progress.
“Following the publication of New Zealand’s first tailored FASD diagnostic guidelines, 30 healthcare professionals will be trained to better recognise and diagnose FASD end of the year.
“The community support pilot is well underway and the FASD prevention campaign will launch in October. Health agencies are collaborating with the FASD community on the refreshed FASD Strategic Action Plan, which is on track to be published in 2025.
“However, with an estimated three to five Kiwi kids born with FASD every day, we simply cannot wait for a long-term plan to take meaningful action. We have listened to the best community and expert advice and have already made a start.”
The three initiatives announced today are:
Undertaking an FASD prevalence study, to understand the true nature of the challenge FASD presents in New Zealand, rather than relying on extrapolated overseas data.
Providing structured education for clinical and community settings to grow FASD awareness and capacity in communities and across health, disability and social services.
Supporting initiatives that promote alcohol-free pregnancies and reduce the stigma of FASD.
“FASD has significant economic and social costs to New Zealand. It’s a condition which significantly challenges lifelong learning and development and makes things very difficult for families,” says Dr Reti.
“We want people to thrive, leading lives they aspire to and contributing to society and the economy.
“There’s strong evidence that prevention, early detection and intervention are the most effective ways to improve the health and wellbeing for people with FASD.
“Evidence-based outcomes is a key principle of this Government’s investments – every initiative must provide clear, demonstrable value to communities. I expect to see real progress through these programmes, significantly shifting the dial on FASD.
“We want New Zealand to be a country where people are supported to have alcohol-free pregnancies, where the prevalence of FASD is well understood, where health and disability services have the training they need to diagnose FASD, and people living with FASD and their families are well supported.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​The Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, continued his visit to Madrid, Spain, yesterday (September 24, Madrid time).
During a business luncheon hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Mr Chan delivered a keynote speech to about 150 leaders from the business, financial and innovation and technology sectors from Spain, and engaged in discussions with participants. He pointed out that Hong Kong has restored its global connections after the pandemic and with the singular advantages under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, is further solidifying its role as a super connector. He said Hong Kong welcomes Spanish enterprises to use Hong Kong as a springboard to tap into the vast markets of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Mainland, and broader Asia.
Mr Chan further noted that Hong Kong offers a full spectrum of fund-raising and financial services. Combined with the mutual access schemes with the capital markets of the Mainland, Hong Kong provides the channel where Spanish companies can conveniently attract funds from both the Mainland and international markets. Additionally, Hong Kong is a leader in green finance in Asia, and its green standards are compatible with those of the European Union, green projects from Europe can fully leverage Hong Kong as a fund-raising platform. At the same time, Hong Kong is making great strides to become an international innovation and technology centre, with a burgeoning innovation and technology ecosystem that can collaborate with Spain’s tech ecosystem across key sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, new energy and new materials.
In conclusion, Mr Chan expressed hope for strengthening co-operation with Spain in finance, innovation and technology, culture, and creative industries to deepen co-operation and achieve mutually rewarding success.
During the discussion session of the luncheon, the Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks, Mr Albert Wong, and the Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport, Mr Eric Chan, shared insights on Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development and advantages, the ecosystems of the two institutions, and the multi-faceted support offered to start-ups.
In the afternoon, Mr Chan met with the Secretary of State for Trade of Spain, Ms Amparo López Senovilla and briefed her on Hong Kong’s latest economic development. They engaged in in-depth exchanges on further promoting economic and trade co-operation and mutual investments between the two economies. HKTDC Chairman, Dr Peter Lam, and its Executive Director, Ms Margaret Fong, also participated in the meeting.
In the morning, Mr Chan led a delegation of tech start-ups to visit start-up accelerator IMPACT and Spanish telecommunications company Telefónica respectively. IMPACT, co-founded by the renowned digital business school ISDI, is one of Europe’s leading start-up accelerators, helping start-ups in and out of Europe build networks, and providing financial support, mentoring and training. The start-up representatives of the delegation interacted with IMPACT leaders, sharing their entrepreneurial ideas and business developments. The delegation then visited Telefónica to learn about the company’s operations and its development strategies in 5G telecommunications, the Internet of Things, Web3.0 and etc.; as well as its experience in incubating and investing in innovation and technology firms.
Mr Chan will continue his visit in Madrid today (September 25, Madrid time) and will travel to London in the afternoon.
Released by: Attorney General, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
The NSW Government has passed new laws to better protect victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, including tougher penalties for breaching an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) in certain circumstances.
The new offences target conduct that may indicate a high risk of harm to the protected person, including:
An intentional breach offence directed at serious or harmful breaches of ADVOs due to the offender’s intention to cause harm or fear to the protected person. This offence will carry a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment.
A persistent breach offence directed at repeated breaches of ADVOs over a short period of time, reflecting a clear disregard for the conditions of the ADVO. This offence will carry a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
These new aggravated offences will complement the existing offence for any breach of an ADVO, which has a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment.
A new civil protection order scheme targets serious domestic and family violence offenders.
The Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Order (SDAPO) provides law enforcement with a tool to monitor and supervise very high-risk offenders, with the aim to keep relatives and former, current or potential future intimate partners safe from violence.
The scheme allows the court to impose any conditions it considers appropriate to prevent the perpetrator engaging in domestic abuse.
Orders may include a requirement to report to a police station at an appointed time or to notify police when commencing an intimate partner relationship, and a restriction on the use of social media and dating apps.
Breaching an SDAPO carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
Other legislative reforms passed include:
Changes to the definition of stalking to expressly include the monitoring and tracking of a person’s activities, communications or movements through the use of technology, such as using GPS trackers or monitoring the victim’s online accounts.
Allowing police to issue a provisional AVO electronically where the parties consent, instead of requiring police officers to take individuals to a police station to print out a physical copy of the order.
An amendment to the Births, Deaths and Marriages Act 1995 to allow a sole parent with an appropriate court order to change their child’s name.
These new domestic violence laws further enhance protections for victim-survivors after the criminalisation of coercive control and stronger bail laws came into effect in July.
They also complement measures announced in the 2024-25 NSW Budget, including an investment of $245.6 million to improve support for domestic and family violence victim-survivors and expand programs that reduce the rate of violence against women and children.
$45 million of this package has been set aside to improve bail laws and justice system responses to domestic violence.
Attorney General Michael Daley said:
“The NSW Government is committed to a whole-of-government approach to preventing and eliminating domestic violence in our state.
“These new laws will strengthen the justice system to better protect victim-survivors and support their safety.
“We will continue to consult legal and sector stakeholders as we seek to improve laws and justice system responses to domestic violence.”
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
“Too many lives have been lost to domestic and family violence, and these new laws are a vital step to improve the safety and security of victim-survivors.
“The new laws complement other services we are delivering across the state, including homelessness and crisis support, early intervention and primary prevention programs, and activities to build and strengthen the sector.
“We want to ensure that any person fleeing domestic and family violence has a safe pathway to healing and recovery.”
The closure of the T3 Bankstown line between Sydenham and Bankstown will begin from Monday 30 September to convert the line to Metro.
During this disruptive time, travel will be free for all passengers on the dedicated pink buses connecting Sydenham and Bankstown, known as Southwest Link:
SW1 (all stops) – Sydenham, Marrickville, Dulwich Hill, Hurlstone Park, Canterbury, Campsie, Belmore, Lakemba, Wiley Park, Punchbowl, Bankstown.
Fare-free travel will begin on Monday and continue for the entire conversion period until the projected completion in late 2025. This date is an estimate only, as the program of works is highly complex and could take longer.
Work to bring the new T6 Lidcombe & Bankstown train line into operation in time for the closure was delayed due to now-lifted protected industrial action.
Transport planners are working through the logistics to get the T6 online as soon as possible, and will share further details when available.
Once open, the T6 will give passengers more travel options by connecting Bankstown to Lidcombe Station via Yagoona, Birrong, Regents Park and Berala.
In the interim, while preparatory trackwork is underway, additional fare-free buses will replace trains between Lidcombe and Bankstown. These will be known as the 8T3 All Stops and 8AT3 Express (direct between Bankstown and Lidcombe).
The rest of the T3 line will still be open between Liverpool and the City via Regents Park and Lidcombe.
When the conversion is complete, passengers will have access to a 21st century high-tech metro line with a train every 4 minutes during the peak, along with fully accessible stations and services. Currently there are stations on the T3 that only receive four trains an hour in the peak.
This final section of the metro line will eventually be known as the M1 Northwest & Bankstown Line, completing the transformative 30km alignment between Bankstown and Tallawong.
Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:
“Make no mistake – this will be a tough time, and I want to thank the tens of thousands of impacted commuters in Canterbury Bankstown and the Inner West for their understanding.
“We recognise there is a lot of complicated information to digest, so I’d encourage people to head to transportnsw.info, or chat to the Transport staff in pink shirts at their local station.
“It’s only fair that we don’t charge you a fare for this disruptive duration, so remember you don’t have to tap your Opal card or device when you get on.
“I want to continue to be very upfront with people – transforming this 130-year-old line for modern metro trains is a complex and difficult task, meaning it could take longer than 12 months.
“It will be worth the wait, as the 6.3 million passengers who’ve used City Metro since it opened can attest. I’m pleased we’re able to move ahead with giving these communities the same benefits.”
Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins said:
“The final T3 conversion will be difficult but worth it.
“While we continue to transform the transport network, there are big changes coming from Monday so we ask commuters to please plan your trip and check your transport apps for updates.
“Transport for NSW has handed out over 22,000 information cards since 18 September, and we have teams on the ground across the T3 corridor to ensure everyone has the information they need to plan their trips, including dates to remember for the upcoming changes.
“We have worked hard to minimise the impacts on passengers, but we do need the community to work with us, and our street teams are on hand to help.
“I’m pleased all bus driver positions have been filled to support the dozens of Southwest Link buses that will run from early in the morning to late at night seven days a week. The timetable aims for a service every 2-4 minutes in the peak.”
Construction of Fairy Meadow’s new ambulance station is on track for completion, with local paramedics soon to be handed the keys to the new purpose-built ambulance station.
Fairy Meadow’s first ambulance station will be co-located at the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus.
The state-of-the-art ambulance station will feature internal parking bays including an internal wash bay, administration and office areas, staff rest facilities, gym, logistics and storage areas and on-site parking.
With construction almost complete, landscaping and other finishing touches will be underway in the coming months. Finalising the IT infrastructure and cabling systems will be a priority during this time to ensure seamless connectivity and functionality for the new ambulance to operate effectively.
The new ambulance station is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $232 million Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration (RAIR) program.
The RAIR program is delivering 54 new or upgraded ambulance stations and is the single largest infrastructure investment in regional NSW Ambulance’s almost 130-year history.
The NSW Government is recruiting 2,500 additional staff including paramedics, nurses, doctors and support staff to optimise ambulance response times and meet current and future demand.
Additional stations are also planned to bolster the network of stations across the Illawarra at Warilla and Unanderra as part of the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program.
Expressions of Interest for suitable sites to build a new ambulance station at Unanderra are open until 3pm Thursday 10 October 2024.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“Fairy Meadow’s new ambulance station will provide paramedics with a high-quality base with the latest facilities and equipment to meet the current and future emergency care needs of the local community.
“The new ambulance station on Innovation Way will significantly enhance access to mobile emergency health care for the growing community across the Illawarra.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in rural and regional health infrastructure to support better health outcomes for local communities.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:
“I’m pleased Fairy Meadow’s first ambulance station is nearly complete and look forward to the day when paramedics can move in to this state-of-the-art facility and add to the local ambulance network.
“As Wollongong grows, it is important that we invest in health infrastructure to meet the needs of the community.”
Released by: Minister for Regional Transport and Roads
Work on the once-in-a-generation New Dubbo Bridge continues to progress with one third of the concrete deck, which will eventually support traffic crossing, now in place.
The Australian and NSW governments are investing $263.2 million to deliver this region-shaping piece of infrastructure on the Newell Highway in Dubbo.
The Australian Government has committed $210.6 million towards the project, with the NSW Government committing the remaining $52.6 million.
The decking along the 660-metre bridge structure is being built in sections, with each section involving the pouring of about 105 cubic metres of concrete to provide a deck slab of up to 25 centimetres in depth.
The deck pours will be carried out progressively while the rest of the bridge takes shape, with the final deck pour expected in mid-2025.
Once the concrete deck is completed, the final step in building the bridge surface will be to add an eight-centimetre thick layer of asphalt.
Pile driving was recently completed along the entire length of the new structure which crosses the Macquarie River and a section of the floodplain east of the river.
Construction is also underway for the network of roads that will link the bridge to the Dubbo road network, including road widening work at the intersections of Whylandra and Thompson streets and River and Bourke streets.
The New Dubbo Bridge project is due to be completed in late 2026, weather permitting.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“It is exciting to see the new bridge rapidly taking shape and I’m proud to see the Australian and NSW governments’ investments delivering for regional communities.
“New infrastructure like this is critical for the growth of regional communities and it will set Dubbo and western NSW up for the future.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:
“This bridge will provide vital flood resilience and unlock more housing in Dubbo – providing essential infrastructure for an estimated 5,500 homes.
“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be partnering with the Albanese Labor Government to deliver this project, supporting nearly 1,500 direct and indirect jobs in western NSW.
“On my recent visit to see the bridge I saw how transformative this bridge will be to Dubbo and I thank the workers who have given so much to this project and I thank the people of Dubbo for their patience.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill:
“Once completed, the New Dubbo Bridge will transform the way western NSW residents, tourists and freight operators travel through Dubbo.
“The Bridge will reduce travel times in the city centre and improve access across the Macquarie River, particularly during flood events.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Dubbo Stephen Lawrence MLC:
“The Minns and Albanese governments are delivering transformative regional road infrastructure for Dubbo. It’s been wonderful to see the progress of the new Dubbo Bridge construction.
“I’m pleased to see more than half of all people working on this project are from my local area, including many local apprentices and aspiring tradies through innovative employment programs. Many Dubbo businesses are benefiting from the economic activity being generated.”
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (25 September 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has maintained its forecast of 4.8% economic growth in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) this year, according to the latest ADB report.
The growth outlook remains balanced amid a prolonged correction in the property market and weak investor and consumer confidence, according to Asian Development Outlook (ADO) September 2024, released today. Economic activity in the PRC is expected to moderate to 4.5% growth next year, consistent with ADB’s projection in April.
“ADB’s research indicates that investment will support domestic demand while the property market correction continues,” said ADB Country Director for the PRC Safdar Parvez. “Global demand and the domestic cost advantage in manufacturing should also bolster exports.”
Inflation for 2024 is now forecast at 0.5%, lower than April’s 1.1% projection as the overall downtrend in food price persists. Strong global demand and increased credit availability for certain industries—including semiconductors; artificial intelligence; and low-carbon technologies such as electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and renewables—will drive growth this year and next.
Infrastructure investment should regain momentum with the expected acceleration of the local government special bond issuance in the second half of this year. However, the ongoing property sector correction is expected to slow growth. The contraction in real estate investment will likely continue into next year.
Risks to the outlook include the deterioration in the property market, global fragmentation due to geopolitical issues, and the escalation of trade tensions. On the upside, acceleration and effective implementation of policy measures, including policies announced in the Third Plenum, could raise consumer and investor confidence faster than expected, resulting in higher growth and inflation than forecast.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
SEATTLE, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Banzai International, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNZI) (“Banzai” or the “Company”), a leading marketing technology company that provides essential marketing and sales solutions, today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements for the issuance and sale of an aggregate of 1,176,471 shares of Class A common stock (or pre-funded warrant in lieu thereof), accompanying Series A warrants to purchase up to 1,176,471 shares of Class A common stock and accompanying short-term Series B warrants to purchase up to 1,176,471 shares of Class A common stock at a purchase price of $4.25 per share (or per pre-funded warrant in lieu thereof) and accompanying warrants in a private placement priced at-the-market under the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market. The Series A and the short-term Series B warrants will have an exercise price of $4.00 per share and will be exercisable immediately upon issuance. The Series A warrants will expire five years from the issuance date and the short-term Series B warrants will expire 18 months from the issuance date. The closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about September 26, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the offering.
The gross proceeds from the offering are expected to be approximately $5 million, prior to deducting placement agent’s fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company. Banzai intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to pay off in full its outstanding credit facility with Yorkville Advisors and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
The securities described above are being offered in a private placement under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder and, along with the shares of Class A common stock underlying the warrants, have not been registered under the Securities Act, or applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the warrants and underlying shares of Class A common stock may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and such applicable state securities laws. Pursuant to a registration rights agreement with investors, the Company has agreed to file a resale registration statement covering the securities described above.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.
About Banzai
Banzai is a marketing technology company that provides essential marketing and sales solutions for businesses of all sizes. On a mission to help their customers achieve their mission, Banzai enables companies of all sizes to target, engage, and measure both new and existing customers more effectively. Banzai customers include Square, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Thinkific, Doodle and ActiveCampaign, among thousands of others. Learn more at www.banzai.io. For investors, please visit https://ir.banzai.io.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements often use words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “target,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “propose,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “predict,” “potential,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar variations and expressions. Forward-looking statements are those that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Examples of forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements regarding Banzai International, Inc.’s (the “Company’s”): ability to consummation of the private placement, the satisfaction of the closing conditions of the private placement and the use of proceeds therefrom as well as future financial, business and operating performance and goals; annualized recurring revenue and customer retention; ongoing, future or ability to maintain or improve its financial position, cash flows, and liquidity and its expected financial needs; potential financing and ability to obtain financing; acquisition strategy and proposed acquisitions and, if completed, their potential success and financial contributions; strategy and strategic goals, including being able to capitalize on opportunities; expectations relating to the Company’s industry, outlook and market trends; total addressable market and serviceable addressable market and related projections; plans, strategies and expectations for retaining existing or acquiring new customers, increasing revenue and executing growth initiatives; and product areas of focus and additional products that may be sold in the future. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and development of the industry in which the Company operates may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Therefore, investors should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially include changes in the markets in which the Company operates, customer demand, the financial markets, economic, business and regulatory and other factors, such as the Company’s ability to execute on its strategy. More detailed information about risk factors can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the heading “Risk Factors,” and in other reports filed by the Company, including reports on Form 8-K. The Company does not undertake any duty to update forward-looking statements after the date of this press release, except as required by law.
Investor Contacts: Chris Tyson Executive Vice President MZ Group – MZ North America 949-491-8235 BNZI@mzgroup.us www.mzgroup.us
Released by: Minister for Jobs, Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Minister for Tourism
The Minns Labor Government is boosting NSW’s visitor economy workforce, delivering subsidised training programs for a sector that is expected to need up to 150,000 more workers over the next decade.
TAFE NSW is partnering with Destination NSW to develop and deliver training programs jointly funded by the Federal Government’s NSW Choose Tourism Program.
The subsidised courses are designed to address industry workforce shortages by encouraging Australians to pursue a career in the visitor economy, helping operators to attract, retain and upskill staff.
A key recommendation of the Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 Review, to be released in coming weeks, is to encourage school leavers and other jobseekers into the tourism workforce, with the aim of growing the sector in NSW to 450,000 workers.
The Review finds that currently school leavers are spurning visitor economy careers, with leakage of workers into mining, agriculture and trades due to “perceived better career paths, industry confidence and better pay”.
Having reached a record $52.9 billion of annual visitor expenditure in the year to June, the NSW visitor economy is Australia’s biggest.
The growth in the NSW visitor economy over the coming decade will coincide with the opening of the Western Sydney Airport in 2026 and a new emphasis on visitor experiences that show off the best of our food and wine, coastal and aquatic environments, nature-based, cultural, heritage, arts, First Nations, adventure and wellness experiences.
The new training programs include:
An ‘Introduction to the Visitor Economy’ microskill: a short self-directed online course, designed to provide foundational knowledge and explore careers in the visitor economy industry. The microskill will be offered free to the public for the first six weeks of release, with fully subsidised access available for NSW high school students.
Five one-hour video masterclasses: fully subsidised pre-recorded masterclasses will be available on the TAFE NSW website, featuring industry experts such as Scenic World, Cupitt’s Estate, Merlin Entertainments, Sydney Opera House, and W Hotels.
Modernised Certificate III in Tourism: set for delivery in 2025, this updated qualification will include new visitor economy skills. Updates will also incorporate contemporary case studies and assessments based on industry feedback to ensure the qualification meets the current needs of the sector.
The ‘Introduction to Visitor Economy’ microskill is launching today and masterclasses will be available from late October 2024. To find out more, visit tafensw.edu.au/visitoreconomy
Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham said:
“Through the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 review, we discovered that we need more school leavers to pursue careers in the visitor economy.
“A career in the visitor economy offers not just an incredible professional pathway but also the opportunity for some of the best life experiences available anywhere in the world.
“These new training programs will be invaluable to attracting more people to the visitor economy workforce and will alleviate pressure from the countless small businesses who are feeling the pinch as they look for skilled workers to fill jobs.”
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:
“TAFE NSW is working closely with industry to deliver relevant, modern training to build a pipeline of workers needed to support a thriving visitor economy.
“High schools across NSW, as well as the public, will have access to fee-free places in the Introduction to Visitor Economy microskill, opening doors for people to discover opportunities in this dynamic sector.
“These exciting new training opportunities will be available online, so people across the state can access the skills and expertise needed to excel in the visitor economy, helping regional businesses attract and retain talent.”
Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell said:
“A strong, sustainable, skilled workforce is critically important to Australia’s tourism industry.
“It is a great industry to work in with a diverse range of exciting career opportunities.
“That is why the Albanese Government is supporting New South Wales, and all states and territories, to build their tourism workforce through our Choose Tourism grants program.
“My first job was in tourism, and I know firsthand what an amazing opportunity this industry provides, I commend NSW on these initiatives.”
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (25 September 2024) — Moderating inflation, monetary easing, and sustained public spending particularly on major infrastructure projects, will support Philippine economic growth this year and the next, according to a report released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) today.
In its Asian Development Outlook (ADO) September 2024 report, ADB maintained its growth forecast for the Philippine economy at 6.0% for 2024 and 6.2% in 2025. The expansion in gross domestic product (GDP) will be driven by broad-based domestic demand, supported by lower inflation and interest rates, the report said.
ADB lowered its inflation forecast to 3.6% in 2024 from its April estimate of 3.8%, reflecting the sustained deceleration in food prices partly due to lower tariffs on rice imports. Inflation is expected to ease further to 3.2% in 2025 compared to the previous estimate of 3.4%.
“Most of the ingredients for the Philippines’ sustained economic growth are in place—rising government revenues are boosting public expenditures on infrastructure and social services, increasing employment is driving consumption, and reforms to open the economy to more investments are underway. With inflation slowing, the country is in a strong position to lead growth in Southeast Asia,” said ADB Philippines Country Director Pavit Ramachandran.
However, risks remain from potential severe weather events which could drive inflation higher. External factors such as a sharper slowdown in major advanced economies and the People’s Republic of China, financial volatility due to US monetary policy decisions, geopolitical tensions, and rising global commodity prices also pose threats to growth, the report said.
The Philippine government expects public infrastructure spending to range between 5.0%–6.0% of GDP annually from 2024 to 2028, after hitting 5.8% of GDP in 2023. The government’s “Build Better More” infrastructure program includes 66 ongoing projects and another 31 approved for implementation as of August 2024.
The infrastructure program aims to enhance physical connectivity through railways, bridges, and airports, or strengthen water management through irrigation, water supply, and flood control. Climate change mitigation and adaptation, digital connectivity, energy, and agriculture projects, are also prioritized under this program.
ADB is financing key infrastructure projects, such as the Malolos Clark Railway Project and the South Commuter Railway Project which will link Metro Manila to northern and southern provinces in the Luzon region. It is also supporting the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge Project, and the Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project which aims to enhance flood and climate change resilience in three major river basins in the country.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (25 September 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised its economic growth forecast for developing Asia and the Pacific this year, amid solid domestic demand and continued strength in exports. ADB has also lowered its forecast for regional inflation.
The region is forecast to grow by 5.0% this year, compared with a projection of 4.9% in April, according to Asian Development Outlook (ADO) September 2024, released today. The forecast for next year is maintained at 4.9%. Inflation in developing Asia and the Pacific is expected to ease further to 2.8% in 2024, compared with a previous forecast of 3.2%.
The improved economic outlook reflects stronger-than-expected expansions in East Asia, Caucasus and Central Asia, and the Pacific. Rising global demand for semiconductors, driven in part by the artificial intelligence boom, is boosting exports, while easing global food prices and the lagged effects of monetary policy tightening have brought inflation down to near pre-pandemic levels.
“Strong economic fundamentals will continue to underpin expansion this year and next,” said ADB Chief Economist Albert Park. “Financial conditions are expected to improve as inflation moderates further and the US eases its monetary policy, and this will support the positive outlook for the region.”
Risks to the outlook include a worsening of trade tensions between the United States (US) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC); further deterioration in the PRC property market; worsening geopolitical tensions; and the effects of climate change and adverse weather on commodity prices and food and energy security.
The growth forecast for the PRC, the largest economy in developing Asia and the Pacific, remains at 4.8% this year and 4.5% next year. Lingering weakness in the PRC’s property sector has negatively affected household spending during 2024. This has been partially offset by higher investment, underpinned by stimulatory monetary and fiscal policies, and higher exports.
India’s economy—the region’s second largest—is forecast to grow 7.0% in 2024, unchanged from April, amid strong domestic demand including an increase in government spending.
The growth forecast for the Caucasus and Central Asia has been raised to 4.7% this year, compared with a 4.3% projection in April, thanks to improved domestic demand bolstered by remittances in some economies. The growth forecast for the Pacific is revised upward to 3.4%, from 3.3% in April, driven by the increase in tourist arrivals. The forecast for Southeast Asia has been lowered by 0.1 percentage points to 4.5%, due to a decline in public investments and slower-than-expected export recovery.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (25 September 2024) —The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has maintained its growth forecast for Cambodia at 5.8% for 2024 and 6.0% for 2025. It has revised down its earlier inflation projection for 2024 from 2.0% to 0.5%, reflecting the slow increase in food prices and decline in fuel prices in the first half of 2024, according to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) September 2024.
“The rebound in the manufacturing sector— especially garments, footwear, and travel goods (GFT) — is powering the country’s economic growth,” said ADB Country Director for Cambodia Jyotsana Varma. “Agriculture and tourism are steadily gaining ground, while continued inflows of foreign direct investment are fueling the country’s economic momentum. Together, these forces are setting the stage for a promising 2024 and positioning Cambodia for robust growth in 2025 and beyond.”
The lowering of inflation forecasts reflects reduced prices of fuel-related goods and services, along with decreased costs of fertilizers, providing support to agricultural production. This will provide much-needed relief for people, especially the most vulnerable, who have faced challenges in recent years due to rising food and fuel prices.
The report highlighted that GFT exports rose by 16.9% year on year in the first half of 2024, rebounding from an 18.6% decline during the same period the previous year. Meanwhile, growth in exports of non-GFT products slowed to 1.3% year on year from 21.2%. Imports of construction materials and equipment surged by 23.3% year on year in the first half of 2024, driven by public infrastructure investment.
Agriculture is projected to grow by 1.2% in 2024 and 1.3% in 2025. Services are forecast to grow by 5.4% in 2024 before tapering to 5.2% in 2025. This forecast is supported by a 22.7% year on year increase in tourist arrivals in the first half of 2024, reaching 94.8% of the pre-pandemic levels in the first half of 2019.
Foreign investment inflows continued although they decelerated somewhat to $2 billion by mid-2024, from $2.1 billion during the same period last year. This was supported by growth in nonfinancial sectors. However, investment in the financial sector slowed appreciably due to lower banking profits.
Potential risks to Cambodia’s economic outlook include weaker growth in major economies like the People’s Republic of China, Europe, and the United States, high private debt, volatile global fuel prices, and severe impact from extreme weather events.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio
Rubio, Colleagues to Biden-Harris Officials: Individuals Tied to Cuban Regime Are Not Welcome
Sep 24, 2024 | Press Releases
Under U.S. law, any individual who has been, or is affiliated with a Communist Party is deemed inadmissible for entry into our nation. However, under the Biden-Harris Administration’s mass immigration program, it’s been reported that individuals tied to the illegitimate Cuban regime have entered the U.S. and are now residing here.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) led colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas calling for a review of the procedures for making determinations on entry and promptly removing those Cuban regime members from our country.
“The United States must ensure that former Cuban regime members involved in the oppression of innocent Cuban citizens or the transnational persecution of Cuban-Americans are not welcome into our country. Additionally, applicants who have been found to have similar troubling backgrounds, and links after arrival, should not be allowed to continue to remain in the United States… We urge the administration to publicly communicate the vetting procedures and standards by which these immigration decisions are made, in order to ensure the utmost transparency and accountability.”
Joining Rubio were U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) as well as U.S. Representatives Carlos Giménez (R-FL) and María Elvira Salazar (R-FL).
The full text of the letter is below.
Dear Secretary Blinken and Secretary Mayorkas:
We write with serious concern about the Biden-Harris Administration’s decision to grant parole to Cuban Revolutionary Air Force Colonel Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez. As you are no doubt aware, González-Pardo is notoriously linked to the international incident of February 24, 1996, when two planes belonging to the humanitarian organization, Brothers to the Rescue, were unconscionably shot down by Cuban MiG-29 fighter jets under orders of Raul Castro. This incident tragically resulted in the deaths of four innocent Cuban-American pilots.
More disturbingly, this negligent oversight comes in the wake of another ill-considered decision to admit former high-ranking Cuban Communist Party regime member Manuel Menendez Castellanos, implicated in acts of oppression against the Cuban people. Taken together, these outcomes, among others, erode confidence in the competence of the administration to recognize threats to the United States and ensure those who have done us harm are not able to enter the United States.
We call on the Biden-Harris Administration to immediately review and revise the procedures used by U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of State for making determinations on whom it grants entry, whether it be humanitarian parole or immigrant/nonimmigrant visas. The current process, by virtue of the unacceptable results annotated above, has demonstrated its woeful inadequateness to properly vet applicants and to protect U.S. national security.
The United States must ensure that former Cuban regime members involved in the oppression of innocent Cuban citizens or the transnational persecution of Cuban-Americans are not welcome into our country. Additionally, applicants who have been found to have similar troubling backgrounds, and links after arrival, should not be allowed to continue to remain in the United States. We also urge the administration to publicly communicate the vetting procedures and standards by which these immigration decisions are made, in order to ensure the utmost transparency and accountability. Sincerely,
Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio
Rubio, Colleagues to Biden-Harris Officials: Individuals Tied to Cuban Regime Are Not Welcome
Sep 24, 2024 | Press Releases
Under U.S. law, any individual who has been, or is affiliated with a Communist Party is deemed inadmissible for entry into our nation. However, under the Biden-Harris Administration’s mass immigration program, it’s been reported that individuals tied to the…
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Rubio Applauds House Passage of USCIRF
Sep 24, 2024 | Press Releases
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), created by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, is a bipartisan commission that monitors and reports on international religious freedom. The commission’s authorization is currently…
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Rubio, Scott Support Florida Request for Pre-landfall Emergency Declaration
Sep 23, 2024 | Press Releases
Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, soon to be Hurricane Helene, is expected to make landfall in Florida as a major hurricane later this week. The storm will bring strong winds, heavy rain, severe storm surge, flooding, and hazardous seas to Florida’s impacted areas….
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ICYMI: Rubio, Clement Present Plan to Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses
Sep 23, 2024 | Press Releases
Congress Can Protect Jews on College Campuses U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Paul Clement September 23, 2024 Wall Street Journal The ancient poison of antisemitism has infected American higher education…. Campus antisemitism isn’t restricted to…widely publicized…
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ICYMI: Rubio Joins Face the Nation
Sep 22, 2024 | Press Releases
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Face the Nation to discuss foreign election interference, threats to President Donald Trump’s life, the impact of illegal mass migration on communities across America, and more. See below for highlights and watch the full…
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Rubio, Colleagues to Garland: Tren De Aragua Continues to Terrorize Our Nation
Sep 20, 2024 | Press Releases
Tren de Aragua, a criminal Venezuelan transnational organization known for committing major international crimes such as human trafficking, drug-trafficking, arms trafficking, and money laundering, continues to terrorize communities across our nation. Following calls…
DILI, TIMOR-LESTE (25 September 2024) — Timor-Leste’s economic growth momentum will continue in 2024–2025, though at a more modest pace than forecast in April 2024 due to lower government expenditure and weaker investment spending than previously expected, according to a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The Asian Development Outlook (ADO) September 2024 reports that robust private consumption, fueled by consumer credits, government transfers, personal remittances, and tourist arrivals should drive growth. However, the forecast has been revised down to 3.1% for 2024 and 3.9% for 2025 from the 3.4% and 4.1% projected in ADO April 2024, respectively, due to slower-than-expected budget spending.
“Ensuring investment project readiness, improving public procurement practices, and strengthening institutional capacity are essential for maximizing the positive impact of public capital investments on economic growth,” said ADB Country Director for Timor-Leste Stefania Dina. “To sustain robust economic growth beyond 2024, we must embrace public financial management reforms and strategic policy shifts. By optimizing development finance opportunities and protecting government resources, such as the Petroleum Fund, we can build a brighter future for Timor-Leste.”
Due to lower inflation in staple products and consumer durables and persistently low inflation in nontradables, average inflation will moderate to 3.4% in 2024, revised down slightly from the previous 3.5% forecast. The report’s 2.9% inflation forecast for 2025 remains unchanged from ADO April 2024. The current account deficits will remain large but slightly less than the previous forecasts due to lower imports of goods and services in line with slower budget spending.
Risks to Timor-Leste’s growth outlook stem from lower public capital spending, climate-related disasters, and the impact of external shocks and spillovers mainly associated with prolonged global geopolitical tensions on trade conditions and inflation.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met with Argentine Chief of Navy General Staff Vice Adm. Carlos María Allievi for a formal bilateral engagement during the Inter-American Naval Conference, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sept. 23.
The two leaders discussed opportunities to strengthen their naval partnership and their shared commitment to maritime security. Franchetti also congratulated Allievi for the Argentine Navy’s robust participation in UNITAS LXV and Southern Seas 2024 and discussed future opportunities to exercise together.
During their meeting Franchetti noted that Argentina will greatly enhance regional and bilateral partnerships and maritime security as a new member of the multi-national naval partnership Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and noted how the CMF enables participants to build their shared knowledge.
The two leaders also discussed Argentia’s recent fleet modernization efforts and Franchetti encouraged their participation in future Hybrid Fleet Campaigns – a learning campaign aimed at operationalizing new capabilities – led by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command.
Franchetti stressed the U.S. and Argentina enjoy a strong partnership and share positive military-to-military ties based on shared values and interests.
Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio
Photo courtesy of the National Religious Broadcasters association.
On September 19, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) spoke to the National Religious Broadcasters association on the importance of faith-based messaging.
“The most important thing the government can do is protect the institutions that are the fiber of the nation: the family, the community, and the faith…. Your mission is to bring Christians news and information in a manner that’s consistent with their values and hopefully inspires them to live up to those values…. Our job is to ensure that your right in this country to do that remains unencumbered..” – Senator Rubio
See a lightly edited transcript below.
You’re going to hear a lot from people about politics and issues today, and I’m more than happy to talk about that. Who am I to warn you against being hyper-political? It’s what I do for a living. And when I was a state legislator, we used to beg people to be interested in politics. But now, it’s the only thing people want to talk about. There’s no space in our life into which politics hasn’t intruded.
The laws we pass are important. People have legitimate concerns about where the country is headed. There are laws that are making it harder for people of faith to participate in the public square. But I try to remind people around me and in my life, many of whom have become consumed by politics, of a couple things. The first thing I try to remind them of is that we cannot make politics and government our god.
Sometimes I hear people of the Christian faith say, “My God, things are so terrible!” But of all the faiths on this planet, the one that knows how the movie ends is ours. And it ends in tribulation. It ends in difficulties. That’s what was promised. Of course, in every generation, Christians are like: “I know it’s all going to happen, and I can’t wait for Jesus to come back, but not now! Not while I’m here! I just want to skip to the end!” But we have to hold true to what is ultimate.
Governments rise and fall. Nations come and go. But for 2,000 years, the one constant in the lives of people of the Christian faith has been our belief that we’re going to live in a new heaven and a new earth, and that it’s going to be as it was originally intended to be before man’s fall. That doesn’t mean we don’t pay attention to the issues of our time. It doesn’t ask us to be hermits. It doesn’t ask us to isolate ourselves. It certainly calls for us to actively live out our faith. But I also don’t think we can let that lead us into anxiety.
In that, I’m reminded of the early Church. The reason why early Christianity spread is not because they conquered with an army. It isn’t because they had more money or more power. In fact, they had none. It’s because the Romans kept doing horrible things to these people, and yet they would go to their deaths singing songs, full of joy, and being kind to their oppressors. Eventually, a bunch of pagans said, “I want the joy those people have.”
They said: “We’ve tried everything. We’ve worshiped all these gods. We’ve forgotten all the gods we worshiped. We’ve sacrificed. We’ve done this, we’ve done that. I want the happiness that these Christians have. What is this secret that they have that the rest of us can’t seem to achieve, despite everything we’ve tried?” It was the power of that example, more than anything else, that allowed the Spirit to work in the world.
The second thing I try to remind people of is that America is not a government. Oftentimes, when people discuss the state of America, they’re actually discussing the state of our politics or the sake of our government. And what we forget is that America is not a government. America is a nation. And what is a nation? At its most basic level, a nation is made up of this: families living in communities.
The most important house in this country is not the White House. It is your house. It’s the first school. It’s the first government. And it’s where we acquire values. Do you realize that everything that tastes good and feels good is bad for you? Why don’t leafy greens taste like ice cream? Why is the stuff that’s good for you, you have to put stuff on it to make it palatable? I think the same is true when it comes to human nature.
Despite all the advancements and our fancy technology, human nature is the same today as it was 5,000 years ago, which is why when we read the Old Testament, those stories seem like they could’ve been written yesterday. We may dress differently, we may use different devices, we may advance scientifically, we may travel to the stars, but human nature is unchanged. That is why history repeats itself. And human nature needs to be controlled. Left to our own nature, left to do whatever we want, we would not live in a good world.
Where do you learn what is good and what is bad, what is right and what is wrong, both collectively and individually? Something has to inform you that murder is evil, because murder is legal in the animal kingdom. It happens there all the time. But humanity has decided that murder is wrong, enslaving someone is wrong, physically abusing someone is wrong, denying the right to speak freely is wrong, denying the right to worship freely is wrong. Where do these ideas come from? They don’t come from human advancements, because human nature hasn’t changed. They come from a system of values.
In this, particularly because I am a Christian, I believe our faith system is an extraordinary asset to the country. You don’t have to convert. You have the right to believe anything you want. But from a practical point of view, why would we ever want to constrain or oppress a system of belief that says: “Treat others the way you want to be treated. Love your enemy. Forgive them. Take care of the widow and the hungry.”
The concept of the widow today is lost on people. If you were a widow 2,000 years ago, you were in big trouble. There was no welfare system. There were no food stamps. There were none of these programs out there. You were on your own, by yourself, with no one to help you, unless you had children to take care of you.
To me, Christianity is a system that teaches you not just to help the widow, but to have compassion for the less fortunate, to serve those in need selflessly, not selfishly. Why do we not want that to infuse our culture and society? Even if, ultimately, you don’t believe in the inspirations for those things, why would you not want something like that to be protected and vibrant under our laws? I think any country would be stronger with that.
And it explains a lot of our history. To this day, Americans feed more people, clothe more people, house more people all over the world than almost all the other countries of the world combined. If there’s a landslide somewhere today, if there’s a flood, an earthquake, or a volcanic eruption, I guarantee you that some faith-based organization in America will be one of the first to respond. And then you add to that foreign aid. (Although that has become controversial lately, and we have to address our own needs as well.)
Why is that? Because there are other wealthy countries that have no tradition of giving whatsoever. To me, the answer is our faith system. When you have instilled in the values of your country to help the less fortunate, it doesn’t mean to help the less fortunate only in your county, your city, your state, or your country. It means we see someone suffering somewhere, and we feel compelled to do something about it. And I’m not talking about just rich people. I’m talking about people that give $50 a month.
Where does that come from? That comes from a system of values grounded in a faith system. It is a national imperative for our country. Not to mention the importance of family and the importance of parenting. Children are not a burden. We should never be a nation that feels that a human life is a burden instead of a blessing. When people talk about things that way, we have to think about what a reflection it is on our society and culture.
What I’m saying is, we can pass a lot of laws, and we can elect great people, but many of the problems we are confronting as a nation go well beyond the government. Government can tell you what’s legal. It cannot tell you what’s right or wrong. Government can punish and reward. It cannot teach people to do good instead of bad, or to care for one another, or to live in community. That’s why I believe the most important thing that the government can do is to rebuild our families so they can live in dignity.
There are things the government can do to help. I think it’s hard to have strong families and strong communities without dignified work. There are great things that the free enterprise system has created, more things than all the other economic systems man has tried. But we have to prioritize dignified work. Man was meant to work. Work is actually a form of worship. In fact, it’s one of the first commandments that mankind received. No matter what the job is, whether you’re a senator or anything else, your work is a way of worshiping your Creator.
But the most important thing the government can do is protect the institutions that are the fiber of the nation: the family, the community, and the faith, which instill values that make us stronger as a result. In many ways, that is the mission that you’re called to. Your mission is to bring Christians news and information in a manner that’s consistent with their values and hopefully inspires them to live up to those values. From a government perspective, our job is to ensure that your right in this country to do that remains unencumbered.
Our own founding documents say our rights come not from the government, but from our Creator. Our country was founded on the belief that our rights are not what I decide they are because the people of Florida elected me, but what God has given us. My job is to protect those rights, not to decide what they are, or to decide which ones apply and which ones do not.
The role of religious broadcasting has a very important mission. It has a spiritual component to it, but it actually has a very strong civil component to it. I think it calls people to live out their faith. At a time when so much of the news and information that people are consuming is actually speaking to the worst of humanity, bringing out the worst in them, the ability to bring out the best in them is really a critical national treasure, one that we have to protect.
I don’t know how to operationalize this in terms of the laws. Oftentimes, good outcomes depend on the law we don’t pass, or something we keep from happening, which would impinge on your ability to fulfill what I think is a critical mission for our country. That mission is to ensure that we have strong families, strong communities, and children raised with the values that allow them to be productive, but also to be good citizens, and to always work for the common good.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met with Commander of the Colombian Navy Vice Adm. Juan Ricardo Rozo Obregón for a formal bilateral engagement during the Inter-American Naval Conference, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sept. 23.
The two leaders discussed ways to continue to strengthen their long-standing naval partnership and expand collaboration to promote regional security and stability to support the rules-based international order.
Franchetti said she was very grateful for the Colombian Navy’s role as a regional leader, demonstrated through their participation in exercises such as UNITAS LXV and partnership during Southern Seas 2024. The Heads of Navy said they look forward to future opportunities to exercise together.
During their meeting they also talked about the Diesel Electric Submarine Initiative and how it strengthens their interoperability and their shared commitment to countering illicit maritime operations.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met Chief of the Chilean Navy Adm. Juan Andrés De La Maza for a formal bilateral engagement during the Inter-American Naval Conference, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, today.
The two leaders discussed opportunities for further collaboration and cooperation as they continue to build maritime capacity in the Pacific, to include increased opportunities for Professional Exchange Program officers.
Franchetti also congratulated De La Maza for the Chilean Navy’s leadership in major bilateral and multinational training events including serving as Deputy Commander of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 as well as host for UNITAS LXV, and the launch of their new icebreaker, “Almirante Viel”.
During their discussion, Franchetti, expressed appreciation for Chile’s regional leadership, for their support of the USS George Washington (CVN 73) Carrier Strike Group during Southern Seas 2024, and discussed future opportunities for multilateral exercises in the coming years.
Franchetti regarded that Chile remains one the most strategic allies in Latin America and plays a key role in ensuring a Western Hemisphere that is democratic, prosperous and secure.
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They discussed the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and ongoing regional peace efforts. The Secretary-General reiterated the United Nations’ support for regional peace initiatives.
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Le Secrétaire-Général s’est entretenu avec S.E. M. Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, Président de la République démocratique du Congo. Ils ont discuté de la situation dans l’est de la République démocratique du Congo et des efforts de paix régionaux en cours. Le Secrétaire général a réitéré le soutien des Nations Unies aux initiatives de paix régionales.
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Simon Harris T.D., Taoiseach of Ireland. The Secretary-General and the Taoiseach discussed the Summit of the Future, the implementation of the Pact for the Future, and efforts to galvanize support for multilateralism. They also discussed the wars in Ukraine and the situation in the the Middle East, including the war in Gaza.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met with Vice Adm. Angus Topshee, Commander, Royal Canadian Navy for a formal bilateral engagement during the Inter-American Naval Conference, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, today.
The two leaders discussed opportunities to strengthen their naval partnership and operations in the Arctic and the Indo-Pacific and expressed their shared commitment to continental security, and to working in collaboration with regional and international Allies and partners to uphold the rules-based international order.
During their meeting Franchetti applauded Topshee for the Canadian Navy’s Arctic shipbuilding program and its expanded capabilities in Anti-submarine warfare, and reinforced the importance of multilateral cooperation with Arctic countries.
The leaders also discussed Franchetti’s recently released strategic guidance – the Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy – and how the changing character of war requires maritime officers to think, act, and operate differently. They stressed the need to operationally integrate the use of robotic and autonomous systems for missions such as maritime domain awareness, and the role of Information Warfare domain in command-and-control centers.
The Heads of Navy shared their initiatives to recruit and retain talent and said they look forward to future opportunities for their navies to train, exercise and operate together.
Editor’s note: Chinese President Xi Jinping has consistently championed the rule of law throughout his political career. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, Xi put forward a series of new ideas, new thinking and new strategies to advance law-based governance in all respects. In this infographic, China.org.cn highlights key aspects of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law.
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on the margins of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated Canada’s condemnation of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, including its horrific targeting of civilians and energy infrastructure. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to continue providing military, financial, humanitarian, development, and other assistance to Ukraine as it fights to preserve its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.
The two leaders discussed countering Russian misinformation and disinformation, and President Zelenskyy’s diplomatic efforts toward peace, including through Ukraine’s Peace Formula. They committed to continue building on the success of the recent Summit on Peace in Ukraine, and the Prime Minister underlined ongoing contributions to these efforts. This includes Canada’s co-leadership, with Ukraine, of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, and the meeting of foreign ministers on the human dimension of Russia’s war against Ukraine, to be hosted by Canada in October.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Zelenskyy reaffirmed their intention to remain in close and regular contact.
A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution lifts the veil on what happens when octopuses and fish hunt together. As it turns out, this cross-species relationship is more complex than anyone expected.
Animals of the same species often cooperate – work together to reach some kind of goal. But it’s relatively rare to find cooperation between individuals from different species.
A classic example you’ll be familiar with is the close relationship between dogs and humans, whether in the context of herding sheep or hunting. In these situations, the dog and the human work together to achieve a goal.
That’s mammals. But underwater species also sometimes cooperate. A nice example is the joint hunting behaviour of moray eels and grouper. The grouper approaches the moray and signals that it wishes to hunt. The eel responds in kind, and off they go.
During these hunting forays, the grouper uses signals to indicate where prey may be hidden in the coral matrix. It’s a synergy made in heaven: the eel can scare the prey fish from hiding places among the coral, while the grouper patrols over the top. There is literally no place for prey to hide.
For the eels and grouper, the chances of catching their dinner are greatly improved when hunting together compared to hunting on their own.
Who’s in charge here?
While researchers have described these behaviours before, one question remains unanswered. Who, exactly, is in charge of these cross-species interactions?
Who decides what they are going to do, where and when? Are the different players “democratic”, in that they come to some form of compromise, or does one species take the lead and the other simply follows (that is, they are “despotic”)?
In an international collaboration, biologist Eduardo Sampaio and colleagues have investigated cross-species interactions between the usually solitary day octopus (Octopus cyanea) and several fish species, such as goatfish and groupers.
A day octopus hunting with a blacktip grouper and a gold-saddle goatfish. Eduardo Sampaio and Simon Gingins
The fish and the octopus share a common goal – to increase their hunting efficiency. The traditional view of octopus-fish hunting groups assumed that the octopus is the producer, and the fish simply follow along and opportunistically pick up the scraps.
With its long, flexible arms, the octopus explores all the nooks and crannies of the hunting ground, flushing out prey the fish can then take advantage of. In this scenario, the octopus would be solely in charge of decisions and the fish just follow (that is, it’s an exploitative, despotic relationship).
However, when researchers took a closer look, it appeared perhaps this relationship is not as simplistic as previously believed. But without fine-scale analysis providing hard evidence, it is difficult to work out the precise details of how this cooperation works.
A day octopus hunting with a blue goatfish, while a blacktip grouper waits. Eduardo Sampaio and Simon Gingins
What did the new study find?
Using sophisticated behavioural analyses of 3D videos captured from 120 hours of diving, Sampaio and team found that each partner in the interaction plays a specific role. There was, in fact, no true leader – they are democratic.
The fish were responsible for exploring the environment and deciding where to move, while the octopus would decide if and when to move. Interestingly, controlled experiments showed the octopuses were guided by social information provided by the fishes.
When partnered with blue goatfish, the octopus foraging tactics where more focused and efficient. When partnered with blacktip groupers, they were less so. So, the nature of the hunting relationship varied depending on who’s involved.
The researchers concluded that, overall, success rates for capturing prey were higher for the octopus when foraging with fishy partners.
The details revealed by this study suggest this relationship is far more sophisticated than other cross-species hunting associations examined to date.
Despite the huge evolutionary gap between these animals (the equivalent of about 550 million years), both fish and octopus show clear signs of social competence and advanced cognition.
Culum Brown 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.
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. — Senior enlisted leaders from across the Department of Defense and partner agencies gathered for the Defense Senior Enlisted Leader Council (DSELC) at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 23-24, 2024.
The bi-annual two-day event, led by the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman (SEAC) of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy Black, brought together key stakeholders to align strategies on quality of life, military compensation, and family support networks. The conference also focused on enhancing cooperation between DoD and the Department of Veterans Affairs, with a goal to improve care for service members, families, and veterans.
Key participants included Mr. John Hall, Director and CEO of the Defense Commissary Agency (DECA); Patricia M. Barron, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy; Honorable Tanya Bradsher, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs; Jeffrey P. Angers, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs; Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John F. Bentivegna; and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Heath B. Jones.
The conference centered on discussions related to the SEAC’s Strategy Alignment, focusing on Quality of Life (QoL), the Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation (QRMC), and the Family Support Network (FSN). Leaders examined the challenges and opportunities within these domains, ensuring that the enlisted force is well-equipped and supported.
Mr. John Hall of DECA emphasized the agency’s commitment to service members and their families, outlining improvements in savings calculations, product stocking, Click2Go, off-installation delivery, and internal system modernization. His focus was on ensuring commissary services deliver increased benefits to those they serve.
Ms. Barron highlighted significant advancements in the Military OneSource program, which has expanded since the pandemic. She also spoke about initiatives in spouse education, career programs, and the Military Family Readiness Council—all geared toward taking better care of military families.
The Honorable Tanya Bradsher addressed improvements in VA programs, expanded healthcare coverage, and the ongoing effort to create better synergy between DoD and VA systems to provide a seamless experience for veterans.
Mr. Angers spoke on behalf of OSD P&R, discussing enhancements to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and planned adjustments to better support service members and their families. Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John F. Bentivegna provided an update on force design and management within the Space Force, emphasizing the importance of combat readiness and resource allocation. The Senior Enlisted Leaders shared lessons on force management and discussed how the Space Force can leverage its “fresh start” to avoid legacy issues faced by other services.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Heath B. Jones spoke about the unique challenges and advantages the Coast Guard faces under the Department of Homeland Security, rather than the Department of Defense, particularly those surrounding budgets. He explained his reasoning for calling Coast Guardsmen “Sentinels,” drawing inspiration from Alexander Hamilton’s writings in Federalist Paper No. 12, where Hamilton envisioned how “a few armed vessels, judiciously stationed at the entrances of our ports, might at a small expense be made useful sentinels of the laws.” This early vision laid the foundation for what would become the U.S. Coast Guard, with the mission of protecting America’s shores and enforcing national laws. Jones connected this historical role to the modern-day mission of Coast Guardsmen, emphasizing their enduring role in safeguarding the nation’s coasts as vigilant protectors.
Additionally, spouses attending the conference participated in a separate briefing on the DoD School Liaison Program, which aims to empower military spouses to advocate for the educational needs of military children.
“We’re here to help improve anything and everything possible for the military family,” said Retired U.S. Marine Corps First Sergeant Stacie Black, the SEAC’s spouse. “As spouses, we have a wide set of experience as veterans, private industry professionals, and especially as customers of the military family support network. We’ve come together to share our culture and talents to support all the families like ours across the Armed Forces.”
In his closing remarks, SEAC Sgt. Maj. Troy Black stressed the importance of bringing together Senior Enlisted Leaders to address the issues impacting the enlisted force, families, and veterans. He emphasized that the engagements over the two days would help prepare the force for its ultimate mission: warfighting and war winning. The day concluded with a shared commitment to improving the quality of life and operational readiness of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Mark Amodei (NV-02) issued the following statement following the House passage of S.612, the Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act (LTRA), the Senate companion bill of his bill H.R. 1274, which reauthorizes program funding through September 30, 2034. The bill will now move to the President’s desk.
“It is our responsibility to keep the environment around beautiful Lake Tahoe in quality shape for future generations to enjoy,”said Rep. Mark Amodei.“The reauthorization of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act will continue to provide the resources and oversight to do just that. I was proud to lead the effort in the House and am grateful to Senator Cortez Masto for her bicameral partnership in securing this sufficient funding which properly lays out program strategies to restore healthy water conditions, reduce wildfire threats and extract invasive species threatening the Lake Tahoe Basin and its surrounding community.”
“The Lake Tahoe Region is grateful to Congress for their leadership in passing this critical piece of legislation to continue the collaborative work to protect and restore Lake Tahoe,”said Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Executive Director Julie Regan.“Extending the federal investment in the EIP will leverage millions of dollars in state and local funding to implement the top priority projects for the lake and our communities.”
Background:
In 2023, Rep. Mark Amodei reintroduced the LTRA Reauthorization, originally introduced in 2021, along with the support of cosponsors Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01), Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03), Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04), and Rep. John Garamendi (CA-08).
This bipartisan legislation extends $415 million in funding through September 30, 2034. By building on previous success, this reauthorization provides sufficient funding to environmental projects that restore healthy water levels, mitigate the risk of wildfires, control invasive species, and maintain quality environmental standards in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Due to the significance of the situation, companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA).
With the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act set to expire on September 30, 2024, the House diligently worked to pass the Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act in this Congress which reauthorizes the $415 million in funding through September 2034.
Read my press release on the reintroduction of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act here.
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced two bipartisan, bicameral bills that would allow family caregivers to better save for retirement. These bills—the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act and the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act—would help address the financial challenges faced by individuals who leave the workforce to care for loved ones, often sacrificing their own long-term financial security. Companion bills were introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswomen Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07).
“Family caregivers provide critical support to their loved ones, yet many are forced to step away from work, significantly inhibiting their ability to save for retirement,” said Senator Collins. “Our bipartisan bills would give these individuals a better opportunity to build a secure financial future and help ensure they are not penalized for the vital care they provide.”
“Family members often make tremendous sacrifices to leave the workforce and care for their aging relatives, and as a result, they miss out on key years of saving for their own golden years,” said Senator Warner. “We need to make it easier for those folks to continue their essential care work while also securing their own financial futures. I’m proud to introduce bills that would give these family caregivers the flexibility to continue contributing to retirement accounts so it’s easier for more people to care for aging relatives without obstructing their own ability to retire with dignity.”
“Caregiving is one of the most important jobs, but our current policies penalize selfless Americans who look after their loved ones,” said Representative Salazar. “I’m proud to co-lead the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act and the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act, which will reward caregivers with new opportunities to secure a dignified retirement.”
“Caregivers do some of the most important but underappreciated work in our country,” said Representative Pettersen. “Caregivers do everything from cooking meals, administering medications, paying bills, and driving their loved ones to frequent medical appointments. Caregivers often take a significant financial hit when they take time out of the workforce to prioritize their loved ones and many struggle with their own financial security and ability to save in the long term. These two pieces of legislation make it easier for caregivers to save for retirement, ensuring they can take care of their own financial health while caring for their family.”
“Caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia too often takes a devastating toll on caregivers, with many experiencing substantial emotional, financial and physical difficulties,” said Robert Egge, Alzheimer’s Association Chief Public Policy Officer and AIM president. “These two bipartisan bills will support our nation’s dementia caregivers by improving access to retirement resources that can help offset some of the financial challenges faced by families impacted by this disease. Thank you to Sens. Collins and Warner for introducing these bills and for your dedication to the Alzheimer’s community.”
“Edward Jones is grateful for Senator Collins’ leadership in introducing the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act and Catching-up Family Caregivers Act,” said Dr. Lamell McMorris,Principal and Head of Policy, Regulatory & Government Relations for Edward Jones. “We know through our experience, that caregivers make significant sacrifices in providing care to loved ones, which can impact their personal financial security and retirement readiness. We believe that this bipartisan legislation will provide savings opportunities to improve the financial futures of millions of Americans and their families.”
“Business leaders and HR professionals are responsible for designing and implementing benefit plans that meet the needs of their team members. However, too often, caregiver support is not considered. People are living longer, and workers are caring for both children and elderly parents simultaneously. If we intend to lead with empathy, providing employees with the opportunity to care for ill, injured, or aging loved ones must be a priority,” said Emily M. Dickens, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Affairs, SHRM. “That is why we are honored to support the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act and the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act. SHRM is pleased to see the bipartisan progress in Congress being made to help employees reconstitute their retirement nest egg after a period of intensive caregiving.”
“Family caregivers often pause their careers and retirement savings to provide essential care for loved ones, a service vital to both families and the economy. However, this time away from paid work can result in reduced income and benefits, potentially leading to future financial difficulties, particularly in retirement,” said Jason Resendez, CEO & President of the National Alliance for Caregiving. “If enacted, the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act and the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act would represent progress towards acknowledging and addressing the economic sacrifices too many family caregivers make.”
Women often take time away from careers to care for their families, resulting in a significant loss to their retirement savings. According to the Center for American Progress, an average 26-year-old female making $60,000 a year who leaves the workforce for five years to care for her children will lose close to one million dollars over her lifetime due to lost retirement assets and wage growth. A recent study from the Edward Jones Grassroots Taskforce found that 64 percent of women say their caregiving duties have negatively impacted their ability to save towards their long-term financial goals. Those taking care of an aging parent often face similar repercussions to being a family caregiver. In 2020, AARP found that three in ten caregivers have stopped contributing to their savings. Therefore, these proposals would allow those who dedicate at least 500 hours to family caregiving and are unemployed or severely underemployed the ability to contribute to their retirement now and later.
The Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act would allow family caregivers to contribute up to $7,000 annually to a Roth IRA, even if their income falls below that threshold. Current law caps contributions at the lower of $7,000 or yearly income, limiting caregivers’ ability to save for retirement when their earnings are reduced due to caregiving responsibilities. By eliminating this income cap for family caregivers, the bill would help to ensure that they can continue to save for retirement despite their reduced wages.
The Catching Up Family Caregivers Act would allow family caregivers to make catch-up contributions to employer-sponsored retirement plans, an option typically reserved for those over age 50. For every year they are out of the workforce, caregivers could be eligible for an additional year of catch-up contributions, up to a maximum of five years. This provision would help caregivers who miss critical savings years get back on track with their retirement planning.
Both pieces of legislation are supported by the Alzheimer’s Association, the Edward Jones Grassroots Task Force, the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), the Insured Retirement Institute, and the National Alliance for Caregiving.
The complete text of the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act can be read here.
The complete text of the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act can be read here.
Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
09.24.24
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today applauded the efforts of the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC) and many others for their efforts at the 69th International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting in Lima, Peru to renew Alaska’s subsistence whaling quota for six more years. The measure passed yesterday by consensus.
“Today, we celebrate the preservation of subsistence whaling, a cultural practice our Alaska whalers have sustainably conducted for thousands of years,” said Sen. Sullivan. “This quota renewal is the result of hard work from the AEWC, represented in Peru by Chairman John Hopson Jr., Vice Chair Crawford Patkotak, and North Slope Borough Mayor Josiah Patkotak, and many others. Prior to the IWC meeting, John, Crawford, Josiah, other members of the AEWC and I met with senior executive branch officials and more than 20 different embassy representatives in the Capitol. This event was a pivotal opportunity to educate our global partners and our own federal government about our whalers’ priorities. Alaska and America couldn’t ask for better ambassadors than our whaling captains. I want to thank everyone involved who made this success happen, including a dedicated member of my staff, Mary Eileen Manning, who attended the Commission meeting in Peru, the U.S. Commissioner, and the entire U.S. delegation to the IWC. Congratulations to all of our whaling communities throughout the North Slope and the Bering Straits region!”
The 2024 renewal built upon the successful 2018 renewal, when the U.S. delegation secured a streamlined quota renewal commitment.
Background:
As the ranking member of the Senate Commerce Oceans, Fisheries, Climate Change and Manufacturing Subcommittee—which has jurisdiction over our nation’s oceans, fisheries, and marine mammals, including whales—Senator Sullivan has relentlessly championed the efforts of Alaska Native whalers to continue the subsistence harvest of whales.
In September 2024, the Alaska delegation sent a letter to embassies of IWC member countries, again reiterating the importance of subsistence whaling.
In the lead up to the 2024 IWC meeting in Peru, Senator Sullivan hosted representatives from the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission, the North Slope Borough, and the Biden administration in a strategy meeting to educate global partners and the federal government about Alaska whalers’ priorities.
Following the July 2024 meeting in Washington D.C., Senator Sullivan hosted a reception in the Capitol on the significance of subsistence whaling to the cultures and livelihoods of thousands of Alaska Native people. Speakers at the reception included Sen. Sullivan, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), North Slope Borough Mayor Josiah Patkotak, AEWC Vice Chairman Crawford Patkotak, AEWC Chairman John Hopson, Jr., AEWC Secretary Herbert Kinneeveauk III, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Director Janet Coit, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Mahlet Mesfin.
In September 2018 at the 67th IWC meeting in Brazil, the AEWC secured a renewal of its subsistence whaling quota for seven more years and, for the first time, the automatic renewal of its whaling quota as long as harvests remain sustainable. The measure passed by a vote of 58 to 7.
In the lead up to the 2018 IWC meeting in Brazil, Sen. Sullivan kept in close communication with senior leadership at the U.S. State Department and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and sent his legislative director to the IWC meetings in Brazil to serve on the U.S. delegation.
In August 2018, the Alaska delegation sent a letter to embassies of IWC member countries, reiterating their commitment to subsistence whaling.
In July 2018, Senator Sullivan convened a strategy meeting in the Capitol with AEWC, the State Department, and NOAA to ensure continued coordination and foster direct high-level engagement. Afterward, Sen. Sullivan led a reception, hosted by the Alaska congressional delegation, for ambassadors and diplomatic officials of IWC member embassies.
In April 2018, Senator Sullivan, alongside Senator Murkowski, introduced and passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee the Whaling Convention Amendments Act of 2018—which authorized the Secretary of Commerce to preserve the bowhead whale subsistence harvest and Alaska Native food security under U.S. law if the IWC had failed to act on the bowhead whale quota during their meetings in Brazil.
Subsistence Whaling and IWC Background:
Worldwide whale stocks are managed through the International Whaling Commission, a group of 88 countries that have ratified the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling. The Whaling Convention Act of 1949 is the relevant U.S. implementing legislation.
The convention allows for the harvest of certain whale species for nations that certify either a cultural or subsistence need for their aboriginal population. Russia, Denmark (for Greenland), the United States, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are those nations who currently practice Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling (ASW).
The subsistence harvest in Alaska is sustainable and non-commercial. The IWC has consistently certified that the biological status of Alaska’s bowheads is sustainable.
Sydney Airport is expecting 2.5 million passengers during the three-week September school holiday peak, seven per cent more than the same period in 2023
Forecast includes 1.5 million Domestic and 1 million International passengers
Upgrades to security screening progressing at main screening points
Sydney Airport is preparing for a bumper September school holidays with 2.5 million passengers forecast to travel through the terminals from Monday 23 September 2024 to Sunday 13 October 2024.
The forecast anticipates almost 200,000 more passengers than the equivalent period during the 2023 September school holidays, with a total of 1 million passengers expected to pass through the T1 International terminal during the holidays, an 11 per cent increase on 2023, and a total of 1.5 million domestic passengers forecast to pass through the T2 and T3 Domestic terminals, a five per cent increase on 2023.
The busiest day for domestic travel is set to be Friday 27 September, with more than 80,000 passengers expected, while Saturday 28 September is forecast to be the busiest day for travel at International with 52,000 passengers set to travel through the airport.
Following a strong performance in Q2, when 100 per cent of passengers passed through security in less than 10 minutes, Sydney Airport is committed to providing another smooth and secure experience for all passengers during what is traditionally a busy period.
Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and leave themselves plenty of time for their journey to the airport, with domestic passengers advised to arrive one hour prior to departure if they only have hand-luggage, and two hours prior if they’re checking-in bags.
Passengers travelling via the International terminal should arrive three hours prior to departure unless their airlines say otherwise.
During the holiday period there will be increased staff on hand to assist passengers, and taxis and other vehicles may be directed to drop passengers off on the arrivals level at the T2 and T3 Domestic terminals during peak times. Passengers are also encouraged to check Sydney Airport’s website for live security wait times and flight status updates.
Passengers planning to park at the terminals are advised to book parking to guarantee a spot and get the best deal, as well as familiarising themselves with the new roads leading into the airport via the recently opened Sydney Gateway, which more than half a million motorists have successfully used since its opening on 1 September.
Scott Charlton, Sydney Airport CEO, said: “The September school holidays will be a busy time at the airport and our operational teams are fully prepared to make sure everyone has a smooth and enjoyable experience.
“We’re encouraging passengers to plan ahead and leave plenty of time to get to the airport and for those heading in from the western suburbs to jump on our website and familiarise themselves with the new Sydney Gateway motorway.
“We’re excited to welcome families and passengers during this time of year and are committed to making their journeys as seamless as possible.”
Advancing Security Measures
Sydney Airport is making strides in its implementation of the Government’s mandated airport security upgrades. This includes the installation of next-generation screening systems and improvements to terminal layouts to improve passenger flow and efficiency.
With the implementation of ongoing security upgrades, passengers should be aware of the following protocols at each terminal:
T1 – Some security lanes will require liquids and aerosols to be removed from hand luggage. Passengers are advised to follow the instructions of security staff.
T2 – laptops and aerosols will be required to be removed from hand luggage.
T3 – laptops and aerosols are not required to be removed from hand luggage.
Notes to editor
Travel Tips for Passengers
To assist passengers during this period, Sydney Airport recommends the following:
Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the airport at least one hour before domestic flights with hand luggage, two hours if checking bags and three hours for international flights.
Prepare for Screening: Ensure all carry-on items are easily accessible and follow the instructions of security staff to facilitate a smooth screening process.
Check for Updates: Stay updated on flight information and security procedures by visiting the Sydney Airport website.
