NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Youths arrested after alleged assault in Hobart CBD

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    UPDATE: Youths arrested after alleged assault in Hobart CBD

    Thursday, 17 July 2025 – 1:25 pm.

    UPDATE @ 1.30pm July 17: Youths arrested after alleged assault in Hobart CBD
    Police have laid charges against two boys over the alleged assault of a teenage boy in Hobart’s CBD on Wednesday.
    A 14-year-old boy has been charged with aggravated robbery, stealing, destroy property, unlawfully tamper or interfere with a motor vehicle, and bail offences. He has been held for court.
    A 12-year-old boy has been charged with aggravated robbery, common assault, stealing and unlawfully tamper or interfere with a motor vehicle. He has been bailed to appear in the Hobart Youth Justice Division in August.
    The charges stem from an altercation at the grassed area of Mather’s Lane, in Hobart’s central business district, about 2.05pm in which police allege a 14-year-old boy was assaulted and had his iPhone stolen.
    Police have appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident, or the events leading up to it, to come forward.
    A group of up to eight youths was seen leaving the area via Criterion Lane immediately following the alleged assault.
    Anyone with information is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au (quote Offence Report 780149).

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Straight from the source – July 2025

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    July marks the beginning of a new financial year – a time for all taxpayers including not-for-profits (NFP) to reset, review, and refocus. It’s also tax time, and with that comes the opportunity to strengthen financial foundations, plan for the year ahead, and ensure your NFP is on track to deliver impact.

    The start of July is also a time of deep cultural significance as we celebrate NAIDOC Week. This year marks 50 years of honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the theme ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’ invites us to reflect on the past, empower the present, and invest in the future. It’s a call to honour the legacy of Elders, uplift young Indigenous leaders, and commit to building a future grounded in respect and inclusion.

    At the opening of NAIDOC Week, I was visiting Rainbow Beach in Cooloola, Queensland, where I respectfully acknowledged the traditional lands of the Butchulla and Kabi Kabi peoples. Wherever I travel across Australia, I make it a point to acknowledge the Traditional Owners and learn about Indigenous history – especially the stories that have been passed down through generations. It’s part of my personal commitment to reconciliation.

    On this trip, I discovered that in December 2019, the Federal Court formally recognised the Butchulla people’s native title rights over land and waters between Rainbow Beach and Burrum Heads. This followed their first determination in 2014, which acknowledged their rights over K’gari (Fraser Island). I also came across the beautiful legend behind Rainbow Beach’s name. According to the Kabi Kabi people, the rainbow-coloured dunes – now heritage-listed – were formed when Yiningie, a spirit represented by a rainbow, plunged into the cliffs after battling an evil tribesman who was pursuing the maiden Murrawar. These stories are powerful reminders of the deep spiritual connection between land and culture.

    As we continue to celebrate NAIDOC Week and every day after, let’s continue to listen, learn, and honour the legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – past, present, and future.

    For not-for-profits, this is a timely reminder to:

    • Recognise the legacy of First Nations Elders and leaders who have paved the way.
    • Support the strength and vision of young Indigenous changemakers.
    • Review your organisation’s role in fostering culturally safe and inclusive spaces.
    • Build partnerships with First Nations organisations that uplift community voices.

    Here are some additional important messages I’d like to share with all NFPs.

    Tax Time 2025: lodge your NFP self-review return today!

    Tax Time 2025 kicked off on 1 July, and the second NFP self-review return is now open for lodgment, and due by 31 October 2025.

    We understand that many NFPs haven’t yet lodged their first return – often due to the time needed to set up access to Online services for business. But don’t wait! You can lodge your return now while completing your digital setup.

    Lodge using our self-help phone service by calling 13 72 26 – have your organisation’s ABN and the reference number from your ATO letter ready when you call.

    If your NFP doesn’t have a letter from us with a reference number, phone us on 13 28 66 to ask us to resend a letter. When you phone us, you’ll have to prove you are authorised to contact us on behalf of your NFP.

    The ATO will support NFPs trying to do the right thing and has suspended penalty application for late lodgment of the 2023–24 NFP self-review return as part of the transitional support arrangements for the sector. 

    However, penalties may apply if you don’t lodge your 2024–25 NFP self-review return by the due date.

    Shaping a strategic roadmap for the NFP sector

    At our upcoming NFP Stewardship Group session, we’ll focus on developing a strategic roadmap to guide tax, superannuation, and registry administration through to 2030 and beyond. This initiative reflects our commitment to building a system that is streamlined, fit for purpose, and aligned with the government’s goal of doubling philanthropy by 2030.

    So far, we’ve engaged a diverse range of stakeholders through targeted interviews to gather insights on common challenges, barriers, and opportunities. Their contributions are helping us shape a roadmap that supports NFPs in meeting their obligations with confidence, while enhancing public trust in the sector.

    The response from the sector has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing interest in joining the Stewardship Group and contributing to this important work. These sessions mark the beginning of a collaborative journey, with many opportunities ahead for stakeholders to contribute, test, and validate ideas before any commitments are made.

    Once finalised, the roadmap will outline a coordinated set of projects and activities designed to ensure the sector is well-positioned for long-term sustainability and compliance. We look forward to continuing this work with the broader stakeholder community in the months ahead.

    We continue to receive Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) applications from NFP organisations that do not meet the open membership requirements under the community sheds category.

    Community sheds are charities whose dominant purpose is to advance mental health and prevent or relieve social isolation. A community shed must be open to the community to join and generally not impose criteria restricting membership based on matters such as age, ethnicity or background. Rejecting an application for arbitrary reasons will not constitute open membership.

    Membership may only be restricted in relation to gender or Indigenous heritage or both.

    To meet the open membership requirement, community sheds must:

    • have a clear policy and process for nominating and approving all new members without exception
    • ensure this process is reflected in their governing rules
    • avoid clauses that allow committee members to reject applicants for unspecified or arbitrary reasons.

    We encourage all applicants to review their governing documents carefully and ensure they align with the ATO’s requirements before submitting a DGR application.

    If you have questions or need support, our advice service on 1300 130 248 is here to help between 8:00 am to 6:00 pm AEST, Monday to Friday.

    Community charities that are already listed in a Ministerial Declaration and have registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), can now contact us for guidance on how to apply for DGR endorsement. The best way is to call our dedicated NFP Advice Service on 1300 130 248 between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email atoendorsements@ato.gov.au

    Support through Australian disaster relief funds (ADRF)

    In times of disaster, Australians come together to support those in need. An Australian disaster relief fund (ADRF) is a public fund established exclusively to provide financial assistance to individuals and communities affected by officially declared disasters. This includes both immediate aid and long-term support for community recovery.

    You can also make a meaningful impact by donating to established DGRs operating in affected areas. These may include public benevolent institutions (PBIs) and other public assistance organisations that provide similar support in their day-to-day operations. By contributing to trusted organisations, your donation helps deliver timely and effective relief to those who need it most.

    The most recent updates to the list of declared disasters are:

    • Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred declared on 1 March 2025
    • Queensland Floods (March 2025) declared on 21 March 2025
    • New South Wales Floods (May 2025) declared on 18 May 2025.

    Details of the declared disasters are available on the Australian Taxation Office website on the list of disasters or by going to www.ato.gov.au and searching for QC 18912.

    Ancillary Funds

    In the lead-up to the end of the financial year, we received a noticeable increase in enquiries to our advice service from ancillary funds.

    A reminder to all private and public ancillary funds – each is governed by its own set of guidelines, which must be followed to ensure compliance.

    Website updates

    You may have noticed that our website content for DGR endorsement has been updated. While the content remains largely unchanged the information has been organised so that it can be accessed more easily, and you will notice that it has been arranged in five tiles that cover:

    1. DGR categories
    2. DGR reforms
    3. Applying for DGR endorsement
    4. Rules and tests for DGR endorsement
    5. Progress of your endorsement application.

    Similarly, all the NFP self-review return information has been reviewed and updated as of 8 July 2025.

    We’re reviewing and rewriting TD 93/190 to update legislative references and clarify the criteria NFP organisations must meet to qualify for an income tax exemption.

    The revised ruling will:

    • reflect current legislation, including all special conditions under Subdivision 50A of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997
    • explain how ‘community service purposes’ should be interpreted
    • include relevant case law and practical examples of NFP entities that do and do not qualify for the exemption.

    Getting tax ready: your EOFY checklist

    As you can see, there’s a lot happening in July – and it’s never too late to get tax ready! Whether you’re finalising reports or planning ahead, here are some key reminders to help your NFP stay on track:

    • Review your financial records – make sure everything is accurate and up to date.
    • Finalise payroll and superannuation – ensure all obligations are met before deadlines.
    • Prepare your annual reporting – this includes ACNC submissions, any grant acquittals, Ancillary Fund Returns, NFP self-review returns and Income tax lodgments.
    • Acknowledge your donors – send out end-of-year receipts and thank-you messages.
    • Plan for the year ahead – reflect on your impact, set goals, and build a strong foundation.

    Tax time is also a great opportunity to highlight your achievements. Share your impact, thank your supporters, and show how their support and contributions have made a real difference.

    Let’s start the new financial year with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

    Take care and stay safe,

    Jennifer.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: July 16th, 2025 ICYMI: ENR Ranking Member Heinrich Blasts Trump Administration’s Plan to Transfer National Parks to States, Devastating Rural Economies, Cutting Access to Public Lands, & Killing Jobs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Climate Power’s Executive Director Lori Lodes held a press call on Climate Power’s new report, which details the catastrophic economic and budgetary impacts of the Trump Administration’s plan to transfer national park units to state control.

    The report, “The High Cost of a Park Giveaway: Trump’s Plan to Offload National Parks,” highlights how this radical proposal would devastate local economies, overwhelm state budgets, and dismantle the systems that keep public lands running. According to Climate Power’s New Mexico report,New Mexico stands to lose at least $177 million in economic output with the Trump Administration’s plan to transfer national park units to states.

    “By transferring ‘sort of small-p parks’ to the states, the Trump Administration and its supporters aren’t giving states more power or saving taxpayer money,” said Heinrich, blasting the Trump Administration for plans to offload national park units to states. “They’ll be cutting off your access to public lands and devastating state economies in the process, overwhelming state budgets and dismantling the systems that keep public lands running.”

    Heinrich continued, “We’re here today to continue to fight, and to let you know that President Trump and Mike Lee’s latest plan of reallocating national park units to state control will not help our states. It will hurt them. It will not increase your access to national parks. It will restrict it. And it proves once again that Donald Trump and his cronies are willing to take away access to national park sites, devastate local economies, threaten your families’ safety, and kill public service jobs, all to enrich their billionaire friends. Two weeks ago, we came together, across the political spectrum, to stop the sale of our public lands. And we’re here to say: Not one acre and not on our watch.”

    A video of the press call is here. 

    A transcript of his remarks as delivered is below.

    Thank you for that introduction and good afternoon, everyone. Thanks to all of you for being here today to continue the fight to save our public lands.

    Two weeks ago, we had a huge win when Senator Mike Lee was forced to remove public lands sales from the Big, Bad Bill.

    And while an incredibly wide coalition of folks across the aisle came together to make sure the land sales were not included in the reconciliation bill, we know that this fight is far, far from over.

    The Trump Administration has made it clear that it’s determined to sell off our public lands, lands that are your birthright as an American, all to fund tax cuts for their billionaire friends and donors.

    So now, the Trump Administration is working to defund the National Parks Service — and shrink the national park system by about 75 percent.

    The Administration says it’s proposing to keep the “crown jewels.” But the public lands the Administration considers less important are incredibly important to the economic health of rural communities and to protecting our shared heritage.

    By transferring “sort of small-p parks” to the states, the Trump Administration and its supporters aren’t giving states more power or saving taxpayer money.

    They’ll be cutting off your access to public lands – and devastating state economies in the process, overwhelming state budgets, and dismantling the systems that keep public lands running.

    We know that national park system units are powerful economic drivers of our local and state economies. 

    In New Mexico, for example, people visited national park sites 2.3 million times in 2023 alone.

    Visitors spent almost $150 million that year, driving economic activity that supported over 1,800 New Mexican jobs and provided $55 million in labor income for our state.

    And these numbers were made possible by an adequately staffed National Parks Service that could properly maintain our parks, keeping lands safe, people safe, and lands accessible.

    But when national park units are transferred to states, all of that is put at risk.

    States have smaller budgets, so entrance fees would have to be higher.

    When fees are higher, visitor numbers go down and people don’t visit those places that aren’t theirs.

    When visitorship declines, fee revenue actually declines, and funding for park maintenance as a result declines.

    Poorly maintained parks can’t handle as many visitors, and the cycle continues.

    Small businesses would lose customers, and profit losses would mean less rural jobs.

    Now, you might ask: “Why can’t the states maintain the parks?”

    And the truth is, it’s expensive for states to maintain the national park system. That’s why we have a national park system.

    For the federal government, the National Park Service represents less than one-fifteenth of one percent of the total budget.

    Meanwhile, the $230 million backlog in national park maintenance in my state alone would represent over 2 percent of our state budget – and that doesn’t count the additional costs that my state would have to incur to fully run the sites ourselves.

    And this isn’t just a New Mexico problem – it will be everywhere, as you’ll hear from Climate Power in a few minutes.

    So we’re here today to continue to fight, and to let you know that President Trump and Mike Lee’s latest plan of reallocating national park units to state control will not help our states.

    It will hurt them.

    It will not increase your access to national parks.

    It will restrict it.

    And it proves once again that Donald Trump and his cronies are willing to take away access to national park sites, devastate local economies, threaten your families’ safety, and kill public service jobs, all to enrich their billionaire friends.

    Two weeks ago, we came together, across the political spectrum, to stop the sale of our public lands.

    And today we’re here to say: Not one acre and not on our watch.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: July 16th, 2025 Heinrich Statement on the 80th Anniversary of the Trinity Test

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement on the 80thanniversary of the Trinity Test:

    “For far too many New Mexicans, including Navajo uranium miners and families, today’s anniversary of the Trinity Test is a day marked by suffering, pain, and injustice. It serves as a solemn reminder of our government’s failure, for eight long decades, to recognize and support the families who lived downwind of that first nuclear explosion and who have borne its devastating consequences every day since.

    “For my entire time in Congress, I’ve been honored to fight alongside Trinity Downwinders and uranium workers to finally include all the New Mexicans exposed to radiation from the bomb’s detonation in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. This year, we delivered long-overdue justice by expanding this legislation to cover downwinders across the entire state of New Mexico, increase benefits, and finally expand eligibility for uranium workers to include core drillers.”

    Background:

    Heinrich has reintroduced legislation to extend and expand RECA since his first Senate term, starting in 2013.

    This month, Heinrich and the N.M. Delegation secured RECA reauthorization and expanded the legislation to include all downwinders having worked at any site in the entire state of New Mexico. Notably, the law now allows for combined work histories for uranium workers who previously did not meet eligibility requirements based on their work in only one category of uranium work. Now, employment history across multiple positions–uranium miner, uranium miller, core driller, and ore transporter–all qualify to be combined when determining eligibility. Additionally, the benefit for downwinders increased from $50,000 to $100,000 and for onsite participants from $75,000 to $100,000.

    Last month, Heinrich marked one-year since RECA expired and demanded Congress to reauthorize and expand RECA.

    In January, Heinrich joined U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), along with U.S. Senators Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) to reintroduce their Radiation Exposure Compensation (RECA) Reauthorization Act to compensate Americans exposed to radiation by government nuclear programs.

    Despite the Senate passing this bill last Congress, the House of Representatives failed to pass RECA reauthorization before its expiration deadline in June 2024.

    Last fall, Heinrich joined Luján and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), and advocates and survivors who traveled all the way across the country from New Mexico for a press conference calling on Speaker Mike Johnson to hold a vote on aSenate-passed bill that would strengthen RECA.

    Heinrich also pressed Speaker Mike Johnson to immediately take up the Senate-passed and fully comprehensive RECA extension in a bipartisan, bicameral letter.

    In March 2024, Heinrich delivered remarks on the Senate floor urging his colleagues to reauthorize and expand RECA. Later that day, Heinrich secured Senate passage of bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and expand RECA to compensate individuals exposed to radiation while working in uranium mines or living downwind from atomic weapons tests.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • President Murmu to confer Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 awards today

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Droupadi Murmu will confer the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards at a ceremony on Thursday at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event, organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), will be attended by Union Minister Manohar Lal and Minister of State Tokhan Sahu.

    Now in its ninth edition, Swachh Survekshan has grown into the world’s largest urban cleanliness survey. This year’s awards will honour top-performing cities and states across four major categories, including the newly introduced Super Swachh League (SSL), which features cities consistently ranking in the top tier of cleanliness. A total of 78 awards will be presented.

    Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 assessed over 4,500 urban local bodies through 3,000+ assessors who conducted inspections across every ward over a 45-day period. The evaluation emphasized the theme of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” and reached over 14 crore citizens through direct engagement, digital platforms, and social media.

    For the first time, cities have been grouped into five population-based categories, ensuring fair evaluation and recognition – from very small towns to million-plus cities. The initiative reflects a commitment to inclusive urban development, recognizing not just the cleanest cities but also those showing exceptional promise.

    With a rigorous assessment framework of 10 parameters and 54 indicators, Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 continues to be a transformative force in shaping urban India’s sanitation and waste management landscape.

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Money Market Operations as on July 16, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 5,91,245.23 5.30 3.00-6.55
         I. Call Money 19,774.73 5.36 4.75-5.45
         II. Triparty Repo 3,84,694.90 5.28 5.25-5.34
         III. Market Repo 1,84,341.05 5.34 3.00-5.90
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 2,434.55 5.50 5.42-6.55
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 168.00 5.28 4.90-5.35
         II. Term Money@@ 1,030.00 – 5.50-6.47
         III. Triparty Repo 1,393.20 5.31 5.28-5.38
         IV. Market Repo 284.77 5.45 5.45-5.45
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Wed, 16/07/2025 1 Thu, 17/07/2025 879.00 5.75
    4. SDFΔ# Wed, 16/07/2025 1 Thu, 17/07/2025 1,09,064.00 5.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -1,08,185.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo Tue, 15/07/2025 3 Fri, 18/07/2025 57,450.00 5.49
      Fri, 11/07/2025 7 Fri, 18/07/2025 1,51,633.00 5.49
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       5,862.63  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -2,03,220.37  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -3,11,405.37  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks          
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on July 16, 2025 9,60,845.52  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending July 25, 2025 9,63,288.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ July 16, 2025 0.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on June 27, 2025 5,79,904.00  

    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).

    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.

    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.

    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.

    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.

    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/727

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: IHC – Cost-of-living crisis deepens longstanding struggle for intellectually disabled New Zealanders

    Source: IHC

    IHC says the cost-of-living crisis is worsening an already serious situation for intellectually disabled New Zealanders and their families, many of whom have faced financial hardship for years.

    As charities sound the alarm on families huddling in single rooms to stay warm, skipping meals, and borrowing to pay power bills, IHC Senior Advocate Shara Turner points out this level of struggle is nothing new for those living with intellectual disability, it’s long been the norm.

    She says the IHC-funded Cost of Exclusion report, released last month, used older data and shows people with intellectual disabilities were living with significant financial stress five years ago.

    “We are calling on the government and policy makers to adjust income support to reflect the true cost of disability and to recognise the long-term, cross-sector disadvantage disabled people experience.”

    The Cost of Exclusion report paints a bleak picture:

    People with an intellectual disability are twice as likely to live in hardship up to age 39 and almost three times as likely at ages 40 to 64, compared to the rest of the population.
    Rates of severe hardship are double in young adulthood and triple in middle age.
    Nearly half of intellectually disabled people cannot pay an unavoidable bill within a month without borrowing.
    They are over four times more likely to go without a meal containing meat or a vegetarian equivalent.
    They are more than twice as likely to feel cold due to heating costs.

    “The current cost-of-living spike will have just added to the struggle. Stats NZ figures show electricity prices have increased by almost 9 percent and petrol by 15.5 percent in the last year. Social services have seen dramatic funding cuts and one provider told RNZ they are now supporting 800 fewer families than last year due to a $1.5 million drop in government funding.”

    “It’s not a blip. We are looking at entrenched, generational poverty and targeted action is needed to change the outcomes for some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable people.”

    IHC’s research, which includes powerful interviews with caregivers, offers insight into the systemic barriers that push families into poverty and keep them there. One mother described the toll:

    “I ended up working full-time for three years, which just about killed me… 50 hours a week plus 15 to 20 hours advocating for Simon. It was like running a small business just for his care.”

    Another described how her child’s multiple diagnoses made returning to work impossible for years, significantly eroding their family’s financial stability.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Promised and delivered: CIT Woden Campus officially open!

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

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

    Released 17/07/2025

    The ACT Government is today celebrating the grand opening of the new state-of-the-art Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) Woden campus.

    CIT Woden is part of the ACT Government’s $14 billion Infrastructure Plan, ensuring Canberra remains one of the world’s most liveable cities as our community grows.

    Up to 6,500 students each year are expected to attend CIT Woden, which welcomes students from next Monday, 21 July for the start of Semester 2. Spanning 22,500 square metres across five levels, CIT Woden contains 66 learning spaces that will support 24 different industry areas.

    CIT Woden is designed to support the skills Canberra needs now and into the future, with a diverse range of courses in areas such as information technology, cyber security, photography, business, hospitality, hairdressing, creative industries and more. Students and the community can also enjoy amenities like a student-operated restaurant, hair and beauty salon, as well as the vibrant public spaces.

    Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations, Michael Pettersson, said the new campus was a game-changer in delivering quality vocational education in the ACT, and has transformed the Woden Town Centre into a vibrant learning hub.

    “We promised to deliver a world-class education precinct in Woden, and we’ve delivered. The training facilities and learning spaces at the new CIT Woden are second to none,” Minister Pettersson said.

    “Students of all ages are going to love this modern and sustainable facility, and we’ve already had a lot of positive feedback from CIT staff who are starting to feel right at home in their new surroundings. This is another example of the ACT Government building Canberra’s future and providing the next generation with the opportunity to gain the skills needed for their chosen careers.”

    CIT Woden is a sustainable, environmentally friendly campus. All electric commercial kitchens and training restaurants, as well as an array of solar panels, will help contribute to the ACT Government’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. The main building’s structure, floors and architectural finish are crafted from cross-laminated timber and glue-laminated timber sustainably sourced and manufactured in Australia.

    Designing with Country has been a guiding principle for the CIT Woden Campus project, from the Brindabellas inspired ‘Walking the Ridgeline’ façade, to reflecting a silhouette of a ‘Mulleun’, or wedge-tailed eagle through the ‘Oculus’ sky light, at the top of level five.

    More than 520 local jobs and apprenticeships were created during construction of CIT Woden, while construction partner, Lendlease, provided nearly 8,000 hours of training during construction.

    – Statement ends –

    Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • Trump says India trade agreement is close, Europe deal possible

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The United States is very close to a trade deal with India, while an agreement could possibly be reached with Europe as well, but it is too soon to say whether a deal can be agreed with Canada, President Donald Trump said in an interview aired on Real America’s Voice on Wednesday.

    To press for what Trump views as better terms with trading partners and ways to shrink a huge U.S. trade deficit, his administration has been negotiating trade deals ahead of an August 1 deadline, when duties on most U.S. imports are due to rise again.

    “We’re very close to India, and … we could possibly make a deal with (the) EU,” Trump said, when asked which trade deals were on the horizon.

    Trump’s comments come as EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic was headed to Washington on Wednesday for tariff discussions, while an Indian trade delegation arrived in Washington on Monday for fresh talks.

    “(The) European Union has been brutal, and now they’re being very nice. They want to make a deal, and it’ll be a lot different than the deal that we’ve had for years,” he added.

    Asked about the prospects of a deal with Canada, which like the EU, is readying countermeasures if talks with the U.S. fail to produce a deal, Trump said: “Too soon to say.”

    His comment was in line with the assessment of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who said earlier on Wednesday that a deal that works for Canadian workers was not yet on the table.

    Trump also said he would probably put a blanket 10% or 15% tariff on smaller countries.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Banking: ADB’s New Operating Model Offers Opportunity to Accelerate Change, but Greater Clarity and Responsiveness Needed: Independent Evaluation Report

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Ambitious reforms introduced through ADB’s New Operating Model show promise in enhancing cross-regional collaboration and country-focused operations. However, clearer communication, streamlined processes, and a more inclusive approach to implementation are essential for the reform to succeed, according to a new evaluation by ADB’s Independent Evaluation Department.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Reinforcing commitment to disability community

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Information about steps the Government will take to improve the rights of disabled people in line with international obligations is now publicly available, Disability Minister Louise Upston has announced.

    Reinforcing New Zealand’s strong commitment to human rights, Cabinet late last year agreed the Government’s approach to address the 63 concluding observations (recommendations) made by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

    Information about the recommendations, the actions that Government agencies have committed to, and how progress will be tracked, is now public on the Human Rights Monitor.

    “Ensuring we make clear and demonstrable progress is important, for both the disability community and our Government,” Louise Upston says.

    “Having this information publicly available shows our commitment to disability rights and being transparent about the work we are doing to deliver results.

    “Multiple agencies are leading work on 30 of the recommendations we have committed to, while a further 17 are being considered as part of the work being done by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha on the refreshed New Zealand Disability Strategy.” 

    An additional 16 recommendations were considered and noted, with the Government retaining flexibility to reconsider the response to these recommendations at any time.

    “We are making good progress, but we know there is still plenty of work to do.

    “As part of this, I recently re-established a Ministerial Disability Leadership Group to drive action for disabled people across government and to oversee the work to implement the UNCRPD recommendations.

    “This is one of the ways we are delivering real results for the disabled community, alongside work such as the refreshed disability and sign language strategies.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Acclaimed international musicians and orchestra to perform at LCSD’s “Great Music 2025” from September to November (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The “Great Music 2025”, presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will continue to present a series of spectacular performances from September to November, featuring numerous world-class musicians and a celebrated orchestra, showcasing the city’s unique charm as an international centre of arts and culture.

    Details of the programmes are as follows:————————————————————————————–
    Date and time: September 14 (Sunday), 8pm
    Venue: Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall
    Ticket prices: $250 to $550————————————————————————————–
    Date and time: October 21 (Tuesday), 8pm
    Venue: Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall
    Ticket prices: $200 to $420————————————————————————————–
    Date and time: November 17 (Monday), 8pm
    Venue: Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall
    Ticket prices: $220 to $480————————————————————————————–
    Date and time: November 20 and 21 (Thursday and Friday), 8pm
    Venue: Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
    Ticket prices: $450 to $1,450—————————————————————————————–
    Date and time: November 22 (Saturday), 8pm
    Venue: Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall
    Ticket prices: $280 to $880

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia got off on a technicality for its climate inaction. But there are plenty more judgement days to come

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney

    This week, the Federal Court found the Australian government has no legal duty to protect Torres Strait Islanders from climate change. The ruling was disappointing, but it’s not the end of the matter.

    The plaintiffs, Uncle Paul Kabai and Uncle Pabai Pabai, hail from the low-lying islands of Saibai and Boigu, near Papua New Guinea. They argued the Commonwealth was negligent for failing to take strong action on climate change.

    While the judge accepted the devastating effects climate change has wrought on the Torres Strait Islands, he found the Uncles did not prove their case of negligence.

    However, the judge found previous Australian governments had not taken the best available science into account when setting emissions reduction targets. The finding tightens the screws on the Albanese government, which is due to announce Australia’s long-awaited targets to cut emissions out to 2035.

    To protect communities in the Torres Strait, and across Australia, the government must set a 2035 target that is in line with the science.

    And the court finding is unlikely to stem the tide of litigation seeking greater government accountability for climate change – especially for those most vulnerable to its harms.

    Limitations of Australian law

    The Uncles’ case did not fail because there was no merit in their allegations. It failed because Justice Michael Wigney ruled negligence law was not the appropriate vehicle to deal with climate change policy.

    Justice Wigney found the Torres Strait Islanders proved much of their case, including that Australia’s emissions targets set in 2015, 2020 and 2021 were not consistent with the best available science. That science dictates national governments should set emissions reduction targets in line with international efforts to hold global temperature rise to 1.5°C.

    The Coalition was in power during the period in question. Justice Wigney found the government of the day “did not engage with or give real or genuine consideration to the best available science” when setting its targets.

    Looking ahead to our 2035 targets

    The Labor government is currently weighing its 2035 emissions reduction target. The Climate Change Authority, which provides independent advice to government on climate policy, is expected to recommend a target between 65% and 75%.

    But evidence suggests this may not be in line with the best available science.

    For example, according to some scientists, emissions reduction of 90% by 2035, based on 2005 levels, would be required to stay in line with the 1.5°C goal.

    Australia’s 2035 targets are not just crucial to the global effort to tackle climate change. They will also affect our standing in the Pacific at a time of deepening geostrategic competition.

    Australia is bidding to host the UN climate talks next year in partnership with Pacific island countries. Our climate policy for the decade ahead will be a powerful signal to our Pacific neighbours about our commitment to the region, and to climate justice.

    A shifting legal landscape

    Tuesday’s court finding left open the possibility an appeal court may revisit the state of the law, and recognise the duty of care claimed by the Uncles.

    This would require an appeal to the full court of the Federal Court. Wigney was a single judge and considered himself bound by past precedent set by the full court.

    Around the world, courts and human rights bodies are holding governments accountable for climate inaction. It is possible for Australian law to do the same.

    International courts and human rights bodies are holding governments accountable for climate inaction.
    Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

    Courts in the Netherlands and Belgium, for example, have recognised government duties to heed the science to address foreseeable harms of climate change.

    Next week, the International Court of Justice – the world’s highest court – will issue an historic legal opinion on the obligations of nations to tackle climate change.

    This opinion will clarify the obligations of countries to prevent human rights harms caused by climate change, and to limit pollution of the Earth’s oceans and climate system. The opinion will be non-binding, but could influence future climate litigation.

    What’s more, attribution science is improving all the time. This field of science examines how greenhouse gas emissions affect a particular weather event or climate pattern.

    Clearer attribution science will provide courts an ever-stronger basis to consider how government policy decisions on emissions cause climate impacts – and resulting harms to people.

    As the legal responsibilities of governments are clarified, further strategic litigation in Australia is likely.

    Change is coming

    In his judgement, Justice Michael Wigney said the law currently “provides no real or effective legal avenue” for people or communities to seek legal recourse for government inaction on climate change. That will remain the case until the law changes, he said.

    To remain legitimate, legal norms must reflect changing social expectations. History shows laws can adapt when they are challenged repeatedly by those who are harmed by the status quo. Eventually, the dam wall breaks, and law is reinterpreted.

    A clear example is the Mabo case of 1992. The High Court of Australia acknowledged the obvious fact that Indigenous peoples have lived on this continent for tens of thousands of years, and that the “terra nullius” (land belonging to no-one) concept was a legal myth.

    The Mabo decision allowed common law to recognise native title. It was a departure from previous rulings which relied on the terra nullius concept to reject native title claims.

    Australia’s legal norms largely pre-date the scientific consensus on climate change. They must evolve to better recognise climate impacts that are harming Australians. While this week might not have been the time, change is inevitable.

    As Justice Wigney said, until the law adapts, the key avenue for change is public advocacy, protest and voter action at the ballot box.

    Wesley Morgan is a fellow with the Climate Council.

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

    – ref. Australia got off on a technicality for its climate inaction. But there are plenty more judgement days to come – https://theconversation.com/australia-got-off-on-a-technicality-for-its-climate-inaction-but-there-are-plenty-more-judgement-days-to-come-261305

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Advances Bills to Boost American Manufacturing, Crackdown on COVID Fraudsters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    Published: July 16, 2025

    Small Business Committee passes Made In America Manufacturing Act and SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act.

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship advanced a pair of Chair Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) bills to unleash domestic manufacturing and hold COVID criminals accountable.
    “Republican leadership is unleashing growth across the country and making government more accountable to taxpayers,” said Ernst. “The Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act builds upon the domestic manufacturing explosion under President Trump and gives small businesses access to the resources they need to make ‘Made in America’ the norm instead of the exception. Equally as important is making sure Washington responsibly uses each tax dollar like an entrepreneur looks after their budget. After Biden’s bureaucrats were asleep at the wheel in pursuing billions in COVID fraud, my SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act ensures that justice will be carried out for criminals and stolen tax dollars will be recouped.”
    With manufacturing loans already soaring 74% under President Trump, the Made In America Manufacturing Finance Act allows small businesses to access the capital they need to invest in new equipment, hire new employees, and grow their businesses by doubling the individual loan limit for 7(a) and 504 small manufacturing loans from $5 million to $10 million.
    The SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act extends the statute of limitations from five to ten years for COVID fraudsters who stole from the Shuttered Venue Grant Operators Grant (SVOG) and Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF).
    Ernst initially led the legislation after a shocking report revealed that the Biden Small Business Administration (SBA) failed to pursue nearly two million individuals suspected of stealing pandemic aid.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Joins President Trump for Signing of HALT Fentanyl Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today joined President Donald Trump at the White House for the signing of the HALT Fentanyl Act. The legislation, which Senator Capito co-sponsored, makes permanent the temporary classification of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs as Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

    The legislation also removes barriers that impede the ability of researchers to conduct studies on these substances and allows for exemptions if such research provides evidence that it would be beneficial for specific analogs to be classified differently than Schedule I, such as for medical purposes.

    “West Virginia has been disproportionately impacted by the drug crisis, with fentanyl being one of the deadliest drugs that has made the crisis exponentially worse. The HALT Fentanyl Act will help equip law enforcement with the resources needed to crack down on traffickers and keep these deadly substances off the streets once and for all. I was proud to stand alongside President Trump—and join some of our fellow West Virginians—to watch him sign this important legislation into law, which marks another critical step forward in our ongoing efforts to combat the crisis and protect West Virginians from the scourge of illicit fentanyl,” Senator Capito said. 

    BACKGROUND:

    Drug overdoses, largely driven by fentanyl, are the leading cause of death among young adults 18 to 45 years old. Synthetic opioids like Fentanyl account for 66% of the total U.S. overdose deaths.

    Provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics indicate there were an estimated 80,391 drug overdose deaths in the United States during 2024. West Virginia so far has confirmed 787 deaths between January 2024 and January 2025.

    Nearly 70% of those deaths across the country were attributed to opioids, including illegal fentanyl, which are largely manufactured in Mexico from raw materials supplied by China. In 2024, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized more than 60 million fentanyl-laced fake pills and nearly 8,000 pounds of fentanyl powder. The 2024 seizures are equivalent to more than 380 million lethal doses of fentanyl.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Do women really need more sleep than men? A sleep psychologist explains

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Amelia Scott, Honorary Affiliate and Clinical Psychologist at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, and Macquarie University Research Fellow, Macquarie University

    klebercordeiro/Getty

    If you spend any time in the wellness corners of TikTok or Instagram, you’ll see claims women need one to two hours more sleep than men.

    But what does the research actually say? And how does this relate to what’s going on in real life?

    As we’ll see, who gets to sleep, and for how long, is a complex mix of biology, psychology and societal expectations. It also depends on how you measure sleep.

    What does the evidence say?

    Researchers usually measure sleep in two ways:

    • by asking people how much they sleep (known as self-reporting). But people are surprisingly inaccurate at estimating how much sleep they get

    • using objective tools, such as research-grade, wearable sleep trackers or the gold-standard polysomnography, which records brain waves, breathing and movement while you sleep during a sleep study in a lab or clinic.

    Looking at the objective data, well-conducted studies usually show women sleep about 20 minutes more than men.

    One global study of nearly 70,000 people who wore wearable sleep trackers found a consistent, small difference between men and women across age groups. For example, the sleep difference between men and women aged 40–44 was about 23–29 minutes.

    Another large study using polysomnography found women slept about 19 minutes longer than men. In this study, women also spent more time in deep sleep: about 23% of the night compared to about 14% for men. The study also found only men’s quality of sleep declined with age.

    The key caveat to these findings is that our individual sleep needs vary considerably. Women may sleep slightly more on average, just as they are slightly shorter on average. But there is no one-size-fits-all sleep duration, just as there is no universal height.

    Suggesting every woman needs 20 extra minutes (let alone two hours) misses the point. It’s the same as insisting all women should be shorter than all men.

    Even though women tend to sleep a little longer and deeper, they consistently report poorer sleep quality. They’re also about 40% more likely to be diagnosed with insomnia.

    This mismatch between lab findings and the real world is a well-known puzzle in sleep research, and there are many reasons for it.

    For instance, many research studies don’t consider mental health problems, medications, alcohol use and hormonal fluctuations. This filters out the very factors that shape sleep in the real world.

    This mismatch between the lab and the bedroom also reminds us sleep doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Women’s sleep is shaped by a complex mix of biological, psychological and social factors, and this complexity is hard to capture in individual studies.

    Let’s start with biology

    Sleep problems begin to diverge between the sexes around puberty. They spike again during pregnancy, after birth and during perimenopause.

    Fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, seem to explain some of these sex differences in sleep.

    For example, many girls and women report poorer sleep during the premenstrual phase just before their periods, when oestrogen and progesterone begin to fall.

    Perhaps the most well-documented hormonal influence on our sleep is the decline in oestrogen during perimenopause. This is linked to increased sleep disturbances, particularly waking at 3am and struggling to get back to sleep.

    Some health conditions also play a part in women’s sleep health. Thyroid disorders and iron deficiency, for instance, are more common in women and are closely linked to fatigue and disrupted sleep.

    How about psychology?

    Women are at much higher risk of depression, anxiety and trauma-related disorders. These very often accompany sleep problems and fatigue. Cognitive patterns, such as worry and rumination, are also more common in women and known to affect sleep.

    Women are also prescribed antidepressants more often than men, and these medications tend to affect sleep.

    Society also plays a role

    Caregiving and emotional labour still fall disproportionately on women. Government data released this year suggests Australian women perform an average nine more hours of unpaid care and work each week than men.

    While many women manage to put enough time aside for sleep, their opportunities for daytime rest are often scarce. This puts a lot of pressure on sleep to deliver all the restoration women need.

    In my work with patients, we often untangle the threads woven into their experience of fatigue. While poor sleep is the obvious culprit, fatigue can also signal something deeper, such as underlying health issues, emotional strain, or too-high expectations of themselves. Sleep is certainly part of the picture, but it’s rarely the whole story.

    For instance, rates of iron deficiency (which we know is more common in women and linked to sleep problems) are also higher in the reproductive years. This is just as many women are raising children and grappling with the “juggle” and the “mental load”.

    Women in perimenopause are often navigating full-time work, teenagers, ageing parents and 3am hot flashes. These women may have adequate or even high-quality sleep (according to objective measures), but that doesn’t mean they wake feeling restored.

    Most existing research also ignores gender-diverse populations. This limits our understanding of how sleep is shaped not just by biology, but by things such as identity and social context.

    So where does this leave us?

    While women sleep longer and better in the lab, they face more barriers to feeling rested in everyday life.

    So, do women need more sleep than men? On average, yes, a little. But more importantly, women need more support and opportunity to recharge and recover across the day, and at night.

    Amelia Scott is a member of the psychology education subcommittee of the Australasian Sleep Association. She receives funding from Macquarie University.

    – ref. Do women really need more sleep than men? A sleep psychologist explains – https://theconversation.com/do-women-really-need-more-sleep-than-men-a-sleep-psychologist-explains-259985

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: More support to help Australian business go global

    Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies

    To help Australian businesses access new export opportunities and navigate the global trading environment, the Albanese Labor Government is expanding the Go Global Toolkit and launching the Go Global Export Academy.

    The Go Global Toolkit is a one-stop-shop for businesses of all sizes to assess and improve their export readiness, providing Australian businesses with better understanding of markets, local laws, regulations and requirements as well as information on tariffs and taxes.

    More than 200,000 users have accessed the Go Global Toolkit in the past year, and research indicates it has saved businesses thousands of hours over the course of their export journey.

    The expanded Toolkit will be complemented by the launch of the Go Global Academy, and will feature a series of Market Spotlight webinars to support the launch. The series will showcase insights from key export markets in Asia, Europe, UK, the Middle East, America and the Pacific. The Market Spotlight series kicks off this week, and businesses can register for free at https://export.business.gov.au/.

    The Go Global Toolkit forms part of the Government’s Simplified Trade System reforms, which is streamlining our trade system to make it cheaper, faster and easier for Australian importers and exporters to do business.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell:

    “Trade is vital to Australia’s economic prosperity – one in four Australian jobs are trade-related, with jobs in export industries pay 10 per cent more on average.”

    “The Albanese Government is working to create new opportunities for Aussie businesses, including in India, Southeast Asia, the UK and the Middle East.”

    “We want to make it as easy as possible for Australian businesses to discover and take up opportunities – and that’s exactly what the Go Global Toolkit does.”

    Austrade General Manager for Trade, Jay Meek:

    “Using the resources in the Go Global Toolkit – including live and on demand webinars through the Go Global Export Academy – will enable exporters to pivot when market conditions change or be first to market when new opportunities open up.”

    “Businesses can use the Go Global Toolkit Tariff Finder to explore what tariffs and taxes apply to their goods – knowledge that will arm them with the tools to navigate an increasingly complex world.”

    “The Go Global Toolkit now features a more personalised user experience with content tailored to individual business needs. Central to this is providing the right information to help exporters compare markets and build a resilient diversification strategy.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Join Colleagues to Introduce Bill to Safeguard Consumers from Online Subscription Traps

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    July 16, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they are joining colleagues in reintroducing legislation that would protect consumers in Oregon and nationwide from online free trial scams and hard-to-cancel recurring-payment programs.

    The Consumer Online Payment Transparency and Integrity (OPT-IN) Act puts the responsibility on companies rather than consumers when it comes to subscriptions and memberships, including a shift from “opt-out” default conditions  to “opt-in.” This reintroduction comes after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit last week vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s 2023 “click to cancel” rule, which would have made it easier to get out of unwanted subscriptions. 

    “Unexpected charges and confusing websites can make unsubscribing from a service a headache,” Wyden said. “Relief was in sight, but Donald Trump’s administration killed new protections for consumers and handed a huge gift to his corporate pals. I’m proud to work with Sen. Van Hollen and my colleagues on the OPT-IN Act to ensure it’s just as easy for Americans to unsubscribe from services as it is to sign up.”

    “Consumers shouldn’t have to jump over roadblocks from greedy corporations to cancel a subscription,” Merkley said. “Our bill will make it as simple to cancel a subscription as it is to sign up – no tricks, no gimmicks, no waiting on hold. Let’s pass this common-sense solution that makes sure Americans know what they’re signing up for.”

    Companies increasingly use free trial offers and unclear terms and conditions to trap consumers into subscriptions. Additionally, companies often use software and interfaces that subtly trick users, making it harder for consumers to end these subscriptions and stop unwanted charges. While the FTC has dedicated significant resources to combating the worst of these business practices, more action is needed to effectively deter companies from employing these practices and better protect consumers.

    Specifically, the Consumer OPT-IN Act would: 

    • Require companies to get express informed consent from consumers before converting free trials into automatically renewing contracts and charging consumers.
    • Require companies to notify consumers of the first automatic renewal and obtain express informed consent from consumers before automatically renewing long-term contracts. 
    • Require that companies offering contracts that automatically renew on a short-term basis get express informed consent from consumers annually. 
    • Require companies that have knowledge that a consumer isn’t using their product or service for 6 months to get the consumer’s express informed consent to continue billing, and allow consumers to request a refund for the remaining portion of the contract. 
    • Provide consumers with refunds when violations occur.
    • Give the FTC rulemaking authority over negative option contracts, automatic renewals, and dark patterns.

    The legislation is led by Senator Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and Representative Yvette D. Clarke, D-N.Y. Along with Wyden and Merkley, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., John Fetterman, D-Pa., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i, Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Peter Welch, D-Vt.,  and Representatives Robin Kelly, D-Ill., and Doris Matsui, D-Calif.

    This legislation is endorsed by Public Citizen, National Consumer Law Center, Consumer Action, Americans for Financial Reform, and American Economic Liberties Project.

    The text of the bill is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Senate Floor, Klobuchar Fights Cuts to Public Broadcasting

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar

    WATCH KLOBUCHAR’S FULL REMARKS HERE

    WASHINGTON — On the Senate Floor, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) spoke in opposition to legislation to clawback funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and foreign aid, which was previously approved on a bipartisan basis last Congress.

    “This clawback doesn’t just eliminate funding for, say, NPR, PBS. The primary impact of that part of the funding cuts is going to be on local radio and TV. 1,500 local public media stations across the country that receive 70% of this funding – jeopardizing these stations that provide local community services…

    I know because I know some of my communities that rely on these stations. Grand Marais, MN – the very tip of our state, the tip of Minnesota.  Do you think all these other stations are covering the Canadian wildfires? Hourly. They do because of the smoke, and people need to know the air quality when they’re making decisions about what they’re going to do that day or the next day.  

    Do you think people know when on Hwy. 61 there’s a tree over the road or there’s been a deer that’s been hit by a car and the emergency? No, they hear it on WTIP….

    This isn’t a partisan issue. 77% of Republicans and 78% of Democrats report relying on public radio for emergency alerts and news. That’s part of the reason why, for a half a century, we have agreed on a bipartisan basis in the US Senate to invest in public broadcasting. Yet now, Congressional Republicans are using a partisan process to rubber stamp the president’s unchecked power and rip away these resources.”

    Download Klobuchar’s full floor speech here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU student creates app for recognition, digitization and analysis of classical Tibetan texts using machine learning

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    A system for automatic recognition and transliteration of texts in classical Tibetan, focused on old printed documents made using Tibetan syllabic writing, which goes back to the ancient Indian Brahmi script, was created by a student of the Fundamental and Applied Linguistics program working at the Institute of Mathematics and Mathematical Geophysics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Humanitarian Institute of Novosibirsk State University Anna Murashkina. In her research, she used images of pages of classical Tibetan texts from the 18th-20th centuries from the archive of the Center for Oriental Manuscripts and Xylographs of the Institute of Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    — The relevance of my work is due to the need to preserve and make digitally accessible the Tibetan cultural heritage, presented in the form of many historical manuscripts. Old printed documents, manuscripts and xylographs contain unique information about philosophy, religion, medicine, history and art, playing a key role in the study of the cultural traditions of the region. This knowledge is passed down from generation to generation in Tibet. However, over time, under the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors, paper media are subject to physical destruction, which leads to the loss of priceless information and limits access to these unique materials. Currently, the Tibetan Fund of the Institute of Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences contains up to 70 thousand units of chronicles that are at risk of being lost. One of the most reliable ways to preserve and systematize historical documents is to digitize them, — said Anna Murashkina.

    The young researcher set herself the task of using machine learning to build a model that would recognize Tibetan alphabet symbols from images, translate them into machine-readable form, and at the same time show greater accuracy than existing open solutions, including Tesseract.

    — To do this, I manually performed linguistic markup of Tibetan text lines from the IMBT SB RAS collection. Then, taking into account the specifics of Tibetan graphics, I developed a system for assessing the quality of optical character recognition (OCR). Then I compared existing architectures and chose a convolutional neural network model, which required additional training, — explained Anna Murashkina.

    She implemented additional training of the model on a marked corpus of documents, and as a result, a complete modular OCR algorithm was created, including the stages of pre-processing, segmentation, recognition and post-processing.

    — For me, the value of the project is that I helped digitize an archive that stores history — documents created by people of the past who wanted to pass on their knowledge to future generations. I am glad that I am helping to transfer this knowledge through time, preserve it and make it available to a wider audience. My development will be used by employees of the Institute of Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The possibility of cooperation with the Buddhist Center for Digital Technologies, which digitizes the archives of temples and monasteries, is also being discussed. In cooperation with this organization, we will expand the possibilities of digitizing Tibetan manuscripts using open resources developed jointly with researchers from organizations in different countries, so that later everyone can touch this priceless heritage and get acquainted with the documents that are in temples and archive repositories, — said Anna Murashkina.

    Material prepared by: Elena Panfilo, NSU press service

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Closing performance of 2025 China-US Youth Choir Festival staged in Beijing

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

    Teenagers from China and the United States sing during a performance at China National Opera House in Beijing, capital of China, July 16, 2025. A closing performance of Bond with Kuliang: 2025 China-U.S. Youth Choir Festival, with the theme of “Singing for Peace,” was staged in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Lu Ye)

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: FISU World University Games open in Duisburg

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

    The 2025 Rhine-Ruhr World University Games opened Wednesday at the Schauinsland Reisen Arena, the exact same stadium where the Duisburg 1989 Universiade’s opening ceremony was celebrated.

    Barbel Bas, German federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, officially opened the 32nd FISU Summer Universiade, which is co-hosted by six cities in Germany, including Berlin, Essen, Duisburg, Bochum, Mulheim an der Ruhr and Hagen, mainly from the Rhine-Ruhr region.

    The opening ceremony began at 8:15 p.m. and ended at 11:00 p.m., starting with the overture “Now and Together”. The composition, created by Jan Loechel for the 2025 FISU World University Games, was performed by the WDR Funkhaus Orchestra.

    Leonz Eder, President of FISU, delivered an opening speech. “I wish you very success at the competitions, which will be unforgettable experiences and relished wealth in your life,” he said.

    The ceremony opted to underline the festival’s character, combining classical music, big board sound, and modern band performance in an impressive scenography with the defining, central element being music.

    Recalling the Ruhr area’s industrial history was a fundamental conceptual thread of the ceremony. The stage was surrounded by six huge chimney-shaped LED towers on the pitch, functioning as the cornerstones of the arena.

    The ceremony managed to create a connection between the Ruhr region’s industrial past and its future. Approximately 500 people, composed of retired miners and school choirs, sang in chorus the “Steigerlied”, the German miners’ folk song.

    The spectators gave rhythmic hand-clapping throughout the athletes’ parading as volunteers made the leading group heading into the stadium, holding banners saying “no Games without U”.

    Hendrik Wust, Minister-president of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, gave a welcome speech, saying “University Games are a celebration of respect, tolerance and friendship. I hope this theory spreads around the world driven by your experiences. Each and every one of you is invited to be an ambassador of friendship and peace.”

    The big screen had a brief look back at the flag-handover performance for the 2025 Games during the closing ceremony in Chengdu in 2023.

    The flame arrived at the stadium in the hands of Heide Ecker-Rosendahl, the long jump gold medalist at the 1972 Munich Olympics. She passed it on to six other athletes, who proceeded to and approached the LED towers.

    The flames slowly rose virtually, accompanied by the anthem “Now and Together.” At the climax of Jan Loechet’s song, real flames are ignited on the six towers, representing all the competing cities of the Rhine-Ruhr University Games.

    At the end of the ceremony, the flames on the towers were transferred into six mining lamps.

    The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 Games will see over 9,200 participants from more than 150 countries and regions compete from July 16 to 27.

    Host Germany is represented by its largest delegation ever: 305 athletes and 177 team officials.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Poland appoint Jan Urban as new manager

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

    Jan Urban became the new coach of the Poland men’s football team, the Polish Football Association (PZPN) announced on Wednesday.

    The 63-year-old replaced Michal Probierz, who resigned after the 2-1 defeat to Finland in Helsinki in the FIFA World Cup qualifier.

    “I’m very happy that I have a chance to work in the national team. Every coach has his own style and ideas. The most important thing is to use the maximum potential of the team,” Urban was quoted as saying by the official site of the PZPN.

    “Our goal is to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. I wish the coach every success and assure him he can count on our full support,” said the PZPN president Cezary Kulesza.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Monster’s on the hunt for title shot

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

    Wounded, yet never tamed, China’s former world champion boxer Xu Can, aka “The Monster”, is back on the prowl, more bloodthirsty than ever, as he targets another title shot in a heavier division.

    Following a career setback that saw him lose his belt in 2021, China’s former WBA featherweight world champion Xu Can (right) is ready to punch his way back into title contention in the super featherweight class and become China’s first two-division champion. XINHUA

    The former World Boxing Association featherweight (126 pound, 57kg) belt holder will have his mettle for the title in the 130-pound class seriously tested on Aug 15, when he defends his International Boxing Organization international title in the super featherweight division against French challenger Jaouad Belmehdi on home soil in Beijing.

    The fight was announced on Tuesday as the main event of the “Kzmall’s Night”, a multi-bout boxing show, organized by Beijing-based Max Power Promotions and sanctioned by the IBO, which will be staged at the National Convention Center in the Chinese capital’s Olympic park.

    Xu, China’s first featherweight world champion under a major sanctioning body, is embracing his defense of the intercontinental belt as a statement of his lofty ambition to become the first Chinese man to win world titles across two weight classes.

    “My goal since coming back (from two straight defeats) is to become China’s first two-division world champion,” said Xu, who claimed his first world title by beating Puerto Rico’s Jesus Rojas via a unanimous decision in January 2019 in Houston to snatch up the WBA featherweight strap.

    “And to do so, I need to climb the rankings all over again by taking on some legitimate opponents. I am ready for it, I am serious about my mission and I will let my punches do the talking.”

    After wresting the title from Rojas, Xu kept his momentum rolling with two successful defenses against Japan’s Shun Kubo and Manny Robles III of the United States in the same year. It cemented his status as China’s most internationally recognized pro boxer, which was underlined by a five-star rating on BoxRec in 2019, while drawing another wave of mainstream attention to the sport following retired Olympian Zou Shiming’s back-to-back light flyweight gold medals at Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

    The pandemic, unfortunately, hit at the worst possible time for Xu’s career ascent, severely disrupting his preparations for a third title defense against then British champ Leigh Wood in a bout that later proved to be a Waterloo for the Chinese star, and pushed him almost to the brink of quitting the sport.

    “It was a huge blow for me, psychologically and emotionally, that made me want to give up boxing,” said Xu, who was knocked out by Wood with a 12th-round right hook in July 2021 in England, losing his WBA title.

    Xu’s attempt at an immediate riposte was denied by a split-decision loss to Mexico’s Brandon “Leoncito” Benitez in October 2022, dragging him abruptly out of the sport’s spotlight.

    However, the resilient fighter — known for his slogan: “I am Can, I can!” — refuses to hang up his gloves just yet, having rekindled his fire for a comeback after a yearlong break, accompanied by family and friends, during a healing process that “helped restore his love” for the brutally competitive sport.

    “Looking back at the setbacks, I feel like it was just part of the process of my growth as a pro,” said Xu, a 31-year-old native of Fuzhou, East China’s Jiangxi province.

    “Perhaps, I’ve had too smooth of an early career to be true, progressing on a flat path all the way until losing the belt. Now, I have just started the uphill climb. I am taking steps slower than before, but I am making solid progress — one step at a time,” said Xu, who beat Panama’s Jhonatan Arenas via TKO in his most recent fight in December, claiming the vacant IBO 130-pound international title.

    Standing 1.75 meters tall with impressive range, Xu has built a reputation for high-volume punching and superior endurance during his featherweight reign. However, learning from his defeats, he realizes that striking power, timing and finesse are the keys for success in the super featherweight realm, should he make a convincing run for a world title in the heavier, and more competitive, division.

    Supported by his agency Max Power at Beijing gym M23, Xu, who keeps a 20-4-0 win-loss-draw record, has been focusing on his strength conditioning, footwork and combination diversity to prepare for the fight against Belmehdi (23-1-3), a knockout specialist known as “The Moroccan Bomber “and who is currently rated at three stars on BoxRec.

    “Can is a very good boxer, but I am very confident of my skill. See you on August 15 for an explosive fight,” said the 27-year-old Belmehdi, who’s chalked up 11 KO wins.

    Justin Kennedy, vice-president of IBO, said the winner between Xu and Belmehdi will move closer to a shot at the division’s ultimate prize.

    “This is going to be a great event in the heart of Beijing, in a country that is moving forward rapidly in world boxing with a lot of really world-class fighters coming through,” Kennedy said in a video message played at the news conference launching the event on Tuesday.

    “The fight between these two highly skilled fighters will be a great display of boxing. Please tune in and turn up for what will be an amazing night.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China lose to France in Men’s Volleyball Nations League

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

    China lost to France in four sets 22-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-17 in the final week of the FIVB Men’s Volleyball Nations League preliminary phase in Gdansk, Poland on Wednesday.

    Opposite Theo Faure was the gamen’s top scorer with 20 points, while outside hitters Trevor Clevenot and Yacine Louati contributed 15 points each for France. Wen Zihua scored 13 points for China, including 11 kills, one block, and one ace. Middle blocker Rao Shuhan and outside hitter Wang Bin added seven points each.

    France, the Olympic champion, aimed to start the third and final week of the preliminary phase with a victory. However, China surprised the favorite in the opening set, as Andrea Giani’s team struggled to establish an advantage but then China shifted the pace.

    Two effective spikes by veteran Ji Daoshuai put China ahead 22-20. Shortly after, Wang Bin delivered an ace to extend China’s lead. France fought until the end but couldn’t turn the set in their favor. A key center attack by Li Yongzhen secured China’s set win.

    France opened the second set with several powerful serves from Louati, took an early 6-1 lead and controlled the set throughout, with Clevenot scoring six points in the latter part of the set. Wen Zihua’s effective block helped China close the gap to 22-24, but Faure’s attack sealed it a 25-22 set win for France.

    In the third set, Francois Huetz replaced Nicolas Le Goff and made a significant impact for France, earning seven points during his service to help France take a 12-9 lead. Despite nine service errors committed in this set, France ended it 25-23 with Faure’s powerful spike.

    Giani’s team demonstrated their quality in the fourth set, claiming a 25-17 set win and sealing the match victory.

    Also on the day, Cuba edged Bulgaria in a five-set thriller 23-25, 25-16, 23-25, 27-25, 15-13. Outside hitter Marlon Yant Herrera scored 23 points for Cuba, equaling Aleksandar Nikolov’s tally for Bulgaria.

    Later, host Poland defeated Iran in five sets 25-19, 23-25, 25-18, 21-25, 15-8. Outside hitter Kamil Semeniuk scored 21 points for Poland, while opposite Amin Esmaeilnezhad contributed 19 for Iran. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s booming low-altitude economy reshaping industries, daily life

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

    A drone photo taken on July 2, 2025 shows an electric vertical take-off-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft performing flight demonstration at Luogang Park in Hefei, east China’s Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

    Amid the pines of a scenic area in southwest China’s Chongqing, two drones rose with a low hum, weaving through branches to hover 10 meters above the treetops as a fine mist of pesticide drifted down to target hidden pine caterpillars below.

    “This canopy-level spraying hits where pests hide, boosting efficiency 30-fold over manual work and eliminating blind spots,” said Ni Liufa, deputy director of Liangping District’s forest resources monitoring and pest control station.

    This scene exemplifies the quiet revolution of China’s booming low-altitude economy, evolving from novelty to essential practical use.

    Anchored by its inclusion in China’s central government work reports for 2024 and 2025, the sector is soaring. The Civil Aviation Administration of China projects the market size to reach 1.5 trillion yuan (about 209.8 billion U.S. dollars) by 2025, with potential growth up to 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035.

    The 1st West China Low-altitude Economy Expo in Liangping, which concluded Sunday, showcased the rapid diversification. Exhibits ranged from 5-tonne cargo drones and 4-passenger eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft to advanced communication and air traffic management systems. The applications spanned logistics, passenger transport, tourism, public safety, emergency response, surveying, and agriculture.

    “Low-altitude economy is evolving from traditional services to integrated formats,” said Liu Daxiang, professor at Beihang University. “Deep development in agriculture, logistics, tourism, and emergency response is reshaping entire value chains.”

    Growth is expanding from China’s eastern hubs to the central and western regions, reaching beyond cities into the countryside.

    Chongqing, leveraging its unique landscape, is actively building an ecosystem integrating low-altitude operations with urban life and industry. The city recorded 190,000 flight hours in the first half of 2024, a surge of 109.2 percent year on year, with flight operations jumping 67.3 percent to over 1.15 million.

    Drones are transforming logistics, especially in less accessible areas. “Our ‘air-to-air intermodal transport’ connects drones with China Postal Airlines cargo flights,” said Sun Liye, vice president of United Aircraft. “Fresh plums from Chongqing’s Wushan County can now reach supermarkets in eastern coastal regions such as Nanjing or Shanghai the same afternoon, 17 times faster than before.”

    In south China’s Shenzhen, 483 low-altitude takeoff and landing points and a pioneering city-wide safety network have been established. In Jinzhai County, east China’s Anhui province, drones are used to overcome the mountainous “last mile,” delivering more than 1,000 tonnes of produce each year. In Altay Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, drones are boosting the efficiency of grassland ecological monitoring.

    “Low-altitude economy isn’t some distant industry; it’s right here,” said Zhou Yuyun, a Chongqing resident exhilarated by a powered paragliding experience. “Seeing the world from above instead of the ground is breathtaking.”

    Experts at the expo concurred that China’s low-altitude economy is experiencing an unprecedented boom, driven by rapid advancements in aircraft manufacturing, flight services and diverse application scenarios, alongside a strengthening industrial chain and accelerating innovation.

    “With continuous policy refinement and technological breakthroughs, China’s low-altitude economy will continue to expand,” said Wang Huizheng, deputy head of the low-altitude economy branch of the China Information Industry Association.

    “This vast ‘blue sky’ market holds immense potential, and is poised to inject powerful new momentum into economic and social development,” Wang added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – A mixed bag of weather on the way – MetService

    Source: MetService

    Covering period of Thursday 17th – Monday 21st July – A mixed bag of weather on the way

    Key points
    – Heavy Rain and Strong Wind Watches, and a Road Snowfall Warning for parts of the north on Thursday and Friday
    – Fine spells return for many, with chilly southwesterlies bringing frosts this weekend
    – An extreme first half of the year, with at least 38 weather records broken

    A grab bag of winter weather is in store for Aotearoa New Zealand over the coming days, as the country shifts between weather systems, each bringing its own set of features. Rain, wind, fine spells, chilly mornings, and frosts are all on the cards from Thursday through to early next week.

    The wettest and windiest weather is already being felt across the north, as a low-pressure system sweeps across the island. This system is bringing widespread rain and strong southwesterly winds, with Heavy Rain and Strong Wind Watches in place for parts of the North Island, particularly across Northland where gusts may reach severe gale in exposed places. In contrast, much of the South Island is enjoying sunny skies.

    MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden says, “Thursday is the most active weather day in the mix, with some decent rain for the North Island and strong gusty winds in the far north. We are expecting some settled conditions to follow heading into the weekend, with a chilly edge, thanks to persistent cooler southwesterlies.”

    A weekend of calmer weather is on the horizon. A ridge moves in behind the departing low, setting the stage for a cold and frosty country, with Hamilton well into single digits on Saturday night. “Make sure to wrap up if you’re attending the rugby,” advises Lynden.

    The colder conditions arrive alongside a more settled pattern, with sunshine expected for large parts of both islands over the weekend. Motorist in inland South Island areas should also watch for black ice on the roads, as freezing overnight temperature could create hazardous driving conditions.

    Some patchy cloud, fog and showers will linger in a few places, especially for eastern areas like Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, but for most, it’s looking like a crisp winter weekend with cold starts, blue skies, and a return to calmer weather.

    A more settled weekend may come as a relief for many, as 2025 so far has seen at least 38 weather records broken across weather stations in the MetService network. These span the wettest, driest, coldest, and warmest weather. What they do not include are record-breaking runs of weather, such as the coldest start to the year experienced in places like Wellington and Gisborne in January. It also does not feature the fact that the top of the South Island is seeing its wettest midway point in the year for more than 30 years, so the tally of records broken could well be far higher.

    It is worth mentioning that the length of the measurement record varies between stations. For example, Ashburton only has data from 2006 onwards, while Nelson and Blenheim have records going back to 1941.

    Stay up to date with the latest forecasts, Watches and Warnings at metservice.com.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire and Emergency – Wellington Local Advisory Committee Appointed

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand has confirmed the seven inaugural members of Wellington’s new Local Advisory Committee (LAC).
    The LAC members were appointed by the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board and will provide the Board with independent advice about what their communities value, their needs and the risks they face.
    Te Ūpoko Region Manager, Bruce Stubbs says the Wellington LAC will provide a voice for the communities across Wellington, Porirua, Kapiti Coast, Hutt City and Wairarapa.
    “Members represent a diverse range of interests, offer strong local knowledge and will bring real value to the table. We look forward to working with them,” he says.
    The committee’s first task will be to plan how to best engage and seek feedback about local needs from people in their communities, and to build a shared understanding with them about the service Fire and Emergency delivers.
    You can read more details about the newly appointed members on Fire and Emergency’s website.
    Fire and Emergency has also established a new LAC for Canterbury this month concluding the national implementation of all 16 LACs.
    Every community in New Zealand is now represented by a Local Advisory Committee. As well as the two new LACs in Wellington and Canterbury, there are LACs in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Tairāwhiti, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, Whanganui-Manawatū, Nelson-Tasman, Marlborough, West Coast, Otago, Southland and the Chatham Islands.
    An additional three new Chatham Islands committee members were also appointed to the Chatham Islands LAC this month.
    Wellington Local Advisory Committee
    Adrienne Staples (Chair)
    Shamia Love Shariff (Deputy Chair)
    Maleeha Ahmad
    Asher Wilson Goldman
    Sara Williams
    Andrew Brown
    Maria Mitimeti.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire and Emergency – Canterbury Local Advisory Committee appointed

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand has confirmed the eight inaugural members of the new Canterbury Local Advisory Committee (LAC).
    The LAC members were selected by the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board and will provide the Board with independent advice about what their communities value, their needs and the risks they face.
    Te Ihu Region Manager, Brad Mosby says the Canterbury LAC will provide a voice for the communities across both Canterbury and Mid-South Canterbury.
    “Our Canterbury LAC members are well connected and respected within their communities, and we look forward to working with them.
    “They’ll engage with community groups about local needs and support our local teams in building a shared understanding with communities about the service we deliver.”
    You can read more details about the newly appointed members on Fire and Emergency’s website.
    Fire and Emergency has also established a new LAC for Wellington this month concluding the national implementation of all 16 LACs.
    Every community in New Zealand is now represented by a Local Advisory Committee. As well as the two new LACs in Wellington and Canterbury, there are LACs in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Tairāwhiti, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, Whanganui-Manawatū, Nelson-Tasman, Marlborough, West Coast, Otago, Southland and the Chatham Islands.
    An additional three new Chatham Islands committee members were also appointed to the Chatham Islands LAC this month.
    Canterbury Local Advisory Committee
    Darin Cusack (Chair)
    Wendy Smith (Deputy Chair)
    Ross Paniora
    Mark Adams
    Brett King
    Cherie Leckner
    Andrew Cocking
    Habib Marwat.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Heritage – KAKANUI CHURCH LISTED AS CATEGORY 1 HISTORIC PLACE

    Source: Heritage New Zealand

    The owners of the former Kakanui Church, Michael Simpson and Anna Miles, are thrilled to see their restoration project entered on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero as a Category 1 place.

    The Presbyterian church at Kakanui was designed by Robert Arthur Lawson, an important Scottish Dunedin-based architect, who designed many ecclesiastical buildings over his career. The wooden, gothic-style church at Kakanui was built in three months to accommodate 100 people. It was built at a time when Kakanui had just built a port in the hopes of becoming a major export port. This growth never eventuated but the Presbyterian church remained a key community hub.
    The church’s architecture was part of what attracted Michael and Anna to the property when they first saw it was for sale. “We like that it’s Robert Lawson’s smallest, most modest surviving building” says Michael. “It was pretty exciting when we looked at it and saw that it was one of his before we bought it.”
    For Michael and Anna, the purchase and restoration of the church has been a pleasure – they describe the restoration as their “hobby”. When they bought the church, it needed significant work but that didn’t scare the couple. Michael is an experienced carpenter with heritage expertise, and Anna is also hands-on. Gradually they have put new subfloor bearing joists in, replaced corner studs and weatherboards, restored windows, painted, and improved the drainage. “We never had a particular plan except to restore it,” says Michael. “There was no timeframe, no budget and that’s why it’s been such a pleasure. It is going really well at this stage.”
    Part of the journey of restoration has been discovering the emotional ties so many people have to the church. In addition to regular services, the church ran Sunday School classes, which were so popular that in 1933 a dedicated Bible Class Hall was added to the main church. In 1955, two further small buildings were purchased to accommodate the growing Sunday school numbers. The local branch of Brownies used one of these huts as their den.
    When Michael and Anna work on their church they have an open-door policy, they’ve found that people come to visit and chat. “The more we’ve got to know the building, the more we’ve realised it’s a special space that means a lot to a lot of other people”, says Anna. “For us, we’re looking after it at the moment and fixing it up. We see ourselves as stewards of the building.” Now that the church is weathertight and stable, Anna and Michael have opened it up to community use.
    Michael says, “we’ve had weddings in it, gigs, art exhibitions, and carol services. It doesn’t need to be a commercial space, but we’ve realised it should have a life of its own and a reason to exist. We get quite emotional seeing all the life in the building. We never expected that side of what is our hobby. It’s not what we went looking for but it’s rewarding to see.”
    The listing process has highlighted the social and historical value to the Kakanui community. Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Heritage Assessment Advisor, Alison Breese, has loved working on the project. “This place is highly significant to the Kakanui community and has outstanding aesthetic, architectural and historic significance. As one of only two surviving Presbyterian timber churches in New Zealand designed by Lawson it’s been a pleasure seeing the love and hard mahi the owners have put into it.”
    For Michael and Anna, the church entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/ Rārangi Kōrero is an important recognition of the significance of the church and will support its ongoing protection and recognition.
    ABOUT HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA
    Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is the leading national historic heritage agency for Aotearoa New Zealand, operating as an autonomous Crown Entity. Our mission is to identify, protect, and promote heritage – Kia mōhiotia atu, kia tiakina, kia hāpaingia ā tātau taonga tuku iho.
    We actively engage with communities, foster partnerships, and provide valuable resources to support those who are passionate about exploring, learning, and connecting with our rich cultural heritage. For more information, please visit our website at www.heritage.org.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –