Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Senate Moves to Advance Landmark Stablecoin Legislation, Scott Hails U.S. Leadership in Digital Assets

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    “Let’s finish the job and get this bill to President Trump’s desk for his signature.”

    WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Senate took an important step towards passing the bipartisan Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act – legislation led by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and co-sponsored by Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), and Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) – to establish a clear regulatory framework for payment stablecoins.

    Ahead of the vote, Senator Scott spoke on the Senate floor to highlight the importance of passing the bill to protect consumers, bolster our national security, expand financial inclusion, and assert U.S. leadership in digital assets. The GENIUS Act is the result of months of good-faith, bipartisan negotiations and has benefited from extensive consultation with industry participants, legal and academic experts, and government stakeholders. The bill advanced out of the Senate Banking Committee in March, with every Republican and five Democrats supporting it.

    Click here to watch the full speech.

    Senator Scott’s full remarks as delivered: 

    Today, Mr. President, is a good day to watch a bipartisan coalition do what we were sent here to do – work on the behalf of the American people.

    Today, the United States Senate can take a bold and historic step forward – not just for financial innovation, but also for American leadership, consumer protection, and economic opportunity.

    With the bipartisan GENIUS Act, we can do more than just pass a bill. We can deliver results for the American people.

    We can bring clarity to a sector that’s been clouded by uncertainty.

    And we can make it known: the United States will lead, not follow, in the digital asset revolution.

    When I became Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, I promised to prioritize innovation, accountability, and smart regulation in the evolving digital economy.

    And we have the opportunity to deliver on that promise.

    The GENIUS Act will be the most significant digital assets legislation ever to pass the U.S. Senate.

    It’s the product of months of bipartisan work – and I also want to thank the bill’s sponsor, Bill Hagerty, who went out of his way to make this legislation a bipartisan success – by partnering with Senator Alsobrooks, working with Gillibrand, along with our colleagues on this side of the aisle – Senator Lummis and myself. I am incredibly proud to see the hard work of Senator Hagerty pay off – not for him – but for the American people. That’s what makes this process such a special one. It’s what makes the United States Senate the most deliberative body in the world today.

    This is a victory for working families, small businesses, and everyday Americans who deserve faster, cheaper, and safer access to financial services.

    It’s a win for innovation because this framework will give entrepreneurs the confidence to build here in the United States of America, and not abroad.

    And it’s a win for national security – because the GENIUS Act brings stablecoin issuers under strict anti-money laundering standards, cracking down on bad actors at home and abroad.

    Let me be clear: this did not happen by accident.

    It happened because we led.

    To those who said Washington could not act, to those who doubted bipartisanship – let’s prove them wrong.

    Let’s show that principled leadership, conservative values, and common sense can still move this country forward.

    And I would not be complete in my comments if I did not stop and thank the Senate Banking staff for their hard work and their dedication. It would be incomplete, if I did not stop and thank Senator Hagerty’s staff for their hard work, countless hours, and Senator Gillibrand’s staff, for her dedication, and their dedication to this issue, and certainly, Senator Lummis and her staff who spent countless hours making a good product better. 

    Let’s finish the job and get this bill to President Trump’s desk for his signature.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI China: China taps policy tools, emerging industries to unlock job market potential

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

    As part of its broader strategy to ensure high-quality and sufficient employment, China is combining fiscal support, targeted incentives and the rise of emerging industries to drive employment growth.

    Recent official data indicate that China’s job market remains broadly stable. The surveyed urban unemployment rate edged down to 5.1 percent in April from 5.2 percent in March, maintaining an average of 5.2 percent in the first four months of 2025.

    Fu Linghui, spokesperson for the National Bureau of Statistics, credited this steady trend to the country’s improving industrial performance and expanding new growth drivers, along with strengthened assistance for key labor groups.

    Recognizing employment as a strategic priority, China’s leadership reaffirmed job stability as a top policy goal at a tone-setting meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee held in April 2025.

    As part of these coordinated efforts, multiple government authorities on the same day jointly unveiled measures in a circular aimed at bolstering employment among 2025 college graduates and young jobseekers.

    “College graduates and other youths are valuable human resources,” the circular stated, urging maximum efforts to support their employment.

    Organizations that employ 2025 graduates, graduates unemployed within the first two years after leaving school or registered unemployed youth aged 16-24, are eligible for a one-off job expansion subsidy, according to the circular. This policy will be in effect until Dec. 31, 2025.

    Complementing these youth-focused measures, authorities have extended broader financial support to companies aiming to preserve existing jobs. Key unemployment insurance relief policies, which help companies retain employees and support workers in upgrading their skills, have been extended through the end of 2025.

    These supportive policies coincide with robust demand growth in China’s high-tech industries. Notably, industry data highlight significant increases in recruitment activity in fields like industrial automation and digital technologies in the first quarter of 2025.

    Data from Zhaopin.com show that vacancies for mechanical and automation engineers in the industrial automation sector had jumped by 40 percent and 10 percent in this period, respectively, while those requiring algorithm engineers and machine learning specialists rose by 44 percent and 18 percent, respectively, reflecting the increasing role of technology-driven growth.

    This momentum is echoed by major Chinese enterprises, including tech giants and manufacturing firms, which have recently unveiled ambitious recruitment plans.

    Tencent, for instance, announced its largest-ever employment initiative, creating 28,000 internships over three years, many with the prospect of full-time conversion. As of early March this year, the company had employed over 55,000 people — with technology roles accounting for 73 percent of total staff.

    Similarly, Alibaba opened over 3,000 roles in its 2026 spring campus recruitment round, nearly half of which are in AI-related fields. Midea Group, a leading home appliance manufacturer, plans to provide more than 2,000 positions through campus recruitment in 2025.

    China’s employment strategy goes beyond merely recruitment, but also emphasizes retaining and upgrading talent. Many enterprises have significantly invested in employee training programs, implementing structured pathways to facilitate skills enhancement and career growth.

    Fuyao Group, a leading global automotive glass supplier, for example, has developed a comprehensive training system, digitally connecting nearly 30,000 employees through its internal platform, complemented by technical skills programs.

    Vocational training across the country is likewise scaling up to match emerging employment demands. Local governments have initiated subsidized training programs targeting crucial sectors — such as advanced manufacturing, eldercare, childcare and modern services.

    In Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, a robotics innovation center has trained over 12,000 professionals in advanced robotics alone. Its future plans involve expanded collaboration with universities and industry leaders in fields including artificial intelligence, big data and cloud computing.

    Such integrated industry-education ecosystems are becoming increasingly common nationwide, and are designed to continuously replenish talent pools in rapidly evolving sectors.

    Looking ahead, Chen Yun, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Labor and Social Security, suggested maintaining employment-oriented vocational training.

    Chen also called for further targeted fiscal, tax, financial, technological and industrial policies tailored specifically to different business conditions — with intensified support for enterprises facing greater difficulties. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI: RECKITT BENCKISER SHAREHOLDER ALERT: CLAIMSFILER REMINDS INVESTORS WITH LOSSES IN EXCESS OF $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC – RBGLY

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW ORLEANS, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until August 4, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (“Reckitt” or the “Company”) (OTC: RBGLY), if they purchased the Company’s American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) between January 13, 2021 and July 28, 2024, inclusive (the “Class Period”). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

    Get Help

    Reckitt investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/us-trading-venue-rbgly-1/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

    About the Lawsuit

    Reckitt and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

    The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) preterm infants were at an increased risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis (“NEC”) by consuming the Company’s cow’s milk-based formula, Enfamil; (ii) such risk could impact the Company’s sales of Enfamil and expose the Company to legal claims; and (iii) as a result of the foregoing, the Company’s positive statements about its business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

    The case is Elevator Constructors Union Local No. 1 Annuity & 401(K) Fund v. Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, et al., No. 25-cv-4708.

    About ClaimsFiler

    ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

    To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 12, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 12, 2025.

    Trump may try to strike a deal with AUKUS review, but here’s why he won’t sink it
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Blaxland, Professor, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University The Pentagon has announced it will review the massive AUKUS agreement between the United States, United Kingdom and Australia to ensure it’s aligned with US President Donald Trump’s “America first” agenda. The US undersecretary of defence

    Why are sunsets so pretty in winter? There’s a simple explanation
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chloe Wilkins, Associate Lecturer and PhD Candidate, Solar Physics, University of Newcastle nelo2309/Shutterstock If you live in the southern hemisphere and have been stopped in your tracks by a recent sunset, you may have noticed they seem more vibrant lately. The colours are brighter and bolder, and

    After weeks of confusion and chaos, Tasmania heads back to the polls on July 19
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Hortle, Deputy Director, Tasmanian Policy Exchange, University of Tasmania The Tasmanian government has called a state election for July 19, the fourth in a little over seven years. Following days of high drama, Governor Barbara Baker finally granted Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s election request, saying there

    Goodbye to all that? Rethinking Australia’s alliance with Trump’s America
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Beeson, Adjunct professor, Australia-China Relations Institute, University of Technology Sydney Even the most ardent supporters of the alliance with the United States – the notional foundation of Australian security for more than 70 years – must be having some misgivings about the second coming of Donald

    A reversal in US climate policy will send renewables investors packing – and Australia can reap the benefits
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christian Downie, Professor, Australian National University President Donald Trump is trying to unravel the signature climate policy of his predecessor Joe Biden, the Inflation Reduction Act, as part of a sweeping bid to dismantle the United States’ climate ambition. The Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, is a

    ‘Hard to measure and difficult to shift’: the government’s big productivity challenge
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Bartos, Professor of Economics, University of Canberra Higher productivity has quickly emerged as an economic reform priority for Labor’s second term. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has laid down some markers for a productivity round table in August, saying he wants it to build the “broadest possible

    Extreme weather could send milk prices soaring, deepening challenges for the dairy industry
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milena Bojovic, Lecturer, Sustainability and Environment, University of Technology Sydney Australia’s dairy industry is in the middle of a crisis, fuelled by an almost perfect storm of challenges. Climate change and extreme weather have been battering farmlands and impacting animal productivity, creating mounting financial strains and mental

    201 ways to say ‘fuck’: what 1.7 billion words of online text shows about how the world swears
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Martin Schweinberger, Lecturer in Applied Linguistics, The University of Queensland Our brains swear for good reasons: to vent, cope, boost our grit and feel closer to those around us. Swear words can act as social glue and play meaningful roles in how people communicate, connect and express

    Were the first kings of Poland actually from Scotland? New DNA evidence unsettles a nation’s founding myth
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darius von Guttner Sporzynski, Historian, Australian Catholic University An illustration from a 15th-century manuscript showing the coronation of the first king of Poland, Boleslaw I. Chronica Polonorum by Mathiae de Mechovia For two centuries, scholars have sparred over the roots of the Piasts, Poland’s first documented royal

    Medical scans are big business and investors are circling. Here are 3 reasons to be concerned
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sean Docking, Research Fellow, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University wedmoments.stock/Shutterstock Timely access to high-quality medical imaging can be lifesaving and life-altering. Radiology can confirm a fractured bone, give us an early glimpse of our baby or detect cancer. But behind the x-ray, ultrasound,

    ‘Microaggressions’ can fly under the radar in schools. Here’s how to spot them and respond
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Leslie, Lecturer in Curriculum and Pedagogy with a focus on Educational Psychology, University of Southern Queensland Klaus Vedfelt/ Getty Images Bullying is sadly a common experience for Australian children and teenagers. It is estimated at least 25% experience bullying at some point in their schooling. The

    New Zealand’s ‘symbolic’ sanctions on Israel too little, too late, say opposition parties
    By Russell Palmer, RNZ News political reporter Opposition parties say Aotearoa New Zealand’s government should be going much further, much faster in sanctioning Israel. Foreign Minister Winston Peters overnight revealed New Zealand had joined Australia, Canada, the UK and Norway in imposing travel bans on Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar

    More deaths reported out of Sugapa in West Papua clashes with military
    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist Further reports of civilian casualties are coming out of West Papua, while clashes between Indonesia’s military and the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement continue. One of the most recent military operations took place in the early morning of May 14 in Sugapa District, Intan Jaya in Central

    Q+A follows The Project onto the scrap heap – so where to now for non-traditional current affairs?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Denis Muller, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne Two long-running television current affairs programs are coming to an end at the same time, driving home the fact that no matter what the format, they have a shelf life. The Project on Channel

    Sanctioning extremist Israeli ministers is a start, but Australia and its allies must do more
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Whyte, Scientia Associate Professor of Philosophy and ARC Future Fellow, UNSW Sydney The Australian government is imposing financial and travel sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers: Itamar Ben-Gvir (the national security minister) and Bezalel Smotrich (finance minister). This is a significant development. While Australia has previously

    Malaria has returned to the Torres Strait. What does this mean for mainland Australia?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cameron Webb, Clinical Associate Professor and Principal Hospital Scientist, University of Sydney Aspect Drones/Shutterstock Malaria is one of the deadliest diseases spread by mosquitoes. Each year, hundreds of millions of people worldwide are infected and half a million people die from the disease. While mainland Australia was

    Is regulation really to blame for the housing affordability crisis?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicole Gurran, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Sydney ymgerman/Shutterstock The Albanese government has a new mantra to describe the housing crisis, which is showing no signs of abating: homes have simply become “too hard to build” in Australia. The prime minister and senior ministers

    NZ’s goal is to get smoking rates under 5% for all population groups this year – here’s why that’s highly unlikely
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Janet Hoek, Professor in Public Health, University of Otago Getty Images Next week is “scrutiny week” in parliament – one of two weeks each year when opposition MPs can hold ministers accountable for their actions, or lack thereof. For us, it’s a good time to take stock

    Labor’s win at the 2025 federal election was the biggest since 1943, with its largest swings in the cities
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne We now have the (almost!) final results from the 2025 federal election – with only Bradfield still to be completely resolved. Labor won 94 of the 150

    What are the ‘less lethal’ weapons being used in Los Angeles?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samara McPhedran, Principal Research Fellow, Griffith University After United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested multiple people on alleged immigration violations, protests broke out in Los Angeles. In response, police and military personnel have been deployed around the greater LA area. Authorities have been using

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s wine market uncorks consumption vitality

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

    In an exhibition hall at an expo in Yinchuan, the capital of northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the rich aroma emanating from a copper hot pot is gaining the attention of visitors. The dish of tender mutton cooked in red wine-added broth is a perfect blend of two of Ningxia’s most famed products.

    “Using spring water, red wine and nourishing ingredients removes unpleasant smells, making the mutton delicious and flavorful,” said Tian Feng, who manages the hot pot restaurant operating the booth. The popularity of its red wine hot pot ensures the restaurant is often fully booked on weekends, Tian added.

    Across China’s evolving consumer landscape, wine is undergoing a subtle transformation. No longer restricted to formal banquets and professional tasting events, wine is becoming accessible as various consumption scenarios and wine products are created.

    This shift in accessibility is evident at the ongoing Fifth China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo in Ningxia, which is a renowned wine production region that is promoting a “tipsy economy.”

    People visit the Global Wineries Exhibition during the Fifth China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, on June 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

    Ningxia boasts a unique terroir for the production of top-class wine, with prolonged sunshine hours and a cool, dry climate aiding the cultivation of grapes. After four decades of development, it has become China’s largest wine-producing region. The eastern foot of Helan Mountain is widely regarded as a “golden zone” for grape cultivation and high-end wine production.

    By the end of 2024, the region had more than 600,000 mu (about 40,000 hectares) of wine grape plantations and an annual wine output of 140 million bottles. Its wines were exported to over 40 countries and regions.

    At the expo, brightly colored canned wines from the Ningxia State Farm Winery have won the favor of many. Compared to bottled wines, canned wines are more convenient to drink and can more easily meet the demands of diverse scenarios such as camping and picnics, said Li Shuang, the winery’s sales manager.

    In addition to its canned wines, which have been popular since their launch last year, the company offers innovative products such as creamy jasmine wine, lemon oolong tea wine, black coffee wine and alcohol-free options. These products drove 20 percent of the company’s sales growth in 2024, Li said.

    Athletes run past a wine grape plantation during a half-marathon in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, on Sept. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua)

    Cheeks rosy after tasting a dozen wines at the expo, local visitor Lu Ting is a tourism professional and sommelier who enjoys buying wines to share with family and friends.

    “Chardonnay with meat skewers, reds with hot pot — it’s about sharing joy,” said Lu, 42.

    The four-day event will run until Thursday and is slated to include a world wine tasting event, a wine and winery exhibition, an innovation competition and an art biennial.

    Last month, Yinchuan also hosted a marathon that saw 43 local wineries offer 28,000 runners free vineyard tours, tastings and exclusive discounts for wine purchases. This event-driven approach has created a powerful synergy between tourism and viticulture, resulting in a surge in hotel bookings in the city.

    Sommeliers sample glasses of wine during the 32nd Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB) in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, June 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Juanjuan)

    “We’re transforming the entire city into a living wine museum,” said Li Bingjie, director of Yinchuan’s wine industry development service center. “Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the journey from grape to glass.”

    Speaking at the expo’s opening ceremony on Monday, Yvette van der Merwe, president of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, said that the organization has for many years observed and supported the rise of China’s grape and wine industry, with the country being an important wine consumer and table grape producer.

    “I see the energy that the growth of Ningxia Helan Mountain’s east foothill region has contributed to the Chinese wine industry, and I am confident that it will bring new inspiration and opportunities to the global wine community,” she said.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI: Wall Street Veteran Launches Titan Capital to Bring Institutional Wealth Strategies to Entrepreneurs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bethesda, MD, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Titan Capital Strategies, a boutique financial advisory firm founded by former Wall Street portfolio strategist Nareena Khan, officially announces its mission to bring elite financial planning tools to high-performing business owners.

    After managing over $10 billion in institutional portfolios, Khan is shifting her focus to an under-served demographic: high-net-worth entrepreneurs scaling ambitious ventures in real estate, healthcare, and technology.

    In an environment where traditional financial systems often overlook the complexity and pace of founder-led businesses, Titan Capital Strategies aims to fill the gap. The firm delivers customized strategic capital planning services with a clear goal: to help entrepreneurs protect, scale, and sustain the businesses they’ve risked everything to build without compromising their personal financial safety.

    Nareena positions herself as a strategic partner, not a product pusher, for founders building something bigger than themselves.

    From Wall Street to Founder-Focused Solutions

    Nareena Khan’s pivot to entrepreneurship was sparked by a powerful realization: the same tools she used to manage multi-billion-dollar portfolios on Wall Street could—and should—be accessible to the entrepreneurs driving the real economy from the ground up.

    As a seasoned wealth strategist, Nareena brings an institutional-level lens to business owner financial planning, cutting through the noise to offer clarity in a landscape often clouded by complexity.

    “Too many founders operate without a true capital strategy,” says Khan. “They’re navigating risk blind—under-leveraged, overexposed, and often unsupported. We help them design smarter financial structures that evolve with their business and protect what they’ve built.”

    That mindset led Nareena to launch Titan Capital Strategies, a firm built not around institutions, but around individuals such as entrepreneurs, founders, and value creators. It was a bold step away from the high-stakes world of capital markets and elite portfolios—and into something far more personal.

    “I wanted more than spreadsheets and returns,” she reflects. “I wanted to know the people behind the numbers—the builders, the visionaries, the ones taking all the risk but getting none of the tailored support.”

    Then the pandemic hit—and deepened her clarity.

    “Watching people say goodbye to loved ones over video, seeing lives cut short with no closure… it made me ask: What am I doing with my time? What legacy do I want to leave behind?”

    That moment redefined her path—not away from finance, but toward a more human-centered approach. Today, Nareena helps business owners unlock liquidity, minimize tax drag, and preserve generational wealth—using elite strategies once reserved for institutions, now tailored for the founders shaping our future.

    A Framework Built for Visionaries

    Titan Capital Strategies applies a proprietary four-step model that guides founders from idea to execution. The process begins with clarifying the entrepreneur’s long-term vision, then mapping out exposure and risk. From there, the firm crafts tailored financial and succession planning solutions, integrating efforts with clients’ existing legal, tax, and accounting teams.

    Khan’s strategic plans often include alternative funding pathways such as premium financing, asset-backed lending, advanced insurance structures, and IUL for entrepreneurs. These strategies deliver tax-efficient growth while limiting reliance on personal guarantees or traditional loans.

    Addressing a Market Gap

    The need is urgent. According to PwC, 70% of business owners lack a formal risk mitigation or succession planning strategy. CNBC reports that over 60% of high-income entrepreneurs do not have access to advanced tax-free strategies. Titan Capital Strategies is responding with solutions that match the complexity of modern entrepreneurial ventures.

    By focusing on execution, not product sales, Khan positions herself not as a financial salesperson but as a strategic partner aligned with her clients’ broader ambitions.

    Reaching Underserved Founders with Smarter Capital

    Titan Capital Strategies serves founders who are rapidly scaling and need a capital strategy to match their momentum. Whether transitioning from seven to eight figures in revenue or preparing for an exit, clients work with Khan and her team to access capital in ways that preserve control and accelerate growth.

    Nareena’s experience managing institutional assets has uniquely prepared her to help clients unlock funding without exposing personal wealth. In recent cases, she has helped entrepreneurs restructure their financial positions to access multimillion-dollar capital while reducing tax liabilities and personal risk.

    New Chapter, Same Strategic Excellence

    The founding of Titan Capital Strategies marks a significant transition for Khan from portfolio manager to entrepreneurial ally. It’s also a shift that signals an evolving financial services landscape, one that demands agility, innovation, and transparency. The firm’s approach is especially timely in a post-2020 economy where founders are seeking financial strategies as dynamic as their ventures.

    Titan Capital Strategies does not offer one-size-fits-all products. Instead, each engagement is rooted in deep collaboration and long-term alignment. This methodology has already attracted interest from growth-stage companies and seasoned entrepreneurs looking for a financial advisor who understands the urgency, complexity, and stakes of founder-led growth.

    About Titan Capital Strategies

    Titan Capital Strategies is a strategic financial advisory firm based in Bethesda, Maryland, serving high-net-worth entrepreneurs across the U.S. The firm specializes in strategic capital planning, premium financing, alternative funding, and risk mitigation for business owners in high-growth sectors. Founded by former Wall Street strategist Nareena Khan, Titan Capital Strategies is committed to helping visionary entrepreneurs achieve tax-efficient growth and long-term wealth protection through fully customized planning frameworks.

    For more information or to explore a private strategy session, visit www.titancapitalstrategies.com.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Spotlight Forum, Cortez Masto Highlights Struggles Small Businesses Face Due to Trump Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

     ***VIDEO AVAILABLE***

    FTPs for TV stations is available here.

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) hosted a Spotlight Forum titled “Costs, Chaos, Corruption: The Household Impact of Trump’s Tariffs” to examine how President Trump’s tariff policies fuel economic instability, raise costs on working families, and harm the travel and tourism sector. During the forum, Cortez Masto asked small business owners to describe the impacts of the tariffs on their individual businesses.

    Senator Cortez Masto highlighted the concerns she has heard while traveling across Nevada – the effects on tourism, the rising costs for families, and the squeeze that small businesses across the state are feeling. 

    “Let me ask you, because I think…some of this is also getting lost, not only the additional costs that you are incurring because of these tariffs [but] the additional opportunities,” she said to Preston Martin, CEO of Bicycle Technologies International who was planning to open a 29,000 square foot warehouse in Reno and had to cancel the contract because of additional costs brought on by tariffs. “What we also are missing out on here are the jobs that are created, the opportunity to put people to work. Mr. Martin, if you were able to open that warehouse in Reno, how many people would you have employed in Nevada?” she asked.

    Martin confirmed in his response that he would have been able to increase his workforce in Nevada by 50 percent.

    “Our policies should be congressionally-driven in the sense that we want to grow this economy and create jobs,” the Senator continued. “And the policies are just the opposite…People want a good life. They want less stress. They want to be able to work. They want a good economy. They want everybody to thrive. And that’s where our policies should be, but this [trade] policy is not there.”

    Senator Cortez Masto has continued to push the Trump Administration to address the impacts of Trump’s tariffs on working families and Nevada small businesses. Last week, Cortez Masto led the Nevada delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to reverse his blanket tariffs that have had harmful impacts on Nevada. During a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Cortez Masto pressed U.S. Trade Representative Greer about the impacts of President Trump’s blanket tariffs on Nevadans, particularly those employed in the tourism and hospitality industry. The Senator introduced the Tariff Transparency Act to require the U.S. International Trade Commission to publicly investigate how Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada will impact the American people.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Bill Protecting Americans from Foreign-Directed Crimes Passes Senate

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate advanced Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Maggie Hassan’s (D-N.H.) Deterring External Threats and Ensuring Robust Responses to Egregious and Nefarious Criminal Endeavors Act (DETERRENCE) Act, which increases criminal penalties for individuals who commit, or attempt to commit, violent crimes in the United States on behalf of foreign governments.
    The bill’s passage comes after two Eastern European organized crime leaders were convicted in March 2025 of targeting an American journalist in a murder-for-hire scheme on behalf of the Iranian government. Additionally, a recent report detailed how the Iranian government ordered an operative to assassinate President Donald Trump before the 2024 election.
    “America will not allow foreign adversaries, like Iran, to finance violent crimes on our soil,” said Senator Ernst. “Peace through strength is back and that includes right here at home. I look forward to the House swiftly passing this commonsense bill to create severe consequences for those who wish to harm our citizens.”
    “It is a direct assault on our national security when foreign adversaries recruit criminals to commit violence on American soil,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation will strengthen criminal penalties on gangs and criminals who engage in violent behavior on behalf of a foreign government. The Senate has sent a clear message that such behavior will be met with severe consequences, and I urge my colleagues in the House to quickly pass this bill to strengthen our national security.” 
    The DETERRENCE Act now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Businessman Aaron Coupe sentenced to a further 3 years

    Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

    Businessman Aaron Coupe:

    • was sentenced to 3 years and 9 months for managing companies while prohibited under the Companies Act and concealing property worth more than $1.7 million from the Official Assignee.
    • during his second bankruptcy, breached restrictions and took part in the management of businesses through actively managing several construction projects.

    Jailed businessman Aaron Coupe was further sentenced at Auckland District Court on Friday 6 June 2025 to 3 years and 9 months for taking part in the management of businesses while bankrupt and concealing property worth more than $1.7 million from the Official Assignee.

    Mr Coupe was jailed for 4 years and 5 months in January 2025 for managing companies while prohibited under the Companies Act and the latest sentencing will see him serve up to 8 years and 2 months in total.

    During his second bankruptcy in 2022, Mr Coupe breached the restrictions imposed on him by taking part in the management of businesses through actively managing construction projects in Tuakau, Wiri and Auckland.

    Under the alias ‘Aaron McGregor’, his birth name, Mr Coupe overtly sought out projects to manage and directed payments for these projects into an account under his mother’s name. Mr Coupe did not disclose an interest in this account to the Official Assignee.

    In court, Judge Kathryn Maxwell said Mr Coupe’s “arrogance is incomprehensible”.

    “We’re also dealing with a maximum penalty that is arguably inadequate,” Judge Maxwell said.

    “You have barely taken a breath since you started offending in 2013.”

    This is the most recent prosecution taken against Mr Coupe by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), following original charges that were laid in 2014 for offending that arose from his conduct during his first bankruptcy in 2010.

    He was sentenced in 2016 to 12 months’ home detention, 200 hours’ community work, and $75,100.68 reparation. The convictions also meant he was banned from being a director of or involved in the management of a company for 5 years.

    Despite his prohibition, and without seeking an exemption to the imposed prohibition from the Court, Mr Coupe took part in the management of 5 companies causing substantial financial losses and significant emotional distress to his business partners, stakeholders, and creditors.

    Business Registries Investigations and Compliance Team Manager Vanessa Cook says it was important that Mr Coupe was held to account for his ongoing offending.

    “The sentence reflects the harm that Mr Coupe caused through his failure to comply with conditions imposed on him, not only by being adjudicated bankrupt, but also by the Court,” Ms Cook says.

    “By intentionally evading the measures that were put in place to protect the public, Mr Coupe was able to deceive people into engaging in business with him, enabling him to conceal $1.7 million that could have been paid to his creditors.

    “It’s important that responsibility is accepted by those whose behaviour causes significant harm to the community and MBIE would like to thank all the witnesses who came forward to assist in ensuring that Mr Coupe’s unscrupulous behaviour was stopped.”

    Prohibited directors can be found by searching on the Companies register:
    Searching the Companies Register(external link) – New Zealand Companies Office

    Individuals who are currently adjudicated bankrupt can found by searching on the insolvency register:
    Search the insolvency register(external link) – New Zealand Insolvency and Trustee

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Backing New Zealand’s native forest champions

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Forestry Minister Todd McClay today congratulated the winners of the inaugural Growing Native Forests Champions Awards for driving real progress in native forest establishment and land use innovation.

    “This is what good land management looks like — native forests that support both the environment and the rural economy,” Mr McClay says.

    “This is practical, long-term investment in our land that delivers environmental and economic benefits while supporting farm profitability.”

    With 59 entries this year, the awards show what’s possible when innovation meets local knowledge — from farmers and lifestyle block owners to iwi and forestry companies.

    “Native forests and farming go hand in hand. We can farm the best land and plant natives on the most vulnerable, stabilising hillsides and safeguarding waterways.

    “These winners prove native planting can work alongside other productive land uses to deliver real results.”

    Award Winners:

    • Lifestyle Block Owner: Paul and Katherina Quinlan, Northland — pioneers of sustainable tōtara timber management.
    • Mana Whenua: Kapenga M Trust, Bay of Plenty — blending mātauranga Māori and science to grow native forests and create jobs.
    • Trees on Farms: Ian Brennan, Waikato — integrating natives for ecosystem health and income through continuous cover forestry.
    • Forestry Company: Tasman Pine Forests, Nelson/Tasman — restoring native forests, controlling wilding pines, and protecting native species.
    • Catchment/Community: Wai Kōkopu, Bay of Plenty — retiring erodible land and improving estuary health while supporting profitable farming.

    Each winner received a handcrafted trophy made from native timbers — a symbol of their commitment to New Zealand’s land and future.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in the Independent City of St. Louis to Help Businesses Impacted by May Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the opening of an SBA Business Recovery Center (BRC) in the Independent City of St. Louis to assist small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding occurring May 16.

    Beginning Thursday, June 12, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Business Recovery Center in St. Louis to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.

    The center’s hours of operation are as follows:

    THE INDEPENDENT CITY OF ST. LOUIS
    Business Recovery Center
    St. Louis Community College
    Harrison Education Center
    3140 Cass Ave., Rm. #104
    St. Louis, MO  63106

    Opens at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 12

    Mondays – Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

    The following Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) location is also open and continues to serve survivors:

    ST. LOUIS COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    St. Louis County Library
    Florissant Valley Branch 
    Quiet Room
    195 S. New Florissant Rd.
    Florissant, MO   63031

    Mondays – Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    Fridays – Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    “SBA’s Business Recovery Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Business owners can visit these centers to meet face‑to‑face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery.”

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to these disasters. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    SBA representatives will also provide help to business owners and residents at disaster recovery centers when they are opened in the impacted area.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62 for nonprofits, and 2.81% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Aug. 11, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 9, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Available to Missouri Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by May Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In response to a Presidential disaster declaration issued June 9, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to Missouri small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding occurring May 16.

    The disaster declaration covers the Missouri counties of Scott, St. Louis, and the Independent City of St. Louis.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and PNPs impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s mitigation loans.”

    Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for PNPs and 2.81% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    As soon as Federal-State Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the affected area, SBA will provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants. Additional information and details on the location of disaster recovery centers is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Public country-by-country (CBC) reporting

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    WARNING!

    Public CBC reporting and country-by-country (CBC) reporting are different measures. For information about CBC reporting, go to Country-by-country reporting

    What is Public CBC reporting

    Public country-by-country (CBC) reporting is a regime (the regime) that requires certain large multinational enterprises to publish selected tax information to the public. This information must be reported either on a CBC basis or on an aggregated basis. Under the regime, the parent entity generally has the reporting obligation, rather than the Australian subsidiary (Public CBC reporting parent).

    The regime applies for reporting periods starting from 1 July 2024. For a Public CBC reporting parent with a reporting period end of 30 June, this will be from 1 July 2024. Reports are due within 12 months of the end of the reporting period.

    If a Public CBC reporting parent has a reporting period that does not end on 30 June, the regime will first apply from the start of the relevant period that occurs after 1 July 2024. For example, if a Public CBC reporting parent’s reporting period is from 1 April to 31 March, the regime will first apply for its reporting period starting 1 April 2025, with the first report due before 31 March 2027.

    The Public CBC reporting parent publishes their Public CBC report by providing selected tax information to the ATO in the approved form. We then facilitate the publication of the information on an Australian Government website.

    Public CBC reporting provides information to the public and enables better assessment of whether an entity’s economic presence in a jurisdiction aligns with the amount of tax they pay in that jurisdiction.

    Public CBC reporting requires disclosures about:

    • the revenues, profits and income taxes of the global group
    • the activities of the global group
    • an entity’s international related party dealings.

    Note: Public CBC reporting and country-by-country (CbC) reporting are different measures. For information about CBC reporting, go to Country-by-country reporting.

    Who is required to report

    An entity must report for a reporting period if all of the following apply:

    • it is a CBC reporting parent for the preceding period
    • it is an entity of the type specified
    • it satisfies the requirements for that reporting period.

    An entity is of the specified type if it is any one of the following:

    • constitutional corporation
    • trust, provided each of the trustees is a constitutional corporation
    • partnership, provided each of the partners is a constitutional corporation.

    ‘Constitutional corporation’ means a foreign corporation (one not formed within Australia), or a trading or financial corporation formed within the limits of the Commonwealth.

    An entity satisfies the requirements for a reporting period if all of the following apply:

    • it was a CBC reporting parent for a period that includes the whole or a part of the preceding reporting period
    • it was a member of a CBC reporting group at any time during the reporting period
    • at any point during the reporting period, it, or a member of its CBC reporting group, was an Australian resident or a foreign resident operating an Australian permanent establishment
    • $10 million or more of its aggregated turnover for the reporting period was Australian-sourced
    • it was not an exempt entity or included in a class of exempt entities.

    An entity is a CBC reporting parent for a reporting period if all of the following apply:

    • it is not an individual
    • if it is a member of a CBC reporting group at the end of the period; it is not controlled by any other member of the CBC reporting group at the end of the period
    • its annual global income for the period is $1 billion or more.

    Registration by Public CBC reporting parents

    Registration by Public CBC reporting parents allows for more efficient processing and helps to simplify the process of:

    • giving the Public CBC report to the ATO
    • requesting an extension of time to provide the Public CBC report
    • requesting an exemption from reporting obligations for a reporting period.

    The registration process doesn’t differentiate between resident and non-resident Public CBC reporting parents. A non-resident Public CBC reporting parent without an ATO reference number (ARN) will be automatically issued with an ARN as part of this registration process.

    Registration is also beneficial as it enables a Public CBC reporting parent entity to provide authorisation for representatives to act on its behalf. This includes having representatives satisfy its obligations, such as lodging the Public CBC report or applying for a Public CBC reporting exemption. Representatives can include:

    • designated officers or employees of the CBC reporting parent
    • an authorised representative of the Australian subsidiary
    • an adviser
    • other nominated person.

    The Public CBC registration form is in a fillable portable document format (PDF), and lodgment is via email. Upon lodgment, we will send an email acknowledging receipt.

    To get the form, see Public country-by-country (CBC) registration form (NAT 75645). You can also read the Instructions to complete Public country-by-country registration.

    Public CBC reporting obligations

    The reporting obligation is on the Public CBC reporting parent (whether located overseas or in Australia) to report selected tax information to us.

    An Australian subsidiary of a foreign entity generally does not have any reporting obligation of its own for a reporting period. An exception to that general principle is if a foreign entity does not include the Australian subsidiary in its group’s consolidated accounts, and the Australia subsidiary qualifies as a Public CBC parent entity in its own right.

    The Public CBC reporting parent entity must give the Public CBC report electronically in the approved form to the ATO within 12 months after the end of the relevant reporting period.

    An update to correct any material errors must be given to us within 28 days of the Public CBC reporting parent identifying or otherwise becoming aware of that error.

    Penalties apply for non-compliance.

    What is jurisdictional reporting

    For Australia and specified jurisdictions determined by the Minister, particular information must be published on a CBC basis.

    For operations in other jurisdictions, the Public CBC reporting parent has the choice to publish information on either a CBC basis or an aggregated basis.

    Specified jurisdictions list

    The Minister’s determination of jurisdictions for Public CBC reporting is provided by legislative instrument. The specified jurisdictions are outlined in the Taxation Administration (Country by Country Reporting Jurisdictions) Determination 2024External Link.

    Specified jurisdictions

    Specified jurisdictions that have a comprehensive international tax agreement with Australia:

    • Singapore
    • Switzerland.

    Other specified jurisdictions

    Other specified jurisdictions:

    • Andorra
    • Anguilla
    • Antigua and Barbuda
    • Aruba
    • Barbados
    • Bahamas
    • Bahrain
    • Belize
    • Bermuda
    • British Virgin Islands
    • Cayman Islands
    • Cook Islands
    • Curacao
    • Dominica
    • Gibraltar
    • Grenada
    • Guernsey
    • Hong Kong
    • Isle of Man
    • Jersey
    • Liberia
    • Mauritius
    • Monaco
    • Montserrat
    • Nauru
    • Niue
    • Panama
    • Republic of the Marshall Islands
    • Saint Kitts and Nevis
    • Saint Lucia
    • Saint Maarten (Dutch Part)
    • Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
    • Samoa
    • San Marino
    • Seychelles
    • Turks and Caicos Islands
    • US Virgin Islands
    • Vanuatu.

    Public CBC information to be reported

    The Public CBC reporting parent is required to publish the following information:

    • its own legal name
    • the names of each entity in the CBC reporting group
    • a description of the CBC reporting group’s approach to tax
    • information about Australia and specified jurisdictions, on a CBC basis
    • information about its other jurisdictions, either on a CBC or aggregated basis.

    Information required to be reported

    If the Public CBC reporting parent chooses to report on a CBC basis for all jurisdictions in which the group operates, it doesn’t need to publish any information on an aggregated basis.

    However, if the Public CBC reporting parent only publishes information on a CBC basis for Australia and the specified jurisdictions, it must publish information for all other jurisdictions on an aggregated basis.

    Australia and specified jurisdictions

    The Public CBC reporting parent is required to report the following information for Australia and specified jurisdictions:

    • name of the jurisdiction
    • description of main business activities
    • number of employees (on a full-time equivalent basis) at the end of the reporting period
    • revenue from unrelated parties
    • revenue from related parties that are not tax residents of the jurisdiction
    • profit or loss before income tax
    • book value at the end of the reporting period of tangible assets, other than cash and cash equivalents
    • income tax paid (on a cash basis)
    • income tax accrued (current year)
    • reasons for the difference between income tax accrued (current year) and the amount of income tax due if the income tax rate applicable to the jurisdiction were applied to profit and loss before income tax
    • currency used in calculating and presenting the above information.

    Other jurisdictions (aggregated information)

    The Public CBC reporting parent is required to report the following information on an aggregated basis for all other jurisdictions in which the group operates:

    • description of main business activities in those jurisdictions
    • number of employees (on a full-time equivalent basis) at the end of the reporting period
    • revenue from unrelated parties
    • revenue from related parties that are not tax residents of the jurisdiction in which that revenue is being derived
    • profit or loss before income tax
    • book value at the end of the reporting period of tangible assets, other than cash and cash equivalents
    • income tax paid (on a cash basis)
    • income tax accrued (current year)
    • the currency used in calculating and presenting the above information.

    Guidance

    The information required to be reported has been adopted from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 207: Tax 2019 (GRI 207) reporting standard. The GRI 207 may be used as a source of guidance in interpretating the publishing requirements. Greater detail on the interpretation of terms is contained in the BEPS Action 13 Guidance and OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines.

    For further detail, see:

    Publishing the information

    The Public CBC reporting parent is required to publish the information on an Australian Government website by giving the information in the approved form to the ATO. The approved form is in XML Schema format, and lodgment is via email. Upon lodgment, we will send an email acknowledging receipt.

    Instructions on the approved form are currently under development and will be available in the second half of 2025.

    The ATO’s role

    We will facilitate the publication of the reported information as soon as practicable on the Australian Government website.

    The first publication is expected to be released in late 2026.

    Extension of time to provide the Public CBC report

    The Public CBC report is due within 12 months after the end of the relevant reporting period. For example, for the reporting period ending 30 June 2025, the Public CBC report is due by 30 June 2026.

    A Public CBC reporting parent may apply to the ATO for an extension of time to provide the Public CBC report. The Public CBC reporting parent can submit their request for deferral to us via email.

    Correcting errors

    If a Public CBC reporting parent becomes aware of a material error in any of the published information, they must rectify the error by providing the corrected information to the ATO. The entity must provide the corrected Public CBC report in its entirety to us by email.

    A correction of a material error is required within 28 days after the entity becomes aware of the error. For example, we will consider an entity aware of a material error once its accountant or tax manager realises the error and prepares an amendment to the entity’s income tax return, necessitating an amendment to its Public CBC report.

    For a non-material error, the entity may choose to rectify the error by providing the corrected Public CBC report in its entirety to us by email.

    If a material or non-material error is rectified by the Public CBC reporting parent, we will publish the corrected information on the Australian Government website as soon as practicable. 

    Penalties apply for non-compliance.

    Exemptions to Public CBC reporting

    The purpose of the Public CBC reporting regime is to enhance tax transparency. However, a Public CBC reporting parent may seek an exemption from reporting obligations from the ATO. We have the discretion, for a single reporting period, to grant an entity a:

    • full exemption
    • partial exemption specifying that it is exempt from publishing information of a particular kind.

    Guidance on how we will administer the exemption will be made available in mid-2025. For updates, see [4148] Public country-by-country reporting transparency measure and exemption discretions.

    Government-related entities

    Government-related entities may be relieved from the Public CBC reporting regime.

    The following are government-related entities:

    • a department of the State of the Commonwealth
    • a Department of the Australian Parliament established under the Parliamentary Services Act 1999
    • an executive agency or statutory agency, within the meaning of the Public Service Act 1999
    • department of state of a state or territory
    • an organisation that satisfies all of the following
      • is either established by the Commonwealth, a state or territory (whether under a law or not) to carry on an enterprise or established for a public purpose by an Australian law
      • can be separately identified by reference to the nature of the activities carried on through the organisation or the location of the organisation
    • a local government body established by or under a state or territory law.

    A government-related entity that is a CBC reporting entity can be relieved from the regime for one or more reporting periods by written notice from the ATO.

    We will provide further guidance for government-related entities in late 2025.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Consultation paper – ATO Vulnerability Framework

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Provide your feedback

    We are seeking your feedback on the draft ATO Vulnerability Framework (the Framework).

    If you are experiencing vulnerability and need support now, visit our Personal crisis support page for more information.

    To submit your feedback:

    ATO Vulnerability Framework

    Use the links below to view the draft Framework:

    Easy Read version

    Why your feedback matters

    Your feedback will help ensure the Framework is inclusive, practical, and meaningful in real-world situations. Public consultation will help us to:

    • understand different experiences and perspectives, including lived experience
    • identify any gaps or unclear areas
    • build trust by ensuring transparency and community input
    • strengthen the clarity, relevance and accessibility of the Framework.

    We welcome feedback from individuals, advocates, professionals, and organisations that support people who may be affected by vulnerability in any form.

    We encourage you to share this consultation with others, particularly those with lived experience of vulnerability or those who work with, or support people experiencing vulnerability.

    What is the ATO Vulnerability Framework?

    We have developed the Framework so we can better support people experiencing vulnerability when they interact with the tax system. The Framework sets out our commitment to supporting people experiencing vulnerability while carrying out our role of collecting tax to help fund essential services for the Australian community.

    The Framework is founded on the commitments made in Our Charter and outlines 6 guiding principles, 4 core focus areas, and a clear approach to how we engage with the community. These elements are designed to help shape the way we develop policies, processes and staff capability, supporting more inclusive and consistent interactions with the community.

    The Framework provides transparency about our role and what we can and can’t do. While we may not be able to change a tax or superannuation obligation under the law, we can:

    • listen and act with empathy
    • communicate clearly
    • act with compassion
    • connect people with the right support.

    The Framework does not set out specific actions or implementation plans. Instead, it guides our approach for designing and delivering services in the future. It is a key part of our broader commitment to improve how we support people experiencing vulnerability, not just in principle, but in practice. We are also implementing practical initiatives that reflect the Framework’s values and will help bring them to life.

    Consultation questions

    You are not required to answer the consultation questions in your submission, but they are provided to help guide your feedback. You can choose to respond to any or all of them.

    1. How clearly does the Framework explain our commitment to supporting people experiencing vulnerability? What aspects are most clear or meaningful to you? Are there areas that could be improved?
    2. Is the language in the Framework clear, respectful, and easy to understand? Let us know if there are words or sections that could be clearer.
    3. How well does the Framework explain what vulnerability means and how it may affect people’s experience with the ATO? Do you think the definition of vulnerability is clear and inclusive? What, if anything, should be added or clarified?
    4. How clearly does the Framework explain our role, in supporting people experiencing vulnerability, including what we can and can’t do? Is there anything about our role that could be explained more clearly?
    5. Do the guiding principles, for example, empathy, fairness, and inclusion, feel appropriate and meaningful? What do these principles mean to you in the context of people experiencing vulnerability engaging with the ATO?
    6. Is there anything missing that would make the Framework more useful or complete?
    7. Would you use the Framework for yourself or in your work, or share it with others? If so, how might you use it? For example, as a taxpayer, practitioner, or advocate.
    8. Is there anything else you would like us to consider before the Framework is finalised?

    What happens next?

    After the consultation closes, we will:

    • review feedback received
    • incorporate relevant insights into a final version of the Framework
    • publish the Framework based on this consultation
    • where appropriate, we will send you a summary of how your feedback was considered
    • consider additional ideas for future planning and implementation.

    We thank you for taking the time to share your insights and contribute to shaping a more inclusive and transparent approach to supporting people experiencing vulnerability.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Michigan Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by March Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA –The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for Michigan small businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by the severe winter storms occurring March 28-30. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on June 5.

    The declaration covers the counties of Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Otsego and Presque Isle.

    Small businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s mitigation loans.”

    SBA’s EIDL program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for PNPs, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms, based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Beginning Thursday, June 12, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Cheboygan County to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

    The DLOC hours of operation are listed below:

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) 
    Cheboygan County

    Indian River Chamber of Commerce

    3435 S Straits Hwy.

    Indian River, MI 49749

    Opening:  Thursday, June 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Hours: Monday – Friday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Saturday – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Closed: Sunday

    Permanently Closing: July 10 at 4 p.m.

    Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Aug. 8, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Mar. 9, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Missouri Private Nonprofits Affected by May Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Missouri affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding occurring May 16.

    The disaster declaration covers the Missouri counties of Scott, St. Louis, and the Independent City of St. Louis.

    Under this declaration, PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature impacted by physical damages or financial losses directly related to the disaster are eligible to apply for both business physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. Examples of eligible non-critical PNP organizations include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools, and colleges.

    PNPs may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    Interest rates are as low 3.62% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA will set loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is Aug. 11, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 9, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Cantwell & Gallego, Reps. Salinas & Ansari Lead Bicameral Legislation to Permanently Preserve Last Remaining Wild Forest Lands

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    06.11.25
    Sens. Cantwell & Gallego, Reps. Salinas & Ansari Lead Bicameral Legislation to Permanently Preserve Last Remaining Wild Forest Lands
    Bill would codify Roadless Rule, which protects almost 60 million acres of America’s remaining pristine National Forest Lands
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), along with Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) and Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and many other members of Congress from both chambers, announced a renewed push to enshrine the U.S. Forest Service’s Roadless Rule protections into law. For nearly a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has shielded 58.5 million acres of the most pristine and treasured areas within the National Forest System from roadbuilding and logging. The Roadless Area Conservation Act would codify the 2001 Roadless Rule, which was developed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) during the Clinton Administration and finalized after several years of deliberation and 600 public meetings in local communities nationwide.
    “Mounting climate impacts have increased the need to protect America’s last remaining wild forestlands, which reduce wildland fire risk and store huge amounts of carbon,” Sen. Cantwell said. “Roadless areas provide Washingtonians with unmatched outdoor recreation opportunities, clean drinking water for our communities, and habitat for numerous endangered species. We need to redouble our efforts to permanently preserve the benefits these public lands provide our nation and future generations.”
    “For decades, the Roadless Rule has been protecting over 1 million acres of forest in Arizona – providing clean air and water, supporting areas of cultural and spiritual significance to many tribes, and bolstering our vital tourism economy,” said Sen. Gallego. “But unless we codify those protections into law, they will always be at risk. That’s exactly what this legislation does, and I’m proud to reintroduce it.”
    “On day one, Donald Trump announced his intention to roll back bedrock environmental protections that are critical to the responsible stewardship of America’s natural resources,” said Rep. Salinas. “The Roadless Area Conservation Act will ensure that longstanding, commonsense rules remain in place to protect untouched national forests without jeopardizing wildfire prevention and response.”
    “In the Southwest, we know how important our wild forestlands are. They are a habitat for wildlife, they bolster clean air and water for our dry, arid climate, and provide spaces where families can connect and make lasting memories. The Roadless Area Conservation Act is a vital step in combating climate change and preserving public land for our communities,” said Rep. Ansari.
    The Roadless Rule enjoys strong public support, as evidenced by the overwhelming majority of 2.5 million comments submitted on the Roadless Forest Protection Rule —more than 95%—were in support of protecting roadless areas. A March 2019 poll by the Pew Charitable Trusts found that three out of four respondents said they supported keeping roadless forest protections, while only 16% opposed it. That level of support changed little between respondents living in rural or non-rural areas and across party affiliation and political views. 
    For more than two decades, the Roadless Rule has prevailed over numerous court challenges and administrative and legislative attacks. The first Trump administration weakened the rule, and in October 2020 the administration removed roadless protections for over 9 million acres of pristine forest lands in the Tongass National Forest, threatening old-growth forest and southeast Alaska’s robust tourism and fishing economies. Under the Biden administration, the protections in the Tongass were restored but then removed again by the second Trump administration.  In April, the Trump administration enacted a sweeping rollback of environmental protections across nearly 60% of U.S. national forests, including about 26 million acres of previously protected Roadless areas. This policy shift was formalized through an emergency directive by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, following a presidential executive order aimed at expediting logging projects by streamlining permitting, removing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements, and exempting affected forests from administrative objection processes that previously allowed for challenges by environmental groups, tribes, and local government.
    By codifying the rule into law—including in the Tongass—the Roadless Area Conservation Act would uphold recreational access to public lands, preserve the habitats of 1,600 at-risk species, reduce the risk of wildfires, aid in the fight against climate change by preserving vast carbon sinks, and safeguard watersheds that provide clean drinking water for more than 60 million Americans in 39 states and more than 350 communities across the United States. The legislation would maintain the flexibility engrained in the Roadless Rule which allows for continued forest management and the construction of roads as needed to address fires, floods, or other catastrophic events, and other circumstances like the need to build new road connections between remote communities.
    The Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025 would:
    Protect, in perpetuity, 58.5 million acres of roadless national forest in 39 states;
    Ensure the more than 240 million people living within 100 miles of a national forest or national grassland retain access to opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, and backcountry skiing;
    Safeguard watersheds in national forests and roadless areas that provide clean drinking water for over 60 million Americans;
    Save taxpayers millions of dollars by limiting costly new road building, allow the Forest Service to focus on maintaining its existing 371,581-mile network of National Forest System roads, and reduce its multi-billion dollar backlog of deferred maintenance on its existing road system;
    Maintain exemptions for hydropower development, public safety, and firefighting needs;
    Uphold the 9th and 10th U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals decisions, as well as a decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, in support of the Roadless Rule.
    Additional cosponsors of the Roadless Area Conservation Act include U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA); Cory Booker (D-NJ); Tina Smith (D-MN); Ron Wyden (D-OR); Dick Durbin (D-IL); Bernie Sanders (D-VT); Peter Welch (D-VT); Jeff Merkley (D-OR); Patty Murray (D-WA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), as well as U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D, VA-08); Julia Brownley (D, CA-26); Sean Casten (D, IL-06); Judy Chu (D, CA-28); Angie Craig (D, MN-02); Sharice Davids (D, KS-03); Diana DeGette (D, CO-01); Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01); Jared Huffman (D, CA-02); Sara Jacobs (D,CA-51); Raja Krishnamoorthi (D, IL-08); Zoe Lofgren (D, CA-18); Kevin Mullin (D, CA-15); Joe Neguse (D, CO-02); Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC); Jimmy Panetta (D, CA-19); Chellie Pingree (D, ME-01); Mike Quigley (D, IL-05); Adam Smith (D, WA-09); Melanie Stansbury (D, NM-01); and Jill Tokuda (D, HI-02).
    The measure is also supported by a wide range of stakeholders.
    “The Roadless Rule is the most significant forest conservation measure of the last two decades — period,” said Alex Craven, Forest Campaign Manager at Sierra Club. “That significance has also made it a constant target by logging and development interests. Codifying this crucial rule would ensure it can continue to protect nearly 60 million acres of national forests for generations to come.” 
    “Our nation’s public forests are the places we camp, fish, hunt and play, as well as abundant sources of clear air and water, and the Roadless Rule has been critical for keeping them as such,” said Michelle Gullett, Senior Government Relations Representative at The Wilderness Society. “The Roadless Area Conservation Act couldn’t be reintroduced at a better time, signaling that we must keep our roadless areas intact, despite the Trump administration’s efforts to hand public lands over to private industry. Congress should pass this bill and send the message that our public forests must be managed sustainably and on behalf of us all.” 
    “National forests are bastions of biodiversity, cultural institutions of Indigenous communities, the centerpieces of vibrant outdoor economies, and some of our best natural solutions for tackling climate change,” said Earthjustice Senior Legislative Representative Blaine Miller-McFeeley. “As the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans seek to open more national forest land to costly and reckless logging and weaken forest protections, permanently codifying the Roadless Rule gives us the chance to fight back. We thank the Senate and House sponsors for recognizing that our forests are worth more standing.”
    “We’re thrilled to see the Roadless Area Conservation Act reintroduced at a time when Alaska’s public lands are once again in the crosshairs of administrative rollbacks,” said Alex Cohen, Government Affairs Director at Alaska Wilderness League. “This bill is a powerful move to protect our national forests—especially the Tongass National Forest—by making the Roadless Rule permanent. With Senators Maria Cantwell and Ruben Gallego leading the charge with Representatives Yassamin Ansari and Andrea Salinas in the House, this bill offers real hope for long-overdue, lasting protections for Alaska’s forests and the communities that depend on them.” 
    “If you care about clean drinking water, controlling climate change, preserving wildlife, or just enjoying natural beauty, you care a lot about national forest wildlands. This bill would secure 60 million acres of those public resources forever, ending years of political football and needless uncertainty over their fate,” said Garett Rose, senior attorney for the Nature program at NRDC.
    Sen. Cantwell has been the lead Senate champion of the Roadless Rule since it was overturned by the Bush Administration in 2001. Sen. Cantwell has repeatedly introduced legislation to codify the Roadless Rule into law, including as early as 2001. Sen. Cantwell was also a vociferous and persistent critic of the Trump administration’s elimination of roadless protections for the Tongass National Forest in Alaska.
    Sen. Gallego has long championed the Roadless Rule, leading the effort in the House. He is proud to continue this work in the Senate.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Greater Bendigo community thanked for shaping the proposed Council Plan 2025-2029 and Annual Budget

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Council extends its sincere thanks to the local community for their valuable input on two key milestone documents, the proposed Council Plan Mir wimbul  2025–2029 and the Budget 2025/2026.

    Shaped by community priorities through extensive public engagement, these documents will be considered for adoption at the next Council Meeting on Monday June 16, starting at 6pm.

    For the first time, the proposed Council Plan and Budget have been developed and planned together, ensuring a strong alignment between strategic goals and the resources required to achieve them.

    Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said this combined approach marked a significant step forward in addressing both current and future community needs.

    “Developing the proposed Council Plan and Budget at the same time has ensured that our strategic goals are directly supported by the projects and initiatives we’re funding,” Cr Metcalf said.

    “The proposed Council Plan sets our direction for the next four years and includes the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. We’re focused on creating a welcoming community and a healthy environment that supports people to thrive. It reinforces the City’s commitment to improving health outcomes in partnership with local health organisations.”

    The proposed Budget 2025/2026 outlines key priorities for the coming year, supported by an annual action plan to ensure efficient and sustainable delivery of services.

    Cr Metcalf acknowledged the extensive community engagement that helped to shape both documents.

    “These milestone plans would not have been possible without the input of hundreds of community members, partner organisations, and Traditional Owner organisations. Councillors sincerely thank everyone who contributed their time, ideas, and experiences.”

    The planning process included:

    • A wide number of community focus groups and meetings with Traditional Owner organisations, key partners, local groups, and businesses
    • Two community-wide surveys with over 500 responses
    • A 42-person deliberative community panel held over a weekend in March that was selected from over 200 registrants, representing diverse genders, abilities, and cultural backgrounds, including First Nations community members

    “The community deliberative panel met over three days to provide guidance to Councillors, helping shape ideas that reflect the community’s voice and the Council Plan’s vision. Based on this and earlier community feedback, people told us they want Greater Bendigo to be responsible, healthy, thriving and welcoming,” Cr Metcalf said.

    “Community members recognise that Greater Bendigo is experiencing both the benefits and challenges of growth. We’re working hard to advocate for more housing and better facilities to support our expanding population.

    “Top priorities identified through community engagement include roads, public and active transport, waste management, and parks and trails. The community understands the importance of creating healthy, liveable places and spaces.”

    In addition to the Council Plan and Budget, a proposed Rating and Revenue Plan 2025-2029 and proposed Financial Plan 2025-2035 will also be considered for adoption at the June 16 meeting.

    The Revenue and Rating Plan 2025/2029 explains how the City will raise funds to pay for services, facilities and infrastructure. This includes finding the most appropriate and affordable rates approach for Greater Bendigo’s residents and businesses. In response to the introduction of the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund in July, the City’s 2025/2026 Budget proposes to reduce the rate in the dollar for the farm rate and not increase waste charges for all ratepayers in the new financial year.

    The Financial Plan sets out how the City plans to fund the delivery of services to the community in an efficient and sustainable way. The City uses a financial model to forecast and monitor a 10-year financially sustainable projection of how it plans to fund the actions in the Council Plan. 

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Abbott, Texas Groups Endorse Cornyn-Led Push to Bring Space Shuttle Discovery to Houston

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    Cornyn Announces Support for His Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act                                                                           
    U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)’s Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act, which would move the Space Shuttle Discovery from Virginia to its rightful home near the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, has earned praise from Texas Governor Greg Abbott and space-related groups in the Houston area as the Senator works to include it in the Senate’s reconciliation legislation:
    “There is no better final home for Space Shuttle Discovery than JSC, where these explorers of tomorrow can learn from and be inspired by the incredible legacy of those who changed the history of the world in Houston, where giant leaps in human spaceflight started,” said Gov. Abbott. (Letter, 6/6/2025)
    “Exhibiting the Space Shuttle Discovery in Houston would significantly enhance educational opportunities and support the growth of our space economy, here in the home of human space flight. With 280 acres at Exploration Park dedicated to commercial space companies, the nearby Ellington Field Space Port, and the Texas Space Commission actively investing in the space economy, Discovery would play a crucial role in advancing our future prospects,” said Space Center Houston President & CEO William T. Harris. (Letter, 6/9/2025)
    “Despite its central role in the Shuttle program, Houston was not selected to receive an orbiter following retirement. Your bill offers an opportunity to correct that oversight and deliver a fitting and permanent home for the Shuttle in the place where so much of its story was written and where it will inspire the next generation of explorers,” said Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Brian Freedman. (Letter, 6/9/2025)
    Background:
    The Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act, introduced by Sen. Cornyn and cosponsored by Sen. Cruz in April, would move the Space Shuttle Discovery from Virginia to its rightful home near NASA’s JSC in Houston.
    Mission Control at NASA’s Johnson Space Center led all of the space shuttle flights throughout the program’s history, and the astronauts who flew aboard the shuttles lived and trained in the area Houston. Four space shuttles were retired from NASA in 2010, and one of them was expected to go on display in the Space City. Congress stated in the NASA Authorization Act of 2010 that the four space shuttles were to be given to states with a “historical relationship with either the launch, flight operations, or processing of the Space Shuttle orbiters or the retrieval of NASA-manned space vehicles, or significant contributions to human space flight.” Unfortunately, this directive was unlawfully ignored by the Obama administration, who played politics to keep Houston from getting one of the shuttles. Notably, the administration gave one of the four shuttles to New York City, which has not made any major contributions to the nation’s history of space exploration and is not home to a NASA center—unlike Houston. The Space Shuttle Discovery is the only shuttle still owned by the federal government and able to be transferred to Houston. This legislation would authorize the movement of the Space Shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia to a nonprofit near the JSC in Houston.
    Last week, provisions led by Sen. Cornyn, including the Mission to Modernize Astronautic Resources (MARS) for Space Act, as well as funding for National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Artemis program and resources to support the International Space Station (ISS) were included in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation’s legislative text to be included in the Senate version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Sen. Cornyn continues to advocate for funding for NASA’s JSC and other space-related initiatives.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Op-Ed: The Senate’s One Big, Beautiful Opportunity

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) published an op-ed in The Hill outlining the Senate’s one big, beautiful opportunity to deliver tax relief and pass President Trump’s agenda. 
    Read the full op-ed HERE.
    Senator Tillis on Delivering President Trump’s Campaign Promises: 
    “President Trump ran — and won — on a bold promise: supercharge America’s economy and restore strength at home and abroad. Now the Senate is on the verge of helping him fulfill that commitment with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Getting the bill through the House was a Herculean effort in itself, given the Republicans’ thin majority. That required many compromises to be made. While there is a lot of good in the House version of the bill, some big improvements still need to be made. That is what the Senate is currently working on.”
    Senator Tillis on Democrats Opposition to the One Big, Beautiful Bill:
    “Don’t buy the spin of Democrats who oppose this bill and falsely give the impression that it’s just tax cuts for billionaires. Instead, look at the numbers. By voting against this bill, Democrats are voting to double the federal taxes on every married couple with two kids making $80,000 a year, from roughly $1,400 in taxes owed to more than $3,000. By voting against this bill, Democrats are voting to force single parents with two kids making $40,000 a year to go from getting a net tax credit to owing nearly $1,500 in taxes. By voting against this bill, Democrats are also betraying tens of millions of small businesses. They’ll be voting to triple the income tax bill for married small business owners with three kids and a net income of $180,000. They will also be voting against the most ambitious welfare reform in a generation.” 
    Senator Tillis on Improvements to the One, Big Beautiful Bill: 
    “Despite a lot of good, there are some big areas in need of improvement. First, the Senate needs to find additional spending cuts and savings. While the House version saves taxpayers $1.6 trillion in spending, we need to push further for fiscal restraint. This will be easier said than done, as the reconciliation process that allows Congress to pass major tax legislation with a simple majority vote has major restrictions on what and where the Senate can cut. A prime target is the House’s inexplicable decision to quadruple the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, which wealthy taxpayers in high-tax blue states utilize. While I understand why lawmakers from California and New York want to increase the SALT deduction, it’s not the responsibility of federal taxpayers to subsidize state tax bills.  The SALT increase overwhelmingly benefits the wealthiest of taxpayers and carries a significant price tag of $320 billion. The Senate needs to fix this and unlock additional cost savings to help working families, not coastal elites.” 
    Senator Tillis on the Senate’s Work Moving Forward: 
    “Moving forward, each Republican senator will have input, and each provision should be scrutinized. My simple request to all my Republican colleagues in both chambers is: do not let the perfect become the enemy of the good. We have narrow majorities in both the House and Senate and cannot waste the historic opportunity we have to deliver tax relief and pass Trump’s agenda. Whether it takes the next few weeks or the next few months, let’s do the hard work to find common ground, get the job done, and put the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on Trump’s desk.”  

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER SAYS: HANDS OFF UPSTATE NY’S JOB CORPS CENTERS; FOLLOWING TRUMP ORDER TO SHUT DOWN JOB CORPS, ELIMINATING 550+ UPSTATE NY JOBS & CUTTING JOB TRAINING FOR THOUSANDS OF NEW YORKERS, SENATOR…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    Job Corps Provides Residential Workforce Training To Thousands of Students Across America & NY – Located In Albany, Sullivan, Orleans, Otsego & Chautauqua Counties – Helping Underserved Workers Get The Skills They Need To Start Careers In Healthcare, Construction, Tech, And Other Fields With Worker Shortages
    Schumer Says Rash, Potentially Illegal Move By Trump Admin Is Gut Punch To Upstate NY’s Worker-Starved Businesses From Albany To Western NY That Rely On Job Corps To Find Skilled Workers; Demands NY Republicans Stand Up To Trump And Join Him In Pushing To Reverse These Counterproductive Cuts That Hurt Small Businesses & Workers In Their Backyards
    Schumer: Eliminating Job Corps Hurts Workers, Businesses, And Upstate NY Economy
    With the Trump administration attempting to eliminate Job Corps, one of the nation’s largest workforce training programs with 5 centers across Upstate NY, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer demanded the Trump administration stop their cruel, potentially illegal, attempts to decimate Job Corps, eliminating over 550 jobs across Upstate NY and canceling training to help students across America, including thousands in New York, get the skills they need to enter in-demand careers. Schumer said Upstate NY’s Job Corps centers – in Albany, Sullivan, Orleans, Otsego, and Chautauqua Counties – are essential for local small businesses and other employers that rely on Job Corps for a pipeline of new skilled workers to fill jobs.
    Schumer said the Trump administration is not only attempting to shut down Job Corps centers by June 30th, but in the recently released Presidential “skinny” budget request, Trump said he wants to totally zero out funding for the program. Schumer is leading efforts in the Senate to oppose these destructive and potentially illegal actions like pausing existing funds for the Job Corps centers by the Trump Administration to end this valuable program to train Upstate NY workers, and is demanding the GOP, especially NY House Republicans, many of whom have districts that rely on Job Corps, to stand with their constituents in fighting to save Job Corps by pushing the Trump administration to reverse course on these damaging policies.  
    “Across Upstate NY the Trump administration’s cruel order to shut down Job Corps centers has caused students and teachers to scramble, and if this goes through, it will be our small businesses and local economies paying the price. Job Corps is one of the best bang for your buck programs we have, one of America’s largest workforce training programs with thousands upon thousands of success stories putting young people into good-paying careers and helping employers grow with new, skilled workers. Job Corps is where New Yorkers go to get the skills they need to start their career in healthcare, construction, and other in demand fields, but right now, Trump wants to close the doors and kick all these young workers out on the street,” said Senator Schumer. “It’s cruel, it’s outrageous, and potentially illegal to stop the flow of funding under existing contracts from a program that is authorized and funded by Congress. We must save Job Corps across Upstate NY. We want to help young people get jobs, to get the training they need for successful careers, and eliminating these centers will hurt those students as well as local employers like small businesses and hospitals in getting the skilled workers they need. The courts have already put a pause on Trump’s initial attempts to kill Job Corps, and I will vehemently oppose his attempts to defund this program in the Senate because the people are on our side in saving Job Corps.”
    Last month, Trump paused operations at Job Corps centers nationwide sparking widespread outcry. Schumer explained this would kick more than a thousand young New Yorkers out of training programs and potentially to the curb, create mass layoffs of hundreds of workers at Job Corps centers in every corner of the state and hurt local businesses and other employers in need of skilled workers. Since then, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the pause, but Job Corps employees and students are being left in the lurch and are being forced to scramble as they do not know what the future holds as a final ruling in the court case is pending and the Trump administration continues its attacks on the program. In addition, Trump’s FY2026 budget proposal would completely eliminate funding for Job Corps centers, effectively killing the program.
    The Trump administration’s destructive actions would close Job Corps centers in every corner of New York, which train thousands of young New Yorkers every year. Schumer specifically highlighted how:
    In the Capital Region, the Glenmont Job Corps Center provides training to hundreds of students every year in fields encompassing construction, solar, culinary, automotive, security, and healthcare. The center employs 125 workers in the local area and has an estimated local community impact of $24.6 million annually.
    In the Hudson Valley, the Delaware Job Corps Center provides training for hundreds of students in fields encompassing construction, security, healthcare, and culinary. The center employs 101 workers in the local area and has an estimated local community economic impact of $18.1 million annually. The center also provides construction for community-based projects throughout the region via work-based learning agreements.
    In the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region, the Iroquois Job Center provides training to over 200 students in fields such as brick masonry, carpentry, electrical work, commercial painting, and healthcare. The center employs approximately 104 staff and injects over $8.9 million in federal funding into the local economy every year.
    In the Southern Tier, the Oneonta Job Corps is currently providing training hundreds of students and employs approximately 130 staff dedicated to helping students succeed.  Attracting students from all across the country, the center prepares students for careers in auto trades, healthcare, and pre-apprenticeship union trades in electrical, tile, and cement masonry. Oneonta’s Smart Grid Advanced Training for Electrical program helps students develop the skills they need to work on overhead lines, underground residential distributions, and smart meter logic controllers. In partnership with Mohawk Valley Community College, the center is training the next generation of drone operators through their Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator program.
    In Western New York, the Cassadaga Job Corps provides training in fields such as healthcare, carpentry, and plumbing. The center employs approximately 100 workers in the local area.
    Schumer added, “Many of NY GOP districts rely on workers trained at Upstate NY’s Job Corps centers. That is why I’m calling on NY House Republicans to immediately reverse the proposed cuts in Trump’s budget request and push the Trump administration to stop its destructive pause of current funding to Job Corps that would devastate communities in their backyard.”
    For more than 60 years, Job Corps centers have helped millions of young people ages 16 to 24 finish high school, learn technical skills, and get jobs in in-demand fields such as healthcare and construction. Low-income and at-risk young people have received stable housing and health care while developing the skills they need to get good-paying jobs after graduation. Schumer is fighting to keep these centers open to preserve this pipeline for thousands of New Yorkers.
    Schumer recently sent a letter with 39 of his colleagues in the Senate calling on U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to protect Job Corps and demanding answers on these destructive efforts. A copy of the letter sent by Senator Schumer and his colleagues can be found HERE.
    “At Glenmont Job Corps, we see firsthand how powerful this program is. It gives young people the tools, support, and confidence they need to rewrite their stories and build a better future. These aren’t just students—they’re future workers, leaders, and contributors to our communities. If Job Corps is taken away, the loss won’t just be felt by the students—it’ll be felt in our neighborhoods, our workforce, and our local economy. We could see more young people left without direction, and that creates real challenges for everyone. This program works—and it’s worth fighting for. I’m incredibly grateful to Senator Schumer for standing with us and with every young person who deserves a chance to succeed,” said Tracy Battle, Center Director, Glenmont Job Corps.
    “For 60 years, the Iroquois Job Corps Center has trained hundreds of young adults annually to become the electricians, carpenters, medical assistants and more that our community needs,” said Lynne Johnson, Chairman of the Orleans County Legislature.  “The Center is also a vital employer, with 104 local workers, and has infused over 8.9 million-dollars in federal funding into our region’s economy. Stopping student enrollments and threatening to close the Iroquois Job Corps Center not only risks the futures of over 12,000 students but also the workforce that drives our region’s economic growth.  I’m proud to stand with Senator Schumer in calling for Job Corps student enrollments to resume immediately and keeping the Iroquois Job Corps Center open, so we can continue building a stronger, more prosperous community.”
    “I’ve worked at the Cassadaga Job Corps Center for 15 years. I’ve seen thousands of young people transform their lives here—earning diplomas, learning trades, and gaining real-world experience that benefits both them and our local community,” said Cassadaga Guardians of the Hill President Jake Brock. “Closing our center would take away critical opportunities from students and eliminate over 100 jobs in a rural area with few alternatives. We’re deeply grateful to Senator Schumer for his support in keeping Job Corps strong for future generations.”
    “The Delaware Valley Job Corps Center in Callicoon has been a valuable part of our community for nearly half a century, and any closure – even temporarily – will have devastating results in and around Sullivan County. Local young adults benefit from the skills training that the Center provides, and many of the over 100 employees live and shop in Sullivan County. We certainly will be harmed, economically and educationally, should that facility be shuttered,” said Sullivan County Manager Joshua A. Potosek.
    “The Delaware Valley Job Corps program has been a cornerstone of our community for nearly 50 years. By providing stable employment opportunities to local residents, it has made a meaningful contribution to the economic well-being of our region. Just as importantly, it has given our community the opportunity to positively impact the lives of thousands of young people, offering them the support, skills, and direction needed to build brighter futures. I am deeply concerned about the potential loss of these jobs and the far-reaching effects this would have on our local families and economy. The decision to shut down or scale back this program is short-sighted and overlooks the long-term value it provides—not only to the individuals it serves but to our entire community. I strongly urge that this decision be reversed and that full support be restored to the Delaware Valley Job Corps program,” said Sullivan County Legislator Catherine Scott.
    “The loss of the Oneonta Job Corps Academy would have a severe impact on our economy, our infrastructure, the capacity of our community services, and the quality of life in the City,” said Mark Drnek, Mayor of the City of Oneonta. “But beyond that, the closure of the Job Corps program, would be the retraction of a helping hand, and of the opportunity for hundreds of young men and women to pull themselves from poverty and place themselves on the very ladder of success that is the American Dream, in many cases providing precedent and role modeling to family, friends, and neighborhoods.”
    “Job corps gave me the opportunity to get my basic needs met (food, water, shelter and a stable environment), while giving me the opportunity to work on myself and the trajectory of my career. I would not be where I am today, without job corps,” said Cassadaga Job Corps Graduate Arlene Tariq.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer Speaks at EPA Clean Power Plan, MATS Amendments Announcement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    ***Click here for photos.***

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, joined U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin in announcing two proposals to achieve national energy dominance and ensure Americans have access to affordable and reliable energy. The orders reverse punitive policies unveiled during the Biden administration. These rules targeted North Dakota’s energy industries and spurred a critical legal response from the state and industry.

    Administrator Zeldin announced a proposed repeal of all greenhouse gas emission standards for the power sector under Section 111 of the Clean Air Act as well as the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) amendments. The EPA previewed its intent to repeal these regulations on its Deregulation Day in March. Between the two proposed actions, the power sector could save more than $20 billion dollars over the next two decades, with the bulk of that savings—approximately $19 billion in savings, or $1.2 billion per year coming from the greenhouse gas rule. 

    “In North Dakota, we mine lignite coal and produce very reliable, long-term, steady electricity at a low cost,” said Cramer. “I’ve always resented that somebody in this building, at EPA, thought they cared more about the air, land, water, and economy than I did and my family did. Thank you to President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for recognizing American greatness, for giving this opportunity to both highlight it and change the rules in a more common sense and reasonable way.”

    [embedded content]

    Clean Power Plan

    Clean Power Plan greenhouse gas emission standards, first issued in 2015 by President Barack Obama, would have resulted in the closure of nearly half of North Dakota’s lignite power plants, as well as raising consumer prices to pay for its multi-billion-dollar price tag.

    After legal challenges from the state of North Dakota and industry, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Clean Power Plan in 2022, in West Virginia v. EPA. The Supreme Court ruled the Clean Power Plan was an illegal attempt at mandating fuel choices outside the legislative process. It also found the EPA had engaged in an unconstitutional power grab contrary to the major questions doctrine, which requires agencies to adhere to Congressional intent. Despite this clear rebuke, the Biden administration issued a similar rule which Cramer called for the EPA to withdraw from consideration in August 2023. 

    The EPA’s new Clean Air Act proposal states the agency is required to find that the specific emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants contribute to dangerous air pollution before it can regulate those emissions. EPA’s proposal acknowledges the greenhouse gas emissions targeted by the Clean Power Plan do not contribute significantly to dangerous air pollution. The proposal would also repeal carbon capture and sequestration requirements for new turbines and modified coal plants while also engaging in public comment on efficiency-based requirements for new natural gas power plants.

    MATS Amendments

    The EPA also proposed repealing 2024 amendments to MATS and reverting to standards set by the Obama administration in 2012. Despite the Biden administration’s own admission that the 2012 standard adequately protected public health, it issued new amendments requiring installation and adaptation of continuous monitoring technology originally used for the detection of particulate matter instead of mercury, as well as costly mitigation methods unproven at the scale required for North Dakota’s lignite plants. Cramer and then-Congressman Kelly Armstrong pointed out many of these concerns in a letter they sent asking for these amendments to be rescinded.

    Additionally, while the Biden administration ignored the EPA’s own data findings and reversed a key precedent which created a regulatory subcategory for lignite coal, this announcement restores it. Lignite coal generates more than half of all electricity in North Dakota. The subcategory was originally created by the EPA to align its regulatory approach with the physical and chemical characteristics of lignite coal to best protect public health. North Dakota’s aggressive defense of the lignite subcategory was based on decades of sound science and laid the foundation for its reimplementation by the Trump administration.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Climate activists dressed as lawyers would sacrifice farmers to the climate gods

    Source: ACT Party

    Responding to legal action from Lawyers for Climate Action NZ, ACT Rural Communities spokesperson Mark Cameron says:

    “This is a courtroom stunt by climate activists dressed as lawyers. They would sacrifice our rural lifeblood at the altar of climate ideology.

    “The clear goal of this challenge is to place more restrictions on Kiwi farmers. It’s the same tired approach we saw from Labour and the Greens.

    “Shutting farms down or burying them in regulation won’t save the climate. It will just shift food production offshore, cost us jobs, and make food more expensive.

    “New Zealand farmers are the most emissions-efficient food producers on the planet. We need to back them, which is what ACT is doing in government.

    “This government is right to back off from costly, unworkable policies that punish rural New Zealand. The idea that New Zealand – responsible for just 0.17% of global emissions – should wreck its economy to impress international activists is absurd.

    “ACT is committed to climate policies that are practical, not performative. We will back Kiwi innovation, not regulation for its own sake. We’ll support farmers, not sue them. We know that when farmers do well, all New Zealanders are better off.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – New Zealand’s ability to monitor geohazards weakened by science job cuts – PSA

    Source: PSA

    The centre providing 24/7 monitoring of geohazards will have to close at times as Government cuts force the centre workforce to be cut to the bone.
    The National GeoHazard Monitoring Centre, operated by GNS Science, provides round the clock monitoring of potential tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides, and was set up after the Kaikoura Earthquake in 2016.
    Last year GNS Science announced plans to cut a quarter of the 20 strong team of Geohazard Analysts by attrition following funding cuts. Yesterday, with 18 of the team left, it called for voluntary redundancies and indicated that forced redundancies could follow if sufficient voluntary redundancies are not agreed.
    “Cutting the team to the bone means there is a high chance the centre will close at times when a team member falls sick or is unavailable for whatever reason – how is this keeping New Zealanders safe?” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    Analysts work in teams of four, that is falling to three, but there must be at least two on each monitoring shift raising the risk of the centre closing due to staff absences.
    “The Government needs to explain to New Zealanders why it views that this service is not as important as it was two years ago, before its funding cuts.
    “Geohazard Analysts play a critical role in reviewing earthquake measurements to determine things like the magnitude and location of earthquakes and provide science advice to our emergency management services.
    “The Government’s decisions mean that this critical information may not be available to emergency management in times of need when lives are at risk. This is reckless for a country so vulnerable to geohazard risks like earthquakes and eruptions.
    “This government does not value the role of science as we have seen with more than 400 jobs cuts throughout the sector, and a restructure announced this year with no new funding.
    “The undermining of the National GeoHazard Monitoring Centre is yet another sad example of the Government’s short-sighted cuts that we have seen across the public sector with little regard to the impacts on New Zealanders.”
    Background
    In September last year GNS Science announced plans to axe 59 roles, 10% of its workforce following Government funding cuts. The cuts shocked the international science community – 85 scientists from seven countries wrote an open letter to the Government stating that the cuts risk ‘compromising essential geoscientific expertise and partnerships needed to address geohazards risks, which is critical for a country whose economy and community safety is so vulnerable to earthquakes, volcanoes, and climate change’.
    See PSA statement:
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI: Currency Exchange International Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Currency Exchange International, Corp. (the “Group” or “CXI”) (TSX: CXI; OTCQX: CURN), today reported net income of $1.98 million for the second quarter of 2025, 291% higher than the prior year (all figures are in U.S. dollars except where otherwise indicated). This 2025 reported net income reflected $2.7 million net income from continuing operations and a net loss of $0.7 million from Exchange Bank of Canada, the Company’s Canadian subsidiary which was classified as discontinued operations effective the second quarter of 2025. These results include restructuring charges of $0.2 million, pre-tax, related to discontinued operations in Canada and certain one-time charges of $0.1 million, pre-tax. Excluding these items, the Group’s adjusted net income1 increased by 18% compared to the prior year and adjusted diluted earnings per share1 (“EPS”) was 24% higher than the prior year. The completed condensed interim consolidated financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) can be found on the Group’s SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Q2, 2025
    Reported Results
    EBITDA $4.9 million
    Up 10% YoY
    Net Income $1.98 million
    Up 291% YoY
    Diluted EPS $0.31
    Up 288% YoY
    Annualized ROE 5%
    Down 50% YoY
    Q2, 2025
    Adjusted Results1
    EBITDA1$5.1 million
    Up 15% YoY
    Net Income1$2.3 million
    Up 18% YoY
    Diluted EPS1$0.36
    Up 24% YoY
    Annualized ROE112%
    Flat YoY

    Below is a reconciliation of reported results to adjusted results based on non-recurring items:

      Three-month
    period ended
    April 30, 2025
    Three-month
    period ended
    April 30, 2024
    Six-month
    period ended

    April 30, 2025
    Six-month
    period ended
    April 30, 2024
    Reported results $ $ $ $
    EBITDA 4,901,810 4,470,061 8,755,560 7,755,158
    Group net income 1,983,025 506,522 2,795,555 1,356,397
    Pre-tax adjusting items        
    Specified item: Restructuring charges 229,404 229,404
    Specified item: Advisory costs* 145,452 425,513
    Specified item: Deferred tax assets reversal* 1,427,600 1,429,850 
    Total pre-tax adjusting items 374,856 1,427,600 654,917 1,429,850 
    Impact of income tax (72,073) (80,647)
    Adjusted results**        
    EBITDA 5,131,214 4,470,061 8,984,964 7,755,158
    Group net income 2,285,808 1,934,122 3,369,825 2,786,247
    Group Diluted earnings per share        
    Reported 0.31 0.08 0.44 0.21
    Adjusted** 0.36 0.29 0.53 0.42

    *These adjustments are reported within the results from discontinued operations.

    **These are non-GAAP financial measures and ratios. For further details, refer to the key performance and non-GAAP financial measures section below.

    Total revenue was 3% lower than the prior year due to a decline in consumer demand for foreign currency as travel activity tapered during the current quarter. Although revenue declined, the Company’s net income for the second quarter rose compared to the same quarter last year, primarily due to the favorable impact of a weaker U.S. Dollar on the revaluation of foreign currency banknote holdings. The Group’s capital position remained robust, and liquidity was strong with $81.2 million in total equity and $60.4 million in net working capital as of April 30, 2025 ($79.4 million and $55.9 million as of October 31, 2024, respectively). All reported amounts are based on the Group’s condensed interim consolidated financial statements presented in compliance with International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial reporting, unless otherwise noted.

    On February 18, 2025, the Group announced its decision to cease the operations of its wholly owned subsidiary, Exchange Bank of Canada. This strategic decision and operational plan for restructuring were communicated to all staff of EBC on February 19, 2025. Following the cessation of operations, the Bank intends to apply to the Minister of Finance in Canada to discontinue from the Bank Act. The application to discontinue is expected to be made in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the actual discontinuance of the Bank being subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Following the Group’s decision, management has commenced implementation of the restructuring and planned discontinuance of the Bank. Management anticipates that certain operating expenses and personnel costs, that are currently shared with EBC, will be 100% borne by the continuing operations of CXI, subsequent to the exit of EBC from Canada, and the current annualized estimate of these costs is approximately $3 million after tax. In the second quarter of 2025, Exchange Bank of Canada was classified as a discontinued operation in the Group’s condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

    On May 20, 2025, CXI upgraded its U.S. securities listing with the Company’s shares commencing trading on the OTCQX Best Market under the symbol CURN.

    Randolph Pinna, CEO of the Group, stated, “The second quarter showed continued growth in the payments business, while with the current political and economic uncertainties, international travel activity to and from the United States decreased banknote revenues. CXI’s diversified business model in the United States allows for continued new client growth in the payments business complemented by successful multi-channel banknotes offerings for both our U.S. Financial Institutions in branch or online as well as the Direct-to-Consumer customer offerings through online, agent and physical branch locations. CXI’s management team and I remain committed to executing CXI’s strategic plan which is focused on revenue and earnings growth as well as the return on capital and creating value for our shareholders resulting from providing leading FX technology and transaction processing solutions”.

    Financial Highlights for the three-month periods ended April 30, 2025 and 2024:

    • Revenue decreased by 3% or $0.5 million to $15.9 million compared to $16.4 million. Banknotes revenue decreased by 5% or $0.6 million over the prior period while Payments revenue increased by 5% or $0.1 million;
    • Reported EBITDA increased by 10% or $0.4 million to $4.9 million from $4.5 million. Adjusted EBITDA2 was $5.1 million, 15% higher than the prior period;
    • Reported Group net income was $1.98 million, a 291% increase compared to the prior period. Adjusted Group net income2 increased 18% or $0.4 million to $2.3 million from $1.9 million in the prior period;
    • Reported earnings per share were $0.32 and $0.31 on a basic and fully diluted basis, respectively, compared to the prior year’s reported earnings per share of $0.08 on both a basic and fully diluted basis. Adjusted earnings per share2 were $0.37 and $0.36 on a basic and fully diluted basis, respectively, compared to the prior year’s adjusted earnings per share of $0.30 and $0.29; and
    • The Group maintained a strong financial position, with net working capital of $60.4 million and total equity of $81.2 million as of April 30, 2025.

    Financial Highlights for the six-month periods ended April 30, 2025 and 2024:

    • Revenue increased by 3% or $0.8 million to $31.3 million compared to $30.5 million. Payments revenue increased by 11% or $0.5 million and Banknotes revenue increased by 1% or $0.3 million over the prior period;
    • Reported EBITDA increased by 13% or $1.0 million to $8.8 million from $7.8 million. Adjusted EBITDA3 was $9.0 million, 16% higher than the prior period;
    • Reported Group net income was $2.8 million, a 106% increase compared to the prior period. Adjusted Group net income3 increased 21% or $0.6 million to $3.4 million from $2.8 million in the prior period; and
    • Reported earnings per share were $0.45 and $0.44 on a basic and fully diluted basis, respectively, compared to the prior year’s reported earnings per share of $0.21 on both a basic and fully diluted basis. Adjusted earnings per share3 $0.54 and $0.53 on a basic and fully diluted basis, respectively, compared to the prior year’s adjusted earnings per share of $0.44 and $0.42.

    Corporate Highlights for the three-month period ended April 30, 2025:

    • The Group continued its growth in the direct-to-consumer market through its network of company-owned branch locations, agent relationships, and in the majority of states where it operates its OnlineFX platform. During the second quarter of 2025, the Group added the State of Mississippi to its OnlineFX platform network, now operating in 45 states and the District of Columbia;
    • The Group increased its banknotes market penetration into the financial institutions sector in the United States with the addition of 124 new clients in the second quarter of 2025; and
    • The Group continued to grow its Payments product line benefiting from the recent investments in core banking platform integrations which enabled the Group to expand its reach and increase its volumes in the United States. The Group processed 45,788 payment transactions in the second quarter compared to 37,781 payment transactions in the prior period.

    Selected Financial Data

    The following table summarizes the performance of the Group over the last eight fiscal quarters:

      Results of Continuing Operations – Reported Group Net Results – Reported Group Net Results- Adjusted3
    Quarterly Results Revenue Net income Earnings per
    share (diluted)
    Net income
    (loss)
    Earnings/(loss)
    per share
    (diluted)
    Net income Earnings per
    share (diluted)
      $ $ $ $ $ $ $
    Q2 2025 15,865,150 2,674,849 0.42 1,983,025 0.31 2,285,808 0.36
    Q1 2025 15,450,861 1,694,672 0.26 812,530 0.12 1,092,648 0.17
    Q4 2024 18,460,390 3,313,852 0.50 (2,817,897) (0.45) 2,780,445 0.42
    Q3 2024 19,961,122 5,122,815 0.77 3,935,350 0.59 4,644,984 0.69
    Q2 2024 16,358,796 2,731,629 0.41 506,522 0.08 1,934,122 0.29
    Q1 2024 14,141,018 2,020,274 0.30 849,874 0.13 849,874 0.13
    Q4 2023 18,742,856 3,467,825 0.52 2,303,822 0.34 2,303,822 0.34
    Q3 2023 19,416,155 4,650,604 0.69 4,056,478 0.60 4,056,478 0.60

    Earnings Conference Call Details

    CXI plans to host a conference call on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 8:30 AM (EST).

    To participate in or listen to the call, please dial the appropriate number:

    Toll Free – North America: (+1) 800 717 1738

    Conference ID Number: 21262

    About Currency Exchange International, Corp.

    Currency Exchange International is in the business of providing comprehensive foreign exchange technology and processing services for banks, credit unions, businesses, and consumers in the United States and select clients globally. Primary products and services include the exchange of foreign currencies, wire transfer payments, Global EFTs, and foreign cheque clearing. Wholesale customers are served through its proprietary FX software applications delivered on its web-based interface, www.cxifx.com (“CXIFX”), its related APIs with core banking platforms, and through personal relationship managers. Consumers are served through Group-owned retail branches, agent retail branches, and its e-commerce platform, order.ceifx.com (“OnlineFX”).

    Contact Information

    For further information please contact:
    Bill Mitoulas
    Investor Relations
    (416) 479-9547
    Email: bill.mitoulas@cxifx.com
    Website: www.cxifx.com

    KEY PERFORMANCE AND NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

    The Group measures and evaluates its performance, as presented in this document, using a number of financial metrics and measures, such as adjusted net income, which do not have standardized meanings under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and may not be comparable to other companies. The Group’s management believes that these measures are more reflective of its operating results and provide the readers of this document with a better understanding of management’s perspective on the performance. These measures enhance the comparability of our financial performance for the current year with the corresponding period in the prior year. For further information, including a reconciliation, refer to key performance and non-GAAP financial measures in the MD&A.

    CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

    This press release includes forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This forward-looking information includes, or may be based upon, estimates, forecasts, and statements as to management’s expectations with respect to, among other things, demand and market outlook for wholesale and retail foreign currency exchange products and services, future growth, the timing and scale of future business plans, results of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities. Forward-looking statements are identified by the use of terms and phrases such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “predict”, “preliminary”, “project”, “will”, “would”, and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions.

    Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date such information is provided, and on information available to management at such time. Forward-looking information involves significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause the Group’s actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in such forward-looking information. Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking information due to a number of factors including, without limitation, the competitive nature of the foreign exchange industry; evolving worldwide geopolitical developments and pandemics including COVID-19 all of which may continue to have a material adverse effect on global economic activity, and may continue to result in volatility and disruption to global supply chains, operations, mobility of people and the financial markets which impact personal and business travel, tourism and factors relevant to the Group’s business; global economic deterioration negatively impacting tourism in general; currency exchange risks, the need for the Group to manage its planned growth, the effects of product development and the need for continued technological change, protection of the Group’s proprietary rights, the effect of government regulation and compliance on the Group and the industry in which it operates, network security risks, the ability of the Group to maintain properly working systems, theft and risk of physical harm to personnel, reliance on key management personnel; volatile securities markets impacting security pricing in a manner unrelated to operating performance and impeding access to capital or increasing the cost of capital as well as the factors identified throughout this press release and in the section entitled “Risks and Uncertainties” of the Group’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three and six-month periods ended April 30, 2025 and 2024. Forward-looking information contained in this press release represents management’s expectations as of the date hereof (or as of the date such information is otherwise stated to be presented) and is subject to change after such date. The Group disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws.

    The Toronto Stock Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained in this press release.


    1 These are non-GAAP financial measures and ratios and are not standardized financial measures under IFRS, they are based on management-determined non-recurring items. For further information, refer to the key performance and non-GAAP financial measures section on page 4 of this document.
    2 These are non-GAAP financial measures and ratios and are not standardized financial measures under IFRS, they are based on management-determined non-recurring items. For further information, refer to the key performance and non-GAAP financial measures section on page 4 of this document.
    3 These adjusted results are non-GAAP financial measures and ratios and are not standardized financial measures under IFRS, they are based on management-determined non-recurring items. For further information, refer to the key performance and non-GAAP financial measures section on page 4 of this document.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – US inflation cools again – but Fed won’t be rushed to cut rates: deVere CEO

    Source: deVere Group

    June 11 2025 – Markets are eyeing the Federal Reserve with fresh optimism after US inflation (CPI) data came in just below expectations for the fourth straight month – but investors should not expect a rate cut just yet, warns the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory and asset management organizations.

    The May Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed annual inflation at 2.4%, matching forecasts but undershooting April’s 2.5%.

    Core inflation eased slightly to 2.8% year-on-year, versus the expected 2.9%. Both headline and core readings point to gradual disinflation – but the Fed is unlikely to move quickly, says deVere.

    Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, comments: “Inflation is cooling – but not decisively – and with tariffs now feeding back into prices while the real economy is slowing, the Fed finds itself boxed in.

    “We expect the central bank to stay on hold next week and likely through the summer. Even if markets begin pricing in cuts again, September remains uncertain.”

    The inflation data follows a resilient US jobs report last Friday, which showed continued tightness in the labour market despite signs of economic softening.

    “Wage growth is still strong. Consumer demand is still running. But at the same time, business investment is faltering and debt issuance is surging. It’s a precarious balance,” says the deVere chief executive.

    He notes that while markets may interpret the below-forecast inflation numbers as a green light for easing, it is premature.

    “Today’s data is helpful – but not decisive. The Fed wants to see a consistent, broad-based decline in inflation across services and goods before cutting. We’re not there yet.”

    In the meantime, tariffs are acting as a counterforce to disinflation, especially as a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs could stay in force while it considers whether the White House has the legal authority to impose the levies.

    “Tariffs are inflationary by design. They’re now pushing against the Fed’s disinflation goal at exactly the wrong moment – just as growth indicators begin to crack,” warns Nigel Green.

    Against this backdrop, the deVere CEO urges investors to reassess portfolios urgently.

    “Markets are walking a tightrope. Betting heavily on near-term rate cuts could be costly. Investors should remain positioned for policy stagnation, not relief.”

    He adds: “Sectors with real pricing power and cost flexibility – such as automation, energy, and selected infrastructure – remain attractive. At the same time, the debt-heavy, rate-sensitive parts of the market are at risk.”

    deVere also continues to flag concerns in the bond market. “With US debt issuance at record levels and foreign demand weakening, yields are likely to stay elevated. That has major implications for asset pricing and refinancing risk across the economy,” says Nigel Green.

    The firm advises clients not to stay in cash. “Opportunities exist, especially globally. But you have to be active. Sitting on the sidelines might feel safe, but inflation still erodes value, and the volatility is creating entry points.”

    Looking ahead to the second half of the year, deVere expects sentiment to oscillate between hopes for easing and fears of stagnation.

    “Markets want a story. Today’s CPI gave them a narrative of progress. But the Fed won’t cut on sentiment. It will wait for data – and that data remains mixed.”

    He concludes: “The inflation fight isn’t over. The economy is showing cracks. Tariffs are complicating everything. The Fed won’t be rushed, but the markets will keep guessing. Our message: don’t guess. Get positioned correctly, now.”

    deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement of Commissioner Kristin N. Johnson on the Extension of Compliance Date for Form PF

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    Today, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Securities Exchange Commission voted to extend the effective compliance date for relevant registrants to comply with the revised Form PF. The Joint Final Rule by the Commissions was adopted over a year ago on February 8, 2024. As Securities Exchange Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw noted in her statement during the SEC’s public meeting today, registrants have had a significant window of time to prepare for tomorrow’s compliance deadline. The issues raised indicate potential technology-based concerns as well as challenges with validation, testing, and ensuring effective capabilities for timely and accurate reporting of requested information. These issues should have been fully addressed prior to today. In the least, the issues should have been presented to the Commissions before the eleventh hour to enable proper investigation and resolution.
    Notwithstanding grave concerns, I have moved the request for an extension. In part, my decision is intended to demonstrate the strength and value of bi-partisan Commissions as well as our ability to reach the best outcomes for our markets, our economy and our nation. I am hopeful that the Commissions leadership’ commitments to democratic processes continue to prevail and our regulation continues to protect investors, encourage market integrity and stability, and foster and promote the deepest, most liquid markets in the world.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Member contributions statement

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    What is a MCS

    The member contributions statement (MCS) is an annual statement used for the 2017–18 and prior years to report:

    • contributions you received for each member during the financial year
    • the balance and other attributes of the account they held in the fund.

    The MCS for the 2017–18 financial year was due 31 October 2018.

    Amendments to information reported on the MCS in the 2017–18 financial year and prior years should be done using Online services for business.

    For detailed information to how to complete the MCS for 2017–18 and prior years, see Member contributions statement protocolExternal Link.

    From 2018-19, the MCS has been replaced by the Member Account Attributes Service (MAAS) and the Member Account Transaction Service (MATS). For more information, see Fund reporting protocol.

    How we use the MCS for 2017–18 and prior years

    We use the MCS for 2017–18 and prior years to:

    • display information online to help members understand, manage and consolidate their super accounts
    • calculate the super co-contribution, low income super contribution (for concessional contributions made between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2017) and low income superannuation tax offset (for concessional contributions made from 1 July 2017) for eligible members, and pay entitlements to the appropriate destination
    • calculate each member’s concessional and non-concessional contributions and assess, and administer excess contributions tax and the ‘Fairer taxation of excess concessional contributions’ measure
    • assess the member’s liability to Division 293 tax
    • check employer compliance with the super guarantee
    • identify amounts to be collected for former temporary residents.

    What to include in the MCS

    You need to report for every person who was a member during the financial year for 2017-18 and prior years. This includes members who received no contributions during the year and those who rolled over their benefits or exited the fund before the end of the financial year.

    If you rollover all or part of the member’s super interest to another fund during the year, you must still lodge an MCS for that member and report all contributions received prior to the rollover.

    How to lodge

    Electronic lodgment

    You can lodge your MCS for 2017–18 and prior years electronically as a file transfer through Online services for business.

    You must lodge electronically if you’re reporting for 20 or more members. If you’re reporting for fewer than 20 members, electronic reporting is optional.

    The format of your MCS file must meet the current MCS electronic reporting specificationExternal Link.

    You’ll receive an online receipt when the report is lodged.

    Paper lodgment

    You can only lodge a paper form if you’re reporting for:

    In each case, you can still lodge electronically if you prefer.

    Lodging through a supplier or agent

    If a supplier (agent) lodges the MCS on your behalf, you must make a written declaration that:

    • you have authorised the supplier to give the MCS to us
    • the information you gave to the supplier to prepare the document is true and correct.

    Give the declaration to the supplier and keep a copy for 5 years. You must show us this declaration if we ask to see it.

    If the report is lodged:

    • electronically – you can make your declaration using the Supplier lodgment declaration
    • on paper – the declaration is included as part of the form.

    For more information, see Member contributions statement protocolExternal Link.

    Amendments

    If you discover any material errors or omissions in the information you reported in your MCS, you must lodge an amended MCS within 30 days of becoming aware of these errors.

    You must ensure that all the correct, previously reported data in the original MCS for those accounts is re-reported on the amended MCS, exactly as it was in the original lodgment. This is because an amended statement for a particular member account replaces the original MCS for that account.

    You must not amend an MCS merely because a member wants to change the amount or character of the contributions they made during the year, to avoid an excess contributions tax liability.

    Penalties

    Penalties may apply if you:

    • don’t lodge the MCS on time
    • don’t report for all your members and former members who held an interest in the fund at any time during the year
    • provide incorrect information.

    The amount of penalty depends on your fund’s assessable income and how late the lodgment was.

    For more information, see False or misleading statement penalty.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: OP-ED: Greenpeace USA leadership pose critical questions during UN Oceans Conference

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Turtle and fish over corals. © Lorenzo Moscia / Greenpeace

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 11, 2025) — President Trump is exacerbating our oceans crisis by signing several Executive Actions that prioritize corporate profit over environmental wellbeing. In the op-ed “Who Will Defend Our Oceans—the Last Global Commons?” published in Common Dreams, Greenpeace USA Interim Executive Director Sushma Raman and Greenpeace USA Oceans Campaign Director John Hocevar discuss solutions for how the international community can stop this dangerous rollback before it is too late.  These include:

    1. Ratifying the Global Ocean Treaty, the only legal tool that can establish marine protected areas in international waters outside of the Southern Ocean
    2. Voting to enact a moratorium on deep-sea mining
    3. Issuing a strong ministerial declaration on the Global Plastic Treaty, a commitment to cutting plastic production, ending single-use plastic, and prioritizing public health, environmental justice, and protection of our ocean

    Excerpts from the piece follow:

    Now is the moment to make it clear that the deep ocean, recognized by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as the common heritage of humankind, cannot be seized by those with the deepest pockets or the best-connected lobbyists.


    The next opportunity for bold action is fast approaching, with governments this week convening at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France. As the US retreats from leadership on ocean protection, the international community is poised to make decisions that could have lasting benefits or far-reaching consequences. 


    While the scale of the threat is daunting, our history reminds us that we are not powerless.

    This week’s UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, and the critical UN meetings later this Summer, offer governments a crucial chance to protect the hard-won gains and reverse the damages that have been made. Whether they seize it will determine the future of the world’s largest—and most essential—commons.

    Read the full op-ed here.

    Sushma Raman is the Interim Executive Director of Greenpeace USA.
    John Hocevar is the Oceans Campaign Director of Greenpeace USA.


    Contact: Madison Carter, Greenpeace USA Senior Communications Specialist, [email protected]

    Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: GPUS decries Trump’s fascist response to LA protests

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    An anti-ICE protest broke out near a Justice Department building in Washington, D.C., over David Huerta’s detention. Huerta is the president of California’s Service Employees International Union (SEIU). © Tim Aubry / Greenpeace

    WASHINGTON, DC (June 11, 2025) – In response to the Trump Administration deploying the National Guard on protesters in Los Angeles and the recent detention of David Huerta, President of SEIU California and SEIU USWW, Greenpeace USA Democracy Campaign Director, Dr. Folabi Olagbaju said:

    “The Greenpeace movement was founded on the belief that peaceful protest is not only a right but a duty. We show up, we bear witness, we hold the line, and we record the truth when those in power try to rewrite it. Right now, the White House is deploying cruel and unjust authoritarian tactics in an attempt to justify unconscionable actions. This administration has made it clear: the only people who are allowed the right to free speech and protest are the people who agree with Trump. Greenpeace USA stands in solidarity with those resisting this unjust use of power – you can’t have climate justice without migrant justice.

    “The Trump administration’s decision to weaponize the federal government and U.S. military is an egregious escalation of their war on the Constitution and the right to protest. 

    “Greenpeace USA expresses our ongoing solidarity with protestors like President Huerta and we echo the SEIU’s demands to release all those being unjustly detained. These terrifying raids on our communities must end. The Trump administration must immediately drop all charges against Huerta and ensure immigration proceedings follow the due process promised to everyone in this country under the Constitution. 

    “What happened to President Huerta is about more than just a single labor leader. What’s happening in America is no longer a mere threat, but a promise: if you stand up to this abuse of power, you will be a target. That is fascism, not democracy. We are not afraid and we will not back down.”  #TimetoResist.


    Contact: Madison Carter, Greenpeace USA Senior Communications Specialist, [email protected]

    Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.

    MIL OSI NGO