Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
This photo taken on June 13, 2025 shows buildings damaged during Israeli strikes in Tehran, Iran. [Photo/Xinhua]
Iran’s Health Ministry spokesman Hossein Kermanpour said on Sunday that 244 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on Iran over the past 65 hours.
In a post on the social media platform X, Kermanpour noted that women and children were among the dead, and that 1,277 people had been hospitalized.
He added that that over 90 percent of the casualties were civilians.
Early Friday, Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran and several other cities across Iran, killing a number of the country’s top military commanders and nuclear scientists. The strikes continued across various parts of Iran on Saturday and Sunday.
In response, Iran has launched missile attacks on multiple targets in Israel since Friday, causing casualties and significant damage.
The Government’s shameful attack on the rights of women workers just got more brazen with its plan to cut back sick leave entitlements for part-time workers.
“Many of our members work in female dominated professions like care and support, and many are part-time workers, so once again we see the Government’s priorities laid bare – it doesn’t care about underpaid and part-time women workers,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“This latest attack on women comes just six weeks after the Government ripped up the pay equity rules, depriving 150,000 women of the pay they deserve and making it harder to lodge claims in the future.
“It doesn’t matter if you are full time, or part-time, sick leave is there for a purpose, to ensure you are well enough to go back to work and be productive.
“The Government talks a lot about growing the economy and increasing productivity – cutting back sick leave will do just the opposite, unwell people infect colleagues, make errors and are less productive.”
Studies show even now too many people are pushing through sickness by staying at work when unwell or returning too soon, costing employers billions –see NZ Health Group report.
“Workers need to take sick leave for as long as it takes to get well.
“We know it’s women that tend to take more time off to care for sick children, so these changes just make their life more challenging.
“Every day, in a different way, this government is chipping away at workers’ rights.
“Do Ministers just sit around all day dreaming up new ways to make the life of working women harder? It certainly seems so.
“The cuts to sick leave are yet another sad indictment of a government out of touch with the needs of working people and their families.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahiis Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 14/06/2025 – Joint media release
The ACT Government is investing in more than $15 million over four years in wide-ranging suburban infrastructure projects in central Canberra, including improved access to health services, better community facilities, more travel options, upgrades for local shops, and better services locals rely on every day.
This investment is part of the ACT Government’s commitment to renew our city, with upgrades that support growing neighbourhoods, better connect local communities, and make Canberra more inclusive and vibrant.
2025-26 Budget initiatives in central Canberra include:
Shop and local centre improvements:
Upgrades at the Griffith local shops
Better public amenities:
New toilet facilities at Red Hill and Downer shops.
Sport and recreation upgrades:
Griffith, Ainslie and Reid will benefit from female-friendly changeroom upgrades, part of Territory-wide investment in inclusive sports facilities.
Upgrades to community infrastructure and public spaces:
An inner south dog park feasibility study
Improvements to footpaths including City Walk lighting upgrades to improve safety and visibility.
Stormwater upgrades at Dickson Shops.
Concept design masterplan to renew the City Hill park.
Also in central Canberra we are improving access to local healthcare options with a new Health Centre for the Inner South in Griffith, as part of our Territory-wide investment into local community health
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the investments will deliver practical improvements in areas residents use and value most.
“Central Canberra is home to some of our most utilised cultural, civic and retail spaces,” the Chief Minister said.
“This Budget invests in safer, more accessible streets, better public spaces and renewed community infrastructure, making it easier to enjoy everything our city centre and nearby neighbourhoods have to offer.”
Treasurer Chris Steel said the 2025–26 ACT Budget reflects Labor’s values and priorities.
“We are investing in infrastructure that supports daily life, better footpaths and lighting, improved shopping precincts and safer crossings, while also planning for the city’s long-term growth,” Minister Steel said.
“These are projects that support local jobs, enhance liveability, and help create a more connected Canberra.”
The ACT Government is also investing in planning and feasibility work to support the delivery of a new Health Centre in Griffith.
“We’re committed to delivering high-quality, accessible health services close to home for all Canberrans,” said Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith.
“The new facility in Griffith will help meet the growing health needs of Inner South residents, and this Budget takes the next step by progressing the planning work needed.”
“We are supporting a progressive, lively, and equitable Canberra, where residents have access to the services they need. As a local Member for Kurrajong, I am looking forward to seeing this work completed.”
At the United Nations Ocean Conference 2025 (UNOC)1 in Nice, held to mark World Oceans Day on June 8, Samsung Electronics hosted a premiere event for “Coral in Focus,” a new documentary that brings the global coral crisis into sharp relief. The event, held at Ocean House, featured a screening of the film followed by a panel discussion with leading voices in marine science, conservation and technology.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Quentin van den Bossche, “Coral in Focus” follows scientists, engineers and local conservationists as they confront the urgent threats facing coral reefs — ecosystems that support up to a billion people and a quarter of all marine life. This work is part of a broader effort announced at Galaxy Unpacked in January 2025, where Samsung unveiled its partnership with Seatrees to support the restoration of coastal ecosystems with communities in Fiji, Indonesia and the United States, leveraging Galaxy camera technology to document and aid in the recovery of marine environments.
The documentary spotlights the urgent threats facing coral reefs and showcases how innovative technology and global collaboration can drive meaningful impact for marine ecosystems.
A Crisis Hidden Beneath the Surface
As ocean temperatures shattered records, more than 80% of the world’s reefs have suffered from mass bleaching. When corals bleach, they lose not just their color but their lifeblood — the algae that feed them. This crisis, largely invisible to the public, threatens biodiversity, food security and coastal resilience. Long-term climate action is crucial to safeguarding coral reefs, while short-term restoration efforts — informed and supported by innovative technology — can help them withstand rising ocean temperatures.
A Galaxy Smartphone That Sees Beneath the Waves
Samsung collaborated with Seatrees, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring marine ecosystems, and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, a global leader in reef research, to pioneer a new frontier in coral restoration by exploring new, innovative solutions. Ocean Mode,2 a specialized camera feature created specifically for this partnership, was developed, introduced and validated in real-world conditions in Indonesia and Fiji. This process has created a credible foundation for broader scientific use while improving the overall accessibility of this new technology.
By enabling more scientists, conservationists and even citizen scientists with the ability to photograph, map and monitor reefs, Ocean Mode can help restoration efforts scale, and make it possible for anyone to protect more reefs, in more places, with greater impact.
Innovation With Measurable Impact
Ocean Mode transforms the Galaxy S24 Ultra into a mobile marine research tool, enabling vivid, high-resolution image capture even in challenging underwater conditions. It corrects the excessive blue and green hues typical of underwater photography, allowing for a more accurate representation of coral health and diversity.
The camera adjusts shutter speed and leverages multi-frame image processing to reduce motion blur caused by water movement or diver activity, ensuring sharp, detailed images. With its interval shooting capability, the device can automatically capture thousands of images in a single dive, dramatically improving both efficiency and consistency. These images can then be used to generate 3D models of coral reefs using technology known as photogrammetry, giving researchers a powerful way to visualize and study the drivers of the structure and health of reefs over time.
Over the past year, the project has delivered extraordinary results. With these coral restoration initiatives, 17 3D models of coral reefs have been made with the help of scientists and Samsung to analyze the impact of coral restoration efforts and validate the precision of Galaxy devices for photogrammetry. In total, Seatrees project partners planted more than 14,046 coral fragments to restore 10,705 square meters of coral reef habitat.
A Premiere With Purpose
The “Coral in Focus” premiere at Ocean House, in partnership with Project Everyone, brought together scientists, storytellers and sustainability leaders for a powerful conversation on the role that technology and global collaboration play in the future of coral reefs.
▲ (From left) Alex Heath, Cassie Smith, Dr. Daniel Wangpraseurt, Michael Stewart and Quentin van den Bossche
▲ “Ocean Mode became its own character in the documentary,” said Quentin van den Bossche, director of “Coral in Focus.” “This helped us illustrate some of the complex, specific challenges that reef conservationists encounter. And showing the difference between photos taken with and without Ocean Mode helped ground the technology in something visual and even emotional. This is where the impact of partnerships among companies, research institutes and nonprofits truly comes to life.”
▲ Michael Stewart, co-founder of Seatrees, holds a Galaxy S24 Ultra to show Ocean Mode Year 1 impact metrics — about 14,046 coral fragments planted across three restoration sites.
“A key focus of the coral restoration efforts is being able to monitor what’s working and what’s not. And that starts with capturing high-quality images of our supported reefs,” said Michael Stewart, co-founder of Seatrees. “Our local partners have really appreciated Ocean Mode because it has improved their ability to capture higher-quality images with Galaxy phones to make the 3D models created by the scientists at Scripps more accurate.”
“Mobile technology is a powerful way to connect communities with ecosystems they may never physically encounter but are deeply tied to through climate, biodiversity and cultural heritage,” said Daniel Wangpraseurt, Ph.D., associate research scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. “Smartphones are now capable of taking high-resolution imagery to help generate more accurate 3D models. They also hold unique potential to increase the pace at which we share this information with people around the world who may never get to experience a coral reef themselves.”
▲ “Through our partnership with Seatrees, we saw how Galaxy technology could play a role not just in responsible sourcing but in supporting coral reef restoration,” said Cassie Smith, Senior Manager, Corporate Sustainability and U.S. Public Affairs at Samsung Electronics America. “The documentary tells that story beautifully — showing what happens when like-minded partners, engineers, scientists and local communities come together with shared purpose and the right tools.”
▲ Attendees of the “Coral in Focus” documentary premiere included Swati Thiyagarajan, award-winning documentary filmmaker, environmental journalist with the Sea Change Project and associate producer and production manager of the Academy Award-winning “My Octopus Teacher”; Titouan Bernicot, founder and CEO of Coral Gardeners and National Geographic Explorer; and Beverly Camhe, writer, producer and entertainment executive.
“It’s essential for the private sector to be involved and help get impactful solutions off the ground,” said Lefteris Arapakis, co-founder of Enaleia. “We need all parties working together to protect and scale ocean conservation efforts. I’m especially excited about Ocean Mode — tools like this make our work more efficient and help us create greater impact.”
“It was a beautiful film, and I love how it left us with a sense of hope and something we could do about the problem,” said Dana Habib, associate at the Institute for Integrated Transitions.
▲ Panelists and attendees discuss the “Coral in Focus” film and project.
The discussion was moderated by Alex Heath, Managing Director, U.S. Head of Social Impact & Sustainability at Edelman. The event also featured 3D reef models generated from photogrammetry data created with Galaxy S24 Ultras used in the field.
Exploring Ocean Conservation at UNOC
In addition to the premiere of “Coral in Focus,” Samsung representatives spoke on two panels hosted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO-IOC) at the UNESCO-IOC “Beyond Borders: Ocean Futures” pavilion. First, Generation17 Young Leader José Francisco Ochoa spoke about the importance of digital technology and community partnership during the panel “Showcasing the Diversity of Ocean Literacy Practices Around the World,” where he shared insights on how Generation17 elevates his work to advance ocean literacy.
Samsung also participated in a panel discussion titled “The Role of Corals in Unlocking the Secrets of Biodiversity,” highlighting its commitment to marine conservation. Cassie Smith, Senior Manager of Corporate Sustainability and U.S. Public Affairs at Samsung Electronics, presented how Galaxy technology, including Ocean Mode, serves as a tool to support marine ecosystem protection through environmental monitoring, data collection and community engagement. The panel was part of a full day of programming held during UNOC that promotes ocean literacy and awareness of ocean preservation.
A Continued Commitment to Ocean Health
The collaboration with Seatrees builds on Samsung’s broader commitment to ocean health. Since 2022, the company has incorporated over 150 tonnes of recycled fishing nets into Galaxy devices. Now, with Ocean Mode, Samsung is redefining the role of mobile technology in climate action — expanding research capabilities, raising awareness and making the invisible visible.
To watch the full documentary and access more information about the initiative, visit the Samsung x Seatrees partnership landing page.
1 Held every three to five years, UNOC serves as a global platform uniting governments, scientists, businesses and civil society to promote ocean action and implement Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. The 2025 conference in Nice emphasizes scaling science-based solutions to protect marine ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future for the world’s oceans.
2 Ocean Mode was exclusively developed for this project and is only available to participating partners.
Auckland Council and NZ Police have signed a memorandum of understanding, cementing and enhancing the two organisations’ commitment to continue working together, now and for years to come, to keep Tāmaki Makaurau safe.
Phil Wilson, chief executive of Auckland Council, says he’s extremely pleased the council and police have formalised their working relationship through the memorandum.
“Auckland Council and NZ Police have had a healthy and effective working relationship for many years, which ultimately benefits Aucklanders.
“The memorandum of understanding cements the relationship and is a touchstone from which the council and police can continue to carry out the important mahi of keeping Aucklanders and visitors safe,” says Mr Wilson.
“The council owns and maintains a significant number of public spaces and public facilities in Auckland such as our streets, community halls, swimming pools and the regional and local parks network.
“Council teams work with police every day to keep these facilities and the community safe, and look after Auckland’s most vulnerable people. I’m especially proud of our efforts in the area of community safety – including our city centre.
Tāmaki Makaurau is a key contributor to New Zealand’s economy – in fact it contributes nearly 40% of GDP.
“Economic growth depends, in part, on law and order,” says Mr Wilson.
“In recent years Auckland has seen a raft of community safety issues such as ram raids, aggravated robberies and retail crime come to the fore with the public. These are complex issues that impact the whole region which no one organisation can effectively deal with alone.
“The newly enhanced council-police relationship will strengthen coordination between the two organisations and together, with Aucklanders’ help, we can continue to address concerns around safety around the region.”
Representatives of Auckland Council and the police met on 13 June, to sign the memorandum, that stipulates its purpose is to “promote a collaborative working relationship between the parties based on good-will and co-operation.”
It’s goes on to read: “It intends to support the parties to work together on areas of common interest to achieve agreed outcomes.”
Acting Deputy Commissioner, Northern Region Jill Rogers says NZ Police look forward to continuing the good work they do in partnership with Auckland Council.
“We have seen a decrease in the offending we experienced a couple of years ago. There has been a concerted and coordinated approach undertaken by Police and Council to address these concerns. Much has been made public about increased visibility and focussing on disorder and theft related crime. This partnership continues under a formal accord in the form of this MOU.”
Auckland Council has a range of regulatory enforcement responsibilities across Auckland under the following legislation and bylaws: Resource Management Act, Building Act, Dog Control Act, Food Act, Health Act, Litter Act, Biosecurity Act, Local Government Act, Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw and the Animal Management Bylaw.
The police have responsibilities through the Policing Act across New Zealand, including Auckland. Key functions of the police include maintaining public safety, enforcing the law, preventing crime, supporting and reassuring the community and managing emergencies.
The council and police have agreed to review the memorandum of understanding within the next five years.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On June 15, the airport celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Dear friends!
I congratulate you on the anniversary of Mineralnye Vody International Airport – the 100th anniversary of its foundation.
Over the course of a century, the airport has been developing dynamically and today is the largest in the south of Russia, has an important strategic and socio-economic significance. Thanks to air connections with the regions of the country, foreign countries, transport accessibility is improving, trade relations and business ties are strengthening, promising opportunities for business are emerging, and the tourism potential of the North Caucasus is growing. Every year, the geography of flights is expanding, new destinations are opening, and the infrastructure is being modernized.
All these achievements are the result of the coordinated and professional work of the company’s team. You ensure the safety and comfort of passengers, implement modern technologies, improve the quality and level of services provided.
I wish the employees and veterans of the Mineralnye Vody International Airport further success. Health and well-being to you and your loved ones.
M. Mishustin
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
InvestHK promotes Hong Kong’s biotech edge at BIO International Convention 2025 A delegation of 16 Hong Kong life science and health technology companies will be joining InvestHK and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) to the BIO International Convention 2025, the world’s premier biotechnology event, running June 16 to 19 (Boston time) at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. This joint effort underscores the strong partnership between InvestHK and the HKSTP to promote Hong Kong’s vibrant biotech ecosystem on a global stage.
At the Hong Kong pavilion, the delegation will showcase the city’s unrivalled advantages and opportunities for American biotech companies seeking to expand into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Asia Pacific. InvestHK will connect with global industry pioneers, sharing insights and forging partnerships to spotlight Hong Kong’s strategic strengths as a biotech powerhouse. Through dynamic presentations, one-on-one discussions, and interactive showcases, InvestHK will highlight the city’s cutting-edge ecosystem, which is tailored to empower American biotech firms to thrive in Asia’s fast-growing markets.
Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Charles Ng said, “Amid a climate of global economic uncertainty and unprecedented challenges, businesses are increasingly focused on resilience, diversification, and innovation. Hong Kong, as a global biotech hub and one of the world’s leading fundraising hubs for life science and biotech, offers unique advantages for American biotechnology companies. These include a top-tier academic research and talent pool, world-class research and development infrastructure, financial strength, robust intellectual property protection, high-quality clinical trial data and strong government commitment. All these make Hong Kong an ideal location for establishing a regional headquarters to expand into the GBA and Asia-Pacific region.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the HKSTP, Mr Albert Wong, said, “The United States is the world’s largest healthcare market. For technology companies to succeed in the US market, it is essential to understand how the local healthcare system operates and effectively communicates the unique value of their R&D capabilities to investors. The goal of this visit goes beyond seeking immediate investment – it is also about building long-term bridges between innovation ecosystems; offering a globally connected environment to exchange ideas, collaborate and scale. I expect the delegation will begin to see tangible results within the next 12 to 18 months.”
Hong Kong’s biotech sector is driven by innovations such as smart hospitals and telehealth, addressing rising healthcare demands with sustainable solutions. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is enhancing the city’s capabilities through the establishment of the InnoLife Healthtech Hub in the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park. The 2024 Policy Address also introduced a HK$10 billion I&T Industry-Oriented Fund to channel investment into strategic industries, including life and health technology.
The GBA presents significant opportunities for American biotech firms. Designated GBA healthcare institutions can utilise Hong Kong-registered drugs and medical devices approved for public hospitals, with 51 drugs and 63 medical devices having been allowed by the Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration as of April 30, 2025. Additionally, the Listing Rules reform by the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited has positioned it as a leading exchange for biotech initial public offerings, enabling pre-revenue biotech companies to list on the main board and access robust capital markets.
InvestHK has seen strong momentum in attracting innovation and technology (I&T) companies to establish or expand their presence in the city. In 2024, the number of I&T companies assisted by InvestHK rose to 120, up from 82 in 2023, making it the top-performing sector among all sectors supported by the department. This growth reflects both the increasing global confidence in Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem and the city’s strategic role as a springboard for I&T businesses looking to access Mainland China and Asia-Pacific markets.
The BIO International Convention 2025 unites over 20 000 global industry leaders, representing virtually the entire biotechnology ecosystem. In an era of transformative discovery, biotechnology is revolutionising healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability, offering hope and solutions to global challenges. Issued at HKT 10:00
What you need to know: President Trump’s illegal military deployment impacts firefighting resources already seeing cuts by the U.S. Forest Service.
SACRAMENTO – With the risk of catastrophic wildfire on the rise as peak fire season sets in across California, the state’s firefighting and prevention resources are facing new strain resulting from President Trump’s actions.
President Trump’s illegal militarization of Los Angeles is cutting into valuable firefighting resources. As a federal judge noted yesterday in ruling that President Trump’s actions are illegal and should be halted, five of California’s 14 National Guard fire crews – who staff Joint Task Force Rattlesnake – are now understaffed due to the federalization and diversion of 300 California National Guard (CalGuard) soldiers from those crews to armories in the Los Angeles region. That represents three-quarters of CalGuard’s fire response and prevention resources.
Trump is endangering communities across California. He’s pulling National Guard members off of critical wildfire prevention and response missions for his political stunt in Los Angeles. And this is on top of his dangerous cuts to the Forest Service.
It’s critical that Trump heeds his own advice: restore funding to the Forest Service, support federal firefighters and Make America Rake Again.
Governor Gavin Newsom
The National Guard impact is on top of the Trump administration’s dangerous cuts to the U.S. Forest Service, which also threatens the safety of communities across the state. The U.S. Forest Service has lost 10% of all positions and 25% of positions outside of direct wildfire response – both of which are likely to impact wildfire response this year. The cuts come as the President issued an executive order yesterday on wildfire response – another order that rings hollow given the President’s actions.
“In just the first five months of 2025 California has experienced more than 2,300 wildfires,” said CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler. “Having the necessary firefighting apparatus and personnel is critical to our mission at CAL FIRE.”
Trump cuts to the U.S. Forest Service
The California Natural Resources Agency recently outlined impacts of President Trump’s cuts to the U.S. Forest Service: “State agencies in California are concerned that these cuts could jeopardize our nation-leading wildfire response capability, and result in a shift in emphasis from protecting communities to generating revenue from National Forests within the state.”
More staffing losses ahead: The USFS has already lost 10% of all positions and 25% of positions outside of direct wildfire suppression, and a reorganization proposal to be announced soon is likely to include significant additional reductions.
Suppression operations will likely suffer: The USFS claims that federal suppression resources are in good shape, but the reality is that deep cuts in related logistical staff are likely to have a major impact on fire operations.
Weather forecasts will be hampered: National Weather Service cuts will reduce the availability of meteorologists for incident support, briefings, and overall coverage. CAL FIRE relies on NWS meteorologists for weather predictions, intelligence, and briefings on all major incidents.
Timber targets may shift emphasis away from wildfire resilience: To generate more revenue from National Forests, the USFS is proposing to increase timber sales by 25% over five years. But because there is a mismatch between areas with high potential for timber sales (found at roughly 6,000-8,000 feet elevation) and areas most at risk from wildfire (1,000-4,000 feet elevation, including the Sierra Nevada and Southern California foothills), this could shift the focus of federal agencies away from protecting the state’s most vulnerable communities.
State, private, and tribal grants programs proposed to be eliminated: The President’s proposed budget eliminates annual block grants to the states to support state, private landowner, tribal, and urban forestry programs. This will have a small impact in California, but will have dramatic impact on other Western states that are highly dependent on federal funding to support their wildfire resilience programs.
Regional offices could be combined or eliminated: The Pacific Southwest Regional Office in Vallejo is currently largely vacant, with senior leadership positions no longer there. The office is considered likely to be eliminated as part of the reorganization.
Key scientific data will be lost and researchers laid off: The President’s proposed budget eliminates all USFS Research Stations and key scientific data to better design, implement, and assess the benefits of projects is being removed and will be unlikely to remain available.
California’s unprecedented wildfire readiness
As part of the state’s ongoing investment in wildfire resilience and emergency response, CAL FIRE has significantly expanded its workforce over the past five years by adding an average of 1,800 full-time and 600 seasonal positions annually – nearly double that from the previous administration. Over the next four years and beyond, CAL FIRE will be hiring thousands of additional firefighters, natural resource professionals, and support personnel to meet the state’s growing demands.
Late last month, the Governor announced $72 million for projects across the state that help reduce catastrophic wildfire risk. Additionally,16 new vegetation management and community protection projects spanning more than 7,000 acres have already been approved for fast-tracking under the Governor’s new streamlining initiative.
This builds on consecutive years of intensive and focused work by California to confront the severe ongoing risk of catastrophic wildfires, and Governor Newsom’s emergency proclamation signed in March to fast-track forest and vegetation management projects throughout the state. Additionally, to bolster the state’s ability to respond to fires, Governor Newsom announced last week that the state’s second C-130 Hercules airtanker is ready for firefighting operations, adding to the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world.
New, bold moves to streamline state-level regulatory processes builds long-term efforts already underway in California to increase wildfire response and forest management in the face of a hotter, drier climate. A full list of California’s progress on wildfire resilience is available here.
Highlights of achievements to date include:
Historic investments — Overall, the state has more than doubled investments in wildfire prevention and landscape resilience efforts, providing more than $2.5 billion in wildfire resilience since 2020, with an additional $1.5 billion to be allocated from the 2024 Climate Bond.
On-the-ground progress — More than 2,200 landscape health and fire prevention projects are complete or underway, and from 2021-2023, the State and its partners treated nearly 1.9 million acres, including nearly 730,000 acres in 2023.
Increasing transparency — The Governor’s Task Force launched an Interagency Treatment Dashboard to display wildfire resilience work across federal, state, local, and privately managed lands across the State. The Dashboard, launched in 2023, provides transparency, tracks progress, facilitates planning, and informs firefighting efforts.
Hardening communities — Adding to California’s nation-leading fire safety standards, Governor Newsom signed an executive order to further improve community hardening and wildfire mitigation strategies to neighborhood resilience statewide. Since 2019, CAL FIRE has awarded more than $450 million for 450 wildfire prevention projects across the state and conducts Defensible Space Inspections on more than 250,000 homes each year.
Leveraging cutting-edge technology — On top of expanding the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet, CAL FIRE has doubled its use of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and the state is utilizing AI-powered tools to spot fires quicker.
Press releases, Recent news
Recent news
Jun 13, 2025
News What you need to know: Governor Newsom ordered the pre-deployment of safety and security resources across California to protect the public’s safety during anticipated demonstrations over the weekend. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced he ordered…
Jun 13, 2025
News What you need to know: Following new reports that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has shared Medicaid beneficiary information with the Department of Homeland Security, Governor Newsom slammed the Trump administration for their dangerous abuse of…
Jun 12, 2025
News “A win for all Americans” What you need to know: Standing up for American citizens and the nation’s foundational ban on martial law in peacetime, Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta today secured an emergency restraining order blocking President Trump’s…
What you need to know: Governor Newsom ordered the pre-deployment of safety and security resources across California to protect the public’s safety during anticipated demonstrations over the weekend.
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced he ordered the state to pre-deploy safety and security resources to communities throughout California to aid and support local law enforcement, ahead of anticipated nationwide demonstrations.
The resources from the California Highway Patrol and those coordinated through the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) will help local governments protect the safety of peaceful demonstrators and the public – as well as enforce strict laws against the destruction of property, vandalism, and looting.
In the United States, the office of citizen is the most important office we can hold. We respect and protect those who exercise their First Amendment rights when they do so peacefully and respectfully.
California has zero tolerance for those who plan to take advantage of peaceful demonstrations with violence. We’re pre-deploying resources to maintain safety – and we will prosecute those who break the law.
Governor Gavin Newsom
All eight of CHP’s Special Response Teams (SRT) are activated and pre-staged throughout California, a surge of nearly 700 officers. The CHP’s Southern Division remains on tactical alert, which ensures every available uniformed employee is prepared should they be needed. The CHP is coordinating with local law enforcement partners and Cal OES.
“The California Highway Patrol actively protects and upholds every individual’s First Amendment right to peacefully assemble and express their views,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Our officers stand ready to ensure these rights are exercised safely and lawfully. If anyone attempts to violate the rights of others, destroy property, or obstruct public movement, we will respond swiftly and decisively to enforce the law.”
Cal OES has coordinated with state and local partners to ensure communities have resources to help keep people safe. At this time, CalOES has not received significant requests from local governments for mutual aid in advance of this coming weekend. CalOES remains in close communication with local government partners and stands ready to coordinate any future requests for mutual aid or support.
“Cal OES remains prepared to assist and respond,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “We’re in close contact with local government partners and stand ready to assist with any requests for support or mutual aid.”
Stay peaceful, never resort to violence
This is a reminder to Californians that they have a right to speak out, but they must remain peaceful. Those who engage in protests and demonstrations must always emphasize partnership, unity and non-violence.
Recent news
Jun 13, 2025
News What you need to know: Following new reports that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has shared Medicaid beneficiary information with the Department of Homeland Security, Governor Newsom slammed the Trump administration for their dangerous abuse of…
Jun 12, 2025
News “A win for all Americans” What you need to know: Standing up for American citizens and the nation’s foundational ban on martial law in peacetime, Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta today secured an emergency restraining order blocking President Trump’s…
Jun 12, 2025
News What you need to know: Former secretaries of the Army and Navy and retired four-star admirals and generals filed an amicus brief in support of the Governor’s motion to block the Trump administration’s illegal militarization of downtown Los Angeles. SACRAMENTO –…
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2
Press release
Unprecedented boost for clinical trials under 10 Year Health Plan
Millions will take part in clinical trials under the 10 Year Health Plan which will speed up clinical research.
Millions to take part in clinical trials under 10 Year Health Plan, transforming patient care with groundbreaking treatments, while driving growth.
Unparalleled access to trials via NHS App, and public reporting of Trusts to show who is and isn’t delivering on trials, with funding prioritised for best performers
Plan for Change will turbocharge clinical research to regain UK’s clout on world stage and deliver most ambitious reduction in trial set-up times in British history
Patients will receive the most cutting-edge treatments years earlier than planned under the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, which will speed-up clinical trials so the UK becomes a hotbed of innovation.
Millions of people will now be able to search for and sign up to lifechanging clinical trials, via the NIHR Be Part of Research service on the NHS App, allowing patients to browse and find the trials best suited to their interests and needs.
Eventually the plan will see the NHS App automatically match patients with studies based on their own health data and interests, sending push notifications to your phone about relevant new trials to sign up to.
It comes as the NIHR launches a UK-wide recruitment drive for clinical trials – the biggest ever health research campaign – to get as many people involved in research as possible. Adults across the UK are being urged to register, with underrepresented groups including young people, Black people and people of South Asian heritage particularly encouraged to sign up, at bepartofresearch.uk
The 10 Year Health Plan will bring transparency to which Trusts are performing well in clinical trials – and which are not. All NHS Trusts and organisations will need to submit data on the number of trials being conducted and the amount of progress being made – as we rebuild the country’s global status as the epicentre of research.
Public reporting will show the number of trials sponsored by both commercial and non-commercial sponsors at specific Trusts and other organisations, including universities or Primary Care sites. It will reveal to the government, patients, investors, and Trust boards which NHS organisations are performing well and which are falling behind. Government investment will only be prioritised for the Trusts that can prove they can support the NHS to deliver the treatments of tomorrow.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:
The UK was has been at the forefront of scientific and medical discovery throughout our history. Some country will lead the charge in the emerging revolution in life sciences, and why shouldn’t it be Britain?
The 10 year plan for health will marry the genius of our country’s leading scientific minds, with the care and compassion of our health service, to put NHS patients at the front of the queue for new cutting-edge treatments.
The NHS App will become the digital front door to the NHS, and enable all of us as citizens to play our part in developing the medicines of the future. The British people showed they were willing to be part of finding the vaccine for Covid, so why not do it again to cure cancer and dementia?
By slashing through red tape and making it easier for patients to take part, reforms in our ten year plan will grow our life sciences sector, generate news funds for the NHS to reinvest in frontline care, and benefit patients through better medicines.
In recent years, the UK has fallen behind as a global destination for these trials, with patients and the wider economy missing out. It takes around 100 days to set up a trial in Spain, but around 250 days in the NHS. The plan will see commercial clinical trial set-up times fall to 150 days or less by March 2026 – this will be the most ambitious reduction in trial set-up times in British history.
Currently set up processes for clinical trials take too long as a result of unnecessary bureaucracy and duplication of activities across different agencies and sites.
Government will cut set up times for clinical trials. Currently, trials have to agree separate contracts with each part of the NHS they want to be involved. The plan will introduce a national standardised contract which can save months of wasted time, as well as simplifying paperwork to remove duplication on technical assurances.
This means if any authority asks for evidence from a study, they can provide it once without having to spend time reframing that evidence differently to meet a separate criteria for another authority.
In the coming weeks, the government will publish its 10 Year Health Plan. Through the plan, we will restore our position as a world leader in clinical trials, so we attract the world’s greatest minds and drive vital investment into the UK. This will spur economic growth, improve the standard of care to support a healthier population, and make the NHS more financially sustainable.
Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Chief Executive Officer of the NIHR said:
We know the benefits of embedding clinical research across the NHS and beyond. It leads to better care for patients, more opportunities for our workforce and provides a huge economic benefit for our health and care system. Integrated into the NHS App, the NIHR Be Part of Research service enables members of the public to be matched to vital trials, ensuring the best and latest treatments and care get to the NHS quicker.
Ensuring all sites are consistently meeting the 150-day or less set-up time will bring us to the starting line, but together we aim to go further, faster to ensure the UK is a global destination for clinical research to improve the health and wealth of the nation.
Dr Vin Diwakar, Clinical Transformation Director at NHS England, said:
The NHS App is transforming how people manage their healthcare, with new features letting them see their test results or check when prescriptions are ready to collect – all at the tap of a screen.
We’re making it easier to sign up for clinical trials through the NHS App so patients can access new treatments and technologies earlier, improving their quality of care.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) – which makes sure that medicines and healthcare products available in the UK are safe and effective – has already improved its performance.
All clinical trial approval backlogs are cleared, and performance targets are now being met. Building on this, the 10 Year Health Plan will see the MHRA focus its attention on the most complex and potentially transformational new treatments – like individually personalised cancer vaccines, and the regulation of artificial intelligence.
Nicola Perrin, Chief Executive of the Association of Medical Research Charities, said:
Clinical trials are good for patients, the NHS and the economy. But both commercial and non-commercial trials in the UK have closed because of failures to recruit.
Today’s announcements will help to maximise opportunities for everyone to take part in research and speed up access to innovative treatments. We warmly welcome the focus on driving up the participation of diverse and under-served groups – something that is incredibly important to our member charities.
It’s encouraging to see the government recognise that boosting access to clinical trials must be a key part of the 10 Year Health Plan. Transforming clinical trials is an important step in truly embedding research in the NHS, securing the UK’s position as a leader in life sciences and offering a lifeline to patients.
Professor Andrew Morris CBE PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said:
This announcement marks a significant commitment to strengthening the UK’s leadership in clinical research. The global clinical trials market is estimated to be worth at least $80 billion by 2030 and countries that can demonstrate speed, quality and cost will have a competitive edge.
This commitment is very welcome as streamlined trial set-up times and enhanced public access through the NHS App will accelerate the translation of cutting-edge treatments from laboratory to bedside, directly benefiting patients whilst driving economic growth and ensuring policymakers have the evidence needed for informed healthcare decisions.
The focus on improving participation from under-represented communities is important, though success will depend on earning trust and addressing the broader barriers to diverse participation. By embedding research throughout the NHS and making it accessible to all communities, we can ensure that medical innovation benefits reach every corner of society whilst strengthening the UK’s position as a hub for life sciences investment and discovery.
Source:Association of Salaried Medical Specialists
Senior medical and dental officers who are members of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Toi Mata Hauora (ASMS) and are employed in the Te Tai Tokerau district of Health New Zealand will be on strike for 24 hours from 10.00am Wednesday 18 June until 10.00am Thursday 19 June.
During that time and as required ASMS members will ensure life preserving services are maintained across the region’s four hospital sites in Whangarei, Dargaville, Kaitaia and Bay of Islands.
ASMS has 240 members in the Te Tai Tokerau district.
Members voted 83 per cent in favour of the strike.
On Tuesday 17 June at 6pm in the Calfer Suite of Forum North in Whangārei ASMS and the New Zealand Nurses Organisation are hosting a public meeting “Your Health System in Crisis” to give members of the public a chance to hear from doctors and nurses about what is really happening in their hospital.
At 10am on Wednesday 18 June ASMS members will stage a mass walk out from Whangārei Hospital and picket on the corner of Maunu and Hospital Rds. There will also be a picket outside Kaitaia Hospital on Redan Rd. Both pickets will run for forty-five minutes.
This district strike is part of an ongoing industrial dispute.
The collective employment agreement between ASMS and Health New Zealand expired in August 2024. Health New Zealand’s pay offer is well below CPI . The parties are still far apart and are currently in facilitated bargaining. Facilitated bargaining is a confidential process.
On 1 May ASMS members undertook a 24-hour nationwide strike. And on 28 May ASMS members in Tairāwhiti held a 24-hour district strike.
Associate Health Minister David Seymour says the oestradiol patch funding decision is an example of Pharmac’s new patient-centric approach.
From December 2025 Pharmac will fund two brands of oestradiol patches, Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan.
“Pharmac received significant feedback at the end of last year about a decision to move to Estradiol TDP Mylan as the only funded brand of oestradiol patch. They heard very clearly that the TDP Mylan brand of patch did not work for everyone, and that people wanted options,” Mr Seymour says.
“I’m pleased to see Pharmac’s responsiveness to the voices of patients by funding both brands. This decision reflects our commitment to a more adaptable and patient-centric approach.
“The community let Pharmac know that they weren’t consulted enough on the original decision. Pharmac has learnt from this, and has added an additional consultation step to its annual tender process to seek feedback when considering a medicine brand change. This patient-centric approach was taken in today’s funding decision.
“Pharmac worked and engaged with people who use oestradiol patches, menopause specialists, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, advocacy groups and petition founders in making the decision to fund both brands of patches.
“People should have the opportunity to share what the impact of brand changes would be for them, and what support would be required if there was a change to their current medicine.
“Last year I outlined in my letter of expectations that Pharmac should have appropriate processes for ensuring that people living with an illness, along with their carers and family, can participate in and provide input into decision-making processes around medicines, this is part of the ACT-National Coalition Agreement.
“I expect all key groups to be involved in changes to funded medicine brands through the annual tender. This approach ensures stakeholder engagement while managing financial and operational impacts.
The annual tender process is a key mechanism for Pharmac to manage pharmaceutical expenditure at a relatively low transactional cost. Once a year Pharmac invites suppliers to bid to be the main suppliers of certain medicines. This process can realise between $30 million and $50 million savings per year to spend on new treatments.
“The redirection of Pharmac remains positive and continues towards a more adaptable and patient-centred approach to funding medicines,” says Mr Seymour.
“The decisions to fund Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan, and to improve consultation criteria on the annual tender process follows the Pharmac Consumer Engagement Workshop Report, and my letter of expectations, are positive steps towards a system which works for the people it serves.”
Emergency Services were contacted at 11:37pm on 14 June 2025 regarding a serious traffic crash on Pages Road, Moorleah near the intersection of Cryans Road. The vehicle, a grey 2004 Holden Calais sedan, was travelling east, has left the road and then hit trees. The occupants of the vehicle were a 44-year-old man (driver), a 26-year-old woman and a 10-year-old child. The female passenger was transported to the North-West Regional Hospital by ambulance and then flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital via helicopter in a serious condition with head injuries. The male driver and child were uninjured. It is not believed there were any other vehicles involved in the crash. The crash is under investigation by Western Crash Investigation Services. Anyone with information, or relevant dash cam footage, is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
If you have cancer, a disease such as diabetes or dementia, or need to manage other complex health conditions, you often need expert care from a specialist doctor.
But as our new Grattan Institute report shows, too many people are forced to choose between long waits in the public system or high costs if they go private.
Governments need to provide more training for specialist doctors in short supply, make smart investments in public clinics, and regulate the extremely high fees a small number of private specialists charge.
High fees, long waits, missed care
Fees for private specialist appointments are high and rising.
On average, patients’ bills for specialist appointments add up to A$300 a year. This excludes people who were bulk billed for every appointment, but that’s relatively rare: patients pay out-of-pocket costs for two-thirds of appointments with a specialist doctor.
Increasing GP costs make national headlines, but specialist fees have risen even more – they’ve grown by 73% since 2010.
Out-of-pocket costs for specialist care have increased faster than for other Medicare services. Grattan Institute, CC BY-NC-SA
People who can’t afford to pay with money often pay with time – and sometimes with their health, as their condition deteriorates.
Wait times for a free appointment at a public clinic can be months or even years. In Victoria and Queensland, people with an urgent referral – who should be seen within 30 days – are waiting many months to see some specialists.
High fees and long waits add up to missed care. Every year, 1.9 million Australians delay or skip needed specialist care – about half of them because of cost.
Distance is another barrier. People in regional and remote areas receive far fewer specialist services per person than city dwellers (even counting services delivered virtually). Half of remote communities receive less than one specialist appointment, per person, per year. There are no city communities where that’s the case.
Specialist training takes at least 12 years, so planning ahead is crucial. Governments can’t conjure more cardiologists overnight, or have a paediatrician treat elderly people.
But at the moment there are no regular projections of the specialists we’ll need in the future, nor planning to make sure we get them. Government-funded training places are determined by the priorities of specialist colleges, which approve training places, and the immediate needs of public hospitals.
As a result, we’ve got a lot of some types of specialist and a shortage of others. We’ve trained many emergency medicine specialists because public hospitals rely on trainees to staff emergency departments 24/7. But we have too few dermatologists and ophthalmologists – and numbers of those specialists are growing slower than average.
The lack of planning extends to where specialist training takes place. Doctors tend to put down roots and stay where they train. A shortage of rural training places leads to a shortage of rural specialists.
To fix these problems, governments need to plan and pay for training places that match Australia’s future health needs. Governments should forecast the need for particular specialties in particular areas. Then training funding should be tied to delivering the necessary specialist training places.
To fill gaps in the meantime, the federal government should streamline applications for overseas specialists to move here. It should also recognise qualifications from more similar countries.
More public clinics where they’re needed most
Public clinics don’t charge fees and are crucial in ensuring all Australians can get specialist care. But governments should be more strategic in where and how they invest.
There are big differences in specialist access across the country. After adjusting for differences in age, sex, health and wealth, people living in the worst-served areas receive about one-third fewer services than people in the best-served communities.
Governments should fund more public services in areas that need it most. They should set a five-year target to lift access for the quarter of communities receiving the least care in each specialty.
We estimate 81 communities need additional investment in at least one specialty – about a million extra appointments in total. Some communities receive less care across the board and need investment in many specialties.
With long waiting times and unmet need, governments should also make sure they’re getting the most out of their investment in public clinics.
Different clinics are run in very different ways. Some have taken up virtual care with a vengeance, others barely at all. One clinic might stick to traditional staffing models, while the clinic down the road might have moved towards “top of scope” models where nurses and allied health workers do more.
Governments should lay out an agenda to modernise clinics, encouraging them to adopt best practices. And they should introduce systems that allow GPs to get quick written advice from specialists to reduce unnecessary referrals and ensure services can focus on patients who really need their care.
Curb extreme fees
Even with more public services, and more specialists, excessive fees will still be a problem.
A small fraction – less than 4% – of specialists charge triple the Medicare schedule fee, or more, on average. These can only be described as extreme fees.
In 2023, an initial consultation with an endocrinologist or cardiologist who met this “extreme fee” definition cost an average of $350. For a psychiatrist, it was $670.
One psychiatrist charged $670, but they weren’t the only specialist charging ‘extreme fees’. Grattan Institute, CC BY-NC-SA
There is no valid justification for these outlier fees. They’re beyond the level needed to fairly reward doctors’ skill and experience, they aren’t linked to better quality and they don’t cross-subsidise care for poorer patients. Incomes for average specialists – who charge much less – are already among the highest in the country. Nine of the top ten highest-earning occupations are medical specialties.
The federal government has committed to publishing fee information, which is a positive step. But in some areas, it can be hard to find a better option, and patients may be hesitant to shop around.
The federal government should directly tackle extreme fees. It should require specialists who charge extreme fees to repay the value of the Medicare rebates received for their services that year.
Specialist care has been neglected long enough. The federal and state governments need to act now.
Grattan Institute has been supported in its work by government, corporates, and philanthropic gifts. A full list of supporting organisations is published at www.grattan.edu.au.
If you have cancer, a disease such as diabetes or dementia, or need to manage other complex health conditions, you often need expert care from a specialist doctor.
But as our new Grattan Institute report shows, too many people are forced to choose between long waits in the public system or high costs if they go private.
Governments need to provide more training for specialist doctors in short supply, make smart investments in public clinics, and regulate the extremely high fees a small number of private specialists charge.
High fees, long waits, missed care
Fees for private specialist appointments are high and rising.
On average, patients’ bills for specialist appointments add up to A$300 a year. This excludes people who were bulk billed for every appointment, but that’s relatively rare: patients pay out-of-pocket costs for two-thirds of appointments with a specialist doctor.
Increasing GP costs make national headlines, but specialist fees have risen even more – they’ve grown by 73% since 2010.
Out-of-pocket costs for specialist care have increased faster than for other Medicare services. Grattan Institute, CC BY-NC-SA
People who can’t afford to pay with money often pay with time – and sometimes with their health, as their condition deteriorates.
Wait times for a free appointment at a public clinic can be months or even years. In Victoria and Queensland, people with an urgent referral – who should be seen within 30 days – are waiting many months to see some specialists.
High fees and long waits add up to missed care. Every year, 1.9 million Australians delay or skip needed specialist care – about half of them because of cost.
Distance is another barrier. People in regional and remote areas receive far fewer specialist services per person than city dwellers (even counting services delivered virtually). Half of remote communities receive less than one specialist appointment, per person, per year. There are no city communities where that’s the case.
Specialist training takes at least 12 years, so planning ahead is crucial. Governments can’t conjure more cardiologists overnight, or have a paediatrician treat elderly people.
But at the moment there are no regular projections of the specialists we’ll need in the future, nor planning to make sure we get them. Government-funded training places are determined by the priorities of specialist colleges, which approve training places, and the immediate needs of public hospitals.
As a result, we’ve got a lot of some types of specialist and a shortage of others. We’ve trained many emergency medicine specialists because public hospitals rely on trainees to staff emergency departments 24/7. But we have too few dermatologists and ophthalmologists – and numbers of those specialists are growing slower than average.
The lack of planning extends to where specialist training takes place. Doctors tend to put down roots and stay where they train. A shortage of rural training places leads to a shortage of rural specialists.
To fix these problems, governments need to plan and pay for training places that match Australia’s future health needs. Governments should forecast the need for particular specialties in particular areas. Then training funding should be tied to delivering the necessary specialist training places.
To fill gaps in the meantime, the federal government should streamline applications for overseas specialists to move here. It should also recognise qualifications from more similar countries.
More public clinics where they’re needed most
Public clinics don’t charge fees and are crucial in ensuring all Australians can get specialist care. But governments should be more strategic in where and how they invest.
There are big differences in specialist access across the country. After adjusting for differences in age, sex, health and wealth, people living in the worst-served areas receive about one-third fewer services than people in the best-served communities.
Governments should fund more public services in areas that need it most. They should set a five-year target to lift access for the quarter of communities receiving the least care in each specialty.
We estimate 81 communities need additional investment in at least one specialty – about a million extra appointments in total. Some communities receive less care across the board and need investment in many specialties.
With long waiting times and unmet need, governments should also make sure they’re getting the most out of their investment in public clinics.
Different clinics are run in very different ways. Some have taken up virtual care with a vengeance, others barely at all. One clinic might stick to traditional staffing models, while the clinic down the road might have moved towards “top of scope” models where nurses and allied health workers do more.
Governments should lay out an agenda to modernise clinics, encouraging them to adopt best practices. And they should introduce systems that allow GPs to get quick written advice from specialists to reduce unnecessary referrals and ensure services can focus on patients who really need their care.
Curb extreme fees
Even with more public services, and more specialists, excessive fees will still be a problem.
A small fraction – less than 4% – of specialists charge triple the Medicare schedule fee, or more, on average. These can only be described as extreme fees.
In 2023, an initial consultation with an endocrinologist or cardiologist who met this “extreme fee” definition cost an average of $350. For a psychiatrist, it was $670.
One psychiatrist charged $670, but they weren’t the only specialist charging ‘extreme fees’. Grattan Institute, CC BY-NC-SA
There is no valid justification for these outlier fees. They’re beyond the level needed to fairly reward doctors’ skill and experience, they aren’t linked to better quality and they don’t cross-subsidise care for poorer patients. Incomes for average specialists – who charge much less – are already among the highest in the country. Nine of the top ten highest-earning occupations are medical specialties.
The federal government has committed to publishing fee information, which is a positive step. But in some areas, it can be hard to find a better option, and patients may be hesitant to shop around.
The federal government should directly tackle extreme fees. It should require specialists who charge extreme fees to repay the value of the Medicare rebates received for their services that year.
Specialist care has been neglected long enough. The federal and state governments need to act now.
Grattan Institute has been supported in its work by government, corporates, and philanthropic gifts. A full list of supporting organisations is published at www.grattan.edu.au.
Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:
Old Point Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:OPOF), relating to the proposed merger with TowneBank. Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders of Old Point will elect to receive $41.00 in cash or 1.1400 shares of TowneBank common stock for each share of Old Point outstanding common stock.
ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for July 2, 2025.
ProAssurance Corporation (NYSE:PRA), relating to the proposed merger with The Doctors Company. Under the terms of the agreement, ProAssurance stockholders will receive $25.00 per share in cash.
ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for June 24, 2025.
SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SWTX), relating to the proposed merger with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Under the terms of the agreement, SpringWorks shareholders will have the right to receive $47.00 in cash per share of SpringWorks stock held.
ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for June 26, 2025.
Flowserve Corporation (NYSE: FLS) related to its merger with Chart Industries, Inc. Upon completion of the proposed transaction, Flowserve shareholders will own approximately 46.5% of the combined company.
NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:
Do you file class actions and go to Court?
When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
What cases did you recover money in and how much?
About Monteverde & Associates PC
Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.
No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.
Contact: Juan Monteverde, Esq. MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC The Empire State Building 350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740 New York, NY 10118 United States of America jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com Tel: (212) 971-1341
Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.
Class Action AttorneyJuan MonteverdewithMonteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. The firm is headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and is investigating Blueprint Medicines Corporation (NASDAQ: BPMC) related to it sale to Sanofi. Under the terms of the proposed transaction, Sanofi will pay $129.00 per share in cash at closing, and Blueprint shareholders also will receive one non-tradeable contingent value right (CVR) entitling the holder to receive two potential milestone payments of $2.00 and $4.00 per CVR for the achievement, respectively, of future development and regulatory milestones for BLU-808. Is it a fair deal?
NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE EQUAL. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:
Do you file class actions and go to Court?
When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
What cases did you recover money in and how much?
About Monteverde & Associates PC
Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.
No one is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.
Contact: Juan Monteverde, Esq. MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC The Empire State Building 350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740 New York, NY 10118 United States of America jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com Tel: (212) 971-1341
Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.
As India prepares to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, Visakhapatnam — the national host city for this year’s celebrations — witnessed a high-level review and field inspection by senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush and the Andhra Pradesh government.
The review was led by Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha and Andhra Pradesh Special Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand, along with key officials, including Joint Secretary Monalisa Dash and District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad. The delegation visited major venues like RK Beach, Rishikonda Beach, Andhra University, and GITAM University, which will host yoga demonstrations and related cultural and wellness events.
Officials held detailed discussions on inter-departmental coordination, public mobilization, infrastructure readiness, and safety protocols. The review emphasized ensuring a seamless and large-scale public participation in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of yoga as a mass, people-centric movement.
Central to Andhra Pradesh’s preparations is the ambitious “Yogandhra” initiative, which aims to integrate yoga into daily life for over two crore citizens. With plans to host IDY events at one lakh locations across the state and five lakh participants expected in Visakhapatnam alone, the state’s efforts were praised for their scale and inclusivity.
The Ayush Ministry commended Andhra Pradesh’s leadership, noting that the state’s grassroots-driven approach reflects the broader spirit of IDY 2025—promoting “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
Issued by: on
SUVA, Fiji (June 12, 2025) Lt. Corey Day, left, and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Mercedes Loor, both assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command, collect mosquito larvae for use in insecticide resistance testing in support of Dengue control efforts for the Fiji Ministry of Health & Medical Services in Suva, Fiji, June 12, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Courtesy Asset)
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
Issued by: on
SUVA, Fiji (June 12, 2025) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Mercedes Loor, assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command, works with an environmental health officer from the Fiji Ministry of Health & Medical Services to collect mosquito larvae for use in insecticide resistance testing in support of Dengue control efforts in Suva, Fiji, June 12, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Courtesy Asset)
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with its partners, organized a National Tobacco Control Conference on 13 June at the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers Hall under the theme “Unmasking the Appeal – Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.”
Dr. Andebrhan Tesfatsion, Acting Director General of Public Health, emphasized that tobacco and other addictive products are major contributors to non-communicable diseases. He underlined the need for coordinated efforts to raise public awareness and implement practical preventive measures.
Dr. Nonso Ejiofor, WHO Representative in Eritrea, urged society, especially parents, to take responsibility in educating youth about the severe consequences of tobacco use.
During the panel discussion, four research papers were presented, focusing on the National Strategy for Implementing Effective Tobacco Control Measures and the Implementation Status of Proclamation 143/2004, along with awareness-raising activities.
Participants held extensive discussions on the presented issues and adopted several recommendations.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
World Blood Donor Day, 14 June, was observed at the national level in Asmara under the theme “Give Blood, Give Hope – Together We Save Lives.”
Ms. Alem Berhe, Chairperson of the National Voluntary Blood Donors, stated that the day is a time to honor voluntary blood donors and health professionals who take pride in saving lives and preventing suffering caused by blood shortages. She also noted that voluntary blood donation continues to grow due to increased public awareness.
Dr. Yohannes Tekeste, Medical Director of the National Blood Transfusion Service, noted that the Government of Eritrea is working diligently to ensure a safe and adequate blood supply. He reported that the number of blood units donated has increased from over 10,000 in 2020 to more than 16,000, marking a 62% rise.
Dr. Nonso Ejiofor, WHO Representative in Eritrea, delivered a message emphasizing the significance of blood donation and its moral and health benefits.
Certificates of recognition were awarded to exemplary blood donors during the event.
In related news, World Blood Donor Day Week was marked at the Mai-Nefhi College of Science and the College of Engineering and Technology from 5 to 13 June.
Nurse Mehari Abraham, head of the Blood Donation Service at the National Blood Transfusion Service, reported that 485 units of blood were donated during the week and expressed appreciation to all who participated in the voluntary donation drive.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday greeted Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy on his birthday.
“Birthday greetings to Shri Kishan Reddy Garu. A grassroots leader, he is at the forefront of strengthening the coal and mines sector, which are important to build a self-reliant India. Praying for his long and healthy life,” said PM Modi on X.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also conveyed birthday greetings to Kishan Reddy, who is also the president of the BJP’s Telangana unit.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) national president wished Kishan Reddy a long life with health and happiness.
Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar also greeted Kishan Reddy on his birthday. The BJP leader wished him a long and healthy life so that he continues to serve the people.
BJP MPs, MLAs and other party leaders in Telangana greeted Kishan Reddy, who is a member of Parliament from Secunderabad.
“Wishing Union Minister Kishan Reddy garu a very happy birthday. Wishing him Health, Happiness and Success & and many more years of public service,” posted BJP MP from Chevella, Konda Vishweshwar Reddy.
Union Minister for Communications and Development Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, George Kurian and others also greeted Kishan Reddy.
Kishan Reddy, one of the senior-most leaders and prominent faces of the BJP in Telangana, is a second-term MP from Secunderabad.
He was inducted into the Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet in 2019 as Minister of State for Home. In July 2021, he was promoted to Cabinet rank and was given the portfolios of tourism, culture and development of the northeastern region.
He was the only Central minister from Telangana for five years.
With the BJP putting up an impressive performance to double its tally of Telangana seats to eight in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the party leadership rewarded him by inducting him again in the Union Cabinet.
The 64-year-old retained the Secunderabad seat by defeating his nearest rival, Danam Nagender of Congress, by about 50,000 votes.
Iran and Israel have entered their deadliest phase of direct conflict yet, with at least 10 people killed in Israeli cities and massive fires reported at an oil depot in Tehran following reciprocal strikes on June 15. This marks the third consecutive day of military exchanges, as both governments vow further action amid a rising humanitarian toll and growing regional instability.
Devastation in Israeli Cities
Emergency services in Israel are racing against time to locate seven individuals still trapped beneath rubble. Ongoing rocket fire has hampered rescue operations, even as more than 300 Israelis have been injured since Iran launched its missile barrage on Friday. Hospitals in central and northern Israel are operating at full capacity.
Air raid sirens wailed throughout the day across Israeli cities as residential areas suffered direct hits. In Bat Yam, six people were killed after an Iranian missile struck an apartment building. Rescue workers sifted through collapsed concrete and twisted metal to reach survivors. In Tamra, near Haifa, four individuals were confirmed dead after a two-story home was destroyed in the attacks.
The Weizmann Institute of Science, a leading research university located in Rehovot, also sustained damage during the missile onslaught, with several of its facilities reportedly hit.
Israeli Strikes on Tehran
In retaliation, Israeli warplanes launched a barrage of airstrikes on key infrastructure in Iran, including a major oil facility in Tehran. The attack sparked massive fires that sent thick plumes of black smoke over the city. The Israeli military dubbed the retaliatory operation “Operation Rising Lion,” targeting Iran’s Defense Ministry headquarters and other nuclear-linked sites.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made his first public appearance since the strikes began, stating, “If Israeli attacks cease, our responses will also stop.”
Regional Fallout
Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen claimed responsibility for coordinating their own strikes on Israeli targets, signaling the potential expansion of the conflict into a broader regional confrontation.
The violence has already disrupted diplomatic processes. Oman confirmed the cancellation of the sixth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations scheduled in Muscat today, citing the “ongoing hostilities” as the reason.
The Israeli intelligence operation that preceded Iran’s retaliation reportedly led to the deaths of three senior Iranian military commanders and two nuclear scientists—described by analysts as one of the most significant Israeli blows to Iran in years.
Although no nuclear accidents have been confirmed, international observers have voiced concern over potential radiation and chemical exposure due to strikes on sensitive Iranian sites.
Escalating Rhetoric and Military Posture
Both countries have enacted military censorship and closed parts of their respective airspaces. In a stark warning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that “Iran has seen only a fraction of what Israel is capable of.” Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have promised a “far more forceful” response should Israeli attacks continue.
The son of a Fiji assistant minister is under investigation for allegedly driving a government vehicle without authority and causing an accident that killed two men.
The accident took place along Bau Road, Nausori, last night.
The vehicle involved in the accident was the official government vehicle issued for the assistant minister.
It is alleged the 17-year-old took the vehicle without the knowledge of his father.
Police have confirmed the incident.
“The suspect is alleged to have taken the keys of the vehicle from his father while he slept and was driving along Bau Road, when he bumped the two victims standing on the roadside, and he fled the scene,” said the Fiji Police Force.
“He later relayed the matter to his father who reported the matter to police.
“The two victims in their 40s were conveyed to the Nausori Health Centre where their deaths were confirmed by medical officials.”
In response to a media report about impurities found in drinking water samples from various districts, the Development Bureau pointed out that the tests mentioned in the report were not conducted in strict compliance with the international standards adopted by Hong Kong’s drinking water testing programme.
The bureau said, as understood, the media organisation had mainly collected samples of impurities from aerators of water taps, commonly known as strainers, and then placed the samples into water for laboratory testing.
It noted that aerators are a kind of filter accessory commonly installed at household water taps and shower heads to help block impurities, hence the presence of impurities in the samples is simply a result of the strainer functioning, and is not abnormal.
In the past, the Water Supplies Department (WSD) had received similar inquiries, and staff members were deployed immediately to conduct onsite inspection.
They also arranged for flushing of consumers’ water meter, reminded them to cleanse the strainers, and checked for any irregularities in water quality. If a water quality issue is suspected, the WSD would collect drinking water samples for testing and notify consumers about the results.
In fact, only a few of such cases required water sample testing in the past three years, and the testing results showed that the water samples complied with Hong Kong Drinking Water Standards (HKDWS).
The bureau stressed that water quality testing must be conducted in accordance with international standards, including taking reference to ISO5667 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for sampling, and referencing Chinese National Standard GB/T 5750 and the American Public Health Association’s in testing methods and procedures.
The samples tested must be drinking water samples, not those collected from strainers as arranged by the relevant media organisation. In other words, the type of samples, methods and procedures will affect the validity and representativeness of the tests.
As mentioned in the report, impurities collected from the strainers include resin, plastic and silicone. The bureau said it may relate to materials peeling off from pipes or fittings of the inside service of the building. These substances are not soluble in water. If they are found, the inside service should be cleansed as soon as possible.
The bureau explained that the drinking water supplied by the WSD undergoes strict treatment and meets HKDWS. However, materials may peel off from public or inside service pipes of buildings due to aging or water pressure, necessitating the installation of strainers at pipes.
Property owners, registered agents and management offices must carry out regular and proper maintenance of building’s inside service, including cleansing sump and rooftop tanks, to maintain good drinking water quality at the consumers’ taps.
To ensure the city’s drinking water quality, the WSD runs a routine drinking water testing programme, randomly collecting water samples from over 28,000 publicly accessible consumers’ taps in shopping centres, community facilities, sports venues and government offices, for testing every year.
The sampling rate is based on international standards and the water quality parameters are drawn up in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines.
Moreover, the WSD randomly selects about 670 residential and non-residential water accounts each year to collect drinking water samples at their water taps and test for six metals, namely, antimony, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead and nickel, to ensure HKDWS compliance. The test results are regularly published on the department’s website.
The bureau added that the WSD had requested more detailed information, including sampling locations, for follow-up with the consumer when enquiries were received from the media organisation. It is still awaiting such information.
Citizens may call the WSD’s 24-hour hotline 2824 5000 to enquire about drinking water quality.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, attended Viva Technology 2025 (VivaTech) in Paris, France, yesterday (June 13, Paris time). In his keynote speech at a seminar and networking reception themed “From Hong Kong to the World: Embarking on the New Journey of Innovation” organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Professor Sun said Hong Kong is forging ahead with a clear vision to develop as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, and is committed to pushing boundaries, embracing change, and seizing global opportunities.
Professor Sun said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been introducing agile policies, building world-class infrastructure and facilitating global I&T collaboration. He noted the flagship research and development (R&D) initiative, InnoHK, fosters global R&D collaboration. Hong Kong is also carrying out meticulous planning for building artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem, including AI Supercomputing Centre opened last year and the Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute to be established, together with $10 billion dollars-worth Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund channeling more market capital to turbocharge strategic industries, with AI at the core.
Highlighting that Hong Kong being an ideal gateway for global enterprises to enter the Mainland market, Professor Sun said the HKSAR Government has been actively attracting overseas and the Mainland I&T enterprises to set up or expand their businesses in Hong Kong. Companies choosing HK for the international headquarters exemplify Hong Kong’s important role as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” between Mainland China and the rest of the world, serving as a two-way springboard for attracting overseas enterprises and helping Mainland enterprises to “go global”.
During the seminar and networking reception, Professor Sun also exchanged views with members of the local I&T sector, investors and start-ups’ founders on I&T development and collaboration.
Professor Sun also visited the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion. Twenty start-ups from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Cyberport participated this year, showcasing cutting-edge solutions and innovations in areas of AI, robotics, HealthTech, sustainable and ClimateTech, and Fintech. At the same time, Professor Sun toured the Canada Pavilion set up by Canada which was selected as country of the year for VivaTech 2025, the China Pavilion and pavilions set up by other leading enterprises and start-ups where he had a brief exchange with representatives of the participating organisations to learn more on their innovative solutions.
In the evening, Professor Sun met with Mr Emmanuel Carcassonne, the Chairman of La French Tech Hong Kong-Shenzhen, a community dedicated to supporting the development of the French startup ecosystem both in France and internationally. Professor Sun said that Hong Kong is a reliable partner for French startups to settle and expand businesses in Hong Kong.
In the afternoon, Professor Sun paid a courtesy call on Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in France Mr Chen Li, to brief him on the work of developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre, enhancing the I&T ecosystem, fostering co-ordinated development among upstream, midstream and downstream, as well as the city’s continuous efforts in integrating into national I&T development.
Professor Sun will continue his visit to Paris today (June 14, Paris time) and depart for the Netherlands on June 15 (Amsterdam time).
EU public health policy is under continuous development. While several measures were triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU delivered by addressing both immediate and future health concerns, building resilience against cross-border health threats, implementing Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (better screening and preventive measures), advancing the pharmaceutical strategy for Europe (making sure EU patients have timely and equitable access to medicines) and enhancing the digitalisation of health systems.
The Government is boosting New Zealand’s attractiveness as a destination for Chinese tourists by improving visa settings and processes.
From November, New Zealand will trial visa waiver status for Chinese passport holders travelling from Australia with a valid Australian visitor, work, student or family visa, allowing them to visit for up to 3 months.
“Our immigration settings play an important role in brightening our country’s economic future. More than 240,000 Chinese visitor visas were granted in 2024, and we want those numbers to grow,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says.
“This will make it easier, cheaper and faster for them to cross the Tasman and visit our shores. The trial will last for 12 months and will be supplemented by further improvements to our immigration processes, making it easier for people applying for a visa.”
Other changes include:
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is establishing a dedicated contact centre number and support in China for Chinese ‘Approved Destination Status’ travel agents.
New Simplified Chinese web content on the INZ website
Visitor Visa applicants will no longer need to have their document translations certified. This will remove additional translation fees for all Visitor Visa applicants who need to provide translated documents, not only those from China.
These complement the five-year multiple entry Visitor Visa already in place and NZ’s current average processing time of five working days visitor visa applications from China
“China is one of New Zealand’s most important tourism markets, and more international visitors means more bookings in our restaurants, more people visiting our regions and attractions, more jobs being created across the country, and an overall stronger economy,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
“In the year ended March 2025, visitors from China contributed $1.24 billion to New Zealand’s economy, but there’s still more work to do to grow these numbers and drive further economic growth throughout the country.”
