NewzIntel.com

Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New yearbook “Hong Kong 2023” goes on sale (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    New yearbook “Hong Kong 2023” goes on sale (with photo)
    New yearbook “Hong Kong 2023” goes on sale (with photo)
    *****************************************************************

         The Government’s latest yearbook, “Hong Kong 2023”, went on sale today (September 25). The online version is available for free at www.yearbook.gov.hk.     The publication provides readers with an overview of life in Hong Kong in the year 2023, covering the administration, legislature, legal system and economy, detailing the Government’s policies and achievements as well as the development of Hong Kong.     The cover illustration shows the National Day Fireworks over Victoria Harbour, held for the first time in five years. There are 10 photo sections with more than 100 pictures in the yearbook, exploring different aspects of Hong Kong in 2023, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region search and rescue team’s heroic operation in quake-stricken areas in Türkiye, a glimpse into the Sha Tau Kok Frontier Closed Area that has been gradually opening up to tourists, the beautification of the cityscape of Hong Kong, visits of the home-developed aircraft C919 and ARJ21 and a look at a China Manned Space delegation.     “Hong Kong 2023”, priced at $450, is available at the online Government Bookstore at www.bookstore.gov.hk and the Information Services Department’s Publications Sales Unit at Room 626, 6/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point. Orders can also be placed by: 

    calling the Publications Sales Unit on 2537 1910;
    filling in an order form from the department’s website and submitting it online or by fax to 2523 7195; or
    emailing puborder@isd.gov.hk.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, September 25, 2024Issued at HKT 11:03

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Wicker Statement on Amphibious Multi-Ship Buy Signing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement following the formal announcement that the Department of the Navy has contracted Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., to build one America-class and three San Antonio-class amphibious warships through fiscal year 2029:

    “It is terrific that the Navy has made official what many of us have known for years: the future of American seapower flows through the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I am pleased that a new tranche of amphibious warships will be built by my home state’s skilled shipbuilders,” Senator Wicker said. “I am hopeful that the Department of Defense uses cost-saving multi-ship procurement model for other critical defense programs in the future.”

    See Senator Wicker’s August statement when Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro notified Congress of the multi-ship buy here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What are ‘rent tech’ platforms? Action on reining in these exploitative tools is long overdue

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda Przhedetsky, PhD Candidate, Faculty of Law, University of Technology Sydney

    Bernard Hermant/Unsplash

    This week the New South Wales government announced it would introduce legislation that ensures renters are offered convenient, fee-free options to pay their rent.

    The announcement is just one of many state and territory reforms that aim to address issues arising from the use of rental technology platforms.

    In recent years these platforms and the landlords who use them have come under fire for intruding on renters’ privacy and charging additional fees. While practices such as “rent bidding” have already been outlawed around Australia, governments are now starting to turn their attention to other harmful practices facilitated by new technologies.

    Action on these issues is long overdue, and there’s much more that needs to be done to ensure rental technology platforms actually benefit consumers.

    An expanding industry

    A wide range of digital technology platforms are used to facilitate the use, trading, operation and management of real estate assets. A well-known example is AirBnb, a technology platform that facilitates short-term rentals by connecting hosts with guests.

    The property technology industry in Australia is rapidly expanding. In 2023, there were more than 478 products, start-ups and established companies ranging from marketing tools to data analytics platforms. This was up from 188 in 2019.

    A portion of these companies make services typically designed to be used by renters, real estate agents or landlords.

    A major selling point of rental technology platforms is that they promise to streamline a range of processes. To renters, these technologies are billed as quick, easy and effective ways to submit property applications, request maintenance or pay rent.

    If designed well, these platforms can certainly offer convenience. But many have expressed dissatisfaction with rental technology businesses that pressure renters to pay for costly background checks, collect too much personal data, or use opaque algorithms to “score” applicants.

    People who struggle to access or use technologies may also find these platforms difficult to use. This makes it harder for them to access an essential service.

    Some 41% of renters report feeling pressured to use a third-party rental technology platform to apply for a property. And 29% say they have opted not to apply for particular rentals because they do not trust rental technology platforms. This suggests that the use of these technologies may sometimes deter, rather than attract, applicants.

    Additional fees

    Over 30% of Australians rent their homes, a figure that continues to grow as people find themselves priced out of home ownership. Rising rents and the overall increase in the cost of living have put many renters under substantial financial pressure.

    With this in mind, it’s concerning that some renters have found themselves with little choice but to use rental technology platforms that charge fees to process rental payments.

    For example, renters using a popular platform called Alio are typically charged between 0.25% to 1.50% to make automated rental payments, depending on the method of payment they use. A rough estimate shows that a household paying the median weekly rent (A$627 per week) on a fortnightly basis might see themselves paying between $81.51 and $489.06 in additional fees each year.

    As required by law, Alio does offer a fee-free option to pay rent. But this option is highly inconvenient: it requires renters to enter their bank details anew every month.

    The fee-free options offered by some other rental technology platforms are equally inconvenient. They include paying rent in cash at the local post office.

    For renters who have been asked to use a rental payment platform, this may mean spending additional time and effort every time they pay their rent to avoid paying additional fees.

    The NSW government already requires lessors to offer fee-free ways to pay rent (similar protections are legislated in other states and territories). However, the key element of this week’s announcement is a commitment to making sure these fee-free methods are actually convenient. This should hopefully close the legislative loophole that is enabling these rental technologies to unfairly profit at renters’ expense.

    While the draft legislation is yet to be seen, these reforms might see renters reverting to tried and tested payment methods such as bank transfers and bypassing rental technology payment platforms altogether.

    Effective enforcement

    Introducing laws that ensure renters have access to convenient, fee-free ways to make rental payments is a no-brainer. The next step is ensuring these laws are enforced effectively.

    To achieve this, the regulator must be well resourced to carry out compliance and enforcement activities that ensure lessors and rental technology businesses comply with these protections.

    Beyond these reforms, there is more work to be done to ensure renters are effectively protected from a range of harms that are created or exacerbated by rental technology platforms.

    Issues such as discrimination and unfair treatment through rental technology platforms warrant further attention.

    The key challenge for governments and regulators is to keep up with technological developments so they can identify and address issues as they arise.

    Linda Przhedetsky is a Board Member at the NSW Tenants’ Union, and is a member of the NSW Fair Trading’s Industry Reference Group on Protecting Renter Information. She receives funding from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute.

    – ref. What are ‘rent tech’ platforms? Action on reining in these exploitative tools is long overdue – https://theconversation.com/what-are-rent-tech-platforms-action-on-reining-in-these-exploitative-tools-is-long-overdue-239602

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Cotton Applaud Senate Passage of Resolution to Establish National Warrior Call Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC)— U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) announced their resolution to designate November 17, 2024, as National Warrior Call Day passed the Senate unanimously. This bipartisan resolution emphasizes the need for all Americans to reach out and build meaningful relationships with both those currently serving and veterans. These relationships can help fight mental illness and combat the epidemic of suicide among military members.   

    “We have a responsibility to support the brave men and women who have served this nation that extends well beyond their time in the line of duty,” said Senator Shaheen. “Our bipartisan resolution designates a National Warrior Call Day to help strengthen relationships between veterans and civilians and better keep lines of communication open in order to share resources and provide support.” 

    “Americans can never fully pay back those who serve in defense of America. We can, however, make sure that active military members and veterans have access to the support they need after serving to lead active and healthy lives. This bipartisan resolution will raise awareness on the importance of building relationships with those who defend our freedom,” said Senator Cotton.  

    Co-sponsoring the resolution are U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA),  John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Joe Manchin (I-WV), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jim Risch (R-ID), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Tim Scott (R-SC), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). 

    Resolution text is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Electronics Collaborates With Hyundai Motor and Kia to Further Expand the SmartThings Ecosystem

    Source: Samsung

    ▲ (From left) Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group Advanced Vehicle Platform (AVP) Division; Paul (Kyungwhoon) Cheun, President, CTO of DX Division at Samsung Electronics and Head of Samsung Research
     
    Samsung Electronics today announced the signing of a strategic technology partnership agreement with Hyundai Motor and Kia. The companies’ shared goal is to elevate users’ connectivity experiences by fully integrating the SmartThings IoT platform with Hyundai and Kia’s software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
     
    The signing ceremony was held at Samsung Electronics’ Seoul R&D Campus, with Samsung’s participants including Paul (Kyungwhoon) Cheun, President, CTO of Device eXperience (DX) Division and Head of Samsung Research; Seungbeom Choi, Executive Vice President and Head of Device Platform Center; and Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President and Head of IoT R&D Team. Participants from Hyundai and Kia included Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group Advanced Vehicle Platform (AVP) Division and Haeyoung Kwon, Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group Infotainment Development Center.
     
    Through this agreement, Samsung will integrate SmartThings with Hyundai and Kia’s next-generation infotainment system to offer a differentiated experience. First, they will introduce the global location solution function for vehicles and smart keys based on the SmartThings Find platform, which is a crowdsourced network of hundreds of millions of Samsung Galaxy devices that use the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to report their location. Through the SmartThings Find service, users can locate vehicles using nearby Galaxy smartphones — even without a 4G or 5G cellular network connection — meaning drivers can more easily track down their cars in the event of them being lost or stolen.
     
    Additionally, drivers can use their Galaxy’s Quick Panel to control air conditioning and check their remaining range from their device. Vehicles can also be added to the connected SmartThings ecosystem, allowing users to return to a home with optimized conditions by controlling their Samsung air conditioners, air purifiers or other connected devices while driving home.
     
    As part of the agreement, Samsung will also continue collaborating with Hyundai and Kia to provide various AI-based services tailored to customer lifestyles and preferences. The companies will expand the use of SmartThings to include in-vehicle health monitoring via cameras and Galaxy devices, pet care solutions that optimize vehicle environments for pets, as well as integration with smart apartment solutions and SDVs.
     
    “Our goal is to enrich Hyundai Motor and Kia customers’ mobility experience by offering personalized services that extend beyond transportation, seamlessly integrating vehicles with smartphones,” said Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group Advanced Vehicle Platform (AVP) Division.
     
    “Through our collaboration with Hyundai and Kia, customers will experience the convenience of SmartThings not only at home but also in their vehicles, transcending space,” said Paul (Kyungwhoon) Cheun, President, CTO of DX Division at Samsung Electronics and Head of Samsung Research. “We will continue to expand the SmartThings ecosystem, offering new lifestyles and value to even more customers.”
     
     
    Consistent Steps Forward Enable Shared Progress
    In January this year, Samsung and Hyundai announced to partnership focusing on home-to-car and car-to-home services that connect smartphones, vehicles and home appliances. Based on this agreement, the two organizations have been working toward a reality in which a Samsung device can be used to seamlessly control a Hyundai or Kia vehicle — and home appliances can also be easily controlled from inside the vehicle.
     
    ▲ (From left) Jinhee Choi, Senior Executive Vice President of 42dot; Haeyoung Kwon, Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group Infotainment Development Center; Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group Advanced Vehicle Platform (AVP) Division; Paul (Kyungwhoon) Cheun, President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics and Head of Samsung Research; Seungbeom Choi, Executive Vice President and Head of Device Platform Center; and Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President and Head of IoT R&D Team
     
    This latest evolution of the two companies’ relationship now adds the aforementioned SmartThings functionality and cooperation to provide user-tailored AI services. Essentially, the scope of the collaboration has now been broadened to include even more comprehensive SDV integration — as well as healthcare, pet care and smart apartment solutions.
     
     
    About Hyundai Motor Group
    Hyundai Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel and construction, as well as logistics, finance, IT and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group’s mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia and Genesis. Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication and the will to take on any challenges, we strive to create a better future for all.
    More information about Hyundai Motor Group can be found at: http://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai, Kia Global Media Center (kianewscenter.com), Genesis Newsroom

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Rishworth Brisbane press conference

    Source: Australian Ministers for Social Services

    E&OE TRANSCRIPT

    Topics: Autism; Autistic women; Connections4Women; Strong and Resilient Communities; Disability; Negative gearing; Housing.

    AMANDA RISHWORTH, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES: It’s been wonderful to visit Autism Queensland today, also with our candidate, Julie-Ann Campbell, the candidate for Moreton. But it’s been wonderful to hear about the large array of really important support services that Autism Queensland does offer to autistic people here in Queensland. Particularly, I’m very pleased to announce today that Autism Queensland is receiving a grant of $360,000 to run a program called Connections4Women. And that’s particularly designed for autistic women to connect up with other autistic women. This is a really innovative program, and I very shortly will ask Dr Caitlin Taggart to explain the process of, and what this program will offer. But I did want to say that this program very much aligns with the outcomes that we want to see through our Strong and Resilient Community grants. This is all about ensuring the social inclusion of people that may be disconnected or isolated from community. But it’s also really in line with the Commonwealth Government’s National Autism Strategy. Our National Autism Strategy is a strategy looks at how we make sure Autistic children and Autistic adults are better included in our community, are better supported, that their wellbeing is considered, that their health is considered, and indeed their social and economic inclusion is forefront to that strategy. This program is so important in ensuring that there’s social connection. I understand it will be run in three areas: South Brisbane, Toowoomba and Gladstone. And I’m really, really excited to see the outcomes of this program. I might now hand over to Dr Caitlin Taggart to talk more about the program.

    DR CAITLIN TAGGART, AUTISM QUEENSLAND: Thanks very much. So the program is called the Connecting4Women group, and the main aim of the group is to enable and empower Autistic women to connect with other Autistic women. We will be in the group exploring topics like Autistic self-identity and connecting to our local community. So connecting into services and support and online spaces. We want the group to be a really safe and supportive space for Autistic women to connect with other women and feel that sense of belonging and connection to others. The ultimate aim of the group would be that Autistic women would be the key drivers to continuing that social ecosystem expanding into their local community. The group is co-designed. So we were really fortunate last year to receive a Supporting Women Queensland Government grant. And in through that grant, we met with 22 Autistic women, where we co-designed the group, and we were exploring topics with these women about what they would like the group to be. How would they like it to be facilitated? The location? How do we maintain that psychological safety within the group? And using that information that we gathered from these 22 Autistic women, this has now informed this connections for women group this SARC grant. So we’re really fortunate and really excited to be offering this group to Autistic women across those three locations. So South Brisbane, Gladstone and Toowoomba. The reach and the scope that we have, you know, can be up to 192 Autistic women, which we’re really excited to be offering, and particularly since this group, it is co-designed by Autistic women for Autistic women. So this group is meaningful to the needs and the users of this group. So we’re really excited and really fortunate to be to be offering this this group.

    JOURNALIST: Do you think the additional funding will help the stigma around autism in women, especially since it’s so under diagnosed?

    DR CAITLIN TAGGART: Great question. There is a gender bias and unfortunately, for a lot of Autistic women, they struggle, really find it challenging to find a diagnosis, because there is that lack of understanding and lack of awareness and in the health professional sector community. So we are hoping that this will increase awareness. And for Autistic women, the group is not just for those who have a formal diagnosis of autism, but those who self-identify as Autistic, because we do recognise that there are the challenges in receiving a formal diagnosis, not just from the lack of awareness, but also financially as well, it can be quite challenging.

    JOURNALIST: And what specific programs and services would the funding enhance?

    DR CAITLIN TAGGART: We’re hoping that the Autistic women will then be able to connect into their local communities or online community spaces and learn about other services and support that have that understanding of autism. It is a small community, and if we can connect together and learn from each other about those services and spaces that do have that awareness of autism, in particular Autistic females, we’re hoping that then we can spread awareness and Autistic females will be able to connect into those services and support and receive the right kind of
    support.

    JOURNALIST: And how would the funding help women, Autistic women who are from different backgrounds. I know there’s specific locations around Queensland, but how would that offer them the safe space?

    DR CAITLIN TAGGART: Again, really great question. So when we co-designed the group, that was something that we did discuss, because we want this group to be really inclusive and welcoming to a very wide diverse range of people. The group is participant-led. So we want participants to come to the group, and we want to understand from them what they want to get out of the group, and what their needs are to feel safe and welcomed and included in that group. So we’re not coming in with our own agenda. It’s not prescriptive at all. It was co designed, and it’ll continue to be co designed even as we continue to run the group.

    JOURNALIST: Minister Rishworth, we were wondering about the negative gearing information that has come out earlier today. If you had any comments on that?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: Just to be really clear, we’ve got a very comprehensive housing policy – $32 billion worth of housing investment to increase supply. Negative gearing is not a proposal that is part of that housing policy. But what I would say is that there are two really important pieces of legislation in the Parliament, both our Build to Rent scheme, and, of course, our Help to Buy scheme. One that helps new homeowners get their foot into the market, the other, which puts more supply of affordable rental into the market. At the moment, we’ve got the Coalition and the Greens in there, the Coalition blocking this important piece of legislation, and we are focused on getting on the on with the job of actually building those houses. I might also just add one more thing about the autism funding. The funding will actually enable these groups to be facilitated and run for ten weeks, and so that is what the funding goes to. But as Caitlin was saying, it’s really important that there’s the potential for the ongoing benefit after these groups, of the social connection, bringing people together and feeling like you’re not alone. I think listening to the description of the program and listening to some of the comments coming back of what women really wanted, and this is what they told Autism Queensland. That’s what was so strong about this application is that this is what they said. They don’t want to feel alone, and so the funding to facilitate, to bring people together, to have a facilitator, as well as it be co-led with an Autistic woman, is really critical in ensuring that the ongoing connection continues.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech to the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Symposium 2024

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Thank you very much for the generous welcome Reverend Reihana.

    Thank you to Alcohol Healthwatch and your organising committee, including representatives from: FASD-CAN Aotearoa; Te Iho Tātai-ā-Rongo (the Māori FASD Coalition); Hauora Māori Services and Health Promotion Directorates, Health New Zealand; Oranga Tamariki; and the Centre for Addiction Research, University of Auckland, for inviting me to this important event.

    Alongside the organising committee, I would also like to acknowledge Raawiri Ratuu, from Kookiri ki Taamakimakaurau Trust, and the advice and practical support he has provided in preparation for this symposium.

    I am very pleased to be addressing the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) community today. 

    I would like to take this moment now to recognise all of you and your tireless efforts and commitment. 

    FASD has gone under-recognised and under-supported for too long in New Zealand, but you have remained strong and dedicated as we now stand on the precipice of meaningful change. 

    I acknowledge that you have had to navigate difficult spaces, motivated by the love of family and community. Ngā mihi ki a koutou.

    I would also like to acknowledge Alcohol Healthwatch for leading engagements with their community across New Zealand over the past two months. You have gathered valuable insights that will inform the revitalisation of the Government’s FASD Strategic Action Plan.

    Along with FASD-CAN, Kookiri ki Taamaki Makaurau Trust, the Māori Coalition for Te Iho Tātai-ā-Rongo, Village Collective, and the whole FASD community, you have built a foundation upon which we can set our collective direction for FASD.

    I believe families, whānau, professionals at the frontline and communities are best placed to know how to support people impacted by FASD. 

    I acknowledge the range of experiences and strengths you bring to this work, and this is is reflected in the approach we are taking to develop the new FASD Strategic Action Plan. 

    I am committed to keeping people at the front and center of this mission. 

    Only with the experiences, opportunities and solutions from people within and outside of the health system will we develop services truly respond to the needs of people affected by FASD. 

    Comments from FASD providers highlighted the importance of listening to communities, when they expressed, “the very first thing that this is about – is being heard and seen, that your story is true, valid and important. Just that, I reckon just that. I call it deep listening.”

    I used to similarly observe as a GP, that often people just want to hear and be heard, see and be seen. 

    That’s what an engagement process is about. Listening to whānau. Listening to community. 

    I intend to continue listening to all voices. Even when it is hard. Even when it is challenging. I will listen.

    In April this year, I committed this Government to taking meaningful, tangible action to address FASD in New Zealand. 

    I announced a first tranche of initiatives, with $2 million of funding across five key initiatives:

    1. Publishing the first New Zealand-specific FASD diagnostic guidelines. 
    2. Training up to 30 health professionals from Child Development Services to use these new guidelines.
    3. Launching A nationwide FASD prevention campaign.
    4. Establishing an FASD pilot programme to support Māori communities and whānau living with FASD, and 
    5. Revitalising the FASD Strategic Action Plan. 

    We are already seeing considerable progress on these actions. 

    Publication of the new FASD guidelines occurred in April and diagnostic training has already started, in collaboration with Hāpai Te Hauora, and the first group of 30 clinicians will have completed their training by the end of the year. 

    This will further grow a health workforce that is better equipped to understand and support the needs of people with FASD and their families.

    Health New Zealand are now co-designing the prevention campaign with a group of young people who represent the next generation of parents, as well as their support people, whānau, hapū and iwi. 

    The campaign focuses on preventing and raising awareness about FASD and its effects on communities and will launch before the end of this year. 

    The FASD community pilot programme started in May this year and is being delivered by the Māori Coalition for Te Iho Tātai-ā-Rongo (FASD). 

    This is a comprehensive programme that includes a series of regional wānanga with communities that have been identified with FASD high needs.

    These wānanga focus on whānau living with FASD, health professionals and has a particular focus in setting up peer support. 

    In addition, they have completed a national online conference bringing together Māori researchers, policy makers, clinicians and representation from Te Kāhui Taurikura. 

    The coalition is building FASD capacity within regions with stakeholder hui with workforce and whānau living with FASD. 

    They have Te Whare ō Oro training that is in alignment with the wānanga which introduces neurodiversity training into these pilot areas.

    Finally, the revitalisation of the FASD Strategic Action Plan is well underway. Community engagement was completed at the end of August, and health agencies are now actively developing the priorities that will make up the plan. 

    I know health agencies will be further consulting key FASD organisations and networks, as well as clinicians and sector experts, in the first quarter of 2025 on the draft plan. 

    I expect groups that led the community engagement will be able to see their contributions reflected in that draft plan, which will outline a phased and coordinated approach to addressing FASD over the coming years.

    As I said in April, these are only the first steps the Government is taking to drive action on FASD. I signaled a clear intention to introduce further initiatives that will build momentum and further our knowledge and understanding of FASD.  

    I reflect again on the voices of the community in setting further FASD priorities today. 

    One FASD observer has noted, “Pretty much every professional group would gain hugely from understanding and then reframing their responses as a result… It seems to me that actually our whole society needs education on what FASD is and its impacts.”

    I agree. 

    An important part of advancing FASD is lifting literacy and actions across all areas where there are opportunities to prevent FASD or provide support to people with FASD. 

    This includes in the community, in healthcare settings, the education system, children’s system and the justice system. 

    That’s why today I am confirming $4.85 million of funding, for a second tranche of three more key FASD initiatives. 

    I expect to make further announcements on FASD in the build up to the release of the FASD Strategic Action Plan next year. 

    This funding is made possible through a lift to the Alcohol Levy that Cabinet agreed to in July.

    This took the levy from approximately $11.5m to $16.6m – a boost of more than $5 million this year.

    There were criticisms that the levy was not actually raised high enough, and I understand this. 

    However, it demonstrates a willingness on the part of the Government to fund our priority actions that deliver tangible outcomes, and given this is the first rise in the alcohol levy in 15 years. 

    We have taken a microscope to what the levy is being spent on and it is not clear to me that all the initiatives have delivered tangible, positive health outcomes for New Zealanders. 

    Evidence-based outcomes is a key principle of this Government’s investments – every initiative must provide clear, demonstrable value to communities. 

    That is the challenge I put to you, as together we design the FASD Strategic Action Plan. Demonstrate how your initiatives and proposals will make a tangible difference for New Zealanders.

    $4.85 million is a sizeable commitment to the FASD work programme and builds on the $2 million I announced for tranche one initiatives in April – bringing our total investment in FASD support and prevention to date, to $6.85 million. 

    The tranche two initiatives announced today are: 

    1. Undertaking an FASD prevalence study, to understand the true nature of the challenge FASD presents in New Zealand, rather than relying on extrapolated overseas data. We will have our own, New Zealand data.
    2. Growing FASD awareness and capacity across communities and a range of health, disability, and social services, with formal, structured education. 
    3. Supporting initiatives that promote alcohol-free pregnancies and reduce the stigma of FASD.

    The three year prevalence study will start in mid-2025. It will focus on both the prevalence and impact of FASD in New Zealand, and how demographic, socio-economic, and maternal factors influence the occurrence and diagnosis of FASD among different populations. 

    The aim is for this study to screen a minimum of 2500 children, in line with World Health Organization FASD prevalence research protocols. Children will be identified through targeted school settings in high-risk locations. 

    Growing FASD awareness and capacity within communities and across a range of health, disability, and social services professionals will occur through a range of training opportunities being made available. 

    These will include: 

    • Developing a new micro-credential training programme for the recently developed NZQA-approved unit standards. Development and delivery of this training will be undertaken in close collaboration with subject matter experts and will be relevant and accessible for a range of different audiences and training cohorts, including families and carers.
    • Developing and implementing non-clinical training for communities to increase FASD awareness. This training will align to current activities with the FASD community pilot programme and other localised support programmes.
    • Funding a second clinical cohort of 30 Child Development Services professionals to undertake training based on New Zealand’s FASD diagnostic guidelines.

    Supporting prevention and reducing stigma around FASD will include: expanding our evaluation cohort for the nation-wide prevention campaign which will provide insights into the campaign messaging and implementation. In collaboration with sector partners we have supported with resource to highlight FASD awareness month.

    These priorities are direct responses to community-led efforts and demonstrate the importance of community advocacy and voice in all parts of the health system. 

    For instance, the new FASD micro-credential training that includes NZQA unit standards will support best practice for people working alongside and engaging with people living with FASD. These unit standards were developed collaboratively by Hayley Semenoff and the team at Toitū te Waiora workforce development council and FASD-CAN Aotearoa.

    This training will reflect a shared aspiration with the FASD community for a workforce with an FASD-informed lens, who will be our frontline change agents. They will be competent and confident supporting people impacted by FASD across their lifespan and in different settings, including health, education, disability, and justice systems.

    Health NZ is still in the early stages of work on these priorities. I expect to continue to update the FASD community as they progress in the lead up to the launch of the FASD Strategic Action Plan next year.

    We remain committed to driving change and improving health outcomes for all New Zealanders, and particularly those who experience the worst health outcomes.

    That won’t come without its challenges. Achieving change has been hard for previous governments and will be hard for me too. But these challenges provide opportunities. Opportunities to sharpen our focus on what matters most and actions that will make the biggest impacts on people’s lives.

    I believe in bringing care and decision making close to the home and closer to the hapū, and I recognise the unique qualities Māori health providers bring and the importance of local providers delivering services within their communities. 

    I look forward to seeing what opportunities there are for local and community initiatives to better support people with FASD, to consider as part of the refreshed FASD Strategic Action Plan.

    One of the greatest challenges is in fully understanding the prevalence and extent of FASD in New Zealand. This is, in part, due to complexities and barriers to formal diagnosis and national data collection. These barriers limit our ability to intervene effectively and tailor supports to local needs.

    We need to better understand FASD prevalence across New Zealand, which means we can deliver more effective and targeted prevention and early intervention activities and then measure their impact. 

    This is why the announcements I have made today are so important. But I want to make clear that gaps in what we know about the prevalence of FASD does not distract from its very real impacts. 

    We must remember our context, where an estimated three to five children in New Zealand are born with FASD every day. 

    We know we must address this and the primary mechanism we have is through the refreshed FASD Strategic Action Plan. 

    Over the next 12 months, I hope to build an approach that will further support the prevention of FASD and identify critical points in the lifespan of individuals with FASD where we can make the greatest difference. 

    The community voices and insights captured over the past two months will be vital to that, and I acknowledge the wider alcohol prevention work that Rawiri and his team have undertaken with the Kaupapa Te Ropū report on alcohol harm for Māori. 

    However, until the long-term action plan is published next year, we have listened to the best community and expert advice and have already made a start, with an investment of over $6.85 million across eight initiatives aimed at better understanding the impact of FASD, promoting better education in community and clinical settings and supporting women to stay alcohol free during pregnancy. 

    Three to five children are born with FASD every day – that’s why there’s no time to wait. 

    We want New Zealand to be a country where people are supported to have alcohol-free pregnancies, where the prevalence of FASD is well understood, where quality FASD diagnostic tools and training are widely used, and people living with FASD and their families are well supported.

    Finally, I would like to reflect on the theme of this conference, ‘Ko te FASD kei a hau, ehara i a hau. FASD is what I have NOT who I am’.

    To me, this is a powerful message which tackles both the issues of stigma, and most importantly, aspiration.

    The aspirations of individuals, families, carers, and the whole FASD community, to lead thriving lives. Lives in which people with FASD, can pursue education, employment, and meaningful connections with friends, families, and communities.

    While FASD might have lifelong impacts, it should not be a life sentence. We have the chance to change that. To build on our strengths and not be defined by a diagnosis. 

    That’s my vision for the future.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Active Chlorine Component of Hypochlorous Acid Solution Volatilized in the Air Eliminates Over 99% of Group A Streptococci

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Active Chlorine Component of Hypochlorous Acid Solution Volatilized in the Air Eliminates Over 99% of Group A Streptococci

    [Figure 1. Amount of bacteria adhered (group A streptococci) by time elapsed]

    Osaka, Japan – Panasonic Corporation (https://www.panasonic.com/global/home.html) today announced that its Heating & Ventilation A/C Company (hereinafter referred to as Panasonic) verified that the active chloride component volatilized from the hypochlorous acid solution, produced by electrolysis of salt water, effectively eliminates over 99% of group A streptococci (GAS) adhered in a space of approx. 25 m3 within 60 minutes(*2).
    The hypochlorous acid solution is produced through the electrolysis of salt water and demonstrates high efficacy in sterilization and deodorization. Since adopting the hypochlorous acid solution for the hygiene maintenance system of cup-dispensing vending machines in 1987(*3), Panasonic has been researching hypochlorous acid technology for over 30 years. The company verified in the past few years that the solution is effective in suppressing viruses, including the influenza virus (H1N1), novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant, and enterovirus and coxsackievirus, which can cause hand-foot-and-mouth disease, as well as herpangina.
    GAS is mainly transmitted via droplet infection (coughing and sneezing) and direct contact. These bacteria can cause a wide range of infections, such as strep throat and skin infections, and in severe cases, necrotizing fasciitis. Specifically, they are responsible for group A streptococcal pharyngitis, which primarily affects children with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, reddened tongue, and a red rash on the body. It can also cause sepsis and multiple organ failure, as exemplified by the streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, which has shown an increasing trend in recent years.
    Based on the current verification results, the active chloride component volatilized from the hypochlorous acid solution is expected to eliminate GAS adhered to tables, railings, and other objects.
    ■Verification methodTwo cases were verified: one by soaking the rotary sterilization filter in a hypochlorous acid solution of approx. 100 mg/L, exposing the filter to a given amount of wind (3.8 m3/min) to volatilize the active chloride component, and then exposing the specimens with GAS to the volatilized substance; and the other by not exposing the specimens to the active chloride component (natural attenuation).
    ■Verification resultsThe effect of suppressing 99% of GAS within 60 minutes was confirmed (Figure 1).

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Haier breaks ground on $40M plant in Egypt

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese home appliance giant Haier held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday for the second phase of its industrial park in Egypt in 10th of Ramadan, a city northeast of Cairo.

    The Haier Egypt Ecological Park is invested by Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Haier Group. Once fully built, the park will cover an area of 200,000 square meters and have an annual production capacity of more than 1.5 million units of home appliances.

    The second phase of the project, with an investment of about 40 million U.S. dollars, will mainly produce refrigerators and freezers.

    During the ceremony, Zhou Yunjie, chairman and CEO of Haier Group, said the first batch of products manufactured in the first phase of the park have been exported to Kenya in July. After the second phase of the project becomes operational, it will further help Egypt’s manufacturing industry to go global.

    Egyptian Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El Khatib said Haier is the first Chinese enterprise to obtain a Golden License (Comprehensive Approval) from the Egyptian government, which makes it a role model for foreign enterprises investing in the Egyptian market.

    Zhang Tao, minister and deputy chief of mission of the Chinese Embassy in Egypt, said that the success of the first phase of the Haier Egypt Ecological Park has attracted more Chinese enterprises to invest and set up factories in Egypt, which promoted the upgrading of Egypt’s home appliance manufacturing industry, created jobs, trained outstanding talents, and increased Egypt’s foreign exchange incomes.

    The first phase of the industrial park was inaugurated in May, with trial production of air-conditioners, televisions, and washing machines.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: TOMORROW: In Los Angeles, Governor Newsom to take action on oil and gas legislation

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Sep 24, 2024

    LOS ANGELES COUNTY –  Tomorrow, Governor Gavin Newsom will sign legislation related to oversight of oil and gas wells, and community protections.

    WHEN: Press conference begins approx. 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25
    LIVESTREAM: The Governor’s Twitter page, Facebook page, and YouTube page.

    **NOTE: This in-person press conference will be open to credentialed media only. Media interested in attending must RSVP to govpressoffice@gov.ca.gov by no later than 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 25. Location information will be provided upon RSVP.

    Media Advisories

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    Sep 24, 2024

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Work to Fix FAFSA Fiasco for Farm Families Gains Support

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – In light of a new report revealing that it will take the Department of Education well into 2027 to complete the implementation of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), U.S. Senator Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) work to fix this fiasco for farm families is gaining momentum with the endorsement of 24 education and agriculture groups.
    After the new formula changed a farm family’s expected annual contribution to their child’s education from $7,626 to $41,056, Ernst’s bipartisan Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act would reverse these changes that could reduce or even eliminate access to need-based student aid for farm families.
    “As students across the country filled up their backpacks and picked up their pencils to head back to school this fall, too many families were left out of accessing financial aid. Chalk it up to poor leadership from the Biden-Harris administration and a Department of Education that is out of touch with rural America!” said Ernst. “There can be no more delay for fixing the Biden-Harris FAFSA fiasco for next year. My solution would support farm families trying to responsibly finance their child’s education, instead of forcing them to sell off the farm. Class is back in session, and the Department of Education must turn their homework in on time so students don’t miss out due to bureaucratic bungling.”
    The new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report revealed major errors made during the so-called “simplified” FAFSA rollout that led to a 9% decrease in 2024 FAFSA submissions for high school seniors, including that:
    74% of incoming calls for support went unanswered in the first five months of the new form,
    Graduate students were being incorrectly informed that they are eligible for Pell Grants,
    It took families an average of five days to complete a form that the Department claimed would take 15-20 minutes, and
    Students who submitted a paper FAFSA did not receive confirmation for more than seven months.
    To end the series of fumbles, here’s what others are saying about Ernst’s Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act:
    “On the heels of a year where FAFSA was neither ‘better’ nor ‘simpler,’ Iowa families are bracing for more delays, disruptions, and unintended consequences as a result of the 25-26 financial aid processing season. Federal Student Aid and Congress have failed to address key issues – such as how assets related to small business ownership and family farms are counted on the FAFSA – leaving many hard-working Iowans unsure if they’ll have the resources needed to pursue education and training after high school,” said Rob Miller, President of Iowa College Access Network. “And while much attention has been focused on the new December 2024 FAFSA release date, big concerns remain over FSA’s ability to quickly and correctly process the forms and share accurate data with colleges for packaging.” 
    “Students decided not to attend Iowa Central Community College this year due to the newly imposed family asset in the Student Aid Index used for financial aid. If they have to take out loans for their education, many of our students will go right into the workplace or start working on their family farm instead of pursuing a degree,” said Jim Kersten, Vice President of Government Affairs at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa. “We faced many challenges following these changes including FAFSA completion delays, students not having FAFSA results in time to make their college decision, schools unable to make financial aid offers, and FASFA corrections not made until August. In addition, some parents with multiple children reached out to ask why their aid was so different from what their older children had received in years past. Their income was basically the same, but they no longer qualified for need-based aid which includes work-study jobs and subsidized loan funds. I am so pleased Senator Ernst is working together in a bipartisan manner with Senator Tester and others to get this important legislation approved as soon as possible.”
    “The second straight year of declining farm income only highlights the problems with changes that were made to asset calculations in the FAFSA Simplification Act,” said Dustin Sherer, Director of Government Affairs at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). “There are land rich, cash poor farmers who made no money this past year, yet their children won’t qualify for federal financial student aid. AFBF appreciates Senator Ernst’s focus on trying to correct this problem.”
    “Farm Credit commends Senators Ernst and Tester for their bipartisan work to rectify an unintended consequence of prior legislation impacting agricultural families,” said Todd Van Hoose, President and CEO of Farm Credit Council. “It’s essential that we provide our farm and ranch families with the financial aid and resources they need to support the next generation of agricultural leaders.”
    Background:
    The FAFSA form is typically accessible to students on Oct. 1 of each year to allow ample time to submit financial information before state and school-specific deadlines for aid eligibility. However, due to incomplete planning measures, the Department of Education released last year’s version three months late, drastically condensing the timeline for families to submit for aid. To make matters worse, the late rollout came with additional challenges, including changes that could reduce or eliminate access to need-based student aid for farm families and small business owners.
    To ensure more Iowa families are not left out, Ernst has conducted critical oversight, demanded answers on behalf of agricultural communities, and worked to get input directly from impacted Iowans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Swing and a miss? Why golf in Australia is struggling to attract women and girls

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle O’Shea, Senior Lecturer, School of Business, Western Sydney University

    kasakphoto/Shutterstock

    Prestigious Victorian golf club 13th Beach Golf Links, famed for award-winning courses and hosting the Victorian Open, has found itself in the middle of a controversy.

    In a bid to bolster membership, diversity and revenue, the club has introduced additional membership categories for women. These memberships form part of a dedicated campaign to get more women on the greens, following a member and board supported strategic plan to grow women’s membership from 18% to 30% by 2027.

    Despite the club’s commitment to gender representation, its status as a signatory to The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A)’s Women in Golf Charter and recognition as a 2023 Visionary of the Year by Golf Australia for its “whole-club approach to gender equity”, support among some members remains wanting.

    A stunt that made waves

    Controversy erupted at 13th Beach after its new women’s memberships were launched.

    One male member, wearing a blonde wig and skirt, was captured approaching club staff to inquire about the new women’s membership options, remarking:

    I’m identifying as a female now and I’m just about to inquire about the new membership deal.

    The male member, and two others who filmed and shared the footage, were temporarily suspended from the club.

    A key element to the controversy is the discounted membership compared to male golfers.

    After the stunt, some men and women claimed:

    [The club] openly discriminates against males […] it is both fair and just for female members to pay the same subs as their male counterparts, as equality is a fundamental principle that we should uphold.

    However, this statement conveniently denies the sport’s current and past issues with gender, race and class.

    Historical and current barriers

    Globally year-on-year, the growth of male golf participation outnumbers women, with women making up 23% of adult registered golfers worldwide.

    In Australia, golf participation rates continue to rise. Among women and girls, Golf Australia reported a near 13% increase from 2022–23.

    Despite this rise, access issues and barriers to full participation for women and girls run deep.

    A lack of visibility of female golfers can reinforce stereotypes of golf as a men’s game, while women can struggle with amenities and equipment designed for men.

    Golf is steeped in gendered, raced and classed exclusion, and was traditionally a sport for men of similar social standing.

    Women were confined to secret games or putting activities, away from the “real” golf played by men.

    Women were banned from golf’s spiritual home, St Andrews in Scotland, for 260 years – until a 2014 vote when female membership was finally permitted.

    Two years earlier, premier United States course Augusta National welcomed its first women members.

    Golf Australia is trying to attract more women and girls to the sport.

    An uneven playing field

    Despite recent improvements, women’s golf participation and membership access frequently remain conditional.

    Traditionally in Australia, women and girls have been restricted to “associate” or “lady” memberships – which often have lower status and fewer benefits.

    Course access can also be problematic, with Saturdays often reserved for male players.

    At many Australian clubs, Tuesdays are often referred to as “ladies day” which assumes women don’t have work or other commitments.

    A poster on the Reddit forum, r/WomenGolf, has queried the different options for men and women’s golfers.
    Reddit

    Women members are often allotted less popular tee times while overall, some club cultures can render golf courses chilly climates for women.

    Being scrutinised and surveilled on the greens by male golfers is reported by women as a barrier – feelings of hyper-visibility, being mocked for their play and their bodies frequently undermines women’s enjoyment.

    At the professional level, while the women’s game is increasing in prize money, media coverage and sponsorship, there is still significant room for change.

    For female professional golfers, research also highlights a male-dominated and “sexist environment”.

    Inclusivity is good for everyone

    In a bid to increase participation among more diverse groups, Golf Australia is inspiring people to “go play and enjoy golf in their own way”.

    As part of its “own way campaign,” programs have been designed for seniors, women and disabled players.

    Recognising how differences such as race and culture shape golf participation, more community-facing programs are targeting improved diversity.

    Off the greens, golf leadership and administration is also under the spotlight.

    Including women’s voices in decision making is key to realising meaningful change – research clearly finds boards with diversity of thought and representation perform better.

    Beyond the important inclusivity debates, there are clear commercial reasons to enable women’s participation.

    Very recent industry research states there are an estimated 36.9 million latent women golfers around the world, and this group may be worth up to US$35 billion (A$51 billion) to the golf industry should they take up the sport more permanently.

    Golf has a lucrative opportunity.

    Valuing and enabling diversity in all areas should fill the coffers and genuinely position golf as a sport for all.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Swing and a miss? Why golf in Australia is struggling to attract women and girls – https://theconversation.com/swing-and-a-miss-why-golf-in-australia-is-struggling-to-attract-women-and-girls-239202

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The My Documents public services center in the Biryulevo Vostochnoye district will become more spacious, comfortable and brighter after major repairs

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Major repairs have begun at the My Documents government services center in the Biryulevo Vostochnoye district. It is located on Zagoryevskaya Street (building 10, block 4). The office will become more spacious and bright due to a modern approach to organizing space, a corporate style in the interior, and new furniture.

    “The government services center is located in a separate two-story building built in 1987, it occupies the first floor and part of the basement. Before the work began, the office premises were in an unsatisfactory condition. In the most frequently visited places, there were abrasions on the finish. The heating, hot and cold water supply systems required partial replacement, and the drainage and ventilation systems required modernization. The building had to be adapted to the needs of people with limited mobility,” said the first deputy head of the Moscow City Department of Capital Repairs

    Alexey Vasyutin.

    Now specialists are dismantling the old finishing of walls, floors and ceilings, as well as engineering systems. Then they will zone the premises, which will ensure sufficient width of passages for evacuation, corresponding to fire safety standards. After that, they will begin repairing engineering systems, finishing works, installing door and window units.

    The ground floor will house an entrance area with a reception desk, coffee machine, terminals, photo booth, bookcrossing point and self-service area. The building will have comfortable waiting areas, a children’s play area and a mother and child room, administrative offices for the center’s employees, changing rooms, a meeting room, a rest and dining room, an archive, and an office for informal marriage registration. The office will house a migration department, for whose specialists separate offices, a waiting area, an archive and a biometrics room will be set up. Five zones with 65 windows for receiving applicants (including for the migration department) and an extended window for people with disabilities will be equipped.

    In addition to the first floor, the government services center has a basement at its disposal, where, during the major renovation, archives for the center and the migration department will be organized and other service and utility rooms will be set up.

    Taking into account the new layout and re-equipment of adjacent systems, the power supply systems will be replaced. This will ensure safety and simplify the operation and maintenance of the premises. In addition, the hot and cold water supply systems will be updated, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, video surveillance, security and fire alarms will be modernized.

    The materials for interior decoration were selected depending on the functional purpose of the premises. In the corridors, utility rooms and waiting rooms, where many visitors come every day, the floors will be made of porcelain stoneware, and in the offices and reception window areas – of quartz-vinyl flooring. The walls in the main rooms will be painted, and in the sanitary rooms – tiled. Suspended ceilings will also be installed. For people with limited mobility, unimpeded access to the service areas will be provided.

    “Special indicators and mnemonic diagrams for the blind and visually impaired will be placed on the floor and walls. They will indicate the way from the entrance to the reception, then to the reception window and back. In addition, a special restroom will be made with a button to call employees in case of emergency. To ensure the safe evacuation of people from the premises of the public service center, a warning and evacuation management system will be installed, which will duplicate the visual information,” added Alexey Vasyutin.

    The major overhaul of the My Documents government services center is planned to be completed in the third quarter of 2025.

    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 accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144401073/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Govt turns back on social housing, prepares to axe 300 Kāinga Ora workers – PSA

    Source: PSA

    – A net 321 roles in housing delivery teams proposed to go
    – Kāinga Ora confirms housing builds falling from 4800 a year to 1600
    Kāinga Ora is proposing to cut a net 321 roles in the teams which play a key role in delivering social housing for thousands of New Zealanders as it significantly slows the building of new houses.
    Staff were informed of the proposed change today making crystal clear the Government’s plans to downsize the state’s role in providing housing for low-income families. Kāinga Ora told staff that the ‘Government has asked us to deliver housing in lower volumes’.
    “We feel for all those dedicated workers who are impacted by this proposal – they have been doing great work for a great purpose which this government is failing to value in its ideological obsession with outsourcing a key state function,” said Duane Leo National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “This is a sad day for the proud tradition of the State building houses for those who depend on the government to provide a secure and healthy roof over their heads.”
    People who look likely to lose their jobs are those critical to the planning, design and construction of social houses, like architects, technical advisors, project coordinators, urban designers, spatial planners, and quality assurance experts. They work across the country with a third in Auckland and represent around 10% of Kāinga Ora’s workforce.
    “Kāinga Ora has done an extraordinary job in its short life in boosting the construction of social houses with nearly 5000 built last year alone. Staff should take credit for their efforts in providing modern homes for those who need them most.”
    A host of Kāinga Ora developments are now on hold as the Government shifts back to a focus on community-provided social housing. This follows a so-called independent review by former Prime Minister Sir Bill English and significant cuts in funding in Budget 2024.
    Duane Leo said; “The Government has made much of the fact that the demand for emergency housing is falling as some families shift to private rentals and into social housing. Many of those social houses were built by the previous government.
    “The confirmation of Kāinga Ora’s much reduced role will only mean uncertainty in the future for these families as the supply of social housing provided by the State falls.
    “Once again we see the Government’s misplaced priorities laid bare – it would rather give a helping hand to landlords than a helping hand to those who need it most.”
    Background – previous PSA statements on Kāinga Ora cuts
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Renewable Energy – Ruakākā Solar Farm gains planning consent – Meridian

    Source: Meridian Energy

    Meridian Energy has been granted resource consent to build a 120 MW solar farm in Tai Tokerau Northland.

    With up to 250,000 solar panels, the Ruakākā Solar Farm, south of Whangārei, will be capable of producing 150 to 200 GWh of electricity per year – enough to power more than half the homes in Northland.

    Meridian’s Head of Renewable Development, Rebecca Knott, says the project will boost resilience for the region by reducing Northland’s reliance on electricity generated from other parts of the country.

    “With the bulk of New Zealand’s electricity generation coming from the lower South Island and North Island, south of Auckland, we’re proud to be developing such significant generation capacity in Tai Tokerau. This region is blessed with phenomenal natural resources, and we’re looking forward to delivering a fantastic new project that takes full advantage of that.”

    The solar farm is Stage 2 of Meridian’s Ruakākā Energy Park, which includes a 100 MW battery energy storage system that is at an advanced stage of construction and due for completion in early 2025.

    “The Ruakākā Energy Park is one of a number of renewable energy developments Meridian has underway to improve the security of electricity supply and help create a low carbon future for all Kiwis,” says Rebecca Knott.

    “We’re committed to increasing the amount of renewable electricity we generate and store so that we can help meet New Zealand’s growing demand for clean energy. That commitment is backed by a $3 billion investment through to 2030, and a number of excellent projects already in or approaching the planning process. Solar farms and batteries, alongside our hydro stations and wind farms, are part of the solution to strengthening and growing our electricity system, building resilience for tough years and reducing the cost of electricity for homes and businesses.”

    Subject to the appeal period and final investment decision by the Meridian Board, expected by the end of the year, construction of the Ruakākā Solar Farm will get underway in early 2025. It is expected to be completed in late 2026.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Director Rachel Rossi Delivers Opening Remarks at the World Affairs Council’s “From Local to Global: Justice Reform & Community Engagement in the United States and Ukraine”

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Remarks as Prepared for Delivery

    Thank you, Fraser, for that kind introduction and thank you to the World Affairs Council for organizing this panel. A big thank you to Jared Kimball and our colleagues with the Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) for inviting the Office for Access to Justice to partner in this engagement.

    It is an honor to be here in the company of distinguished representatives from Ukraine and Seattle – to learn about their respective community prosecution efforts and to think more deeply about the prosecutor’s role in ensuring equal access to justice for all.

    I must first acknowledge and applaud the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office for its pursuit of community driven approaches to prosecution – especially during such a complex and devastating time.

    Roman Shpyrka is here with us from the Office of Ukraine’s Prosecutor General with a number of his colleagues. Roman – thank you and your team for being here and for all you are doing in the face of unimaginable challenges. We are honored to stand with you as Ukraine plans for a future grounded in the rule of law.

    While our circumstances are quite different, through our collaboration we have seen that that community driven approaches to prosecution align with the mission of equal access to justice for all.

    Achieving “access to justice” requires that all communities can equally access public safety and the promise of justice. This requires equal enforcement of laws, but it also requires us to intentionally dismantle barriers many continue to face, to accelerate innovative strategies and to safeguard the integrity of our legal systems, so that justice doesn’t depend on income, status, who you are or where you live. This, in turn, promotes trust in the rule of law.

    This is the mission of the Office for Access to Justice. As a stand-alone federal office, we are housed within the Justice Department – the United States’ leading federal prosecuting agency – because closing access to justice gaps for all is central to the pursuit of justice.

    Attorney General Merrick B. Garland underscored the importance of our mission in quoting former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy who stated, quote “It must be our purpose … to insure that the department over which I preside is more than a Department of Prosecution and is in fact the Department of Justice.” Attorney General Garland further stated: “We are responsible not only for enforcing the law, but for upholding the Rule of Law. We are responsible for protecting civil rights and pursuing justice for all Americans.”

    As prosecutors stand at the forefront of this pursuit of access to justice, community prosecution strategies incorporate a multi-dimensional approach.

    First, this mission requires consistent engagement with the community. We’ll soon hear more about prosecutorial strategies to engage and collaborate with community members and community-based organizations in a variety of innovative ways.

    And it is with this commitment that our office is working to ensure engagement advances culturally responsive approaches, including for communities that don’t speak or write English. Through our Language Access Program, we have partnered with 38 United States Attorneys’ Offices and 24 other Justice Department offices to translate public-facing materials, include webpages, complaint forms and more.

    We’ve also launched the Access DOJ initiative, to make the Justice Department’s programs and services more efficient and accessible. And we lead the Federal Government Pro Bono Program, assisting federal prosecutors and government employees across the country to engage with communities by volunteering to provide pro bono legal help.

    Prosecutors can also support access to justice by supporting access to counsel for the accused. A robust public defense function helps to ensure the integrity of convictions and that due process rights are protected – central elements to the pursuit of justice. Just last year, our office launched a Public Defense Resource Hub for professionals providing public defense services and related organizations. And we recently partnered with the Federal Bureau of Prisons to conduct a first-of-its-kind comprehensive review of access to counsel in federal pretrial facilities.

    Prosecutors can further pursue equal access to justice through the development of and support for innovative approaches to ensuring justice. For example, our office is supporting leaders across the country who are moving away from the reliance on fines and fees to promote economic justice. We recently published a spotlight report to uplift promising practices across the country, including those lead by prosecutors, to reduce these economic burdens faced by low-income communities.

    And over the last year, our office, led by my colleagues Jarvis Idowu, Jesse Bernstein and Lauren Lambert, has joined OPDAT to support the exchange of knowledge by organizing virtual sessions with Ukraine and U.S. prosecutors and experts from around the country to uplift a variety of innovative prosecutorial strategies.

    Topics have included youth justice, trauma-informed victims and witness engagement, community-based alternatives and partnerships, diversion programs and specialty courts, bail and pretrial detention, restorative justice, data-driven strategies and working with internally displaced persons and the veteran community.

    This week, we’re thrilled to learn more about the innovations driven by the King County Prosecutor’s Office — like their focus on access to justice for those struggling with addiction through LEAD, a community-driven partnership to direct people engaged in low-level drug activity into evidence-based, intensive wrap-around services.

    Finally, prosecutors pursue access to justice through efforts like this one today, to share best practices and engage with our partners at home and abroad. Our office proudly supports U.S. implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, focused on access to justice. We serve as the U.S. authority on access to justice internationally, like at the U.N. Crime Commission and the Cross Border Crime Forum, centering the importance of access to justice as we tackle complex cross-border criminal issues and pursue strengthened democracy and rule of law globally.

    Prosecutors carry a heavy burden and awesome privilege to pursue public safety. They regularly stand with those experiencing our society’s worst violence, trauma and unimaginable harm. They lead the charge to safeguard the integrity of the criminal justice process, advance community collaboration, uphold civil rights, protect due process and pursue the promise of access to justice for all. And in Ukraine today, it is undeniable that this burden has only become more complex and difficult.

    We’re impressed by the dedication of our colleagues, both here in Seattle and abroad in Ukraine to these principles. The Office for Access to Justice looks forward to continued collaboration as we stand shoulder to shoulder with you in this critical mission. Together, we can increase community trust and strengthen the rule of law. I’ll now turn it over to our moderator, and former King County Prosecuting Attorney, Dan Satterburg.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Sweet journey for EIT graduate turned business owner | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

    2 hours ago

    Courtney Booth has achieved success with her own business since graduating from EIT.

    EIT graduate Courtney Booth has transformed her love for food into a flourishing business with Cuteneys Cakes

    The 29-year-old always had a love for food, nurtured by baking alongside her mum in her hometown of Napier.

    After finishing Year 12 at Tamatea High School, she followed her passion for cooking and enrolled at EIT to study the NZ Certificate in Cookery in 2013.

    “I always knew that I wanted to be a chef, so when I left high school, I knew that I wanted to go to EIT,”

    “But back when I studied, patisserie wasn’t really a thing. It was just like six months on the end of the cookery course and then it wasn’t until 2016 they created a course purely for patisserie. So, I ended up doing it in the second year that it ever ran.”

    During her two-year cookery programme, she worked at Mint Restaurant on Marine Parade.

    “I ended up working there for eight years as a chef. Started off as just a sous chef and then by the end of it, I was doing the head chef role.”

    In 2017, Courtney returned to EIT, this time to study patisserie, and graduated as the top student.

    While working full-time between two jobs, Courtney began making cakes for friends and family, slowly building a reputation on social media.

    “I was doing that for about three years, and then it wasn’t until COVID-19 that I started to think maybe I should look at doing cakes full time. We had just bought our house after the second lockdown, and we converted my garage into a commercial kitchen.”

    “I just jumped into the role full-time doing desserts on top of cakes and it just blew up. It was mostly word of mouth and through social media, and then I started on Uber Eats and Deliver Easy.”

    Her “little kitchen at home got too small” and about a year ago, she opened a storefront on Dalton Street in Napier. It was at this point that she brought on full-time baker and long-time friend Dana MacDonald.

    “Dana used to tutor at EIT and we have been on each other’s radars for many years. She was the one that actually judged my final patisserie dish at EIT. But I always fangirled over her because she worked at Elephant Hill and Malo and all these different fancy places as the pastry chef.”

    “She’s just like another me. We’re the exact same. It’s great to have somebody with the same skill set and I can just leave her to it.”

    Courtney admits every week is “just getting busier and busier”.

    Reflecting on her EIT experience, Courtney praises the institution for equipping her with the skills and confidence to pursue her ambitions.

    “EIT was really good for me, especially the patisserie course. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone interested in food.”

    Looking ahead, Courtney has even bigger plans for her business, potentially opening another location in Hastings or expanding her current operation with a dedicated prep kitchen.

    EIT Professional Chef Tutor Mark Caves said: “We love it when our graduates progress their career into senior roles or to open their own businesses.”

    “Courtney came to us at a young age with passion and a desire to learn the craft of cooking. It has been amazing to watch Courtney be able to stay in Hawke’s Bay, progress her career under talented local chefs and fulfil her dream like many others who have trained in our world class facilities, and under our experienced tutors.”

    “It is also encouraging to know that anyone who progresses through our range of culinary programmes from introduction to food and beverage at level 3, advanced cookery at Level 4, and Level 5 advanced diploma in cookery or patisserie, can go out into the industry with the knowledge skills and confidence to fulfil their career ambitions, whether it is a food truck, head chef or your very own patisserie shop like Courtney!”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Seeds planted for $16.7 million agriculture precinct

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The Albanese Government is continuing to invest in the nation’s future as an agritech powerhouse, investing $16.7 million into the Western Sydney University’s Agri Tech Precinct.

    Once complete, the precinct will be a world-leading hub of research, innovation, incubation and production, working to advance sustainable and resilient food systems.

    It will create new education pathways for future students as well as collaborative opportunities with other agricultural institutions.

    The approximately $30 million project is jointly funded with Western Sydney University, and is an election commitment being delivered under the Priority Community Infrastructure Program.

    Western Sydney University has estimated the construction phase will create 150 direct jobs and up to an additional 240 jobs in the precinct’s day-to-day operations.

    Delivered in two stages, the Commonwealth’s contribution is for stage 1 of the roughly 50-hectare precinct on the Hawkesbury campus. 

    Planning for the precinct is well underway with construction due to commence in April 2025, and stage 1 of the precinct expected to open to students from late 2025 with Stage 2 to follow.

    For more information on the Priority Community Infrastructure Program visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website.  

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

    “Agriculture makes up around13% of Australia’s export economy and 55% of its land mass. 

    “With growing demand for sustainable, resilient food systems, the Agri Tech Precinct will help keep Australia at the forefront of innovation in the agriculture sector.

    “This is a smart, long-term investment in both the economy of Western Sydney, and the future of agriculture across Australia.

    “Our commitment to this project is another example of our investment in infrastructure that will deliver benefits for all Australians for generations.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman:

    “This is an important investment in the WSU Hawkesbury campus in Richmond.

    “The Hawkesbury is the heart of peri-urban farming in NSW, with a rich tradition in food production and land management, and this initiative opens up opportunities for 21st Century agri-tech.

    “Not only will the Agri Tech Precinct play a growing role in the future of agriculture in Australia, but it will create hundreds of exciting new jobs plus new higher education opportunities in the Hawkesbury and Western Sydney.  

    “I’m proud to have this election commitment become a reality and look forward to seeing the results of the investment in the WSU Richmond campus over many years to come.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins:

    “Innovation is at the heart of growing the agriculture sector’s productivity. The new Western Sydney University Agri Tech Precinct will bring students, researchers, businesses and industry together to develop and use new technology and methods to continue Australian agriculture’s competitiveness and success, which is why our Government is backing it.

    “Agriculture is increasingly drawing on technology and scientific advances to manage resource use, monitor production and target pests and diseases. 

    “I am excited by the prospects of bringing our best minds and technology together in the Western Sydney University Agri Tech Precinct. Collaboration can encourage innovation and attract investment and will be crucial to growing the jobs Australian agriculture needs into the future.”

    Quotes attributable to Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO:

    “Western Sydney University’s Agri Tech Precinct is a multi-million dollar investment in the future of sustainable agriculture production. 

    “The precinct will draw on the University’s expertise and research innovation ecosystem, with a focus on challenges faced by communities globally, to be advanced in genuine partnership with industry, government and community.

    “Offering exceptional work-integrated learning opportunities for students in agriculture and food production, it will create much-needed career pathways and a future jobs pipeline for Australia’s agricultural sector. 

    “Critically, the precinct will also create skilled jobs for Western Sydney and capitalise on the proximity to Sydney’s premier international airport at Badgery’s Creek – strengthening our opportunity to rapidly-export fresh, high-yield produce to the rest of the world. 

    “Our Hawkesbury campus has a long history of agricultural education and cutting-edge research. We are delighted this facility continues that proud tradition, cementing Western Sydney’s position as a world-leading hub for agricultural research and innovation.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Landlord govt finds new way to undermine public housing

    Source: Green Party

    Proposed cuts to Kāinga Ora reflect a failure to fully commit to fixing the housing crisis.

    “The Government is undermining public housing and intentionally aggravating the housing crisis to benefit a privileged few at the expense of everyone else,” says the Green Party’s Housing spokesperson Tamatha Paul. 

    “Housing is a human right. Public housing has always been an important safety net for some of the most marginalised people in our communities. Public housing can help to insulate against the uncertainty and unaffordability of private rental housing and ensure that people don’t fall through the cracks and into homelessness and poverty.

    “However, this Government would rather treat housing as a business opportunity, rather than the human right that all people rely upon. They have delayed over 300 public housing projects around the country so that house prices and rents continue to rise, and landlords continue to cash in on people’s need to survive.

    “The current Government has shown little interest or ambition in building public housing. Kāinga Ora has been clear that these cuts are a result of them planning to build less housing at a time where more than 20,000 people across the country are waiting for a public home to become available.

    “These cuts will do nothing to bolster our public housing stock and address Aotearoa’s severe shortage of homes. This is a significant step backwards. 

    “As a country we must rise to the challenge of addressing the housing crisis which has left so many New Zealanders struggling for a place to live. It requires commitment to public housing as a means to end homelessness and guarantee everyone a warm and secure place to live.

    “The Government must commit to an ambitious public housing programme. We have demonstrated how it would be possible to clear the public housing waitlist by building 35,000 new healthy, affordable, public houses over the next five years.

    “The Government must commit to building more homes, not just lining the pockets of landlords,” says Tamatha Paul. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Progress on Crown Minerals is a step toward prosperity

    Source: ACT Party

    The first reading-passage of the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill is a step toward prosperity, says ACT Energy and Resources spokesman Simon Court.

    The Bill delivers on ACT coalition commitments to repeal the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration and promote the use of Crown minerals.

    “Taking full advantage of the mineral resources at our disposal will boost foreign investment, create high-paying jobs, and offer hope to young people looking to remain in New Zealand for work and family,” says Mr Court.

    “Restoring oil and gas exploration is a crucial step to deliver energy security. A high-wage economy depends on affordable and reliable energy. We came far too close to blackouts this winter, and ACT is determined to restore energy security so homes stay heated and factories keep running.

    “We support oil and gas exploration so the Greens can have jet fuel for the planes they fly to Parliament. We support mining for the minerals in iPhones so Greenpeace can livestream their protests. Above all, we support harnessing the untapped wealth beneath our feet so New Zealanders can prosper and enjoy happier, warmer lives.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Former model loving studying at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

    3 mins ago

    Shona Clarke, 24, is currently enrolled in the NZ Certificate of Study and Career Preparation (Hauora | Nursing/Health Pathway) (Level 4).

    A former model, who moved to Hawke’s Bay from South Africa to be close to family, is loving studying at EIT.

    Shona Clarke, 24, who appears in this year’s EIT brand campaign,  is currently enrolled in the NZ Certificate of Study and Career Preparation (Hauora | Nursing/Health Pathway) (Level 4), and hopes to study for the Bachelor of Nursing next year.

    Having arrived in Hawke’s Bay from Durban at the beginning of the year, Shona decided to follow her brother, Austin, to  EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus. Austin is currently pursuing the Bachelor of Business (Accounting). Having always had an interest in health and science, Shona enrolled in the NZ Health and Wellbeing (Level 3) programme, which she completed in June.

    She says that she found the programme “amazing”, especially placements at Graceland Rest home in Hastings and at Kōwhai Specialist School.

    “I absolutely loved it. I got to work at Graceland, which was phenomenal, but I found the love that I had for children when I did my five-week placement at Kōwhai.”

    “And then I started meeting people in the industry, and that’s how I got involved in the holiday programme at the Havelock North High School Special Needs Unit. I think I’d go into that field for sure if I wasn’t so set on the fact that I wanted to be a nurse.”

    It has been a long and varied journey for Shona who went to school in Durban, South Africa.

    “I actually came out of school and went straight into working. And six years later, I’ve decided that I’m going to study something.”

    “After school I did modelling full-time and I worked with Suncoast Casino for four years, part of their marketing team. I also modelled in Dubai for a year.”

    Some of her modelling work included brand work for Bonds, a photo shoot for Dubai Tourism and a shoot imitating Margot Robbie before the release of the Barbie movie.

    Studying at EIT is a far cry from an international modelling career, but Shona says it was a simple choice for her.

    “It was my career until my family moved here. And then I thought: ‘I’m going to move over with my family because I’m family oriented. I just want to be with them’. And then when I moved over, I said, I’m going to change my career path.

    She says that it was an easy decision to study at EIT

    And now in the Study and Career Preparation (Hauora | Nursing/Health Pathway) (Level 4) programme, Shona is glad that she made the choice.

    “ I’m absolutely loving it, because of all the science-based parts of it.”

    “That is what I think I will enjoy most about nursing, is learning about the human body, learning about how everything works, how to treat everything. It’s very interesting. I’m thoroughly enjoying it, and getting really good marks.”

    Shona says returning to study after having worked full-time for so long took some adjustment.

    “I think I fitted in quite easily with the people, but the going from working full-time, having independence, and having my own life, to going back to full-time studying, working part-time, not being fully independent, that’s a big change for me.”

    For now Shona is focused on finishing the programme and hopefully starting the Bachelor of Nursing, which she will apply for later this year.

    She is hoping to have a long career in nursing and is interested in paediatrics, surgical or even oncology, because she has had family members who have had cancer.

    As for EIT, Shona has no hesitation in recommending it as a place to study.

    “I know I’m an international student, but the support that I have felt from EIT has been amazing. And I felt so included in everything that I’ve been a part of so far, from the photoshoot for the billboards to meeting new people.”

    Les Blair, EIT Health and Wellbeing Team Leader and Verena Lyons, EIT Health and Wellbeing Team Member, say that “Shona has been an enthusiastic, bubbly student who formed positive relationships with everybody.”

    “She made the most of every opportunity offered to her and we wish her well in her study journey.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for posting and sharing terrorist content online after Counter Terrorism investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A 21-year-old man has been jailed for posting and sharing terrorist content online, as a result of a proactive Met Police Counter Terrorism investigation.

    An investigation led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command exposed how Ayoub Nacir, 21 (26.07.03) of south-west London, was posting terrorist material on various social media accounts and platforms during the course of 2022 and 2023.

    Nacir was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Tuesday, 24 September, to six years and nine months’ imprisonment.

    Acting Commander Gareth Rees, of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “We’re aware of the significant impact that spreading online terrorist material can have on vulnerable individuals may be at risk of being drawn into terrorism. The work that went into this investigation shows how seriously we take online terrorism, and we will continue to identify those individuals who spread this material online”.

    Online material promoting terrorism or extremism can be reported anonymously via www.gov.uk/report-terrorism

    When officers became aware that Nacir was distributing terrorist-related material online, it led to his arrest and seizure of electronic devices in October, 2023 at his home in south-west London. Officers examined Nacir’s devices, and they found that he had not only shared material that was promoting the terrorist group Daesh, but he also had documents that were likely to be useful to someone committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

    In particular, detectives found he was in possession of documents containing instructions on how to make poisonous or noxious substances capable of endangering health, as well as other files containing practical guidance and advice for people interested in potentially preparing and carrying out terrorist acts.

    Nacir was charged on 27 October, 2023 with five counts of dissemination of a terrorist publication, contrary to section 2 of the Terrorism Act (TACT) 2006, which related to videos he shared. He was also charged with five counts of possession of a document or record for terrorist purposes, contrary to section 58 TACT 2000, which related to various digital documents and files found on his devices.

    Nacir pleaded guilty to eight of the ten counts and was sentenced as above on Tuesday, 24 September. Two counts of dissemination of terrorist publication, will lie on file.

    + Communities defeat terrorism, and information from the public is vital to counter terrorism investigations. If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious and think someone may be engaging in terrorist activity, trust your instincts and act by reporting it in confidence at www.gov.uk/act or call police direct on 0800 789 321.

    In an emergency, dial 999.

    Visit the ACT Early website – www.actearly.uk – to find out how you can seek help and support for anyone who you suspect may be being radicalised.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Sudan: Pregnant women and children dying in shocking numbers in South Darfur

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    • A new report by MSF details how women and children are dying of preventable conditions in South Darfur state, as their health needs surpass what MSF can respond to.
    • We call on the UN to act decisively and mobilise a response with all available resources.

    Nyala/ Amsterdam – One of the worst maternal and child health emergencies in the world is unfolding in South Darfur, Sudan, according to a report released by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Pregnant, birthing, and postpartum women, as well as children, are dying from preventable conditions as their health needs far exceed what MSF can respond to.

    Driven to oblivion: the toll of conflict and neglect on the health of mothers and children in South Darfur reveals the number of maternal deaths in just two MSF-supported hospitals in South Darfur between January and August to be more than seven per cent of the total number of maternal deaths in all MSF facilities worldwide in 2023. A screening of children for malnutrition also found rates well beyond emergency thresholds.

    Driven to oblivion: the toll of conflict and neglect on the health of mothers and children in South Darfur pdf — 9.75 MB Download

    For these crises to be addressed, the United Nations (UN) must act decisively to prevent further loss of life in Darfur. The UN must accelerate the return of UN staff and agencies to Darfur and leverage all available resources and political influence to ensure that aid reaches those in need. Only a coordinated international response, supported by robust funding and unyielding pressure on the warring parties, can avert mass starvation and alleviate the suffering of millions.

    “This is a crisis unlike any other I have seen in my career,” says Dr Gillian Burkhardt, MSF sexual and reproductive health activity manager speaking in Nyala, South Darfur. “Multiple health emergencies are happening simultaneously with almost no international response from the UN and others. Newborn babies, pregnant women, and new mothers are dying in shocking numbers. And so many of these deaths are due to preventable conditions, but almost everything has broken down.”

    From January to August in South Darfur, there were 46 maternal deaths in Nyala Teaching and Kas Rural hospitals, where MSF teams provide obstetric care and other services. The scarcity of functioning health facilities and unaffordable transportation costs mean many women arrive at hospital in critical condition. Around 78 per cent of these 46 deaths occurred in the first 24 hours following admission.

    Fatoum Abdelkarim, from Nyala, is in her seventh month of pregnancy. South Darfur, Sudan, September 2024.
    Abdoalsalam Abdallah/MSF

    Sepsis was the most common cause of maternal death in all MSF-supported facilities in South Darfur. The dearth of functioning health facilities forces women to give birth in unsanitary environments that lack basic items such as soap, clean delivery mats, and sterilised instruments. Without these basic items women are getting infections. And with antibiotics in low supply, they can arrive at a hospital only to be met with no treatment option available.

    “A pregnant patient from a rural area waited two days to collect the money needed to get care,” says Maria Fix, MSF medical team leader in South Darfur. “When she travelled to a health centre, they had no drugs, so she went back home.”

    “After three days, her condition deteriorated but again she had to wait five hours for transportation. She was already in a coma when she reached us,” says Fix. “She died from a preventable infection.”

    The crisis in South Darfur extends to children, with thousands on the brink of death and starvation, while others are dying of preventable conditions. From January to June 2024, 48 newborns died from sepsis in in Nyala Teaching and Kas Rural hospitals, meaning one in five newborns with sepsis did not survive.

    In August, 30,000 children under two-years-old were screened for malnutrition in South Darfur. Of these, 32.5% were found to be acutely malnourished, well beyond the World Health Organization’s emergency threshold of 15%. Furthermore, 8.1% of children screened were severely acutely malnourished.

    Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, was a hub for humanitarian organisations before the war. But since its outbreak, most organisations have not returned. The UN still has no international staff in the city, where MSF is one of the only international organisations present. Between January and August, MSF teams in South Darfur provided 12,600 ante- and post-natal consultations and assisted in 4,330 normal and complicated deliveries.

    Across Sudan, interrelated crises are compounding to cause immense suffering, with little help available, as Dr Burkhardt, who worked in North Darfur prior to her assignment in South Darfur, explains.

    “The disparity between the huge needs for healthcare, food, and basic services, and the consistently lacking international response is disgraceful,” she says. “We call on donors, the UN, and international organisations to urgently increase funding for, as well as scale up and supply, maternal health and nutrition programmes.”

    “We know that Sudan is a challenging place to work but waiting for challenges to disappear by themselves is getting nowhere,” says Dr Burkhardt. “For many mothers and children, it’s already too late. Risks must be managed, and solutions found before more lives are lost.”

    Conflict is also driving the maternal and child health crisis as people are displaced and subject to violence. Supply shortages are aggravated by the warring parties which, along with their affiliated armed groups, continue to block or restrict access to lifesaving aid.

    The crisis risks trapping families in protracted cycles of malnutrition, sickness, and deteriorating health that span generations.

    A patient caretaker describes how maternal mortality and malnutrition are interrelated for their family.

    “The mother of the twins died from severe bleeding, leaving behind eight other children,” they say. “My husband and I try to take care of them… we don’t earn enough to feed them. Now we’re 13 in the house. We’re struggling, eating porridge and sauce with a bit of salt, little or no oil, and green leaves.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Cramer Delivers Floor Speech on Unworkable Nursing Home Rules, Bureaucratic Intransigence at CMS

    US Senate News:

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

    ***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a final rule in April, imposing minimum staffing requirements for long-term care facilities (LTC), which provide care to nearly 1.2 million residents across the nation. This rule will exacerbate the existing workforce shortages and significantly harm access to care in rural communities. This new standard, which was first proposed in September 2023, will require nearly 80% of nursing facilities to hire more nurses to comply with the regulation. However, in states already facing staffing shortages, these requirements will be nearly impossible to meet and will likely force closure on many facilities across the country.

    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) delivered remarks on the Senate floor today to highlight the dangers of the CMS minimum staffing rule. He also spoke on the dangers of administrative bureaucracy the punitive nature of survey fines experienced by LTC facilities.

    “In North Dakota, our facilities are really feeling the squeeze, and the issue is really twofold,” said Cramer. “In May, CMS issued this minimum staffing rule, which requires long-term care facilities to implement new staffing requirements. These are already institutions that are already woefully understaffed because of a lack of workforce. Most burdensome is the new requirement to have a Registered Nurse on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, rather than the previous eight hours a day, seven days a week. Less than a quarter of North Dakota facilities meet this requirement, and among rural facilities, only 14 percent will meet that mandate.

    “To meet these elevated staffing levels, our facilities really have no good options, if they have any options at all,” continued Cramer. “At existing staffing levels, North Dakota facilities would need to reduce the average number of residents served per day by about 74 people to satisfy this mandate. […] In my state, we’ve had six facilities close since 2021, indicating the already challenging operating environment. I fear this misguided rule will supercharge this trend and deprive rural individuals the opportunity to receive care in their own communities, near the people they love and know the best: their families, and their friends, their loved ones.”

    [embedded content]

    “The minimum staffing rule is part of a broader pattern of CMS’s bureaucratic crackdowns on facilities for no reason other than it can, that’s what bothers me so much about bureaucratic bullies is they’re bullies because they can be, without materially improving the health and safety of long-term care residents,” added Cramer. “Civil Monetary Penalties, or in bureaucratic-speak, CMPs, are punitive, monetary actions CMS can take against long-term care facilities in situations where CMS determines they do not substantially comply with Medicare or Medicaid participation requirements, the requirements that the bullies create out of thin air. These penalties are heavily used to punish facilities beyond a simple correction.”

    “If these rules and penalties were really about better care for residents, CMS should yield to reason,” concluded Cramer. “However, the actions of the bureaucrats at CMS prove they are out of touch with operational challenges actually facing these facilities and the people they serve. If they in fact want to achieve the stated goal of improving quality, these decisions do just the opposite. […] I have little faith in their ability to do the right thing and reverse course, but I pray they will.”

    For nearly two years, Cramer has pushed back against the nursing home staffing standard, beginning with sending a letter to CMS in January 2023 urging the agency to avoid one-size-fits-all staffing mandates for nursing homes and to support provider flexibility in addressing recruitment and retention issues. Several months later, in June 2023, as a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, he questioned CMS officials at a hearing about the mandate’s impact on already stressed staffing challenges.

    In October 2023, Cramer led a bipartisan letter to the CMS Administrator requesting the agency refrain from finalizing the rule as written and instead work with Congress on flexible, commonsense solutions. Cramer and U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joined forces to introduce the VA Report on Proposed CMS Staffing Ratios Act to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to submit a report regarding the proposed rule’s impact on the access of veterans to LTC. The senators later requested the VA study the potential harmful effects of the staffing rule on LTC facilities. Cramer also joined U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK) in cosponsoring a Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval to overturn the final rule issued by CMS.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: ASUS Announces its Zenbook S 14 (UX5406) Powered by the New Intel® Core™ Ultra Processor (Series 2) is Now Available in Canada

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KEY POINTS

    • A blend of art and tech: Functional aesthetics, using Ceraluminum™ and CNC milling to craft a 1.1 cm ultrathin chassis with a distinctive geometric grille design
    • Zenbook does more: Up to latest AI-powered Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor (Series 2); Copilot key; enlarged 16:10 seamless touchpad with smart gestures
    • Impressive audiovisuals: 14″ 3K 120Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display and advanced four-speaker audio system provide a genuine theater-like experience
    • Quiet and secure: Efficient, distraction-free performance with <25dB ambient cooling; Microsoft Pluton security, face login, and Windows passkeys

    TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ASUS today announced that the all-new Zenbook S 14 (UX5406) is now available in-store and online in Canada on the ASUS Store, Best Buy, and later in December in selected retailers. Zenbook S 14 is one of the thinnest and most portable 14-inch ASUS Copilot+ PC on the market, blending performance with sophistication. The premium Zenbook S 14 showcases a new functional aesthetic and has been completely redesigned inside and out. The chassis features the new, innovative ASUS Ceraluminum™, a high-tech ceramic hybrid material available in a range of nature-inspired colors.

    A blend of art and tech

    Zenbook S 14, newly designed with a functional aesthetic, incorporates the innovative ASUS Ceraluminum material, providing both durability and a sleek design. After four years of refining the colors, texture, and hardness of this material, the results are outstanding. Utilizing cutting-edge CNC technology, Zenbook S 14 achieves a remarkable thinness of just 1.1cm while housing advanced components, including an advanced vapor-chamber cooling system. It’s the only laptop combining such sleekness and functionality and is our thinnest and most compact 14-inch laptop, emphasizing our commitment to top-notch performance and portability. CNC machining also creates the exclusive geometric grille design above the keyboard and the enlarged touchpad area. The laptop is available in two nature-inspired shades — Zumaia Gray and Scandinavian White.

    Zenbook does more

    Zenbook S 14 offers next-generation AI capabilities in an ultrathin form factor. It’s equipped with up to the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (Series 2) with system-on-chip (SoC) design. The SoC design reduces motherboard size by 27%1 to increase overall cooling efficiency and integrates premium low-power LPDDR5X DRAM into a compact package. This second factor shortens the distance between the CPU and memory, enabling higher bandwidth and lower latency ― ensuring improved stability and higher performance. With up to 32GB of fast RAM, and a 1TB PCIe® 4.0 SSD, the processor features a TDP of up to 28 watts and a built-in NPU delivering up to 47 NPU TOPS for modern AI applications, ensuring the 72Wh battery provides all-day autonomy. The user experience is seamless and intuitive, with a dedicated Windows Copilot key on the ASUS ErgoSense keyboard for instant Windows AI assistance and an enlarged touchpad matching the screen’s 16:10 aspect ratio. This enhances comfort and ease of use, allowing quick adjustments of audio volume, screen brightness and more via smart gestures. The ultra-compact Zenbook S 14 features a full set of I/O ports, including two Thunderbolt™ 4, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, HDMI® 2.1, and an audio combo jack. WiFi 7 with ASUS WiFi Master Premium certification ensures the fastest, most reliable connections.

    Engaging audiovisuals

    The 3K 120Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display is Pantone® Validated and DisplayHDR™ True Black 500 certified. It delivers lifelike visuals with outstanding color and HDR performance, including a 100% DCI-P3 gamut to ensure vivid colors. Zenbook S 14 features a powerful four-speaker Harman Kardon-certified audio system, a remarkable engineering feat in such a thin device. It provides full-range multi-dimensional Dolby Atmos® sound, offering a truly immersive and lifelike audiovisual experience.

    Quiet and secure

    Zenbook S 14 prioritizes noise reduction with an advanced ultra-slim vapor-chamber cooling system featuring dual IceBlade fans, allowing an under-25dB ambient cooling mode while enabling up to 28W TDP performance, when needed. The geometric grille above the keyboard maximizes airflow and minimizes dust or dirt ingress. User privacy and security are paramount, supported by Windows passkeys and Microsoft Pluton, which integrates hardware, firmware, and software to defend against evolving threats. Windows Hello facial recognition ensures secure access without needing to remember passwords. The ASUS AiSense IR camera enables Adaptive Lock, which monitors user presence and locks the laptop when the user moves away, and Adaptive Dimming enhances privacy by dimming the screen when the user looks away.

    AVAILABILITY & PRICING

    The ASUS Zenbook S 14 is now available instore and online starting from September 24th in Canada.

    The Zenbook S 14 with an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor 226V, 16 Gb LPDDR5X-8533 RAM and 1 TB of storage is available starting from CA$1,799 in exclusivity on the ASUS Store and Best Buy.

    The Zenbook S 14 with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 258V, 32 GB LPDDR5X-8533 RAM and 1 TB of storage is available for CA$2,199 in exclusivity on the ASUS Store and Best Buy.

    Another configuration with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 256V, 16 GB LPDDR5X-8533 RAM and 1 TB storage will be available starting from December 2024, starting from CA$1,999 on the ASUS Store and selected retailers.

    Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.

    NOTES TO EDITORS

    For more product photos: https://press.asus.com/media/photos/

    Zenbook S 14 Product Page: https://asus.com/ca-en/Laptops/For-Home/All-series/ASUS-Zenbook-S-14-UX5406

    Zenbook S 14 ASUS Store: https://shop.asus.com/ca-en/asus-zenbook-s-14-ux5406.html

    Zenbook S 14 Best Buy (Intel Core Ultra 5): https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/asus-zenbook-s-14-touchscreen-2-in-1-laptop-zumaia-grey-intel-core-ultra-5-16gb-ram-1tb-ssd-win-11/18389565

    ASUS Zenbook S 14 Best Buy (Intel Core Ultra 7): https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/asus-zenbook-s-14-14-touchscreen-2-in-1-laptop-zumaia-grey-intel-core-ultra-7-32gb-ram-1tb-ssd-win-11/18389564

    ASUS Pressroom: http://press.asus.com

    ASUS Canada Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asuscanada/

    ASUS Canada Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asus_ca

    ASUS Canada YouTube: https://ca.asus.click/youtube

    ASUS Global X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/asus

    SPECIFICATIONS2

    ASUS Zenbook S 14 (UX5406)    
    Model  Zenbook S 14

    UX5406SA-BH71T-CB

    		 Zenbook S 14

    UX5406SA-DH71T-CB

    		 Zenbook S 14

    UX5406SA-BH51T-CB
    CPU  Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 258V Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 256V Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 processor 226V
    Display  14″, 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED Touch display, 16:10 aspect ratio, 120Hz refresh rate, 400 nits, up to 500 nits HDR peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, 1,000,000:1, DisplayHDR™ True Black 500 certified, Pantone® Validated, 70% less harmful blue light, TÜV Rheinland-certified, 90% screen-to-body ratio, With stylus support
    Operating system  Windows 11 Home
    Graphics  Intel® Arc™ Graphics            
    Main memory  32 GB LPDDR5X on board 16 GB LPDDR5X on board 16 GB LPDDR5X on board
    Storage  1TB M.2 NVMe® PCIe® 4.0 SSD
    Connectivity  WiFi 7 (802.11be)

    Bluetooth® 5.4
    Camera  AiSense FHD IR camera w/ ACS
    I/O ports  1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A

    2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 supports display / power delivery

    1 x HDMI® 2.1 TMDS

    1 x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
    Touchpad  Enlarged touchpad (127 x 79mm) with Smart Gesture support
    Audio  4 built-in speakers

    2 built-in array microphones

    Harman Kardon certified
    Battery  72Wh
    AC adapter  65W AC Adapter

    Output: 20V DC, 3.25A, 65W

    Input: 100-240V AC 50 / 60Hz universal
    Dimensions  31.03 x 21.47 x 1.19 ~ 1.29cm (12.22″ x 8.45″ x 0.47″ ~ 0.51″)
    Weight  1.2kg3
    Color  Zumaia Gray Zumaia Gray Zumaia Gray
    Price  CA$2,199 CA$1,999 CA$1,799
    Where to Buy  ASUS Store

    Best Buy

    		 Available in December ASUS Store

    Best Buy


    About ASUS

    ASUS is a global technology leader that provides the world’s most innovative and intuitive devices, components, and solutions to deliver incredible experiences that enhance the lives of people everywhere. With its team of 5,000 in-house R&D experts, the company is world-renowned for continuously reimagining today’s technologies. Consistently ranked as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, ASUS is also committed to sustaining an incredible future. The goal is to create a net zero enterprise that helps drive the shift towards a circular economy, with a responsible supply chain creating shared value for every one of us.

    FORTUNE and FORTUNE World’s Most Admired Companies are registered trademarks of FORTUNE Media IP Limited and are used under license

    1 Compared to a similar 14-inch laptop (UX3405).
    2 Specifications, content and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment and other factors. Full specifications are available at http://www.asus.com
    3 Weight may vary according to specifications.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ba8bbc3e-b00b-41b8-b62b-1ee333fe3fe7

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Revealed: the two faces of a Scottish Labour MP

    Source: Scottish National Party

    The hypocrisy of Scottish Labour has been put on full display in the party’s latest humiliation.

    Numerous Labour MPs from Scotland – including the Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray – have been exposed as bitterly opposing Tory policies towards pensioners in winter, before axing the winter fuel payment with their first move in the new parliament.

    The guilty MPs also include Labour Party darling Michael Shanks, who has purveyed misleading information and was feted for saying he would vote for a ceasefire in Gaza and the abolition of the two child cap – before backtracking on both once he was elected.

    Here’s a start on the growing list of Scottish Labour MPs whose volte face is showing exactly why they can’t be trusted.

    Scottish Secretary Ian Murray (Edinburgh South)

    The Secretary of State for Scotland is known for capitalising on a media opportunity and has regularly taken to the airwaves to rail against Conservative policies – at times trying to draw bizarre parallels with the SNP’s record in Scotland, which couldn’t be further from the plans of the Conservative Party.

    In a particularly feisty intervention, the Scottish Secretary claimed pensioners were daily “freezing to death” under the Conservatives.

    Which makes it even more puzzling that among his first moves as a senior government minister – entitled to a salary of over £160,000 plus expenses – was a vote to axe winter fuel payments for pensioners across the UK. Presumably his Labour government will take their share of responsibility for any pensioners “freezing to death” as a result of their policy.

    Ex-Better Together chief Blair McDougall (East Renfrewshire)

    McDougall was head strategist for the Better Together campaign, and has unsuccessfully sought elected office before.

    Since his entry into politics as a student, he backed the failed leadership campaigns of both David Miliband and Jess Phillips while retaining senior status among the ranks of Scottish Labour.

    He has vehemently defended Labour’s time in government and listed the winter fuel payment as among its top achievements. Unfortunately, his senior status in Scottish Labour didn’t warrant any consideration from Sir Keir – and when the call came, he trooped through the voting lobbies to strip pensioners of that same winter fuel payment along with all the other Scottish Labour MPs.

    Imogen Walker (Hamilton and Clyde Valley)

    A former longtime London councillor, Walker is the wife of Starmer’s chief spin doctor Morgan McSweeney and the couple are high flyers among Labour’s Westminster leadership. She was parachuted into the Hamilton and Clyde Valley constituency in the hope that it would be a winnable seat for Labour – a stark sign that the party was taking local voters for granted before a single ballot had even been cast.

    Her new constituents will be unsurprised to learn that she too was vocal about the energy crisis and a ‘long hard winter’. She even promised a Labour government would lower bills.

    Since Labour took office, Ofgem has announced it is once again lifting the price cap and bills are set to rise 10%.

    Johanna Baxter (Paisley and Renfrewshire South)

    Another career politician, Baxter has unsuccessfully contested elections before and was previously a senior trade unionist and Labour NEC member.

    She urged her followers online to support a petition to create a national strategy for reducing excess winter deaths.

    The Labour Party’s own research has suggested its policy of cutting the Winter Fuel Payment could cause in excess of 4,000 deaths.

    Baxter, like other Scottish Labour MPs, voted to scrap the Winter Fuel Payment.

    Kirsty McNeill (Midlothian)

    Having unsuccessfully stood for election in London, McNeill turned her sights to what she thought might be a winnable seat in Scotland. Parachuted into the constituency and immediately appointed to the Scotland Office, McNeill has been silent about the devastating impact Starmer’s winter fuel cut on her new constituents.

    She wasn’t so silent in 2022, when she slammed the Conservative government’s decisions and said many families “are set to have a brutal winter.”

    We can only assume a cushy Scotland Office job is keeping her too busy to be just as vocal this time.

    Michael Shanks (Rutherglen)

    Shanks has unsuccessfully sought election three times before.

    Once elected to serve as MP for Rutherglen in last year, he quickly backtracked on promises he had made to constituents such as supporting a ceasefire in Gaza and campaigning for the abolition of the two child cap.

    Initially, he masqueraded as an MP who would be fighting for those struggling with punishing energy bills.

    But before long, Shanks was marching into the voting lobbies to support the winter fuel cut – it seems his position might have changed?

    Patricia Ferguson

    Ferguson was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1999, serving twice as a minister and even as Deputy Presiding Officer. Once she left office in 2016, she fought to be a local councillor before her run for the Westminster parliament.

    As part of the Labour group, she championed the Winter Fuel Allowance.

    After decades of public service, we’d have thought Ms Ferguson might have learnt the value of being true to her word – and the duty to be honest with the people who elected her.

    Instead, she managed to sideline her longtime support for the allowance, backing Starmer over Scotland.

    Scottish Labour’s most senior MPs have sold out

    They’ve sold out on their principles, their policies and most importantly – they’ve sold out Scottish communities who trusted Labour’s promise of change. And their support for Starmer’s fiscal plans is forcing our own government here in Scotland into some impossible decisions.

    This is just the beginning. For the next five years, Scottish Labour MPs will continue without fail to put Starmer before Scotland. It’s clear they’ve already forgotten who their real boss is – the Scottish people.

    That’s if they ever cared in the first place.

    The SNP can promise one thing – whoever you are and wherever you are in Scotland, we’ll stand up for you and your family.

    While Labour will spend the next five years taking Scotland for granted, we’ll be busy fighting for the change Scotland really needs.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council and National Trust for Scotland in discussions over Dunkeld housing

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    The National Trust for Scotland, the conservation charity which cares for and shares Scotland’s heritage, has been responsible for the management of the residential homes, an office and two commercial units in Dunkeld since the 1950s. The charity stepped in to save the 17th and 18th century buildings, which were at risk of demolition, taking ownership, restoring the buildings and then letting them to tenants, preserving the unique historic character of Dunkeld town centre which is widely regarded as one of the most attractive in Scotland.     

    The charity and Perth and Kinross Council have confirmed that they are now in talks about the properties transferring into the ownership of the Council’s Housing Revenue Account.

    Around 25 tenants will be affected by the change, which will see them become tenants of the Council with a range of associated benefits. The charity and Council are committed to making as smooth as possible for residents.

    Stuart Maxwell, Regional Director for Edinburgh & East said: “We have been reviewing our management approach to these properties and are now proposing to work in closer partnership with Perth and Kinross Council. We feel this in the interests of the continued long-term conservation of the buildings and their use as accommodation for local people, which we know is an important issue in this area.

    “Following consultation with our Board of Trustees, Perth and Kinross Council, and the Scottish Government, we have reached an agreement in principle for the local authority to take on ownership of these properties and most of our other buildings in Dunkeld, which, we feel will ensure the conservation of both the individual properties, the historic township and bring benefits for residents too.

    “Our priority for the next few weeks is to talk to our tenants and ensure that any transition would happen as smoothly as possible.”

    Housing and Social Wellbeing Convener, Councillor Tom McEwan said: “Perth and Kinross Council’s Housing Service is recognised as one of the best in Scotland, and this transfer will bring many benefits for the tenants who live in these properties.

    “We anticipate being able to offer tenants significantly lower levels of rent, as well as a secure tenancy that they can enjoy for as long as they want to, access to our excellent Repairs Service and regular investment to improve their homes to the highest standard possible.

    “The tenants in Dunkeld will have the support of our dedicated and highly-qualified Housing staff to help them in their tenancy, as well as access to a wide range of other quality services that our current tenants enjoy.”

    Council Leader, Councillor Grant Laing, said: “The Council will work closely with sitting tenants to answer any questions they might have as the transfer progresses and provide them with any support they need.  Measures will be implemented to ensure that when any vacancies arise in the properties in the future, they will be allocated to people with a local connection to the Dunkeld area. This is a positive for the community where local housing availability is a concern. I am delighted for the Community of Dunkeld.” 

    Local elected member for the Strathtay ward, Bailie Claire McLaren said: “This transfer will ensure that these homes are secured as valued affordable social housing in Dunkeld into the future. One of the key aims of the Housing Service is to provide high-quality additional homes for affordable rent for people right across Perth and Kinross.”

    Mr Maxwell continued: “The National Trust for Scotland has been proud to play a part in protecting Dunkeld for many decades. If this plan proceeds, we will still own land on the bank south of the River Tay, at Stanley Hill, so we will certainly still have an active role in ensuring that Dunkeld retains the nature, beauty and heritage that makes it so special.”

    Negotiations will continue between the National Trust for Scotland and Perth and Kinross Council with a joint meeting being held locally with all tenants on Wednesday 25 September. Housing staff from the Council will be in attendance along with representatives from the Trust to answer any questions.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints supports WFP’s school meals programme in Haiti

    Source: World Food Programme

    NEW YORK CITY–Today, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed a contribution of US$ 8 million from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints towards WFP’s home-grown school meals programme in Haiti. The announcement came at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2024 Annual Meeting taking place in New York City, where it was featured as a new CGI Commitment to Action.

    The grant from the Church to World Food Program USA will support WFP’s ongoing work with local governments and partners in Haiti’s Artibonite and Centre departments to scale up school meals that use food from local smallholder farmers. 

    “Building on more than a decade of work together, the Church continues to serve as an essential collaborator, supporting WFP’s global operations during emergencies, while simultaneously stepping up to build community resilience,” said Barron Segar, World Food Program USA President and CEO. “In addition to supporting work on the ground in Haiti, we are grateful for the Church’s generosity in helping us serve thousands of people in other countries around the world this year, as we combat the world’s global hunger crisis.” 

    In Haiti, half of the population is struggling to find enough to eat — one of the highest proportions of acute food insecurity worldwide. Home-grown school meals serve as an opportunity to provide much-needed nutrition to children and to support their education, while sourcing food locally supports local economies and ensures sustainability of the programme. In the upcoming 2024/25 school year, WFP is planning to provide school meals to nearly 500,000 students, 70 percent of which will be made entirely with Haitian-grown ingredients purchased from local farmers.

    “As followers of Jesus Christ, we strive to care for those in need as He would,” said Blaine R. Maxfield, Managing Director of the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance Services. “These efforts in Haiti will help ensure that children have access to the nutrition they need to focus on their education, while at the same time strengthening communities by sourcing meals locally.”

    As a longstanding collaborator of WFP, in 2024 alone, the Church has generously supported food assistance in multiple countries across the globe — from delivering emergency food in Ukraine and Nigeria, to feeding school children and ensuring mothers and their newborn children have access to the right nutrients in Chad, Ecuador, Cuba, Guinea, Honduras and Peru.

    #                   #                      #

     

    About WFP 

     

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media. 

     

    About World Food Program USA   

    World Food Program USA, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Washington, DC, proudly supports the mission of the United Nations World Food Programme by mobilizing American policymakers, businesses and individuals to advance the global movement to end hunger. Our leadership and support help to bolster an enduring American legacy of feeding families in need around the world. To learn more, please visit wfpusa.org.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of Defense Approves Two Defense Community Infrastructure Programs for Colorado Springs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug Lamborn (5th District of Colorado)

    Washington D.C., -On Friday, the Department of Defense, through the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, awarded 14 Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) grants, amounting to approximately $100 million. Two of these grants were given to Colorado Springs.

    DCIP is a competitive program designed for states, territories, and communities to improve infrastructure that supports military operations, enhance cadet training at independent “covered educational institutions,” strengthen installation resiliency, and improve the quality of life for military families, all to benefit local military installations.     

    “I am pleased that Colorado Springs has been awarded these two important grants. Peterson Space Force Base is home to several units that perform “employed in place” operational missions, making base access critical to the combat readiness of those units.  Improved safety and enhanced North Gate Access to Peterson Space Force Base will ensure our guardians can get to their posts and mission centers expediently, so they arrive on station fully ready to maintain space dominance. The second project will enhance the reliability of electric power to the U.S. Air Force Academy by replacing several miles of existing overhead power lines between two substations with underground 34.5 kV lines. This reliability will reduce power-failure related disruptions to the education and training of the Corps of Cadets and will ensure the Academy accomplishes its mission of producing the next generation of Air and Space leaders to fight and win our nation’s wars,”said Congressman Lamborn.

    The Fiscal Year 2024 grant awarded to Colorado Springs are as follows: 

    1. City of Colorado Springs, Colorado, $10,710,000 to undertake a $15,300,000 project that provides safety improvements and North Gate access to Peterson Space Force Base. This project will address issues that impact operational readiness, the ability to accommodate future total force requirements, and operating costs.
    2. Colorado Springs Utilities, Colorado, $5,348,798 to undertake a $7,641,140 project to remove several miles of existing overhead power lines between two substations in the U.S. Air Force Academy grounds and replace them with underground 34.5 kV lines. This project will enhance the reliability of the primary electric power feed to the Academy, providing essential support to all aspects of the training and education mission.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Levin, Pappas, Jacobs Reintroduce Legislation to Address Harmful Impact of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, Guarantee VA Benefits for LGBTQ+ Veterans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sander Levin (9th District of Michigan)

    September 20, 2024

    Today marks the 13th anniversary of the full repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. It’s estimated thousands of veterans were discharged from the Armed Forces solely due to their sexual orientation or gender identity during this policy. Levin’s SERVE Act would guarantee and protect VA benefits for LGBTQ+ veterans discharged from the Armed Forces due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

    On the 13th anniversary of the full repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), Congressman Mike Levin (CA-49), member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the Equality Caucus, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51) reintroduced the Securing the Rights our Veterans Earned (SERVE) Act to guarantee and protect VA benefits for LGBTQ+ veterans discharged from the Armed Forces due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

    During DADT, many LGBTQ+ veterans who were discharged because of their sexual orientation or gender identity received Other Than Honorable (OTH) or Entry-Level Separation (ELS) discharges, preventing access to VA health care and benefits such as education, burial and memorial services, and home loans. Since its repeal in 2011, impacted veterans appealing for VA benefits have reported a prolonged and burdensome process, often requiring the use of a lawyer, to seek the respect and benefits they earned. Additionally, far too many veterans discharged under DADT are still unaware they can seek an upgrade or where to start the process.

    The SERVE Act would take critical steps to address this problem by:

    • Extending VA benefits eligibility to veterans who received an “Other Than Honorable” discharge or entry-level separation solely due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, including medical and disability benefits, pensions, veteran center readjustment counseling and mental health services, burial benefits, educational benefits, and housing loans.
    • Requiring VA to conduct outreach to veterans who may be eligible for VA benefits under the legislation and to conduct outreach to Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and military service organizations about the new eligibility criteria.
    • Requiring VA to report to Congress on the benefits provided under the legislation during the first year of enactment, including the number and demographic information of individuals who received such benefits.

    “The discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy wrongfully ended the military careers of thousands of service members and, although it is no longer in place, its consequences are still felt today. Veterans discharged under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell are being denied the benefits they rightfully earned, and we must correct this wrong. I’m proud to co-lead this important legislation that will unlock VA benefits for veterans who were wrongfully discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Those who serve our country deserve the upmost respect and gratitude, regardless of their sexual orientation. We must grant them the benefits they deserve. I thank Rep. Pappas for his leadership and look forward to moving this bill through the legislative process,” said Congressman Levin.

    “Veterans and their families deserve our thanks and gratitude for their service and sacrifice. It’s deplorable that LGBTQ+ service members and veterans ever suffered from the discriminatory policies of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’, and that thirteen years since its repeal, countless veterans continue to be impacted by this injustice, affecting the benefits and care many rightfully deserve for serving our country,” said Congressman Pappas. “Today I’m re-introducing the SERVE Act which would take important steps to ensure LGBTQ+ service members who were unjustly discharged receive the benefits they earned.”

    “Anyone who has served and sacrificed so much for our country should have full access to their VA benefits,” said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, Vice Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “But even 13 years since the repeal of the discriminatory ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy, many LGBTQ+ veterans are still denied their VA health care and benefits because of who they are and who they love. We owe our veterans so much more than this. I’m proud to co-lead the SERVE Act to right this wrong and provide the care and benefits our LGBTQ+ veterans have rightfully earned.”

    The legislation has been endorsed by Equality California, Human Rights Campaign, Minority Veterans of America (MVA), Modern Military Association of America (MMAA), and Silver State Equality.

    “For decades, the selfless service of our nation’s LGBTQ+ veterans has been diminished by unequal treatment, rooted in discriminatory regulations. Many LGBTQ-identifying veterans left service involuntarily, and often without the ability to access benefits and services that were largely available to cisgender and heterosexual veterans. Now that discriminatory policies are relics of the past, we must do the work necessary to ensure that our community receives those benefits and services. We applaud Congressman Pappas and the sponsors of this Bill for their dedication to righting historic wrongs and advocating for our most marginalized and underserved populations,” said Peter Perkowski, Legal & Policy Director, Minority Veterans of America.

    “We owe all of our veterans a debt of gratitude for their service in protecting our country, and that includes LGBTQ+ veterans. Unfortunately, too many LGBTQ+ veterans don’t have full access to VA benefits due to outdated and discriminatory rules and laws that were in place at the time they served. The passage of the SERVE Act will help to right some of these wrongs, and we thank Rep. Chris Pappas and the bill’s cosponsors for reintroducing this important legislation,” said Jennifer Pike Bailey, Human Rights Campaign Director of Government Affairs.

    “Modern Military Association of America applauds Representative Pappas for his enduring commitment to LGBTQ+ veterans and ensuring they are afforded the benefits they rightfully earned after serving their country. The reintroduced SERVE Act is a significant step toward restoring benefits to the more than 114,000 service members discharged under discriminatory service bans and policies. The SERVE Act provides an opportunity for the Department of Veterans Affairs to rebuild trust with LGBTQ+ veterans by ensuring effective implementation and accountability,” said Rachel Branaman, Executive Director, Modern Military Association of America.

    “For too long, LGBTQ+ servicemembers faced the ugly reality of discrimination — many were not only discharged because of their sexual orientation or gender identity but denied access to benefits and health care from the VA,” said Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang. “Anyone who signs up to defend our nation deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, which is why we are grateful to Congressman Pappas for his reintroduction of the SERVE Act. This important legislation will ensure that those LGBTQ+ veterans discharged because of who they are or who they love will now be able to access the benefits they are entitled to. It is incumbent upon us to keep our promise to look after all our military veterans, including those who are LGBTQ+.”

    MIL OSI USA News –