NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Contractor secured to build new facility for adults with learning disabilities

    Source: City of Plymouth

    A new facility for adults with complex needs and learning disabilities in Plymouth is one step closer to becoming a reality, following the appointment of the building contractors.

    CGI showing how the new facility will look

    Devon Contractors has been awarded a £9 million contract to build the facility, following a Council decision signed this week.

    The facility, which will be based on the site of a former Council depot on Outland Road, will offer both a day service and respite care, with seven en-suite bedrooms, seven self-contained flats and accommodation for support staff.

    A wide range of communal spaces will be available to customers, including activity rooms, dining facilities, a quiet room, a TV lounge and a sensory room.

    The facility will also offer a Changing Places toilet which will be open for public use, with equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

    When it opens, the facility will replace the services currently offered at The Vine in Whitleigh and Colwill Lodge in Estover.

    Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “This is going to be fantastic for adults with learning disabilities and their families, providing a modern, purpose-built environment where they can receive the help and support they need.  

    “Our priority is to make Plymouth a great place to live for all of our residents and I’m really pleased that we’ve now appointed Devon Contractors and can move forward with building this vitally important facility.”

    The Council has invested a total of £12.8 million into the project. Devon Contractors will start work on site later this year, with the new building due to open during summer 2026.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The “Show Moscow!” competition will help you get points in the “City of Tasks” project

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Participants of the online tourist route competition “Show Moscow!” can receive city points in the project “City of Tasks”To do this, you need to send your own route around the capital via the online application form on the portal “Russpass. Business”, take a screenshot and attach it to the progress report on the project website or application “City of Tasks”.

    For this, the participant will receive 790 points of the city loyalty program “Million Prizes”, which can be used to receive discounts in stores and cafes, top up the transport card “Troika” or donated to charity. It is important that both the application and the profile on the “City of Tasks” website contain the same contact information: phone number and email address.

    Applications for the “Show Moscow!” contest will be accepted until May 13. Anyone who loves the capital can participate, there are no restrictions on age or profession. The goal of the project is to create new tourist routes for the city, as well as to increase the interest of residents and professional guides in the development of regional tourism.

    Participants are offered a choice of five walking themes: history and culture, transport, sports, ecology, architecture. An expert jury will select the five most creative routes. And in each of the 12 administrative districts of the capital, one winner will be determined based on the results of online voting in the project. “Active Citizen”.

    The results will be announced on July 31, 2025. The best routes will be published in the Russpass-magazine with the authorship indicated. The winners will receive diplomas and memorable gifts from the organizers and partners of the competition.

    The online competition “Show Moscow” is in line with the initiatives of the national project “Tourism and Hospitality” and is being implemented with the aim of popularizing professions in this area and replenishing the capital’s tourism portfolio with new, non-standard and accessible routes for travelers.

    There are about three thousand tour guides working in Moscow, and about 500 excursions are held daily. Moscow City Tourism Committee comprehensively supports the excursion community. In the capital, tour guides and guide-interpreters are certified in a convenient online format, and they are also invited to excursions to unique city sites that are closed to the general public. It is the guides who form the first impressions of the capital for tourists. The “Show Moscow!” competition is held to popularize the profession.

    Project “City of Tasks” has been operating since January 2022. With its help, Muscovites can monitor the work of city services, participate in environmental, cultural, sports and other activities. At present, participants have already completed more than 2.7 million tasks. The project is being developed by the State Institution “New Management Technologies” and the Moscow Department of Information Technology.

    Applications are now being accepted for participation in the online tourist route competition “Show Moscow!”

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/151803073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Kenya’s decision to make maths optional in high school is a bad idea – what should happen instead

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Moses Ngware, Senior Research Scientist, African Population and Health Research Center

    Kenya’s education ministry announced in March 2025 that mathematics would be an optional subject in senior secondary school, which begins in grade 10. Most students in this grade are aged 15 years. The education minister said the mathematics taught from grade 4 to grade 9 was sufficient for foundational “numeracy literacy”.

    The change, in January 2026, is part of a shift to a new education system styled as the competence based curriculum. The decision is not to scrap maths altogether but rather to make it optional. However, given the poor performance in this subject, it is expected there will be few takers.

    Maths is a compulsory subject in the first 12 years of basic education in many African countries. This is the case in Mauritius, Nigeria and South Africa, which opted for a choice between maths and mathematical literacy for grades 10-12.

    The older education system, known as 8-4-4, featured eight years of primary school and four each at high school and university. Under this, core maths, dubbed Alternative A, is compulsory for all schoolgoing children until the second year of high school (form 2). Most students in this grade are aged 16 years. In the final two years of high school, one has the option of switching to Alternative B, a simplified version of Alternative A introduced in 2009. Alternative B is similar to South Africa’s mathematical literacy subject.

    The decision has triggered heated debates in the country, in favour and against.

    As a researcher who has taught high school maths and researched maths teaching for over 20 years, I have the view that making maths optional is not a good idea. This is because both individuals and society need maths, regardless of the career path they might choose.

    It’s been argued that the change applies to the last two senior years of high school, which was the case in the old system too. For the new curriculum, however, this should not have been a problem as it is competence-based. This implies that what matters is the specific skills and knowledge mastered by a student, and not the examination scores.

    The Kenyan education department should establish the root causes of the low performance in maths, and fix them. Research shows that chief among these are resource allocation; weak teacher preparation and support for foundational numeracy instruction; a learning disability known as dyscalculia; and the behavioural performance of maths teachers.

    Kenya’s maths problem

    In the 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams, graded between A (highest) and E (lowest), over half of the 881,416 candidates’ maths scores fell in the lowest two grades, D and E. This improved only marginally in 2023. To put the performance in context, the pass rate in high school certificate maths examinations in Mauritius improved from 81.4% to 91.8% between 2019 and 2022.

    There are a number of reasons for this dismal performance in Kenya:

    Resource allocation: The better-resourced national schools can only admit a small number of students, leaving out over 70% who join low-resourced day schools. Resources for learning maths range from teachers to interactive teaching and learning materials inside the classroom. With the support of partners such as the Global Partnership for Education, the government aims to achieve a 1:1 textbook-per-student ratio goal. However, the flow of capitation grants to secondary schools has been wanting, jeopardising access to resources at the school level.

    Teacher preparation: Teachers aren’t well prepared to support learners in foundational numeracy (maths in early grades). Foundational numeracy skills are critical in creating strong building blocks for future learning and success in later grades.

    Teacher behaviour: Classroom observation studies reveal that maths teachers favour boys. Furthermore, above average learners sit in the front closer to the chalkboard, and learners are denied positive reinforcement that would motivate them to learn maths. There are also negative attitudes about maths as a difficult subject, reinforcing the stereotype that it is only suitable for boys and “bright” children.

    Dyscalculia: Worldwide, 3%-7% of the general population are affected by a disability known as dyscalculia. In Kenya, 6.4% among primary and secondary school children have the disability. It is a condition that affects a person’s ability to understand numerical concepts. By implication, the number of the 962,512 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education candidates of 2024 with this disability works out to between 28,000 and 68,000 candidates. But Kenya’s education system doesn’t support teachers in diagnosing learners with dyscalculia, or managing their disability.

    Policy options

    There are alternatives to making maths an optional subject in senior secondary school.

    The system needs to focus on the root causes of low performance, and then on how to fix them.

    I suggest the following solutions.

    • Avoid unnecessarily using achievement in maths to determine access to academic and training programmes. This way, one’s career will not solely be determined by performance in maths.

    • Keep a simpler maths alternative, or maths literacy, for senior secondary instead of making maths optional.

    • Teachers should continue to develop their competence in maths, focusing on content knowledge as well as knowledge of how to teach numeracy.

    • The general public should communicate effectively to eliminate negative stereotypes and unhelpful attitudes in society. The aim is to shift mindsets so that maths is perceived as part of life – making it necessary to support all children to succeed in maths.

    • Help learners to overcome dyscalculia, using multisensory teaching approaches – a way of teaching that engages more than one sense at a time: sight, hearing, movement and touch.

    Moses Ngware receives funding from the African Population and Health Research Center. He is affiliated with the African Population and Health Research Center.

    – ref. Kenya’s decision to make maths optional in high school is a bad idea – what should happen instead – https://theconversation.com/kenyas-decision-to-make-maths-optional-in-high-school-is-a-bad-idea-what-should-happen-instead-252965

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Technology that reduces risks during vascular surgeries has appeared in the capital’s X-ray operating rooms

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The capital’s doctors have begun to use a new method of ultrasound examination of blood vessels during operations on the coronary vessels of the heart and the vessels of the lower extremities, as well as in the context of other interventions. The technology allows obtaining detailed images in real time and is already available in all X-ray operating rooms in the capital, reported Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development.

    “Cardiovascular diseases remain one of the most common pathologies that threaten health. To combat them, we continue to develop a network of vascular centers in the capital equipped with modern X-ray operating rooms. Now doctors can use intravascular ultrasound, which helps to accurately assess the condition of blood vessels, monitor the progress of surgery and reduce the risk of complications. This technology has already been implemented in all X-ray operating rooms in Moscow. Using this method makes treatment safer, allows you to avoid additional control X-ray examinations, which reduces the radiation load on patients and medical personnel,” said Anastasia Rakova.

    The new technique allows for the construction of detailed images of the operated vessel using a microcatheter up to two millimeters in diameter, which is delivered to the site of the pathology using a guidewire. The data is displayed on the screen in real time. This helps surgeons accurately determine the size and position of plaques, assess the extent and nature of vascular lesions, and control the installation of stents.

    In Moscow’s X-ray operating rooms, minimally invasive surgeries are performed using high-tech angiographic devices that allow vascular pathology to be detected under X-ray control. There are 60 such devices in total, with 13 of them arriving at hospitals in 2024. They allow doctors to perform high-tech X-ray surgical interventions and diagnostic studies. These include operations to install stents, remove blood clots, embolize large vessels, coronary angiography studies, and other types of medical care.

    Sobyanin: Reconstruction of three buildings of the Loginov Moscow Scientific Center will be completed in 2026Almost 2.5 thousand interventions were performed in hybrid operating rooms of the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency Care in two yearsReduce radiation exposure: the equipment in the X-ray operating room of the M.P. Konchalovsky City Clinical Hospital has been completely updated

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/151797073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Regional Ministerial Budget Statement 2025-26

    Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

    On behalf of the Albanese Labor Government, I’m proud to deliver our fourth Regional Ministerial Budget Statement.

    I’d like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of where we are today, and pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

    Mr Speaker, across our first term in Government, our message to regional Australians has been loud and clear – your postcode shouldn’t be a barrier.

    Just because you grow up in Bega on the NSW Far South Coast, or in Gladstone in Central Queensland, and just because you live at Mount Gambier in regional South Australia, or in the Pilbara Region in outback WA – doesn’t mean that the services, and the opportunities available to you should be second best.

    I say this as a proud regional Member of this place, and on behalf of my fantastic regional colleagues here with me today. 

    I say this as someone that’s always lived in our regions – from Traralgon in regional Victoria, to Merimbula on the NSW Far South Coast – where I watched my parents work hard every day to build a small business, and to provide our family with a better life.

    A regional community where I myself now run a small business with my husband, and where we’re raising our kids.

    And I say this as someone that’s had the privilege of spending a lot of time talking to regional people across Australia – both as the Member for the Mighty Eden-Monaro, and as Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories.

    From the Hunter region in NSW, Caboolture in regional Queensland, Devonport in Tasmania – to communities across the 42,000 square kilometres in my electorate.

    Regional Australia is a great place to live, work, study, visit and invest – and I wouldn’t live anywhere else.

    Our regions generate a third of the nation’s economic output, and there’s so many opportunities that our Government wants to take advantage of.

    But you’d be living under a rock if you said life outside of our big cities doesn’t come without its unique challenges – it absolutely does. 

    Unlike those opposite though, on this side of the House we’re not shying away from that.

    I’m proud to be part of a Government that across its first term, has delivered record investments to improve the reliability and the accessibility of critical services that regional people rely on.

    To support more regional people to work and train closer to home – because you shouldn’t have to pack your bags to build your career. 

    To build more things in our own backyard, investing in the hard-work and know-how of regional people.

    To give regional Australians more support to buy or rent a home.

    To support local businesses and local economies to grow – with small businesses in particular the backbone of our regions.

    To ensure the local roads we drive every day to drop the kids off at school and to get to work, are safe, and keep pace with growing communities.

    To improve our major highways linking our cities to our regions, so more visitors support our local businesses, and experience everything we have to offer.

    To keep our regions connected and better prepared for natural disasters – something many regional communities, including across Eden-Monaro, have needed to rebuild from.

    And most importantly, to relieve immediate pressures on regional families and businesses.

    Which let’s not forget, those opposite talk a big game on – despite opposing every single cost of living measure to date, and committing to tearing apart every measure that’ll support regional Australians into the future.

    Because while we’re delivering record investments to Build Regional Australia’s Future, the wreckers opposite are determined to leave regional communities which aren’t the right colour on their spreadsheets behind.

    The Albanese Government is delivering better outcomes for every regional community – because we’re addressing the challenges, harnessing the opportunities, and taking the needs of our regions seriously. 

    Through our Regional Investment Framework, we’re ensuring targeted investments support regional people, the places they live, the services they need, and the industries that stimulate local economies.

    With investments through the 2025-26 Budget building on everything we’ve delivered across our first term. 

    Our number one priority has been easing pressures faced by regional families and businesses today, while supporting more work, training and economic opportunities outside of our big cites. 

    We’ve delivered tax cuts for every regional taxpayer – a huge impact for taxpayers in my own electorate of Eden-Monaro, putting an average of $1,633 back into their pockets, with another two tax cuts on the way – something those opposite just voted against.

    We’ve delivered $300 in Energy Bill Relief to millions of households and $325 to small businesses, along with cheaper childcare and cheaper medicines.

    We’ve cut $3 billion in student debt, with a further 20 per cent to be cut if we’re re-elected.

    And we’ve supported over 127,000 free TAFE places in our regions – from construction courses to childcare.

    We’re getting more people into industries screaming out for workers, after those opposite gutted the vocational education system during their failed decade.

    We’ve introduced legislation to make free TAFE permanent – something those opposite have said they’ll repeal, because as the Deputy Leader of the Opposition said in this very chamber – “if you don’t pay for it, you don’t value it.”

    But I want my kids and every regional person to know – your postcode and your bank balance shouldn’t limit your potential.

    Through this Budget we’ll provide additional cost-of-living relief, along with increased investments to remove study barriers.

    $1.8 billion to provide all households, and around one million small businesses, with an additional $150 in Energy Bill Relief.

    $800 million to expand our Help to Buy scheme to support more people get into their own home – including in our regions.

    This builds on the 32,000 regional Australians we’ve already helped into home ownership, through the Regional Home Guarantee.

    $626.9 million to support $10,000 incentive payments for construction sector apprentices – with $7.0 million to increase the Living Away from Home Allowance for apprentices.

    As an operator of a small plumbing business that hires apprentices, and having recently spent time with bricklaying apprentices at Queanbeyan – I know that every cent counts when you’re starting out, especially when you’re living away from home.

    That’s why we’re boosting apprentice wages and easing cost-of-living pressures – because we value their hard work, and we know that building this workforce is essential to delivering more regional homes.

    My mum, dad, brother, sister and husband all went to TAFE, which is why I’m incredibly proud to be part of a Government that’s strengthening the sector – and ensuring more regional people can build a better future. 

    Through this Budget, we’re delivering $407.5 million to states and territories, as part of the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement.

    Record funding to give our teachers, including in our regional schools, more support – to lift education standards, and to better support students from kindergarten through to year 12. 

    And if you want to go onto further study, existing investments like the 56 Regional University Study Hubs we’re delivering – from Port Augusta in South Australia, to Goulburn in my own electorate – will mean you don’t have to leave the region you love.

    A further $33.6 million will also flow to the Clontarf Foundation to support up to 12,500 First Nations boys and young men access better education support.

    We’re delivering record investments to continue improving the affordability and accessibility of regional healthcare – because when you need to see the doctor, and when you need to buy your script, your street address and wallet shouldn’t stop you. 

    We’ve already delivered $3.5 billion to triple the bulk billing incentive, supporting over 2.4 million additional claims across regional Australia.

    Through this Budget, we’re investing an additional $7.9 billion to deliver more bulk billing to all Australians, including in our regions.

    Having delivered the largest cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, we’re now making cheaper medicines even cheaper.

    $689 million to bring a PBS script down to $25, keeping more money in the hip pockets of regional Australians – with our pensioners and concession cardholders to continue paying $7.70 for PBS medicines until 2030.

    $792.9 million to deliver more choice, lower costs and better health care for women – including the first PBS listing for new oral contraceptive pills in more than 30 years.

    Along with more bulk billing for long-term contraceptives, more endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics to treat more conditions, and more Medicare support for women experiencing menopause. 

    Regional health and aged care were left in crisis under those opposite – a mess the Albanese Government has been cleaning up from day one.

    We’ve delivered $17.7 billion to fund increases to the minimum award wage for aged care workers – to not only support and retain these critical workers – but to ensure that our loved ones get the care they need, as they get older.

    We’re delivering an additional $1.8 billion to strengthen our public hospitals and to reduce waiting times across Australia, bringing our hospital funding to a record $33.9 billion in 2025-26.

    We’ve also increased the number of regional GP training places, along with waiving HECS for doctors and nurses that work in our regions – getting more skilled workers where we need them most.

    Through this Budget, we’re investing $662.6 million to grow our health workforce.

    There will be hundreds more GP and rural generalist training places to grow the pipeline of future GPs – with fairer salary incentives for junior doctors who choose general practice as their specialty.

    100 more Commonwealth Supported Places for medical students a year from 2026, increasing to 150 more a year by 2028 – with a focus on encouraging students to pursue general practice in our regions.

    And hundreds of scholarships for nurses and midwives, to help meet our current and future demands.

    A re-elected Albanese Government will deliver another 50 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics across Australia, from Burnie in Tasmania, to Bega in my own electorate – with our $644.3 million investment.

    This builds on the 87 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics we’ve already delivered, which are making a huge difference.

    With 48 of these 137 clinics to be in our regions– from Broome in Western Australia, Townsville in Queensland, to Tamworth in New South Wales.

    The Urgent Care Clinic we delivered in Queanbeyan has already supported over 7,000 fully bulk billed presentations.

    Rusty, a local constituent of mine told me about the huge difference it made for him, when he had an infection.

    He walked right into the clinic and received the help he needed, for free – a service that’s also supported his children and grandchildren.

    As Rusty said, this type of clinic is critical to taking pressure off our hospitals – as we continue to rebuild the health sector.

    But regional services like this will cease to exist under those opposite, because you only have to look at the billions cut from Medicare by the Leader of the Opposition when he was Health Minister, to know their only plan for Medicare is cuts.

    No government has done more for regional services than the Albanese Government – but healthcare wasn’t the only service completely abandoned during the wasted decade by those opposite.

    We’re already investing $2.2 billion to strengthen regional communications, particularly in disaster-prone areas – after programs like the Mobile Black Spot Program were pork-barrelled by those opposite.

    Through our record investments in the NBN, we’ve fixed half of some streets being stuck on the unreliable copper network they rolled out, including just 15 minutes down the road at Jerrabomberra.

    Because it actually takes a little bit more than a string and a can to run a small business, and to work and study from home.

    In this Budget, we’re providing an additional $3.0 billion in equity funding to NBN Co to complete upgrades for all remaining Fibre to the Node premises, including connecting an additional 334,000 regional premises to high speed internet.

    A service that we can’t forget, would be sold off to the highest bidder under those opposite.

    We’re also introducing a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation – requiring telcos to provide access to mobile voice and SMS almost everywhere across Australia – which will have huge benefits for regional and remote communities, particularly during emergencies and disasters. 

    Natural disasters are something my own electorate of Eden-Monaro has felt deeply, which is why I’m proud the National Emergency Management Agency that we launched continues to support regional communities – most recently in Queensland and NSW during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

    That’s on top of our $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund continuing to support regional communities to be better prepared.

    And our additional $35 million investment to boost our national aerial fleet – giving regional communities more emergency support when they need it most.

    But it’s not just during disasters when our regions need reliable aviation.

    Despite the Leader of the Nationals in the Senate telling Sky News just last week that the Opposition had been fighting for a more competitive aviation sector – the reality is they’ve sat idle at the departure gate. 

    Those opposite did nothing with the Sydney Airports Slot Review handed to them in 2021 – something we’ve responded to with our Aviation White Paper.

    And they’ve said that keeping Rex Airlines’ regional routes operating during the voluntary administration process is sabotaging the sale process.

    I’m proud the Albanese Government has kept Rex’s regional flights in the air, with an $80 million loan facility to Rex Administrators, and additional support to reduce the debt Rex owes.

    Because for regional communities like mine, these flights are critical to our local economy, accessing important health services, and for getting around.

    The reality of living in our regions is we need to travel longer for some services, which is why we’ll continue standing up for a strong regional aviation sector.

    But travelling by car is generally how we get around, which is why we’ve already increased local road funding for every council.

    Roads to Recovery funding is going up from $500 million to $1 billion per year, road Black Spot funding increasing to $150 million per year, we’ve launched our $200 million per year Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program – and we’ve continued investing in major transport projects.

    Because every local community should have confidence in the roads they’re driving on.

    In his Budget reply last year, the Leader of the Nationals said those opposite would deliver the strong infrastructure funding pipeline that our regional communities need. 

    But let’s not forget, they were responsible for an infrastructure pipeline that below out from 150 projects to 800 projects, without a single dollar extra being added to the Budget, and without the delivery. 

    Regional communities deserve better than promises in press release with no follow through, which is why we continue to deliver critical projects to Build Regional Australia’s Future.

    Funding through this Budget includes $7.2 billion for Bruce Highway safety upgrades in Queensland, $200 million towards duplicating the Stuart Highway from Darwin to Katherine.

    $40 million for the Main South Road Upgrade in South Australia, and $1.1 billion towards upgrades along the Western Freeway in Victoria.

    After colour-coded spreadsheets from those opposite, we’ve delivered on our commitment to establish transparent grant programs that every postcode can apply for.

    Our $600 million Growing Regions Program is already supporting 112 projects, with 29 projects supported under our $400 million Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program so far. 

    I had the pleasure of visiting Wagga’s Lake Albert – one of this region’s most popular recreational sites, which will be completely transformed thanks to $4.4 million in Growing Regions Funding.

    Projects like this are making our regions better places to live, to work and to invest – but having more housing to attract and retain workers is something every community tells me they need.

    We’ve already committed $32 billion in housing measures, including over 13,000 homes nationally under the first round of our Housing Australia Future Fund – many of these in our regions.

    That’s more than those opposite delivered in an entire decade – when they had no plan for building, and their only idea for turning more keys was letting people raid their super for a deposit. 

    To their credit, they’ve now said they’ll fund enabling infrastructure – labelling this a fantastic idea.

    So fantastic, we’re already doing it – through our $1.5 billion Housing Support Program.

    Including $27.2 million to support upgrading Marulan’s sewage treatment in the Mighty Eden-Monaro – laying the foundations for more housing.

    Through this Budget, we’re delivering $54 million to turbocharge advanced manufacturing of prefabricated and modular homes, getting more homes into our regions where we need them most – lifting our total housing commitments to $33 billion. 

    More housing is a key part of how we’re Building Regional Australia’s Future, as is supporting our regional businesses and regional economies to grow.

    Under those opposite, car manufacturers left our shores, leaving our regional people behind. 

    But Labor has always had the back of regional manufacturing, and we’ve shown that again with our new investment of $2.4 billion with the South Australian Government to save the Whyalla Steelworks.

    Supporting 1,100 direct workers, and encouraging more investment into Australian made steel. 

    This builds on our existing $22.7 billion Future Made in Australia agenda, ensuring we build more in our own backyard – which includes over $500 million to boost Australia’s battery manufacturing capabilities, and $1 billion to supercharge the production of solar panels in our regions.

    Our investments are putting regional communities at the centre of industries of the future – unlocking more secure and well-paid regional jobs, and ensuring that we train and retrain regional workforces.

    This includes $38.2 million to boost the diversity of our STEM workforce, with a focus on supporting more women secure jobs in these critical industries.

    Through this Budget, we’re delivering further investments to Build Regional Australia’s Future – by leveraging the competitive advantages that come with our vast energy resources, world-leading agricultural sector, and regional innovation.

    $250.0 million to accelerate the pace of Australia’s growing domestic Low Carbon Liquid Fuels industry – helping to drive economic growth and jobs in regional areas.

    $1.0 billion under our Green Iron Investment Fund to boost green iron manufacturing in our regions.

    This builds on our existing commitment of $2.0 billion to support aluminium smelters transition to renewables – in places like Portland in Victoria, Tomago in NSW, and in Queensland’s Gladstone region.

    From our factories to our fields, we’re backing our regions – with $11.0 million to tackle established pests and weeds in our agriculture and forestry sectors – keeping them productive

    An additional $20 million for a new round of the On Farm Connectivity Program so farmers can use the latest technology to make their work more efficient.  

    And $20.0 million to encourage more Australians to buy Australian-made products, which will have huge benefits for regional economies – because so much of what we love and rely on comes from our regions.

    In his Budget reply last year, the Leader of the Nationals said the Opposition will take decisive action to give regional Australians a fair go.

    But all we’ve seen since then is those opposite continue to vote against every single cost of living measure, while petrifying regional communities with their Nuclear thought bubble.

    An idea that was announced with zero consultation, and most importantly – one that will deliver zero savings for regional Australians and their power bills. 

    Since my last Regional Budget Statement, the Albanese Government has continued to relieve pressures on regional families and businesses, while improving access to the services and support regional people rely on – regardless of their postcode.

    Through our 2025-26 Budget we’re delivering more energy bill relief, making cheaper medicines even cheaper, and providing extra support to get more regional Australians into their own home.

    We’re strengthening Medicare and expanding regional health services, delivering further investments to boost regional connectivity, and investing in more support to help build workforces in our in-demand sectors.

    That’s because only the Albanese Government is serious about Building Regional Australia’s Future.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Press conference – Rockhampton, Queensland

    Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

    JASON CLARE, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION: Thanks very much for coming along. It’s great to be back in Rocky, and it’s particularly fantastic to be here with my friend JP. We were together only a couple of days ago in Canberra.

    On Monday we made a really big announcement worth $2.8 billion of extra Commonwealth funding for public schools right across Queensland, an agreement that was struck by the Prime Minister and the Queensland Premier as well as the two of us, working together in the interests of kids right across Queensland. And that investment over the next decade is going to make sure that all public schools right across Queensland are fully funded. 

    It’s the last piece in the puzzle to make sure that all public schools right across the nation are fully funded. And it’s going to change lives. It’s a classic example of two Governments working together. And that’s what today is all about as well. We got a great opportunity just a minute ago to meet the doctors of the future – young people that are studying medicine right now that are going to be doctors in Rocky in the years ahead.

    And what we’re announcing today is that the Australian Government will provide $80 million to help build the health sciences school that Rockhampton needs. It’s a health sciences academy for Year 10 to 12. The Premier made this commitment in the election campaign. I’m glad that the Commonwealth Government can contribute to help make this a reality. It’s a great example of two Governments working together – Commonwealth Government chipping in, State Government chipping in – to help make sure that young people in regional Australia get the skills they need to produce the doctors and the nurses and the ambos and the health science professionals that we need now and that we’re going to need in the years ahead. 

    And as we all know, if you study local, you’re more likely to stay local. If you become a doctor in Rocky – if you study medicine in Rocky, you’re more likely to become a doctor who works in Rocky. And that’s why this is so important. Young people while they’re still at high school, getting the skills they need to go and study a university degree in health sciences, and help make sure that we’ve got more doctors and nurses and ambos here in Rocky and across regional Queensland.

    I’ll hand over to you, mate.

    JOHN-PAUL LANGBROEK, QUEENSLAND MINISTER FOR EDUCATION: Thanks, Jason. Well, thanks, everyone, for being here today. And I want to thank Jason Clare, our Federal Minister, as well for the partnership that we’ve had over the last couple of months working on that public school funding scheme that we were able to finalise on Monday. But importantly today is another piece of the puzzle about the election commitment that we made about the new health sciences academy that we want to bring to central Queensland and Rockhampton specifically. 

    So, we really want to thank the Federal Government for the $80 million commitment. It’s an $80 million commitment by the Federal Government that’s going to be a big help in us delivering our election commitment. So, it’s great to be here with the vice-chancellor and two of our local MPs as well.

    But as Jason Clare has just mentioned, seeing the students in action and hearing their stories – many of them here from the local community – and it’s a very, very important partnership between the Federal Government, the State Government, our local health services and schools and, of course, the university.

    So, we’re very appreciative, and we know it’s going to lead to better outcomes. I was here just a month ago, here at the university and also at local high schools. And we know there are over 30 different jobs in health that young people can aspire to. And as Jason Clare has mentioned, if they study here, they’re more likely to stay here.

    We don’t expect everyone to stay here forever necessarily. We want them to travel and go see other places but come back to where your roots are and build a growing state that’s got increasing needs into the future. So, we’ll be working with Health Minister Tim Nicholls as well about delivering that increased workforce that we know we’re going to need over the next few years.

    I’ll hand over to Nick Klomp now, the Vice-Chancellor. Thanks for having us here, Nick.

    NICK KLOMP: Thanks. Thank you, I’m Nick Klomp, Vice-Chancellor and President of CQ University. CQ University is delighted about this cross-government announcement today of locating the Queensland Academy of Health Sciences here in Rockhampton. And, you know, almost on behalf of the community I want to congratulate Jason and JP and our local members here, Donna and Glen, for recognising the importance of workforce in the regions. It’s one of the things that is top of mind for everyone that lives here. It’s top of mind for businesses and communities, and no discipline is more important perhaps than the health disciplines.

    CQ University, we provide graduates, we train graduates in a whole range of health disciplines, from the regional medical pathway, nurses, doctors, psychologists, oral health, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, paramedics, and I could keep on going. We can’t produce enough graduates. That’s how important it is in the region. And this announcement of the Queensland Academy of Health Sciences helps build aspiration for people that are thinking they would like to get a head start in their studies, they’d like a career in health sciences. And CQ University just stands ready to work in partnership with the schools, with the state on what can we do to use this academy to really prioritise the potential of health careers in the region.

    It’s really exciting. We need all the graduates in health science we can get, and, of course, CQ University recognises our obligation to help produce those graduates. So, a great day for health sciences. 

    DONNA KIRKLAND: Thank you. So, what we see today is the coming together of a number of stakeholders, different levels of Government, and that in itself speaks to the need for regional health services in our area. So very excited about this announcement today. And I want to continue to just reiterate that 70 per cent of the people who study in the regions stay in the regions. And that’s what we are wanting out of this. We’ve just been next door speaking to some of our doctors to be – four of those from Rockhampton, another from Gladstone – all with aspirations to continue to stay here in the regions to be of service to our community. 

    And so it will be that Grades 10, 11 and 12 right across Central Queensland will be able to access the Health Services Academy. This is a great outcome, and as the Member for Rockhampton and certainly Assistant Minister for Central Queensland I welcome this funding here today.

    GLEN KELLY: Glen Kelly, Member for Mirani. Well today what an announcement. I’m a great believer in education and keeping people in the bush from where they grow up. And just visiting in next door here and seeing the students of the future, our doctors of the future who have to study for seven years – seven years to become a doctor – that’s dedication for you. That really shows that these young people – teenagers coming into adults – are so focused on helping people with health issues and other things that might appear in their life.

    Today it’s a great honour to have Jason Clare, our Federal Education Minister. And obviously we’ve got Nick here, which we’ve seen so many times of late, and we have JP and obviously Donna Kirkland. It’s a great honour this for regional Queensland because if just keeps us focused on how important we are. And the doctors of the next generation, they’re just next door here, and with this announcement of $80 million to support these ones just next door and the coming on is so important to us. Thank you.

    JOURNALIST: So just on the funding, will that carry through regardless of the outcome of the federal election? 

    CLARE: Certainly, if the Albanese Government is returned that money will be delivered, and we’ll work with JP and the team to make sure that this school is built over the course of the first term, I think it is, of your Government. I can’t speak for if we’re not returned.

    JOURNALIST: And so, the $80 million, was that just Federal funding?

    CLARE: That’s a Federal contribution. The State Government will make an important contribution as well. We’re going to work really closely with Nick and the team at the University. There’s the potential for co-location here at the University. We’ve just got to go through the details of that to see what might be possible. If that’s possible, that’s great because young people going to school on university grounds get a chance to see what life is like once you go to university before you even get there.

    The other thing that makes this special is that there’s the potential to earn credits while you’re doing your studies at high school for the degree or for the diploma that you do once you leave high school and start a health science course, whether it’s a TAFE course or whether it’s a university degree.

    JOURNALIST: And why did the Government see this as a priority, and was there a lot of legwork bring this to fruition? 

    CLARE: Well, JP’s a former dentist – he’s good at pulling teeth! This is honestly a classic example of great teamwork. To get things done in this country it requires Australian Governments to work together – Commonwealth Governments and State Governments. Forget political parties; it’s about the people, it’s about what does a community need. This community needs more doctors, it needs more nurses, it needs more ambos, it needs more health professionals. And if we work together, we can get this done.

    JOURNALIST: And will this benefit students as well as the teachers and, if so, how so?

    CLARE: Will it benefit the students? 

    JOURNALIST: Will it benefit the community as well sorry?

    CLARE: I think it benefits the community. The ultimate goal here is that Rockhampton has more health professionals so that people who live in Rocky and call it home – my grandmother was born and raised in Rocky – have the health services they need and the health services that they deserve.

    Do you want to jump in?

    LANGBROEK: Well, look, I think there’s no doubt that it’s going to benefit teachers as well. It comes up with the university. When it comes to university and rankings, the more that you can have offerings at a university with local students it’s going to benefit lecturers, tutors and enhance the reputation of one of our finest universities. We’ve got nine in Queensland out of 40 nationally, and we want our universities to be seen as amongst the best in the country. And this is only going to help CQU as well as the students who are going to be here to benefit, as well as the local community. 

    ENDS

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Going to the dentist is expensive. Here are 3 things you can do to protect your oral health – and 3 things to avoid

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dileep Sharma, Professor and Head of Discipline – Oral Health, University of Newcastle

    Jiri Hera/Shutterstock

    Around one in three Australians delayed their visit to a dentist in the last financial year – or didn’t go at all – due to cost.

    Given it doesn’t look like dental treatment is being added to Medicare any time soon, what can you do?

    Most oral and dental diseases are preventable, if you take care of your teeth and mouth. In-between visits to the dentist, here’s what you can do to avoid preventable issues – and blow-out costs.

    What causes diseases in your mouth?

    More than 1,000 species of microbes live in the mouth. Most dental and oral diseases are due to an imbalance or overgrowth in these microbes within the plaque (or “biofilm”).

    Plaque gathers on the hard surfaces inside the mouth (your teeth), as well as soft surfaces (such as your tongue). Removing plaque manually with brushing and flossing is the most effective way to maintain oral health.

    Plaque starts to form immediately after brushing, which is why you should remove it regularly.

    Things to do

    1. Brush twice a day

    Use a toothbrush with soft bristles (either electric or manual). Soft bristles remove plaque without damaging the teeth or gums. A fluoridated toothpaste will help strengthen the teeth.

    Brush for at least two minutes, using a sweeping and scrubbing motion, away from the gums. It’s a good idea to start at the back teeth and work your way through to the front teeth. Don’t forget to scrub the biting surface of the teeth.

    2. Floss

    Don’t skip this step – it’s crucial to clean in-between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. Once a day should be enough.

    Whether you use floss, a pick, a bottle brush or other devices may depend on the space between your teeth.

    3. Clean your tongue

    To completely remove the microbes, it’s also important to clean your tongue regularly (twice daily). You can use a toothbrush while you’re already brushing, or a special tongue scraper – just don’t brush or scrape too hard.

    Brushing twice a day is important to remove bacteria in the mouth and on the teeth.
    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    Things to avoid

    1. Sugary drinks and refined food

    What we eat and drink can affect the mouth’s pH.

    When bacteria in the mouth break down sugars, they produce acids. The acidity can dissolve minerals in the teeth and lead to decay.

    Refined foods – such as white bread, cakes and pastries – can easily be broken down by the mouth’s bacteria. So, having a lot of them, as well as sugary drinks, can damage the teeth and cause cavities.

    Water is the best choice to drink with your meals. Sparkling and soda water are acidic and can lead to mineral loss from the teeth, even when they are unflavoured. There is evidence flavoured sparkling water can be as harmful as orange juice.

    2. Tobacco and vaping

    Smoking or using smokeless tobacco (such as chewed tobacco or snuff pouches) is linked to oral cancer.

    Nicotine is also known to increase the severity of gum diseases – even when inflammation isn’t visible.

    This is true for both smoking and smokeless tobacco (such as chewed tobacco or snuff pouches).

    Vaping also increases your risk of developing cavities and gum disease.

    3. Too much alcohol, tea and coffee

    Drinking a lot of coffee, tea or red wine can stain your teeth. So if you’re concerned about your teeth appearing yellow or brown, it’s best to limit your intake.

    Drinking alcohol is also linked to an increased risk of developing oral cancers, which most commonly affect the tongue, floor of the mouth, cheek and palate.

    Drinks that are fizzy and sugary can damage the teeth.
    Svetlana Foote/Shutterstock

    Your mouth’s health is linked to your overall health

    Leaving oral diseases untreated (such as gum disease) has been linked to developing other conditions, such as liver disease, and pre-existing conditions getting worse.

    This is particularly evident if you have diabetes. Evidence shows it’s easier to manage blood sugar levels when gum diseases are properly treated.

    You can keep an eye on symptoms, such as bleeding gums which may be an early sign of gum disease. If symptoms that worry you, talk to your GP or diabetes educator. They may be able to refer you to a dentist if needed.

    Dileep Sharma receives funding from Dental Council of NSW, International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research, Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, International College of Dentists and Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre for his dental research projects. He is affiliated with The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research and Australian Dental Association.

    – ref. Going to the dentist is expensive. Here are 3 things you can do to protect your oral health – and 3 things to avoid – https://theconversation.com/going-to-the-dentist-is-expensive-here-are-3-things-you-can-do-to-protect-your-oral-health-and-3-things-to-avoid-250786

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigating after man taken into custody at Goodwood

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police investigating after man taken into custody at Goodwood

    Wednesday, 26 March 2025 – 3:04 pm.

    Police are continuing to investigate after a man was taken into custody at Goodwood earlier today.
    About 9.30am police were called to a disturbance at a private residence at Claremont where a man was behaving erratically while in possession of an edged weapon.
    The man then allegedly stole a vehicle and fled the scene before police arrived. Nobody was physically injured.
    Police will allege the man then drove to Goodwood where he crashed into a building in the Technopark area and entered the premises.
    Police arrived within minutes and the man was quickly taken into custody.
    A woman, believed to have been known to the man, received minor injuries during an altercation with him.
    She was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital.
    The building at Goodwood was evacuated and declared a crime scene.
    A second crime scene was declared at the Claremont residence before police were called to a residence at West Moonah following reports of a fire. 
    That property has also been declared a crime scene, and police are investigating whether the fire is connected to the incidents at Claremont and Goodwood.
    Nobody was home at the time of the fire.
    Inspector Jason Klug said the suspect -– a 55-year-old West Moonah man – remained in custody. 
    “This is a concerning incident, involving a private workplace, and we recognise the impact this may have on staff as well as the broader community,” he said.      
    “However, we’d like to reassure the public the suspect was quickly taken into custody and there is no ongoing threat.”
    Anyone with information should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Measles alert for Sydney Airport and western NSW

    Source: Australian Green Party

    NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while visiting locations at Sydney Airport and western NSW.
    The case recently returned from South East Asia where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles in several countries including Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
    People who were on board the below flight or attended the following locations at the times stated should watch for the development of symptoms. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
    ​Wednesday 19 March 2025

    Jetstar Flight JQ62 departed Ho Chi Minh City at 10:30pm on Tuesday 18 March 2025, arriving in Sydney at 10:50am on Wednesday 19 March 2025
    Sydney International Airport arrivals terminal and baggage claim from 11:00am to 12:00pm

    Friday 21 March 2025

    Ochre Medical Centre Parkes, 335 Clarinda St, Parkes from 10:15am to 11:15am

    Monday 24 March 2025 

    Parkes Health Service Emergency Department, 2 Morrissey Way, Parkes 12:00pm midday to 7:00pm

    Dr Victor Carey, Western NSW Local Health District Public Health Physician said anyone who visited the above locations at those times should monitor for symptoms.​
    “Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” Dr Carey said.
    “Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.”
    “It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms up until 11 April 2025.
    “It’s important for people to stay vigilant if they’ve been exposed, and if they develop symptoms, to please call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.
    “We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.
    “This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious.
    “Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”
    The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective, and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.
    Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of MMR up to six months earlier if they are travelling to areas with a high risk for measles. Parents should consult their GP.
    People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
    For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet.
    If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. ​

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Delivering a new Academy for Health Sciences in Central Queensland

    Source: Historic Cooma Gaol listed on the NSW State Heritage Register

    The Albanese Government and the Crisafulli Government will fund the establishment of a new Academy for Health Sciences in Rockhampton.

    The Academy will help to fast track high-achieving local students into careers as doctors, nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals.

    This is an investment to strengthen Medicare and boost the pipeline of health workers in regional Queensland.

    The Academy will cater for students from Years 10 to 12 and connect them to professionals in health sciences and research.

    The Albanese Government will support the establishment of the Academy through a $80 million investment, towards the Crisafulli Government’s existing commitment to deliver this key regional project.

    The Crisafulli Government will seek to establish a direct partnership with Central Queensland University. 

    This will also allow students to gain credit for university health science degrees while still at school, and follow their passion for health sciences without needing to move away from their families or communities.

    The recent record number of graduates to progress through Queensland’s Regional Medical Pathway program demonstrates the strong pipeline of home-grown future health professionals outside metropolitan areas.

    The Rockhampton campus will be the first regionally-based Queensland Academy, and demonstrates the Crisafulli and Albanese Government’s commitment to restoring and strengthening regional health services.

    The details of the Academy’s implementation are under consideration by the Crisafulli Government, with the final location to be determined through further planning and consultation.

    Comment attributable to Minister Clare: 

    “This is an important investment which will support young people in Central Queensland to become nurses, paramedics and doctors. 

    “This is all about building a better and fairer education system and strengthening the pipeline of key workers that regional Queensland needs.”

    Comment attributable to Minister King:

    “The Albanese Government is delivering the infrastructure and facilities our communities need. 

    “This health sciences academy is part of our landmark investment in Central Queensland, alongside the $7.2 billion being invested by the Australian Government in the Bruce Highway safety upgrade.”

    Comment attributable to Minister Langbroek: 

    “This funding contribution from the Albanese Government is incredibly significant, coupled with the planning and consultation work we’ve already done, this election commitment is well underway.

    “The Academy will help students across Central Queensland who are interested in a health career to connect with professionals in health sciences and research.

    “I look forward to continuing to work with State Health Minister Tim Nicholls and our local MPs to fulfill our commitment to deliver this vital project for Central Queensland.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Votes to Confirm Bhattacharya to Lead NIH

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS) Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement after voting to confirm Jay Bhattacharya as the next director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH):

    “As Chairman of the Senate’s Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, I have worked closely with past NIH Directors and look forward to working with Director Bhattacharya on our shared goal of making America healthy again through medical research,” Senator Capito said. “As a medical researcher himself, Director Bhattacharya understands the unique needs of those in this field. I was pleased to vote to confirm him and look forward to the progress he will make modernizing NIH to best meet the health care challenges facing our nation, enabling the next lifesaving medical breakthroughs.”

    Senator Capito previously met with Bhattacharya in February to discuss his nomination and learn more about his vision to lead NIH.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Dream becomes a reality for EIT Auckland Valedictorian | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

    7 minutes ago

    When Mai Nguyễn first arrived in New Zealand in April 2023, she could only dream of one day standing on stage delivering the valedictory speech at her own graduation.

    Yesterday, (March 25), she did just that — speaking as Valedictorian and graduating with a Master of Digital Business at one of two EIT Auckland ceremonies at the Aotea Centre.

    “I’m so proud of it, super proud,” Mai says. “When I first started studying, I helped out at graduation ceremonies. I watched the valedictorians speak and I dreamed of being one of them. And now, it’s come true.”

    EIT Auckland Valedictorian Mai Nguyễn has graduated with a Master of Digital Business.

    Originally from Vietnam, Mai holds a Bachelor in Hospitality Management and had a successful career in marketing at a cybersecurity company before moving abroad with her husband Tran Khanh Hiep and their then two-and-a-half-year-old son Tran Khanh An. Despite the challenges of starting over in a new country, Mai embraced every opportunity with determination and heart.

    She completed her Master of Digital Business at EIT Auckland and quickly became a valued part of the student community, serving as a student representative and mentor.

    That sense of support is something she felt from the moment she enrolled. “The EIT philosophy of providing the support to succeed is true. From day one, I felt it. Even when I lost my first assignment due to a technical issue, and the librarian from Napier helped me late at night. That meant so much.”

    She describes the Auckland campus as small but warm — a place where “everyone knows your name” and where international students are truly looked after.

    “I always felt like I belonged. There’s something special about how EIT supports students. They see more than just your grades; they see your heart and your effort.”

    EIT Auckland Valedictorian Mai Nguyễn pictured with her husband Tran Khanh Hiep and their then two-and-a-half-year-old son Tran Khanh An on their way to New Zealand.

    Now working as a business development manager for an immigration company, Mai helps other migrants find their path in Aotearoa. She hopes to become a licensed immigration advisor and continue supporting Vietnamese students who want to study in New Zealand — including, she hopes, at EIT.

    “I still tell EIT staff, if you ever need my help, I’ll be there,” she says. “I believe in what EIT offers — not just education, but care.”

    “I wasn’t always this helpful or reflective,” she adds. “Back in Vietnam, I was career focused. But studying here helped me grow. I realised that success isn’t just about what you achieve — it’s about the impact you have on others.”

    To new international students, Mai offers heartfelt advice.

    “Change is not scary, it’s part of growth. You might suffer and struggle, but everything will be fine in the end. Do good, and good will always come back to you.”

    EIT Auckland Campus Director Cherrie Freeman says this achievement is a testament to Mai’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence throughout her studies.

    “The team at EIT is incredibly proud of all that Mai has accomplished. We are also deeply grateful for the unwavering support she has shown to the student community. Time and time again, Mai stepped up to help—whether by helping, providing guidance, or simply being there when needed. Her willingness to lend a hand, often on short notice, and her consistent presence on campus, sometimes on a daily basis, have made a significant impact.

    “Mai has truly earned this distinction, and EIT wishes her all the best in her future endeavours. She will always have a special place in the EIT family.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Notification of avian influenza and Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection

    Source: FairTrading New South Wales

    Key messages

    • From 1 April 2025, avian influenza and Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection will become notifiable conditions in Victoria.
    • Avian influenza in a person will become an urgent notifiable condition. Medical practitioners and pathology services must notify cases immediately (as soon as practicable, and in any case, within 24 hours) upon diagnosis to the Department of Health. Pathology services must also provide written notification within 5 working days.
    • Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection will become a routine notifiable condition for pathology services only. Pathology services must provide written notification of Vibrio parahaemolyticus detection or isolation in a clinical specimen to the Department of Health within 5 working days.
    • Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral infection of birds that can rarely affect people. Those who have had close or prolonged contact with infected birds or other animals or their contaminated environments are at highest risk of infection.
    • Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection most commonly presents as acute gastroenteritis associated with consumption of raw and undercooked seafood.

    What is the issue?

    The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 requires that prescribed conditions and micro-organisms are notified to the Department of Health. This law exists to monitor, prevent and control the occurrence of infectious diseases and other specified conditions to protect the Victorian community from further illness.

    From 1 April 2025, avian influenza will become an urgent notifiable condition and Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection will become a routine notifiable condition for both medical practitioners and pathology services in Victoria.

    Making these conditions notifiable enables public health response actions to be initiated more promptly and facilitates the collection of more comprehensive and accurate surveillance data.

    Avian influenza, commonly referred to as ‘bird flu’, is a contagious infection of birds, caused by multiple avian influenza viruses. Wild birds are considered the natural host for these viruses. Sometimes these viruses spill over from wild birds into domestic bird populations causing disease. Several outbreaks have previously occurred in Australia among commercial flocks of birds. In May 2024, Australia reported its first human case of avian influenza H5N1 in a returned overseas traveller.

    Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a bacterium found in marine waters that most commonly causes acute gastroenteritis with watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and headache. Illness is primarily associated with consumption of raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters and other shellfish. In Australia, several multi-jurisdictional outbreaks linked to locally grown oysters have occurred over the past ten years, with significant human health, economic and international trade impact. Less commonly Vibrio parahaemolyticus can also cause wound infection when sea water contaminates an open wound.

    Who is at risk?

    Most people are not at risk of avian influenza, as the viruses do not spread easily from birds to people. People who have close or prolonged unprotected contact with infected birds or animals or their contaminated environments are at highest risk of infection.

    Although limited human-to-human transmission of avian influenza viruses may have occurred in some instances, sustained human-to-human transmission has not been identified to date.

    People cannot be infected with avian influenza through eating fully cooked poultry or eggs, even in areas with an outbreak.

    Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection can infect individuals of any age. Risks factors for developing severe disease include underlying chronic illness, being immunocompromised, consumption of antibiotics and medications that reduce stomach acid levels.

    Vibrio parahaemolyticus does not usually spread from person to person, however, person-to-person transmission is possible if there is poor personal hygiene.

    Diagnosis

    Diagnosis of avian influenza is confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for avian influenza viruses, on nasopharyngeal and throat swabs. As sample collection may induce coughing, where avian influenza is suspected swabs should be collected in a negative pressure room if available and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

    Not everyone with symptoms of influenza needs to be tested for or notified as having suspected avian influenza.

    A suspected case of avian influenza requires both clinical evidence and epidemiological evidence. Epidemiological evidence may include:

    • close contact with a probable or confirmed human avian influenza case
    • exposure to birds, bird carcasses, or to environments contaminated by bird faeces, in an area with suspected or confirmed avian influenza infections in birds or other animals
    • consumption of raw or undercooked poultry products from an area with suspected or confirmed avian influenza infections in birds
    • close contact with a confirmed avian influenza infected animal other than birds (for example, cat or pig)
    • handling samples suspected of containing avian influenza virus in a laboratory or other setting.

    For more information refer to the Communicable Diseases Network Australia Surveillance Case Definition – Avian influenzaExternal Link.

    Diagnosis of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection relies on laboratory detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus by nucleic acid testing or isolation of the bacterium from an appropriate clinical specimen. For more information refer to the Communicable Diseases Network Australia Surveillance Case DefinitionExternal Link.

    Confirmed cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection are designated based only on definitive laboratory evidence and are therefore required to be notified by pathology services.

    Recommendations

    For medical practitioners

    • From 1 April 2025, medical practitioners must notify all patients with suspected or confirmed avian influenza to the Department of Health immediately (as soon as practicable and within 24 hours) upon diagnosis by telephone on 1300 651 160 (24/7). Notifying medical practitioners will be connected to the appropriate Local Public Health Unit.
    • Seek laboratory confirmation urgently for all suspected cases of avian influenza. All suspected cases should be discussed with the relevant Local Public Health Unit who can provide advice on testing and coordinate with the laboratory.
    • All samples should be sent for urgent testing at the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL). Record relevant clinical details, suspected diagnosis and risk factors on the request form.
    • Consider the need for contact management of patients with avian influenza. This may include post-exposure prophylaxis in eligible high-risk contacts. For further advice, refer to an infectious disease specialist or contact your Local Public Health Unit (after hours contact via 1300 651 160).
    • Further information about the notification process and the Public Health and Wellbeing legislation are available on the Notifiable infectious diseases, conditions and micro-organisms page.

    For pathology services

    • From 1 April 2025, pathology services must notify any isolation or detection of avian influenza (subtype of Influenza A) to the Department of Health immediately (as soon as practicable and within 24 hours) upon diagnosis by telephone on 1300 651 160 (24/7). Notifying pathology services will be connected to the appropriate Local Public Health Unit. Pathology services must also follow up with written notifications within 5 working days.
    • From 1 April 2025, pathology services must provide written notification of any isolation or detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus within five working days to the Department of Health by electronic laboratory report (ELR) or by faxing the laboratory report to 1300 651 170.

    More information

    For more information, please contact the Department of Health on 1300 651 160 (24/7).

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 50 Years of Good Friday in Lakes Entrance

    Source:

    Lakes Entrance Fire Brigade is this year celebrating 50 years of collecting for the Good Friday Appeal.

    Lakes Entrance Fire Brigade is this year celebrating 50 years of collecting for the Good Friday Appeal. 

    Over their incredible 50 years of fundraising the brigade has raised a total of $607,155.31 

    The appeal began in Lakes Entrance over 50 years ago when local barber Billy Bills was asked to coordinate the effort.  

    Billy was motivated to take on the role because of a well-known local boy who was living at the Royal Children’s Hospital with Spina Bifida. 

    After Billy’s passing his son, Alan Bills, continued the work for over 30 years until ill health led him to pass the responsibility to Area Manager and Lakes Entrance Brigade member John Upton.  

    John, along with his daughter Lesley Garth, continue to coordinate the appeal today. 

    John said it is amazing to have watched the appeal grow into what it is today.  

    “It is a pretty good effort for a small town like ours to keep it going, to keep collecting, and to keep supporting the cause,” he said. 

    Fundraising efforts started with a collection point at Billy’s own home, with a focus around can collection and support from local businesses.  

    John said the support from local businesses has only grown in recent years and he is thankful to have such a supportive community behind the brigade’s efforts.  

    “Over time, raffles were introduced, and CFA members, their partners, and children all became involved,” he said.  

    “Families assisted with collections at caravan parks, using a fire truck to attract attention. 

    “Fire trucks and community buses filled with children collect from local houses, and we hold raffles at several evening venues.” 

    Brigade Captain Phil Loukes said it has become a real community event and it’s heartwarming to see the brigade still going strong after 50 years of collecting.  

    “It is a whole brigade thing, it is absolutely embraced by all of the brigade,” he said.  

    “Lakes has really suffered first from covid and then from the 2019/2020 bushfires, we haven’t really recovered so our community has been amazing in supporting us.” 

    The Good Friday Appeal became personal for John after his granddaughter was diagnosed with cancer when she was 18 months old. 

    John’s own children and another grandchild also needed to rely on the services of the RCH. he said it is a special place that deserves all the help it gets.  

    “It is an absolute necessity to make sure the kids are okay,” he said. 

    He said many members of the brigade and the broader community have been touched by the world class care of the Royal Children’s Hospital. 

    “The RCH is unique and a very important place for kids who need it,” he said 

    “The legacy that those early people have left, they built a really strong foundation and as a brigade it is a highlight.  

    “It pulls people together with a common goal.” 

    John said the totals the brigade sees each year are a testament to the hard work of so many people behind the scenes including brigade life member Graeme Adams and his wife Truus who have been involved since the very beginning.   

    “None of this would have been possible without the ongoing support of CFA members, their partners, children, and the broader community,” John said. 

    “To anyone out there please give as generously as you can as you can afford to, even just a few cents, it all goes a long way.” 

    This year, CFA volunteers are aiming to surpass $40 million in total funds collected for the Good Friday Appeal across 74 years. 

    On Good Friday call 1300 APPEAL between 9am and 11pm. 

    Submitted by Brittany Carlson

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia stands firm behind its foreign aid in the budget, but the future remains precarious

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Melissa Conley Tyler, Honorary Fellow, Asia Institute, The University of Melbourne

    This week’s budget will come as a relief to Australia’s neighbours in the Indo-Pacific that rely on development assistance. The Albanese government did not follow the lead of US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in cutting its foreign aid.

    The Trump administration froze foreign assistance and dismantled the US Agency for International Development (USAID) when it came into office. Meanwhile, the UK announced 40% aid cuts of its own.

    It is to Australia’s credit this has not happened here. Australia’s development budget remains intact this year and in forward estimates.

    Sensible policymakers seem to recognise that Australia’s strategic circumstances are different. As a nation surrounded by low- and middle-income countries, Australia cannot vacate the field on development issues without enormous reputational, diplomatic and strategic damage.

    This budget shows Australia is committed to its region – with 75% of the foreign assistance budget flowing to the Indo-Pacific – and sees development partnerships as a way to solve shared problems.

    What’s in the budget for aid and development

    The details of the development budget show Australia has been listening to its partners to identify critical gaps and reprioritise funds.

    In the Pacific, funding has risen to a historic high, with no country receiving less aid. There have been changes in focus to respond to the US funding cuts, including programs on HIV/AIDS in Papua New Guinea and Fiji and gender-based violence in the Pacific.

    This fits with Australia’s desire to be a partner of choice – and to prevent an increased Chinese presence in the region.

    In Southeast Asia, Australia has increased its aid to all countries and has shifted funding, particularly in health where the US was a major donor.

    This is in Australia’s interest. A new program on Indonesian human and animal health, for example, will help prevent health system failures in areas such as tuberculosis and polio elimination on Australia’s doorstep.

    Funds have also been reallocated to support civil society organisations working in vital areas like media freedom and human rights, which would have been a casualty in the US cuts.

    There was also a shift in humanitarian funding to Myanmar and Bangladesh, where the US aid withdrawal has left Rohingya refugees in a desperate state.

    Importantly, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is helping local organisations survive US cuts by allowing temporary flexibility in the use of grant funding to help them continue to deliver essential services.

    Beyond these reprioritisations, the other heartening thing about the budget is its normality.

    It maintains funding for assistive technology for people with disabilities and an Inclusion and Equality Fund to support LGBTQIA+ civil society organisations and human rights defenders. There are programs on maternal health, including reproductive rights.

    The future is still precarious

    However, it would be wrong to think this budget will fill the gaps left by the US withdrawal.

    The ANU Development Policy Centre estimates that traditional OECD donors will cut at least 25% of their aid by 2027. It said, “when that much of a thing goes missing, it’s clearly at risk of collapse”.

    Some development organisations will close their doors, potentially including household names that Australians have donated to for years. This is a time of huge transformation for the sector.

    Another future problem will be maintaining multilateral institutions that rely on US funding – including the World Health Organization, World Food Programme, World Bank and Asian Development Bank. This will require a concerted effort with other countries.

    So, while the Australian budget shows a government deploying current funding as intelligently as possible, there will eventually be limits to this approach.

    In the “new world of uncertainty” described in the treasurer’s budget speech, it simply won’t be possible to meet Australia’s strategic aims and keep development spending at its current rate. It is still far away from 1% of the federal budget.

    At some point, Australia must rethink the trajectory of its international commitments.

    Analysis by the Development Intelligence Lab, a think tank working on development cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, has shown that over the last 25 years, the international parts of the federal budget – defence, intelligence, diplomacy and development – have held steady at around 10%.

    In a time of disruption, this might need to change. In 1949, for example, Australia invested almost 9% of the federal budget on development and diplomacy alone – not including defence.

    Those in the foreign aid sector can celebrate Australia has not pulled back on its commitments like the US and UK. At the same time, we should expect the next government will inevitably be called on to do more.

    Melissa Conley Tyler is Executive Director at the Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy & Defence Dialogue (AP4D), an initiative funded by the foreign affairs and defence portfolios and hosted by the Australian Council for International Development..

    – ref. Australia stands firm behind its foreign aid in the budget, but the future remains precarious – https://theconversation.com/australia-stands-firm-behind-its-foreign-aid-in-the-budget-but-the-future-remains-precarious-253028

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: PSNA calls on NZ govt to condemn renewed Israel air strikes on Gaza – 320 killed

    Asia Pacific Report

    A national Palestinian advocacy group has called on the Aotearoa New Zealand government to immediately condemn Israel for its resumption today of “genocidal attacks” on the almost 2 million Palestinians trapped in the besieged Gaza enclave.

    Media reports said that more than 320 people had been killed — many of them children — in a wave of predawn attacks by Israel to break the fragile ceasefire that had been holding since mid-January.

    The renewed war on Gaza comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis that has persisted for 16 days since March 1.

    This followed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to block the entry of all aid and goods, cut water and electricity, and shut down the Strip’s border crossings at the end of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.

    “Immediate condemnation of Israel’s resumption of attacks on Gaza must come from the New Zealand government”, said co-national chair John Minto of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) in a statement.

    “Israel has breached the January ceasefire agreement multiple times and is today relaunching its genocidal attacks against the Palestinian people of Gaza.”

    Israeli violations
    He said that in the last few weeks Israel had:

    • refused to negotiate the second stage of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas which would see a permanent ceasefire and complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza;
    • Issued a complete ban on food, water, fuel and medical supplies entering Gaza — “a war crime of epic proportions”; and
    • Cut off the electricity supply desperately needed to, for example, operate desalination plants for water supplies.

    ‘Cowardly silence’
    “The New Zealand government response has been a cowardly silence when the people of New Zealand have been calling for sanctions against Israel for its genocide,” Minto said.

    “The government is out of touch with New Zealanders but in touch with US/Israel.

    “Foreign Minister Winston Peters seems to be explaining his silence as ‘keeping his nerve’.

    Minto said that for the past 17 months, minister Peters had condemned every act of Palestinian resistance against 77 years of brutal colonisation and apartheid policies.

    “But he has refused to condemn any of the countless war crimes committed by Israel during this time — including the deliberate use of starvation as a weapon of war.

    “Speaking out to condemn Israel now is our opportunity to force it to reconsider and begin negotiations on stage two of the ceasefire agreement Israel is trying to walk away from.

    “Palestinians and New Zealanders deserve no less.”

    A Netanyahu “Wanted” sign at last Saturday’s pro-Palestinian rally in “Palestinian Corner”, Auckland . . . in reference to the International Criminal Court arrest warrants issued last November against the Israeli Prime Minister and former defence minister Yoav Gallant. Image: APR

    ‘Devastating sounds’
    Al Jazeera reporter Maram Humaid said from Gaza: “We woke up to the devastating sounds of multiple explosions as a series of air attacks targeted various areas across the Gaza Strip, from north to south, including Jabalia, Gaza City, Nuseirat, Deir el-Balah and Khan Younis.”

    Protesters picket outside the US Consulate in Auckland today in protest against Israel resuming air strikes on the besieged Gaza enclave. Image: Kathy Ross/APR

    “The strikes hit homes, residential buildings, schools sheltering displaced people and tents, resulting in a significant number of casualties, including women and children, especially since the attacks occurred during sleeping hours.

    The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza said at least 232 people had been killed in today’s Israeli raids.

    The Palestinian resistance group Hamas called on people of Arab and Islamic nations — and the “free people of the world” — to take to the streets in protest over the devastating attack.

    Hamas urged people across the world to “raise their voice in rejection of the resumption of the Zionist war of extermination against our people in the Gaza Strip”.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Shareholder activism: reflections on the current, and future, landscape

    Source: Allens Insights (legal sector)

    Campaigns keep evolving, with more high stakes ahead 11 min read

    Last year was another big one for shareholder activists globally, with investor sentiment in 2024 taking its cues from disruption across the broader economic and geopolitical landscape. Closer to home, activity was more stable in Australia—as it typically is, owing to our smaller footprint, more stringent company laws and stable markets—but campaigns continue to evolve, with activists refining their strategies to both capitalise on financial opportunities and seek redress for governance concerns.

    We expect high stakes for the rest of the year as the Trump administration’s policies upend commercial and regulatory settings and potentially tip the scales in favour of activists. While shareholder activism is now a standard part of the investment landscape in the US, the practice is reverberating around Australia and the rest of the world.

    In this Insight, we bring together the key takeaways from 2024 and provide our thoughts on what we see ahead.

    A snapshot of the numbers

    Activist activity has well and truly bounced back from the subdued levels brought about by the pandemic.

    Over 1000 companies were targeted by activist campaigns worldwide for the second consecutive year.1 The US continues to be the epicentre of activity, with nearly 600 US-listed companies facing activist demands, marking a 7% increase from 2023 and 16% from 2022. There was a strong showing from non-traditional and first-time activists—a record-breaking 160 different investors launched campaigns in the US in 2024, which included 45 first-time activists, also a record.

    Activity in Asia was similarly strong (particularly in Japan and South Korea), though Europe trended down, owing to ongoing disruption brought about by the conflict in Ukraine and generally subdued economic activity. There, the United Kingdom hosts the lion’s share of activity, with 42% of campaigns targeting British companies.

    Australia saw a modest rise in activity year on year, with 56 companies targeted, up nominally from the 54 campaigns recorded in 2023. While the volume of campaigns remained steady, the effectiveness of Australian activists improved—activists were assessed as having achieved their objectives in 25% of resolved campaigns, up from 16% in 2023.

    Despite this, Australian activists struggled to secure board representation in target companies, with only seven board seats gained in 2024, down significantly from 26 in 2023. This divergence suggests that although activism remains a powerful force for corporate engagement, the dominant institutional investors and influential proxy advisors remain selective and largely hesitant in delivering changes at the board level.

    All up, campaign volumes continue to be strong, though success is trickier to measure. Whether the public demands of activists are met is one tangible way of assessing effectiveness, but the overall impact of a campaign can often manifest in less direct ways. For example, the opportunity cost of management in responding to a campaign, the inherent value derived from the ensuing publicity and any derivative or other trading in the target securities—and, of course, the concessions that play out behind closed doors—often contribute to the effectiveness of shareholder activism.

    Stories from the front line

    These are some of the headline-grabbing campaigns that played out in the last year or so that have set the tone for activist causes.

    One of the most closely watched activist campaigns was Glenview Capital’s attempt to gain board representation at CVS Health. Glenview increased its stake in CVS in the third quarter of 2024 by 31%, making its US$635 million holding (equivalent to 1% of the stock) the largest of all three activist hedge funds with an interest in the company. The intervention came following a 27% drop in share price since the beginning of 2024, a market reaction reportedly attributed to higher medical costs in CVS’s insurance segment caused by an influx of medical procedures delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Glenview secured four board seats in November 2024, including Glenview CEO Larry Robbins. It was reported that the board appointments were made amid the prospect of Glenview initiating a public and more aggressive proxy fight. This case highlights the increasing sophistication of activist investors targeting high-profile global companies, and underscores the importance of clear, proactive shareholder engagement strategies—a strategy that Australian boards should observe as activism intensifies.

    The activist campaign led by Elliott Investment Management resulted in a change of CEO at Starbucks and a correspondent increase in share value by 24%, equating to US$26 billion in value and marking the company’s most successful day since its initial public offering in 1992.

    In July 2024, it was reported that Elliott had become one of the largest investors in Starbucks, and sought to leverage its position by presenting a proposal to the board for an overhaul of domestic and international strategy. The move followed the stock price having declined by 24% since the former CEO, Laxman Narasimhan, was appointed in March 2023. While Elliott approached the board in private and did not publicly advocate for a replacement CEO, there were persistent leaks to the media, which commentators assessed as likely prompting the decision. On 13 August 2024, the board announced the appointment of Brian Niccol, former CEO of restaurant chain Chipotle, who is credited with Chipotle’s modernisation and an increase in its stock price by 770% since 2018.

    The campaign illustrates that one response strategy in dealing with activists, particularly high-profile investors, can be to move pre-emptively to instigate change before the issues are forced.

    In June 2024, Elliott also disclosed an 11% economic stake in Southwest Airlines worth US$1.9 billion, and converted enough of its derivate holdings in September to amass a 10% common stock holding that enabled Elliott to call a special meeting. Conversely to its approach for Starbucks, it engaged in a more public campaign, by proposing that ‘enhancing the board, upgrading leadership and a comprehensive business review’ were necessary to increase Southwest’s stock price. In October 2024, it was announced that Southwest would appoint five independent directors nominated by Elliott in addition to another board member, and that the former chief executive and then chairman would accelerate his retirement. Following the announcement of the personnel changes, Elliott withdrew its demand for a special shareholder meeting intended to replace 10 members of Southwest’s 15-person board. Elliott’s influence has continued to grow since then, with Southwest disclosing on 19 February 2025 that the company’s agreement with Elliott has been amended to increase the maximum aggregate economic exposure that Elliott may acquire, from 14.9% to 19.9%, but limit it from acquiring more than 12.49% of outstanding common stock until 1 April 2026. When Elliott disclosed its position in June 2024, the Southwest stock price was US$29.70, and as at 14 March 2025, it was US$31.73.

    Consistent with the sentiments of the Trump administration’s focus on rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, a group of Apple shareholders submitted on 25 February 2025 a proposal titled ‘Request to Cease DEI Efforts’. This was rejected at Apple’s shareholder meeting in February 2025, with 97.67% of the vote being against the proposal. The campaign against Apple is one of several anti-DEI proposals that have been levied against prominent companies, including Costco, where the proposal was defeated by 98% of votes, and farm equipment maker John Deere, where the proposal was defeated by 98.7%. These proposals have attracted significant attention, by harnessing viral social media campaigns advocating for customer boycotts, inundating company social media accounts with negative comments, and lobbing the threat of lawsuits alleging that DEI initiatives constitute a breach of fiduciary duty. Despite the spotlight (or perhaps because of it?), shareholders of the world’s most valuable listed company voted overwhelmingly not to abandon its DEI initiatives.

    Activist themes

    We see two broad themes that motivate activists at the moment. For the reasons set out in the next section, we think the global economic and geopolitical settings provide an opportunity to shape activist behaviours.

    First, there is the more traditional activist strategy where professional investors identify companies that they perceive could optimise their performance or enhance their governance structures, and then seek to exert influence to encourage the company to focus on increasing shareholder returns. They do this by pushing for one or a combination of:

    Second, there is the rising influence of public sentiment and political undercurrents playing out in the theatre of public markets, and the volatility that comes with it. Activist campaigns are increasingly becoming a proxy for broader societal dissatisfaction.

    In Australia, this dual-track activism—balancing financial imperatives with political and social influences—reinforces the heightened investor expectations for action and accountability for these issues at the board level.

    For instance, shareholder dissent on pay has markedly increased in Australia recently, seeing over 40 strikes among ASX 300 companies in 2023 and 2024, compared with 22–26 strikes recorded between 2018 and 2022.2 Among those receiving a strike was the Australian Securities Exchange itself, with 26.15% of votes against the adoption of the remuneration report. Commentators assessed that the vote was an expression of shareholder dissatisfaction with the $250 million write-down and anticipated cost of a further $300 million to replace the CHESS technology system. Although 13 companies in the ASX 300 received a second strike in 2024, not a single board spill proposal came close to succeeding, with none receiving more than 20% of votes in favour.3 This demonstrates that while strikes are increasing, this is not being accompanied by momentum to trigger broader change to leadership structures—it would appear that shareholders are looking to use their vote to send a shot across the bow as an appropriate warning, rather than achieve a fundamental governance reset.

    Shareholders and special interest groups have also used the proxy forum to express dissatisfaction regarding climate action, reflecting broader societal concerns around environmental sustainability and climate change. Last year, Market Forces led an activist campaign against Woodside Energy, advocating for an overhaul to its climate transition action plan and encouraging other shareholders to push for further board renewal at the 2025 AGM. At the AGM in April 2024, 58.4% of proxies cast were against the transition strategy, following three hours of questions. Earlier this month, another activist shareholder group, the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility, advised investors to vote against the re-election of all three directors standing at the 2025 AGM and continues to integrate climate concerns into its analysis of shareholder returns.

    There is a similar experience in the UK, where Shell shareholders are still asked to vote on resolutions brought by activists to align the company’s medium-term emissions reduction targets with the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement and to factor ‘Scope 3’ emissions from fuels burnt by consumers into such calculations. Although the resolution received just 18.6% support from shareholders in 2024 (down 1.4% from 2023), the sustained pressure and media exposure may have contributed to the environmental, social and governance (ESG) proposals instead advanced by Shell’s board.

    For a more detailed analysis of the specific tactics that activists deploy pursuing these issues and how companies can prepare, see our earlier Insight.

    Our expectations for the road ahead

    Economic and geopolitical disruption to fuel activity

    The global economy is currently experiencing disruption. The focal point is, of course, the US, where the combination of (promised) tax cuts and deregulation will free up capital for investors to pursue short-term opportunities. As the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority Chair, John Lonsdale, remarked in his recent address at the Australian Financial Review Banking Summit, ‘what happens in the world’s biggest economy has implications for the world, and therefore for Australia’. We thus expect the positive conditions for activists will spill across borders, and perhaps the momentum will too—the Australian Securities and Investments Commission recently outlined its first steps towards easing compliance obligations for directors.

    The hoped-for spike in M&A activity creates the opportunity for shareholder activism, so we anticipate elevated volumes of activity in the near term. At the same time, the imposition of tariffs and other protectionist policies—and the market volatility and trade war they may set off—will create winners and losers, with companies that struggle in the turbulence becoming targets for activists.

    A reckoning on ESG and DEI initiatives

    There has been mounting pushback on ESG and, more recently, DEI policies of corporations, with activists querying their necessity and appropriateness. Critics, who may not be shareholders, will be even more emboldened by the priorities and tone of the Trump administration.

    We expect that activists will continue to seek out opportunities to make high-profile examples of some companies. However, while proponents of these initiatives have attracted significant attention, we haven’t yet seen this noise translate into strong shareholder support for campaigns, as the recent experience with Apple demonstrates.

    The anti-anti-ESG and DEI cause

    While some activists are seeking to challenge ESG and DEI initiatives as a corporate priority, we anticipate others that may already be frustrated with perceived slow progress on sustainability, diversity and broader governance issues will look to double down and push for companies to stay the course.

    This sentiment will be particularly emboldened if governments consider rolling back regulations or shifting priorities. If it is perceived that lawmakers and regulators aren’t creating the framework to manage these issues, then we expect activists to take matters into their own hands by using shareholder meetings as forums or otherwise turning to the courts.

    Scrutiny of board composition and director accountability

    We are seeing investors pay closer attention to the fitness for office of individual board members, by using their vote to signal dissatisfaction and impose accountability for governance missteps when directors stand for election or re-election. This can be in relation to a company that has experienced an issue, or could follow individual directors to unrelated companies.

    Expect to see closer scrutiny of board composition and more protest votes against director elections. Even if candidates still easily obtain the ordinary majority needed to carry the resolution, this is a far cry from the near 100% backing candidates would typically receive, and, particularly for larger companies, shows at least some institutional investors (whose holding may have previously been seen as more passive) are sending a message.

    Leveraging technology and AI in activist strategies

    Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed a number of different fields, and has a role to play in the shareholder activism space as well, by making campaigns data driven and, as a consequence, more cost effective.

    AI can be deployed by activists to monitor and analyse tremendous amounts of data associated with corporate disclosures and financial performance, and to recognise the vulnerabilities and patterns in would-be candidates for a campaign. As these tools grow in sophistication, we expect to see activists be able to penetrate the market more deeply, and move with greater efficiency and precision in identifying opportunities.

    Activism has never been a simple strategy. We anticipate a continued evolution of the activist playbook in light of the above.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Budget delivers cheaper medicines and more bulk billing but leaves out long-term health reform

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Henry Cutler, Professor and Director, Macquarie University Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University

    Less than two months from an election, the Albanese government last night presented a budget that aims to swing the voting pendulum its way.

    Headline health expenditure includes:

    • $8.5 billion to encourage more GP bulk billing and to train doctors and nurses
    • $1.7 billion to help public hospitals reduce their waiting lists
    • $644 million to establish 50 more urgent care clinics
    • $689 million to reduce the price of prescriptions to $25 for non-concessional patients
    • $793 million for women’s health, to provide greater access to contraception, treatment for urinary tract infections and greater access to perimenopause and menopause care.

    These announcements were already strategically made over the past month to maximise media coverage and build election momentum.

    Australians want more access to affordable health care – and the budget delivers this for many. But it doesn’t push the process of health reform forward, which is needed to secure the health system’s long-term sustainability.

    How does this compare to previous health budgets?

    While the budget contains large health expenditure items, a significant amount was not strictly new funding, but already provided for by the government.

    Consequently, the budget only allocates an additional $7.7 billion to health compared to actual spending for 2024-25.

    This increase aligns with steady long-term spending trends from previous years. It reflects a 6.6% increase in nominal spending (when inflation is included), but only a 3.9% increase in real spending (when inflation is taken out).

    Actual and estimated expenditure from the health portfolio

    Health spending as a proportion of the budget is reducing.
    Treasury

    The proportion of the budget spent on health could be considered historically low, projected to be 15.9% for 2025-26.

    It’s unclear whether Australians want more of the budget allocated to health, but there is certainly a need for greater investment.

    Will this health budget improve Australians’ health?

    The Albanese government is trying to kill three birds with one stone with this health budget. It wants to reduce the cost of living, improve health outcomes, and win an election.

    Keeping the cost of living down and improving health services are the top two most important issues for this election. Headline health announcements directly address these two issues.

    However, they also deliver a political benefit by shifting the media spotlight away from Opposition leader Peter Dutton. He was unable to legitimately counter attack headline health announcements given his unpopularity when he was a health minister. Instead, he promised to match some health announcements if elected.

    Increasing bulk-billing rates and reducing prescription prices will directly reduce out-of-pocket costs for many Australians. This will mostly be for people without a concession card.

    Increasing access to urgent care clinics will also help reduce cost of living pressures because they deliver services free of charge.

    Making health care cheaper for patients will also improve health outcomes. Many Australians sometimes choose not to access health care because of its cost, which can lead to worse health outcomes and expensive hospital care.

    The magnitude of any health improvement will depend on how patients respond to cheaper health care.

    More health benefit will go to patients who start seeing their GP rather than staying at home and trying to manage their condition themselves.

    The health benefit will be less for patients who start seeing their GP instead of an emergency department or urgent care clinic, because they are substituting one place of care for another.

    Is this good health policy?

    There is an “opportunity cost” every time the government spends money. Using the health budget to reduce the cost of living means less money to improve the health system elsewhere.

    In that context, this health budget has missed an opportunity to build a more sustainable health system.

    Medicare is not the best way to fund community care from GPs, nurses and allied health providers. It imposes barriers to establishing seamless multidisciplinary team-based care. These include restricting the types of services non-GP clinicians deliver, and not funding enough care coordination. People with chronic disease, such as diabetes and heart disease, often fall through the cracks and become sicker.

    A review of general practice incentives submitted to the health department last year recommended transition towards new funding models. This could include funding models that pay for a bundle of services delivered together as a team, rather than a fee for every service delivered by each team member.

    But payment reform is extremely hard. Medicare has not substantially changed since 1984 when it was first introduced.

    Given this budget allocated $7.9 billion to increase bulk billing alone, and $2.4 billion ongoing, this budget has a missed opportunity to start the payment reform process. This extra funding will reinforce current payment structures, and could have been used as leverage to get GPs over the line on reforming Medicare.

    The government also missed an opportunity to start reforming the health workforce. An independent review, also submitted last year, sought to improve access to primary care, improve care quality, and improve workforce productivity.

    It outlined 18 recommendations, including payment reform, to remove barriers to increase access to care delivered by multidisciplinary teams of doctors, nurses and allied health providers such as psychologists and physiotherapists.

    Again, there was nothing in this budget to suggest this will be pursued in 2025-26.

    What happens next?

    What next usually depends on which party wins the election.

    In this case, Dutton has agreed to match the health budget spending on bulk billing and price reductions for PBS scripts. But the Coalition has not committed to 50 more urgent care clinics.

    Whichever party wins, there is an urgent need to substantially reform health care if our health system is to remain one of the world’s best.



    Read more:
    At a glance: the 2025 federal budget

    Henry Cutler was a member of the Expert Advisory Panel that delivered its final review of general practice incentives mentioned in this article. He received remuneration from the Department of Health and Aged Care for this role.

    – ref. Budget delivers cheaper medicines and more bulk billing but leaves out long-term health reform – https://theconversation.com/budget-delivers-cheaper-medicines-and-more-bulk-billing-but-leaves-out-long-term-health-reform-251921

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What works to prevent violence against women? Here’s what the evidence says

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kristin Diemer, Associate Professor of Sociology, The University of Melbourne

    Journalist and activist Jess Hill’s Quarterly Essay argues Australia’s primary prevention framework to end violence against women isn’t working.

    Hill says the framework focuses too much on addressing gender inequality and changing attitudes, while overlooking crucial opportunities to address drivers of violence such as child maltreatment, alcohol and gambling.

    So what does the evidence say works to prevent violence against women?

    Australia’s plan to reduce and prevent violence

    The World Health Organisation RESPECT framework guides most global intervention programs and includes seven specific strategies to prevent violence against women:

    • Relationship skills strengthening
    • Empowerment of women
    • Services ensured
    • Poverty reduced
    • Environments (schools, workplaces, public spaces) made safe
    • Child and adolescent abuse prevented
    • Transformed attitudes, beliefs and norms.

    These are embedded in the 12 actions of Australia’s prevention framework, called Change the Story, but are not explicitly listed.

    The RESPECT strategies are also included in Australia’s National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.

    Interventions are usually separated into three complementary, but overlapping approaches: primary (prevention), secondary (early intervention) and tertiary (responses).

    Primary prevention in Change the Story is aimed at addressing the underlying drivers of violence before it occurs. But most interventions have dual purposes of reducing or preventing current and future violence, as we transform into a violence-free community.

    Australia’s national plan includes reducing the harmful use of alcohol, support for children to live free from violence, holding perpetrators to account, changing the law, and promoting gender equality in public and private lives.

    Together, these strategies chip away at harmful underlying attitudes that drive domestic violence.

    Australia’s strategy for preventing violence against women includes holding perpetrators to account.
    Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

    What does the evidence say works?

    Systematic reviews of interventions to prevent or reduce violence against women and girls find that sufficient investment into the right programs can address the core drivers of violence and lead to a significant reduction and prevention of violence.

    The reviews identify that most successful interventions do not typically separate out prevention from early intervention and response. They focus on gender dynamics, power and control, and locally relevant social structures that disempower women and girls.

    The global program What Works to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls, for example, reviewed 96 evaluations of interventions. Of these, seven interventions had positive effects across all three domains of responding to, reducing and preventing domestic violence.

    None of the effective interventions were the same, but they had common features.

    One of the common indicators of success was that they addressed multiple drivers of violence while being relevant to what was important in the participants’ lives, such as an intervention to reduce HIV or couples counselling. These two interventions were designed to challenge gender inequity and the use of violence, while empowering couples with improved communications skills.

    Effective interventions also commonly included support for survivors, for things such as mental health support, safe spaces, empowerment activities and mediation skills.

    Effective interventions incldue support for survivors and empowerment activites.
    Oleg Elkov/Shutterstock

    Equally important was including work with perpetrators or key influencers, such as other family members or local leaders. One example developed in Tajikistan involved in-laws, which enabled young women to attend and implement ideas from the program into their family life.

    The final two key components of successful interventions were related to implementation of the programs: having the ability to deliver the program with sufficient, well-trained and supported staff, and for a length of time allowing reflection and learning through experience.

    The Transforming Masculinities program in the Democratic Republic of Congo promoted gender equality and positive masculinity within faith communities. Careful selection of staff and volunteers was crucial to the intervention’s success.

    Effective interventions were delivered over 15 to 30 months. They included a combination of community activities and weekly workshops, allowing facilitators to build on content from previous sessions.

    Putting this all together, the most effective programs were rigorously planned and suitable to the client group. They focused on multiple core drivers of violence against women and girls. They worked with perpetrators and community influencers. They also worked with and supported survivors.

    Elements which prevented programs from being effective included short-term or inadequate funding, and a lack of sufficient planning to ensure the intervention was adapted to the client’s context.

    We have clear evidence about they types of programs that can prevent and reduce violence against women and girls, both internationally and in Australia. We also have service providers and program leaders who have been sharing evidence with governments for more than five decades. What we need now is the will and commitment for intensive programming.



    Read more:
    Despite some key milestones since 2000, Australia still has a long way to go on gender equality

    Kristin Diemer has received funding from the Australian Research Council, ANROWS, the Department of Social Services, the Victorian Government and is on the Advisory Group for the Australian National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey.

    – ref. What works to prevent violence against women? Here’s what the evidence says – https://theconversation.com/what-works-to-prevent-violence-against-women-heres-what-the-evidence-says-252873

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Searching for the missing link to heart disease in NZ’s Fijian population – Otago

    Source: University of Otago

    Researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, Pōneke, are looking to genetics to understand why Fijian New Zealanders are at higher risk of having heart attacks or developing angina at a young age.

    The research is led by Heart Foundation Research Fellow Dr Pritika Narayan from the Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia who says people from Fiji make up almost two per cent of Aotearoa’s population, but experience 20 per cent of the heart attacks or angina in people under the age of 40.

    “Some have died in their twenties from undiagnosed cardiac conditions. There is a striking inheritance pattern, with grandparent, child, grandchild affected independent of risk factors such as smoking, obesity and diabetes.

    “In one case we know of, a grandfather had a heart attack in his sixties, his son in his forties and his grandson in his twenties.”

    The study, funded by the Heart Foundation, is the first in the world to look for a genetic link to premature coronary artery disease among Fijians and Fijian Indians.

    Dr Narayan speculates that people with a heightened risk of premature coronary artery disease may have a variation in their genetic code.

    “It is possible that variation helped their ancestors survive historical famine events and infectious disease outbreaks but is having the opposite effect now food is relatively abundant, causing fat to accumulate in the arteries and leading to these very premature heart attacks.”

    Dr Narayan hopes her research will lead to gene-based improvements in screening, diagnosis and treatment options for Fijian New Zealanders who have a predisposition to developing the disease.

    “It will also help Fijian New Zealanders understand their risk of heart disease and give them the chance to access potentially life-saving medicines, such as blood-pressure lowering medicines, or statins to reduce their cholesterol levels, before any damage to their heart occurs.”

    Dr Narayan says the genetic research could lead to better care and prevention strategies for other ethnic minority groups who the peoples of Fiji share ancestry with, particularly the 10 million Melanesian people living in the Pacific and the 25 per cent of the world’s population who are South Asian.

    She hopes to recruit at least 40 Fijian or Fijian Indian New Zealanders to take part in the study. They will be asked to have a blood test at their nearest Awanui Labs blood collection centre, and scientists will analyse the blood sample so they can study their DNA and RNA and look for biomarkers related to heart health and disease.

    To be eligible to take part in the research, participants must have New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency, have Fijian (i-Taukei) or Fijian Indian (Girmit) ancestry and have had their first heart attack, experienced angina, or had related surgery (such as a stent or bypass) before the age of 55. They may also be able to take part if they have a close relative who has had a heart attack at a young age.

    To find out more, visit https://www.fijiheartstudy.com/

    Notes:

    A Wellington-based participant in the study is available to be interviewed about the research and why it is an important study for his family. Please get in touch with Pritika if you are interested in arranging an interview with him.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 25 March 2025 News release New WHO guidance calls for urgent transformation of mental health policies

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO) today launched new guidance to help all countries reform and strengthen mental health policies and systems. Mental health services worldwide remain underfunded, with major gaps in access and quality. In some countries, up to 90% of people with severe mental health conditions receive no care at all, while many existing services rely on outdated institutional models that fail to meet international human rights standards.

    The guidance provides a clear framework to transform mental health services in line with the latest evidence and international human rights standards, ensuring quality care is accessible to all.

    “Despite rising demand, quality mental health services remain out of reach for many people,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This new guidance gives all governments the tools to promote and protect mental health and build systems that serve everyone.”

    A blueprint for mental health care transformation

    While effective prevention and treatment interventions exist, most people living with mental health conditions do not have access to these. The new WHO guidance sets out concrete actions to help countries close these gaps and ensure mental health is promoted and protected, with a focus on:

    • protecting and upholding human rights, ensuring mental health policies and services are aligned with international human rights standards;
    • promoting holistic care with an emphasis on lifestyle and physical health, psychological, social, and economic interventions;
    • addressing social and economic factors that shape and affect mental health including employment, housing and education;
    • implementing prevention strategies and promote population-wide mental health and well-being; and
    • ensuring people with lived experience are empowered to participate in policy planning and design to ensure mental health policies and services are responsive to their needs.

    The guidance identifies five key policy areas requiring urgent reform: leadership and governance, service organization, workforce development, person-centred interventions, and addressing social and structural determinants of mental health.

    A tailored approach to strengthening mental health systems

    The WHO guidance serves as a critical tool for governments, policymakers, and stakeholders working to strengthen mental health systems and improve access to mental health care.

    By offering a menu of policy directives, strategies and actions to guide reform efforts, the guidance supports policy makers to prioritize and tailor policies to their specific national context, in line with their available resources and operational structures.

    “This new WHO guidance provides practical strategies for countries to build inclusive, responsive and resilient mental health systems. Designed to be flexible, it allows all countries – whether low- middle- or high-income – to adapt their approach to mental health care based on national context, needs, and priorities,” said Dr Michelle Funk, Unit Head, Policy, Law and Human Rights in the WHO Department for Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

    Developing and implementing the guidance

    The guidance was developed in consultation with global experts, policymakers and individuals with lived experience. The policy guidance also builds on the resources, guidance and tools developed under the WHO QualityRights initiative, aiming to promote a person-centred, recovery-oriented and rights-based approach to mental health. WHO will support countries in implementing the guidance through technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Scientists Develop Questionnaire to Assess Doctors’ Trust in Artificial Intelligence Services: A Tool for International Research

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine – Moscow

    Researchers from Saudi Arabia and the Philippines have expressed interest in a revolutionary method developed by the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine. The innovative tool, a survey designed to assess radiologists’ attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) in medical imaging, is intended to advance global research into the integration of AI in healthcare.

    The survey assesses responses across four key areas: personal experience with AI, trust level, expectations for future collaboration, and implementation prospects. Taking into account the opinions of healthcare professionals, this study aims to streamline the implementation of AI services in healthcare, increasing efficiency and convenience. A scientific article about the new method was published in the international scientific journal Healthcare.

    Yuri Vasiliev, General Director of the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine, Chief Consultant on Radiology at the Moscow Department of Health, emphasized the importance of this initiative:

    “Artificial intelligence has already become an integral part of everyday medical practice in Moscow. Our goal is to make its use as convenient as possible for doctors and at the same time as useful as possible for patients. The questionnaire allows us to take into account the opinion of radiologists during the development process. We are also pleased with the international interest: colleagues from Saudi Arabia and the Philippines want to implement this tool. Moscow remains open to scientific cooperation with other countries.”

    Developing a reliable survey instrument required painstaking scientific work. The Moscow team made sure that the questions were clear, unambiguous, and allowed for reliable results regardless of external factors such as respondents’ mood or time of participation in the survey. The questionnaire was thoroughly tested with the participation of more than 430 radiologists, including retesting in focus groups to confirm its reliability.

    Anton Vladzimirsky, Deputy Director for Research at the Center, noted its practical application:

    “The survey results allow organizers to determine the prevailing attitudes towards AI in radiology and develop targeted interventions. For example, it is possible to develop customized educational programs for radiologists or take measures to reduce concerns about the implementation of AI. This tool is universal – it can be applied at the hospital, regional or even national level.”

    During this time, as part of an experimental initiative dedicated to innovative computer vision technologies for analyzing medical images, neural networks analyzed more than 14 million medical images, successfully identifying signs of pathologies in 39 different areas. The initiative is supported by the Government of Moscow and the Moscow Department of Health and is being implemented at the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine. Based on the results of the experiment, 22 national standards for the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare were developed, approved and officially put into effect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Scientists Develop Questionnaire to Evaluate Doctors’ Trust in AI Services: A Tool for International Studies

    Source: Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine – Moscow

    Researchers from Saudi Arabia and the Philippines have expressed interest in a groundbreaking method developed by the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine. This innovative tool, a survey designed to assess radiologists’ attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) in medical imaging, is poised to facilitate global studies on the integration of AI in healthcare. 

    The survey evaluates responses across four key aspects: personal experience with AI, level of trust, expectations for future collaboration, and perspectives on implementation prospects. By considering the insights of medical professionals, this research aims to streamline the adoption of AI services in healthcare, enhancing both efficiency and user comfort. A scientific article about the new method was published in the international scientific journal Healthcare.

    Yuri Vasiliev, CEO of the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine and Chief Consultant for Radiology at the Moscow Healthcare Department, emphasized the importance of this initiative:

    “Artificial intelligence is already an integral part of daily medical practice in Moscow. Our goal is to make its use as seamless as possible for doctors while maximizing benefits for patients. The questionnaire allows us to incorporate radiologists’ feedback into our development process. We are also excited to see international interest, with colleagues from Saudi Arabia and the Philippines eager to adopt this tool. Moscow remains open to scientific collaboration with other nations.”

    Developing a reliable survey instrument required meticulous scientific effort. The Moscow team ensured that questions were clear, unambiguous, and capable of yielding valid results regardless of external factors like respondents’ mood or timing of participation. The questionnaire underwent rigorous validation processes involving over 430 radiologists, including repeated testing with focus groups to confirm its reliability.

    Anton Vladzimirsky, Deputy Director for Research at the Center, highlighted its practical applications:

    “The survey results enable organizers to identify prevailing attitudes toward AI in radiology and design targeted interventions. For instance, personalized educational programs can be developed for radiologists, or measures can be implemented to alleviate concerns about AI adoption. The tool is versatile—it can be applied at hospital, regional, or even national levels.”

     Moscow has been at the forefront of AI integration in medicine for five years. During this period, under the auspices of an experimental initiative focusing on innovative computer vision technologies for medical image analysis, neural networks have analyzed over 14 million medical images, successfully identifying signs of pathologies across 39 different domains. This initiative is supported by the Moscow City Government and the Moscow Healthcare Department, executed at the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine. As a result of the experiment’s findings, 22 national standards regarding the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare have been developed, approved, and formally enacted.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor, industry leaders, stakeholders focus on railway, hearing safety during 2025 Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON  — The first university-owned feed mill in Iowa was the site for the kickoff of the 2025 Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week, an annual training and educational event that reminds agriculture industry employers and workers about the potentially deadly hazards present in confined spaces, including grain engulfment.

    This year’s event, held March 24-28, is a joint effort by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Alliance Program, the Grain Handling Safety Council, the Grain Elevator and Processing Society, and the National Grain and Feed Association. At the Iowa State University in Ames, the opening event focused on worksite housekeeping, hearing conservation, preventing struck-by incidents, and railway safety. 

    OSHA’s Alliance Program, in collaboration with state workplace safety officials and industry leaders, helped reduce fatal grain entrapments by 25.7 percent from 2022 to 2023. Despite those efforts, half of reported grain entanglements in 2024 were fatal. 

     “Every worker should be able to go home safe at the end of the day,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Amanda Wood Laihow. “By working together with our alliance and industry partners, we’re making grain handling safer and raising awareness to protect the people who produce our nation’s vital food supply.” 

    Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week features open discussions and daily interactive webinars with experts on OSHA regulations and topics including fatigue, emergency safety planning, worksite housekeeping, railway safety, and alternative grain storage. Learn more, register for the webinars, and find local live event information.

    Alliance members will share information through newsletters, emails, the Stand Up 4 Grain Safety webpage, and social media using the hashtag #StandUp4GrainSafety.

    OSHA’s Grain Handling Safety Standards address six major hazards: engulfment, falls, auger entanglement, struck-by incidents, combustible dust explosions, and electrocution. Learn more about agriculture safety resources. and learn about OSHA. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Equal Pay Day, Senator Murray Leads Entire Senate Democratic Caucus in Reintroducing Paycheck Fairness Act to End Wage Discrimination, Close Gender Pay Gap

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Murray, former HELP Chair, is a longtime leader in the fight to ensure equal pay for equal work

    Murray: “Women don’t want more discrimination. They don’t want more of their wages stolen by bosses like Elon. They just want the pay they earned. They just want to be treated decently—and paid fairly no matter who they are.”

    Washington, D.C. — Today, on Equal Pay Day, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in reintroducing the Paycheck Fairness Act, legislation to combat pay discrimination and help close the gender pay gap by strengthening the Equal Pay Act of 1963, ending the practice of pay secrecy, and strengthening available remedies to ensure wronged employees can challenge pay discrimination and hold employers accountable. U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D, CT-03) led the reintroduction of the Paycheck Fairness Act in the House today.

    More than five decades after the passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the gender wage gap still exists—and alarmingly, for the first time in 20 years, the gender pay gap widened in 2023. Across all workers in the United States, women were typically paid 75 cents for every dollar paid to a man in 2023, adding up to a $14,170 pay difference in a year. U.S. women overall lost $1.7 trillion in earnings overall in 2023, according to a recent analysis by the National Partnership for Women & Families.  

    “When you do the same work as your colleagues, you should get the same pay, and no one should get to rip you off and pay you less because you are a woman. The principle is simple—but the problem we are talking about is far from trivial; it’s an injustice that compounds over time, robbing women of hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of their career,” Senator Murray said.

    “For anyone who is serious about fighting for women, for anyone who is serious about ensuring our economy is built on merit and not undermined by discrimination, this is basic stuff. But Trump and Elon—some of the richest men in the world—are right now eliminating a 60-year-old executive order that helped ensure federal contractors don’t discriminate against women, illegally firing commissioners at the EEOC, which enforces existing pay discrimination laws, and making it easier to rip workers off,” Senator Murray continued. “Women don’t want more discrimination. They don’t want more of their pay stolen by bosses like Elon. They just want the pay they earned. They just want to be treated decently—and paid fairly no matter who they are. Republicans can choose to stand with billionaires who cheat their workers—but by reintroducing the Paycheck Fairness Act today, Democrats are showing that we stand with women, we stand with workers, we stand for fairness, and we are going to keep fighting to make sure people get the pay they have rightfully earned, down to the last dime.”

    “Equal Pay Day marks how far into the current year a woman must work to catch up to what her male counterpart earned in the previous year,” said Rep. DeLauro, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Six decades after passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, women working full-time or part-time still earn 75 cents for every dollar earned by men. We are in a cost of living crisis – this must end. Equal pay for equal work is a simple concept – men and women in the same job deserve the same pay. It is time we make it real it for the millions of American women who are being unfairly undervalued in the workplace. Let’s enact the Paycheck Fairness Act and empower working women by giving them the tools to ensure their contributions to the workplace are properly respected and reflected in their pay.”

    Senator Murray’s Paycheck Fairness Act would:

    • Require employers to prove that pay disparities exist for legitimate, job-related reasons. In doing so, it ensures that employers who try to justify paying a man more than a woman for the same job must show the disparity is not sex-based, but job-related and necessary.
    • Ban retaliation against workers who discuss their wages.
    • Remove obstacles in the Equal Pay Act to facilitate participation in class action lawsuits that challenge systemic pay discrimination, by allowing workers to opt-out, rather than requiring them to opt-in.
    • Improve the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) and Department of Labor’s (DOL) tools for enforcing the Equal Pay Act. To help these enforcement agencies better uncover and remedy wage discrimination, the bill will require the collection of compensation data from certain employers, including federal contractors.
    • Provide assistance to all businesses to help them with their equal pay practices, recognize excellence in pay practices by businesses, and empower women and girls by creating a negotiation skills training program.
    • Prohibit employers from relying on and seeking the salary history of prospective employees.

    Throughout her career, Senator Murray has been a leader in Congress in fighting for efforts to close the gender pay gap and ensure equal pay for equal work, and she has helped lead the fight in Congress for paid family and medical leave since she first joined Congress. Senator Murray leads the Bringing an End to Harassment by Enhancing Accountability and Rejecting Discrimination (BE HEARD) in the Workplace Act, comprehensive legislation to prevent workplace harassment, strengthen and expand key protections for workers, and support workers in seeking accountability and justice. Senator Murray leads the Wage Theft Prevention and Wage Recovery Act, comprehensive legislation to put hard-earned wages back in workers’ pockets and crack down on employers who unfairly withhold wages from their employees. Murray also recently helped reintroduce the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act to protect workers’ right to join and form a union in order to demand better pay, benefits, and working conditions—legislation she first introduced in the 116th Congress. Murray also introduced the Children Harmed in Life-threatening or Dangerous (CHILD) Labor Act last Congress, new legislation to protect children from exploitative child labor practices and hold the companies and individuals who take advantage of them accountable.

    In recent weeks, Senator Murray raised the alarm on President Trump’s illegal firing of EEOC Commissioners Charlotte Burrows and Jocelyn Samuels and National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Member Gwynne Wilcox, as well as the firings of EEOC General Counsel Karla Gilbride and NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo—Murray has long championed the vital work and mission of the EEOC and the NLRB in protecting workers’ rights.

    The full text of the Paycheck Fairness Act is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Plans to Freeze Tens of Millions in Title X Family Planning Funds for Planned Parenthood, Other Organizations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement in response to reports that the Trump administration plans to freeze tens of millions of dollars in federal Title X family planning grants for Planned Parenthood and other organizations in the U.S. that support critical family planning efforts and preventive health care including cancer screenings, pregnancy testing, birth control, treatment of sexually transmitted infections, and infertility services, among much else.

    “By illegally freezing tens of millions of dollars that help women get cancer screenings, birth control and pregnancy tests, prevent and treat STIs, and more, this administration is putting women’s lives at risk yet again and ripping away the ability of women with the tightest budgets to get the basic reproductive health care they need to control their lives and futures. It’s clear Trump and Elon couldn’t care less how many people suffer, whose cancer goes undetected, or if women can no longer afford birth control as a result of their deranged mission to attack anything they deem DEI—no matter the consequences to real people’s lives, and no matter the fact that this administration can’t even define DEI.

    “Fundamentally, we are talking about the Trump administration cutting off very basic and lifesaving health care. Title X has long had bipartisan support and I hope every one of my colleagues who support basic, cost-saving family planning services will speak out against this illegal hijacking of lifesaving funding women across America are counting on for health care.”

    Senator Murray has consistently fought to strengthen and preserve the Title X program, and was a vocal critic of the first Trump Administration’s Title X gag rule and countless other efforts to undermine reproductive health care. Early in 2019, Senator Murray released a memo highlighting some of the negative impacts of the rule and comments from patients, providers, city and county officials, and religious organizations submitted in opposition. Senator Murray is also a longtime leader in the fight to protect and expand access to reproductive health care and abortion rights, and she has led Congressional efforts to fight back after the Supreme Court’s disastrous decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Murray has introduced more than a dozen pieces of legislation to protect reproductive rights from further attacks, protect providers, and help ensure women get the care they need; Murray has led efforts to push for passage of these bills on the floor multiple times. Murray also led her colleagues in raising the alarm about the threat a second Trump administration poses to reproductive rights and abortion access in every state, as outlined in Project 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Romanian Men Indicted For Card Skimming

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that DANIEL IULIAN TEUTOC (“TEUTOC”), a/k/a “Simon Mikula,” and CONSTANTIN CALIN (“CALIN”), citizens of Romania, were charged on March 21, 2025, in a nine-count indictment for conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343, 1344, and 1349; conspiracy to commit access device fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371, 1029(a)(3) and 1029(a)(4); and seven counts of possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(3). 

    According to the indictment, TEUTOC and CALIN went to Walmart stores across the Eastern District of Louisiana, including Laplace, Slidell, Harvey, Boutte, Chalmette, and New Orleans. TEUTOC and CALIN captured card information at different the points of sale, from card skimming devices that had been previously installed by other members of the conspiracy.  TEUTOC and CALIN used magnets to activate the card skimmers and send the card information electronically to TEUTOC and CALIN’s cell phones.  After gaining possession of the Walmart customer’s credit, debit, and EBT card information, TEUTOC and CALIN sent the information to another co-conspirator with the intent to allow members of the conspiracy to make fraudulent charges with the stolen card information.

    If convicted of the conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, TEUTOC and CALIN face up to 30 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and up to 5 years of supervised release.  If convicted of the conspiracy to commit access device fraud, TEUTOC and CALIN face up to 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.  If convicted of possession of unauthorized access devices, TEUTOC and CALIN face up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.  As to each count, TEUTOC and CALIN, individually, face payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, United States Secret Service, New Orleans Police Department, St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, and St. John the Baptist Parish’s Sheriff’s Office, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit, Nicholas Moses, Healthcare Fraud Coordinator, and André Jones, lead OCDETF Narcotics Task Force Attorney, are in charge of the prosecution.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    *   *   *

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Opposes Dr. Oz, Trump’s Pick to Oversee Medicare and Medicaid Services

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the Senate Finance Committee today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) opposed advancing Dr. Mehmet Oz’s nomination to be the next Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that provides health care to over 100 million Americans. Senator Welch released the following statement after the vote: 
    “A major responsibility of the person overseeing the Medicare and Medicaid programs–services more than 150,000 Vermonters rely on–is to fight excessive charges. We spend the most and get the least and need to be doing everything we can to get folks a fair price for their prescription drugs. It was clear after his nomination hearing that Dr. Oz is not the right person to lead CMS and will not crack down on excessive pricing in health care. He’s spent years promoting debunked health products to the public for his own gain and will enable President Trump as he rips away the health care millions of seniors, children, and families depend on.” 
    Earlier this month in the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Welch pressed Dr. Oz about how the Trump Administration plans to eliminate rip-offs for patients and excessive pricing in private equity and Medicare Advantage to lower prescription drug prices.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKPF conducts inter-departmental tabletop exercise to strengthen collaboration and responsiveness in transportation services near KTSP (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKPF conducts inter-departmental tabletop exercise to strengthen collaboration and responsiveness in transportation services near KTSP  
         The exercise built on insights from the first phase of the tabletop exercise completed on October 25, 2024, and data collected from a number of subsequent large-scale test events and stress tests, which showed approximately 70 per cent of participants chose to take the MTR Tuen Ma Line during large-scale events at the KTSP. As such, this exercise, which was based on the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens simulated different emergency scenarios involving train operations and signal systems at nearby MTR stations,  causing varying degrees of impact to the MTR Tuen Ma Line service.
     
         The exercise aimed to enhance stakeholders’ ability to immediately deploy manpower, implement appropriate contingency measures, and coordinate inter-departmental actions according to different emergency situations, so as to minimise impacts on participants of large-scale events and local residents near the KTSP, as well as ensuring their safety and smooth mobility.
     
         Supported by 13 government bureaux, departments and relevant organisations, over 150 representatives participated in the exercise, including personnel from the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Security Bureau, the HKPF, the Fire Services Department, the Hospital Authority, the Civil Aid Service, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Transport Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Home Affairs Department (Wong Tai Sin District Office and Kowloon City District Office), the MTR Corporation Limited and the KTSP Limited.
    Issued at HKT 21:35

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hospital Authority implements fees and charges reform rationalising healthcare services and enhancing patient protection

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hospital Authority implements fees and charges reform rationalising healthcare services and enhancing patient protection 
    The Chairman of the HA, Mr Henry Fan, said, “We sincerely thank the Health Bureau for leading the HA in conducting this fees and charges reform review. Through this reform, the HA can promote the development of Hong Kong’s public healthcare services. We believe that once the fees and charges reform measures are fully implemented, the current service imbalances in public hospitals can be gradually straightened out and the protection for patients, especially those with critical illnesses or emergency conditions, can be enhanced. This will enable sustainable development of public healthcare services to cope with the various challenges posed by Hong Kong’s ageing population.”
     
    Currently, the government provides a high degree of subsidy for HA services, with a subsidy rate as high as 97.6 per cent, with the subsidy amount for some public hospital services even reaching 100 per cent. Beyond facing challenges from an ageing population creating excess demand, Hong Kong’s public healthcare system experiences systemic imbalances, subsidy misallocations, and service waste. To ensure the sustainability of the public healthcare system, the HA initiated a review to reform public healthcare fees and charges last year, based on relevant principles including public affordability, optimal service utilisation, cost sharing, subsidy prioritisation, support for the underprivileged and public acceptance. The review covers the following areas:
     
    Reforming the susidisation structure
     Reducing wastage and misuse
     Strengthening healthcare protection
     The Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Tony Ko, said, “The HA will fully implement the reform. Under the reform, subsidy ratios will vary by service type of public hospitals, depending on the nature of the service. After the reform, the public copayment ratio will remain affordable. Through the enhanced medical fee waiving mechanism, relaxed eligibility criteria of means test for Samaritan Fund safety net applications, and a cap on annual spending on inpatient and outpatient fees, the HA will continue to ensure that no one will be denied adequate medical care due to lack of means and will strengthen the protection of the public, not only taking care of the underprivileged groups, but also preventing middle income people from impoverishment due to illness.”
     
    After the implementation of measures such as enhancing medical fee waiving mechanism, relaxing eligibility criteria of means test for Samaritan Fund safety net applications, and establishing a cap on annual spending on inpatient and outpatient fees, over 1.4 million people are expected to be eligible for protection. The HA pledges that all additional revenue generated from fees and charges adjustments will be entirely utilised to medical services, particularly supporting those with critical conditions like cancer or rare diseases, waiving or reducing self-financed medications and devices or medical supplies fees. The HA can also accelerate the introduction of more effective new medications and devices to improve treatment outcomes.
     
    The detailed fee schedule will take effect in January 2026 (see Annex). Details of enhanced protection measures, include enhancing medical fee waiving mechanism, introducing an annual fee cap on inpatients and outpatients of $10,000, and relaxing eligibility criteria of means test for Samaritan Fund safety net application, are provided in the appendix. The HA’s last fee adjustment was in 2017.
     
    Mr Fan stated that Hong Kong’s public hospitals remain among the world’s most efficient healthcare providers. The HA will continue promoting reforms to improve the service level of public hospitals, and ensure limited medical resources can be used for patients most in need. Once the public healthcare fees and charges reform achieves its target within five years, Hong Kong’s public healthcare system will take a major step forward. The HA will also fully cooperate with other government healthcare reform measures to continue providing high-quality and sustainable medical services with appropriate healthcare protection for Hong Kong citizens.

    Annex
     
    Public healthcare fees and charges reform
     

    Service(Acute bed)(convalescent / rehabilitation, infirmary and psychiatric beds)
    Maintenance fee (per day)(Geriatric, rehabilitation) Community allied health service(Fee exempted for Category I, II)16 weeks maximumup to 4 weeks(applicable for SOPC) 
    $135 for the 1st attendance
     
    $80 per
    subsequent attendance  
    $15 per unit,
    16 weeks maximumup to 4 weeksIssued at HKT 21:25

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –