NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Community-led projects get a boost from Ngā Hapori Momoho grant allocations

    Source: Auckland Council

    A range of projects led by community groups have been allocated a share of $303,119 from Auckland Council in the latest round of Ngā Hapori Momoho | Thriving Communities grants for 2024/2025, approved by the Community Committee on 27 May.

    ​The grants support regional goals in the council’s Ngā Hapori Momoho | Thriving Communities Strategy 2022-2032, with the vision for a fairer, more sustainable Tāmaki Makaurau where every Aucklander belongs. The goals aim to improve financial security, improve health outcomes, and grow community and intercultural connection. 

    Committee chair, Councillor Angela Dalton says the funding recognises the organisations behind these projects as experts at what they do, changing lives for the better in line with council objectives.

    “Initiatives funded in this round include a transitional housing service for women, a programme teaching traditional Māori parenting skills, and a support service for young people experiencing sexual harm,” Cr Dalton says.

    Deputy chair, Councillor Julie Fairey agrees that this year’s successful applicants will provide a broad spectrum of community benefits, from strengthening wellbeing for rainbow youth to supporting food rescue.

    “The council is proud to be able to support a wide range of community activities through these grants, acknowledging the skills of local groups and supporting them in their important mahi.  This is the stuff that helps our communities to thrive,” says Cr Fairey.

    Ngā Hapori Momoho | Thriving Communities grants are allocated to regionally significant groups, services, events and activities to benefit residents across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

    General Manager Community Wellbeing Kenneth Aiolupotea says demand for council funding continues to grow with the highest number of applications ever received for the current round of Ngā Hapori Momoho grants, up 25 per cent from last year, with a total of 119 applications submitted.

    “It is really great news that each of the 11 successful applicants have been approved for close to maximum funding, with grants ranging from $26,000 to $28,500 allocated,” Kenneth says. 

    Organisations delivering strong Māori outcomes were among 11 community groups that each receive a welcome boost this year for their work to improve welfare, health and belonging for Aucklanders in need.  

    “In addition, four of the successful applicants are Māori organisations and another two are delivering projects with strong Māori outcomes. Together, these six applicants account for 56 per cent of the total recommended funding, which is an important measure for the council.”

    In the last funding round for 2023/2024, six of the 13 applicants funded were from Māori organisations or delivered strong Māori outcomes, and together they received 50 per cent of the allocated funding.

    All applications were assessed by a panel to determine eligibility, capability, and how well they meet the grants funding criteria, which is available online. Unsuccessful applicants will be supported to reapply for future funding.

    The Community Committee has reviewed whether change is needed for future funding rounds to keep meeting the best outcomes. Members have resolved to continue investing in projects that increase whānau and community financial security, improve health outcomes and grow community and intercultural connection for allocations from 2026 through to 2028.

    Find out more

    The full eligibility criteria and funding priorities are explained in the Ngā Hapori Momoho / Thriving Communities Grants Guidelines, available on the Auckland Council website.

    Key dates

    Applications for the next round of the 2022-2032 Ngā Hapori Momoho / Thriving Communities Grants are expected to open in November 2025.

    The Ngā Hapori Momoho / Thriving Communities Strategy 2023-2024 document is available on the Auckland Council website.

    Ngā Hapori Momoho | Thriving Communities grants for 2024/2025:

    Applicant

    Project

    Amount Recommended

    Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai

    Te Whare Hīnātore – a transitional housing service to reconnect wāhine with their whānau and provide the skills to live independently

    $28,500

    Auckland Pride Incorporated

    Strengthening connections and wellbeing for Rainbow Youth

    $28,500

    Breathing Space Charitable Trust

    Creative wellbeing professional development program for community organisations working alongside at-risk youth and young women

    $28,500

    EcoMatters Environment Trust

    Improving health outcomes through teaching Aucklanders how to keep their house warm and dry and how to save money by reducing water and energy usage

    $26,629

    ECPAT Child Alert Trust (ECPAT NZ)

    Youth engagement programme – supporting youth who are at risk of or have survived sexual exploitation

    $28,500

    KiwiHarvest

    Food rescue and distribution to recipient charities

    $28,500

    Momentum Charitable Trust

    Life and financial skills at Auckland Region Probation Centres

    $27,374

    Mya Steele-Fonokalafi

    Ngākau Aroha parenting – inspiring and empowering whānau to apply tūpuna parenting skills

    $26,104

    TAIORA

    Hauora training for Ngāti Whātua Iwi – training iwi and marae leaders with skills to support young people

    $28,500

    Te Whare Hukahuka Ltd

    Ka Eke Poutama – rangatahi governance skills and pathways into governance roles programme

    $28,263

    OKE Charity

    Working with schools – building outdoor classrooms, hands-on workshops, and community events

    $23,750

    Total recommended

    $303,119

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man nabbed on North Shore

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A man is facing at least 18 charges after a string of alleged offending across the North Shore area in recent months.

    Waitematā East Police caught up with the man and he is custody until his next court date later in June.

    Businesses and commuters have been the alleged targets of the man’s spree, including a defibrillator worth thousands of dollars from one Takapuna business.

    Area Commander Inspector Stefan Sagar says staff have been piecing together a series of burglaries and shoplifting offences.

    “Thanks to this collation the man was deemed a priority to target and locate, and Police arrested him near the Takapuna area late last week,” he says.

    “Other alleged offending includes the theft of scooters from Park and Rides at Constellation and Sunnynook.

    “We have laid 18 charges against this man including burglary, unlawful takes, theft and trespass.”

    A 42-year-old man appeared in the North Shore District Court in late May.

    “Police are continuing to target and hold offending to account and in this case, there was ongoing harm being inflicted,” Inspector Sagar says.

    “The man has been remanded in custody and is not currently in the community.”

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Three arrested and 113kg of cannabis seized

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Drug and Organised Crime Detectives have seized 113 kilograms of cannabis and approximately $270,000 in cash in a major drug interdiction operation that has significantly disrupted the activities of a Vietnamese organised crime syndicate operating across state borders.  A small amount of cocaine was also seized.

    The seizure occurred on Monday 2 June, after a targeted traffic stop on Willard Road in Holtze. Intelligence indicated the vehicle was transporting a commercial quantity of cannabis intended for distribution within the Territory through established criminal networks.

    Detective Superintendent Lee Morgan from the Drug and Organised Crime Division said the seizure is a major blow to those attempting to profit from the harm inflicted on Territory communities.

    “This seizure strikes at the heart of a sophisticated criminal syndicate responsible for trafficking large quantities of illicit drugs into the Northern Territory,” said Detective Superintendent Morgan.

    “This is not a case of low-level offending. This syndicate is part of a broader Vietnamese organised crime network intent on exploiting vulnerable communities for financial gain.”

    “Removing 113 kilograms of cannabis from the supply chain will have an immediate and significant impact on the local drug market. The reduced availability of cannabis will interrupt the operations of street-level dealers and limit the reach of this syndicate into our community.”

    Cannabis remains the most used illicit drug in the Northern Territory. Its misuse is closely linked to a range of community harms, including mental health issues, domestic violence, road trauma, and reduced outcomes in education and employment.

    Criminal groups use cannabis distribution as a gateway to entrench their influence and introduce more dangerous drugs into the market.

    This operation is part of an ongoing commitment by the NT Police Force to dismantle criminal networks that attempt to profit at the expense of public safety.

    Two men from Victoria aged, 27 and 56, and a local 26-year-old man were arrested.  The two Victorian men are expected to appear in court today with the local man expected to appear on Wednesday 4 June.

    The 27-year-old male has been charged with:

    • Supply schedule 2 drug – Commercial quantity
    • Possess schedule 2 drug – Commercial quantity
    • Receive property – Commission of Offence.
    • Possessing schedule 1 drug – Less than traffickable quantity

    The 56-year-old man was charged with:

    • Supply schedule 2 drug – Commercial quantity
    • Possess schedule 2 drug – Commercial quantity
    • Receive property – Commission of Offence

    The local 26-year-old man was charged with:

    • Supply schedule 2 drug – Commercial quantity
    • Possess schedule 2 drug – Commercial quantity
    • Receive property – Commission of Offence

    Anyone with information on the supply of alcohol or drugs to our communities can call police on 131 444 or make an anonymously report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Provisional justified trust for Top 500 groups

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    What is provisional justified trust

    Provisional justified trust is a pathway to justified trust for Top 500 groups that are tax assured but are yet to implement a tax governance framework.

    Provisional justified trust provides eligible groups with a pause in assurance activities so that the group can dedicate their resources to implementing effective tax governance.

    Eligibility for provisional justified trust

    Top 500 groups that haven’t achieved justified trust will be eligible for provisional justified trust if:

    • all material tax issues arising from the group’s income earning activities and the ways in which wealth has been extracted have been assured up to the penultimate year lodged (for example, the group has achieved full tax assurance)
    • the Top 500 group commits to implementing an effective tax governance framework within 12 months.

    When a Top 500 group has achieved full tax assurance for the first time, they will have the option to enter provisional justified trust. Top 500 groups in the general category that have previously achieved full tax assurance, and had one year of monitoring and maintenance, will have the option to enter provisional justified trust at the end of each assurance refresh engagement.

    Approach to provisional justified tax

    There are 2 approaches to provisional justified trust for Top 500 groups: one that applies to predominantly passive investment groups and another for all other groups.

    Passive investor groups, in general, tend to treat their tax issues correctly, so the provisional justified trust approach for passive investor groups doesn’t require operational effectiveness testing of the group’s tax governance before the group can achieve justified trust.

    For all other groups, the provisional justified trust approach maintains the requirement to test the group’s tax governance for operational effectiveness, including extending timeframes where necessary to allow for the group’s lodgment cycle, before the group can achieve justified trust.

    Passive investor groups

    The Top 500 program defines a passive investor group as groups that generate 90% or more of their income from passive income sources, with limited to no business activity done by the group.

    This may include investments:

    • held with banks (such as term deposits)
    • in securities such as shares, funds, and bonds (whether held directly, through a family office, or managed externally)
    • in commercial and residential property assets
    • that involve certain rights to income (such as mining royalties).

    Eligible passive investor groups will have 12 months from entering provisional justified trust to develop an effective tax governance framework, including over any wealth extraction activities and material related-party transactions. During this 12-month period, no assurance activities will be carried out. Our passive investor guide for Top 500 groups provides examples that may help groups with passive investments to develop tax governance over their material tax issues.

    The group must produce a draft tax governance framework across the 4 key principles of tax governance within 6 months of entering provisional justified trust. Effective tax governance criteria for Top 500 private groups and the following content provides guidance regarding the criteria for achieving a high level of assurance for tax governance.

    Guidelines for passive investor groups

    The ATO case team will have 2 months to provide the group with feedback on their draft tax governance framework.

    The group will have a further 2 months to make any required amendments, and then return the framework to the ATO case team for final assessment.

    For tax governance, only the effectiveness of the design of the Top 500 group’s tax governance framework will be assessed by the ATO case team. Operational effectiveness testing is not required as part of our case team’s assessment.

    If the Top 500 group doesn’t develop an effective tax governance framework within 12 months, they will be removed from provisional justified trust and assurance activities will restart from the last assured financial year.

    If they design an effective tax governance framework, they will enter justified trust. The 3-year monitoring and maintenance period will start from the financial year following the year that provisional justified trust was provided.

    At the end of the 3 years of monitoring and maintenance, we may ask the Top 500 group to show us they have tested the operational effectiveness of their tax governance framework. This is to assure that the group has been following the prescribed processes and procedures.

    Non-passive investor groups

    Unlike Top 500 groups that are considered passive investors, non-passive investor groups require effectiveness testing of the tax governance framework before being placed in justified trust. The following procedure is to be followed.

    Guidelines for non-passive investor groups

    The Top 500 group will have 12 months from entering provisional justified trust to develop an effective tax governance framework, including over any wealth extraction activities and material related-party transactions. During this 12-month period, no assurance activities will be carried out.

    The Top 500 group must produce a draft tax governance framework across the 4 key principles of tax governance within 6 months of entering provisional justified trust. Our effective tax governance criteria for Top 500 groups provides guidance regarding the criteria for achieving a high level of assurance for tax governance.

    The ATO case team will have 2 months to provide the group with feedback on their draft tax governance framework.

    The Top 500 group will have a further 2 months to make any required amendments, and then return the framework to the ATO case team for final assessment.

    For practical reasons around timing, groups may be granted a further 6 months of provisional justified trust (with scope to extend by an additional 6 months where necessary to cover the group’s lodgment cycle) to provide evidence that their tax governance framework is operating effectively.

    If the Top 500 group doesn’t develop an effective tax governance framework within the stipulated timeframe, they will be removed from provisional justified trust and assurance activities will restart from the last assured financial year.

    If the Top 500 group implements an effective tax governance framework, and provides evidence that the framework is operating effectively, they will enter justified trust. The 3-year monitoring and maintenance period will start from the lodgment year following the year that provisional justified trust was provided.

    Example of the timeline for groups taking the provisional trust pathway

    Lodgment year

    Engagement approach

    Engagement completed
    (may vary depending on lodgement cycle)

    2023

    Full Tax Assurance (Standard assurance engagement)

    2025

    2024

    Provisional justified trust (Break from assurance engagement)

    2026

    2025

    Monitoring & Maintenance (1st year of Justified Trust; operational effectiveness testing of tax governance if required)

    2027

    2026

    Monitoring & Maintenance (2nd year of Justified Trust)

    2028

    2027

    Monitoring & Maintenance (3rd year of Justified Trust)

    2029

    2028 & 2029

    Justified Trust Refresh Engagement

    2030

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Clovis CPA Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Over $800,000 from a Bank

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Kenneth Gould, 69, formerly of Clovis, was sentenced to one year in prison for stealing more than $800,000 from a bank, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced today.

    According to court records, Gould was a CPA and operated a payroll services company in Clovis. From October 2017 through March 2018, he initiated several fraudulent electronic payments from one of his clients’ accounts to his payroll company’s account at the bank. While the payments were pending, the bank credited significant portions of the funds to Gould’s account. Gould then quickly withdrew those funds in cashier’s checks. The bank later realized that there were insufficient funds to cover the payments, denied the payments, and attempted to recover its money. But it was too late. Approximately $830,000 of the credited funds was already gone.

    Gould gave the stolen money to the client from whose account he initiated the fraudulent payments because he had loaned that individual money and was hopeful that the individual would one day pay him back. The client then gambled the money away.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Alaska Delegation Welcomes Interior Process to Rescind Unlawful NPR-A Rule

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
    06.02.25
    Anchorage, Alaska—U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Representative Nick Begich (all R-Alaska) today welcomed an announcement from the Department of the Interior (DOI) that it will initiate a public process to rescind an unlawful 2024 rule that restricts responsible oil and gas development in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A).
    DOI made the announcement after officials conducted “a thorough legal and policy review” that determined the 2024 rule “exceeds [the Bureau of Land Management’s] statutory authority under the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976, conflicts with the Act’s purpose, and imposes unnecessary barriers to responsible energy development in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska.”
    “I thank Secretary Burgum for listening to Alaskans and recognizing the explicit legal purpose of our petroleum reserve. This is a victory not only for those who support responsible development, but also those who believe in the rule of law,” Senator Murkowski said. “The 2024 management rule clearly violated the law, establishing restrictions and a presumption against development as part of the last administration’s effort to turn the North Slope into one giant tract of federal wilderness. Repealing the rule will not weaken our world-class environmental standards, but it will enable Alaska to produce more energy as Congress intended. The result will be good jobs for Alaskans, more affordable energy for America, and significant new revenues for government.”
    “Last night at a town hall in Utqiagvik, Secretary Burgum announced that the Interior Department will rescind the Biden administration’s illegal rule that tried to turn vast swaths of NPR-A into de facto ‘wilderness,’” said Senator Sullivan. “The announcement was roundly met with cheers from Alaskans of the North Slope, who understand better than anyone the proper balance between responsible oil production and the subsistence way of life they cherish. Responsible resource development has transformed the lives of the Iñupiat people, supporting the construction of clinics, gymnasiums, water infrastructure—basic amenities most Americans take for granted. Thank you, Secretary Burgum, for respecting the voices of Alaskans, for standing up for the self-determination of the Iñupiat people, and for sharing this important announcement among the people who will most benefit from it.”
    “This decision is a major victory for Alaska and for every American who believes in energy independence and the rule of law,” said Congressman Begich. “The 2024 restrictions in the NPR-A were imposed with no serious consideration provided to those who work and live in the region and in clear violation of the law – hindering Alaska’s right to responsibly develop our resources. I will continue to work closely with the Trump Administration to ensure Alaska has the opportunity for responsible resource development across the North Slope. There is no question that the road to American prosperity begins in Alaska with our abundance of critical resources, and I am grateful to President Trump and Secretary Burgum for their leadership in restoring our right to shape Alaska’s energy future by rolling back this restrictive Biden-era policy in the NPR-A.”
    “Congress was clear: the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska was set aside to support America’s energy security through responsible development,” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said. “The 2024 rule ignored that mandate, prioritizing obstruction over production and undermining our ability to harness domestic resources at a time when American energy independence has never been more critical. We’re restoring the balance and putting our energy future back on track.”
    The NPR-A spans roughly 23 million acres in northwest Alaska. Congress specifically set the area aside for responsible oil and gas development, directing DOI, through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to conduct an “expeditious program of competitive leasing of oil and gas.” Instead of following that directive, the Biden administration refused to hold a single lease sale in the petroleum reserve while repeatedly moving to reduce access, delaying project approvals, and layering on new restrictions to prevent future development. 
    Alaska’s congressional delegation has opposed the NPR-A management rule on a bipartisan basis from the start. The delegation sent a letter to Interior opposing the proposed rule in March 2024 and spent months making a public case against it. Interior ignored the delegation—and refused to engage in proper consultation with North Slope leaders who similarly opposed the rule—instead plowing forward on a rushed timeline that one former official openly admitted was to avoid the Congressional Review Act. As Interior finalized the rule, multiple companies asked BLM to suspend more than one million acres of leases they held within the NPR-A.
    According to DOI, “Under the proposed rule rescission, the BLM would revert to the regulations that were in place prior to May 7, 2024, which have long guided responsible development in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska while incorporating protections for wildlife, subsistence and surface values through the Integrated Activity Plan process.” A 60-day public comment period will begin when the proposal prints in the Federal Register.
    More information is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Anandasangaree to announce new measures to strengthen border security

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Members of the media are invited to join the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, for a press conference on new measures to strengthen border security.

    Prior to the press conference, Government of Canada officials will host a media technical briefing. Journalists will have the opportunity to ask questions to officials attending in a not-for-attribution capacity.

    1. Media Technical Briefing

    Event: Hybrid (In-person and virtual)
    Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
    Time: 10:30 a.m. EDT
    Location: National Press Theatre, 180 Wellington Street, Room 325, Ottawa, Ontario

    2. Press conference

    Event: In-person
    Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
    Time: 11:30 a.m. EDT
    Location: Parliament of Canada, Foyer, 3rd floor, West Block, Ottawa, Ontario

    Notes for media:

    • Participation in the question and answer portion of these events is in-person or via Zoom, and is for accredited members of the Press Gallery only. Media who are not members of the Press Gallery may contact pressres2@parl.gc.ca for temporary access.
    • Accredited media representatives who wish to take part in the briefing at the National Press Theatre may attend in person and must arrive 15 minutes in advance to sign-in and present photo ID and credentials. Photo ID must be visible at all times. Media who join in-person will have an opportunity to ask questions. Simultaneous translation and audio feed will be available for media on-site.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing sees robust tourism growth during Dragon Boat Festival holiday

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

    The Chinese capital recorded 8.21 million tourist visits during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, up 5.4 percent year on year, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism said on Monday.

    Running from May 31 to June 2, the three-day holiday saw 10.77 billion yuan (about 1.49 billion U.S. dollars) in tourism revenue in Beijing, up 6.7 percent from the same period last year.

    To boost the city’s tourism, more than 1,700 cultural tourism events, including dragon boat carnivals, intangible cultural heritage markets and Hanfu (traditional Chinese attire) workshops, were held.

    This year’s Dragon Boat Festival on May 31 overlapped with Children’s Day on June 1, driving a high demand for family-friendly outings and educational tours.

    Meanwhile, 1,119 commercial performances staged across the city attracted an audience of 458,000 with a total box office revenue of 140 million yuan — representing year-on-year growth of 32 percent, 75 percent and 130 percent, respectively.

    In the three days, Beijing’s inbound tourism market also experienced strong growth, with 67,000 inbound visitors, a 35.8 percent increase year-on-year, and tourism revenue from them rising 41.1 percent year-on-year to 720 million yuan. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: S. Koreans go to polls to pick new president

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

    Polls began early Tuesday nationwide to pick South Korea’s new president.

    The election is scheduled to last from 6:00 a.m. local time (2100 GMT Monday) to 8:00 p.m. (1100 GMT Tuesday) at 14,295 polling stations across the country.

    The presidential race was triggered by the removal of former conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol from office over his botched martial law bid.

    Recent surveys showed that Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party continued to have around 50 percent of support, holding a big lead over Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party with about 30 percent.

    Lee lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon, then candidate of the People Power Party, by the country’s narrowest margin of 0.73 percentage points.

    An early voting was carried out between May 29 and May 30. Among over 44 million eligible voters, 34.74 percent cast preliminary votes. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ukraine, Russia make modest progress in Istanbul peace talks, agree on largest prisoner swap

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

    Ukrainian and Russian delegations made modest but concrete progress in renewed peace talks in Istanbul on Monday, raising cautious hopes for a potential easing of hostilities through expanded humanitarian measures, including the largest prisoner exchange since the onset of the conflict.

    The second round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia is held in Istanbul, Türkiye, June 2, 2025. Ukrainian and Russian delegations resumed peace negotiations on Monday in Istanbul, aiming to bring an end to the ongoing conflict, television footage showed. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye/Handout via Xinhua)

    The roughly 90-minute session marked the second round of direct talks between the two sides in recent weeks. Turkish officials described the outcome as “cautiously optimistic.”

    “The talks did not end negatively,” Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli said, characterising the tone as constructive despite persistent divisions over the broader conflict.

    AGREEMENTS ON HUMANITARIAN MEASURES

    Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who chaired the negotiations, said on the social media platform X that the delegations built on previously agreed points, including measures related to humanitarian exchanges.

    “There is an agreement on new categories and an increased number of prisoner swaps,” Fidan said.

    Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, leading Kiev’s delegation, proposed a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, the return of displaced children and young soldiers, and the release of prisoners. Umerov called for “real efforts to end the war,” and suggested holding a third round of talks between June 20 and 30, as part of a broader push toward a possible leaders’ summit.

    Russia’s delegation, led by Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky, confirmed agreement on what he described as the largest prisoner exchange since the conflict began. “All severely wounded and seriously ill soldiers will be exchanged, along with all captured servicemen under the age of 25,” he said.

    Medinsky added that Moscow would return the bodies of 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers and proposed a two- to three-day ceasefire in specific front-line areas to enable body recovery. He also confirmed that discussions on the return of displaced Ukrainian children were underway, with Kiev submitting a list of 339 names. “We will work on this,” he said.

    Medinsky noted that a preliminary meeting with Umerov had helped set the stage for Monday’s negotiations.

    INTERNATIONAL REACTIONS

    The United Nations (UN) welcomed the progress on humanitarian issues. “We obviously welcome any agreement that will bring the exchange of prisoners or remains,” said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

    Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed the meeting as a “significant achievement,” saying the number of prisoners exchanged had surpassed 1,000, with some bodies returned outside formal channels. Erdogan also said Türkiye was prepared to host a high-level summit involving Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and potentially U.S. President Donald Trump.

    Russian media, citing unnamed sources, reported that the next round of talks was likely to be held again in Istanbul.

    TALKS SHADOWED BY ESCALATING AIRSTRIKES

    The renewed negotiations come amid a backdrop of intensified military actions. Ukrainian officials said more than 40 Russian warplanes were damaged or destroyed in a drone strike on Sunday that targeted air bases deep inside Russian territory, including in the Arctic, Siberia, and Far East regions.

    Vasyl Malyuk, head of Ukraine’s Security Service, described the operation, which hit sites in three time zones simultaneously, as “a major slap in the face to Russia’s military power.” Ukrainian officials claimed nearly a third of Moscow’s strategic bomber fleet was either destroyed or rendered inoperable.

    The Russian Defense Ministry accused the “Kiev regime” of launching first-person-view drone attacks on multiple airfields. It said airstrips in the Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions were targeted, but that the strikes were repelled. Fires at airfields in the Murmansk and Irkutsk regions were extinguished, with no casualties reported.

    In Washington, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump believes the conflict in Ukraine “needs to come to an end.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Flag-raising ceremony cancelled

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Owing to the thunderstorm warning, the flag-raising ceremony to be conducted at Golden Bauhinia Square, Wan Chai at 8am today (June 3) will be cancelled.

    If the thunderstorm warning is cancelled and weather conditions permit by then, the flag-raising ceremony may be resumed without further notice.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Muriwai sudden death

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police can now provide a brief update into a sudden death in Muriwai earlier this morning.

    A person’s body was located after a car fire was reported on Jack Butt Lane.

    Police can now advise enquiries are being made on behalf of the Coroner in this matter.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Extradite Austin Fugitive Intercepted by Foreign Officials in Panama

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Austin, TX – The U.S. Marshals, working with the Department of State, and Panamanian Officials received custody of a man who had been sought by the Austin Police Department on a warrant issued May 17, 2024, for aggravated kidnapping. 

    Brayan Estiven Rios, 29, Columbian national, was wanted by the Austin Police for a robbery that occurred July 19, 2022, in the 2500 block of Francisco Street. According to the affidavit, a victim reported to have been forced into a vehicle at gunpoint and was further instructed to withdraw a large sum of money from her bank account. 

    In April, the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, Department of Justice – Office of International Affairs, and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office communicated with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to facilitate the extradition of Rios, who was intercepted by officials in Panama.

    On May 22, Panamanian officials handed Rios over to the USMS for extradition back to the United States. After arriving at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport, he was transported and booked into the Travis County Jail, where he will await further judicial proceedings. 

    The Department of Homeland Security filed an immigration detainer on Rios, who is a Columbian national and has no legal status in the United States. 

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Panamanian authorities to secure the extradition of Rios.

    Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force in Austin – 

    Austin Police Department-Tactical Intelligence Unit
    Round Rock, and San Marcos Police Department
    Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson County Sheriff’s Office
    Texas Attorney General’s Office
    Texas Department of Criminal Justice OIG
    Texas Department of Public Safety
    U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement
    U.S. DHS/Homeland Security Investigations

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone Blasts Trump for Pulling the Ladder Up on New Jersey’s Youth with Job Corps Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement on the Trump administration’s decision to shut down Job Corps centers, including one in Edison, NJ:

    “Donald Trump ran on being a job creator, but all he’s done is destroy opportunity. Now he’s shutting down Job Corps centers in New Jersey, gutting a program that helps young people train for real careers and build better lives.

    “In Edison alone, Job Corps has trained and advanced the lives and careers of thousands of students with over 300 currently enrolled. 

    “Job Corps has served as a lifeline – especially for low-income students – offering training in high-demand fields and a path to stability. This move doesn’t just cut a program; it pulls the ladder up behind the next generation.

    “Trump’s economic legacy is becoming crystal clear: layoffs, trade chaos, rising prices, and now, a full-on attack on workforce development. I won’t sit back while he undermines our communities. I’ll keep fighting to protect the investments that actually help people get ahead.”

    Ashton Stripling, the Edison Job Corps Center Director, added: 

    “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm we have received official notice that the Job Corps program received an official letter of termination of convenience. This is not just a program—this is a lifeline. As a former Job Corps student who rose through the ranks to become Director of the Edison campus, I can personally attest to the power of this program to transform lives.

    “For so many of our students, this place is more than just a school—it’s their home, their source of food, clothing, stability, and the education they need to build a future. With this closure, hundreds of young people are at risk of being displaced, and many will return to environments lacking the very support systems they came here to escape.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders – Funding eligibility

    Source: Tertiary Education Commission

    Eligibility criteria
    If you are approved to provide work-based delivery, AEWV holders that undertake work-based learning with you may be eligible for TEC funding. To be eligible, they must:

    For more information about ‘domestic student’ requirements, see:
    Other valid domestic enrolments
    Which programmes are funded?
    TEC publishes a list of funded programmes for work-based learners with AEWVs here:
    List of funded programmes for eligible AEWV work-based learners (XLSX 73 KB)
    If a work-based learner with an AEWV meets the eligibility criteria, funding will apply. To determine when a specific programme becomes eligible for funding, see the ‘Programme list’ section under the ‘Instructions’ tab. Check this list regularly. It changes in response to policy, immigration and programme changes.
    What if a learner is not eligible?
    If an AEWV holder does not meet the criteria to be an eligible learner, they will not qualify for funding, unless they fall into a different category of people eligible to be treated as domestic learners. Find out more at Other valid domestic enrolments. 
    Learners ineligible for funding may still be able to access both provider-based and work-based learning. However, international fees will apply. Individuals with holiday or work visa types do not meet the criteria; the visa must be an AEWV.
    Eligibility for Fees Free
    AEWV learners who are eligible for TEC funding for work-based learning are treated as domestic learners, so they may be eligible for Fees Free.
    Find the complete list of Fees Free eligibility criteria at the Fees Free website.
    Learners enrolled in work-based learning before 1 January 2023
    Before 2023, all individuals working legally in New Zealand and enrolled in work-based learning were eligible for TEC funding under the Industry Training Fund. This included individuals with visas other than residency visas.
    From 1 January 2023, limits were placed on funded work-based learning for international workers, to align eligibility more closely with funded provider-based study. As a result, fewer international workers are eligible for TEC funding.
    However, any learner who enrolled in work-based learning before 1 January 2023 is still eligible for TEC funding until they complete their programme of training, if they meet all other fund requirements. This is because they started their training under the previous policy settings.
    If the learner changes employers but continues the same programme, they will remain eligible for TEC funding.
    However, if the learner withdraws from or changes their programme, any new enrolment will be subject to the eligibility criteria in place at the time they enrol.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rising dairy prices lift export prices – Stats NZ media and information release: International trade: March 2025 quarter

    Rising dairy prices lift export prices – media release

    3 June 2025

    Export prices rose 7.1 percent in the March 2025 quarter, led by dairy prices, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    “Export prices have been increasing since March 2024 and are now 17 percent higher than they were a year ago,” international accounts spokesperson Viki Ward said.

    Prices for dairy products (New Zealand’s top export commodity) rose 10 percent, led by a 13 percent increase in milk powder prices compared with the December 2024 quarter.

    “The increase in dairy prices was shared across all of the major dairy categories,” Ward said.

    Visit our website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Vehicle fire – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Police are calling for information in relation to a vehicle fire that occurred in Alice Springs on Saturday evening.

    Around 8:20pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received multiple reports of a vehicle fire on Barrett Drive. It is alleged that two females and a male were involved in an altercation before one of the females set the vehicle alight.

    NT Police and NT Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and the fire was extinguished.

    The three allegedly involved in the altercation are assisting police with their enquiries.

    Investigations remain ongoing.

    Police urge anyone with information in relation to the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25147814. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Not-for-profit

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    The Global Anti-Base Erosion Model Rules (GloBE rules) provide for a coordinated system of taxation intended to ensure multinational enterprise groups (MNE groups) are subject to a global minimum tax rate of 15% in each of the jurisdictions where they operate.

    On 10 December 2024, the Taxation (Multinational—Global and Domestic Minimum Tax) Act 2024 (the Act) received Royal Assent. It is part of a primary legislation package which implements the framework of the GloBE rules in Australia.

    Certain entities in MNE groups are excluded from the operation of the Australian global and domestic minimum tax. Relevantly, the Act provides an exclusion for entities considered to be a ‘non-profit organisation’.

    The ATO will consult with members of the Not-for-profit Stewardship Group and tertiary education sector representatives to inform its understanding of the scope of the ‘non-profit organisation’ exclusion and broader administration of the new measure.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Intermediaries

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Our commitment to you

    We are committed to providing you with accurate, consistent and clear information to help you understand your rights and entitlements and meet your obligations.

    If you follow our information and it turns out to be incorrect, or it is misleading and you make a mistake as a result, we will take that into account when determining what action, if any, we should take.

    Some of the information on this website applies to a specific financial year. This is clearly marked. Make sure you have the information for the right year before making decisions based on that information.

    If you feel that our information does not fully cover your circumstances, or you are unsure how it applies to you, contact us or seek professional advice.

    Copyright notice

    © Australian Taxation Office for the Commonwealth of Australia

    You are free to copy, adapt, modify, transmit and distribute this material as you wish (but not in any way that suggests the ATO or the Commonwealth endorses you or any of your services or products).

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Signs New Laws To Make Colorado Safer

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis signed a number of new laws that will make Colorado safer and get tough on crime by investing in local law enforcement, supporting the families of fallen officers, and cracking down on gun theft. Before signing these new laws, Governor Polis addressed the terrorist attack in Boulder, applauding the first responders, brave bystanders and sending his thoughts to the victims and their families. 

    • SB25-310 – Proposition 130 Implementation, sponsored by Senators Kirkmeyer and Bridges, and Representatives Bird and Taggart
    • HB25-1062 – Penalty for Theft of Firearms, sponsored by Representative Armagost and Majority Leader Duran, and Senators Hinrichsen and Pelton
    • SB25-205 – Firearm Serial Number Check Request Procedure, sponsored by Senator Hinrichsen, and Representatives Espenoza and Lindstedt 

    “We continue working to make Colorado safer for everyone and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made this year. From investing in our local law enforcement and supporting the families of fallen officers, to cracking down on gun theft by increasing penalties and making it easier to identify stolen guns, and making it harder to sell stolen goods online. I appreciate the work of the legislators who continue to prioritize the safety of our communities, and look forward to implementing these new laws to support safety across our state,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    Governor Polis also signed SB25-168 – Prevention of Wildlife Trafficking, sponsored by Senators Bright and Roberts, and Representatives Armagost and Espenoza.

    “Colorado is proud of the wild lands and animals here in our state, and this new law will help prevent wildlife trafficking by increasing the penalties for this illegal act. These wild animals are part of our identity, and we are taking further steps to ensure they stay in their natural habitats here in our great state,” said Governor Polis. 

    Governor Polis signed the following bills to protect transit workers, help young Coloradans leave the criminal justice system, and provide support for those experiencing mental health challenges. 

    • HB25-1146 – Juvenile Detention Bed Cap, sponsored by Representatives Bird and Woog, and Senators Kirkmeyer and Amabile
    • SB25-041 – Competency in Criminal Justice System Services & Bail, sponsored by Senators Michaelson Jenet and Amabile, and Representatives Bradfield and English 

    “These new laws take important steps to increase bed capacity to help young Coloradans get the support they need to get out of the criminal justice system and expand access to needed mental health supports. All of this work is so important to reducing crime, and I thank the bill sponsors for their efforts to make Colorado safer,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    Governor Polis also signed the following bills administratively, all of which are focused on public safety: 

    “Making Colorado safer requires all of us working together and I was proud to sign these new laws to make Colorado safer from every angle. I thank all of the sponsors who worked on these bills for their commitment to increasing safety and security in our great state,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    • SB25-288 – Intimate Digital Depictions Criminal & Civil Actions, sponsored by Majority Leader Rodriguez, and Representatives Titone and Soper
    • HB25-1250 – Gun Violence Prevention & Parents of Students, sponsored by Representative Hamrick, Majority Leader Duran, and Senator Cutter
    • SB25-079 – Colorado Vending of Digital Assets Act, sponsored by Senators Rich and Roberts, and Representatives Taggart and Jackson
    • SB25-281 – Increase Penalties Careless Driving, sponsored by Senators Carson and Snyder, and Representatives Espenoza and Armagost
    • SB25-146 – Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Record Checks, sponsored by Senators Rich and Michaelson Jenet, and Representatives Hartsook and Lukens
    • HB25-1098 – Automated Protection Order Victim Notification System, sponsored by Representatives Stewart and Soper, and Senators Michaelson Jenet and Gonzales
    • HB25-1183 – Colorimetric Field Drug Test Working Group, sponsored by Representatives Gilchrist and Bacon, and Senators Ball and Daugherty
    • SB25-273 – 14 Days Hospitals Retain Blood Draws for Investigations, sponsored by Senator Roberts, and Representatives Smith and Soper
    • HB25-1275 – Forensic Science Integrity, sponsored by Representatives Soper and Zokaie, and Senators Weissman and Frizell
    • SB25-034 – Voluntary Do-Not-Sell Firearms Waiver, sponsored by Senator Kipp and Representatives Boesenecker and Jackson.
    • SB25-189 – Require Jury to Determine Prior Convictions, sponsored by Senators Liston and Snyder, and Representatives Soper and Espenoza
    • SB25-187 – Sunset Motorcycle Operator Safety Training Program, sponsored by Senators Hinrichsen and Sullivan, and Representatives Martinez and Weinberg
    • HB25-1195 – First Responder Voter Registration Record Confidentiality, sponsored by Representatives Johnson and Martinez, and Senators Mullica and Baisley
    • HB25-1112 – Local Authorities Enforce Vehicle Registration sponsored by Representatives Titone and Hamrick, and Senators Exum and Frizell
    • HB25-1298 – Judicial Performance Commissions, sponsored by Representatives Carter and Richardson, and Senators Exum and Michaelson Jenet
    • HB25-1290 – Transit Worker Assault & Funding for Training, Sponsored by Representatives Lindstedt and Valdez, and Senators Mullica and Kirkmeyer 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Stansbury Fights to Secure Millions for New Mexico

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    $158.45 million in federal Community Project Funding (CPF) requests will support essential local projects

    WASHINGTON D.C. — As the U.S. House of Representatives begins marking up appropriations bills in the House this week, Representative Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) submitted 15 Congressionally funded community projects, totaling $158,450,000 for communities across New Mexico in the upcoming 2026 budget process. Since coming to office, Rep. Stansbury has secured CPF funding for 37 projects focused on tackling New Mexico’s biggest challenges in public safety, housing, healthcare, education, protecting our lands and waters, and investing in our future.   

    “I came to Congress to support the needs of New Mexico using every tool available,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). “As the Administration targets funding and resources our communities depend on, Community Project Funding is one of the most powerful tools we have to deliver investments necessary to support lasting and generational change for communities across our state. These 15 projects will help deliver vital healthcare and behavioral health services in rural communities, help seniors and families experiencing homelessness, help tackle the fentanyl crisis and public safety issues, protect our cultural heritage, and deliver water to communities across the state.  I am proud to work with the state, local, and tribal leaders who are working every day to address these needs on the ground.” 

    After more than a decade, Congress resumed congressionally directed spending for community projects four years ago.  Since then, Rep. Stansbury has secured millions in funding for fire, emergency, and public safety services, housing and food assistance, healthcare and behavioral health programs, economic development, and youth and education programs across the state.  Past submissions for Fiscal Year 2022,Fiscal Year 2023, and Fiscal Year 2024 budgets are available online. Last year, Rep. Stansbury submitted $104 million in CPF requests to support New Mexico, but Republicans stripped FY25 Community Project Funding from their Continuing Resolution.

    This year Rep. Stansbury submitted 15 projects to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration, pending approval through the Congressional budget and appropriations process. Projects this year were restricted to a limited number of federal programs, and only state, local, and Tribal governments and eligible entities are permitted to receive funding. The House Appropriations Committee will consider these requests alongside other submissions as part of the FY 2026 appropriations process, which begins with Appropriations Committee markups this week.

    Once the Appropriations Committee approves projects, they will be subject to passage in both Chambers of Congress before being signed into law. This process will likely extend into fall, with the Fiscal Year 2016 beginning on October 1. 

    A summary of the 15 projects submitted by Rep Stansbury is provided below: 

    Investing in Public Safety Across the State 

    Lincoln County, Regional Wildfire Mitigation Public Safety and Training Complex – $3,000,000 
    Funding will support building a new Regional Public Safety and Training Center to help address wildfires and boost the region’s ability to hire, train, certify, and retain firefighters.

    Fort Sumner, Fire and Rescue Fire Station – $ 1,300,000  
    Funding will support building a new fire station in Fort Sumner to serve the community on the West side of the Pecos River, allowing timely emergency response and a new community hub in the Sunny Side subdivision.

    State Police Department, Technical Capabilities Improvements – $1,650,000  
    Funding will enable NM State Police to improve wireless and other technical capabilities statewide. This includes improving 5G technologies, cellular routers, and Automated License Plate Readers, increasing real-time situational awareness and allowing for more informed and rapid decision-making for first responders. 

    Albuquerque Police Department, Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Mobile Lab Vehicle – $800,000  
    Funding will enable the City of Albuquerque to add a new CSI Mobile Lab vehicle to update its current fleet and help meet expanded public safety needs across the Albuquerque metro area. 

    Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, Public Safety Vehicles – $1,000,000  
    Funding will support BCSO’s replacement of an aging fleet of vehicles to enhance operations and reduce maintenance costs to meet public safety needs across the Bernalillo County area.   

    Addressing Rural Healthcare and Behavioral Health Needs 

    Valencia County, Acute Care Hospital – $8,000,000  
    Funding will support construction of a state-of-the-art acute care hospital in Los Lunas, designed to meet the healthcare needs of the growing rural communities of Valencia County. This hospital will be a critical lifeline for local residents increasing access to both emergency and inpatient care.  

    Sandoval County, Behavioral Health Clinic – $8,000,000  
    Funding will support the construction of a comprehensive behavioral health and resource center in the Town of Bernalillo, in partnership with a broad set of local, tribal, and county stakeholders to address community needs related to addiction, housing, mental health and family services. This center will serve a large number of rural and remote communities across Sandoval County, providing a first-of-its-kind regional hub for urgent and ongoing medical and behavioral health needs.  

      

    Addressing Homelessness, Housing Insecurity, and Supporting Vulnerable Families 

    Bernalillo County, Affordable Housing – $2,000,000  
    Funding will provide housing for low- and moderate-income families in Downtown Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. This project will provide safe and stable temporary housing for seniors and families in need of housing support.   

    Albuquerque, Transitional Housing for Families – $1,000,000  
    Funding will support the purchase and rehabilitation of transitional housing for vulnerable families experiencing crisis. This project will help families grow out of emergency and short-term shelters and into longer term housing while they continue to get back on their feet. 

    Albuquerque, Senior Stability Shelter – $1,700,000  
    Funding will support building a new permanent shelter for seniors who are experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in Albuquerque. This project will provide safe and stable permanent housing in a vulnerable part of the city.   

    Protecting Our Water Infrastructure

    Middle Rio Grande Pueblos, Rio Grande Pueblo Irrigation Infrastructure – $82,700,000   
    Funding will provide long-overdue support for improving acequia and irrigation infrastructure for the six middle Rio Grande Pueblos and addressing deferred maintenance, repairs, and upgrades needed for improvements in agricultural irrigation on Pueblo lands.

    City of Santa Rosa, Drinking Water Pipelines Project – $4,000,000  
    Funding will support construction of a major project for improving drinking water supplies in the City of Santa Rosa and replacing aging infrastructure impacting drinking water pipelines.  

    Town of Bernalillo, Wastewater Project – $20,000,000  
    Funding will support the rehabilitation of the Town of Bernalillo’s aging wastewater treatment plant, extending the service life of its infrastructure and future growth in the community to protect water supplies.   

    Village of Corrales, Wastewater Treatment Facility – $20,000,000  
    Funding will help install a treatment facility and expand wastewater collection across the Village of Corrales to protect local groundwater from septic system contamination, conserve water resources by recycling treated wastewater, and supporting long-term sustainability.  

    Protecting our Cultural Heritage and Historic Buildings 

    Estancia and East Mountains, Estancia Town Hall Renovation – $3,300,000 
    Funding will support planning and capital improvement repairs of the historic Estancia Community Center. The community center serves as a vital hub, offering access to essential services, educational programs, and support for generations of New Mexicans. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road cone digital hotline opens

    Source: Worksafe New Zealand

    Concerns about road cone use anywhere in New Zealand can now be reported to WorkSafe New Zealand through a new digital hotline on the WorkSafe website.

    The hotline is part of a 12-month pilot, brought about by work health and safety reforms announced by the Government(external link), to tackle overcompliance in temporary traffic management.

    The initiative aims to get those deploying cones to be more proportionate and balanced, while maintaining worker and public safety.

    “The pilot aims to reduce unnecessary cones on the road. While cones are primarily there to manage the speed and flow of traffic and help keep everyone safe, there can be times when usage is excessive. We will engage with those involved with temporary traffic management and provide information to influence them to take a more risk-based approach to the use of cones on the road,” says WorkSafe’s Chief Executive Sharon Thompson.

    Once a report is received through the digital hotline, WorkSafe will assess it to determine the appropriate response. This could include contact with those responsible for the roadwork site, sending an inspector out, and educating the parties involved on what the law and guidance is.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Views sought on new Building Product Specifications

    Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

    Dr Dave Gittings, Manager, Building Performance and Engineering, said: “This new document streamlines the process for those looking to use proven and tested overseas products, knowing they will be accepted through the consenting system.”

    “The draft Building Product Specifications document released today contains specifications and overseas standards that can be used to demonstrate compliance with the Building Code. 

    “Designers will be able to use overseas products that comply with any one of these standards and specifications to show the building work meets overall Building Code requirements.

    “Today we are releasing the proposed first version of this document which contains specifications and standards for products that we already know and use, such as windows, plasterboard and cladding. 

    “We will be rolling out further updates to this document over time, as well as developing other pathways for recognising overseas products.

    “We think there’ll be a lot of interest in the changes – from councils who will be using the Building Product Specifications when assessing compliance – to designers, builders and developers keen to understand what other options are out there, and I’d like to encourage everyone to have their say.”

    Find out more and have your say:
    Give feedback on the Building Product Specifications

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: GAZA – Dozens of Palestinians massacred at US-Israel backed food distribution sites- MSF

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    Jerusalem: Dozens of Palestinians were killed and hundreds more injured yesterday, 1 June, as they waited for food at the newly created Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution centres in Rafah and close to the Netzarim Corridor, according to the Ministry of Health.

    Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) teams joined the mass casualty response in Nasser hospital, Khan Younis. Patients told MSF they were shot from all sides by drones, helicopters, boats, tanks and Israeli soldiers on the ground.

    “Today’s events have shown once again that this new system of aid delivery is dehumanising, dangerous and severely ineffective. It has resulted in deaths and injuries of civilians that could have been prevented. Humanitarian aid must be provided only by humanitarian organisations who have the competence and determination to do it safely and effectively,” states Claire Manera, MSF emergency coordinator.

    MSF teams at Nasser hospital treated patients with serious injuries today. Some patients in critical condition are still undergoing surgery. But with the blood banks almost empty, medical staff themselves have had to donate blood.

    “The hospital corridors were filled with patients, but unlike what I have witnessed before, where most of the patients were women and children, today it was mainly men. They lay in their beds in the hallways because the rooms are already packed with injured people. They had visible gunshot wounds in their limbs, and their clothes were soaked with blood,” says Nour Alsaqa, MSF communications officer. “They looked shattered and distraught after trying to secure food for their children, returning instead injured and empty handed. Outside, there was shouting, sirens, a constant rush of new arrivals to the emergency room. Amid the chaos, we received confirmation that a colleague’s brother had been killed while attempting to collect aid from the distribution centre,” she adds. Mansour Sami Abdi, a father of four, described the chaos: “People fought over five pallets. They told us to take food—then they fired from every direction. I ran 200 metres before realising I’d been shot. This isn’t aid. It’s a lie. Are we supposed to go get food for our kids and die?”

    “I was shot at 3:10am. As we were trapped, I bled constantly until 5:00am. There were many other men with me. One of them tried to get me out. He was shot in the head and died on my chest. We had gone there for nothing but food — just to survive, like everyone else,” says Mohammad Daghmeh, 24, a displaced person in Al-Qarara, Khan Younis.

    This is the second time this new system of aid distribution has led to bloodshed. On 27 May, the first afternoon of distribution in Rafah, Israeli forces shot dozens of people as wholly insufficient amounts of basic lifesaving supplies were distributed amid chaos.

    As a result of the total siege that was imposed by the Israeli authorities on 2 March, 100 per cent of Gaza is now at risk of famine, according to the United Nations. Since 19 May, the few hundred food trucks brought in – an insufficient fraction of what is needed – have spread despair among the 2 million plus people who have been largely deprived of food, water, and medication for three months now. Totally or partially blocking humanitarian aid to enter Gaza has aggravated the situation of all Gazans.

    MSF reinforces that, along with displacement orders and bombing campaigns that kill civilians, weaponising aid in this manner may constitute crimes against humanity. Only a lasting ceasefire and the immediate opening of Gaza’s borders for humanitarian aid – including food, medical supplies, fuel and equipment – can ease this man-made catastrophe.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: WorkSafe changes a welcome step towards modern, supportive regulation

    Source: EMA

    The change in focus for WorkSafe New Zealand is long overdue and should assist employers in keeping workers safer while having fewer concerns about being punished, says the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA).
    The changes – including a new letter of expectations, a restructured funding model, and a legislative rewrite of the regulator’s core purpose – represent a significant shift in the approach to health and safety regulation in New Zealand.
    The EMA has long advocated for a more balanced, collaborative model that fosters partnership and practical support for employers and workers.
    ‘Hello, what can we do to help?’ may be the new greeting from a WorkSafe inspector, says EMA Manager of Employment Relations & Safety Paul Jarvie.
    “These reforms will help modernise WorkSafe into a regulator that promotes compliance through education rather than fear,” he says.
    “This is a welcome and necessary change. For years, businesses – particularly small and medium-sized enterprises – have felt they were being policed rather than supported.
    “We’ve heard consistently from our members that the culture of enforcement-first created a climate of fear and concealment, rather than clarity and cooperation. This meant businesses were reluctant to call in WorkSafe for assistance because they were worried about simply being fined without getting the help or guidance they originally sought to avoid or manage a potential risk in the workplace.
    “That feedback has come through strongly from our members for many years and Minister van Velden heard the concerns during her roadshow events with small to medium businesses last year. The EMA has been calling for a shift towards an enabling, advisory-based regulator – and it’s pleasing to see the government respond.”
    The announcement includes a redefinition of WorkSafe’s role, with a greater emphasis on early engagement, targeted guidance, and clear, consistent advice.
    Updating and streamlining more than 50 guidance documents and re-prioritising critical risk areas are among the first steps being taken.
    “Cleaning up of WorkSafe advice documents is long overdue and must continue,” Jarvie says.
    “Clear expectations, consistent advice, and a shared goal of risk reduction should be the foundation of our health and safety system. New Zealand workplaces are safer when employers and regulators work in partnership.”
    The EMA also supports the move to involve industries more directly in developing Approved Codes of Practice, with WorkSafe providing guidance and oversight.
    “Industry knows its risks best,” says Jarvie. “Empowering businesses to help shape the standards they work to – with proper regulatory oversight – is a smart, pragmatic approach that will deliver better compliance and ultimately, better outcomes for workers.”
    The EMA assisted the Minister ’s review roadshow and found strong support from our members for these changes. The EMA is actively involved in supporting our members to meet and surpass their health and safety obligations through our comprehensive training programme.
    The EMA looks forward to continuing to work with the government, WorkSafe, Unions and other key stakeholders to ensure the transition achieves its intended purpose: a modern, fit-for-purpose regulator focused on outcomes, not bureaucracy.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government protects thousands of miles of bus services from being scrapped

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government protects thousands of miles of bus services from being scrapped

    Bus Services Bill will give local leaders the power to shape the bus services their communities rely on.

    • bus passengers across the UK – particularly the vulnerable – will be protected from sudden cuts to their services thanks to the Bus Services Bill, which has passed its second reading
    • Local Transport Minister visits Blackpool, seeing first-hand how locally controlled bus routes are restoring trust in public transport
    • empowering local leaders, government invests recent record £1 billion to improve bus services and drive up living standards by delivering the Plan for Change

    Thousands of bus passengers who rely on vital routes to get to work, school or the doctors will be protected from sudden and uninformed cuts to services thanks to the government’s Bus Services Bill.

    In a move that will protect thousands of miles of vital bus routes, the Bus Services Bill will end the plight of bus routes being scrapped at short notice, tightening requirements for cancelling vital bus routes – especially those used by vulnerable or disadvantaged passengers.

    Councils will identify socially necessary local services, and working with bus operators, put in place strict requirements before these services can be changed or cancelled.

    As the Bus Services Bill reached its second reading in the House of Commons yesterday (2 June 2025), the Transport Secretary called for greater accountability and reliability for bus services. MPs have also begun to have their say on proposals to protect vital services and empower local authorities to make the decisions that will benefit their communities.

    The bill, which has already passed through the House of Lords, will improve access to opportunities that drive up living standards and so grow the economy, as part of the Plan for Change.

    Buses remain the most used form of public transport across England, but approximately 300 million miles of bus services operating outside London were slashed from 2010 to 2024, with passengers left frustrated at the lack of accountability. 

    MPs also debated how the bill will allow local authorities to emulate the success of locally controlled bus networks.

    To mark the milestone, the Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, visited Blackpool last week to hear first-hand from passengers how the locally controlled Blackpool Transport buses have put their needs first to deliver services that allow them to access jobs and social opportunities that drive up their quality of life.  

    Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:  

    We’re committed to giving local leaders the power to shape the bus services their communities rely on. Our Bus Services Bill is a big step forward, protecting vital services that people depend on to get to work, school, or essential appointments.

    We have taken a decisive step towards better buses, building on our £1 billion investment to improve and maintain bus services, keeping people connected, driving up living standards and growing the economy in line with our Plan for Change.

    The plans will lift the ban on local authorities establishing their own bus companies, making it easier for them to control services and shape routes to work better for local people. 

    As part of this, the government will also reduce some of the complexities and red tape involved in bus franchising, including reducing the minimum period between local areas taking control and being allowed to run services.

    The bill will also empower local authorities to work alongside private operators to improve bus services if they choose not to pursue full ownership.  

    The government is also investing a near £38 million to bring 319 new zero emission buses to communities across England, while nearly £1 billion is being invested in England to improve bus infrastructure with new bus stops and digital timetables, introduce more frequent and more reliable buses and expand fare discounts.   

    The bill will also improve safety for both passengers and staff by mandating that staff, including drivers, undertake training to recognise and respond to incidents of criminal and anti-social behaviour, including acts of violence against women and girls. 

    Mayor for Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

    Deregulation of buses came at the expense of passengers, with a shrinking network, high fares and a service not fit for the rapid growth and scale of ambition we are seeing in Greater Manchester.

    As the first area to bring buses back under local control, our Bee Network is putting people and businesses before profit, reversing decades-long decline in buses with rapidly growing numbers of passengers served by a more reliable, affordable and integrated network. This is central to supporting economic growth, higher productivity, access to new jobs, homes and public services and opening up opportunity for all.

    This bill is vital to reforming transport networks across the country, putting power back in the hands of locally accountable leaders to ensure services work for the communities they serve.

    North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, said:

    On my first day as mayor, I started the legal process to bring buses back under public control because good public transport is how we unlock growth and opportunity for local people. I hear every day from people fed up with poor bus services.

    This can’t go on, so I’m pleased the government is working with mayors and local authorities to bring in legislation that will support our effort to improve bus networks across the country. It is crucial we fix the broken bus market so we can provide the reliable, affordable public transport people need.

    Professor Karen Lucas, Director of Manchester Urban Institute, said:

    The new buses bill will finally put a halt to the decimation of socially necessary services after years of unregulated cuts that have left many vulnerable people and low-income and rural communities stranded. This is a good first step in the right direction, but more local action is needed.

    Lydia Horbury, Bus Users UK Director for England, said:

    The protection of socially necessary bus services is vital to ensuring that everyone – regardless of age, income, or ability – can access education, employment, healthcare and their wider community. For too long, communities have been left stranded by sudden cuts to lifeline routes.

    Strengthening the framework around these services, as proposed in the Bus Services Bill, is a crucial step toward building a truly inclusive and reliable transport network outside London. We support any measures which empower local authorities to safeguard these routes and the passengers who depend on them.

    Ben Plowden of Campaign for Better Transport said:

    Buses are the most used form of public transport, connecting millions of people to jobs and education, shops and services, friends and family. Preserving vital bus services has long been central to our campaigning, so the new protections in the Bus Services Bill are very welcome indeed.

    Protecting existing services and identifying and filling gaps in the network is the way to ensure everyone can access opportunities and stay connected.

    Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said:

    The government has moved rapidly to bring about better buses by providing local leaders with the right tools to improve services for their communities. We welcome the Bus Services Bill and its commitment to back passengers and the services they rely upon.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bank on the UK in volatile times’ Trade Secretary tells G7 and European businesses

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Bank on the UK in volatile times’ Trade Secretary tells G7 and European businesses

    Trade Secretary’s message comes after UK sealed landmark deals with India, the US and EU

    • Jonathan Reynolds to meet G7 and EU counterparts in Paris and Brussels to discuss economic security and global trade.
    • Trade Secretary targets economic growth and jobs, saying deals with India, US and EU make UK the most connected economy for global business.
    • Visit shows how Plan for Change is reducing trade barriers that will boost exports to the EU.

    The UK is a country that counterparts and businesses can bank on in increasingly uncertain and volatile times, Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will tell G7 and EU ministers and commissioners on a three-day visit to Paris and Brussels.

    He will deliver the message at a G7 Trade Ministerial Meeting in Paris before travelling to Brussels for talks with EU counterparts and a speech to business representatives, policymakers, and diplomats at the European Policy Centre’s Economic Security Forum.

    The Trade Secretary’s message comes after the UK sealed landmark deals with India, the US and the European Union, positioning the UK as a global champion of free trade, delivering for British businesses and putting money in the pockets of working people.

    This will be delivered through the expected GDP increase by £4.8 billion thanks to the India deal, nearly £9 billion added to the UK economy by 2040 through the EU deal and the thousands of jobs saved across the country because of the deal with the US.

    He is also expected to meet US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Šefčovič to progress implementation of the trade deals and ensure businesses feel the benefits as soon as possible.

    Jonathan Reynolds will use the visit to reinforce that Britain is open for business as part of this Government’s Plan for Change to deliver on its core mission to grow the economy, raise living standards and put more money in people’s pockets.

    Ahead of the visit, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    Our deals with the US, EU and India are proof that the UK is the most connected country in the world to do business. Along with our modern Industrial Strategy, our Plan for Change is making the UK a safe, stable bet in uncertain times.

    We recognise our relationship with G7 allies and EU counterparts must continue to evolve and deliver a better trading environment for our businesses and exporters.

    That’s why we want to wipe away costly, business-blocking barriers and open up opportunities to grow our economy, create jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.

    The Business Secretary will use his visit to call for the UK’s new relationship with the EU to help businesses, and with almost 100,000 UK businesses exporting goods to the EU last year, and the upcoming Trade Strategy, the UK is continuing its work to build on the recent deals and tear down barriers to doing business around the world.

    As part of the trip the Business and Trade Secretary will also discuss the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy being published this Spring in his first ever in person meetings with the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for the Industrial Strategy Stephane Séjourné and Executive Vice-President for the Clean, Just and Competitive Transition Teresa Ribera.

    The Business and Trade Secretary will also use the visit to hold in-person meetings with Laurent Saint-Martin, Don Farrell and Maninder Sidhu, the Trade Ministers of France, Australia and Canada respectively.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: First Ministers’ statement on building a strong Canadian economy and advancing major projects

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    “Today, Canada’s First Ministers met in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to build a stronger, more competitive, and more resilient Canadian economy. This marks the first time that a First Ministers’ Meeting has taken place in Saskatchewan in over 40 years.

    “First Ministers expressed their deep concern regarding the wildfire situations across Canada, including in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, and pledged to continue to provide assistance and support to impacted provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities.

    “First Ministers discussed the federal government’s plan to remove trade barriers and advance major projects of national interest, including by tabling their One Canadian Economy legislation, so Canada can be stronger at home and abroad.

    “First Ministers agreed to work together to accelerate major projects in support of building a strong, resilient, and united Canada. As a first step, First Ministers discussed projects of national interest which fit the following criteria, subject to consultation with Indigenous Peoples whose rights may be affected:

    • Strengthen Canada’s autonomy, resilience, and security.
    • Offer undeniable benefits to Canada and support economic growth.
    • Have a high likelihood of successful execution.
    • Are a high priority for Indigenous leaders.
    • Have clean growth potential, such as the use of clean technologies and sustainable practices.

    “First Ministers also agreed to continue the discussion on projects of national interest, working with provincial and territorial governments.

    “This is a first step in implementing a broader set of reforms to overhaul the project assessment process. A significantly improved, streamlined project assessment process is necessary for Canada to grow its economy to become the strongest in the G7 and a global energy superpower.

    “First Ministers are committed to immediately begin to address project approval and permitting efficiency and timelines for all projects. Premiers welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment to ensuring all federal assessment decisions are rendered within two years, beginning with projects of national interest. First Ministers also agreed to work toward efficiently and effectively implementing ‘one project, one review’ with the goal of a single assessment for all projects, in a manner that respects federal, provincial, and territorial jurisdiction, enhancing co-ordination activities on permitting and eliminating duplication. This will help kickstart economic growth and ensure that projects get built in a timely manner. First Ministers pledged to fulfil the Crown’s duty to consult with Indigenous Peoples and discussed ways to strengthen Indigenous ownership and partnerships to provide Indigenous communities with generational economic opportunities.

    “Nation-building infrastructure and corridors, such as highways, railways, ports, airports, pipelines, nuclear projects, clean and conventional energy projects, and electricity transmission systems, are crucial for driving Canadian productivity growth, energy security, and economic competitiveness. First Ministers agreed that Canada must work urgently to get Canadian natural resources and commodities to domestic and international markets, such as critical minerals and decarbonized Canadian oil and gas by pipelines, supported by the private sector, that provide access to diversified global markets, including Asia and Europe. First Ministers also agreed to build cleaner and more affordable electricity systems to reduce emissions and increase reliability toward achieving net zero by 2050. In order to generate economic and social benefits, this work must be done by bringing together the right conditions, including Indigenous equity and participation, and deferring to provincial and territorial environmental assessments, where applicable.

    “First Ministers also discussed needed investments in dual-use infrastructure in Northern and Arctic communities that will address Canada’s Arctic sovereignty and security goals, meet local community needs, advance national energy independence, and unlock the North’s economic potential. Indigenous equity and participation will be pivotal to the success of these projects. Premiers acknowledged the federal commitment to move quickly to improve Canada’s defence capabilities and meet international spending targets.

    “Through recent federal, provincial, and territorial efforts and actions led by the Committee on Internal Trade and the Forum of Labour Market Ministers, significant progress has been made toward removing internal trade barriers and further facilitating the movement of goods, services, and workers across the country. Recognizing there is more work to do, First Ministers committed to unlock multilateral, economy-wide mutual recognition and labour mobility, while respecting Québec’s specificity. First Ministers directed the Committee on Internal Trade to rapidly conclude a comprehensive Mutual Recognition Agreement covering consumer goods, in alignment with the Committee on Internal Trade discussions, with implementation by December 2025. In addition, they directed their Ministers of Transport to work together to rapidly expand the trucking pilot. They also agreed to a 30-day service standard for pan-Canadian credential recognition.

    “First Ministers also stressed the importance of creating a new economic and security relationship with the United States to remove the unjustified American tariffs – including longstanding unjustified duties on softwood lumber – and create a more stable and predictable trade environment. They underscored they all have a role to play to achieve this.

    “The federal government committed to working urgently to remove Chinese tariffs on Canadian agriculture and seafood products. First Ministers emphasized the critical importance of regular and ongoing engagement with China at the highest level to improve the overall trade relationship. In the face of ongoing tariffs, they also discussed opportunities to diversify trade and broaden market access for Canadian exporters.

    “First Ministers emphasized the importance of joint efforts to maintain safe and secure communities, including by enhancing the criminal justice system through meaningful and urgent bail and sentencing reforms supporting law enforcement, addressing delays in the criminal justice process, and reviewing risk assessment for sentencing and release of repeat sex offenders and individuals charged with intimate partner violence and gender-based violence crimes. First Ministers recognized the devastating impact the toxic illegal drug supply is having on Canadian communities and committed to dismantling the illicit drug trade, including fentanyl and its precursors. First Ministers directed federal-provincial-territorial Attorneys General and Ministers of Justice and Public Safety to bring forward an action plan to promote safe and vibrant communities for consideration at a future meeting.

    “First Ministers agreed to continue to work collaboratively and address the priorities of all Canadians in every region of the country. To that end, they will meet regularly to drive action on shared priorities vital to Canada’s security and economic resilience.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Scams, fraud and other illicit activity: AUSTRAC puts crypto ATM operators on notice

    Source: Australian Department of Communications

    AUSTRAC has refused to renew a crypto ATM operator’s registration and placed operating conditions, including transaction limits, on other Australian crypto ATM providers.
    The conditions come after an AUSTRAC taskforce flagged worrying trends in crypto ATM compliance.
    AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas said over several months, the taskforce observed customer activity that bears the hallmarks of scams, fraud, and other illicit activity.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Seniors’ Week 2025: Minister Nixon

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –