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Category: Great Britain

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City prepares for 30th varsity Aberdeen Boat Race Scotland’s longest continuous running boat race will celebrate its 30th contest when Aberdeen’s two universities battle it out along the River Dee next month.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Scotland’s longest continuous running boat race will celebrate its 30th contest when Aberdeen’s two universities battle it out along the River Dee next month.
    Taking place on Saturday 15 March, the Aberdeen Boat Race will see the top crews from both Robert Gordon University (RGU) and University of Aberdeen face off to claim city bragging rights.
    The nation’s answer to the famous Oxford-Cambridge rivalry takes in 3.5km of the River Dee, beginning by the Bridge of Dee before crossing the finishing line at Aberdeen Boat Club and the respective university boathouses.
    Setting this year’s race day apart from any other, there will also be a special 500m double skull contest that will see RGU’s Principal and Vice Chancellor Steve Olivier join forces with Sports President Abhishek Kumar as they take on Aberdeen University’s Tonis Tilk, Vice President for Activities, and Dr Heather May Morgan, Dean for Enterprise and Innovation.
    Professor Steve Olivier said: “The 30th Aberdeen Boat Race provides a great opportunity to not only support the sporting prowess of our students but also celebrate the city and make the most of what’s on offer in Aberdeen.
    “I look forward to the event and wish good fortune to all of those involved. If you can make it, it would be great to see a strong crowd lining the banks and bridges to encourage each crew over the finish line.”
    Leaders of each crew are looking forward to the challenge that awaits them. For RGU, Laura Stewart is President of the University’s Boat Club as well as a fourth year Business with Marketing student. She said: “The build up to race day is on and I’m excited to see how the crews match up against each other. With a few different races throughout the day, it should shape up to be an entertaining event for all to come and watch.
    “We’re currently training hard to try and win back the title. Aberdeen University’s had a few years in a row so winning on the 30th occasion would be something special. I’m excited to see everyone down at the river cheering on the crews.”
    Her counterpart is Katharina Kusserow, President of the Aberdeen University Boat Club and third year PhD researcher in Medical Sciences. She added: “I am excited for the crews to race and celebrate the 30th Aberdeen Boat Race. We have trained hard in the run up to the day and will do our best to defend the title. We’re really grateful for all our supporters and can’t wait to feel that encouragement on the day.”

    The day promises to bring together the communities of both universities with the north-east’s public and I encourage everyone to come along and show their support for this very special event.” Professor George Boyne, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen

    Professor George Boyne, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, said: “This year marks a significant milestone as the Aberdeen Boat Race has now been a major highlight in the city’s sporting calendar for 30 years.
    “Every year students from the two universities give it their all and their sporting excellence is evident on the water. The day promises to bring together the communities of both universities with the north-east’s public and I encourage everyone to come along and show their support for this very special event.”
    The event at Aberdeen Boat Club will include both a second crew race and an alumni boat race. The head-to-head standing for the main race makes for pleasant reading for University of Aberdeen who take a 21-8 lead into the 30th contest.
    The showpiece race will also bring the curtain down on the final event of this year’s Granite City Challenge, where sports clubs from both city universities compete against each other in 40+ contests.
    This year’s race has gained sponsorship from neospace, a flexible workspace and wellness facility on Riverside Drive adjacent to the River Dee and the route that the crews will take.
    Scott Paton, Managing Director, said: “neospace is proud to sponsor the Aberdeen Boat Race, a fantastic local event just steps from our door. With wellness at the heart of our ethos, we’re excited to support competitors with NeoGym’s state-of-the-art training facilities.”
    Both universities are partners alongside Scottish Rowing to comprise University Rowing Aberdeen, a rowing programme established in 2012 that presents Aberdeen-based students the opportunity to learn to row, train, compete and fulfil their ambitions within the sport.
    The Aberdeen Boat Race, which first began in 1996, regularly attracts crowds to the River Dee. Hot refreshments will be available within the Aberdeen Boat Club boathouse.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Work begins on state-of-the-art nursery

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Today (Friday 14 February) marks an exciting milestone as the first turf is cut for a state-of-the-art standalone nursery on the Ferryhill School site in Aberdeen.

    The new nursery is Phase 1 in a two-phase project which is part of Aberdeen City Council’s wider suitability improvement initiative to create an enhanced learning environment for nursery and primary school-aged children in the Ferryhill area.

    Councillor Martin Greig, Convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “It’s great to get the shovel in the ground so that this major upgrade project at Ferryhill School can begin. I am delighted that the school will benefit from a new nursery building as well as significant refurbishment and extension work.

    “The considerable investment of £17.1m by Aberdeen City Council will really improve the learning environment for the pupils for generations to come. The excellent new facilities will enhance the opportunities to support and care for the young people. It is a place where they can be inspired to be creative and adventurous.”

    Councillor Jessica Mennie, Vice-Convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “I share the excitement and anticipation of Ferryhill School pupils and staff as work begins on their new nursery ahead of major improvement works to the school building.”

    The nursery will address the limitations of the existing provision and provide significantly upgraded facilities for pupils and staff. The construction work is being undertaken by Morrison Construction North with local architects Mackie Ramsay Taylor responsible for the design work.

    Designed with modern learning and play in mind, the nursery will feature a large, open-plan, and well-lit playroom and covered external spaces, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor environments to offer year-round access to play and learning areas. The building is designed to achieve high environmental standards, reflecting the Council’s and architects’ commitment to sustainability.

    The nursery building will meet high energy-efficiency standards, showcasing a commitment to sustainability. Heated by air-source heat pumps and powered in part by rooftop photovoltaic panels, it will be an example of responsible design.

    The construction work is expected to be finished this summer with pupils set to move into their new nursery in August 2025.

    Ferryhill Nursery will be completed as work begins on Phase 2, which will see Ferryhill School handed over to Morrison Construction at the start of the summer to begin a major refurbishment and extension of the building. 

    The Ferryhill School improvements will mean greater flexibility and better use of space across the whole school site; a modern dining facility providing a much improved experience for the pupils and staff, and facilitate any future free school meals expansion; a double-court PE hall, which conforms with Sport Scotland guidance; and the improved nursery provision including direct access to the outdoors.

    Mike Bruce, Managing Director, Morrison Construction North, said: “Morrison are delighted to be involved in the construction of Ferryhill Nursery, these works will involve the Nursery, playing field and the attenuation system for the Primary School extension due to start this summer. As ever we will be using local Sub Contractors, with our own labour planned to complete the kit frame which is due to start next month.”

    Bruce Ballance, Director, Mackie Ramsay Taylor Architects, said: “This project marks a significant milestone in Mackie Ramsay Taylor’s broader vision to create an innovative, sustainable, and community-focused educational setting.

    “While the first phase is the state-of-the-art standalone nursery, future phases will include the extension of the primary school and the creation of a central landscaped area, further enhancing the educational environment. We look forward to the positive impact this development will have on the school community.”

    Ferryhill School Nursery pupils at the turf-cutting ceremony expressed their excitement about the new facilities.

    Three-year-old Brian said he is looking forward to watching the “Builders making our nursery, building the walls.” 

    Four-year-old Rosie added that she is looking forward to “Playing in the big sandpit in the new garden.”

    While Henley, also four, said she is looking forward to “Our new nursery with its new big playroom.”

    During Phase 2 of the project, the pupils and staff at Ferryhill School will temporarily relocate to the vacant Walker Road School building, to ensure uninterrupted learning.

    Councillor Martin Greig, Convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee; Allister McKechnie, Architect, Mackie Ramsay Taylor Architects; Mike Bruce, Managing Director, Morrison Construction North; Councillor Jessica Mennie, Vice-Convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee; with Ferryhill School Nursery pupils, Henley, Brian and Rosie. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Magical Thinking in Whitehall and Brussels

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    The following article by TUV leader and North Antrim MP Jim Allister recently appeared in the News Letter.

    Magical Thinking in Whitehall and Brussels

    Newsletter readers may well recall my article of 14thJanuary in which I explained why I would force a vote on the Official Control Amendment Regulations later that day. A debate in the House of Lords on 29thJanuary has since shed further light on the innovative aspect of these regulations, which should be understood by all unionists as we approach 24 February when the Government will begin to apply new aspects of the Irish Sea Border on goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain.

    On the one hand, in accommodating the GB side of the Irish Sea border, these regulations are implicated in giving effect to all the border difficulties with which we are increasingly familiar, the disenfranchisement of 1.9 million UK citizens, not just in relation to one law, or 300 laws, but 300 areas of law, and all the attendant economic disruption and disinheritance that arises from the EU disrespecting the territorial integrity of the UK.

    On the other hand, however, the regulations present a new difficulty for the Government. The justification for the construction of the Irish Sea Border was the need to avoid having Border Control Posts on the UK-ROI land border. Its champions claimed that this was required by the Belfast Agreement notwithstanding the fact that the text of the Agreement says no such thing, and notwithstanding the fact that insisting on their alternative Irish Sea border solution has made them the instigators of the biggest reversal of democracy in the history of the western world, violating three central provisions of the Belfast Agreement. The Regulations, however, make provision for the border to be moved to the Irish Sea, while dispensing with infrastructure on the border by means of allowing checks to take place away from Border Control Posts and making provision for inland Border Control Posts located away from the border, (see regulations 14, 7, 11, 16 and 17).

    In doing so, they remove the justification for moving the customs and phytosanitary (SPS) border from the international border. Speaking in the Lords on 29 January, Baroness Hayman confirmed: 

    ‘The instrument (the Regulations) also provides the power to allow for inland border control posts …’

    She further stated, in an attempt to placate concerns about this move: 

    ‘…this instrument only provides provision to be made for documentary, identity and physical controls to be undertaken at places other than border control posts or control points, and that we have robust, evidence-based risk modelling that can place SPS into categories based on the inherent risk that the product poses to animal, food, biosecurity and public health.’

    The use of the word ‘only’ in this instance is interesting because the checks that take place at border control posts are documentary, identity and physical checks!

    The political implications of, first, moving the border to the Irish Sea, supposedly on the basis that we could not have a hard border across the island of Ireland, only to then make provision for that border without infrastructure, were then spelt out very clearly by Baroness Hoey and Lord Morrow but the minister did not respond.

    Had the Minister attempted to defend this arrangement she might have said that while the UK is content to have a border with no hard infrastructure for goods moving from the Republic and wider EU into the UK, the EU is not prepared to have such a border with respect to goods moving the from Northern Ireland into the Republic. Now that the new regulations are in place, though, demonstrating the option of a better way, this is an increasingly weak defence.

    Going forward the Government has to explain why, knowing: i) that such a solution is workable, and ii) that the proportion of goods entering the Republic from Northern Ireland in 2020 was tiny (only worth 0.003% of EU GDP in 2020), they agree with a border ‘solution’ that is giving the EU the right to both make Northern Ireland an EU colony in 300 areas of laws and then imposing a hard border interrupting a far greater flow of goods from one part of the UK, GB, to another, NI. This is not only absurdly disproportionate but also deeply dishonourable, sacrificing key aspects of the citizenship of its own people and disrespecting the territorial integrity of the UK.

    In this the EU also faces real difficulties. Given its stated commitment to democracy in both its accession criteria, requiring that candidate countries demonstrate the ‘stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities’, and in its aid policy, why is the EU needlessly threatening the stability of our democratic institutions? Its intervention is both instigating the most pompous act of colonial disenfranchisement since democracy became a norm of western society and the removal of cross community consent, the most important political protection for minorities – in certain critical contexts.

    Quite apart from demonstrating that far from representing ‘magical thinking’, running a border, while removing hard infrastructure from that border, constitutes government policy, the Official Controls Amendment Regulations remind us that the first such solution was advanced to give effect to Brexit by the EU itself. Mutual Enforcement was developed by Sir Jonathan Faull who served as EU Commission ‘Director General of the Task Force for Strategic Issues related to the UK Referendum’, together with Prof JH Weiler and Prof Daniel Sarmiento. Providing a means of delivering Brexit that protects the integrity of both the UK and the EU Single Markets without a hard border, Mutual Enforcement presents the solution proposed by my EU Withdrawal Bill currently before Parliament.

    Instead of pressing ahead with the further needless division of our country into two with the arrival of the red lane parcels border on 31st March, the Government should adopt my Bill.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Partnership can transform education for Met Police

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    A major new partnership, Policing Futures London, has been announced with the potential to transform the delivery of police degree apprenticeships in the capital.

    The collaboration brings together Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and the University of West London (UWL) – two universities that are at the forefront of police education in the UK – with the aim of leading the Metropolitan Police’s initial recruit training from 2026, in line with the Mayor’s Police and Crime Plan 2025-2029.

    Policing Futures London’s mission closely aligns with the A New Met for London strategy, ensuring that officers are not only highly skilled but are deeply connected to the city’s communities and its policing priorities.

    With world-class facilities in east London, near Canary Wharf, and west London, the two universities have already been providing policing education at scale since 2021, all within 60 minutes travel of the Metropolitan Police’s 12 Basic Command Units.

    Anglia Ruskin University and the University of West London have a track record for delivering quality, integrated Police Constable Entry Route (PCER) programmes and could accommodate the full cohort of Metropolitan Police’s recruits at any one time.

    Anglia Ruskin University has successfully co-delivered PCER programmes alongside the seven forces in the South East and East of England to over 2,600 student police officers since 2021, while together Anglia Ruskin and the University of West London have four years’ experience of working with the Metropolitan Police, training more than 3,870 Met officers.

    Building on the delivery over the last four years, with the rich knowledge and experience of the collective academic staff, new programmes would be co-designed with the police service and led by teams who live and work in London, ensuring that officers are fully equipped to police the communities they serve.

    Policing Futures London would prioritise support for widening access and inclusive outreach recruitment programmes, would embed community engagement models to build trust between new officers and the diverse communities of London, and would be delivered by both police professionals and academic experts.

    Policing Futures London is backed up by world-class research, with Anglia Ruskin University home to both the International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute and the Centre of Excellence for Equity in Uniformed Public Services.

    In the last 18 months, Anglia Ruskin University has been named University of the Year at the UK Social Mobility Awards, the Times Higher Education University of the Year, and is in the top 20% of universities in the country for teaching quality, having been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

    University of West London was the number one London university for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2024* and was named best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

    “This partnership is about more than just delivering quality education – it’s about shaping the future of policing in London. By bringing together two institutions with deep experience in police education, we are ensuring that London’s officers receive the highest quality training, close to the communities they serve, and preparing them for the challenges of 21st-century law enforcement.”

    Sara Archer, Head of Police Education at Anglia Ruskin University

    “This exciting partnership brings together two powerhouses in policing education, not only in London but nationally, ready to deliver police training programmes that London deserves: resilient, innovative, and reflective of its communities. Policing Futures London is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build that.”

    Adrian Ellison, Pro Vice-Chancellor and executive lead for policing education at the University of West London

    “As a London university we understand London and its unique policing needs. We have directly influenced the design of the new PCDA standard, based on our extensive experience working with the MPS, to place practice-based learning and assessment at its heart. Understanding the need for everyone to work to ever tightening budgets, we will never sacrifice quality for cost.

    “This exciting new partnership combines a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise with the aim of giving Londoners the continued quality of policing they deserve.”

    Andy Rose, Head of the Institute for Policing Studies at the University of West London

    *calculated as the average of all questions by registered populations. Excludes specialist providers, National Student Survey 2024.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: University of Essex

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    The University of Essex is a public research university in Essex, England. Established by royal charter in 1965, it is one of the original plate glass universities.

    The university comprises three campuses in the county, in Southend-on-Sea and Loughton with its primary campus in Wivenhoe Park, Colchester.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dingwall and Seaforth Area Committee Approves 2025/26 Roads Capital Programme 

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Members of the Dingwall and Seaforth Committee have agreed the 2025/26 Area Roads Capital Programme, helping improve the area’s road infrastructure. 

    The approved budget for the Dingwall and Seaforth area is £324,799, which will be allocated to various road improvement projects which includes structural resurfacing and integrity improvements. These projects have been prioritised based on safety inspections, service inspections, and feedback from Ward Members, ensuring that the most critical areas receive attention. 

    Vice-Chair of the Dingwall and Seaforth Area Committee, Councillor Margaret Paterson said: “We are pleased to have agreed several roads schemes for capital funding, which will greatly improve the local roads infrastructure for Dingwall and Seaforth.”

    The programme includes a range of projects, from surface dressing to structural overlays, with a focus on maintaining and enhancing the existing road network. 

    Details of the prioritised road works schemes for Dingwall and Seaforth can be viewed in the Capital Programme report Appendice 3.  

    14 Feb 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Apprenticeship reforms set to turbocharge economic growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    New research shows apprenticeships contribute £25bn to England’s economy, with reforms announced during National Apprenticeship Week set to boost growth.

    Apprentices in England will drive £25bn of economic growth over their lifetime, new figures have revealed. 

    This is almost double the £14bn contribution found the last time this was assessed in 2018, demonstrating apprentices’ importance to the government’s mission to grow the economy under the Plan for Change. 

    These figures are for apprentices who were participating in an apprenticeship at levels 2 to 5 in the 2021-22 academic year, representing the immense value of apprentices to economic growth.  

    The research comes as the government reaffirms its commitment to apprenticeships as the golden thread through all six missions under the Plan for Change, and follows recently published data revealing apprenticeship starts rose by 1.3% and achievements rose by 1.1% in the first quarter following last year’s general election. 

    New apprenticeships announced today include wind turbine technician and heat network maintenance technician, which are key sectors that will support the government’s clean energy mission. The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson will today be visiting Hinkley Point C and Bridgwater and Taunton College in Somerset to meet apprentices working on this critically important piece of national clean energy infrastructure. 

    Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:  

    We need to take skills seriously as a country again, and the measures we’ve taken this week to slash red tape and boost the number of apprentices, show how we will deliver on this and break down the barriers to opportunity for our young people. 

    Apprenticeships are key to delivering our number one mission of growth and on the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, as evidenced today by their increasing value to the economy which will continue to rise thanks to our reforms. 

    As National Apprenticeship Week draws to a close, it’s vital therefore that schools, colleges and businesses continue to champion apprenticeships, and this government will back them all the way.

    These conclude a series of sweeping reforms announced during National Apprenticeship Week, after the Education Secretary revealed a boost in flexibility for employers around English and Maths requirements that will lead to an extra 10,000 apprentices qualified each year in key sectors including construction, healthcare and clean energy.  

    A cut in the minimum duration of apprenticeships from 12 to eight months will help get boots on the ground quicker if workers have prior experience, while simpler End Point Assessments and a reformed payment system will free up time for providers and employers to focus on apprentices’ career and skills development. 

    The visit comes after the Prime Minister recently announced reforms to planning rules which will clear a path for new nuclear power stations, creating thousands of new highly skilled jobs while delivering clean, secure and more affordable energy for working people. 

    HMRC have also promoted tips to help apprentices ensure they are getting paid fairly, and government Ministers including the Chancellor Rachel Reeves have been visiting employers throughout National Apprenticeship Week to understand better how apprenticeships can deliver the Plan for Change.  

    Minister for Industry Sarah Jones said: 

    The shift to home-grown, clean energy is creating thousands of apprentices with world-class experience.  

    Hinkley Point C alone has provided 1,500 new apprenticeships – helping to make the UK a clean energy superpower, give us energy security and protect billpayers.

    New and updated apprenticeships for police constables, teaching assistants, healthcare support workers, dental hygienists and civil engineers will further support the government’s Plan for Change. A total of 660 occupations are now available. 

    Today, the government also launches a new “one stop shop” app that is set to revolutionise how apprentices access training and support. 

    The Your Apprenticeship app, designed by the DfE with extensive input from apprentices, provides easier access to essential tools, resources, and support to help apprentices to thrive in their qualification. 

    They will be able to track their apprenticeship through the app, ensuring they have learnt all the necessary knowledge and skills and they need to progress into skilled work and help drive Britain’s economic growth.  

    The Your Apprenticeship app is available to be downloaded from Google Play and the Apple app store now. 

    Anyone considering an apprenticeship is encouraged to go to www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk to discover what apprenticeships are available in their local area. 

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

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    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nearly £1m to support communities across London as Mayor launches new campaign to unite and celebrate Londoners

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Funding of more than £985,000 will help bring communities together through the Community Recovery Fund and Mayor’s Community Weekend
    • Mayor launches new Loved and Wanted campaign at Outernet to unite Londoners and celebrate the capital’s diversity, inclusivity and unity in the face of uncertain and unsettling times across the globe, and the impact of rising antisemitism and islamophobia
    • New polling shows that eight in 10 Londoners (79 per cent) think it’s important that there is an increase in a sense of unity amongst people in London
    • The campaign will be displayed all across the capital as more than 100 organisations and community groups join together to reiterate that London is a place for everyone

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced a package of almost £1million funding to support communities across London, as he launched a major new campaign to show that the capital is, and always will be, a place for everyone.

    The Mayor is working with London Councils, London Legal Support Trust and The National Lottery Community Fund to distribute more than £985,000 to community groups in every borough through the Government’s Community Recovery Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund.

    The funding announcement came as the Mayor launched a major new campaign to send a strong message to all of the capital’s communities that they are loved and wanted in London.

    The Loved and Wanted campaign brings together a broad range of organisations and community groups to show the world that diversity is London’s greatest strength and that people from all backgrounds are celebrated and welcomed.

    The campaign comes six months after disorder took place across towns and cities in the UK and at a time when fear and division is being spread in the UK and around the world. Since October 2023, the capital has seen a rise in antisemitism and islamophobia, and a rise in extreme right-wing activity has also left many fearful for their safety.

    New polling shows that eight in 10 Londoners (79 per cent) think it’s important that there is an increase in a sense of unity amongst people in London, and three quarters (75 per cent) say it’s important that the Mayor promotes it.

    The Mayor officially launched the campaign on Valentine’s Day at Outernet London, the largest digital exhibition space in Europe, which is hosting a ‘Loved and Wanted’ digital immersive experience. He was joined by faith leaders and representatives from London’s communities, including LGBTQI+, migrant and deaf and disabled Londoners, soul singer and activist Mica Paris and Ukrainian chef and digital artist Alisa Cooper to send a powerful message of unity to Londoners.

    Outernet’s screens will display the colourful ‘You are loved and wanted in London’ graphics throughout February. The message is also translated into 17 languages, alongside quotes from Londoners sharing examples about how they feel loved and wanted in the city.

    The campaign will feature a series of adverts across the capital, in community centres, cultural organisations, libraries, faith buildings, volunteering centres and online over the coming months. More than 130 organisations have signed up to share post cards and window stickers, including The Felix Project, Royal Academy of Arts, Black Cultural Centre, English National Ballet, London Museum, Bernie Grant Centre, Southbank Centre, churches, mosques and synagogues. The campaign will also showcase a range of stories of how Londoners continue to rally together, support each other, and stand up against hatred and division, whilst living in globally uncertain times.

    The Government’s Community Recovery Fund was made available by the Deputy Prime Minister following the disorder across the country last summer, with London allocated £600,000. A total of £510,000 will be distributed in grants between £700 and £22,000 to support groups with local events, education initiatives and improving access to facilities which bring communities together. A further £90,000 will be allocated to the London Legal Support Trust to provide support to free legal advice agencies in London, which were a target during the disorder. 

    The Mayor has also announced that £385,000 will be invested in the Mayor’s Community Weekend 2025, thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. From September 12-14 there will be a weekend of community events and activities to bring Londoners together to celebrate our city and make a positive difference. In 2023, 184 organisations took part with events in every London borough, including community sports days, community barbecues and picnics, arts and cultural events, creative workshops, and activities focusing on the environment, conservation and healthy eating.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London is the greatest city in the world because of the incredible people who live here. Londoners come from every walk of life, from every religious, ethnic and social background and from all over the world to make this fantastic city. Sadly, we are living in increasingly uncertain and unsettling times and I know the worry and concern that this is having in our communities. That’s why we’re bringing together organisations and community groups across the capital to send a clear message that all Londoners are loved and wanted in our great city. London is, and always be, a place for everyone.”

    John Mothersole, England Chair at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re rooted in the communities we serve, whatever their needs and aspirations. After the hugely successful first Mayor’s Community Weekend in London, we’re delighted to be back for another special weekend of community-led activity. We believe in the power of communities and connection, and we can’t wait to see London’s diverse communities come together again. This weekend will showcase the lasting impact voluntary action can achieve for the city.”

    Shabna Begum, Chief Executive Officer at Runnymede Trust: “The Loved and Wanted campaign speaks to a social contract that moves beyond terms like ‘tolerance’ and ‘cohesion’, it celebrates the beauty of a city that is a rich tapestry of multiracial, multicultural and mixed class communities that live, work – and often struggle together. 

    “We welcome the package of investment in communities that the campaign promises, supporting organisations and infrastructures that enable togetherness, when we know that so many of our most vulnerable continue to face unprecedented levels of economic distress.  

    “At a time when our political conversation is saturated with narratives of hate and division and London is subjected to hyper-hostility by far-right actors who smear our diversity and difference, this campaign could not be more important. Loved and Wanted isn’t a romantic, aspirational statement, it is an account of our city that remembers the incredible archive of solidarity and anti-racist activism that shapes us and is a reminder that these histories are underpinned by the everyday rhythm of living and struggling together in our complex, convivial communities.”

    Zrinka Bralo, Chief Executive of Migrants Organise, said: “Many people are currently struggling to survive and make sense of the world. This is why fostering connections, building resilience within our communities, and taking meaningful action for dignity and justice is essential. London became my sanctuary 30 years ago when I fled war and genocide, and it continues to protect those in need. At Migrants Organise, we witness firsthand the devastating effects of the dehumanisation of refugees and migrants caused by hostile policies. We also see the solidarity and support from many Londoners, which never hits the headlines, because good people do good work quietly. For this reason, we value and welcome the Mayor’s leadership and the additional resources allocated to support all of London’s communities. These efforts represent a vital investment in cultivating unity, hope, and trust—qualities that are increasingly scarce around the world.” 

    Amanda Bowman, Co-Chair of the London Jewish Forum, said: “London is facing increasing challenges to social cohesion, which has had a particular impact on our Jewish community”. A report released this week on antisemitic incidents in 2024 revealed that over half of all anti-Jewish hate reported in the UK takes place in London. Against this backdrop, we welcome the ‘Loved and Wanted’ campaign, which seeks to bring communities together and strengthen a shared sense of belonging.

    “We look forward to working with the Mayor, his team, and London councils to celebrate the capital’s diversity, inclusivity and unity, particularly at this time of global uncertainty and division. Our priority is to ensure that London remains a safe and welcoming city for the Jewish community while continuing to build strong relationships with other communities to create an environment where everyone feels valued and welcome.”

    Abdurahman Sayed,  Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre CEO, said: “We wholeheartedly welcome the Mayor’s initiative to bring communities together at a time when unity and resilience are more needed than ever before. The funding of more than £985,000 through the Community Recovery Fund and Mayor’s Community Weekend will provide crucial support to grassroots organisations, helping to strengthen community ties and promote social cohesion.

    “The launch of the Loved and Wanted campaign is also a vital step in reaffirming London’s identity as a city of diversity, inclusivity, and unity. In a world facing uncertainty, it is essential to reinforce the message that London is a place for everyone.

    “With new polling showing that 79% of Londoners believe in the need for greater unity, it is encouraging to see over 100 organisations and community groups coming together to champion these values. We stand in full support of this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on communities across the capital.”

    Olympic triathlon gold medallist Alex Yee said: “I’m so proud to be from London because there’s nowhere else like it. I loved growing up in Lewisham as part of an extremely diverse community where everyone felt accepted. I hope the Loved and Wanted campaign shows how united Londoners truly are.”

    UK Queen of Soul Mica Paris MBE, said: “I’ve lived in LA, New York and Sydney, but London is my favourite city in the world and it’s where I am at my most creative. I grew up with English, Irish, African, Caribbean and Asian friends and that’s a key reason why London is so special and why we have such a rich music heritage. I’m proud to support the Mayor of London’s Loved and Wanted campaign.”

    Chef and entrepreneur Alisa Cooper, who moved to London under the Homes for Ukraine programme, said: “Being acknowledged and feeling seen in the Loved and Wanted campaign means a lot as London has become home to me and my son thanks to the generosity of strangers. Rebuilding our lives hasn’t been easy but the fantastic support we have received has kept us going. I hope this campaign helps further strengthen bonds between communities.”

    Philip O’Ferrall, CEO Outernet said:  “We are in a time where inclusivity and unity in all ways is more important than ever before.  London has always been enriched by the people we have welcomed and the communities that we have embraced and Outernet at its heart is about people coming together.  The Loved and Wanted campaign and its powerful message is something we at Outernet are proud to partner on with the Mayor and his team.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Apprenticeships aren’t designed for young people any more

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Charlynne Pullen, Principal Research Fellow in Education, Sheffield Hallam University

    BigPixel Photo/Shutterstock

    The number of people in England choosing to enrol in an apprenticeship has declined markedly over the past decade. Apprenticeship participation has fallen overall from 908,700 in 2016-17 to 736,500 in 2023-24.

    Particularly notable has been a shift away from apprenticeships providing introductory skills for young people towards them becoming higher level qualifications for older adults.

    In 2023-24, 55,660 under-19s were taking part in an intermediate apprenticeship, down from 75,500 in 2019-20. On the other hand, 185,810 over-25s were participating in a higher level apprenticeship in 2023-24 – up from 109,770 in 2019-20.

    “Apprenticeship starts for the under-25s fell by 38% in the period 2015-16 to 2022-23,” education secretary Bridget Phillipson told the House of Commons in September 2024. “It will fall to this Labour government to turn that around.”

    Continued messaging from successive governments has emphasised that apprenticeships are for young people. “To every young person I meet my message is that no matter who you are, or where you’re from, or whatever career you want to do, an apprenticeship will open doors for you,” Robert Halfon, skills minister in the previous Conservative government, said in 2023.

    Politicians present a decline in young people taking apprenticeships as a problem. But it is government policy that has turned these qualifications into something much more suitable for adults already in the workforce.

    Employers first

    A large reason for this is changes to how apprenticeships work that make them more centred on the role and needs of employers.

    The changes to apprenticeships since 2012 include a levy on large employers. Companies with an annual pay bill of more than £3 million pay 0.5% of this into a time-limited pot that they can use for apprenticeships within the company or transfer a proportion to smaller companies.

    Apprenticeships have also shifted from a focus on achieving qualifications towards meeting standards that focus on the knowledge, skills and behaviours of a job and often include a status or recognition from a professional body.

    The employer recruits, employs and pays the apprentice. Employers appoint the training provider, and they set the standards.

    Faced with using or losing money for apprenticeships and the choice between an unknown new recruit and an established member of staff, large employers might rationally opt to use apprenticeships to support their existing workforce to improve their skills.

    Many adults enrol on apprenticeships to improve their skills.
    fizkes/Shutterstock

    Adult apprentices typically have experience in relevant roles but want to improve their skills and progress in their careers.

    The NHS, for example, sees apprenticeships as a key part of its workforce strategy. Emerging evidence from my research with colleagues at Sheffield Hallam University and charity the Edge Foundation suggests many people on health apprenticeships are adults and existing staff.

    Reduced requirements

    Policy announcements from the current government have cemented this shift. They include the removal of the need for English and maths qualifications for adult apprentices, and the reduced minimum time period for an apprenticeship from 12 months to eight.

    In announcing the recent changes to English and maths, Bridget Phillipson said: “Businesses have been calling out for change to the apprenticeship system and these reforms show that we are listening. Our new offer of shorter apprenticeships and less red tape strikes the right balance between speed and quality, helping achieve our number one mission to grow the economy.”

    These changes are designed to increase the number of adult apprentices who complete their apprenticeship. Shorter apprenticeships should allow adults’ substantial relevant experience to be recognised within their apprenticeship so they can complete it more quickly.

    English and maths requirements had been a barrier for some adults to completing their apprenticeship. Some employers had made having English and maths qualifications a requirement for getting onto an apprenticeship. Without the requirements, more adults should be able to access and complete apprenticeships – but this change is only for those aged over 19.

    Increased funding for small and medium enterprises to take on apprentices, which was introduced under the previous government, also prioritised employers, although it did come with an additional incentive for them to take on 16-to-18 year olds. Other employer-focused policy changes from the previous government include reducing the requirements for time spent training off-the-job.

    The current government’s planned change to a growth and skills levy does include the creation of foundation apprenticeships. More detail on what they will entail in England is yet to come. But these do currently operate in Scotland, allowing younger people to gain substantial work experience whilst studying for qualifications at college.

    This kind of programme could create a smoother transition into an apprenticeship for a young person, and may increase the number of young people participating in apprenticeships. But for now, employers and the skills needed for economic growth still seem to be the priority.

    Sheffield Hallam has received funding for Charlynne Pullen to conduct related research on apprenticeships from the Low Pay Commission and the Edge Foundation. Charlynne was a Labour councillor in 2010-14 and a Labour parliamentary candidate in the 2015, 2017 and 2019 general elections, but has not been active in the party since 2019.

    – ref. Apprenticeships aren’t designed for young people any more – https://theconversation.com/apprenticeships-arent-designed-for-young-people-any-more-249640

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Climate Change and Sustainability Committee to showcase community activity

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    The Green Living Fund, which in February 2024 allocated over £225,000 to 38 projects across Perth and Kinross-shire, has empowered local groups to take positive action against climate change and to improve biodiversity, while also helping to reduce the cost of living for residents locally. 

    During the session, councillors will hear from a diverse range of local groups about their projects and the impact they have had and continue to have in their area one year on. These presentations will highlight the practical steps being taken by communities to combat environmental challenges and promote sustainability.

    Councillor Liz Barrett, Vice-Convener of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, will host the showcase. She said: “While committee reports give us a flavour of the work which is going on throughout Perth and Kinross, this is a great chance for community groups who are at the forefront of delivering inspiring climate change and biodiversity projects in their area to tell us what that means on the ground.

    “The range of groups represented next week will give a real feel for what this kind of support means to our communities.” 

    Councillor Richard Watters, Convener of the Committee, added: “The value of these community-led projects cannot be overstated. These projects are perfect examples of how helping communities tackle cost of living challenges can go hand-in-hand with preventing the future impacts of climate change. Learning from these initiatives will help us ensure community experiences inform our strategies and policies in the future.”

    As part of the event, community groups will also be presented with certificates of recognition for their exceptional contributions through their Green Living Fund projects.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nominations sought for 2025 Derry and Strabane Sports Awards

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Nominations sought for 2025 Derry and Strabane Sports Awards

    14 February 2025

    Derry City and Strabane District Council are seeking nominations from the public for the 2025 edition of the Derry Strabane Sports Awards.   

    The annual celebration of amateur sport across the City and District will take place in the Guildhall on Thursday June 5th.

    The event is hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council, in partnership with the District Sports Forum and aims to publicly recognise the individuals, teams and clubs that contributed to local sport over the last 12 months.

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, said the awards were an ideal way to celebrate and recognise the dedication of athletes, coaches and administrators across the Council area.

    “The Derry Strabane Sports Awards are a wonderful way to acknowledge and reward the hard work and achievements of our local sports fraternity over the last year,” she said.

    “During my term as Mayor, I have experienced first-hand the key role sport plays in community life in this Council area, offering people a platform to showcase their talent and reap the health and wellbeing benefits of physical activity.

    “It has been another successful year for sport with local clubs and individuals shining at all levels and it is important that we celebrate and recognise the work that goes into achieving that.”

    Nominations are accepted from organisations, local sports clubs, schools, youth clubs and individuals.

    Applicants and nominees should note that only the information included on this nomination form will go forward for assessment by the awards panel and that all mandatory fields should be completed before the form is submitted for the application to be considered.

    To be an eligible candidate, sports people must be a resident of the Council area and all nominees must be involved in an amateur capacity in a sport that is recognised by Sport Northern Ireland and /or the Irish Sports Council.

    The nominations will be assessed on the basis of the individual or team’s contribution to enhancing community and sporting life based on a set criteria.

    The nominator, the nominee, a team representative and a guest will receive an invitation to the awards ceremony.

    Nominations must be submitted online by Monday 24th February 2025 at 4pm.

    For more information on each category and to make a nomination visit www.derrystrabane.com/sportsawards

    The categories for the 2025 Sports Awards are: Sports Star of the Year, Young Male Sports Star of the Year, Young Female Sports Star of the Year, Sports Star of the Year with a Disability, Club of the Year, Team of the Year, Youth Team of the Year, Performance Coach of the Year, Community Coach of the Year, Special Recognition Award and Hall of Fame.

    If you have any questions or queries about the awards email [email protected].

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Over $21 million to transform New South Wales’ regional cities

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The Albanese Government is building Australia’s future by delivering social infrastructure that connects communities, boosts economies and transforms Australia’s regions.

    Today we are announcing four projects will share in over $21 million to create new and revitalise existing town precincts across regional New South Wales. 

    In Cessnock, over $14 million is going towards transforming the underutilised Apex Park into a thriving precinct connecting local businesses, community groups, service providers and the Cessnock Pool recreation area.

    The new precinct will transform Cessnock for locals and visitors alike, shaping the future of the town and strengthening its role as a tourism gateway to the Hunter Valley region.

    Further west, we’re investing $2 million into the Mid-Western Regional Council’s Mortimer Street Precinct to revitalise the south-eastern section of the Mudgee CBD. 

    The project will deliver plans to accommodate a hotel, residential apartments, commercial shops, restaurants, car parks, green spaces and designated pedestrian connections. It will enable the precinct to progress to Development Application and investment.

    Bathurst Regional Council’s Connected Regional Neighbourhoods project will receive $1.7 million to develop a comprehensive business case, master plan and concept designs to reinvigorate the Bathurst CBD. 

    The project will set a benchmark for the use of smart, sustainable technologies in a regional city, incorporating active transport infrastructure and streetscape enhancements to attract investment into the town.

    In Cobar, almost $3.5 million will deliver the design and planning works for the council’s Grand Precinct, getting it up to construction and tender-ready status. 

    The project will transform the town by redesigning the Grand Hotel into a cultural-commercial hub, upgrading the library with enhanced services, restoring the town hall for multi-purpose use, adding senior housing and improving streetscapes. 

    These projects showcase the Government’s commitment to listening to, and working with, local communities, and addressing regional needs.

    They are funded through the Albanese Government’s regional Precincts and Partnership Program, which provides investment to transform regional, rural and remote places. 

    The program is investing $47.9 million to support the transformation of seven precincts across New South Wales. For more information, visit: infrastructure.gov.au/regional. 

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King: 

    “Precincts like this not only give the community a space to gather and visitors a space to enjoy, but they transform towns by boosting local economies and shaping the everyday lives of locals.

    “The regional Precincts and Partnerships program is about revitalising underutilised spaces to enhance regional cities and towns – working collaboratively across government, community and with the private sector. 

    “We are listening to communities across regional New South Wales and boosting local economies by strengthening community infrastructure.”
     
    Quotes attributable to Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi: 

    “This investment is a game-changer for Cessnock, ensuring our region continues to grow, attract visitors, and provide better amenities for locals.

    “Our community has been asking for these improvements, and I’m proud to be delivering real outcomes that will make a lasting difference.

    “The Albanese Government is committed to supporting regional New South Wales, and this funding will help build a stronger, more connected future for Cessnock and beyond.”

    MIL OSI News –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian Deputy PM: Over $21 million to transform New South Wales’ regional cities

    Source: Minister of Infrastructure

    The Albanese Government is building Australia’s future by delivering social infrastructure that connects communities, boosts economies and transforms Australia’s regions.

    Today we are announcing four projects will share in over $21 million to create new and revitalise existing town precincts across regional New South Wales. 

    In Cessnock, over $14 million is going towards transforming the underutilised Apex Park into a thriving precinct connecting local businesses, community groups, service providers and the Cessnock Pool recreation area.

    The new precinct will transform Cessnock for locals and visitors alike, shaping the future of the town and strengthening its role as a tourism gateway to the Hunter Valley region.

    Further west, we’re investing $2 million into the Mid-Western Regional Council’s Mortimer Street Precinct to revitalise the south-eastern section of the Mudgee CBD. 

    The project will deliver plans to accommodate a hotel, residential apartments, commercial shops, restaurants, car parks, green spaces and designated pedestrian connections. It will enable the precinct to progress to Development Application and investment.

    Bathurst Regional Council’s Connected Regional Neighbourhoods project will receive $1.7 million to develop a comprehensive business case, master plan and concept designs to reinvigorate the Bathurst CBD. 

    The project will set a benchmark for the use of smart, sustainable technologies in a regional city, incorporating active transport infrastructure and streetscape enhancements to attract investment into the town.

    In Cobar, almost $3.5 million will deliver the design and planning works for the council’s Grand Precinct, getting it up to construction and tender-ready status. 

    The project will transform the town by redesigning the Grand Hotel into a cultural-commercial hub, upgrading the library with enhanced services, restoring the town hall for multi-purpose use, adding senior housing and improving streetscapes. 

    These projects showcase the Government’s commitment to listening to, and working with, local communities, and addressing regional needs.

    They are funded through the Albanese Government’s regional Precincts and Partnership Program, which provides investment to transform regional, rural and remote places. 

    The program is investing $47.9 million to support the transformation of seven precincts across New South Wales. For more information, visit: infrastructure.gov.au/regional. 

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King: 

    “Precincts like this not only give the community a space to gather and visitors a space to enjoy, but they transform towns by boosting local economies and shaping the everyday lives of locals.

    “The regional Precincts and Partnerships program is about revitalising underutilised spaces to enhance regional cities and towns – working collaboratively across government, community and with the private sector. 

    “We are listening to communities across regional New South Wales and boosting local economies by strengthening community infrastructure.”
     
    Quotes attributable to Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi: 

    “This investment is a game-changer for Cessnock, ensuring our region continues to grow, attract visitors, and provide better amenities for locals.

    “Our community has been asking for these improvements, and I’m proud to be delivering real outcomes that will make a lasting difference.

    “The Albanese Government is committed to supporting regional New South Wales, and this funding will help build a stronger, more connected future for Cessnock and beyond.”

    MIL OSI News –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Parliament has passed landmark election donation laws. They may be a ‘stitch up’ but they also improve Australia’s democracy

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joo-Cheong Tham, Professor, Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne

    Federal parliament has passed the biggest changes to Australia’s electoral funding laws in decades.

    The Albanese government’s Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Bill 2024 cleared the Senate on Wednesday night after just two hours of debate on amendments agreed to earlier by the Coalition. In blatant disregard for democracy, the government refused to refer the bill to a parliamentary committee for proper scrutiny.

    The amendments fail to address numerous deficiencies in the original bill that was introduced last November. Transparency has been wound back and hollow contribution caps have been locked in.

    In significant respects, however, the package is an improvement on the status quo, which has seen unrestricted donations and spending flourish. So, too, secrecy.

    We need to penetrate the sound and fury of partisanship and assess the substance of these laws. This will yield a much more nuanced picture than conveyed by cross bench claims of a major party stitch up.

    Some improvement to transparency

    The government originally proposed lowering the disclosure threshold for donations from $16,000 to $1,000. The revised bill settles on a new threshold of $5,000.

    The amendments fail to plug a loophole that allows a donor to give separately to all of the branches attached to a political party if each individual contribution is just under the threshold. For example, a donor could spread almost $45,000 to the nine state and federal branches of the ALP without being required to declare the amounts.

    But the new laws will usher in near-real time disclosure and substantially reduce “dark money”, a seismic shift from the secrecy and lack of timeliness in the regime it replaces.

    Hollow donation caps

    Under the reforms, a series of contribution caps have been introduced to curb the influence of big money in politics.

    In my assessment of the original bill, I highlighted how the caps would prevent multi-million dollar contributions from cashed-up individuals.

    The amendments go further by closing a number of sizeable loopholes. Self financing candidates, such as Clive Palmer and Malcolm Turnbull will be subject to the contribution caps. The current exclusions for membership and affiliation fees to associated entities – “disguised donations” – will also be caught by the caps.

    But any positives are emphatically outweighed by the “annual gift cap” more than doubling to $50,000. The same “spreading” loophole that applies to the disclosure obligations would allow a donor to to give just shy of this amount to each of a party’s state and federal branches across the country. The major parties could reap up to almost $450,000 per annum from a single donor.

    And the “overall gift cap” on total donations made to political parties and candidates is a generous $1.6 million, which means large contributions will still be permissible under the new framework.

    The government has also failed to remove the patently unfair provisions relating to “nominated entities”, which are likely to be used by the major parties as investment vehicles.

    As the Victorian Electoral Review Expert Panel has rightly noted, such entities:

    provide some (parties) with significantly more funds, creating a risk that those (parties) drown out other voices.

    Election spending contained and fairer

    The spending caps in the new finance laws are fundamentally unaltered by the government’s amendments.

    The $800,000 per electorate limit, and $90 million per party nationally, will contain the “arms race” that has necessitated “big money” fundraising and fuelled unfair contests.

    However, the limits are set too high and will benefit the established parties due to the narrow scope of the spending caps in individual electorates. This means the major parties will be able to shift funding to must-win seats without being caught by the electorate caps.

    This shortcoming has been seized upon as clear evidence that Labor and the Liberals are seeking to kneecap Teal election campaigns. While having some force, these criticisms should be viewed in the context of the current situation where the major parties have an unfettered ability to direct spending to marginal seats, a situation which the Teals are ironically defending with their opposition to spending caps.

    The importance of public funding

    The new regime includes a substantial jump in public funding from $3.50 to $5 per vote.

    Crossbenchers, such as Kate Chaney, are opposed, to the increase, saying it will entrench the might of the majors while making it harder for new independents:

    The effect of increasing public funding is that political parties don’t have to fundraise because they’ve got their war chests. But any challengers do have to fundraise.

    While there is a clear risk of unfairness, the crossbench position throws the baby out with the bathwater. It romanticises the role of private funding, skating over the risks of corruption and undue influence via large donations.

    The public funding of political parties and candidates is warranted. But there should be a conversation about the design and scope of taxpayer support.

    The political finance laws could be made considerably fairer by fixing the structural bias that favours incumbents, including teal MPs. And they don’t need to be as generous given the large flows of private funding that will continue under the shallow contribution caps.

    Unfinished business

    Bad processes tend to make bad laws. The government’s actions have cast a pall of illegitimacy over its political finance regime. The new framework is unfair and ineffectual in significant ways and yet democracy enhancing in others.

    We are all trustees of democracy, with an obligation to protect and deepen democratic practices. An urgent task in that continuing struggle is to protect the strengths of these laws while jettisoning the elements that are egregiously bad.

    Joo-Cheong Tham has received funding from the Australian Research Council, the Australian Council of Trade Unions, European Trade Union Institute, International IDEA, the New South Wales Electoral Commission, the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Victorian Electoral Commission. He is a Director of the Centre for Public Integrity; Expert Network Member of Climate Integrity; a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia; and the Victorian Division Assistant Secretary (Academic Staff) of the National Tertiary Education Union.

    – ref. Parliament has passed landmark election donation laws. They may be a ‘stitch up’ but they also improve Australia’s democracy – https://theconversation.com/parliament-has-passed-landmark-election-donation-laws-they-may-be-a-stitch-up-but-they-also-improve-australias-democracy-249588

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Chief Officer of NTES appointed

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Wayne Snell as Chief Officer of NT Emergency Service (NTES), following an extensive merit-based selection process.

    Mr Snell’s appointment brings stability and renewed energy to NTES, particularly following its transition to NTFES in 2024.

    With over 35 years of emergency management and leadership experience, Mr Snell has held senior management roles both nationally and internationally for more than 20 years. His career includes prominent positions at the Australian Civil Military Centre, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), and as Commander of the New South Wales State Emergency Service, State Operations.

    Additionally, Mr Snell has worked with leading state, national, and international policing organisations, including INTERPOL and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

    His qualifications span emergency management, human resources, law enforcement, training, fire investigation, and forensic science.

    Mr Snell succeeds Ms Fleur O’Connor, who has made invaluable contributions to NTES during her time as Chief Officer. NTFES thanks Ms O’Connor for her dedication and service and wishes her all the best.

    Quotes from Commissioner, NT Fire and Emergency Services, Andrew Warton:

    “I am pleased to welcome Wayne into the role of Chief Officer with NTES. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience from his extensive career in emergency management both in Australia and internationally.”
    “I also want to express my sincere thanks to Ms. Fleur O’Connor for her significant contributions to the service.”

    Quotes from incoming Chief Officer, NTES, Mr Wayne Snell:

    “It is an honour to join the NT Emergency Service at such a pivotal moment, as it transitions into the NFES standalone agency.”

    “My focus will be on ensuring the safety of our communities, supporting our dedicated staff and volunteers, and strengthening our operational capabilities to respond effectively across the Territory.”

    “I look forward to bringing my leadership and experience to the Northern Territory and collaborating with the NTES team and the broader NTFES agency to enhance our community safety and capability.”

    Media contact
    Rickie Abraham

    8923 9803 

    MIL OSI News –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Parliament has passed landmark election donation laws. They may be a ‘stich up’ but they also improve Australia’s democracy

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joo-Cheong Tham, Professor, Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne

    Federal parliament has passed the biggest changes to Australia’s electoral funding laws in decades.

    The Albanese government’s Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Bill 2024 cleared the Senate on Wednesday night after just two hours of debate on amendments agreed to earlier by the Coalition. In blatant disregard for democracy, the government refused to refer the bill to a parliamentary committee for proper scrutiny.

    The amendments fail to address numerous deficiencies in the original bill that was introduced last November. Transparency has been wound back and hollow contribution caps have been locked in.

    In significant respects, however, the package is an improvement on the status quo, which has seen unrestricted donations and spending flourish. So, too, secrecy.

    We need to penetrate the sound and fury of partisanship and assess the substance of these laws. This will yield a much more nuanced picture than conveyed by cross bench claims of a major party stitch up.

    Some improvement to transparency

    The government originally proposed lowering the disclosure threshold for donations from $16,000 to $1,000. The revised bill settles on a new threshold of $5,000.

    The amendments fail to plug a loophole that allows a donor to give separately to all of the branches attached to a political party if each individual contribution is just under the threshold. For example, a donor could spread almost $45,000 to the nine state and federal branches of the ALP without being required to declare the amounts.

    But the new laws will usher in near-real time disclosure and substantially reduce “dark money”, a seismic shift from the secrecy and lack of timeliness in the regime it replaces.

    Hollow donation caps

    Under the reforms, a series of contribution caps have been introduced to curb the influence of big money in politics.

    In my assessment of the original bill, I highlighted how the caps would prevent multi-million dollar contributions from cashed-up individuals.

    The amendments go further by closing a number of sizeable loopholes. Self financing candidates, such as Clive Palmer and Malcolm Turnbull will be subject to the contribution caps. The current exclusions for membership and affiliation fees to associated entities – “disguised donations” – will also be caught by the caps.

    But any positives are emphatically outweighed by the “annual gift cap” more than doubling to $50,000. The same “spreading” loophole that applies to the disclosure obligations would allow a donor to to give just shy of this amount to each of a party’s state and federal branches across the country. The major parties could reap up to almost $450,000 per annum from a single donor.

    And the “overall gift cap” on total donations made to political parties and candidates is a generous $1.6 million, which means large contributions will still be permissible under the new framework.

    The government has also failed to remove the patently unfair provisions relating to “nominated entities”, which are likely to be used by the major parties as investment vehicles.

    As the Victorian Electoral Review Expert Panel has rightly noted, such entities:

    provide some (parties) with significantly more funds, creating a risk that those (parties) drown out other voices.

    Election spending contained and fairer

    The spending caps in the new finance laws are fundamentally unaltered by the government’s amendments.

    The $800,000 per electorate limit, and $90 million per party nationally, will contain the “arms race” that has necessitated “big money” fundraising and fuelled unfair contests.

    However, the limits are set too high and will benefit the established parties due to the narrow scope of the spending caps in individual electorates. This means the major parties will be able to shift funding to must-win seats without being caught by the electorate caps.

    This shortcoming has been seized upon as clear evidence that Labor and the Liberals are seeking to kneecap Teal election campaigns. While having some force, these criticisms should be viewed in the context of the current situation where the major parties have an unfettered ability to direct spending to marginal seats, a situation which the Teals are ironically defending with their opposition to spending caps.

    The importance of public funding

    The new regime includes a substantial jump in public funding from $3.50 to $5 per vote.

    Crossbenchers, such as Kate Chaney, are opposed, to the increase, saying it will entrench the might of the majors while making it harder for new independents:

    The effect of increasing public funding is that political parties don’t have to fundraise because they’ve got their war chests. But any challengers do have to fundraise.

    While there is a clear risk of unfairness, the crossbench position throws the baby out with the bathwater. It romanticises the role of private funding, skating over the risks of corruption and undue influence via large donations.

    The public funding of political parties and candidates is warranted. But there should be a conversation about the design and scope of taxpayer support.

    The political finance laws could be made considerably fairer by fixing the structural bias that favours incumbents, including teal MPs. And they don’t need to be as generous given the large flows of private funding that will continue under the shallow contribution caps.

    Unfinished business

    Bad processes tend to make bad laws. The government’s actions have cast a pall of illegitimacy over its political finance regime. The new framework is unfair and ineffectual in significant ways and yet democracy enhancing in others.

    We are all trustees of democracy, with an obligation to protect and deepen democratic practices. An urgent task in that continuing struggle is to protect the strengths of these laws while jettisoning the elements that are egregiously bad.

    Joo-Cheong Tham has received funding from the Australian Research Council, the Australian Council of Trade Unions, European Trade Union Institute, International IDEA, the New South Wales Electoral Commission, the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Victorian Electoral Commission. He is a Director of the Centre for Public Integrity; Expert Network Member of Climate Integrity; a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia; and the Victorian Division Assistant Secretary (Academic Staff) of the National Tertiary Education Union.

    – ref. Parliament has passed landmark election donation laws. They may be a ‘stich up’ but they also improve Australia’s democracy – https://theconversation.com/parliament-has-passed-landmark-election-donation-laws-they-may-be-a-stich-up-but-they-also-improve-australias-democracy-249588

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian Deputy PM: Holey Dollar returned to Polish Government

    Source: Minister of Infrastructure

    A rare silver coin has been returned to Republic of Poland representative, Deputy Minister, Marta Cienkowska at a ceremony in Canberra.

    Dating back more than 200 years, the coin was bought lawfully by a collector in the early 20th century and donated to a museum in Toruń where it became a protected object of Poland.

    It was stolen from the museum’s collection between 2011 and 2016, sold in two auctions in Europe, and then made its way to Australia through unlawful export.

    Acting on advice from the Office for the Arts and a restitution request from the Republic of Poland, the coin was seized by the Australian Federal Police under the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 in August 2024, enabling its return.

    The 1813 Holey Dollar is an example of coins used in the colony of New South Wales to address a currency shortage.

    Originally a Charles III Spanish Silver Dollar minted in Mexico in 1777, it was one of 40,000 Spanish reales imported by Governor Lachlan Macquarie. The centre was cut out to create two new coins and the outer ring became known as the ‘Holey Dollar’.

    Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the handover showed Australia was serious about upholding diplomatic and international treaty commitments.

    “I want to recognise the expertise of everyone involved in this great outcome for both countries, from tracking this object to seizing it.

    “It’s important that we continue to work together to return culturally significant objects to their rightful homes. Their value can be expressed not only in monetary terms but through telling our shared history and stories.”

    For images of the coin, visit: Returns of foreign cultural property | Office for the Arts.

    For more information, visit: Movable cultural heritage | Office for the Arts.

    MIL OSI News –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Holey Dollar returned to Polish Government

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    A rare silver coin has been returned to Republic of Poland representative, Deputy Minister, Marta Cienkowska at a ceremony in Canberra.

    Dating back more than 200 years, the coin was bought lawfully by a collector in the early 20th century and donated to a museum in Toruń where it became a protected object of Poland.

    It was stolen from the museum’s collection between 2011 and 2016, sold in two auctions in Europe, and then made its way to Australia through unlawful export.

    Acting on advice from the Office for the Arts and a restitution request from the Republic of Poland, the coin was seized by the Australian Federal Police under the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 in August 2024, enabling its return.

    The 1813 Holey Dollar is an example of coins used in the colony of New South Wales to address a currency shortage.

    Originally a Charles III Spanish Silver Dollar minted in Mexico in 1777, it was one of 40,000 Spanish reales imported by Governor Lachlan Macquarie. The centre was cut out to create two new coins and the outer ring became known as the ‘Holey Dollar’.

    Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the handover showed Australia was serious about upholding diplomatic and international treaty commitments.

    “I want to recognise the expertise of everyone involved in this great outcome for both countries, from tracking this object to seizing it.

    “It’s important that we continue to work together to return culturally significant objects to their rightful homes. Their value can be expressed not only in monetary terms but through telling our shared history and stories.”

    For images of the coin, visit: Returns of foreign cultural property | Office for the Arts.

    For more information, visit: Movable cultural heritage | Office for the Arts.

    MIL OSI News –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Impact of new RSV vaccine

    Source: Scottish Government

    Report shows fewer older people hospitalised.

    Health Secretary Neil Gray has welcomed a report showing the new RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine has led to a significant decrease in hospitalisations among older people.

    Public Health Scotland (PHS) research, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal, demonstrates that vaccination resulted in a 62% reduction in RSV-related hospitalisations among the eligible 75-79 age group.

    The Scottish Government invested £4.2 million via health boards in the vaccine supply. The programme began last August following expert scientific advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

    Mr Gray said:

    “Once again we see evidence of the role which vaccinations play in preventing serious illness and keeping people out of hospital.

    “We were pleased to be the first nation in the UK to introduce the new RSV vaccine in time to maximise the benefit to the more vulnerable ahead of winter. This research demonstrates just how many people avoided ending up in hospital as a result.

    “RSV can be very serious for older adults, newborns and infants – potentially causing lung disease such as pneumonia.

    “It is encouraging to see that by the end of November, 68% of eligible older adults had received their vaccinations and I’d urge all those eligible to come forward for their vaccine when called. It is incredibly important for older adults and pregnant women to protect their newborn babies from RSV.”

    Background

    RSV vaccine during pregnancy | NHS inform

    RSV vaccine for adults | NHS inform 

    The RSV programme was in addition to winter vaccines offered, such as flu, Covid-19 and pneumococcal.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Call to help Scots reunite with loved ones

    Source: Scottish Government

    Equalities Minister calls on UK Government to change family visa rules.

    Changes to the UK Family Visa Route would support the wellbeing of married couples and families by helping them reunite in Scotland, according to a new Scottish Government report.

    Under current rules, people living in the UK need to earn a minimum of £29,000 to bring an immediate family member from abroad to live here.

    Planned increases to this threshold were paused in July 2024 by the UK Government, which is currently seeking views on whether the requirements should continue in their current form.

    The Scottish Government report sets out evidence that the minimum salary requirement does not support Scotland’s interests, and disproportionately impacts women and part-time workers.

    Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said:

    “This Valentine’s Day, I am calling on the UK Government to make the changes needed so that couples and families who do not meet the current financial requirements can be reunited.

    “People who live in Scotland should be able to build a life with their spouse and raise children here – wherever in the world their husband or wife is from. Allowing more people to bring their families to live here would enrich communities, support public services and contribute to the economy.

    “The UK Government’s review of the income threshold is welcome, and the Scottish Government is clear that the minimum income threshold needs to be reduced or removed altogether to allow more families to build their lives here in Scotland.”

    Sarah Douglas is from the Scottish Borders. She is currently living in Perugia, Italy with her husband and their three children. Sarah would like to return to Scotland with her family, however due to the minimum income requirement, they are unable to move to the UK.

    Sarah said:

    “The minimum income requirement is currently preventing me from living in Scotland with my Italian husband. As a mother to three young children meeting the threshold is challenging especially since I’m expected to do so whilst being separated from my husband and caring for my children alone.

    “I am faced with a choice between separating my family or permanent exile. It is a cruel policy which places unnecessary emotional and financial strain on families. A new policy should be implemented to ensure that families like mine can stay together.”

    Demi Kara is from Edinburgh. She married her husband, who is from Adana, Turkey, in 2024. Due to the minimum income requirement, the couple are currently living separately in Scotland and Turkey.

    Demi said:

    “A price on love seems very much unfair. Younger long distance couples have no chance in this generation – you pay the price and put your life on hold, or you leave, it’s as simple as that.

    “I put my degree on hold to fight for my husband to be by my side – a basic right every person should have. A change the minimum income requirement would allow my life to be whole, allow my heart to be full of love and not broken and torn between two countries.”

    Background 

    In April 2024 the salary threshold for someone to bring an immediate family member to the UK was raised to £29,000, with a further raise to £34,000 scheduled for later 2024. In July 2024 the threshold was paused at £29,000, and the Migration Advisory Committee were commissioned by UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to review the financial requirements of the family visa.  

    In December 2024, the Scottish Government responded to the Migration Advisory Committee’s call for evidence, expressing its belief that the UK Government should look to reduce or remove the financial requirements.

    The Scottish Government’s response will be published online  on Friday 14 February. A pdf version of the response is available on request.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Tweed Heads Service NSW Centre to get new home

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 14 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government

    The Tweed Heads community will soon enjoy an enhanced customer experience while completing NSW Government transactions when the new Tweed Heads Service NSW Centre opens. 

    The Centre is relocating to a larger site, still within the Tweed Mall shopping centre, providing a larger space and an improved layout for customers.  

    Due to open mid-2025, the new centre will be located opposite the current site, ensuring a modern, purpose-built facility for people to complete the 1300 NSW Government services and transactions available at Service NSW.  

    The new centre will include a dedicated space for one-on-one appointments where customers can receive cost of living support in-person or over the phone with a Service NSW team member.  

    The team will also be able to connect business owners with the Service NSW Business Bureau for free, ongoing and personalised support for every stage of their business.  

    There were more than 77,000 customer visits to Tweed Heads Service Centre last year with people appreciating the efforts of the team, giving them a 97% satisfaction rating.  

    Tweed Heads Service NSW Centre is open Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5pm and Saturdays 8:30am – 12:30pm. For more information, visit the Service NSW website.  

    Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib said: 

    “Service NSW is a vital part of our lives whether transacting individually or as a business, so we want the people of Tweed Heads to have an enhanced experience when requiring NSW Government services. 

    “This move ensures Service NSW can support the customer demand in Tweed Heads and provide people with a welcoming space to complete government transactions. 

    “Whether applying for a Seniors Card, renewing a driver licence or looking for cost of living support, Service NSW is a one-stop-shop for NSW Government services and transactions.” 

    Duty MLC for Tweed, Emily Suvaal said: 

    “The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivering essential services like the Tweed Heads Service NSW Centre. 

    “This new site will better serve the community, the location within Tweed Mall is bigger and better and only steps away from the current location. 

    “The new centre makes life easier for locals now and will cater to their needs into the future.” 

    MIL OSI News –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Revitalising family support services in Shellharbour

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The Albanese Government is supporting safe and connected communities throughout the Illawarra by providing $851,279 for the Shellharbour Integrated Child and Family Precinct.

    The funding for planning is the first step in making this important project a reality. It will support a comprehensive business case, master plan and detailed designs for a holistic services hub to provide early childhood and family support services in one accessible location.

    The planning work will consider the revitalisation of the site and connections to nearby services as well as parking and public transport. Local families and community stakeholders will be an integral part of designing the precinct to ensure that it is fit for purpose.

    The project is being delivered by Karitane with Barnardos Australia and the University of New South Wales.

    Planning for the Shellharbour Integrated Child and Family Precinct will consider options to provide a wide range of health, education and social care services in one accessible location.

    This support is being provided through the Government’s $400 million regional Precincts and Partnership Program, which provides investment to transform regional, rural and remote places.

    The program is investing $47.9 million to support the transformation of seven precincts across New South Wales. For more information, visit: infrastructure.gov.au/regional.

    Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

    “This project demonstrates how my Government is building Australia’s future and strengthening regional communities.

    “Having support services, education facilities and social care options all under one roof in the middle of Shellharbour will make a big difference to this beautiful and growing region.

    “We want to support regional communities to grow and thrive, for our youngest and eldest Australians and everyone in between.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King

    “We’re proud to partner with communities to bring important projects like this to life.

    “Being a new parent is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be really challenging. A central hub for early childhood and family support will help new parents in the Shellharbour region get the services they need close to home.”

    Quotes attributable to Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Member for Whitlam Stephen Jones

    “This precinct is a game changer for our community.

    “It will help connect people to vital support services they need in an easy to access way.

    “Labor is delivering for our regions and building a stronger Illawarra.”

    MIL OSI News –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $3 million boost for palliative care research

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: $3 million boost for palliative care research

    Published: 14 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Health, Minister for Medical Research

    The Minns Labor Government is committing $3 million to improve health outcomes for patients, carers and families with end of life and palliative care needs in NSW.

    The funding for The End of Life and Palliative Care Research Grant Program aims to translate research projects into practical benefits and support collaboration between NSW Health, research institutes, community organisations, non-government organisations and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

    Eligible agencies will receive up to $300,000 over three years for smaller scale research projects, and up to $600,000 for larger scale research activity.

    Recipients of the funding will conduct research in the following priority areas:

    • Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management for patients
    • Collaborative care models to improve experience
    • Culturally and socially inclusive care for Aboriginal, culturally and linguistically diverse, and LGBTIQ+ patients, carers, families and communities
    • Psychosocial support for grief, loss and bereavement for patients, carers, families and communities. 

    The Program will run a competitive application process to identify research projects. Expressions of Interest applications open on 14 February 2025 and will close on 23 March 2025.

    More information can be found on the NSW Health website.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

    “The Minns Labor Government is committed to improving the comfort and experience of people with life-limiting illnesses during what is an extremely challenging time for patients and their families.

    “I am proud to announce this initiative which reaffirms our commitment and aims to translate projects into tangible benefits for people with end of life and palliative care needs in NSW.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Medical Research David Harris:

    “I am pleased our government is committing funding for research and innovation that is so critical to improving the experiences of palliative care and end of life patients and the community. 

    “I appreciate all the hard work and collaboration efforts to implement this fantastic initiative.

    “Importantly, these priority research areas have been informed through extensive consultation with the NSW palliative care sector, including clinicians, policy managers, academics and advocacy groups.”

    MIL OSI News –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: It’s a full House this Valentine’s Day

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: It’s a full House this Valentine’s Day

    Published: 14 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government

    Love takes centre stage at the Sydney Opera House today, with a record 40 couples sharing their vows in one of the world’s most iconic settings on the most romantic day of the year.

    This Valentine’s Day, the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages will host 40 intimate ceremonies at the Sydney Opera House, turning dream weddings into an affordable reality.

    Pairs getting hitched on Valentine’s Day will exchange vows in the Yallamundi Rooms, the Opera House’s stunning events space with spectacular harbour views, surrounded by up to 35 of their closest family and friends starting from $1399.

    The romance does not stop at the Opera House, with 14 loved-up couples set to make it official in the picturesque Pyrmont Registry wedding rooms, bringing the tally to 53 Registry marriages and one vow renewal on Valentine’s Day.

    To make their day even more special, many couples have added extras such as photography, flowers, and an on-site reception to continue the celebrations.

    All year round, couples can wed at the beautiful Pyrmont Registry from $479, or further south in the historic charm of the Old Wollongong Courthouse, with ceremonies starting from $659.

    The number of couples choosing to celebrate their love with a Registry wedding each year is steadily rising, with 2024’s figure a 32 per cent increase on the 2500 registry weddings held in 2023.

    To find out more or to book your own dream wedding, visit the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages web page.

    Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib said:

    “Love is in the air today as we celebrate 40 couples exchanging their vows right here in this beautiful setting at the Sydney Opera House.

    “The NSW Government is working to ease cost-of-living pressures, offering couples the chance to marry at an iconic location like the Opera House for a fraction of the cost of a typical wedding.

    “Congratulations to all the couples getting married on Valentine’s Day, I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness together.”

    Registrar for NSW Births, Deaths & Marriages, Theresa Fairman said:

    “While Valentine’s Day is hugely popular, our Pyrmont and Wollongong venues offer stunning, budget friendly options all year round.

    “The demand for our ceremonies shows that couples are choosing the Registry for a memorable and unique wedding experience.”

    MIL OSI News –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Key investment priorities for the Energy Security Corporation

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Key investment priorities for the Energy Security Corporation

    Published: 14 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Energy and Climate Change

    The Minns Labor Government has announced the Energy Security Corporation’s first Investment Mandate, which outlines how the corporation will co-invest with the private sector in renewable energy projects for our state.

    The Energy Security Corporation is seeded with $1 billion to help build a more reliable energy system. It will work with the private sector to plug investment gaps in the market, ensuring NSW homes and businesses can enjoy the benefits of renewable energy.

    The key priorities for investment include short to long-duration storage projects that capture excess renewable energy, to maximise use of electricity generated from solar and wind.

    It will also cover projects that will upgrade infrastructure to ensure smooth operation of the grid coordinate and consumer energy resources in households, businesses and the community (such as virtual power plants).

    The Investment Mandate is a key milestone in establishing the Energy Security Corporation, allowing it to begin investigating investment opportunities throughout NSW.

    Mr Paul Peters has been appointed as interim Chief Executive Officer to kick-off the Energy Security Corporation’s activities. Mr Peters brings significant experience in investment and financing, as well as developing energy and infrastructure assets and industrial decarbonisation projects.

    The NSW Government will shortly appoint the inaugural Board.

    Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe:

    “NSW will invest $1 billion in critical projects to deliver more affordable, clean and reliable energy to homes and businesses across the state.

    “After a decade of privatisation, the Energy Security Corporation gives the people of NSW the chance to invest in their energy system.

    “I congratulate Mr Peters on his appointment, and I am looking forward to the Energy Security Corporation supporting projects throughout NSW.”

    Further information:

    The Energy Security Corporation will co-invest with the private sector on energy storage projects such as:

    • Large-scale batteries

    Large-scale batteries store surplus energy generated by renewable sources like wind and solar, and release it when renewable generation is low or when demand for energy peaks.

    • Community batteries

    A community battery is a shared battery installed in a central location within a neighbourhood that can store excess solar energy generated from homes in a community.

    The stored energy can then be shared with other homes in the community when demand is high, like in the evening or when its cloudy.

    • Pumped hydro

    Hydro energy uses the force of moving water to create electricity. Hydro energy is capable of rapidly providing power on-demand, to supply electricity to consumers when it is needed.

    • Virtual Power Plant (VPP)

    A Virtual Power Plant is a network that can connect your rooftop solar and battery to other participating homes and coordinate them, allowing them to work together.

    This means that if there’s a shortage of energy supply in the grid, the virtual power plant can draw on the collective energy to fill the gap. This can earn participating homes a profit from their excess energy.

    Many small projects, when connected and coordinated, can be as impactful as a whole power station.

    MIL OSI News –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Violent Bridgeport Gang Member Sentenced to More Than 22 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KEISHAWN DONALD, 23, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 270 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his involvement in a violent Bridgeport street gang and his murder of a rival gang member in 2018. 

    Today’s announcement by Marc. H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.

    According to court documents, statements made in court, and the evidence presented during a month-long trial, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence.  Donald has been a member of the “East End gang,” which began as a local street gang based in the East End of Bridgeport, but currently has members and associates who are either incarcerated or living throughout Bridgeport and surrounding towns.  The East End gang has been aligned with other groups, including the PT Barnum Gang, the East Side gang and 150, which is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport.  These groups were aligned against rival organizations in Bridgeport, including the “Original North End” (“O.N.E.”) and the “Greene Homes Boyz,” (“GHB/Hotz”), based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End.

    Due to the level of gun violence Bridgeport was experiencing, the investigation commenced shortly before East End members shot and killed Myreke Kenion and shot and attempted to kill D’Andre Brown, both members and associates of the GHB/Hotz gang, on January 26, 2020.  The next day, in retaliation for these shootings, GHB/Hotz and O.N.E. members attempted to kill East End gang members and associates in a brazen afternoon shooting in front of a state courthouse on Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport that resulted in four victims being shot while sitting inside a car.

    Donald and other East End members distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; used and shared firearms; and committed at least six murders and other acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals.  East End members celebrated their criminal conduct on social media websites such as Facebook and YouTube, and committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities.

    On January 30, 2018, Donald shot and killed Eric Heard, also known as “Fetti,” a member and associate of the GHB/Hotz gang.  On October 17, 2019, Donald and others attempted to kill Joshua Gilbert, a member and associate of the O.N.E. gang, in a drive-by shooting.

    On December 5, 2023, a jury found Donald and three associates guilty of conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity.

    Donald has been detained since October 17, 2019, when he was arrested on state charges after being found with a firearm shortly after the attempted murder of Joshua Gilbert.

    Approximately 47 members and associates of the East End, O.N.E. and the GHB/Hotz gangs have been convicted of federal offenses stemming from this investigation, which has and solved eight murders and approximately 20 attempted murders.

    This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department.  These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Stephanie T. Levick, and Karen L. Peck.

    This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

    PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

    Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities.  Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.  If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.

    OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: South Coast Build to Rent homes construction to start

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 14 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

    Landcom’s build to rent project on the South Coast will start construction in the coming months to deliver much needed housing supply and security for the region’s renters.

    The NSW Government developer Landcom has signed with Ulladulla based Zauner Construction Pty Ltd to deliver the construction of 60 new homes in Bomaderry.

    The 48 new homes will be provided at market rates for long term rental, with the remaining twelve set aside for affordable housing for households on low to moderate incomes.

    The building will demonstrate best practice sustainable design to maximise energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and provide a healthy environment for residents with fresh air and natural light.

    There will be a mix of apartment sizes to suit the needs, lifestyles and budgets of the local community.  Future residents will be close to Bomaderry railway station and have easy access to shops, open space and other amenities.

    Construction will take around 18 months with new residents expected to move in by late 2026.

    This week the NSW Government announced Landcom’s plans to transform the former WestConnex dive site at Camperdown into 500 new apartments including 200 Build to Rent apartments with discounted rents for essential workers like nurses, paramedics, teachers, police officers and firefighters.

    Landcom is also leading the development of 50 new apartments in the NSW Northern Rivers as part of its Build to Rent Program in regional NSW.

    For more information about the project visit Landcom: Bomaderry | Landcom

    Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

    “Landcom was formed by the Wran Labor Government and under a Minns Labor Government we are seeing a new level of investment and is supporting the delivery of new homes.

    “From the regions to our city centres, the NSW Government is getting on with the job of delivering more affordable, well-built and connected homes to those that need it.

    “The Minns Labor Government’s program is boosting housing supply in areas where we know people are struggling with the rising cost of rent.

    “This will provide a boost to jobs and the local economy in the Shoalhaven region.”

    Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

    “The injection of housing is welcome news and will be of great benefit to many families in the area. It is developments such as this that has been the missing link for Bomaderry and the South Coast.

    “Long term, secure rental housing is important now, more than ever. I am proud to be part of the Minns Labor Government that is taking action to address the housing crisis in NSW.”

    Duty MLC for Kiama Sarah Kaine MLC said:

    “This is a great development, backed by responsible investment of government money, to boost housing supply, and tackle the housing crisis head on.

    “It’s great to be part of a Government that is investing in affordable housing in our regional communitites and supporting local jobs.

    MIL OSI News –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Thousands of Central Coast first home buyers in their happy places thanks to stamp duty leg up

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 14 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for the Central Coast, Minister for the Hunter

    More than 2,000 first home buyers have found their dream home on the Central Coast thanks to the Minns Labor Government’s signature stamp duty assistance program.

    The 2,145 new homeowners on the Central Coast have saved a combined $47.6 million in stamp duty since July 2023.

    The popular initiative has seen first home buyers across the Coast save an average of $22,185, significantly easing the pressure for people saving for a deposit.

    The First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme provides a full exemption from stamp duty for eligible buyers purchasing up to $800,000, and a concession for purchases between $800,000 and $1 million.

    In Gosford, 628 buyers have saved a combined $13.5 million, while 522 new home owners in Wyong saved $11.3 million.

    In The Entrance, 307 buyers shared in $6.9 million in savings, and 65 buyers at Avoca Beach benefited by $1.3 million.

    Statewide, total savings for more than 50,000 first home buyers across NSW have topped $1 billion.

    The 50,000 families milestone coincides with the release of a helpful dashboard detailing the program’s impact suburb-by-suburb.

    The First Home Buyers Assistance Dashboard also provides program statistics Central Coast wide – as it does for every Local Government Area and regional classification in the state. It will be updated regularly and can be viewed here: First home buyers assistance dashboard | Revenue NSW

    First home buyers can learn more about the program and calculate their potential stamp duty savings here: First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme – how to apply | NSW Government

    This program is just one part of a suite of reforms from the Minns Government to help address the housing crisis and ease cost of living pressures.

    This includes sweeping reforms of the planning system to deliver more housing, including establishing the Housing Delivery Authority to speed up approvals.

    Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

    “This Minns Government program is fantastic news for the more than 2,000 families, couples and singles able to get into their first home sooner in our beautiful region.

    “The more than $22,000 in average savings per homeowner is making a big difference for people saving up for a deposit.

    “Home is where the heart is, and there’s nothing better for Coasties to have a place to call their own in a region they love.”

    Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:

    “Buying your first home is a major achievement and I’m thrilled the Minns Labor Government is helping so many first home buyers reach this milestone.

    “Our community is a great place to live, work and play and this scheme is allowing people to build their dream life in one of the best places in NSW.”

    Member for The Entrance David Mehan said:

    “The Minns Labor Government’s stamp duty assistance program is making home ownership more accessible, providing real relief for local families entering the housing market.

    “It’s great to see that local residents are benefiting from this fantastic initiative” 

    Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

    “With over 628 first home buyers in Gosford alone saving a combined $13.5 million dollars under this scheme, the Minns Labor Government is ensuring that families across NSW can achieve their dream of home ownership.

    “I want the students that I taught to be able to make a home on the Central Coast, not be forced to leave their hometowns because they can’t afford a deposit to get into the housing market.

    “This program is making home ownership a reality again for thousands of Coasties.”

    MIL OSI News –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brazilian National Pleads Guilty to Perjury

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant convicted of murder, attempted murder and physical and mental torture by Brazilian authorities for his involvement in “The Slaughter of Curió” in 2015

    BOSTON – A Brazilian national residing in Malden, Mass. has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston for lying on his asylum application and at an immigration hearing. Upon applying for a U.S. Visa, the defendant never disclosed his arrest in a case involving the murders of 11 people, mostly teenagers, in Brazil in retaliation for the death of a police officer, an incident known as The Slaughter of Curió.

    Antonio Jose De Abreu Vidal Filho, 31, pleaded guilty to two counts of perjury before U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper who scheduled sentencing for Mau 29, 2025. In May 2024, De Abreu was indicted by a federal grand jury.

    In April 2014, De Abreu joined the Ceara State Military Police – Brazilian state forces who, under the governor, do first line policing on the street. In the early morning hours of Nov. 12, 2015, numerous Brazilian military police officers employed by the government of the Brazilian state of Ceará, including De Abreu, participated in a mass killing event of primarily young people from the impoverished neighborhoods of Barroso, Messejana, Guajeru, Curió and Lagoa Redonda in the capital of Ceará.

    The killings were in retaliation for the death of another police officer who was attempting to defend his wife who was being assaulted. In total, 11 people, mostly teenagers, were murdered and many others seriously injured and tortured. This incident has come to be known as A Chacina do Curió or The Slaughter of Curió or The Curió Massacre. A total of 45 individuals, including De Abreu, were charged by the Brazilian authorities and, on Aug. 31, 2016, De Abreu was arrested and detained by the Brazilian police. He was subsequently released pending trial on May 24, 2017.  

    Two weeks later, on June 9, 2017, while in Recife, Brazil, De Abreu applied for a United States non-immigrant B2 visitor visa. When asked whether he had ever been arrested or convicted for any offense or crime, De Abreu responded “no.” Thereafter, on or about June 21, 2017, the United States Department of State approved De Abreu’s Visa Application and issued him the B2 Visa based upon his false representations. De Abreu used the B2 Visa and travelled to Miami on May 30, 2018.

    Between May 30, 2018 through Aug. 14, 2023, as a result of the approval of his Visa Application, De Abreu obtained various state driver’s licenses, a social security card, travel documents and authorizations for employment.  

    De Abreu applied for asylum on Jan. 29, 2020, and lied when asked whether he had ever been accused, charged, arrested, detained, interrogated and imprisoned in any country other than the United States. He also failed to disclose his arrest and detention in Brazil when he applied for adjustment of status with United States Citizenship and Immigration Service.

    On June 25, 2023, De Abreu was convicted of 11 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder and four counts of physical and mental torture in the First Court of Fortaleza, Ceará. That same day, De Abreu was sentenced to 275 years and 11 months in prison and an arrest warrant issued.

    On Feb. 9, 2024, De Abreu testified under oath at an immigration hearing conducted by U.S. Immigration Court, falsely claiming that he had never lied to immigration officials and that the only reason he had left off important information on immigration documents filed with the United States government was because he had not yet been arrested.

    The charge of misuse of visas, permits and other documents provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of perjury provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of falsifying, concealing and covering up a material fact provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol,  Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Bradley Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; Mathew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; and Denis C. Riordan, District Director of the Fraud Detection and National Security Division of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. This matter was investigated with the assistance of the United States Interagency Human Rights Violators & War Crimes Center. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura J. Kaplan of the National Security Unit is prosecuting the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Haverhill Man Pleads Guilty to Fraudulent Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Claim for Brazilian Resident

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Haverhill man has pleaded guilty to making false statements in connection with a Massachusetts Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claim he submitted in 2020 on behalf of a man who was living in Brazil at the time, and therefore ineligible to receive PUA benefits.

    Julio Roncaly Morais, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of false statements before U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs who scheduled sentencing for May 28, 2025. In June 2024, Morias was indicted by a federal grand jury.

    Morais filed a Massachusetts PUA claim on June 3, 2020, on behalf of a co-conspirator who was living in Brazil before and after the PUA claim was filed. In the PUA application, Morais certified under penalty of perjury that the co-conspirator was a resident of Massachusetts and was able and available to work in Massachusetts but was unable to due to the pandemic. As a result of this claim, the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance paid a total of $5,202 in benefits before suspending payments.  

    The charge of false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in charge for the Homeland Security Investigations New England Field Office; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Fraud Detection and National Security and the Woburn and Norwood Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly Begg Lawrence, James D. Herbert and Samuel R. Feldman of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 14, 2025
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