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Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Data Protection Supervisor – P10_TA(2025)0085 – Wednesday, 7 May 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to its decision on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section IX – European Data Protection Supervisor,

    –  having regard to Rule 102 of and Annex V to its Rules of Procedure,

    –  having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs,

    –  having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgetary Control (A10-0053/2025),

    A.  whereas, in the context of the discharge procedure, the discharge authority wishes to stress the particular importance of further strengthening the democratic legitimacy of the Union institutions by improving transparency and accountability, and implementing the concept of performance-based budgeting and good governance of human resources (HR);

    B.  whereas data protection is a fundamental right, protected by Union law and enshrined in Article 8 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;

    C.  whereas Article 16 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides that compliance with the rules relating to the protection of individuals, with regard to the processing of personal data concerning them, is to be subject to control by an independent authority;

    D.  whereas Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 provides for the establishment of an independent authority, the European Data Protection Supervisor (the ‘EDPS’), responsible for protecting and guaranteeing the right to data protection and privacy, and tasked with ensuring that the institutions and bodies, offices and agencies of the Union embrace a strong data protection culture;

    E.  whereas the EDPS carries out its functions in close cooperation with fellow Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) as part of the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), and it serves the public interest while being guided by principles of impartiality, integrity, transparency, pragmatism and respects Union legislation;

    1.  Notes that the budget of the EDPS falls under MFF Heading 7 ’European public administration’, which amounted to a total of EUR 12,3 billion, i.e. 6,4 % of Union budget spending, in 2023; notes that the budget of the EDPS represented 0,18 % of MFF Heading 7 appropriations;

    2.  Notes that the Court of Auditors (the ‘Court’), in its Annual Report (the ‘Court’s report’) for the financial year 2023, examined a sample of 70 transactions under MFF Heading 7, of which 21 (30 %) contained errors; further notes that for five of those errors, which were quantified by the Court, the Court estimated a level of error below the materiality threshold;

    3.  Notes from the Court’s report its observation that administrative expenditure comprises expenditure on HR including pensions, which in 2023 accounted for about 70 % of the total administrative expenditure, and on buildings, equipment, energy, communications and information technology; welcomes the Court’s renewed opinion that, overall, administrative spending is low risk;

    4.  Notes from the Court’s report that in 2023 it audited a salary payment of an official who had last made a declaration concerning rights to family and child allowance in 2020; echoes the Court’s concern that delays in receiving and verifying such declarations increase the risk of ineligible payments;

    Budgetary and financial management

    5.  Notes that the final adopted budget for the EDPS was EUR 22 711 559 in 2023, which represents an increase of 12,06 % compared to 2022; notes that the budget of the EDPS also covers the work of the independent Secretariat of the EDPB; notes from the Annual report of the EDPS for 2023 (the ‘Annual Report’) that the adopted budget of the EDPB was EUR 7,67 million in 2023, including EUR 300 000 granted by means of an amending budget which was needed due to an increase in litigation activities in 2023;

    6.  Acknowledges that the budget monitoring and planning efforts of the EDPS in the financial year 2023 resulted in a budget implementation rate of current year commitment appropriations of 96 % in 2023 (slightly lower than in 2022 when that rate was 98 %); further notes from the report on the EDPS annual accounts for 2023 that the current year payment appropriations execution rate was 84 % (lower than 88 % in 2022); notes in addition, from EDPS replies to the questionnaire submitted by the Committee on Budgetary Control for the 2023 budgetary discharge (the ‘Questionnaire’), that the execution rate of payment appropriations overall was 91,33 % in 2023 (lower than 94,09 % in 2022);

    7.  Notes further that the amount of carry-overs (C8) from 2023 to 2024 was EUR 2 517 942,67 or 11,08 % of the total budget for 2023, compared to EUR 1 827 354,23 or 9,01 % of the total budget for 2022; notes that the execution rate of the C8 budget in 2023 was 76,65 % (higher than 73,77 % in 2022);

    8.  Welcomes an improvement in the average time to pay from 25 days in 2022 to 19 days in 2023, with 97,50 % of payments processed on time; notes that that improvement is also due to the EDPS having solved an old bug with the electronic payment system for invoices linked to mission costs; notes further a significant increase in the number of payments from 799 in 2022 to 1335 in 2023; observes in that context that the number of transactions is still lower than pre-pandemic levels due to changes in the way of working (such as hybrid meetings or virtual events for experts);

    9.  Notes that the effects of illegal Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continued to create budgetary pressure on the EDPS in 2023, including through rising inflation and the consequent increase in energy costs, with the most affected budget lines being staff salaries, building security and rental costs, mission costs and services provided by external staff; commends in that context the EDPS for having re-adjusted its priorities and having implemented internal reallocation within budget chapters; understands that budgetary optimisation was necessary in order to successfully manage the indexation of staff salaries and rental costs, as well as an increase in the costs of external lawyer support services due to an increased number of EDPS binding decisions which led to a bigger number of cases to be defended before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) with the help of external legal assistance; regrets in that context that the EDPS had to postpone some of its activities, such as a feasibility study on artificial intelligence; calls on the EDPS to abide to the competences of its mandate with a collaborative approach with the Union institutions and agencies and to avoid initiating any legal action, especially those which are manifestly inadmissible, in order to avoid negative repercussions on the management of resources, which do not allow the EDPS to carry out its activities as an Institution;

    10.  Expresses concern about the significant increase in EDPS staff mission costs, from EUR 28 789 in 2021 and EUR 176 903 in 2022, to EUR 284 580 in 2023; calls on the EDPS to assess whether the resources spent on missions are being used appropriately and effectively; notes that the EDPS ceased making public the number of missions funded by organisers, as well as information on which unit or sector participated in each mission, thus reducing transparency regarding mission expenses; calls on the EDPS to reinstate this practice; encourages the EDPS to promote the use of video-conferencing tools where suitable, as this could contribute to lowering the number of missions and reducing costs; calls on the EDPS to assess whether the resources spent on missions are being used appropriately and effectively;

    Internal management, performance and internal control

    11.  Notes that the EPDS used nine key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor its performance in 2023, in alignment with the main objectives of the EDPS Strategy 2020-2024 which is implemented through the Annual Management Plan; notes from the Annual Report that the EDPS over-delivered in almost all areas, as indicated by the results of KPIs for 2023, except for one KPI (the number of EDPS followers on some social media accounts); notes with concern that the EDPS encountered considerable challenges due to a growing workload and intricate data protection issues arising from the rapidly evolving digital landscape, as well as due to the extension of the EDPS mandate to supervisory activities (such as audits and investigations) and replies to consultations and prior consultations, all in the context of a limited budget; notes from the EDPS’ follow-up report to Parliament’s resolution on the implementation of the EDPS’ budget for 2022 (the ‘Follow-up Report’) that several legislative developments in the last two years have impacted the work and resources of the EDPS, due to the extension of Eurojust’s mandate, new information to be received by Europol under the Digital Services Act, the roll out of the new Union’s large-scale databases and interoperability framework in the justice and home affairs field and the entry into force of the Artificial Intelligence Act (the ‘AI Act’); calls on the Commission and on the budgetary authority to take those matters into consideration during the annual budgetary procedure;

    12.  Welcomes the fact that, in 2023, the EDPS strengthened its ability to assess and prepare for emerging technological trends and their potential impact on privacy and data protection; notes that this was achieved through a foresight-based approach, with a focus on monitoring developments in areas such as large language models, digital identity wallets, the internet of behaviours, extended reality, and deep fake detection; welcomes in that context the publication by the EDPS of its third TechSonar initiative on emerging technologies; congratulates moreover the EDPS for having been awarded the GPA Global Privacy and Data Protection Awards 2023 in the category of innovation;

    13.  Notes that 2023 was marked by several organisational changes or updates that were needed in order to respond and adapt to the evolving data protection challenges; welcomes in this context the appointment of a Secretary-General from 1 July 2023; notes in addition the transition of two sectors into units such as ‘Information and Communication’ and ‘Governance and Internal Control’ and the creation of three new specialised sectors under the ‘Technology and Privacy’ (T&P) unit: ‘Systems Oversight and Audit’, ‘Technology Monitoring and Foresight’ and ‘Digital Transformation’;

    14.  Emphasises the role of the EDPS in supervising the processing of personal data by Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies; notes with concern the length of proceedings before the EDPS, as the EDPS did not close a single investigation in 2023, but in comparison to the previous year, in 2023, the number of notifications beyond the 72 hours significantly decreased;

    15.  Notes that the EDPS received 420 complaints, i.e. 53 more than in 2022, out of which 73 were admissible and 347 inadmissible in 2023; notes that the EDPS issued a final decision, opinion or reply in 31 out of 73 complaint cases received in 2023 within 44 days on average and responded to all 347 inadmissible complaints received; notes that, out of all admissible complaints (ongoing and received in 2023), 55 cases were finalised in 2023, which represents an increase of 17 % compared to 2022; acknowledges the efforts made by the EDPS to reduce the high number of complaints by developing a dynamic tool on the EPDS’ website, although the volume of complaints remained challenging due to limited resources in 2023; notes with satisfaction that the EDPS developed various procedural tools and policies to enhance its investigatory processes in 2023; commends in that context the EDPS for having amended its Rules of Procedure, whereby the “review procedure” is replaced by a “preliminary assessment” in order to safeguard the right to be heard of all the involved parties, thus contributing to a fair and timely handling of complaints and investigations;

    16.  Underlines the important role of consultation and advice of EDPS in the legislative process; notes that, pursuant to Article 42(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725, the EDPS responded to 80 formal legislative consultations and its advice took the form of 54 opinions (27 in 2022), 26 formal comments (49 in 2022) and 34 informal comments (30 in 2022) to the Commission and to the co-legislators in response to legislative consultation requests in 2023; commends the EDPS for its input with regard to the AI Act, in particular EDPS’ own-initiative opinion on the AI Act and advice on the AI liability rules, as well as for EDPS’ input to the GPA resolution on generative AI systems; acknowledges a significant increase (+93 %) of consultation requests over the last five years;

    17.  Notes that, in 2023, the EDPS carried out eight investigations and five pre-investigations, marking a significant increase compared to previous years; notes that in 2023 the EDPS was actively involved in a total of 13 investigations and seven pre-investigations, either launched in 2023 or carried over from prior years; notes that the EPDS continued two complex and resource-intensive formal investigations from 2021 into the use by European Union Institutions, Bodies and Agencies (EUIBAs) of cloud services from non-EU/EEA entities, including a focus on the Commission’s use of Microsoft 365; urges the finalisation of those investigations on time because of their significant impact on the working of institutions; notes further that the EDPS also launched five investigations based on complaints about EUIBAs’ websites, focusing in a broad way on privacy and data protection issues, with preliminary assessments expected in 2024;

    18.  Urges the EDPS to prioritise and enhance procedures for handling the personal data of minors under 15, particularly in the context of Europol’s systems, where such individuals may be marked as suspects; recognises the heightened vulnerability of that group and the need for robust safeguards;

    19.  Notes that the EDPS investigated the Commission’s alleged use of micro-targeting on platform X and continued two pre-investigations: one case concerning EUIBAs’ use of Trello cloud service, which was closed in 2023 and another one on EUIBAs’ use of profiling, which was carried out in 2024; notes that a total of six investigations and four pre-investigations (one pre-investigation in 2022) were launched in the Area of Freedom, Security, and Justice (FSJ), reflecting a significant increase from 2022; notes the EDPS’ concerns with regard to the challenges that may arise in the case of investigations where joint action between national authorities and EUIBA’s is needed; notes in addition that, as part of its audit plan for 2023, the EDPS audited the following bodies: the European Personnel Selection Office, the European Investment Bank, the European Central Bank, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the European Medicines Agency;

    20.  Recalls that in 2022 the EDPS brought an action for annulment of two provisions of the amended Europol Regulation before the General Court, which was later rejected; notes that meanwhile the EDPS decided to appeal the order of the General Court in case T-578/22(1), believing the issues raised should be addressed at the highest level; regrets that the EDPS did not realise the manifest inadmissibility of its appeal, even if the institution did not intend to challenge an act by Europol, but a retroactive change in the legal framework aimed at neutralising the effects of the EDPS’ enforcement actions; calls on the institution to cooperate with Union institutions and agencies, before initiating legal proceedings that prevent the fulfilment of its mandate and the use of its resources for purposes for which they were intended; notes further that the EDPS also followed up on the implementation of its Order of 3 January 2022, including checks on Europol’s reporting; regrets that the final report on that matter was communicated by the EDPS only on 22 July 2024;

    21.  Notes that, after the pilot implementation of the new risk management framework at the EDPS in late 2022, an anonymous satisfaction survey was conducted in May 2023 to assess its effectiveness and gather additional suggestions; notes further that the survey results were positive, leading to the formal adoption of the framework on 26 June 2023;

    22.  Notes that the internal audit service (IAS) carried out an audit on the methodology for the planning of EDPS audits in the EDPS in 2023; notes that the audit was concluded with two recommendations for which the EDPS submitted an action plan to the IAS; calls on the EDPS to keep the discharge authority informed on a regular basis on the progress made in that matter;

    23.  Recalls the Treaty on the European Union that the EU and its institutions shall promote solidarity and equality between women and men;

    HR, equality and staff well-being

    24.  Notes that, at the end of 2023, the EDPS had 129 members of staff, compared to 127 in 2022; notes that the EDPS employed 50 contract staff (CA) under Article 3(b) of the Staff Regulations of Officials and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants (52 CA in 2022), 7 temporary agents (TA) under Article 2(b) and 2(c) (6 TA in 2022) and used the services of 12 external services providers (EXT) working intra-muros in 2023 (8 EXT in 2022); encourages the EDPS to continue its efforts towards a more balanced geographical representation among all Member States specifically at managerial level; welcomes the increased diversity of nationalities represented, but notes with regret the continued underrepresentation of women in senior management positions; calls for the adoption of a gender parity roadmap, including proactive recruitment measures and leadership training programs for female staff members;

    25.  Notes that the EDPS had 23 nationalities (from the Member States) represented among its staff in 2023, which is an improvement in comparison with 22 nationalities in 2022; notes with dissatisfaction the over-representation of five nationalities and an underrepresentation of other nationalities; urges the EDPS to continue its efforts to achieve a balanced geographical distribution of nationals from all Member States within its staff, by improving communication, fostering visibility, and enhancing job conditions to attract underrepresented nationalities;

    26.  Observes that, in 2023, the EDPS maintained a workforce comprising 65 % women and 35 % men, consistent with trends from previous years; regrets the absence of women in senior management roles, despite achieving gender parity among the six middle management positions; urges the EDPS to intensify its efforts to ensure gender-balanced representation across all staff levels, and invites the EDPS to promote the application of women also with a view to the next election of the Supervisor by Parliament;

    27.  Notes a high occupancy rate of the establishment plan of 95,65 % but also a high turnover rate of 13 % in 2023; notes that most of the unfilled positions were a result of candidates being unsuitable, given the EDPS’ need for highly specialised profiles and the small pool of eligible candidates; welcomes the addressing of those challenges through republication with a wider or more targeted dissemination of the vacancy or by redrafting the requirements; welcomes the steps taken by the EDPS regarding the hiring process; calls on the EDPS to continue to address the challenges in finding suitable candidates and to keep the discharge authority informed about improvements on staff recruitment and turnover;

    28.  Notes that, in the second half of 2023, the EDPS’ HR team launched a pilot for a new on-boarding process for newcomers, with sessions that cover, inter alia, presentations of core units’ work, ethics, procurement procedures and information security, whereas three on-boarding sessions were offered in 2023; invites the EDPS to continue offering to newcomers “on-boarding” and to all members of staff mandatory sessions that remind the importance of principles such as ethics, conflicts of interest, transparency, internal control and anti-fraud, as they have become the standard in the Union institutions; notes moreover that 12 individual sessions were offered for EDPS and EDPB staff, six sessions of group coaching in which participants (manager level) learned from each other, as well as a one-year team coaching with a designer for leadership development at the European School of Administration in 2023;

    29.  Notes, from the Questionnaire, that the EDPS offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements, that are well-received by members of staff who can benefit, inter alia, from parental leave, time credits, part-time work or working from abroad for a limited number of days per year; notes that, in 2023, the majority of staff made use of those working conditions, whereas 86,30 % of staff made use of teleworking arrangements in 2023; considers that the building infrastructure should be optimised to reflect that high rate of teleworking, which could contribute to reducing operational costs and ensuring more efficient use of office space; welcomes the EDPS’ continued efforts to actively improve physical and mental well-being of its staff;

    30.  Commends the EDPS for carrying out several awareness-raising actions during the year 2023 with information sharing on elimination of racial discrimination, International Women’s Day, EU diversity month and learning about neurodiversity; notes that currently the EDPS does not employ staff with disabilities but has an equal opportunities clause included in all EDPS vacancy notices and actively encourages applications from candidates with disabilities;

    31.  Notes from the Questionnaire that the EDPS considers confidential any information on burnout cases, including the number thereof; disagrees with that opinion and calls the EDPS to provide the discharge authority with the number of burnout cases on a yearly basis; notes with satisfaction that, in 2023, there were no harassment cases reported at the EDPS; welcomes the fact that, in 2023, the EDPS continued to provide an anti-harassment presentation delivered by one of the EDPS’ confidential counsellors, as part of the induction training called the ‘EDPS Welcome Day’; commends the publication of the decision on anti-harassment and the role of the confidential counsellors on the EDPS’ intranet;

    Ethical framework and transparency

    32.  Notes that, in 2023, the EDPS focused its efforts on increasing staff awareness of the EDPS/EDPB ethical framework by organising mandatory dedicated training sessions for all staff and induction trainings for EDPS/EDPB newcomers, appointing a new ethics officer and participating in the ‘Comité Paritaire des Questions Statuaries’ working group on ethics; welcomes the establishment of a mailbox by the EPDS, where members of staff can submit their requests regarding any ethics related inquiries, as well as the use of Commission’s Ethics module in Sysper; encourages the EDPS to continue raising awareness and organising surveys to assess the level of staff awareness of the EDPS/EDPB ethical framework;

    33.  Welcomes the overall high level of transparency achieved by the EDPS concerning its activities, in particular as regards the publication of the agenda and the declaration of interests of the Supervisor and of the Head of EDPS Administration, in line with the Supervisor’s code of conduct of 2019; notes from the Follow-up Report that the EDPS has adopted two codes of conduct, whereas one of them applies to the Supervisor and the other one applies to the EDPS staff; understands that in cases when the Secretary-General is called to replace the Supervisor, the latter’s code of conduct also applies to the Secretary-General;

    34.  Notes with satisfaction that the EDPS has never been involved in any investigations by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) since its establishment;

    35.  Notes that, out of five inquiries opened by the Ombudsman in 2023 concerning the EDPS, four were closed without any further inquiry; notes that, for one enquiry, the decision was still pending and expected for Q4 2024; calls on the EDPS to keep the discharge authority informed as to the outcome of this enquiry;

    36.  Regrets that the EDPS has still not formally joined the Union’s Transparency Register (TR); nevertheless notes from the Follow-up Report that, with a view to formally joining the TR, the EDPS has launched an internal assessment on transparency measures, whereas, in 2023, exploratory meetings and exchanges of the EDPS with secretariat of the TR took place; calls on the EDPS to inform the discharge authority of the outcome of that assessment exercise; reiterates its call on the EDPS to join and use the TR, including for the proactive disclosure of meetings with any third parties, to ensure transparency in EDPS’ regulatory and advisory functions;

    37.  Notes with satisfaction that, in 2023, the EPDS established internal rules applicable to the hearing of persons that could be affected by an EDPS final decision adopted in own-initiative investigations and inquiries in order to ensure the proper exercise of their fundamental right to be heard in such proceedings; commends the EPDS for publishing a new factsheet on EDPS Investigations and a new EDPS Investigation Policy as well as for ensuring that all financial reports, including annual budgets, accounting and audit reports, are made publicly accessible through a Union institution website and other official channels, as the EPDS takes a leading role in enhancing the cybersecurity preparedness of the Union institutions;

    38.  Notes with satisfaction from the Questionnaire that no cases of conflicts of interest, whistleblowing or fraud were reported in the EDPS in 2023; notes that the EDPS has set up a framework to prevent conflicts of interest at the level of senior management and staff through codes of conduct, awareness raising and declarations of absence of conflicts of interest and confidentiality; notes that, in addition to the mandatory introduction to the ethical framework of the EDPS for all new members of staff, new members of staff are also introduced to the EDPS’ anti-fraud strategy;

    39.  Notes from the Questionnaire that the EDPS has internal rules on whistleblowing, which define safe routes and channels through which staff may raise concerns about fraud, corruption or any other serious wrongdoing, without prejudice to the confidentiality of the identity of the whistleblower and of the information reported; notes that, so far, there has never been a whistleblowing case reported to the EDPS;

    40.  Urges the EDPS to publicly disclose any recusals due to conflicts of interest in its enforcement decisions, ensuring full transparency in regulatory oversight and decision-making;

    Digitalisation, cybersecurity and data protection

    41.  Notes from the Questionnaire that the 2023 budget for IT equipment and projects was 9,5 % lower compared to 2022; notes that that decrease was primarily because no new IT feasibility studies were being commissioned in 2023, as opposed to 2022 where such studies represented a substantial portion of the IT budget; notes further that other cost elements remain relatively stable between the two years, including general IT services and maintenance;

    42.  Notes from the Follow-up Report and the Questionnaire the conclusions of the IT feasibility study carried out in 2022, whereby there are gaps between what the IT tools and services provided by the Commission and Parliament can offer and the specific needs of the EDPS; notes that those gaps should be addressed by developing in-house capabilities and applications for which a minimum of five IT staff and partial outsourcing EDPS was deemed necessary; regrets that, due to budgetary constraints, implementation of the recommendations of the study remained on hold; calls on the EDPS to consider a step-by-step approach by starting with those recommendations and projects that would require fewer resources;

    43.  Commends the progress made in 2023 by the EDPS in digitalising its workflows and processes, with the introduction of ARES, the qualified digital signature (e-IDAS) and a collaborative platform (Nextcloud) for drafting documents and video-conferencing, as well as updates to the tool (Website Evidence Collector) that automates the collection of personal data processing on websites of data controllers and processors, the adoption of the acceptance environment of EU Send Web, a service/channel to exchange sensitive non-classified information with other EUIBAs and further progress made towards implementing services that cannot be outsourced, such as the form and the electronic workflow to manage data breach notifications; notes nevertheless issues with regard to the use and maintenance of the e-procurement system;

    44.  Welcomes the EDPS’s focus on ensuring that external contractors meet the necessary moral and ethical standards expected of all Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies, particularly in light of the previous use of external companies by EDPS that, according to Yale University’s ranking, continue to operate in Russia;

    45.  Acknowledges that the EDPS successfully relies on many of the administrative systems used by the Commission, particularly in the field of HR and business administration processes, as well as on some of Parliament’s services, including the provision of laptops, network infrastructure and video-conferencing; commends the fact that the project to improve the quality and performance of the computers provided to EDPS staff, in collaboration with Parliament, with a view to the generalisation of hybrid work, has been completed;

    46.  Acknowledges the leading role of EDPS in enhancing the cybersecurity preparedness of the Union institutions, while working closely with bodies such as European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and cybersecurity hubs such as CERT-EU; urges it to develop a structured audit framework for cybersecurity risks within Union bodies; notes that, in 2023, the EDPS continued to improve its readiness to protect personal data and sensitive information against cyber-attacks in view of the rapidly changing cybersecurity threat landscape; commends in that context the EDPS for reviewing its security policies and methodologies in preparation for the impact of the Cybersecurity Regulation (Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2023/2841(2)); notes from the Questionnaire that the EDPS introduced a request for two additional full-time equivalents to cover cybersecurity infrastructure in connection with EDPS’s obligations under that Regulation as well as the EDPS’ role as a member of the Interinstitutional Cybersecurity Board (IICB); notes further with appreciation that the EPDS upgraded its Information Security Policy and the EDPS Acceptable Use Policy to address specific cybersecurity threats in relation to teleworking, use of personal mobile devices and banning of dangerous applications (TikTok); notes that the EDPS did not encounter any cyber-attacks in 2023; calls for annual public reporting on detected threats, response measures, and institutional cyber resilience;

    47.  Commends the EDPS for updating cybersecurity training for all staff and revamping the security training model for newcomers; appreciates that the EPDS has been proactive in raising awareness about cyber security risks, for instance by preparing fact sheets, conducting surveys with EUIBAs and running awareness campaigns; encourages the EDPS to ensure that staff receives compulsory training on the safe and ethical use of AI tools to enhance their understanding and mitigate potential risks;

    Buildings

    48.  Notes that in 2023, as in 2022, the EDPS and EDPB were the sole tenants of Parliament’s building where they were located, following the move of the Ombudsman at the end of 2021 and that by renting their premises from the Parliament rather than the private market the EDPS intends to keep the rental and maintenance costs at a reasonable level; notes that the EDPS had to request an additional EUR 81 856,84 for paying rental costs to Parliament, given that the indexation rate was 8,82 % and thus higher than the 2 % ceiling for administrative expenditures;

    49.  Notes that, in terms of accessibility of its building, the EDPS relies on the decisions taken and implemented by Parliament, as part of their building policy; notes from the Follow-up Report that the EDPS employs staff with physical impairments due to serious illness; welcomes the commitment of the EDPS to explore the possibilities of hiring trainees with reduced mobility or disabilities;

    Environment and sustainability

    50.  Notes that the EDPS has not joined the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) but has implemented several measures to reduce its environmental footprint, such as regulating the temperature automatically and centrally, turning lights off automatically when there is no movement in the room, purchasing eco-friendly products and services and automating the workflows with the introduction of ARES; notes from the Follow-up Report that according to the information received by Parliament’s Directorate-General for Infrastructure and Logistics, responsible for the management of the building rented by the EDPS, solar panels are installed on that building; asks the EDPS to inform the discharge authority to report on the share (%) of the solar-panel produced electricity in the EDPS’ total energy consumption needs per year; calls further on the EDPS to inform the discharge authority of any new developments regarding the EMAS certification process;

    51.  Notes that the EPDS has not assessed its carbon footprint in 2023; welcomes, however, that the EDPS continues to apply measures that reduce the carbon footprint by reducing the travel of journey to the office through teleworking possibilities, reimbursing 50 % of staff’s monthly/annual subscriptions for the use of public transport, encouraging the staff to favour videoconferencing and train travel for short distances, managing the cycle for invoices electronically and achieving an entirely paperless selection procedure and appraisal exercise as regards HR;

    52.  Urges the EDPS to adopt the EMAS to systematically monitor and improve its environmental footprint, particularly in terms of energy consumption, waste reduction, and sustainable office policies;

    53.  Notes that the EDPS addresses sustainability-related risks (such as environmental, social and governance risks) in a comprehensive way through an annual risk assessment exercise; welcomes in that context that the EDPS adopted its new risk management process in 2023, which should help the EDPS to target and better analyse those risks and consequently better calibrate mitigating actions;

    Interinstitutional cooperation

    54.  Welcomes the budgetary and administrative savings achieved by the EDPS through inter-institutional cooperation, particularly the conclusion of service-level agreements with Parliament for the rental of its premises and the use of IT system applications, hardware supplies and maintenance and with the Commission for HR and business administration processes, as well as through participation in large interinstitutional framework contracts in areas such as IT consultancy, interim services and office supplies; commends in addition the EDPS for maintaining a structured cooperation with the Ombudsman, the Agency for Fundamental Rights and CERT-EU through memorandums of understanding;

    55.  Notes that the EDPS participates in meetings of various interinstitutional bodies; welcomes in this context the participation of the EPDS in meetings of the Heads of Administration and the Interinstitutional Online Communication Committee, led by Parliament’s Directorate-General for Communication; acknowledges that interinstitutional cooperation with EDPS, in his supervisory role, is of key importance for the other Union institutions to enhance their level of compliance with the data protection legal framework;

    56.  Calls for closer cooperation between the EDPS, the Court of Auditors, OLAF, and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) to develop common protocols for fraud detection in digital data and financial transactions within EU institutions; stresses the need for joint audits on AI-based fraud risks;

    57.  Welcomes the pivotal role played by the EDPS in 2023 in the coordination of the Data Protection Authorities of the Member States (DPAs) to promote consistent data protection across the Union; notes that the EDPS joined 26 DPAs in a coordinated enforcement action on the role and tasks of data protection officers (DPOs), assessing their compliance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725; notes the continued active involvement of the EPDS in the Coordinated Supervision Committee (CSC) within the area of FSJ addressing issues such as handling complaints against Europol and enhancing cooperation processes; appreciates furthermore all the other steps taken to improve cooperation between the EDPS and the DPAs such as the conduction of a joint Europol inspection with national authorities (Poland and Lithuania) and the participation in the coordinated supervisory action on processing minors’ data in Europol systems, the participation in an operational visit to the European Delegated Prosecutor’s office in Lisbon under a Working Arrangement with Portugal’s DPA and the coordination of an onsite inspection in Lesvos with Greece’s DPA to verify data collection practices during Joint Operations by Frontex; acknowledges that those interinstitutional engagements help the EDPS align with best practices of Union institutions and benefit from the exchange of information with peer departments;

    Communication

    58.  Notes that the budget for public communication and promotional activities in 2023 amounted to EUR 468 000, which represented an increase of 54 % compared to 2022;

    59.  Notes with satisfaction that the EDPS organised several communication events online as well as in person in 2023, aimed at raising awareness of EDPS’ role and mission among a wider public and the importance of respecting Union data protection rules, such as Data Protection Day, the EDPS Trainees’ conference (twice a year), the EDPS Seminar on the essence of the fundamental rights to privacy and data protection, and other international events;

    60.  Notes that the EDPS communicates online via its website and its social media accounts on X (ex-twitter) (29 400 followers), LinkedIn (71 000 followers), YouTube (2 900 followers), EU-Voice (5 900 followers) and EU-Video (750 followers);

    61.  Notes that the pilot project of the platforms EU Voice and EU Video (free and open-source social media networks, privacy-oriented and based on Mastodon and PeerTube software) continued in 2023; welcomes in that context the EDPS’ contribution to the Union’s strategy on data and digital sovereignty in order to promote the Union’s independence in the digital world and compliance with the data protection legal framework.

    (1) Order of the General Court of 6 September 2023, EDPS v Parliament and Council, T-578/22, ECLI:EU:T:2023:522.
    (2) Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2023/2841 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2023 laying down measures for a high common level of cybersecurity at the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union (OJ L, 2023/2841, 18.12.2023, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/2841/oj).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: Albanese shifts Tanya Plibersek from environment, in favour of ‘can-do’ Murray Watt

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    The reshuffle announced by Anthony Albanese is a mix of continuity and change, with those in the government’s top rank staying in their previous ministries, as the prime minister had earlier flagged, but some big movements down the line.

    Tanya Plibersek, in the past a left factional rival to Albanese, has received what many see as another hospital pass, moving from environment and water to social services.

    But her new portfolio does include domestic violence, a policy passion of hers, and is less tricky in terms of her left-leaning electorate than her previous post.

    Plibersek’s former portfolio is taken by Murray Watt, a can-do Queenslander who is likely to speed up development approvals.

    His appointment will be welcomed by the development-oriented Western Australian Labor government, which played a key role in frustrating Plibersek’s attempt to get a deal with the crossbench on the “nature positive” legislation.

    Watt’s previous post of employment and workplace relations – which he held for less than a year – goes to Amanda Rishworth, formerly in social services.

    After the sensational factional removal of Mark Dreyfus, the prized attorney-general position goes to Michelle Rowland, who was communications minister. Rowland was a senior telecommunications lawyer with Gilbert + Tobin, but lacks Dreyfus’ distinguished legal background.

    Ed Husic, also the victim of the factional power play in the right, is replaced by Tim Ayres, from the left, in both cabinet and the industry portfolio. Ayres, formerly an assistant minister, is a close confidant of Albanese.

    On another front, the Muslim Husic is replaced in cabinet by another Muslim, Anne Aly, promoted from the outer ministry, and taking a grab bag of responsibilities: small business, international development and multicultural affairs.

    Aly’s promotion may partially soothe the Muslim voices who have reacted sharply to Husic’s treatment. The Jewish community will be less placated: with the demise of Dreyfus there is no Jew in the ministry. Josh Burns, who is Jewish, has been made a special envoy for social housing and homelessness.

    The post of special envoy for social cohesion has been scrapped – Albanese said “we will continue to work as a whole government of social cohesion”.

    Sam Rae, a numbers man for Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, whom Marles shoehorned into the ministry, becomes minister for aged care and seniors, a testing job for a man who made his reputation in running Labor campaigning.

    One of the most potentially significant moves is the shift of the National Disability Insurance Scheme to come under Health Minister Mark Butler.

    In the last term Bill Shorten, father of the scheme, who was responsible for the NDIS and government services, undertook significant reform of the NDIS, which had become a sink for money.

    Albanese told his news conference the NDIS belonged with health. The question is whether Butler will continue to drive the reform process, which still has a significant way to go. The junior minister for the NDIS will be Jenny McAllister, praised by Albanese for her grasp of detail.

    Anika Wells, who was put in cabinet in January, continues up the escalator, moving from aged care to communications.

    She will still hold sport. She comes from Queensland, which is preparing for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, and Albanese is anxious for continuity in the role. Responsibility for sport is being moved from the Department of Health to the Department of Infrastructure.

    Some sources question the linkage of communications and sport as presenting potential conflicts of interest, given the communications portfolio deals with gambling advertising and broadcast rights.

    Tony Burke remains in home affairs but will get responsibility for the Australian Federal Police and ASIO, which came under Dreyfus (originally both were in home affairs under the Liberals).

    But the attorney-general will be “cross sworn” into both agencies. Albanese said there had been issues about information-sharing during the so-called caravan incident. This was a reference to the criminal hoax involving a caravan found in Sydney filled with explosives, when there were problems in communications between various state and federal agencies.

    Newcomer to the ministry Daniel Mulino, from the Victorian right, who has a PhD in economics from Yale, was an obvious choice for assistant treasurer, in the outer ministry. Andrew Charlton, former economic adviser to Kevin Rudd, has been appointed cabinet secretary and an assistant minister.

    Another new minister, Jess Walsh, takes early childhood education and youth, in the outer ministry.

    The highly qualified Andrew Leigh continues as an assistant minister. His failure to be promoted is the price for not being in a faction. He will be assistant minister for productivity, competition, charities and treasury – dropping employment but adding productivity.

    Given treasurer Chalmers’ current emphasis on productivity, this should give some more scope to Leigh.

    One notable new special envoy post is for men’s health, which goes to Dan Repacholi, a champion sporting shooter.

    Nationals re-elect leader David Littleproud

    Nationals leader David Littleproud has retained the leadership, holding off a challenge from Senator Matt Canavan, who called for a drastic realignment of policy including ditching the 2050 net zero emissions commitment.

    Kevin Hogan was elected deputy. A supporter of Littleproud, he replaces Perin Davey, who lost her Senate seat at the election.

    The Nationals do not release vote numbers.

    Bridget McKenzie remains Senate leader of the party.

    Littleproud said the party would review “all our policies”.

    A major issue is whether it will hold to the 2050 commitment, about which there is considerable internal scepticism.

    Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. View from The Hill: Albanese shifts Tanya Plibersek from environment, in favour of ‘can-do’ Murray Watt – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-albanese-shifts-tanya-plibersek-from-environment-in-favour-of-can-do-murray-watt-255963

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Eglinton’s Heath Park Pavilion now complete

    Source: South Australia Police

    Eglinton’s Heath Park is officially complete and set to be a vibrant hub for sports enthusiasts and community members alike.

    The new pavilion features changerooms, first aid rooms, activity rooms, an umpire’s room, universal access toilets and showers, kitchens, kiosks and storage.

    Wanneroo Deputy Mayor James Rowe said this development marks a significant investment for our northern corridor.

    “We are thrilled to see the completion of this fantastic new sports amenities building. Heath Park is already proving to be a vibrant hub for sports enthusiasts and community members in our growing suburb of Eglinton,” he said.

    “This facility ensures local sporting activities can run smoothly, supporting players, club personnel, volunteers and spectators.

    In addition to high-quality sporting infrastructure, the pavilion is an ideal venue for community groups to host meetings, workshops and celebrations. It’s more than just a place to play sport – it’s a space that brings people together.

    “This investment reflects our shared commitment to enhancing the social and physical wellbeing of the community. We look forward to seeing residents enjoy this space for many years to come.”

    The City is grateful to have received funding contributions of $1.97 million from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, $930,701 from the WA Government, administered through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, including $710,000 through the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund, as well as $220,701 under the Club Night Lights Program to support important floodlighting upgrades, which are currently underway.

    State Minister for Transport, Sport and Recreation, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, said sporting precincts form such an important part of our communities, particularly in our suburbs.

    “Not only do they support healthier lifestyles through sport and physical activity, but they also bring people together and create a sense of community,” she said.

    “This new precinct will help ensure more people in our northern suburbs are able to participate and engage in community sport, as well as use the space for gatherings, workshops and celebrations.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Gowns flying, whānau crying—it must be Te Herenga Waka graduation week

    Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

    With over 2,600 graduates, two parades, and eight ceremonies, this May graduation will fill Wellington’s streets with cloaked and capped graduates.

    Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s graduates will honour the community that saw them through and the connections they have made, as they cross the stage.

    Among those crossing the stage this graduation will be Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban, our first Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika), who is being awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Literature, after leaving her position at the start of this year.

    The inaugural recipients of our Master of Criminology, as well as an early graduate of the Bachelor of Global Studies, will also be graduating in the May ceremonies.

    Parades on Tuesday 13 and Thursday 15 May will see graduates walk from the Government Buildings to Queens Wharf Square, before our ceremonies are held at Michael Fowler Centre.

    “This is a time to recognise academic achievement, but also to acknowledge the perseverance and resilience it has taken our graduates to achieve their goals.

    “We are in a time of global change, but our graduates have developed values and relationships that will sustain them throughout their lives,” says Chancellor Alan Judge, who will preside over graduation for the first time in his new role.

    “To our graduates—our future leaders and innovators, I look forward to walking alongside as you lead us into the future with creativity, empathy, and determination,” says Mr Judge.

    The University will award PhDs to 50 graduates at the May ceremony. These graduates have added significantly to research in their fields, across the sciences, social sciences, arts, and beyond.

    Vice-Chancellor Nic Smith says this cohort of graduates deserve every moment of praise for their incredible accomplishments.

    “Our graduates are wonderful ambassadors for the remarkable work taking place at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. The impact of our university on society is significant, and we are proud to see our graduates take their skills, connections, and commitment to community into the public, creative, and commercial sectors that underpin our society.

    “I look forward to witnessing the contributions they will make as they join our global network of 150,000 alumni. Congratulations to all our graduates — we celebrate your achievements and look forward to your future successes.”

    About Graduation

    Graduation ceremonies 

    Monday 12 May 

    Pasifika Celebration, 5.30 pm, The Hub


    Tuesday 13 May 

    Ceremony 1 – 9.30 am, Michael Fowler Centre

     

    Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

     

    Ceremony 2 – 3 pm, Michael Fowler Centre

     

    Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

    Faculty of Education

     

    Parade 1 – 1 pm, Old Government Buildings – Queen’s Wharf Square

    Students from Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences, Education, Architecture and Design Innovation, and Health

     

    Wednesday 14 May 

    Ceremony 3 – 9.30 am, Michael Fowler Centre

     

    Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation

    Faculty of Health

     

    Ceremony 4 – 3 pm, Michael Fowler Centre

     

    Faculty of Engineering 

    Faculty of Science

     

     

    Thursday 15 May 

    Ceremony 5 – 9.30 am, Michael Fowler Centre

     

    Wellington School of Business and Government

     

    Ceremony 6 – 3 pm, Michael Fowler Centre

     

    Faculty of Law 

    Wellington School of Business and Government

     

    Parade 2 – 1 pm, Old Government Buildings – Queen’s Wharf Square

    Students from Faculties of Law, Science, Engineering, and the Wellington School of Business and Government

     


    Friday 16 May—Te Hui Whakapūmau

    Ceremony 1 – 9.30 am, Te Herenga Waka Marae

     

    Wellington Faculty of Education

    Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

     

    Ceremony 2 – 2 pm, Te Herenga Waka Marae

     

    All other faculties 

     

     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: France tightens security for riots anniversary after aborted New Caledonia political talks

    Fresh, stringent security measures have been imposed in New Caledonia following aborted political talks last week and ahead of the first anniversary of the deadly riots that broke out on 13 May 2024, which resulted in 14 deaths and 2.2 billion euros (NZ$4.2 billion) in damages.

    On Sunday, the French High Commission in Nouméa announced that from Monday, May 12, to Friday, May 15, all public marches and demonstrations will be banned in the Greater Nouméa Area.

    Restrictions have also been imposed on the sale of firearms, ammunition, and takeaway alcoholic drinks.

    The measures aim to “ensure public security”.

    In the wake of the May 2024 civil unrest, a state of emergency and a curfew had been imposed and had since been gradually lifted.

    The decision also comes as “confrontations” between law enforcement agencies and violent groups took place mid-last week, especially in the township of Dumbéa — on the outskirts of Nouméa — where there were attempts to erect fresh roadblocks, High Commissioner Jacques Billant said.

    The clashes, including incidents of arson, stone-throwing and vehicles being set on fire, are reported to have involved a group of about 50 individuals and occurred near Médipôle, New Caledonia’s main hospital, and a shopping mall.

    Clashes also occurred in other parts of New Caledonia, including outside the capital Nouméa.

    It adds another reason for the measures is the “anniversary date of the beginning of the 2024 riots”.

    Wrecked and burnt-out cars gathered after the May 2024 riots and dumped at Koutio-Koueta on Ducos island in Nouméa. Image: NC 1ère TV

    Law and order stepped up
    French authorities have also announced that in view of the first anniversary of the start of the riots tomorrow, law and order reinforcements have been significantly increased in New Caledonia until further notice.

    This includes a total of 2600 officers from the Gendarmerie, police, as well as reinforcements from special elite SWAT squads and units equipped with 16 Centaur armoured vehicles.

    Drones are also included.

    The aim is to enforce a “zero tolerance” policy against “urban violence” through a permanent deployment “night and day”, with a priority to stop any attempt to blockade roads, especially in Greater Nouméa, to preserve freedom of movement.

    One particularly sensitive focus would be placed on the township of Saint-Louis in Mont-Dore often described as a pro-independence stronghold which was a hot spot and the scene of violent and deadly clashes at the height of the 2024 riots.

    “We’ll be present wherever and whenever required. We are much stronger than we were in 2024,” High Commissioner Billant told local media during a joint inspection with French gendarmes commander General Nicolas Matthéos and Nouméa Public Prosecutor Yves Dupas.

    Dupas said that over the past few months the bulk of criminal acts was regarded as “delinquency” — nothing that could be likened to a coordinated preparation for fresh public unrest similar to last year’s.

    Billant said that, depending on how the situation evolves in the next few days, he could also rely on additional “potential reinforcements” from mainland France if needed.

    French High Commissioner Jacques Billant, Public Prosecutor Yves Dupas and the Gendarmerie commander, General Nicolas Matthéos, confer last Wednesday . . . “We are much stronger than we were in 2024.”  Image: Haut-Commissariat de la République en Nouvelle-Calédonie

    New Zealand ANZAC war memorial set alight
     A New Zealand ANZAC war memorial in the small rural town of Boulouparis (west coast of the main island of Grande Terre) was found vandalised last Friday evening.

    The monument, inaugurated just one year ago at last year’s ANZAC Day to commemorate the sacrifice of New Zealand soldiers during world wars in the 20th century, was set alight by unidentified people, police said.

    Tyres were used to keep the fire burning.

    An investigation into the circumstances of the incident is underway, the Nouméa Public Prosecutor’s office said, invoking charges of wilful damage.

    Australia, New Zealand travel warnings
     In the neighbouring Pacific, two of New Caledonia’s main tourism source markets, Australia and New Zealand, are maintaining a high level or increased caution advisory.

    The main identified cause is an “ongoing risk of civil unrest”.

    In its latest travel advisory, the Australian brief says “demonstrations and protests may increase in the days leading up to and on days of national or commemorative significance, including the anniversary of the start of civil unrest on May 13.

    “Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings. Demonstrations and protests may turn violent at short notice.”

    Pro-France political leaders at a post-conclave media conference in Nouméa last Thursday . . . objected to the proposed “sovereignty with France”, a kind of independence in association with France. Image: RRB/RNZ Pacific

    Inconclusive talks
     Last Thursday, May 8, French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls, who had managed to gather all political parties around the same table for negotiations on New Caledonia’s political future, finally left the French Pacific territory. He admitted no agreement could be found at this stage.

    In the final stage of the talks, the “conclave” on May 5-7, he had put on the table a project for New Caledonia’s accession to a “sovereignty with France”, a kind of independence in association with France.

    This option was not opposed by pro-independence groups, including the FLNKS (Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front).

    French Overseas Territories Minister Manuel Valls . . . returned to Paris last week without a deal on New Caledonia’s political future. Image: Caledonia TV screenshot APR

    But the pro-France movement, in support of New Caledonia remaining a part of France, said it could not approve this.

    The main pillar of their argument remained that after three self-determination referendums held between 2018 and 2021, a majority of voters had rejected independence (even though the last referendum, in December 2021, was massively boycotted by the pro-independence camp because of the covid-19 pandemic).

    The anti-independence block had repeatedly stated that they would not accept any suggestion that New Caledonia could endorse a status bringing it closer to independence.

    New Caledonia’s pro-France MP at the French National Assembly, Nicolas Metzdorf, told local media at this stage, his camp was de facto in opposition to Valls, “but not with the pro-independence camp”.

    Metzdorf said a number of issues could very well be settled by talking to the pro-independence camp.

    Electoral roll issue sensitive
    This included the very sensitive issue of New Caledonia’s electoral roll, and conditions of eligibility at the next provincial elections.

    Direct contacts with Macron
     Both Metzdorf and Backès also said during interviews with local media that in the midst of their “conclave” negotiations, they had had contacts as high as French President Emmanuel Macron, asking him whether he was aware of the “sovereignty with France” plan and if he endorsed it.

    Another pro-France leader, Virginie Ruffenach (Le Rassemblement-Les Républicains), also confirmed she had similar exchanges, through her party Les Républicains, with French Minister of Home Affairs Bruno Retailleau, from the same right-wing party.

    As Minister of Home Affairs, Retailleau would have to be involved later in the New Caledonian issue.

    Divided reactions
     Since minister Valls’s departure, reactions were still flowing at the weekend from across New Caledonia’s political chessboard.

    “We have to admit frankly that no agreement was struck”, Valls said last week during a media conference.

    “Maybe the minds were not mature yet.”

    But he said France would now appoint a “follow up committee” to keep working on the “positive points” already identified between all parties.

    During numerous press conferences and interviews, anti-independence leaders have consistently maintained that the draft compromise put to them by Minister Valls during the latest round of negotiations last week, was not acceptable.

    They said this was because it contained several elements of “independence-association”, including the transfer of key powers from Paris to Nouméa, a project of “dual citizenship” and possibly a seat at the United Nations.

    “In proposing this solution, minister [Valls] was biased and blocked the negotiations. So he has prevented the advent of an agreement”, pro-France Les Loyalistes and Southern Province President leader Sonia Backès told public broadcaster NC la 1ère on Sunday.

    “For us, an independence association was out of the question because the majority of [New] Caledonians voted three time against independence,” she said.

    More provincial power plan
    Instead, the Le Rassemblement-LR and Les Loyalistes bloc were advocating a project that would provide more powers to each of the three provinces, including in terms of tax revenue collection.

    The project, often described as a de facto partition, however, was not retained in the latest phases of the negotiations, because it contravened France’s constitutional principle of a united and indivisible nation.

    “But no agreement does not mean chaos”, Backès said.

    On the contrary, she believes that by not agreeing to the French minister’s deal plan, her camp had “averted disaster for New Caledonia”.

    “Tomorrow, there will be another minister . . . and another project”, she said, implicitly betting on Valls’s departure.

    On the pro-independence front, a moderate “UNI” (National Union For Independence) said a in a statement even though negotiations did not eventuate into a comprehensive agreement, the French State’s commitment and method had allowed to offer “clear and transparent terms of negotiations on New Caledonia’s institutional and political future”.

    The main FLNKS group, mainly consisting of pro-independence Union Calédonienne (UC) party, also said that even though no agreement could be found as a result of the latest round of talks, the whole project could be regarded as “advances” and “one more step . . . not a failure” in New Caledonia’s decolonisation, as specified in the 1998 Nouméa Accord, FLNKS chief negotiator and UC party president Emmanuel Tjibaou said.

    Deplored the empty outcome
    Other parties involved in the talks, including Eveil Océanien and Calédonie Ensemble, have deplored the empty outcome of talks last week.

    They called it a “collective failure” and stressed that above all, reaching a consensual solution was the only way forward, and that the forthcoming elections and the preceding campaign could bear the risk of further radicalisation and potential violence.

    In the economic and business sector, the conclave’s inconclusive outcome has brought more anxiety and uncertainty.

    “What businesses need, now, is political stability, confidence. But without a political agreement that many of us were hoping for, the confidence and visibility is not there, there’s no investment”, New Caledonia’s MEDEF-NC (Business Leaders Union) vice-president Bertrand Courte told NC La Première.

    As a result of the May 2024 riots, more than 600 businesses, mainly in Nouméa, were destroyed, causing the loss of more than 10,000 jobs.

    Over the past 12 months, New Caledonia GDP (gross domestic product) has shrunk by an estimated 10 to 15 percent, according to the latest figures produced by New Caledonia statistical institute ISEE.

    What next? Crucial provincial elections
     As no agreement was found, the next course of action for New Caledonia was to hold provincial elections no later than 30 November 2025, under the existing system, which still restricts the list of persons eligible to vote at those local elections.

    The makeup of the electoral roll for local polls was the very issue that triggered the May 2024 riots, as the French Parliament, at the time, had endorsed a Constitutional amendment to push through opening the list.

    At the time, the pro-independence camp argued the changes to eligibility conditions would eventually “dilute” their votes and make indigenous Kanaks a minority in their own country.

    The Constitutional bill was abandoned after the May 2024 rots.

    The sensitive issue remains part of the comprehensive pact that Valls had been working on for the past four months.

    The provincial elections are crucial in that they also determine the proportional makeup of New Caledonia’s Congress and its government and president.

    The provincial elections, initially scheduled to take place in May 2024, and later in December 2024, and finally no later than 30 November 2025, were already postponed twice.

    Even if the provincial elections are held later this year (under the current “frozen” rules), the anti-independence camp has already announced it would contest its result.

    According to the anti-independence camp, the current restrictions on New Caledonia’s electoral roll contradict democratic principles and have to be “unfrozen” and opened up to any citizen residing for more than 10 uninterrupted years.

    The present electoral roll is “frozen”, which means it only allows citizens who have have been livingin New Caledonia before November 1998 to cast their vote at local elections.

    The case could be brought to the French Constitutional Council, or even higher, to a European or international level, said pro-France politicians.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: European Union-Ukraine Defence Industry Forum

    Source: European Commission – Justice

    European Commission Speech Brussels, 12 May 2025 Last week we celebrated 80 years of victory in World War Two. And today, what we need to remember that victory in World War Two was not only a victory of armies. It was also a victory of factories. And the same is true today. Peace through strength will come from production power and brain power.

    To stop Putin, we need to produce more. We need to innovate more. And we need to do that together – in the EU and with Ukraine.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Firearm Seizure – Virginia

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Detectives from the Drug and Organised Crime Division have seized multiple stolen weapons from a location in Virginia.

    Early on the morning of Sunday 11 May 2025, investigators attended an unoccupied address in Virginia and seized a large cache of firearms.

    A large steel toolbox was located on the property, which contained:

    • 1 x .22 calibre pistol
    • 1 x Sawn off 12-gauge Remington shotgun
    • 1 x .458 Interarms Mark X rifle
    • 1 x AR15 Colt rifle
    • 1 x 30.30 Winchester rifle
    • 1 x .338 Tikka rifle
    • 1 x 17 HMR CZ 455 rifle
    • 1 x Replica grenade containing a quantity of ammunition

    The Colt AR15 is inoperable and is believed to have been stolen from the Darwin Military Museum in May 2024.

    Forensics is currently being conducted on the weapons and investigations remain ongoing.

    Detective Superintendent Lee Morgan said “ The seizure of these these illicit firearms will have a significant impact on community safety.  Illegal firearms have no place in our communities. Every weapon removed from circulation reduces the risk of serious harm or death.  We will continue to work towards removing illicit firearms from the community.

    “We urge the public that if they have any information in relation to unregistered or stolen firearms to make contact on 131 444. Reports can also be made anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via Crime Stoppers NT.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrests and impounds following tangi in Gisborne

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police have made several arrests and impounded vehicles following a gang tangi in Gisborne, attended by up to 400 gang members and associates.

    The significant operation saw local Police supported by staff from neighbouring Districts including the Police Eagle helicopter, Tairāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Danny Kirk said.

    “Our focus today was the safety of the Gisborne community and those attending the tangi. In the lead up to today’s event, Police have been engaging with the family of the deceased, and gang leaders, who have passed on the message that we would be highly visible and enforcing the law.

    “It’s disappointing to see some people choosing to break the law, but that number is small compared to how many people were attending the tangi. A big part of that can be put down to the engagement we’ve had with gang leaders and the responsibility that they took for regulating the behaviour of their members.”

    At least four individuals were arrested or summonsed for public display of gang insignia and will appear in court in the coming days.

    One motorbike rider failed to stop twice for Police following a sustained loss of traction. The bike was recovered and has been impounded for six months. Enquiries are ongoing to identify the rider.

    Another three vehicles have been impounded for 28 days, two for dangerous driving, and one for driving while suspended.

    Several people were also seen leaning out of the windows of vehicles. Police are aware of their identities and will be following up with them.

    “While the tangi may have finished, our work to enforce the law has not.

    “Additional Police will be working through the night across Gisborne, carrying out reassurance patrols in the community and monitoring driving behaviour on our roads,” Inspector Kirk said.

    Police encourage anyone who witnessed illegal or intimidating behaviour around the tangi to make a report online or call 105. Please reference the file number 250511/1622.

    Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Alleged Sexual Assault – Palmerston

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force are currently investigating an alleged sexual assault against a young person in Palmerston early Saturday morning.

    It is alleged the female youth was sexually assaulted by an unknown male around 1:50am on a path between Temple Terrace and Hannibal Crescent, Palmerston.

    Investigations are ongoing and at this stage no further information can be provided.

    Detectives urge anyone with information in relation to the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25128249. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bonamici, McBath, Moore, Wilson Introduce Bill to End Corporal Punishment in Schools

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

    WASHINGTON, DC [05/9/25] – Today Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL) introduced legislation to protect students from corporal punishment in schools. 

    The Protecting Our Students in Schools Act would prohibit the practice of corporal punishment in any school that receives federal funding. It would also provide schools with the support necessary to create more nurturing and inclusive learning environments that employ restorative, evidence-based practices to improve school safety. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) is leading the companion in the Senate.

    “The disturbing use of corporal punishment in schools must stop,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Students must feel safe and be safe in school. Fear of physical pain keeps students from reaching their full potential, inflicting damage that can last for decades. I’m grateful to partner with Reps. McBath, Moore, and Wilson to finally put a stop to the use of corporal punishment in schools that receive federal funding.”

    “When parents send their children to school, it’s with the belief that their student will learn in a safe, healthy environment,” said Congresswoman Lucy McBath. “The impacts that cruel, unnecessary punishments have on the next generation are heartbreaking and these practices still exist in Georgia today. I thank my colleagues in the House and Senate for their collaboration on this effort as we protect our children and set them up for strong, successful futures.”

    “Corporal punishment violates children’s fundamental rights to dignity, physical integrity, and protection from violence,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore. “Every child deserves to be treated with respect and provided with a safe and nurturing learning environment. By eliminating this form of punishment, schools can create a safer, more supportive atmosphere that encourages learning, engagement, and positive relationships between students and educators.”

    “The hallways, classrooms and cafeterias of our schools should be safe, supportive environments for all students,” said Congresswoman Frederica Wilson. “Corporal punishment is a backward practice that has no place in our schools, harming our students, especially Black and Brown children. That’s why I’m proudly co-leading the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act of 2023, which implements positive reinforcement strategies, creating a better environment for our students. With this bill, we can eliminate the shameful stain of corporal punishment and promote evidence-based behavioral interventions for more positive outcomes for our students.” 

    “It’s absurd there are states that still allow educators to strike, paddle, and spank students as a means of discipline,” said Senator Chris Murphy. “This bill puts an end to that cruelty and would give schools the resources they need to create safe, supportive environments where every student can thrive.”

    Corporal punishment, the act of inflicting physical pain as a form of discipline, can result in serious injury with long-term negative consequences for students’ physical and mental health. Research overwhelmingly shows that corporal punishment in schools does not lead to improvements in student behavior; instead it is linked to poor academic performance, physical and emotional harm, and damage to students’ self-esteem and trust of educators. Corporal punishment is disproportionately applied to boys, students of color, and students with disabilities. 

    “Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, when so many students were learning from home, nearly 20,000 students still endured corporal punishment in schools, of which 2,400 of those students have a disability,” said Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez, CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities. “Corporal punishment has no place in education. On behalf of the National Center for Learning Disabilities and our partners in the disability rights community, I applaud Representative Bonamici, Senator Murphy, and the other co-sponsors for their leadership on this critical bill. Now it’s time for the rest of the members of Congress to step up and ensure all students have a safe, supportive, and high-quality public education.”

    “IDRA is pleased to support the Protecting our Students in Schools Act of 2025, an important piece of legislation that would end the harmful, outdated practice of hitting students in schools,” said Morgan Craven, National Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement at the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA). “Schools should be places where all young people feel safe and supported to learn, but corporal punishment endangers students, compromises achievement, and weakens the relationships that are the foundation of strong school communities.”

    “Laws permitting educators to assault their own students should have long ago been abolished,” said Justin Driver, Robert R. Slaughter Professor of Law at Yale Law School. “Regrettably, though, the archaic and, indeed, barbaric practice of corporal punishment remains prevalent in our nation’s schools. That state-sanctioned violence prevents far too many of our youngest, most vulnerable Americans from having any real chance of fulfilling their enormous potential. I salute Congresswoman Bonamici for her steadfast leadership in seeking to eliminate the scourge of corporal punishment from our schools. And I fervently hope that this measure will soon become the law of the land.”

    A summary of the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act can be found here. The full bill text can be found here.

    The Protecting Our Students in Schools Act is endorsed by: National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, National PTA, The Education Trust, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, American Psychological Association, Lives in the Balance, Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA), GLSEN, NAESP, NASSP, National Parents’ Union, National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Association of Social Workers, Federal School Discipline and Climate Coalition, National Woman’s Law Center, Human Rights Campaign, NAACP, American School Counselor Association, American Civil Liberties Union, National Urban League, Advocating 4 Kids, Inc, All4Ed, American Atheists, American Humanist Association, American Youth Policy Forum, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Center for Learner Equity, Center for Popular Democracy, Children’s Defense Fund, Committee for Children, Council for Exceptional Children, Council for Administrators of Special Education, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Dignity in Schools Campaign, Education Reform Now, EduColor, Disability Law Colorado, Elite Educational Consulting, Every Texan, Fannie Education Alliance, First Focus Campaign for Children, Girls, Inc., Gwinnett SToPP, Ibero American Action League, Inc., KIPP Foundation, Lawyers for Good Government, Mississippi Coalition to End Corporal Punishment, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Black Child Development Institute, National Disability Rights Network, National Down Syndrome Congress, New Leaders, Nollie Jenkins Family Center, Inc., Open Society Policy Center, Parent Education Organizing Council, Racial Justice NOW, STAND Up, Texas Appleseed, Texas Kids Can’t Wait, The Advocacy Institute, The Arc of the United States, The Daniel Initiative, TNTP, United Women in Faith, Uplift MN, Volunteer State Seal of Biliteracy, National Association of Counsel for Children, Alliance for Educational Justice, The NOTICE Coalition, End Mass Incarceration Georgia Network, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Juvenile Law Center, and Represent Justice.

    Original cosponsors of the House version of Protecting Our Students in Schools Act include Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Don Beyer (D-VA), Danny Davis (D-IL), Mark Takano (D-CA), Darren Soto (D-FL), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Bill Keating (D-MA), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Jill Tokuda (D-HI).

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appeal for information on missing man in Sau Mau Ping (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Police today (May 9) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Sau Mau Ping.

         Chan Chi-wai, aged 52, went missing after he left his residence in Shun On Estate on May 7 afternoon. His family made a report to Police yesterday (May 8).

         He is about 1.68 metres tall, 90 kilograms in weight and of fat build. He has a round face with yellow complexion and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a black vest, black shorts, white sneakers, a white cap, a pair of black glasses and carrying a brown bag.

         Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon East on 3661 0316 or email to rmpu-ke-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Training Exercise Firestorm at the Darwin Convention Centre

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    On Thursday 8 May 2025, the Northern Territory Police Force in partnership with the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service, conducted a large-scale training exercise at the Darwin Convention Centre.

    The purpose of the exercise was to test the response to a large-scale critical incident from the operational to executive level, as part of the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee obligations. The exercise focused on a HAZMAT and mass casualty incident and involved more than 120 role players, with 100 emergency services personal responding. Simulated chemical incidents and gunfire were used throughout the venue and role players had special effects make-up applied to simulate realistic injuries, significantly enhancing training outcomes. Both General Duties Police and Specialist Police were deployed to the Convention Centre to safely resolve the situation.

    The NT Police Force and NT Fire and Rescue Service would like to thank the following key stakeholder’s assistance was invaluable to the execution of this training exercise:

    • The Darwin Convention Centre and staff
    • The National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre and staff
    • The United States of America Marines from the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin
    • The Northern Territory Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet staff
    • Soldiers from The 5th/7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment
    • Soldiers from The 8th/12th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery
    • Soldiers from The North-West Mobile Force (NORFORCE)
    • Northern Territory Government Department of Health
    • St John Ambulance Northern Territory
    • Northern Territory Junior Police Rangers and families

    Exercise Directing Staff, Acting Commander Jakson Evans said, “The exercise was an outstanding success. This rare training opportunity tested current practices and provided significant lessons for both agencies.

    “This ensures the agencies are appropriately prepared to serve and protect the people of the Northern Territory and effectively respond to this type of incident.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • I don’t have the habit of taking anything for free… I like challenges; Fulfilling constitutional obligations is a primary responsibility – Vice President

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (3)

    If a crime shakes the public conscience, it cannot be covered up; Crime must be resolved according to the law – Vice President
    Comments on dignified constitutional positions like the President and Governor are matters that deserve serious reflection – Vice President
    The Constitution expects dialogue, deliberation, and healthy debate, not confrontation – Vice President
    The real definition of democracy is expression and debate – Vice President
    I have the utmost respect for the judiciary; all institutions should work in coordination – Vice President
    The most dangerous challenge is the one that comes from within, which we cannot discuss – Vice President

    Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today said, “I like challenges, and fulfilling constitutional obligations is our primary responsibility. No negligence in this regard can be accepted.”

    “A little while ago, I was told, ‘You won’t get [the book] for free either.’ Your Excellency Governor Anandiben Patel, I don’t have the habit of taking anything for free… The most dangerous challenge is the one that comes from within, which we cannot discuss… the challenge that comes from our own people, which has no logical basis, which has no connection with national development, which is related to governance. Not just you, I too am a victim of these challenges, Your Excellency Governor. I myself am a victim, a sufferer of these challenges. But we have a great strength before us, and our strength is our philosophy, which tells us that whenever a crisis arises, look towards the Vedas, look towards the Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata – ‘You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.’ Whenever challenges come, they will come. Challenges will come such that you feel helpless and think that even walls have ears. So you don’t discuss that challenge even with yourself, but you must never deviate from the path of duty,” he further said.

     

    Speaking as the chief guest at the book launch event of ‘I Like Challenges’ by Honourable Governor Smt. Anandiben Patel in Lucknow today, he said, “People often say that public memory is short and think that over time, everything will be forgotten. But that’s not the case. Have we forgotten the Emergency? Much time has passed, but the dark shadow of the Emergency is still visible to us today. It was the darkest period in Indian history when people were imprisoned without reason, access to the judiciary was obstructed. Fundamental rights disappeared, millions of people were thrown into jails. We haven’t forgotten this. Similarly, regarding the painful incident that happened recently, I believe — and it is my firm conviction — that we must accept that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. In a democracy, innocence has a special significance. But whatever the crime may be, it must be resolved according to the law. And if a crime shakes the public conscience, it cannot be covered up. I have stated this with complete clarity. Some people asked me why I am so outspoken on this issue. I got a lot of inspiration from Her Excellency the Governor’s book. And I have made it clear that I like challenges, and fulfilling constitutional obligations is our primary responsibility. No negligence in this regard can be accepted.”

    Expressing deep concern over comments made about constitutional positions, Shri Dhankhar said, “In our Constitution, two positions are considered supreme — one is the President of India, and the other is the Governor. And honourable Chief Minister, they are supreme because the oath you have taken, the oath I have taken, the oath that MPs, ministers, legislators, or any judge has taken — that oath is: I will uphold the Constitution. But Draupadi Murmu ji’s (President) and Anandiben Patel ji’s (Governor) oath is different from this. Their oath is: ‘I will protect, preserve, and defend the Constitution.’ And the second oath is: ‘I will serve the people’ — for the President, it’s the people of India, and for the Governor, it’s the people of the respective state. If comments are made on such dignified and constitutional positions, then according to me, it is a matter that deserves serious reflection.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1917879541755793794

     

    Highlighting the importance of coordination and dialogue between all institutions created by the Constitution, the Vice-President emphasized, “In the last few days, an event has occurred, on which I have also issued a statement, and it is also connected to your state. I want to remind you that the biggest confrontation between the Legislature and the Judiciary happened in this very state. You are all well familiar with this subject. It is our paramount duty to ensure that our constitutional institutions respect each other, and this respect increases when each institution works within its own boundaries. When Institutions respect each other… our Constitution does not expect confrontation, but rather coordination, cooperation, dialogue, deliberation, and healthy debate. The Constitution does not envision conflict between institutions; it promotes a spirit of participation and balance.”

    In the same context, he further said, “All Institutions have their own roles. One should not play the role of another. We should respect the Constitution — literally, in spirit, and in essence, and I have said before, 140 crore people express their sentiments through elections, through their representatives, and those representatives reflect the public mind, and the public holds them accountable in elections. And that’s why I have said in common man’s language that just as the legislature cannot script a judgment, that is the court’s job — similarly, the court cannot make laws.”

    “I have the utmost respect for the judiciary; I have been a soldier of the judiciary. I spent more than four decades as a lawyer. Only in 2019, when I was appointed as the Governor of West Bengal, did I leave the practice of law. I know that there are extremely talented people in the judiciary. The judiciary is of great importance. How strong our democratic system is — is defined by the status of the judiciary. By global standards, our judges are among the best. But I appeal that we should show a spirit of cooperation, coordination, and participation. The executive, judiciary, and legislature — these institutions should work together and in harmony.”, he added.

    Emphasizing the importance of expression and debate in democracy, Shri Dhankhar said, “A very important point has been made, which is extremely necessary for all of us. Why do we call ourselves a democracy? Economic progress, development of institutional framework, expansion of technology — all these are important. But the real definition of democracy is — expression and debate. Expression and dialogue are the foundations of democracy. If there are restrictions on expression, it will be difficult for any nation to call itself democratic. But expression has no meaning if there is no debate with it. If expression reaches such an extent that the speaker thinks ‘I am the only one who is right’ and in all other circumstances, others are wrong, and there is no attempt to listen to them — then this is not the right to expression, but rather its distortion. Democracy is defined only when expression and dialogue flourish together in a comprehensive ecosystem. These two complement each other. And if expression reaches an extreme but there is no dialogue, then the philosophy of our Vedas — pluralism, will end. And in its place will be born ‘ego and arrogance.’ This ‘ego and arrogance’ are fatal for both individuals and institutions.”

    On this occasion, the Vice-President’s spouse Smt. Sudesh Dhankhar, Honourable Governor of Uttar Pradesh Smt. Anandiben Patel, Honourable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath, Cabinet Minister Shri Suresh Khanna, and other dignitaries were also present.

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Fence rammed and aggravated assault – Gray

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Darwin Traffic Operations has arrested a 38-year-old male for allegedly ramming a vehicle into a residence in Gray on Saturday afternoon.

    Around 2:40pm, police received reports of a vehicle allegedly driving through the closed gate of a residence on Essington Avenue and into the front of the house. Two occupants, known to the offender, were within the front yard and were struck by the vehicle. The collision resulted in significant damage to the residence and the gate. The offender subsequently fled the scene in the offending vehicle prior to police arrival.

    Police and St John Ambulance attended and assessed the two adult victims, both of which sustained non-life-threatening injuries requiring medical treatment. The second victim also experienced a medical episode following the incident.

    Additional resources were deployed to locate the alleged offender and the offending vehicle. Around 5:35pm, police observed the offender walking along Jenkins Road before attempting to apprehend him.  As he was being apprehended, he violently resisted arrest and a taser was deployed.

    The 38-year-old was subsequently arrested and found to be in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia.

    The Search and Rescue Section later located the vehicle in nearby bushland. It is alleged that the vehicle was also stolen from a person known to the offender.

    He has since been charged with the following:

    • Recklessly endangering life x 3
    • Breach DVO x 1
    • Drive unregistered / uninsured motor vehicle and other traffic related offences
    • Possess Schedule 1 Drug (Traffickable quantity)
    • Resist police in execution of duty
    • Damage to property  x 2
    • Driving, using motor vehicle without consent

    He has been remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on 12 May 2025.

    Domestic Violence Investigation Unit have carriage of the investigation and urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25128147. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash enquiry concluded, Martinborough

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police investigating a fatal collision between a shared cycle and a car in Martinborough on Thursday 13 February 2025 have concluded their enquiries into the crash.

    One person was killed in the collision. Three other people, also on the bike, suffered serious injuries.

    Police can confirm no one will be charged as the alleged offender has died (unrelated to the crash).

    The families of those involved in the crash have been notified.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre,

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Dangerous riding ends in arrest

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police moved swiftly to keep motorists in Counties Manukau safe yesterday by activating a plan co-ordinating road patrols and the Eagle helicopter.    

    A dirt bike rider who allegedly ignored a warning about dangerous driving was one of two people later arrested.

    Police stopped and spoke to the rider in Manurewa at around 9.30am.

    “The dirt bike rider was allegedly driving dangerously into oncoming traffic and doing wheelies on the roadway,” Inspector Warrick Adkin, Counties Manukau Central Area Prevention Manager says.

    “The officer asked the rider to stop his behaviour and leave the area as he was putting other drivers at risk.”

    The rider was allegedly undeterred by the warning and left the scene at speed riding into oncoming traffic.

    Eagle tracked the rider to an address in Takanini.

    “Officers then stopped a vehicle attempting to leave the address and the man was arrested,” Inspector Adkin says. 

    A woman at the wheel of the car was also arrested for displaying Mongrel Mob insignia inside the car.

    “Eagle’s involvement enabled Police patrols to follow at a safe distance so lights and sirens were not needed,” Inspector Adkin says. 

    “The incident was resolved without harm to any members of the public.”

    The 32-year-old man has been charged with failing to stop, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.  He will appear in Manukau District Court on 15 May.

    A 34-year-year-old woman is facing charges of obstruction and prohibited display of gang insignia in a public place. She will appear in Manukau District Court on 15 May.

    ENDS.

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: ATV crash in Karapiro

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A man remains in hospital in a critical condition following a fatal ATV crash at a residential property on French Pass Road, Karapiro yesterday.

    Police can now confirm the person who died was a child.

    Two other children were also flown to hospital and are now in a stable condition.

    Police are providing support to the family at the centre of this tragic event.

    The death will be referred to the Coroner.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Charges – Attempt sexual assault – Malak

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Serious Crime Squad have charged a 26-year-old male after he allegedly attempted to sexually assault a female in Malak last Monday.

    On Friday, investigators from the Serious Crime Squad, Fugitive Task Force and Dog Operations Unit members attended several places of interest linked to the alleged suspect; however, investigations determined he travelled back to the Tiwi Islands.

    Later that morning local Tiwi Islands members arrested the male in Wurrumiyanga without incident. Serious Crime Squad detectives travelled to Wurrumiyanga to take him into custody. The alleged offender was conveyed to Darwin and later charged with:

    • Attempted Sexual Intercourse without Consent
    • Deprivation of Liberty
    • Aggravated Assault
    • Administer Dangerous Drug to self

    He has been remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Operation Eclipse nets record haul

    Source: New South Wales – News

    South Australia Police have made a record haul of illicit tobacco products in the biggest Operation Eclipse seizure to date.

    Operation Eclipse Commander, Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby also revealed that organised crime syndicates have been dealt a major blow with police restraining more than $22 million in assets, including more than $9 million in cash from two bank accounts.

    About 12pm on Tuesday 6 May, Eyre Western Police stopped a vehicle on the Lincoln Highway at Whyalla and allegedly located a large quantity of illicit tobacco products.

    Further investigation led Operation Eclipse detectives to search an industrial premises at Salisbury being used as a statewide distribution warehouse supplying retail outlets with illicit tobacco products.

    More than seven million cigarettes and 3.9 tonnes of loose tobacco were seized, valued at over $7 million.

    A 24-year-old Prospect man was arrested in Whyalla and charged with possession of tobacco products for sale and possession of e-cigarette products for sale.  He was bailed to appear in the Whyalla Magistrates Court on 22 July.

    A Para Hills home was also searched as part of the investigation, and a 51-year-old Para Hills man was arrested.  He was charged with possession of tobacco products for sale and bailed to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Cour ton 17 June.

    Investigations into the seizures are continuing.

    Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby said, “The seizure of products, assets and finances by police will result in significant disruption to the criminal syndicates operating in South Australia.”

    “SAPOL will pursue criminal charges when sufficient evidence exists and that includes those who are supporting and enabling that activity and take every opportunity to enforce the full extent of the confiscations legislation to seize assets of those involved.

    Anyone with any information on criminal activities surrounding the sale of illicit tobacco is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.

    Operation Eclipse has so far resulted in 37 arrests for offences including blackmail, possess tobacco products for sale, arson, money laundering and serious criminal trespass.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Peeni Henare takes over foreign affairs

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Labour’s Peeni Henare will pick up the foreign affairs portfolio, following David Parker’s departure from Parliament.

    He retains his other portfolios of defence, economic development, Māori-Crown relations: Te Arawhiti and associate health.

    Lawyer and human rights advocate Vanushi Walters returns to Parliament this week and will pick up shadow Attorney-General and associate foreign affairs.

    “I am delighted to have Vanushi Walters returning to Parliament,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said.

    “She, Peeni Henare and Phil Twyford will make a formidable team in the important portfolio of foreign affairs.

    “New Zealand has a proud history of independent foreign policy, but Christopher Luxon’s Government is not standing up for New Zealand in a more and more divisive and unstable world.

    “My expectations of this team will be to ensure we are ready to step back into Government in 2026. That we have clear, principled positions that make sense to New Zealanders.   

    “David Parker provided a fantastic platform for Labour to build on in this space. His experience and passion will be missed, and I wish him all the best as he embarks on life after politics,” Chris Hipkins said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Gang members arrested after funeral home arson

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police have this morning arrested a patched Mongrel Mob member in relation to an arson at a Māngere Bridge funeral home last month.

    Investigations had been underway following a fire at a funeral home on Kirkbride Road at about 11.50pm on 27 April.

    The building sustained minor damage and there were no injuries reported as a result, however Police have been working hard to identify and located those responsible.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward, Counties Manukau CIB, says officers executed four search warrants at addresses connected to the Mongrel Mob across South Auckland.

    “As a result of these search warrants we have arrested a patched member who has been charged with arson (endangering life).

    “Police also located a pump action shotgun and ammunition at the one of the addresses.”

    Detective Senior Sergeant Hayward says two other patched gang members present at the address were also arrested for breaching bail and another in relation to an unrelated serious assault.

    “What was of real concern was that there were children present at the address the firearm was located at.

    “However, overall this is a pleasing outcome in that we have been able to catch up with the alleged offender and take another firearm out of circulation in the community.”

    A 30-year-old man will appear in Manukau District Court tomorrow charged with the arson.

    Another man, aged 34, has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and will appear in Manukau District Court tomorrow.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Homicide investigation underway in Parakao

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Northland Police have launched a homicide enquiry following the death of a man in Parakao on 9 May.

    Ambulance staff located the body of the 55-year-old man just before 4pm at a rural property off Mangakahia Road (State Highway 15).

    Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris, from Whangārei CIB, says enquiries are underway with a post mortem being completed today.

    Police expect to release further information about the victim once these processes are complete.

    The Operation Cossar enquiry team is appealing for the public with information to come forward in relation to a vehicle and person seen in the area.

    “We are particularly seeking information and sightings in the area between 2pm and 8pm on Friday 9 May,” she says.

    Those are:

    – Sightings of a 1999 blue and silver Mitsubishi L200 ute
    – Reports of a man seen walking along SH14 that afternoon and evening

    Detective Senior Sergeant Harris says Police are also seeking any CCTV along Mangakahia Road, Otaika Valley Road and State Highway 14 towards Whangārei.

    Police would particularly like any dashcam footage on the same route between 2-8pm.

    “We understand this is an unsettling time for the community and we are working hard to establish what has happened,” Detective Senior Sergeant Harris says.

    Anyone with information is asked to make a report online, or by calling 105.

    Please quote the reference number 250509/6749.

    Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

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

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

    Victoria’s planning reforms could help solve the housing crisis. But they are under threat
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Coates, Program Director, Housing and Economic Security, Grattan Institute An aerial drone view of northern Melbourne suburbs. Elias Bitar/Shutterstock The federal election campaign was dominated by the housing crisis. But the real power to solve it rests with the states. In Victoria, reforms are underway that

    Footy’s ‘code wars’ are back, but which is actually the No. 1 Australian sport: the NRL or AFL?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist, University of Technology Sydney NRL Photos, Matt Turner/AAP, Wikimedia, The Conversation, CC BY Every now and then, so-called “code wars” erupt between the major Australia winter football codes: the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Australian Football League (AFL). This

    A prisoner voting ban shows again how few checks there are on parliamentary power
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Winter, Associate Professor in Political Theory, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith’s recent announcement that the government would reinstate a total ban on prisoners voting was in keeping with the coalition’s overall tough-on-crime approach. The move was called “ridiculous” and

    ‘We’re just doing our best’ – cultural backlash hits Auckland kava business
    By Coco Lance, RNZ Pacific digital journalist A new Auckland-based kava business has found itself at the heart of a cultural debate, with critics raising concerns about appropriation, authenticity, and the future of kava as a deeply rooted Pacific tradition. Vibes Kava, co-founded by Charles Byram and Derek Hillen, operates out of New Leaf Kombucha

    ‘Fighting more frequent now’ – researcher warns of escalating West Papua conflict
    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist The escalation of violence in West Papua is on par with some of the most intense times of conflict over the past six decades, a human rights researcher says. The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) claims that Indonesia killed at least one civilian and severely injured another

    India-Pakistan ceasefire shouldn’t disguise fact that norms have changed in South Asia, making future de-escalation much harder
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Farah N. Jan, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, University of Pennsylvania A member of the Indian Border Security Force stands guard near the India-Pakistan border. Narinder Nanu/AFP via Getty Images India and Pakistan have seen the scenario play out before: a terror attack in which Indians are

    Homer’s Iliad is a rap battle
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Forstenzer, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and Co-Director of the Centre for Engaged Philosophy, University of Sheffield The Anger of Achilles by Jacques-Louis David (1819). Kimbell Art Museum Homer’s Iliad is one of the foundational stories of European civilisation. The Iliad is a long poem – an

    Major brands don’t need to kowtow to Trump: they have the power to bring people together
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Beverland, Professor of Brand Management, University of Sussex Business School, University of Sussex Whatever you think of his personality or politics, it’s impossible to deny the success of Donald Trump as a brand. Supporters and detractors across the world are transfixed by his second term as

    Meteorites and marsquakes hint at an underground ocean of liquid water on the Red Planet
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hrvoje Tkalčić, Professor, Head of Geophysics, Director of Warramunga Array, Australian National University UAESA / MBRSC / Hope Mars Mission / EXI / Andrea Luck, CC BY Evidence is mounting that a secret lies beneath the dusty red plains of Mars, one that could redefine our view

    Why doesn’t Australia make more medicines? Wouldn’t that fix drug shortages?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Coomber, PhD Candidate, Pharmaceutical Supply Chains, The University of Queensland IM Imagery/Shutterstock About 400 medicines are in short supply in Australia. Of these, about 30 are categorised as critical. These are ones with a life-threatening or serious impact on patients, and with no readily available substitutes.

    Farmers fear dingoes are eating their livestock – but predator poo tells an unexpected story
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Mason, PhD candidate in Conservation Biology, Deakin University Kristian Bell/Shutterstock Killing carnivores to protect livestock, wildlife and people is an emotive and controversial issue that can cause community conflict. Difficult decisions about managing predators must be supported by strong scientific evidence. In Australia, predators such as

    ‘Cutting off communications’ – did Trump really just turn his back on Israel?
    ANALYSIS: By Robert Inlakesh Israel is in a weak position and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s extremism knows no bounds. The only other way around an eventual regional war is the ousting of the Israeli prime minister. US President Donald Trump has closed his line of communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to various

    View from The Hill: if Jacinta Nampijinpa Price became Liberal deputy it would be a wild ride
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s confirmation she will run for Liberal deputy has put the members of an already shell-shocked party into a new spin. Tuesday’s leadership contest, where the numbers are said to be tight, is a battle for the direction

    Dumped minister Ed Husic labels Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles ‘factional assassin’
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Industry Minister Ed Husic, dumped from the frontbench ahead of Anthony Albanese’s announcement of his new ministry, has made an excoriating attack on Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, describing him as a “factional assassin”. Marles, chief of the Victorian right,

    Philippine advocacy group condemns NZ military pact with Manila, rejects election violence
    Asia Pacific Report The Aotearoa Philippines Solidarity national assembly has condemned the National Party-led Coalition government in New Zealand over signing a “deplorable” visiting forces agreement with the Philippine government “Given the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ appalling human rights record and continuing attacks on activists in the Philippines, it is deplorable for the New

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Protected Royal Spoonbill euthanised after suffering shotgun injury

    Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

    Date:  12 May 2025

    DOC Hauraki Biodiversity Ranger Rachel Langman says a farmer at Pipiroa, near Thames, discovered the injured bird on his property on Wednesday 7 May. The farmer contacted DOC and suggested the bird had been shot -which was confirmed by a subsequent veterinary assessment.

    The bird was euthanised on Friday, 9 May, based on veterinary advice. X-rays revealed a shattered wing joint where shotgun pellets were found.

    “The bird was quite underweight so we believe it may have been injured for several days before it was found,” Rachel says.

    “This beautiful and defenceless animal has suffered for some time after it was shot.”

    Royal spoonbills are protected under the Wildlife Act, and hunting or killing a protected species can result in a fine of up to $100,000 or two years in prison.

    Anyone who knows about the incident is urged to call 0800 DOC HOT, or email wildlifecrime@doc.govt.nz, and quote case number CLE-9126.

    Fish & Game Auckland/Waikato Chief Executive David Klee says shooting protected birds – including this incident – is unacceptable.

    “Hunters must clearly identify their target and there is no excuse for shooting a royal spoonbill, which bears no resemblance to waterfowl species that can be legally hunted,” he says.

    “Our Code of Conduct states licence holders must ensure they can accurately identify and distinguish game birds from protected species. We have detailed guides in our regulation handbook of the species you can and can’t target.”

    He echoed the call for people to report any information about this incident – or any others in which hunters shoot protected species.

    “All hunters should follow the rules. We have very few incidents like this, but it can bring everyone in the hunting community into disrepute,” David says.

    “Law-abiding hunters – it’s in your interest to report these few rule-breakers.”

    Fish & Game compliance officers have been working alongside DOC staff since the opening of the duck hunting season to ensure hunters are following widely publicised rules for their sport. A Fish & Game compliance team is on call at weekends and will investigate any incidents.

    Warranted Fish & Game officers and Rangers perform thousands of checks across the duck hunting season. Incidents of this nature are very rare, and anyone with information is encouraged to pass it on to Fish & Game or DOC so the agencies can investigate.

    Royal spoonbills are a mobile species found in increasing numbers around New Zealand, and are identifiable through their unique bill, long black legs and white plumage. They feed by distinctively swishing their bill from side to side, while wading through shallow water.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: How To: A Great Walks Booking Guide |

    Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

    Surprise, surprise, the Great Walks booking opening is the biggest event in our booking calendar, with thousands of people from all around the world logging in on each opening day to nab spaces for Great Walks huts and campsites, high demand lodges, sole occupancy and popular campsites. – How to book and what’s new?

    The weather was great so after arriving to the Mintaro Hut we day hiked up to Mackinnon Pass that afternoon. John and Jean in front of Mt Balloon on Mackinnon Pass. Milford Track in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

    ” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/120316_jtsg_7094jpg_7611929440_o_O2-e1747016364750.jpg?fit=285%2C300&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/120316_jtsg_7094jpg_7611929440_o_O2-e1747016364750.jpg?fit=580%2C612&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/120316_jtsg_7094jpg_7611929440_o_O2.jpg?resize=580%2C385&ssl=1″ alt=”” class=”wp-image-56437″/>

    📷: Trampers and Mount Balloon, Mackinnon Pass –
    Strother, John T

    To recap, all DOC facilities for the 2025/26 Great Walk season bookings open between 13 May and 4 June 2025. The booking system opens at 9:30 AM, each opening morning. You need to create an account and have a login ready, if you want to book for this season (make sure you do this ahead of time).

    This year, we’ve introduced a new booking system (details below) and since announcing how this new booking system works, we’ve had loads of questions come through to us asking for more clarity and details.

    ❓Where do I book?
    ❓What is this booking lobby you mentioned?
    ❓How does this queueing process work?
    ❓If I login in early, do I get closer to the front of the queue?
    ❓Is this system fair?
    ❓Can the system cope with the demand this year?

    👇 All these answers and more below. 👇

    www.panafoot.com“,”created_timestamp”:”1330791549″,”copyright”:”u00a92012 John Strother, panafoot@gmail.com”,”focal_length”:”22″,”iso”:”200″,”shutter_speed”:”0.0025″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”0″}” data-image-title=”120303_jtsg_4114_hjpg_7457717128_o_O2″ data-image-description=”” data-image-caption=”

    Routeburn Flats seen from Routeburn Track within Mt Aspiring National Park on New Zealand’s South Island.

    To read about the great places we have been go to www.panafoot.com

    ” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/120303_jtsg_4114_hjpg_7457717128_o_O2.jpg?fit=300%2C197&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/120303_jtsg_4114_hjpg_7457717128_o_O2.jpg?fit=580%2C382&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/120303_jtsg_4114_hjpg_7457717128_o_O2.jpg?resize=580%2C382&ssl=1″ alt=”” class=”wp-image-56438″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/120303_jtsg_4114_hjpg_7457717128_o_O2.jpg?resize=1024%2C674&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/120303_jtsg_4114_hjpg_7457717128_o_O2.jpg?resize=300%2C197&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/120303_jtsg_4114_hjpg_7457717128_o_O2.jpg?resize=768%2C506&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/120303_jtsg_4114_hjpg_7457717128_o_O2.jpg?resize=1536%2C1011&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/120303_jtsg_4114_hjpg_7457717128_o_O2.jpg?resize=1200%2C790&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/120303_jtsg_4114_hjpg_7457717128_o_O2.jpg?w=2048&ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/120303_jtsg_4114_hjpg_7457717128_o_O2.jpg?w=1740&ssl=1 1740w” sizes=”(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px”/>

    📷; Routeburn Flats seen from Routeburn Track
    Strother, John T

    The booking system has been improved with a new industry-leading lobby system, modelled after the major concert-booking companies. it means that not only will this system and process be somewhat familiar, but it should also be able to handle large increases of traffic on opening days and run smoothly for all users.

    What does this mean for me and how does it work?

    Users jumping on the booking system on opening morning will be redirected to a waiting lobby (elevator music may or may not be a part of this experience) and when bookings open at 9:30am, users in the lobby will be transferred to a queue and released into the booking system in a controlled manner. At 9:30 all users already in the lobby will be randomly assigned a place in the queue, meaning there’s no advantage to arriving any earlier to the lobby and that the system is fair and randomised.

    We highly recommend you log in around 9-9:15, sit back with your morning cuppa and wait until you’re processed through. Anyone logging in after 9:30am will be added to the back of the queue.

    Even though this new system should be comfortable handling higher volumes of traffic and process bookings quicker, please be patient and mindful that even though it may feel a little ride or die to get your spot, it isn’t, and that you’re not the only one trying to book at the same time. Try going into this year’s bookings with flexible dates or have multiple date options agreed upon with your group before attempting to book.

    📷: Heaphy Hut – Liz Carlson

    Also, as reassurance, on booking opening days our team doesn’t pack up and go on vacay -job done, we’ll be keeping an eye on things and adjusting the queue flow as we go, with the aim being to make sure there’s no hiccups in the system and that things run quickly and as smoothly as possible.

    Here’s another tip for you – summer holidays are most people’s first pick, so for the best chance of getting a spot at high demand places, consider whether your trip can happen outside those peak weeks – especially for the Milford Track (there’s a good chance of rain regardless of whether you go in January or April!)

    Here’s what we recommend people should do to be fully prepared when bookings open for your experience of choice:

    1. Create an account on the DOC booking system well in advance, if you don’t already have one.
    2. Test out your login details before the opening day (one of the main reasons people miss out on opening days is forgetting their password!).
    3. Read up on the DOC website for the place you’re trying to book – some have rules and restrictions that are important to know before you book, and it’s good to double-check the opening dates.
    4. Familiarise yourself with the booking system – search for availability, even test out making a booking (just empty your cart at the end, rather than paying).
    5. Finally – get online on the opening day at around 9:15 a.m., and we’ll see you in the lobby!

    Finally – get online on the opening day at around 9:15 a.m., and we’ll see you in the lobby!

    📷: Mountain bikers Pike29 Memorial Track – Owen Kilgour

    Key Booking Opening Dates

    Get ready for Great Walks bookings to open!

    The Great Walks bookings opening dates are staggered between 13th – 28th May

    for the 2025/2026 season.

    Great Walks can book out quick so make sure to mark these key dates and times in your calendar!

    Great Walk accommodation bookings

    15th May, 9:30am – Heaphy Track

    15th May, 9:30am – Kepler Track

    15th May, 9:30am – Rakiura Track

    15th May, 9:30am – Hump Ridge

    22nd May, 9:30am – Whanganui Journey

    22nd May, 9:30am – Routeburn Track

    22nd May, 9:30am – Tongariro Northern Circuit

    27th May, 9:30am – Lake Waikaremoana Track

    27th May, 9:30am – Abel Tasman Coast Track

    27th May, 9:30am – Paparoa Track

    28th May, 9:30am – Milford Track

    All other accommodation bookings

    13th May, 9:30am – Backcountry huts

    13th May, 9:30am – lodges,

    13th May, 9:30am – sole occupancy facilities

    20th May, 9:30am – Conservation campsites, except Tōtaranui, Momorangi, Anaura Bay campsites

    21st May, 9:30am – Momorangi campsite

    21st May, 9:30am – Anaura Bay campsite

    4th June, 9:30am – Tōtaranui campsite

    Read tips on how best to bag your Great Walks spot: https://bit.ly/3z1FTpX

    Create your booking account now: https://bit.ly/3ETND5B

    Read more here: https://bit.ly/3QndIws

    Share this:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Statement regarding Jevon McSkimming

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police Commissioner Richard Chambers confirms he has been advised of Jevon McSkimming’s resignation from his position with New Zealand Police.

    “The criminal investigation will continue and is not affected by the resignation. I have no further comment at this stage,” he says.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Resignation of Deputy Police Commissioner

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    Police Minister Mark Mitchell today announced the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jevon McSkimming, has resigned. 

    Mr McSkimming has been on suspension since last December. Deputy Commissioners of Police are appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. 

    Mr Mitchell said Mr McSkimming resigned today, with immediate effect, before he could be dismissed. 

    “I can confirm a process had been underway for the Prime Minister to consider recommending the Governor-General immediately remove the Deputy Commissioner of Police from office,” says Mr Mitchell.

    “I instructed the Public Service Commission to commence the process to remove Mr McSkimming from office after allegations of a very serious nature recently came to light, separate to the investigation that led to him being suspended.

    “The Policing Act is very clear: A Deputy Commissioner of Police must be a ‘fit and proper’ person. They are rightly held to the highest standards of conduct and this new information called into serious question Mr McSkimming’s fitness for office. 

     “When Mr McSkimming was invited to respond to these allegations he chose to resign.  Mr McSkimming’s resignation has confirmed my view that his continuation in the role was untenable. 

    “Police advise that their investigations into Mr McSkimming will continue, notwithstanding his resignation. 

    “As the latest information remains subject to ongoing Police investigation, I am unable to provide further comment at this time.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Further arrests made for Tay Street incidents

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Please attribute to Inspector Stu Harvey:

    Tireless work by Invercargill Police has resulted in further arrests for burglaries and robberies early last Monday morning.

    The two aggravated robberies, two burglaries and an attempted burglary at commercial premises happened between 1.50am and 4.30am on 5 May.Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported.

    A 15-year-old male was arrested last week in relation to a number of the incidents including one of the aggravated robberies. He has appeared in the Invercargill Youth Court and has been remanded in custody.

    A 35-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man have been jointly charged with the second aggravated robbery after search warrants were executed in Invercargill city. Both are currently remanded in custody until their next court appearance.

    Police are continuing to investigate last Monday morning’s incidents and are still seeking assistance from members of the public in regards to the offending.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Team.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A prisoner voting ban shows again how few checks there are on parliamentary power

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Winter, Associate Professor in Political Theory, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Getty Images

    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith’s recent announcement that the government would reinstate a total ban on prisoners voting was in keeping with the coalition’s overall tough-on-crime approach.

    The move was called “ridiculous” and “stupid” by opposition spokespeople, largely because it contradicted findings by the Supreme Court and the Waitangi Tribunal.

    But behind those concerns about the ban placing an “unreasonable limit on the electoral rights guaranteed under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act” lies a broader constitutional question to do with parliament’s relationship with the courts.

    In short, removing prisoner voting rights will damage a critical but fragile check on government power – what is known as the “judicial declaration of inconsistency”.

    An ‘executive paradise’

    New Zealand has been described as an “executive paradise” by constitutional lawyer and former prime minister Geoffrey Palmer. There is no upper house, no federal structure, and the courts lack the power to strike down unconstitutional legislation.

    The constitution itself is a collection of statutes and conventions that, for the most part, can be changed by a simple parliamentary majority. The 1990 Bill of Rights Act is a cornerstone of that constitution, but is an ineffectual check on government power.

    When parliament considers a bill that is potentially inconsistent with “the human rights and fundamental freedoms” set out in the Bill of Rights, the attorney-general delivers a report explaining the inconsistencies.

    This is supposed to be a deterrent, and one might think it would be the end of the matter. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Adverse attorney-general reports have appeared regularly (there have been 15 since 2021) without blocking legislation.

    Parliament’s habit of passing legislation that does not comply with the Bill of Rights is why the recently developed judicial declaration of inconsistency is constitutionally important.

    The declaration is a “soft” legal power. It doesn’t strike down laws or rewrite them. Rather, it is a “weak form” of review that enables affected citizens to petition the court to declare a law inconsistent with the Bill of Rights. This should then spur parliament to fix the problem.

    The declaration aims to start a constitutional dialogue between the two branches of government. Enabling citizens to hold parliament accountable, it is a vital instrument in a system otherwise heavily dominated by the executive branch.

    Constitutional dialogue in action

    The High Court issued the first such declaration in the case of Taylor vs Attorney-General in 2015, declaring a total ban on prisoners voting was inconsistent with the Bill of Rights Act. The government appealed, but the Supreme Court affirmed the declaration in a landmark 2018 decision.

    What happened next, however, was just as important. If the declaration was to initiate a constitutional dialogue, it was up to parliament to respond – which it did. In 2020, it rescinded the ban on voting for prisoners incarcerated for less than three years.

    Then, in 2022, it amended the Bill of Rights to require the attorney-general to notify parliament when a superior court issues a declaration of inconsistency. And it required a ministerial report to parliament on the government’s response within six months.

    Those measures put in place a framework for constitutional dialogues. And this process played out in the next (and to date only) declaration of inconsistency. This was in 2022, when the Supreme Court declared prohibiting 16-year-olds from voting was inconsistent with the Bill of Rights.

    In 2023, the government tabled its response and introduced a bill to enable 16-year-olds to vote in local elections. The government initially announced it would do the same for parliamentary elections. But that idea was dropped when it became clear this wouldn’t get the necessary super-majority support of 75% of MPs.

    Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann: courts and parliament could work together.
    Getty Images

    An over-powered parliament

    Although modest, parliament’s responses were constitutionally important because they modelled a new framework for accountability. Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann suggested the process illustrated how courts and parliament could work together in the “gradual and collaborative elaboration” of New Zealand’s constitution.

    An evolving constitutional dialogue would enable the courts to pose a modest check on New Zealand’s over-powered parliament. So, those who hoped they were seeing the dawn of a new constitutional convention will be disheartened by the move to ban all prisoners from voting.

    The current government has already terminated the bill enabling 16-year-olds to vote, without mentioning this contradicted the Supreme Court’s declaration of inconsistency.

    Should parliament now ban prisoner voting, it will have nullified all substantial responses to declarations of inconsistency. That would be a profound constitutional setback.

    Parliament regularly flouts the Bill of Rights. We are now seeing it double down by rolling back its previous responses to judicial declarations.

    New Zealanders already have comparatively little constitutional protection from parliament. Reinstating a total ban on prisoner voting will undermine the practice of constitutional dialogue between the two branches of government. And it will weaken a fragile check on government power.

    Stephen Winter does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. A prisoner voting ban shows again how few checks there are on parliamentary power – https://theconversation.com/a-prisoner-voting-ban-shows-again-how-few-checks-there-are-on-parliamentary-power-256226

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tutaekara Road, Paihiatua closed

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Tutaekara Road is closed after a tractor rolled just before 12:40pm.

    The road is currently closed between Kopikopiko Road and Mangamaire Road, and is expected to be closed for several hours.

    No injuries have been reported.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the area.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –