NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-Evening Report: Caitlin Johnstone: Where does the aggression really begin?

    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. –

    COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone

    New York prosecutors have charged Luigi Mangione with “murder as an act of terrorism” in his alleged shooting of health insurance CEO Brian Thompson earlier this month.

    This news comes out at the same time as a Haaretz report titled “‘No Civilians. Everyone’s a Terrorist’: IDF Soldiers Expose Arbitrary Killings and Rampant Lawlessness in Gaza’s Netzarim Corridor.”

    The report contains testimony from Israeli troops that civilians are being murdered in Gaza and are then being retroactively designated as terrorists to justify their execution.

    “We’re killing civilians there who are then counted as terrorists,” a recently discharged officer told Haaretz.

    These two stories together say so much about the way the label “terrorist” is used under the US-centralised power umbrella.

    The guy who shot the health insurance CEO is a terrorist, but the people systematically slaughtering civilians in Gaza are not terrorists. The people fighting against those who are slaughtering the civilians are terrorists, and noncombatants are being categorized as belonging to this terrorist organisation in order to justify killing them. The al-Qaeda affiliates in Syria were terrorists, but now they’re a US puppet regime so soon they won’t be terrorists  —  but they need to be designated terrorists for a little while longer because the claim that Syria is crawling with terrorists is Israel’s justification for its recent land grabs there. The Uyghur militant group ETIM used to be a terrorist group, but now they’re not a terrorist group because they can be used to help carve up Syria and maybe fight China later on. The IRGC is a military wing of a sovereign nation, but it counts as a terrorist group because of vibes or something.

    Is that clear enough?

    Really the label “terrorist” is nothing more than a tool of imperial narrative control which gets moved around based on whether or not someone’s use of violence is deemed legitimate by the managers of the empire. Because Mangione’s alleged crime has ignited a public interest in class warfare, the label “terrorism” is being used to frame it as an especially heinous act of evil against an innocent member of the public.

    The empire’s favourite trick is to begin the historical record at the moment its enemies retaliate against its abuses. Oh no, a health insurance CEO was victimised by an evil act of terrorism. Oh no, Israel was just innocently minding its own business when it was viciously attacked by Hamas. Oh no, Iran attacked Israel completely out of the blue and now Israel must retaliate. Oh no, Russia just launched an entirely unprovoked war on Ukraine.

    Everything that led up to the unauthorised act of violence is erased from the record, because all of the violence, provocation and abuse which gave rise to the unauthorised act of violence were authorized by the empire. Authorised aggression doesn’t count as aggression.

    Whoever controls the narrative controls the world. If you control the narrative you can control not only when the historical record of violence begins but what kinds of violence qualify as violence. Killing people by depriving them of healthcare because denying healthcare services is how your company increases its profit margins? That’s not violence. Inflicting tyranny and abuse upon a deliberately marginalised ethnic group in an apartheid state? That’s not violence. Violence is when you respond to those forceful aggressions with forceful aggressions of your own.

    If we are to become a healthy society, we’re going to have to stop allowing some forms of violence, aggression and abuse to be redacted from the official records while others are listed and condemned. Those who care about truth and justice account for all forms of violence, aggression and abuse, not only those which inconvenience the rich and powerful.

    It is an act of aggression to do things which sicken and impoverish others in order to advance your own wealth.

    It is an act of aggression to pollute the biosphere we all depend on for survival in order to increase your profit margins.

    It is an act of aggression to use your wealth to manipulate your nation’s politics in ways which exacerbate inequality and injustice.

    It is an act of aggression to maintain an apartheid state which cannot exist without nonstop violence.

    It is an act of aggression to surround the earth with military bases and encircle nations which disobey your dictates.

    It is an act of aggression to try to rule the world using military violence, proxy conflicts, staged coups, threats, starvation sanctions, and financial and economic coercion.

    These are all acts of aggression, and any retaliation against them will never be an unprovoked attack. As we move into the future while these abuses exacerbate, it’s going to become very important to maintain an acute awareness of this.

    Caitlin Johnstone is an Australian independent journalist and poet. Her articles include The UN Torture Report On Assange Is An Indictment Of Our Entire Society. She publishes a website and Caitlin’s Newsletter. This article is republished with permission.

    This article was first published on Café Pacific.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Concerns about policy on transgender prisons raised in September – but ignored

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV MLA Timothy Gaston:

    “On 16th September – more than three months ago – I raised the prospect of biological men being able to access women only prisons in the Assembly. My comments were dismissed with a patronising swipe of the hand.

    “Questioning Ms O’Neill on the Executive’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy I asked:
    “In Scotland, there was a ridiculous situation where a rapist was held in a female prison before, rightly, being moved. Is there anything in the strategy to defend women-only rights and women-only spaces and to oppose the efforts of a biological man who thinks he is a woman to gain access to female-only spaces?”

    “Ms O’Neill totally ignored the question and responded by saying:
    “It is unfortunate that you take that approach, but we will not be distracted. We are here to launch a strategy to end violence against women and girls. It is endemic in our society, and it must stop. The focus of the framework is on prevention and tackling the root causes of violence against women. We will remain focused on the work that we are trying to do. It is a whole-society approach. I encourage you even to get behind it, because it is really important. It is about women who are being murdered. We need to end violence against women and girls. I would like to think that everyone who has been elected to the Chamber has the same goal in mind.”

    “Now we discover that the Department of Justice has conceded the challenge brought by a biological man to be held in Hydebank Wood because the Department had no clear policy on the issue.

    “Presumably a similar challenge could be successfully mounted by rapists as well.

    “Such a situation was – as my question three months ago illustrates – entirely predictable. How can the Executive claim to be concerned about violence against women when they fail to have a policy to prevent a man facing charges of threats to kill from being detained in our only female prison?

    “Indeed, what is the point of having a female prison if we now face the prospect of men being detained in it as well?

    “This is not a case of woke politics but a serious challenge to female safety.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR Government sternly refute the so-called report of US Congressional-Executive Commission on China

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (December 21) strongly disapproved of and opposed the so-called “2024 Annual Report” issued by the United States (US) Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), which made malicious smearing remarks against multiple areas in the HKSAR.     An HKSAR Government spokesperson said, “The HKSAR Government strongly disapproves and opposes the CECC’s repeated tactics to interfere in the affairs of the HKSAR through the so-called annual report, and make slandering remarks against Hong Kong, where ‘one country, two systems’ is successfully implemented. The US is once again making unfounded and fact-twisting remarks. Such attempt to undermine the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and interfere in Hong Kong’s law-based governance is smack of despicable political manipulation with ill intentions.”     The spokesperson said, “The CECC openly clamour for so-called ‘sanctions’ with an aim to intimidate HKSAR officials who resolutely safeguard national security. The HKSAR Government strongly condemns its political grandstanding rife with ill intentions, which have been seen through by all. The HKSAR despises the so-called ‘sanctions’ and will not be intimidated by such a despicable behaviour. The HKSAR will resolutely continue to discharge the duty of safeguarding national security.”     The spokesperson reiterated, “The HKSAR Government steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to the highest principle of ‘one country, two systems’. The HKSAR Government strongly demands the US to immediately stop acting against the international law and basic norms of international relations and interfering in China’s internal affairs and Hong Kong affairs.”     Regarding the slandering remarks against the HKSAR in the US’ so-called report, the Government sternly refuted them in the ensuing paragraphs.Safeguarding National Security           The HKSAR Government spokesperson said, “The HKSAR Government strongly opposes the absurd and untrue content regarding legislation safeguarding national security in the HKSAR contained in the US’ so-called report. In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, safeguarding national security is an inherent right of all sovereign states. Many common law jurisdictions, including the US, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, have enacted multiple pieces of legislation and implemented measures to safeguard national security.”     The HKSAR Government spokesperson stressed that, “The so-called report by the US completely ignores the severe national security threats posed by the riots and the Hong Kong version of ‘color revolution’ in 2019, and neglected the fact that the implementation of the National Security Law has enabled the livelihood and economic activities of the Hong Kong community, and the business environment as well, to return to normalcy. This is a clear demonstration of hypocrisy with double standards. In fact, security and development work together like the two wings of a bird. Development requires a safe social environment. In March 2024, the HKSAR fulfilled the constitutional responsibility and historic mission of enacting local legislation for Article 23 of the Basic Law. The newly enacted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) achieves convergence, compatibility and complementarity with the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL). Together they form a comprehensive legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security. Now, Hong Kong can finally advance from stability to prosperity following the transition from chaos to order. The US must immediately recognise the fact that the Hong Kong National Security Law and other relevant legislation have restored normalcy to the lives and economic activities of Hong Kong residents and the business environment.     “As the HKSAR Government has emphasised time and again that the laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR are precisely for safeguarding national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity; and ensuring the full and faithful implementation of the principle of ‘one country, two systems’ under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy. It also better safeguards the fundamental rights and freedoms of the residents of the HKSAR and other people, including those doing business, in the city. The relevant laws have set out clear definitions and criminal elements which will not affect regular exchanges between Hong Kong residents and people here for business with foreign countries.     “Extraterritorial effect for the offences endangering national security under the HKNSL and the SNSO fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world (including the US, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and member states of the European Union). The Police have the responsibility to pursue those who are suspected of committing offences endangering national security outside Hong Kong.     “Smearing remarks in the US’ so-called report pinpointing at custodial and rehabilitation work of the HKSAR was untrue, misleading, irresponsible and absurd. The HKSAR Government solemnly points out that the Correctional Services Department (CSD) is committed to ensuring that the custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, appropriate and healthy, and have put in place established mechanism to ensure the rights of persons-in-custody (PICs) are protected, including arrangement of regular inspection of independent visitors, namely Justices of the Peace. The CSD performs its duties in accordance with law and regulations in managing all PICs, regardless of their background.”Safeguarding Due Administration of Justice and Rule of Law          The spokesperson said, “That Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law and has always adhered to the principle that laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers held accountable is well recognised by international communities. The Basic Law clearly stipulates that the Judiciary shall exercise judicial power independently in accordance with the law, free from any interference. As guaranteed by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights, everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing. The Department of Justice of the HKSAR, by virtue of Article 63 of the Basic Law, shall control criminal prosecutions and make independent prosecutorial decisions based on an objective assessment of all admissible evidence and applicable laws. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or background of the persons involved. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court.”Safeguarding Rights and Freedoms          The HKSAR Government spokesperson said, “The HKSAR Government steadfastly safeguards the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people as protected under the law. Since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, human rights in the city have always been robustly guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution and the Basic Law. The HKNSL and the SNSO also clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, and that the rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of speech, of the press, of publication, of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration, that Hong Kong residents enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, shall be protected in accordance with the law. Nonetheless, just as the case with other places in the world, such rights and freedoms are not absolute. The ICCPR also expressly states that some of them may be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law that are necessary for protection of national security, public safety, public order or the rights and freedoms of others, etc.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Govt rebuts US report

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly disapproved of and opposed the so-called “2024 Annual Report” issued by the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), which made malicious smearing remarks against multiple areas in the Hong Kong SAR.

    In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it disapproves of the CECC’s repeated tactics to interfere in the affairs of Hong Kong through the so-called annual report, and for making slandering remarks against the city, where “one country, two systems” is successfully implemented.

    The US is once again making unfounded and fact-twisting remarks, the Hong Kong SAR Government specified, adding that such attempt to undermine the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and interfere in its law-based governance is smack of despicable political manipulation with ill intentions.

    “The CECC openly clamours for so-called ‘sanctions’ with an aim to intimidate Hong Kong SAR officials who resolutely safeguard national security. The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly condemns its political grandstanding rife with ill intentions, which have been seen through by all.

    “The Hong Kong SAR despises the so-called ‘sanctions’ and will not be intimidated by such a despicable behaviour. It will resolutely continue to discharge the duty of safeguarding national security.

    “The Hong Kong SAR Government reiterates that it steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to the highest principle of “one country, two systems”.

    It added that it strongly demands the US to immediately stop acting against the international law and basic norms of international relations and interfering in China’s internal affairs and Hong Kong affairs.

    The Hong Kong SAR Government sternly refuted the slandering remarks against the Hong Kong SAR in the US’ so-called report citing three aspects that include safeguarding national security, safeguarding the due administration of justice and rule of law, and safeguarding rights and freedoms.

    It stated that it strongly opposes the absurd and untrue content regarding legislation safeguarding national security in Hong Kong contained in the report.

    In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, safeguarding national security is an inherent right of all sovereign states. Many common law jurisdictions, including the US, the UK, Australia and Canada, have enacted multiple pieces of legislation and implemented measures to safeguard national security.

    The US’ report completely ignored the severe national security threats posed by the riots and the Hong Kong version of “colour revolution” in 2019, and neglected that the implementation of the National Security Law has enabled the livelihood and economic activities of the community and the business environment to return to normalcy, the Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out.

    “This is a clear demonstration of hypocrisy with double standards. In fact, security and development work together like the two wings of a bird. Development requires a safe social environment.

    “The Hong Kong SAR has fulfilled the constitutional responsibility and historic mission of enacting local legislation for Article 23 of the Basic Law. The newly enacted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) achieves convergence, compatibility and complementarity with the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL).”

    Together the SNSO and HKNSL form a comprehensive legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security. Hong Kong can finally advance from stability to prosperity following the transition from chaos to order, the Hong Kong SAR Government said.

    It added that extraterritorial effect for the offences endangering national security under the HKNSL and the SNSO fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions.

    “It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world including the US, the UK, Australia, Canada and member states of the EU. Police have the responsibility to pursue those who are suspected of committing offences endangering national security outside Hong Kong.”

    Smearing remarks in the US’ report pinpointing custodial and rehabilitation work of Hong Kong is untrue, misleading, irresponsible and absurd, the Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised, noting that the Correctional Services Department (CSD) is committed to ensuring the custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, appropriate and healthy, and has put in place an established mechanism to ensure the rights of persons-in-custody (PICs) are protected.

    Such rights include regular inspection of independent visitors, namely Justices of the Peace. The CSD performs its duties in accordance with the law and regulations in managing all PICs, regardless of their background, it added.

    As regard the administration of justice, Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law and has always adhered to the principle that laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers held accountable, which is well recognised by international communities, the Hong Kong SAR Government noted.

    Apart from stressing that the Basic Law clearly stipulates the Judiciary shall exercise judicial power independently in accordance with the law, free from any interference, it specified that everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing as guaranteed by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.

    The Department of Justice, by virtue of Article 63 of the Basic Law, shall control criminal prosecutions and make independent prosecutorial decisions based on an objective assessment of all admissible evidence and applicable laws, the Hong Kong SAR Government said.

    The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or background of the persons involved, and the prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court, it explained.

    Regarding rights and freedoms, the Hong Kong SAR Government made it clear that it steadfastly safeguards the rights and freedoms enjoyed by its people as protected under the law, noting that human rights in Hong Kong have always been robustly guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution and the Basic Law since its return to the motherland.

    The HKNSL and the SNSO clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, and the rights and freedoms that Hong Kong residents enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, shall be protected in accordance with the law.

    The Hong Kong SAR Government indicated that such rights and freedoms include the freedoms of speech, of the press, of publication, of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration.

    As is the case with other places in the world, such rights and freedoms are not absolute. The ICCPR expressly states that some of them may be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law that are necessary for protection of national security, public safety, public order or the rights and freedoms of others, etc, the Hong Kong SAR Government added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Enfield — RCMP investigates serious crash on Hwy. 102

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is investigating a serious single-vehicle crash that occurred in Enfield.

    Yesterday, at approximately 11:20 a.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment, fire services, and EHS, responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash on Hwy. 102 between exit 6 and 7. RCMP officers learned that a Toyota Rav4 was travelling north when it left the roadway and came to rest in the ditch.

    The driver and lone occupant, a 20-year-old Halifax man, suffered life-threatening injuries. He was transported to hospital by LifeFlight.

    An RCMP collision reconstructionist attended the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

    The highway was closed several hours but has since reopened.

    File #: 24-173076

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man charged with murder in Carshalton

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been charged with the murder of 42-year-old Gemma Devonish in Carshalton.

    The 38-year-old man, who was known to Gemma, was arrested in the early hours of Friday, 20 December. On Saturday, 21 December, he was charged with her murder.

    The man is James Madden, 38, (25/03/1986) of Railton Road, SE24. He will appear in custody at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 23 December.

    Officers await the conclusion of a post-mortem examination.

    Detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man charged following incident in Blenheim yesterday

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    To be attributed to Inspector Simon Feltham, Marlborough Area Commander:

    A 44-year-old man is facing numerous charges following an incident at a Park Terrace house in Blenheim.

    The man has been charged with threatening to kill, discharging a firearm to intimidate, abducting a child under 16, and contravening a protection order.

    He is scheduled to appear in Blenheim District Court on Monday 23 December.

    ENDS
    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release: Fatal crash, SH 6, Kingston

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can now name the man who died in a crash on State Highway 6 near Kingston on 19 December.

    He was Timothy Peter Herrick, aged 36 of Invercargill.

    Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian Deputy PM: Transcript – Sunrise

    Source: Minister of Infrastructure

    SALLY BOWREY: Power will be given back to Australian travellers with a raft of new rights for cancelled and delayed flights. The initiative is designed to keep airlines honest and hold the industry accountable in some of the biggest travel reforms in a decade. 

    JAMES TOBIN: For more, we’re joined by Transport Minister, Catherine King. Good morning Catherine. Now, as someone who does quite a lot of travel, normally on the road with weather, catches a lot of flights, I am all ears on this one. What’s it going to mean for passengers?

    CATHERINE KING:  Well, what it will mean for passengers is that you get what you pay for, so either you’re able to enforce your rights to be able to get a refund or actually get the flight that you’ve actually asked for. And so, we’ve put out a draft charter of rights today. They’re out for consultation until the 28th of February. And really it is about enforcing the rights that you’ve booked a flight and that you should get what you actually pay for. So, there’s a range of rights in the draft charter that will ensure that airlines, and airports as well, actually lift their game when it comes to delivering the services that so many of us use to get around the country to work, to actually visit family, get to medical appointments, all of those things. So really, that’s what we’re doing today. It forms part of the ombudsman scheme that we’ve developed as part of the Aviation White Paper work we did this year. That scheme will be legislated next year, and the Charter of Rights really does spell out what you should be entitled to. It’s backed up by the Australian Consumer Law, what you’re entitled to if your flight doesn’t go ahead. So, if your flight is delayed by three hours or more at the fault of the airline, you should expect to be able to at no cost to yourself, get your flight rebooked either with that airline or another airline. If, because of time sensitivity, you can’t take another flight, they should be giving you a refund for that. Or if you’re stuck in not in your port where you live, you should be able to get accommodation and meals and again at no cost to yourself.

    SALLY BOWREY: And I think anyone, when you pay for something, you expect to actually get the product. And we do, have some pretty dismal stats in terms of, you know, flight delays, 30% of flights are delayed. So, I think the report is showing that it can take also up to almost 100 days for customers when they complain this is way too long. So, it is promising to push airlines to really reduce that. How will the new rules actually hold them to account to make sure that issues are resolved quickly?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, the first thing is that the Charter of Rights basically spells out very clearly what travelling public’s rights actually are. And so, we want to make sure that’s got out widely so people are aware of exactly what their rights are to enforce them in the first instance, to try and resolve the dispute with the airline, or if it’s a dispute with the airport, and then it’s backed up by an ombudsman scheme that is legislated. So, in the same way you’ve got a telecommunications ombudsman scheme, people, if they can’t get a remedy, then can go to the ombudsman and basically then have that referred up and they’ll do the work with you to try and make sure that your rights are enforced. It doesn’t preclude you still going to the Australian Human Rights Commissioner if you’ve got an issue in terms of disability access or things like that, but it’s basically underpinned by that. At the moment, if you book a flight, it’s really complicated and it’s often not until you try and get on the phone, try and get your refund that you actually then find out, well, what you booked. You know, they’re saying you can’t have a refund, you can have a flight credit. It’s not something you can use. And so this is really spelling out what the expectations are on the airline and then backed up by the ombudsman.

    SALLY BOWREY: Yeah. And I think there is a great deal of room for improvement. Catherine, just before you go, can I just quickly ask obviously in a separate issue in New South Wales, we’ve got trains being delayed and cancelled. It’s causing a lot of stress for people trying to get around at Christmas and also businesses. Is this fair and how do you see this issue being resolved quickly?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, I can’t imagine a circumstance where the iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks on Sydney Harbour are coming under pressure. And I think, you know, I’d say really clearly to the union, you know, understand you’ve got a dispute with the New South Wales government, but you need to sort this out because you’re doing yourself quite a bit of damage. This is not a great time of year to be doing this. People are trying to get their last-minute Christmas shopping done. Understand you’ve got a dispute. You need to resolve it quickly, because those fireworks, I mean, you know, everyone watches them. The world.

    SALLY BOWREY: Unfortunately, it seems we have just lost the transport minister, Catherine King. They’re just talking about the train strike in New South Wales. Let’s move on now.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Transcript – Sunrise

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    SALLY BOWREY: Power will be given back to Australian travellers with a raft of new rights for cancelled and delayed flights. The initiative is designed to keep airlines honest and hold the industry accountable in some of the biggest travel reforms in a decade. 

    JAMES TOBIN: For more, we’re joined by Transport Minister, Catherine King. Good morning Catherine. Now, as someone who does quite a lot of travel, normally on the road with weather, catches a lot of flights, I am all ears on this one. What’s it going to mean for passengers?

    CATHERINE KING:  Well, what it will mean for passengers is that you get what you pay for, so either you’re able to enforce your rights to be able to get a refund or actually get the flight that you’ve actually asked for. And so, we’ve put out a draft charter of rights today. They’re out for consultation until the 28th of February. And really it is about enforcing the rights that you’ve booked a flight and that you should get what you actually pay for. So, there’s a range of rights in the draft charter that will ensure that airlines, and airports as well, actually lift their game when it comes to delivering the services that so many of us use to get around the country to work, to actually visit family, get to medical appointments, all of those things. So really, that’s what we’re doing today. It forms part of the ombudsman scheme that we’ve developed as part of the Aviation White Paper work we did this year. That scheme will be legislated next year, and the Charter of Rights really does spell out what you should be entitled to. It’s backed up by the Australian Consumer Law, what you’re entitled to if your flight doesn’t go ahead. So, if your flight is delayed by three hours or more at the fault of the airline, you should expect to be able to at no cost to yourself, get your flight rebooked either with that airline or another airline. If, because of time sensitivity, you can’t take another flight, they should be giving you a refund for that. Or if you’re stuck in not in your port where you live, you should be able to get accommodation and meals and again at no cost to yourself.

    SALLY BOWREY: And I think anyone, when you pay for something, you expect to actually get the product. And we do, have some pretty dismal stats in terms of, you know, flight delays, 30% of flights are delayed. So, I think the report is showing that it can take also up to almost 100 days for customers when they complain this is way too long. So, it is promising to push airlines to really reduce that. How will the new rules actually hold them to account to make sure that issues are resolved quickly?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, the first thing is that the Charter of Rights basically spells out very clearly what travelling public’s rights actually are. And so, we want to make sure that’s got out widely so people are aware of exactly what their rights are to enforce them in the first instance, to try and resolve the dispute with the airline, or if it’s a dispute with the airport, and then it’s backed up by an ombudsman scheme that is legislated. So, in the same way you’ve got a telecommunications ombudsman scheme, people, if they can’t get a remedy, then can go to the ombudsman and basically then have that referred up and they’ll do the work with you to try and make sure that your rights are enforced. It doesn’t preclude you still going to the Australian Human Rights Commissioner if you’ve got an issue in terms of disability access or things like that, but it’s basically underpinned by that. At the moment, if you book a flight, it’s really complicated and it’s often not until you try and get on the phone, try and get your refund that you actually then find out, well, what you booked. You know, they’re saying you can’t have a refund, you can have a flight credit. It’s not something you can use. And so this is really spelling out what the expectations are on the airline and then backed up by the ombudsman.

    SALLY BOWREY: Yeah. And I think there is a great deal of room for improvement. Catherine, just before you go, can I just quickly ask obviously in a separate issue in New South Wales, we’ve got trains being delayed and cancelled. It’s causing a lot of stress for people trying to get around at Christmas and also businesses. Is this fair and how do you see this issue being resolved quickly?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, I can’t imagine a circumstance where the iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks on Sydney Harbour are coming under pressure. And I think, you know, I’d say really clearly to the union, you know, understand you’ve got a dispute with the New South Wales government, but you need to sort this out because you’re doing yourself quite a bit of damage. This is not a great time of year to be doing this. People are trying to get their last-minute Christmas shopping done. Understand you’ve got a dispute. You need to resolve it quickly, because those fireworks, I mean, you know, everyone watches them. The world.

    SALLY BOWREY: Unfortunately, it seems we have just lost the transport minister, Catherine King. They’re just talking about the train strike in New South Wales. Let’s move on now.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police asking residents to check CCTV in relation to missing woman in Wellington

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are asking residents to check their CCTV in relation to a missing woman in Wellington.

    Upper Hutt residents who live in the Totara Park area who have CCTV cameras are asked to check for any sightings of missing woman Maia Johnston.

    The 19-year-old was last seen leaving a family home in Totara Park at around 8.30pm yesterday (Saturday 21 December).

    Police are keen for anyone with CCTV cameras to check for sightings of Maia between 8pm and 9pm on Saturday.

    If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105. Please use the reference number 241222/0237.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Copley

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police are at the scene of a serious crash in Copley in the State’s far north.

    About 6.30am today (Sunday 22 December), police and emergency services were called to Harris Street after reports of a crash involving a car and pedestrian.

    Major Crash officers are attending the scene.

    Please avoid the area if possible.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrests made in Napier homicide case

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Detective Inspector David De Lange:

    Police have arrested and charged two men following the death of Napier man Boy Taylor.

    Police have been investigating Mr Taylor’s death after he died following an incident in Napier’s CBD on Wednesday 18 December.

    Two men, aged 21 and 33, have been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and are expected to appear in Hastings District Court on Monday 23 December 2024.

    Police cannot rule out the possibility of further arrests and charges. 

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dearborn, Michigan Man, Who Used Fake Refund Scheme to Defraud Retailers of More Than $4 Million, Sentenced to Three Years in Prison

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    Lead defendant obtained more than $1.7 million in fraud proceeds on goods he falsely claimed he returned or never received

    Seattle – A 27-year-old Dearborn, Michigan, man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to three years in prison and three years of supervised release for a fraud scheme damaging retailers across the country, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Teal L. Miller. Sajed Al-Maarej operated “Simple Refunds” through the messaging service Telegram, where coconspirators were encouraged to purchase items from retailers Al-Maarej claimed he could defraud. Al-Maarej and his staff of “professional refunders” impersonated the purchaser and lied to the retailer about the status of the item to secure a refund for the purchaser, while permitting the purchaser to keep the ordered item. The scheme caused more than $4 million in losses for retailers and induced young adults nationwide to join a criminal scheme. At sentencing U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik noted that the fraud “was a difficult and expensive proposition” for the victim companies. “We need to send a message that this behavior is criminal,” Judge Lasnik said.

    “This defendant enticed many young and naïve online contacts to his illegal refunding scheme – some perhaps believed Al-Maarej’s spiel that this conduct was not illegal. They were badly misled,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Teal L. Miller. “This fraudulent refund scheme hurts retailers and ultimately raises prices for all of us. Al-Maarej got his expensive toys by convincing others to become complicit in his crimes.”

    According to records in the case, between September 2020 and December 2022, Al-Maarej represented to prospective purchasers that they could buy high value goods and keep them, while falsely claiming to the merchant company that a refund was due. Purchasers provided Al-Maarej information about their purchase (order number, name, address, value) and for a cut of the refund, Al-Maarej and his coconspirators would seek a refund by making false representations. For example, Simple Refunds would claim the item had not been delivered; was irretrievably damaged; or would have the purchaser mail a box of garbage or junk back to the company – once the package was scanned at the shipping point the refund was often issued before the box arrived back and the fraud was discovered. Al-Maarej recruited “insiders” at UPS and the US Postal Service who would input false scans into the order tracking history to make it appear items had been lost in shipping, stolen from the mail, or returned to the company.

    The end goal was for the purchaser to keep the product and get their money back. The purchaser then paid Al-Maarej 15-25% of the purchase price as his fee.

    Al-Maarej engaged in fraudulent refunding activity as well, on his own purchases. That conduct lasted until at least August 2023. In one instance, Al-Maarej obtained a refund for bulky tools, but he returned to the retailer an envelope filled with plastic toy frogs. One retailer identified more than $500,000 in items shipped to Al-Maarej’s home for which Al-Maarej obtained fraudulent refunds. In total, Al-Maarej made (and retailers lost) more than $1.4 million to his personal refunding activities. 

    The Simple Refunds channel on Telegram amassed a following of more than 1,000 subscribers. Al-Maarej used a second channel to post information on successful refunds. Al Maarej represented to some of those he recruited that the scheme was not illegal. He targeted young men in their teens and twenties and embroiled them in criminal conduct.

    The indictment details how two Snohomish County residents ordered thousands of dollars of merchandise and conspired with Al-Maarej to get the payments refunded. Al-Maarej or others at his direction, impersonated the buyers, claimed the items had been “delivered not received” and got the purchase price refunded. The customers kept the items.

    In May 2022, Al-Maarej deepened his fraud by offering a “mentorship” program where he would teach others to create their own refunding scams – he charged $6,000 for admission to the program. He boasted that students would “learn from the best in the game, from everything fraud related, to legit businesses and cleaning your money.”

    Last summer, Al-Maarej pleaded guilty to wire fraud and mail fraud. As part of his sentence Al-Maarej was ordered to pay $4,353,819.

    The case is being investigated by the FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Amazon, Costco, and Microsoft assisted in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Watts Staniar.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Memorial service held for car-ramming victims at German Christmas market

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Policemen stand guard at a Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany, Dec. 21, 2024. At least five people were killed and over 200 others injured after a car rammed into a large crowd at a German Christmas market in the central German city of Magdeburg Friday evening, German news agency dpa reported Saturday, citing State Premier Reiner Haseloff. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

    Approximately 200 people sustained injuries, many of them serious. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise.

    A memorial service was held Saturday evening in the German city of Magdeburg to mourn the victims of a tragic attack at a Christmas market on Friday night, where a car rammed into a crowd, killing at least five people and injuring 200 others.

    The service took place at the city’s cathedral and was intended primarily for the victims’ relatives, emergency responders, and invited guests, including Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Outside the cathedral, mourners gathered to lay flowers and light candles in remembrance of the victims.

    To mark the tragedy, church bells tolled across Magdeburg at 7:04 p.m. (1804 GMT) — the exact time the attack occurred.

    This photo taken on Dec. 21, 2024 shows a Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

    VICTIMS INCLUDE 9-YEAR-OLD CHILD

    A nine-year-old child is among the five people killed, confirmed Horst Walter Nopens, head of the local public prosecutor’s office, without disclosing further details about the other four adult victims.

    He said approximately 200 people sustained injuries, many of them serious. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise.

    According to German media, the attack lasted roughly three minutes. The emergency route used by the perpetrator was not secured with barriers, raising concerns about safety measures.

    Condemning the act, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the incident as “a terrible tragedy to harm and kill so many people with such brutality.”

    German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks to the press during a memorial ceremony in Magdeburg, Germany, Dec. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

    DOCTOR FROM SAUDI ARABIA UNDER INVESTIGATION

    A 50-year-old doctor originated from Saudi Arabia was arrested at the site and taken into custody for questioning. Police searched his home overnight, and authorities assume he acted alone. He has lived in Germany since 2006 and worked in a nearby town.

    Authorities noted earlier that the suspect was not previously known to law enforcement as an Islamist.

    His motive remained unclear and police have not yet named the suspect. Nopens said one possible factor could be the suspect’s frustration with Germany’s handling of Saudi refugees.

    According to the German news agency dpa, authorities had been alerted about the man approximately a year ago.

    Scholz and other top officials, including Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser, arrived in Magdeburg on Saturday. Faeser ordered Saturday morning that all flags at all federal buildings be flown at half-mast nationwide.

    This photo shows police vehicles near a Christmas market where a car rammed into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany, Dec. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

    Magdeburg, a city of approximately 237,000 residents, is located in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, about 150 km west of Berlin.

    The incident echoes a tragic attack on Dec. 19, 2016, when a terrorist drove a truck into a Berlin Christmas market, killing 12 and injuring over 70 others. The perpetrator fled to Italy, where he was eventually shot dead by police.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Death toll rises to 38 in major road crash in Brazil

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The death toll from a road accident in the southeastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais has risen to 38, with 13 others injured, local authorities reported Saturday.

    The accident, involving a bus, a truck, and a car, occurred in the early morning hours in the municipality of Teofilo Otoni. It was triggered when a large block of granite fell from the truck’s cargo onto the road, causing the bus to collide with the truck traveling in the opposite direction. A car following the bus then slammed into it from behind, according to the Federal Highway Police.

    The majority of fatalities were caused by a fire that engulfed the bus after the collision, said the police.

    According to Teofilo Otoni officials, 13 people sustained injuries, including the three occupants of the car, all of whom are in critical condition.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Hamilton Police investigating after man critically injured in assault

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Hamilton Police are investigating after a man was critically injured in an assault early this morning.

    The man was assaulted outside his home on Sefton Crescent at around 4.25am today.

    He is currently in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

    Police would like to hear from anyone who has CCTV in the Sefton Crescent area, or anyone who may have heard or seen anything relevant to our investigation.

    If you can help, please contact Police via 105 and quote file number 241222/9970.

    ENDS
     

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Pewsey Vale

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police are at the scene of a serious crash at Pewsey Vale.

    About 12.30pm today (Sunday 22 December), police and emergency services were called to Springton Road after reports that a car had crashed down an embankment.

    Major Crash officers are attending the scene.

    Please avoid the area if possible.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Transcript – Press conference, Ballarat

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    CATHERINE KING: Today the Albanese Labor government is releasing our draft consumer rights charter for airline travellers. This is part of the work we have done this year as part of the Aviation White Paper and the establishment for the first time ever of an aviation industry ombudsman. We know the travelling public has not been happy with the services that they are getting both from our airlines and from our airports, and we want to improve the circumstances. Customers should get what they pay for or they should get a refund. This Charter of Rights, which is out for consultation now, spells out very clearly what people, the flying public, can expect. If they have flight cancellations, they should expect, at no cost of their own, to either be rebooked on that airline or another airline, or they should get a refund and that refund should be a timely refund within 14 days. We also know that people should – if they are stuck away from their home, away from the where they actually live – that they should also get access to accommodation and food to be able to stay overnight then go onto their travels. This is the first time we’ve had a consumer rights for the air travelling public and it’s part of the reforms that we have of trying to make sure customers actually get what they pay for or get a refund. 

    JOURNALIST: If this charter is ultimately improved, is there a plan to impose penalties on airlines if they don’t comply with it and how will you ensure that they do comply? 

    CATHERINE KING: We will be legislating next year the aviation industry ombudsman scheme. We’ve got an interim person in at the moment who’s been developing this Consumer Rights Charter and all of those issues in relation to penalties, in relation to the way in which people can get remedies, will all be detailed as part of that legislation. This is the first part of putting that together, drafting the consumer rights charter to make sure we get that right. 

    JOURNALIST: And what powers can you say at this stage? What powers will the interim ombudsman have? 

    CATHERINE KING: Well, similar to the communications industry ombudsman, where they will be able to seek remedies directly from airlines, being able to name and shame in terms of the amount of complaints that they are getting, and to seek remedies. But again, all of that will be in the draft legislation. 

    JOURNALIST: And I understand that this aviation code is now out for public comment until the end of January?

    CATHERINE KING: Until the end of February, so 28th of February, people can access it on my department’s website, infrastructure.gov.au and look for the Aviation Charter of Rights, [indistinct] and you can just send an email to the email but basically says we think it should be this way, or we think it should have a shorter time frame, all of those things. It can just be a line in an email to give us some feedback about it. 

    JOURNALIST: And so after feedback closes, how long could it realistically take for this charter to be approved and become legislation? 

    CATHERINE KING: Well, not long. We’re obviously subject to parliament sitting, and they’re sitting in February, and then obviously getting it past, but we hope to do so as quickly as possible. 

    JOURNALIST: The feedback closes at the end of February, after Parliament sits, so at this stage, is it likely there’ll be another sitting after that before the next election? 

    CATHERINE KING: What we will be doing is that obviously the legislation will reference the charter and then the actual wording of the charter can be finalised later. 

    JOURNALIST: So you hope to pass this legislation in the February week of parliament, is that correct? 

    CATHERINE KING: Well we are certainly hoping to introduce the legislation as soon as possible, but again, we announced this back in November that we were establishing an aviation industry ombudsman scheme. The drafting of that legislation is underway, but it is part of our commitment to improving the experience of the travelling public.

    JOURNALIST: Obviously, the changes won’t be in effect this Christmas, this travel season, when do you want the changes to kick in, and if companies do not comply with the changes will there be penalties and what will they be?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, people already have rights under Australian Consumer Law. The problem we have is, when you’re booking a flight ticket, very few of us look at the terms and conditions of the contract you’re entering into. But people do already have existing rights really under Australian Consumer Law, part of the problem has been, A). not knowing what those rights are, but also having real difficulty enforcing those rights – trying to get hold of someone in the first place, and waiting for hours on the phone to a call centre, or then in some cases, having almost 100 days in some cases before any remedy is put in place. So, building in a Charter that basically says, this is what your rights are, this is making it very clear what our expectation of the airlines and the airports are, provides that opportunity for remedies. 

    JOURNALIST: And when do you want that to kick in, and will there be penalties? 

    CATHERINE KING: It certainly when the legislation passes through the parliament, obviously the timing of that will be a part of the legislation but as I said, people do have rights and they should be upheld, but really what this charter is doing – and what we’re consulting on – is trying to codify those rights and ensure that they are part of the legislation and the ombudsman scheme going forward. But we hope for that to be in place certainly for next year. 

    JOURNALIST: And the penalties for non-compliant?

    CATHERINE KING: Again, that would be part of legislation that we’re drafting at the moment. 

    JOURNALIST: You mentioned that this is the first time that airlines have been held to account or have such harsh laws in place. Why has it taken so long and I understand the Coalition’s private members bill has been up since March on Pay on Delay, why not support that? And do you think you will have the Coalition’s support in Parliament next year? 

    CATHERINE KING: Well, who knows what the Coalition is going to do, frankly, you know, you never know they seem to have decided to say no to absolutely everything just to cause political havoc, even when it is in the travelling public’s actual interest to do so. We know that the previous government, they were in power for a decade, they couldn’t have cared less about the aviation industry, couldn’t have cared less about aviation consumers, did nothing for a decade. What we’ve seen in the two and a half years of the Albanese Labor Government is the most significant reforms that they aviation sector and the travelling public have ever seen. That’s what we’ve done in the two and a half years that we’ve been in Government. The opposition can be accountable for their lack of action in the last decade. 

    JOURNALIST: [indistinct] is it enough to deter the practice? 

    CATHERINE KING: What we’re seeing in terms of the travelling public is where consumers are more informed about what their rights are, where they have information about what to expect and what their rights are, we know that they can be enforced in a much stronger way. Having an ombudsman for the first time, we’ve had a sort of voluntary system at the moment that’s really not been working for the travelling public. Having an ombudsman who then, you know, if you can’t get anywhere with the airline and yourself, then actually going to the ombudsman and having that capacity to get a remedy through that process really will be a significant change from the Australian travelling public. 

    JOURNALIST: Airlines make it hard enough to get a voucher or switch flight, how hard do you think they’re going to make it for passengers to get a refund? 

    CATHERINE KING: Well, certainly this is what we’re trying to rectify, we’re trying to make sure that the traveling public either gets what they pay for or they get a refund. If someone wants to have a credit voucher then that it is an option that they have available but it has to be at, the travelling public, if that’s what you want and you want the voucher, then that’s what you get, but that can’t be the default. So that’s what this Charter of Rights lays out really clearly that if you need a refund and you want and refund, then that is what you should actually get, you shouldn’t get a flight credit that you may or may not be able to use later on, unless you want one. 

    JOURNALIST: Minster, on Sunrise this morning, this flight delays of three hours or more, what about for delays like say a Volcano in Bali or you know, this considered out of the airlines control will you expect refunds for cancellations or at least a some sort of hotel room or meal provided oin those circumstances?  

    CATHERINE KING: So, certainly refunds for cancellations is part of the charter of rights and that’s important. If a flight gets cancelled, those refunds are important. If you don’t get what you pay for, then you should get a refund, and that is very much part of the charter. In terms of the delay, really, uh, you know, there are delays that, of course, that are no fault of the airlines themselves. Really what this is about is where the airline is at fault, you know, had crewing issues or maintenance issues, or they’ve really not delivered what they should be delivering. Then, really, the next thing is to say can you rebook? how else can we travel? And if you can’t do any of those things, being able to get a refund for your flight or getting your meals and your accommodation paid if you’re not at your home port. 

    JOURNALIST: Arguable you’ve got bigger airlines, Virgin and Qantas, [indistinct]… do you think that legislation like this might create a barrier for new airlines entering the market? 

    CATHERINE KING: No, I think that any new airline entering the market really should take into account what they are supposed to do under Australian Consumer Law. People do have substantial rights under Australian Consumer Law. What this draft charter is doing is codifying that, is putting that down in writing, so that people have a much better understanding of it. And of course, any new entrant it has to comply with that law. 

    JOURNALIST: So far have you had any feedback from the airlines? 

    CATHERINE KING: Well, we are just releasing it today. I’m sure they’ll have plenty to say. I’m sure the airports will have plenty to say, but at the end of the day, this is about the travelling public and improving the experience for everybody. 

    JOURNALIST: How much can you estimate this will cost the airlines annually?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, we don’t know, hopefully it costs them nothing because they actually deliver the service that people pay for and that’s what really this is about improving the experience of the travelling public, and if nothing goes wrong, then it’s not you know, their fault, then they won’t have to pay for it. And so that’s what this is really about –  improving the experience of the travelling public. And again, as I said, you know, we’ve had this is the single biggest reform, we’ve had to the aviation sector. Our demand management system at Sydney Airport, the slots reforms there, and this ombudsman scheme, really is a significant reform and it should improve the services that people are experiencing going forward. 

    JOURNALIST: And what lost luggage? 

    CATHERINE KING: Yeah, well, certainly in terms of luggage that is one of the rights that is part of the charter, and I encourage people to have a look at it and again, [indistinct]. So sometimes you have delayed luggage, your luggage, they can’t find where it is, so you might have some costs that are incurred having to buy some toiletries so that you can actually get through the next day or so. So, getting a refund or getting money back for those, but also making sure that you are fairly refunded or compensated for the luggage if it’s lost for good and that is very much part of the consumer rights charter that we’re putting forward at the moment and again encourage people to have a look at that and give us feedback as to whether that goes far enough. 

    JOURNALIST: Apologies, I haven’t read the paper… 

    CATHERINE KING: [laughs] I certainly have read it, yes, I’ve read it extensively. 

    JOURNALIST: Will there be any scope in here for how loyalty programs are managed? 

    CATHERINE KING: It doesn’t cover so much loyalty programs. Again, there are significant rights that people have under consumer law in relation to those. That certainly has been an area of some contention as well. Uh, but again, this is a draft, it’s out for consultation and we’re happy to have a look at whether there is broader things that needs to be picked up in the charter, or there needs to be something else that the ombudsperson looks at more broadly as part of those flight incentives as well. 

    JOURNALIST: I’ve just got a few more questions about two unrelated matters, first of all, have you heard the latest about the ADF flights out of Vanuatu? 

    CATHERINE KING: Yes, so certainly we’ve already repatriated 568 people out of Vanuatu. There are two more flights today, more RAF flights out of Port Vila today, and commercial flights are restarting as well. So options for people to get home continue. Obviously, it continues to be a difficult circumstance on the ground there, but really that’s what we’ve done, so there are two more flights out of Port Vila today and commercial flights are commencing as well. We’ve already repatriated 568 people. We’ve also announced a further $5 million of humanitarian assistance on top of the two million that’s already been there, but, you know, we’re in there for the long haul. This is a really important, one of our important Pacific neighbours and we want to make sure that we do everything we can to help them recover. 

    JOURNALIST: And looking a bit closer to home, obviously, there’s a bushfire emergency into Grampians at the moment. Can you say at this stage what Federal support is available to people who are evacuating or who might be spending weeks away from home?

    CATHERINE KING: At the moment we’re really in the emergency phase. There’s an emergency warning, obviously for Grampians fire and a watch and act in Pomonal. These are communities that we’re hit very hard in February Pomonal, in particular. We’ll let the emergency services agencies do their work at the moment, in fighting the fires. This is going to be something that is quite difficult, but Minister McAllister will have a bit more to say when we are working with the Victorian state government about what emergency services and relief will be put in place fairly quickly for people. But right at the moment it’s really the emergency situation just trying to make sure we keep people safe. I do want to give a shout out to our emergency services personnel, from our firefighters in the air to those that are on the ground, really doing an amazing job, to our relief services, there’s relief centres at Stawell, at Ararat and I believe one opening up at Kyneton shortly. Just doing an amazing job and I want to thank them and say, please stay safe everyone. Take head of the emergency warnings. It is absolutely critical that you do so. Leave if leaving is your best option and leave if they tell you to leave. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Search continues for Maia Johnston

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are still actively searching for 19-year-old Maia Johnston, who is missing from Totara Park, Upper Hutt.

    Maia was last seen leaving a family home in Totara Park at around 8.30pm yesterday (Saturday 21 December).

    Previously, Police asked for residents in the Totara Park, Upper Hutt area to share any CCTV footage they might have.

    We are now expanding this request and are asking for anyone in the vicinity of Harcourt Park and Brown Owl, as well as those in Totara Park, to review their CCTV for any sightings of Maia after 8:15 PM last night.

    We believe that Maia was wearing a black cardigan or light top, short shorts, and black and white converse shoes.

    Police continue to search this evening. 

    Residents of Totara Park may see a drone in the air behind the houses on the northern end of Totara Park and should not be alarmed, as this is part of the search.

    If you have any information or CCTV footage that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105. Please use the reference number 241222/0237.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China mulls law revision to foster fair market environment

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Chinese lawmakers are considering a draft revision to the Anti-Unfair Competition Law, which is expected to foster a fair market environment for business entities.
    The draft revision was submitted on Saturday to the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the national legislature, for deliberation.
    This is the third major revision of the law since its promulgation in 1993.
    The draft revision focuses on clarifying the general requirements for anti-unfair competition, refining regulations to address unfair practices, and strengthening enforcement and penalty measures, thus fostering a favorable institutional environment that enables fair competition for various market players.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s top legislature convenes standing committee session

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presides over the first plenary meeting of the 13th session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Tao)
    China’s top legislature on Saturday started a regular session to review a raft of bills including law drafts and reports.
    Zhao Leji, chairman of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presided over the first plenary meeting of the committee’s 13th session.
    Lawmakers reviewed a draft value-added tax law, a draft national park law, a draft law on the publicity and education regarding the rule of law, a draft private sector promotion law, and a draft hazardous chemicals safety law.
    They deliberated a draft amendment to the law on people’s congress deputies, a draft amendment to the supervision law, a draft revision to science and technology popularization law, a draft revision to the anti-unfair competition law, and a draft revision to the fisheries law.
    Lawmakers also reviewed a draft decision on convening the third session of the 14th NPC, reports on the handling of the suggestions, criticisms and comments submitted by lawmakers at the second session of the 14th NPC, a deputy qualification report, and personnel-related bills, among others. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing symposium discusses legal protection for autistic individuals

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Signage at an autism legislation symposium in Beijing, Dec. 20, 2024. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]
    A symposium focused on advancing the enactment and implementation of autism-related laws and regulations was held in Beijing on Friday. The China Legal Exchange Foundation (CLEF) and Beijing Highking Law Firm hosted the event, gathering experts from the legislative, judicial, education and social service sectors to discuss building a more inclusive society for people with autism.
    Zhang Mingqi, vice president and secretary-general of the China Law Society, highlighted the urgency of this initiative. He referenced the decision from the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China to improve the social security and service systems for people with disabilities.
    “China has over 13 million individuals with autism,” Zhang said. “The challenges they face are multifaceted, spanning access to education, health care and employment, as well as long-term structural issues like social integration and support. This makes the creation of autism-specific laws and regulations both critical and urgent.”
    He advocated for an inclusive judicial system with protective measures for individuals with autism in legal proceedings, calling for increased policy support across multiple sectors.
    CLEF Chairwoman Zhang Suofei emphasized the symposium’s role in facilitating professional exchange. She expressed hope that it would advance autism-related legislation and create a friendlier, more inclusive social environment where individuals with autism can live with equality and dignity.
    Zhang Qinghua, director of Beijing Highking Law Firm, discussed the firm’s two decades of public welfare work and its commitment to supporting the autism community through legal advocacy and public interest initiatives.

    Participants attend an autism legislation symposium in Beijing, Dec. 20, 2024. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]
    Zhang Junru, founder of the Golden Wings Rehabilitation Center, shared the organization’s achievements in empowering autistic youth through art and physical rehabilitation over 14 years. Since its founding in 2010, Golden Wings has developed a unique teaching system that combines art and sports to build confidence and a sense of accomplishment among its participants.
    The center provides instruction in painting, music, calligraphy, fitness, basketball and climbing. Participants’ artwork has been converted into postcards, calendars, stickers and silk scarves, generating 1.34 million yuan ($183,649.68) in supplemental income for families.
    Golden Wings has helped 1,425 young people with autism develop their artistic abilities, with 523 winning awards at home and abroad. The center has mounted exhibitions in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Japan and seven Chinese cities, displaying 11,888 paintings to over 100,000 visitors.
    Experts from Peking University, Beijing Normal University and the Beijing Financial and Tax Law Society joined an Australian autism behavior therapist to offer recommendations for protecting the rights of people with autism.
    The symposium marked the official launch of the Starlight Rights and Interests Fund under the CLEF. The fund, initiated by Beijing Highking Law Firm, will support autism research, public welfare activities and legislative efforts while raising public awareness.

    Golden Wings students’ artwork is displayed at a charity auction during an autism legislation symposium in Beijing, Dec. 20, 2024. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]
    The event concluded with a charity auction of paintings by Golden Wings students. Proceeds will support the center’s rehabilitation programs.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Whitehorse — Ongoing police incident occurring in the Porter Creek subdivision area

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Please be advised there is an ongoing incident occurring in the Porter Creek subdivision area. Police are asking that Tamarack Street residents to stay inside and shelter in place. Do not travel in the area of Hickory and Tamarack Streets. Updates will be provided as available.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Murder charge laid in relation to Gisborne homicide

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Please attribute to Detective Inspector David de Lange of Eastern District Police:

    A woman has been arrested in relation to the murder of Wayne Dewes in Gisborne in October.

    Police were called about 4.20am on 28 October after Mr Dewes was rushed to hospital with severe injuries, dying a short time later.

    A homicide investigation was launched and now a 27-year-old woman has been charged with murder.

    She is due to appear in Gisborne District Court today, Monday 23 December.

    We are pleased to have made an arrest in this case, and hope it brings some sense of reassurance to whānau and the wider community.

    Police would like to extend our thanks to those members of the public who have come forward with information.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lower Post, B.C. — Watson Lake RCMP and BC Coroners Service investigating a death

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Watson Lake RCMP is investigating the death of a man in Lower Post, British Columbia.

    On October 28, 2024, at approximately 10:30 am Watson lake RCMP were notified that a body had been located on the bank of the Liard River in Lower Post. Initial investigation suggests the man may have been there for some time.

    RCMP are working with the BC Coroners Service to determine the identity of the deceased.

    Police ask that if anyone has information in the community, to please contact Watson Lake RCMP Detachment at 867-536-5555.

    Any media questions regarding the investigation can be directed to the BC Coroners Service.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Have you seen Jazz?

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are appealing for any sightings of 13-year-old Jazz after being reported missing in Paraparaumu this morning.

    Jazz was last seen at his home address at around 2am, and is believed to be wearing a black hoodie, dark green jacket and may have a green backpack.

    It is believed that Jazz may have travelled to the Upper Hutt area.

    Police and Jazz’s family are concerned for his welfare and would like to see him return home.

    If you have seen Stanley or may have information that can assist Police in locating him, please contact us on 105.

    Please use the reference number P061041676.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Drive safely this summer

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is urging Kiwis to drive safely this summer and reminding motorists that Police will be out in force to enforce the road rules, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.

    “This time of year can be stressful and result in poor decision-making on our roads. Whether you are travelling to see loved ones, embarking on a road trip with friends, or exploring all that New Zealand has to offer, please take care and drive responsibly,” Mr Brown says.

    “You can expect to see Police anywhere, anytime, on the road. They will be out to deter any dangerous behaviour that impacts the safety of road users including speeding and driver impairment, and ensuring road users are wearing their seatbelts. 

    “Drive to the conditions. Don’t put yourselves and others at risk. If you’re having a drink this holiday season, don’t drive.

    “Drunk and drugged drivers are the highest contributors to deaths on our roads, and the Government is focussed on increased enforcement and providing new tools to police to reduce alcohol and drug related deaths on our roads.”

    Over 850,000 more alcohol breath tests were undertaken on our roads in 2023/24 compared to the previous year with a new increased target set of 3.3 million alcohol breath tests and screenings per year. 

    “We know alcohol breath testing and drug testing are incredibly effective at saving lives. That is why we are prioritising road policing and enforcement to improve road safety,” Mr Brown says.

    The Government is also progressing legislation to enable roadside oral fluid drug testing to be rolled out in 2025. The oral fluid testing will give the Police the power to screen drivers for drugs at the roadside using oral fluid testing devices, similar to drink-driving enforcement.

    “Plan ahead. Check the weather conditions, determine where you’re going to have breaks, and ensure you’re not under the influence when you get behind the wheel,” Mr Brown says.

    The official 2024 Christmas New Year holiday period begins 4pm on Tuesday 24 December 2024 and ends 6am on Friday 3 January 2025.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Update Missing Person Located – Lake Burbury, Queenstown

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Update Missing Person Located – Lake Burbury, Queenstown

    Saturday, 21 December 2024 – 11:05 am.

    Police search efforts continued on Lake Burbury overnight with helicopters commencing an aerial search at day light.
    Police are pleased to advise that 75 year old Gormanstan man was located shortly after 9.30 am this morning with no significant injuries.
    We would like to thank the public for their assistance.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Dangerous Driving Incident- Youngtown/Launceston

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Dangerous Driving Incident- Youngtown/Launceston

    Saturday, 21 December 2024 – 4:26 pm.

    A 32-year old female from Longford has been arrested and detained for court following a dangerous driving incident in Launceston today.
    At approximately 1.40pm, police received numerous calls from the public in relation to a female driving dangerously in a white Hyundai i30 (registration FS8735). The woman drove in a dangerous manner through Youngtown, Kings Meadows, and Prospect and crashed into another vehicle before being intercepted by police. The woman is currently disqualified from driving.
    The woman was subjected to alcohol and drug testing and detained for court. The woman is facing numerous driving, drug, and property charges.
    The woman’s vehicle has been seized for an indefinite period.
    Anyone with information about a white Hyundai i30 (FS8735) being driven in the Launceston area on the 21/12/2024 is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously. Reference ESCAD 000219-21122024.

    MIL OSI News –