Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and Employment – New Dunedin hospital petition: Southerners need tertiary level care

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    The Government will today be urged to ensure the new Dunedin hospital provides crucial tertiary level health services for the Southern region in a petition being handed over at Parliament today.
    Tertiary level health services are specialised and lifesaving care such as surgery and lifesaving and cancer treatments. The current Dunedin Hospital which provides a range of these specialist services to patients throughout Otago and the South Island is in a state of disrepair.
    The 34,406-signature petition from the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki O Aotearoa calls for the new hospital to be fully funded as planned after the Coalition Government in September said it would be scaled back to reduce costs.
    The proposed downgrades are a false economy, says NZNO delegate Linda Smillie.
    “A scaled back hospital will increase costs over the long term because it will reduce the clinical capacity to care for an increasingly aging population.
    “Nurses will not be able to provide the appropriate level of care their patients need. This will lead to patient harm and loss of life.”
    The Coalition Government must fund the full new hospital as was promised, Linda Smillie says.
    “Southerners deserve more than half a hospital or a slow rebuild of the old hospital.”
    • NZNO representatives will be at Parliament at 12:30 with the Dunedin City Council delegation led by Mayor Jules Radich.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: BusinessNZ – Small business welcome new procurement rules

    Source: BusinessNZ

    Small businesses will welcome the Government’s firm direction to government agencies to pay their bills on time, BusinessNZ says.
    Chief Executive Katherine Rich says many businesses supply goods and services to government agencies and can experience hardship from late payment times.
    “Businesses can look forward to their invoices being paid within 10 business days, given explicit requirements now placed on government agencies.”
    Mrs Rich also welcomed the Government’s intention to require government agencies to use e-invoicing from 2026.
    “BusinessNZ has consistently advocated for improvements to procurement practices, and we are grateful for this e-invoicing requirement and other planned changes to the Procurement Rules.”
    The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Entrepreneur, Gender-Equity Advocate to Discuss How Women Can Move from the Sidelines to the C-Suite

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Any company that strives to be profitable and successful needs to include women and other diverse representatives in its leadership. Yet even in the most forward-focused organizations, women may still face obstacles to inclusion.

    Sameer Somal, a tech entrepreneur and the co-founder of Girl Power Talk and Girl Power USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping you women become leaders in business and society, will share his experiences and perspective on empowering women during the next Equity Now presentation on Nov. 19. The event is sponsored by School of Business.

    “If you look at society for the last 1,000 years, women have too often been sidelined from positions of leadership. Yet studies have repeatedly shown that when women are added to the C-Suite and to Boards of Directors, those companies outperform their peers,’’ Somal said.

    “I want business students to be aware that investing in and supporting women is not a trend or a fad, but something that can help your company reach its full potential,’’ he said.
    His presentation, “Empowering Girls and Women in Organizations: A Conversation with Sameer Somal,” begins at noon on Nov. 19. The program is available via livestream. To register, please visit the registration page.

    Women Walk a Tightrope of Expectations

    Somal is the CEO and co-Founder of Blue Global Technology, focused on digital transformation, risk management, and technology development. Raised by a progressive father, and inspired by a friend, he began a journey to help girls and women advance in both business and society.

    He will discuss how his organization inspires young women to be their best in their personal and professional lives, and how passionate engagement with girls today empowers them to build a career full of purpose.

    Somal will also discuss the obstacles that women and other diverse employees face in the workplace, including how corporate structure has historically been designed to keep women out; hiring and promotion processes that favor men; and adverse institutional mindsets about who qualifies for certain roles, particularly in leadership.

    Even today, women often walk a tightrope of expectations, he said. They are expected to exhibit assertiveness, independence, and dominance but still convey sensitivity and compassion.

    “While both gender-specific roles and traits are dated concepts, female leaders often have to strike a hard balance to be seen as worthy, adding to the pressure that leadership brings with it,’’ he said.

    Finally, women face ‘affinity bias’ in the workplace. Most corporate decisionmakers are still men, and affinity bias can lead them to consciously or unconsciously hire and promote people who are like them, he said.

    Somal is a member of the Board of Directors of Future Business Leaders or America, the Abraham Lincoln Association, the Academy of Legal Studies in Business and the American Bar association. A graduate of Georgetown University, he has held leadership roles at Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, and Scotiabank before creating his own company.

    Series Brings Business Expectations into Sharp Focus

    The 2024-25 Equity Now series began in October with a presentation by Lauren Cleary, an ethics and compliance professional at Patagonia, who spoke about the importance of privacy in organizations.

    “Each speaker in the Equity Now speaker series brings their own unique perspective on how legal and ethical issues are deeply intertwined in both business and society,’’ said business law professor Robert Bird, who spearheads the programs.

    “For an organization to be truly successful, it must meet, if not exceed, the expectations of stakeholders in the society in which it conducts business,’’ he said. “The Equity Now speaker series brings those expectations into clear focus through the expert academics and practitioners that are invited to share their ideas.’’

    The Equity Now series features expert insight on how law and policy can create diversity, equity and fairness in both organizations and society. The UConn program is conducted in affiliation with the Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Virginia Tech, Indiana, Boston and Temple universities.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Adam Ferrari and Phoenix Capital Group Sponsor STEM and Mental Health Initiatives with West Point Society of North Texas

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Adam Ferrari, CEO of Phoenix Capital Group, announced a $2,000 sponsorship in collaboration with The West Point Society of North Texas to advance STEM education and mental health resources within the region. This sponsorship reflects Ferrari’s dedication to supporting impactful community programs that align with Phoenix Capital Group’s mission of giving back through education and well-being initiatives.

    Founded in 2019, Phoenix Capital Group Holdings, LLC is a leading oil and gas mineral rights acquisition and investment firm dedicated to discovering untapped value for landowners across the United States. As a technology-driven organization, Phoenix Capital Group specializes in mineral acquisitions and investment opportunities.

    The West Point Society of North Texas, composed of USMA graduates, is committed to building leaders of character through its focus on leadership, ethics, and STEM education. A portion of the sponsorship will fund the Society’s Leadership Ethics and Diversity in STEM (LEADS) Workshop, which prepares 7th-12th grade students to become STEM-competent leaders through hands-on activities led by West Point cadets, faculty, and subject matter experts. Students will also have the opportunity to compete for over $5,000 in scholarships, further encouraging excellence and leadership.

    “Through this partnership, we are proud to support future leaders and extend opportunities to underrepresented populations in North Texas,” said Adam Ferrari. “Phoenix Capital Group is committed to investing in communities and ensuring access to education and resources that foster both personal and academic growth.”

    In addition to promoting STEM learning, the event also raised funds for Compassion Neuroscience, an organization offering electromagnetic therapy to heal neurological pathways. This cutting-edge treatment provides relief to individuals struggling with conditions such as PTSD and postpartum depression, ensuring a positive impact across diverse populations, including active and retired service members.

    Phoenix Capital Group’s sponsorship highlights its ongoing efforts to enhance community well-being through strategic philanthropy. “Whether through educational or mental health support, we are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals,” Ferrari emphasized.

    Altogether, the charity event successfully raised more than $40,000, which will be directed toward providing crucial support for both STEM students and Compassion Neuroscience.

    About Phoenix Capital Group
    Phoenix Capital Group Holdings, LLC is dedicated to promoting meaningful community engagement and fostering positive change through strategic philanthropy. Specializing in oil and gas mineral rights acquisition, investment, and operated working interests, Phoenix Capital Group partners with landowners across the country to uncover hidden value and maximize their assets.

    Under the leadership of CEO Adam Ferrari, Phoenix Capital Group supports a variety of initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and enhancing communities. With over 60 years of combined experience in the energy sector, the company is not only committed to delivering innovative solutions but also to investing in the future by supporting and equipping the next generation of STEM leaders.

    Contact:
    Name: Brynn Ferrari
    Email: PublicRelations@phxcapitalgroup.com
    Organization: Phoenix Capital Group Holdings, LLC
    Address: 18575 Jamboree Road, Suite 830, Irvine, CA 92612
    Phone: 303-376-9778
    Website: https://www.phxcapitalgroup.com/

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier meets with Mongolian PM in Shanghai

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene, who is in China to attend the seventh China International Import Expo, in east China’s Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    SHANGHAI, Nov. 5 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday met with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene, who is in Shanghai to attend the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE).

    Li said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China and Mongolia have maintained sound, stable momentum in their bilateral relations in recent years. China values its friendly cooperation with Mongolia highly, and considers Mongolia a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, he noted.

    He said that both sides should implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state to deepen practical cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples.

    Li noted that China will synergize its development strategy with Mongolia further, step up trade and investment cooperation, and enhance cooperation on infrastructure construction in such areas as port connectivity, mining and hydropower stations.

    The premier encouraged both sides to tap into the cooperation potential of emerging industries such as the high-tech and green development sectors, and support more capable Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Mongolia.

    China will work with Mongolia and other Asian countries in the pursuit of peace, solidarity and cooperation, and enhance exchange and coordination within the frameworks of multilateral mechanisms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

    Oyun-Erdene said that Mongolia abides firmly by the one-China policy, and is willing to maintain mutual respect and support on issues bearing on each other’s core interests.

    Mongolia stands ready to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China in such areas as energy, urban planning and desertification control, and explore cooperation in new fields including artificial intelligence, green development and human resources, he said.

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene, who is in China to attend the seventh China International Import Expo, in east China’s Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier meets Serbian PM

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, who is in China to attend the 7th China International Import Expo, in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    SHANGHAI, Nov. 5 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic in Shanghai on Tuesday, who is here to attend the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE).

    Noting that China always attaches great importance to its relations with Serbia, Li said that China stands ready to work with Serbia to further implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, maintain close strategic communication, deepen political mutual trust, firmly support each other’s core interests and major concerns, take bilateral cooperation in various fields to a new level, and advance the building of a China-Serbia community with a shared future in a new era with high quality.

    Li said that China is willing to work with Serbia to strengthen the docking of development strategies, jointly implement the China-Serbia free trade agreement, build and operate key cooperation projects, accelerate cooperation in green, digital and artificial intelligence innovation areas, and achieve more mutually beneficial and win-win results.

    It is hoped that Serbia will continue to provide a sound business environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Serbia, Li said, adding that the two sides should further deepen exchanges and cooperation on culture, tourism, education, sports, media and youth to consolidate popular support for building a China-Serbia community with a shared future.

    Vucevic said Serbia firmly abides by the one-China principle, appreciates China for its firm support on issues concerning Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and looks forward to closer exchanges with China, well implementing the bilateral free trade agreement under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, deepening practical cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, education, science and technology, medical and health care, transportation and agriculture, and strengthening people-to-people exchanges.

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, who is in China to attend the 7th China International Import Expo, in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier meets Malaysian PM in Shanghai

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is in China to attend the seventh China International Import Expo, in east China’s Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    SHANGHAI, Nov. 5 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met on Tuesday with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is in Shanghai to attend the 7th China International Import Expo.

    Li said that China-Malaysia relations have entered a new stage of historical development and are moving steadily toward the goal of building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

    He said that China is ready to work with Malaysia to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, uphold mutual respect and mutual trust, treat each other as equals and cooperate for win-win results, working together to achieve common development and prosperity of the two countries.

    Li said China is willing to continue with firmly supporting each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns, strengthening the docking of development strategies and the exchange of experience in governance, improving the layout of cooperation in various fields, and boosting the modernization process of the two countries with high-level strategic cooperation.

    He called on the two sides to steadily advance flagship projects such as the East Coast Rail Link and the Malaysia-China “Two Countries, Twin Parks,” tap into the cooperation potential in emerging areas, and constantly expand new space for cooperation.

    China will continue to promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning with Malaysia, strengthen cooperation on education and visa facilitation, and encourage the two peoples, especially the youth, to visit each other more often to enhance mutual understanding and friendship, he said.

    Li said China will strongly support Malaysia in assuming the rotating presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year, and is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Malaysia within China-ASEAN and other multilateral frameworks to jointly advance regional economic integration, safeguard ASEAN centrality and safeguard the peaceful development of Asia.

    Anwar noted that China is Malaysia’s good friend and good partner. Malaysia is willing to deepen Belt and Road cooperation with China, promote cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, digital economy and education, and enhance people-to-people exchanges, he added.

    Malaysia supports China in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, said Anwar.

    He noted that as the rotating presidency of ASEAN next year, Malaysia will take this opportunity to enhance coordination with China on international and regional issues.

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is in China to attend the seventh China International Import Expo, in east China’s Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Ministers Joly, Ng and Hussen to attend the Canada-African Union Commission High-Level Dialogue

    Source: Government of Canada News

    November 5, 2024 –The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development and The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, will attend the Second Canada-African Union Commission High-Level Dialogue in Toronto. As part of this meeting the Ministers will engage with members of the African Union Commission, including Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, with the aim of building stronger, expanded and more visible partnerships. The Ministers will also make an announcement related to the Government of Canada’s engagement on the continent.

    November 5, 2024 –The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development and The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, will attend the Second Canada-African Union Commission High-Level Dialogue in Toronto. As part of this meeting the Ministers will engage with members of the African Union Commission, including Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, with the aim of building stronger, expanded and more visible partnerships. The Ministers will also make an announcement related to the Government of Canada’s engagement on the continent.   

    Family photo and Memorandum of Understanding singing ceremony 

    Date: November 7th, 2024
    Time: 9:00 am EST 
    Location: Toronto, Ontario 

    Notes: This event will be open to media for photos and b-roll only. Media representatives who wish to attend the event must arrive by 8:30 am EST.

    Joint Ministerial media availability 

    Date:  November 7th, 2024 
    Time: 1:30 pm EST  
    Location: Toronto, Ontario 

    Notes: Media representatives who wish to attend the event must arrive by 1:00 pm EST. 

    Evening reception opening remarks

    Date:  November 7th, 2024 
    Time: 6:00 pm EST  
    Location: Toronto, Ontario 

    Notes: The opening remarks at the evening reception will be open to media. Media representatives who wish to attend the event must arrive by 5:30 pm EST. 

    For all events noted above, media are asked to confirm their attendance by contacting media@international.gc.ca. The exact address will be shared following confirmation. 

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Unemployment rising under National

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Nicola Willis’ policies continue to slow the economy with more Kiwis out of work as a result.

    StatsNZ figures released today show unemployment is now at 4.8%. This means 148,000 people do not have a job in New Zealand.

    “Unemployment continues to increase under the fiscal mismanagement of Nicola Willis,” Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

    “The last time unemployment was this high was during the 2020 pandemic, before that in 2017 under another National Government. This disappointing record is what National will be remembered for.

    “National has failed to prioritise work and employment – the numbers speak for themselves. New Zealand has one of the highest rates of unemployment out of first world countries like Australia (4.1%) and Great Britain (4.2%).

    “But unemployment is much worse for Māori at 9.2%, and Pacific people at 9.9% This is a steep rise, and the impact this Government has had on Māori and Pacific people is disgraceful.

    “The Government can’t continue to say it is focused on getting people in to work when it is making decisions that are seeing more and more people unemployed, and more and more Kiwis leaving the country.

    “People are staying unemployed for longer, despite the sanctions National announced, which they claimed would prevent this from happening. I am concerned with the length of time people are out of work. For example, people who are unemployed for over six months to one year is up 53.2% to 32,500 compared to the same quarter last year.

    “Today’s numbers show the harm of Nicola Willis’ decisions. The number of people she is putting out of work could make up entire suburbs. The impact of this will be felt for generations,” Barbara Edmonds said.


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    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – The recession continues… with a triple trough – Kiwibank

    Source: Kiwibank
    Double-take! The Kiwi labour market is even weaker than the headline suggests. The devil is in the detail. Worker demand has waned, and unemployment is drifting higher.

    *       The unemployment rate rose to just 4.8% from 4.6%, slightly better than we and the market consensus had predicted. But it’s a result of a much sharper decline in labour force participation, from 71.7% to 71.2%. That in itself is a sign of a weak jobs market. Workers are now heading (or are forced) for the exits as demand wanes. 

    As StatsNZ comments “From the survey, some of the largest increases in those not in the labour force over the year came from people mainly engaged in leisure activities, studying or training, and taking care of themselves due to their own sickness, illness, injury, or disability.” 
    We’ve heard a lot about voluntary redundancies, migrants struggling to find work, and some going back to Uni and other reasons. The fall in participation appears to have been concentrated within the younger cohort (15-24years). 
    Almost 60k more people were classified as ‘not in the labour force’ over the past year. So don’t be fooled by the stronger headline print (unemployment rate). Worker demand is waning, with employment contracting 0.5% over the quarter, and down 0.4% on the year – the first since September 2012, and the deepest since the GFC. The Kiwi labour market is weakening.

    *       Wage inflation cooled faster than expected. Annual wage growth has slowed to 3.3%, moving further away from the 4.5% peak. A shrinking proportion are receiving a payrise, with fewer enjoying a 5% increase (from 32% to 27%). And a growing share are seeing no change in pay. Weaker wage inflation however is necessary to drive an easing in domestic inflation.

    *        The labour market has more catch up to do. We still see the unemployment rate on track to exceed 5% in the coming year – peeling further and further away from the 3.2% low. 

    We expect the unemployment rate to drift higher from here. By our calculations, it is still on track to hit around 5.5% next year. That’s some distance from the 3.2% low recorded in 2021. We attributed the initial rise in unemployment to fast-growing labour supply led by rising migration. 

    The level of employment has climbed to record highs, but growth was still not strong enough to keep pace with rapid population growth. Now, however, the increasing number of unemployed is due to a slowdown in hiring. And mounting job losses are a consequence of aggressive policy tightening pushing the economy into a downturn. 

    Today’s update was an important one ahead of the RBNZ’s policy update later this month. Despite a stronger headline number, the data is unlikely to skew the RBNZ’s thinking. Because the key takeaway is the same: the Kiwi labour market is weakening. A further relaxation in monetary policy settings is needed. The labour market has crumbled under the weight of the RBNZ’s heavy-handed interest rate hikes. And it’s only the beginning. 

    Like the RBNZ, we forecast a further increase in the unemployment rate next year. 
    But it’s important for the RBNZ to stay ahead of any further labour market slowing by proceeding with rate cuts sooner rather than later. With the 2% target inflation rate well within reach, we believe the RBNZ needs to get the cash rate below 4% ASAP. We continue to expect a 50bp cut at the RBNZ’s final meeting for the year. And potentially a third 50bp cut in February.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Offenders caught after aggravated robbery with machete

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    At about 6am this morning, four people armed with a large machete and other weapons entered the Te Ngai Road Caltex Service Station in Owhata, Rotorua.

    They threatened a staff member, stole cash, vape products and cigarettes.

    The offenders then left in a stolen vehicle which they dumped nearby.

    After calls from the public alerting Police to the location of the vehicle, a police dog and handler tracked the offenders to a nearby address.

    Three youth offenders were arrested and are facing charges of aggravated robbery and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

    The offenders are from Hamilton and Rotorua. The property stolen has been recovered along with the weapons used in the incident.

    The vehicle used which was stolen from Hamilton overnight has been recovered and will be returned to its owner.

    Inspector Phil Gillbanks, Rotorua Area Prevention Manager says “Police would like to thank the members of the public who were alert enough to notice suspicious activity and call Police right away.

    We will not tolerate this behaviour and will take enforcement action where appropriate to keep our community safe. It is good to be able to recover the stolen items, including the vehicle used, and make these arrests.

    Let this be a reminder that Police will continue to hold to account, those offenders choosing to behave like this. It is very lucky no one was  injured.

    Like the witnesses did in this case, always call Police straight away on 111 if you see or suspect anything suspicious happening.”

    You can also make a report after the fact, using our 105 service, either by phone or online.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Exercise NZ – Movement In Movember: Urging Kiwi Men to Boost Health Through Physical Activity

    Source: Exercise New Zealand

    Movember is an annual campaign held each November to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. 

    While there is strong support for men to grow moustaches throughout the month to spark conversations around men’s health, Movember also promotes other health initiatives like the Move for Movember campaign, which encourages people to get active and raise awareness about the benefits of physical activity for mental and physical well-being.

    As Movember kicks off, Exercise New Zealand is emphasising the crucial role of regular physical activity in promoting men’s health, particularly in reducing the risk of prostate cancer and improving mental well-being. 

    Recent findings from ExerciseNZ’s 2024 consumer research reveal that mental health now rates as the second most important reason to exercise among men, following general health by only a few percent.
    Many men report that exercise not only enhances how they feel but that the social connections fostered in structured exercise programs offer additional mental health benefits. This aligns well with Movember’s focus on mental well-being and social support, underscoring the value of men talking openly about their challenges and supporting one another through physical activity.

    The Move for Movember campaign provides a supportive space where men can openly discuss their challenges while staying physically active. 

    The challenge—to walk 60 km throughout November—honours the 60 men who die by suicide each hour worldwide. 
    Walking just 90 minutes per week at a comfortable pace can help reduce fatigue, ease depression, and support a healthy body weight. 
    Whether it’s on a footpath, along the beach, or on a treadmill at the local gym, Movember encourages men to embrace the simplicity of walking for its wide-reaching benefits for mental and physical well-being.

    In addition, studies have also shown that men who engage in regular exercise have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer, especially aggressive forms of the disease. Urologist, Dr. Michael Johnson explained in John Hopkins Medicine that “Most likely, it’s not just the exercise that counts — it’s the subsequent weight loss that also makes a difference. Studies have linked obesity with particularly aggressive forms of prostate cancer”. 

    Furthermore, a study from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study found that men who exercised vigorously for three or more hours per week had a 61% reduction in the risk of prostate-specific death compared to those who exercised for less than one hour per week. 
    These studies highlight the importance of regular physical activity or exercise as a vital measure to help reduce the risk of certain cancer-related deaths.

    In summary, while growing moustaches is a hallmark of the campaign, Movember also champions physical activity through initiatives like Move for Movember. Exercise New Zealand supports this focus, highlighting the role of regular exercise in reducing cancer risks and improving mental health. 

    With research showing that mental well-being is a key reason men engage in physical activity, Movember creates space for open conversations and physical activity, reinforcing the benefits of an active lifestyle for both mental and physical health. 
    Exercise New Zealand is encouraging all men across Aotearoa to prioritise their health this Movember by incorporating regular physical activity into their routines.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI: STOCKHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Investigates the Merger of Nxu, Inc. – NXU

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered money for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2018-2022 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating Nxu, Inc., (NASDAQ: NXU), relating to a proposed merger with Verde Bioresins, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Nxu will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Verde in an all-stock transaction.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/nxu-inc-nxu/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: INVESTIGATION ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Investigates the Merger of GlycoMimetics, Inc. – GLYC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered money for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2018-2022 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating GlycoMimetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: GLYC), relating to a proposed merger with First Crescent Biopharma, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, the pre-acquisition GlycoMimetics stockholders are expected to own approximately 3.1% of the combined Company and the pre-acquisition Crescent stockholders (inclusive of those investors participating in the pre-closing financing) are expected to own approximately 96.9% of the company.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/glycomimetics-inc-glyc/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: SHAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Investigates the Merger of Altair Engineering Inc. – ALTR

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered money for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2018-2022 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating Altair Engineering Inc. (NASDAQ: ALTR), relating to a proposed merger with Siemens AG. Under the terms of the agreement Altair stockholders will receive $113.00 per share in cash.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/altair-engineering-inc-altr/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: SHAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Investigates the Merger of Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. – STAF

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered money for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2018-2022 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: STAF), relating to a proposed merger with Atlantic International Corp. Under the terms of the agreement, Staffing 360 shareholders will receive 1.202 Atlantic shares for each Staffing 360 share. Atlantic and Staffing 360 shareholders will own approximately 90% and 10%, respectively, of the combined company.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/staffing-360-solutions-inc-staf/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: SHAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Investigates the Merger of BM Technologies, Inc. – BMTX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered money for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2018-2022 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating BM Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BMTX), relating to a proposed merger with First Carolina Bank. Under the terms of the agreement, BM Technologies stockholders will receive $5.00 per share in cash per share of BM Technologies common stock.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/bm-technologies-inc-bmtx/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £1.2 million to boost rural transport in the UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Winning projects use the latest innovations to help meet the unique transport needs of people who live in rural areas.

    • eight projects awarded £150,000 each to better connect rural communities
    • winning projects include digital tools that support patients and staff to travel to NHS hospitals
    • funding will enhance travel for rural residents, while delivering greener transport technologies

    People living in rural areas could benefit from smoother and more frequent transport, thanks to government funding announced today (6 November 2025).

    Small businesses have won a share of £1.2 million as part of the Rural Transport Accelerator Fund, which supports the development of innovative concepts that will improve rural transport, in partnership with local authorities. The scheme aims to boost the wellbeing of communities, support rural jobs and kickstart local economies.

    Winners include a digital tool to predict rural transport demand and deliver on-demand services, as well as a journey mapping tool to support health providers in delivering hospital transport for patients.

    The 8 projects, which have won £150,000 each, are spread across the UK’s rural areas and will be trialled from Norfolk to Herefordshire and Suffolk to south east Scotland.

    Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:

    People who live in rural areas have unique needs when it comes to transport and we’re always looking for ways to improve connections across the country.

    Through our funding, these projects will shake up the way rural transport is delivered, using the latest innovations to help residents see their friends and family, do their weekly food shop or attend hospital appointments.

    The winning projects include:

    • You.Smart.Thing – development of a digital tool to offer shared, demand responsive or community transport options for those without car access, trialled in Warwickshire
    • UrbanTide – mapping rural hospital patient journeys to identify barriers to accessing health services in rural areas and support health providers in enhancing rural transport services, trialled near Fife
    • Alchera Technologies – use of data insights to create a behavioural travel model to help local authorities with rural mobility decision making, trialled in Norfolk County Council
    • Civil Water Management – installation of new drainage systems using recycled car tyres to aid safer cycling along flood-prone sections of cycle routes, trialled in Milton Keynes County Council

    This year’s scheme called for solutions to a number of challenges that rural areas face:

    • the importance of rural roads for everyday journeys
    • driving towards a sustainable future
    • enabling innovation in rural mobility
    • advancements in agricultural transportation
    • open challenge – building communities and enabling adoption of technology in rural areas

    The grant is delivered in collaboration with the Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation accelerator for cities, transport and place leadership

    Connected Places Catapult’s Chief Executive Officer, Erika Lewis, said:

    I am delighted to welcome 8 exciting companies onto the Rural Transport Accelerator.

    Their innovations and technologies promise to make a real impact for people living in rural areas, and I look forward to following their progress through the programme over the coming months.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Better Care for Mental Health Patients Under Major Reforms

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Mental Health Act reformed to improve treatment of patients and address disparities

    • Outdated Mental Health Act modernised to better support patients, treat them more humanely, and address disparities

    • Reforms will introduce statutory care and treatment plans, end the use of police and prison cells to place people experiencing a mental health crisis, and end the inappropriate detention of autistic people and people with learning disabilities

    • Greater involvement of patients, families and carers will improve treatment whilst protecting patients, staff and the wider public

    New laws will give patients sectioned under the Mental Health Act more dignity and say over their care in long-awaited updates to be introduced in Parliament today (Wednesday, 6 November).

    Currently, outdated laws do not meet modern standards and fail to give patients an adequate voice. For example, individuals experiencing severe mental illness can be placed in police cells, and the law automatically gives a patient’s nearest relative – rather than the person of their choosing such as a partner – a say in decisions about their care.

    Black people are over three times more likely to be detained under the Act, whilst those with a learning disability and autistic people are also found to be inappropriately sectioned. Patients currently have little say over their care and treatment should they be detained, or over who should be involved in making decision related to their care, such as family members and carers. 

    The new Mental Health Bill addresses the significant changes in attitudes towards mental illness since the original Act was passed, recognising outdated laws around the treatment of people in a mental health crisis are no longer tolerable. Modernising the Bill was a manifesto commitment and will reform the existing Mental Health Act to make it fit for purpose, improving patients’ experiences of hospital and mental health outcomes, while also introducing stronger protections for patients, staff and the general public.

    This includes making it a legal requirement for each patient to have ‘care and treatment plans’ tailored and shaped by their individual needs that will make clear what is needed to progress them to discharge. The Bill will also give patients the right to elect a person to represent their interests and greater access to advocacy when they are detained. Together, these reforms will make it more likely for patients to stay in contact with health services and continue to engage with treatment.

    As well as ensuring patients have a voice in their care, the reforms also recognise the critical role that families and carers can play in keeping patients safe – providing insight and knowledge of a patient’s wishes and preferences and an understanding of what keeps them safe – including when a patient is too unwell to express this themselves. The Bill will strengthen the rights of families and carers through changes to the Nominated Person role, and require clinicians to consult with others close to the patient as they make decisions around their care where appropriate or where the patient wishes.  

    Police and prison cells will also no longer be used to place people experiencing a mental health crisis, as well as creating more space for police forces to hold criminal suspects. Instead, patients will be supported to access a suitable healthcare facility that will better support their needs.

    The Mental Health Act is vital to keeping people safe when necessary. It will continue to provide clinicians with the powers to admit and treat people if they become a risk to themselves or others.

    Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said:

    Our outdated mental health system is letting down some of the most vulnerable people in our society, and is in urgent need of reform.

    The treatment of autistic people and people with learning disabilities, and the way in which black people are disproportionately targeted by the act should shame us all.

    By bringing the Mental Health Act in line with the 21st Century, we will make sure patients are treated with dignity and respect and the public are kept safe.

    Safety is paramount, which is why the Bill also includes measures to ensure patients, staff and the general public are better protected. The Bill will improve decision making around detention, discharge, care and treatment. As part of this, the Bill will introduce a new requirement for the Responsible Clinician to consult another person before they discharge a patient. Increased access to second opinion doctors will help ensure care is appropriate, compassionate and effective. Discharge processes will also be reviewed more broadly and will include a safety management plan for the patient, to keep themselves and other safe.  

    Claire Murdoch, NHS National Mental Health Director, said:

    This new Mental Health Act is a once in a generation opportunity to ensure that patients experiencing serious mental illness and crises receive safe, modern, evidence-based care, and that the needs and wishes of patients and their loved ones are central to care and better mental health outcomes.

    This comes alongside the NHS’s work to transform mental health services – either through intervening earlier with hundreds of NHS teams working in schools, or trialling new 24/7 crisis mental health hubs to prevent people needing hospital care in the first place, and if an admission to hospital is needed the health service is working with local services to ensure this is delivered in a safe and therapeutic environment close to people’s homes.

    Lord Timpson, Minister for Prisons and Probation, said: 

    This Bill will rightly end the use of prison cells for people who need care under the Mental Health Act and ensure they get the urgent specialist help they need.

    It will also mean prisoners requiring mental health hospital treatment are transferred quicker, and builds on our ongoing work to ensure prisons make better citizens and not better criminals.

    Whilst there have been decreases in the number of detentions from 2021/22 and 2022/23, latest data from NHS England shows an increase in 2023/24 with 22,000 people subject to the Act as of September.

    An independent review of the Mental Health Act, chaired by Professor Sir Simon Wessely, President of the Royal Society of Medicine, and commissioned by former Prime Minister Theresa May in 2017, found rising rates of detention under the Act, racial disparities, poor patient experience especially for autistic people and those with a learning disability.    

    For those with a learning disability or autistic people, the Act will be amended to place a limit of 28 days for which they can be detained unless they have a co-occuring mental health condition.

    Professor Sir Simon Wessely, Chair of the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act, said:

    I am delighted that at long last a new Mental Health Act bill is to go before Parliament. No one doubts that it is time to modernise our legislation, in order to achieve the goal of reducing coercion and increasing choice for those who suffer from the most severe mental illnesses.

    Our reforms will achieve that by ensuring better treatment and discharge planning with more family involvement, replacing outdated Victorian rules, and by reforming community treatment orders tackle unacceptable ethnic differences. Most of all ensuring that more attention is given to patient preferences will improve compliance with essential treatment, reduce coercion, whilst still protecting the public where necessary.

    Reforms in the Mental Health Bill aim to improve patient experiences, choice and autonomy as well as tackling racial discrimination and better supporting those with learning disabilities.

    This includes:

    • Increase the frequency of clinical reviews, to better ensure that the treatment patients receive is appropriate

    • Update the use of Community Treatment Orders, so that they are only used when appropriate and proportionate

    • Limit the length of time that people with a learning disability and/or autistic people can be detained under the Act, if they do not have a co-occurring mental disorder that needs hospital treatment and have not committed a criminal offence

    • End the use of police and prison cells for detaining someone experiencing a mental health crisis instead of getting them access to a facility where they can get the proper support, such as a hospital

    • Speed up transfers from prison to hospital by limiting the time it can take to transfer prisoners who need treatment in a mental health hospital to a maximum of 28 days

    The action follows the introduction of one of the world’s first all-hours mental health crisis support service in August through NHS 111. The government also announced £26 million will be invested to open new mental health crisis centres as part of last week’s Budget, with extra funding also secured to provide talking therapies to an extra 380,000 patients.

    For people who need support at A&E, every emergency department in England now also has a liaison psychiatric team available to offer specialist care. 

    A full list of mental health support options is available via the NHS.uk website. The service is also suitable for deaf people, with tailored services available via the NHS 111 website.

    Commenting on the announcement, Mark Rowland, Chief Executive at the Mental Health Foundation, said:

    These long overdue updates to the Mental Health Act cannot come soon enough. People need support that reflects our modern understanding of how to help and care for people during a mental health crisis – not our understanding four decades ago. The original version of the Act has driven racial disparities, stripped those who are sectioned of their humanity in a wholly unnecessary way, and all too often made crises worse.

    We particularly welcome reforms to give greater say to patients, such as granting people with severe mental health problems more control over who makes decisions for them during a crisis, banning the use of police cells as ‘places of safety’ for people experiencing a crisis, and addressing the inappropriate use of Community Treatment Orders, which Black people were 11 times more likely to receive. We will look to work with the Department of Health and Social Care over the next weeks and months to help shape the Mental Health Bill and put dignity at the heart of how our public services support people experiencing a mental health crisis.

    Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive, Rethink Mental Illness, said:

    People tell us that the Mental Health Act has saved their life, but that the experience was horrendous. It is hard to fathom that when people are at their most unwell they are still routinely placed in prison cells, have no say in who is appointed as their nearest relative and have so little involvement in their treatment.

    Reform of this vital legislation is long overdue, and today marks another important step towards the reality of a Mental Health Act fit for the 21st century. Reform should help ensure people are with dignity and respect, and help to protect us all.

    We hope the Bill is given careful passage through Parliament so it can be swiftly implemented, and bring improvements for the thousands of people who are detained under the act every year.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cohen Praises Ousted Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

    MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) expressed his appreciation for Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to fire him today over their differences on the conduct of the war and on domestic political issues, and made the following statement:

    “I commend Yoav Gallant on his work as Defense Minister and his service to Israel at this important time. I have met with the now-former Defense Minister several times, including on my last trip to Israel in June. He was always well-versed on the issues and a credit to the government and his nation. I wish him well in his future pursuits.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tis nearly the season again – beware of your parcels being pinched

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Please attribute to Sergeant Rowan Steenkamp, Wellington Prevention Coordinator.

    We’re heading into the busiest time of year for postal deliveries and Police want to remind everyone to do what they can to stop parcel theft.

    Coming into Christmas there are more parcels being delivered, and more chance for your presents to be stolen.

    Thieves will take any opportunity to steal, and parcels left on front doorsteps or in apartment building common areas are an easy target.

    Our advice is:

    • Get packages delivered to a place where someone will be home to receive them, or to a work address.

    • If you do have deliveries made to your home, make sure you’re going to be home to sign for them, or have a secure location where they can be left.

    • Make sure your delivery instructions are clear, and ask for packages not to be placed at your front door, or on top of an apartment building post box.

    • If you’re not going to be home when the parcel is delivered, arrange to collect your parcel from the depot, or have the parcel redirected to the address of someone you trust.

    • Be smart when disposing of packaging, so passers-by can’t see what you’ve been buying.

    • Report any suspicious behaviour to Police – e.g. if you see a car following a courier van, or an unexpected visitor knocks on your door asking for someone you don’t know.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $5 million in latest round of recreational fishing grants now open 

    Source: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

    6 Nov 2024

    The Minns Labor Government today opened the next round of Recreational Fishing Trust Grants, with $5 million available for fishing clubs, community groups and other organisations to run projects which improve and promote recreational fishing in their local area.

    For the first time, applicants in this round will be able to access the $2 million recreational fishing small infrastructure grants program announced by the NSW Government in August.

    This program will make it easier for local fishing clubs, community groups and other organisations to apply for funding for projects such as fishing platforms, fish cleaning tables, fishing access tracks, kayak launching platforms and other fishing facilities.

    Applicants are encouraged to contact dedicated Department staff to discuss their ideas and for assistance in applying your small infrastructure grants.

    As well as small infrastructure, funding is also available to promote participation in the sport and the mental health and well-being benefits of fishing, such as for free fishing events, fishing workshops, come and try fishing days, fishing for therapy initiatives, and the development of educational material to promote sustainable and responsible fishing practices.

    Grants are available for both large projects valued at more than $10,000 in funding and small projects involving less than $10,000.

    Applications will be open for the next six weeks, until 18 December 2024.

    Following the recent review of the Recreational Fishing Trust, the NSW Government will continue to provide greater support to the NSW recreational fishing community by:

    • Strengthening communications with all fishers and organisations to encourage them to apply for grants to improve fishing in their local areas.
    • Providing more support for applicants to discuss ideas for projects and assist with developing their applications through the dedicated Recreational Fishing Trust grants assistance phoneline.
    • Making the grant application process clearer and simpler, so groups have the best opportunity to receive funding, including streamlining the application form.

    This round of funding follows the recent announcements of some $20 million in grants and program funding from the Recreational Fishing Trust to enhance recreational fishing across the State.

    Funding guidelines and the new online application form are available here or you can email recreational.fishingtrust@dpird.nsw.gov.au or call the dedicated Recreational Fishing Trust phoneline on 02 4424 7428.

    Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

    “We want to make fishing accessible, enjoyable and safe for everyone.

    “By streamlining the grant application process, we aim to provide every fishing group with a greater chance to secure funding for projects that improve the fishing experience in their local communities.

    “The $2 million infrastructure grants program will ensure more of the licence fees collected from recreational fishers are invested back into the infrastructure we know fishers want, such as fishing platforms, fish cleaning tables and other fishing facilities.

    “This is an excellent example of how funds generated by the NSW Recreational Fishing Licence Fee are reinvested into projects that directly support the recreational fishing community.

    “If you have an idea on how to improve your local fishing spot or make fishing even better for your local community, I encourage you to contact our dedicated DPIRD staff to discuss your ideas.”

    MEDIA: Michael Salmon | Minister Moriarty | 0417 495 018

    Images of completed infrastructure projects available here

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI: INVESTOR ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Investigates the Merger of Aerovate Therapeutics, Inc. – AVTE

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered money for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2018-2022 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating Aerovate Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVTE), relating to a proposed merger with Jade Biosciences. Under the terms of the agreement, pre-merger Aerovate stockholders are expected to own approximately 1.6% of the combined company, while pre-merger Jade stockholders are expected to own approximately 98.4% of the combined entity.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/aerovate-therapeutics-inc-avte/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust Releases 2024 Third Quarter Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES.

    FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAW.

    TSX-AD.UN

    CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust (together, as applicable, with its subsidiaries, “Alaris” or the “Trust“) is pleased to announce its results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. The results are prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. All amounts below are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

    In January 2024, Alaris determined that it met the definition of an investment entity, as defined by IFRS 10, Consolidated financial statements. This change in status has fundamentally changed how Alaris prepares, presents and discusses its financial results relative to prior periods. IFRS requires that this change in accounting be made prospectively and as a result prior periods are not restated to reflect the change in Alaris’ investment entity status. Accordingly, the readers of this press release, Alaris’ third quarter interim MD&A and unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements should exercise significant caution in reviewing, considering, and drawing conclusions from period-to-period comparisons and changes, as the direct comparisons between dates or across periods can be inappropriate if not carefully considered in this context.

    Highlights:

    • For the three months ended September 30, 2024 Alaris generated $0.78 per unit of additional book value, improving this metric to $22.80;
    • For the three months ended September 30, 2024 the Trust, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Acquisition Entities”), earned a total of $65.9 million of revenue, including, $65.4 million of Partner Distribution revenue net of foreign exchange, and $0.5 million of transaction fee income, which was ahead of previous guidance of $38.7 million, and compares to $47.2 million of Partner Revenue in Q3 2023, an increase of 40%;
      • Included in Partner Distribution revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2024, is $27.5 million of common Distributions, which included a one time distribution of US$5.1 million from Ohana Growth Partners LLC (“Ohana“) and US$14.7 million distribution from Fleet Advantage, LLC (“Fleet”). Common Distribution revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 is $31.8 million, which for the second quarter in a row has outperformed the comparable period in the prior year by more than double. Alaris’ Run Rate Revenue (7) included in the outlook below has been increased to reflect overall higher expected annual common dividends from Partners of $19.4 million;
    • Alaris net distributable cash flow (6) for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 of $88.0 million or $1.93 per unit increased by 28%, from $68.6 million and $1.51 per unit in the nine months ended September 30, 2023 after adjusting the comparable period for non-recurring settlement and litigation costs that occurred in 2023;
    • The Actual Payout Ratio (2) for the Trust, based on Alaris net distributable cash flow (6) for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was 53%;
    • The current weighted average combined Earnings Coverage Ratio (3) for Alaris’ Partners remains at approximately 1.5x with ten of nineteen Partners at 1.5x or above. In addition, eleven of our partners have either no debt or less than 1.0x Senior Debt to EBITDA on a trailing twelve-month basis;
    • During the quarter, the Trust, via the Acquisition Entities, invested approximately US$35 million into Ohana as a dividend recap in exchange for convertible preferred equity with a 14% yield fully paid-in-kind;
    • Subsequent to the quarter end, the Trust, via the Acquisition Entities, made a follow-on investment of US$10.0 million of additional preferred equity in Cresa LLC (“Cresa”), which has the same metrics as the initial preferred equity investment, bringing the total investment in Cresa to US$30.0 million. Following this transaction, the Trust has invested a total of approximately $139 million in the year.

    “In addition to highlighting the continued stability of Alaris’ portfolio and cash flow stream, the third quarter results continue to show the growing success and importance of our common equity portfolio. While some of this quarter’s common equity cash flow is non-recurring in nature, we are seeing more and more value from that strategy crystallizing into cash returns. Deployment activity is constructive for the end of the year and both interest rate cuts and US dollar strength provide us with tailwinds going into next year, ” said Steve King President and CEO.

    Results of Operations

    Note where the financial information for Q3 2024 is comparable to specific information from the prior period Q3 2023 condensed consolidated interim financial statements, amounts have been provided for comparative purposes. As noted above, users of this press release, interim management discussion and analysis and the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements to which it relates should exercise significant caution in reviewing, considering and drawing conclusions from period-to-period comparisons and changes.

    Per Unit Results Three months ended Nine months ended
    Period ending September 30   2024   2023 % Change   2024   2023 % Change
    Partner related changes in net gain on Corporate Investment $ 2.16 $ 1.90 +13.7 % $ 4.11 $ 3.74 +9.9 %
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 1.98 $ 1.76 +12.5 % $ 3.62 $ 3.40 +6.5 %
    Alaris net distributable cashflow $ 0.72 $ 0.44 +63.6 % $ 1.93 $ 1.21 +59.5 %
    Adjusted earning per unit $ 1.37 $ 1.31 +4.6 % $ 2.35 $ 2.15 +9.3 %
    Weighted average basic units (000’s)   45,498   45,498     45,498   45,433  

    During the three months ended September 30, 2024, Partner related changes in net gain on Corporate Investments (5) per unit increased by 13.7% as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. During the current quarter common Partner Distribution revenue increased by more than 200%, primarily as a result of common Distributions received from Fleet of US$14.7 million, which was greater than their prior year Distribution of US$5.9 million, and a common Distribution received from Ohana of US$5.1 million, as compared to nil distribution received in Q3 2023. Partially offsetting this increase is a quarter over quarter decrease to the Net unrealized gain on partner investments of 16.3% to $33.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2024. Q3 2024’s Net unrealized gain on Partner investments of $33.0 million is made up of notable increases to the fair value in Sono Bello, LLC (“Sono Bello“), Amur Financial Group Inc. (“Amur”), Fleet, Vehicle Leasing Holdings, LLC, dba D&M Leasing (“D&M”), and The Shipyard, LLC (“Shipyard”), which were partially offset by decreases to the fair value of Heritage Restoration, LLC (“Heritage”) and SCR Mining and Tunneling, LP (“SCR”). During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Partner related changes in net gain on Corporate Investments (5) per unit increased by 9.9% as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. This increase is reflective of increases in Partner Distribution revenue, partially offset by a lower net gain to the realized and unrealized fair value on Partner investments. Net realized gain on partner investments of $9.0 million and net unrealized gain of $32.4 million decreased in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 by 29.2% and 13.9%, respectively, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

    For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, Adjusted EBITDA (1) per unit increased by 12.5% and 6.5%, respectively, as compared to the relative periods in 2023. Per unit increases are primarily due to higher Partner Distribution revenue. Partially offsetting these increases are decreases to the net realized and unrealized gain on Partner Investments relative to the comparable periods in 2023, and higher adjusted operating expenses; after non-reoccurring litigation and legal costs that were incurred in 2023 have been removed in the calculation Adjusted EBITDA (1).

    Alaris net distributable cashflow (6) provides a summary of third-party cash receipts, less operating cash outflows by the Trust in combination with the Acquisition Entities. Alaris net distributable cashflow (6) per unit increased by 63.6% in the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 59.5% in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, both as compared to the same periods in 2023. Period over period increases are due to the current periods higher common Distributions and lower cash taxes paid, all as compared to the relative periods in 2023. The nine months ended September 30, 2024 Alaris net distributable cashflow (6) is $88.0 million, after adjusting out non-recurring settlement and litigation costs of $13.7 million in the prior year, the nine months ended September 30, 2023 distributable cashflow amounts to $68.6 million, and results in an adjusted period over period increase of 28.3%.

    Adjusted earnings (10) per unit increased by 4.6% in the three months ended September 30, 2024 which is primarily driven by higher Partner related changes in net gain on Corporate Investments (5) as discussed above, and partially offset by higher total income tax expense in Q3 2024. The nine months ended September 30, 2024, Adjusted earnings (10) per unit increased by 9.3% which in addition to the changes listed for the three months ended September 30, 2024, is higher due to lower operating expenses during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the prior year resulting from non-recurring litigation and legal costs incurred in 2023.

    Outlook

    During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Trust, through its Acquisition Entities invested approximately $48 million, which was used to invest in convertible preferred units of Ohana. Subsequent to the quarter, Alaris invested an additional US$10.0 million into Cresa, bringing Alaris’ total investment in Cresa to US$30.0 million and as of the date of this MD&A the total invested during the year to approximately $139 million. These transactions are summarized in the outlook below, which includes Alaris’ Run Rate Revenue (7) for the next twelve months and is expected to be approximately $171 million. This includes current contracted amounts, an additional $1.2 million from LMS related to Distributions deferred in 2023 and an estimated $19.4 million of common dividends. In Q3 2024, the Trust together with its Acquisition Entities earned $65.9 million, $65.4 million in Partner Distributions net of foreign exchange and $0.5 million of third party transaction fee revenue, which was ahead of previous guidance of $38.7 million, primarily due to common distributions received from Fleet of $19.8 million, Ohana of $6.8 million and Amur of $0.5 million, as well as a higher realized foreign exchange rate on US denominated distributions. As with all common distributions, these distributions are not fixed or set in advance, but rather paid as declared and cashflow of partner permits. Alaris expects total revenue from its Partners in Q4 2024 of approximately $38.9 million.

    The Run Rate Cash Flow (8) table below outlines the Trust and its Acquisitions Entities combined expectation for Partners Distribution revenue, transaction fee revenue, general and administrative expenses, third party interest expense, tax expense and distributions to unitholders for the next twelve months. The Run Rate Cash Flow (8) is a forward looking supplementary financial measure and outlines the net cash from operating activities, less the distributions paid, that Alaris is expecting to generate over the next twelve months. The Trust’s method of calculating this measure may differ from the methods used by other issuers. Therefore, it may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

    Run rate general and administrative expenses are currently estimated at $17.0 million and include all public company costs incurred by the Trust and its Acquisition Entities. The Trust’s Run Rate Payout Ratio (9) is expected to be within a range of 65% and 70% when including Run Rate Revenue (7), overhead expenses and its existing capital structure. The table below sets out our estimated Run Rate Cash Flow (8) as well as the after-tax impact of positive net investment, the impact of every 1% increase in Secure Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) based on current outstanding USD debt and the impact of every $0.01 change in the USD to CAD exchange rate.

    Alaris’ financial statements and MD&A are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on our website at www.alarisequitypartners.com.

    Run Rate Cash Flow ($ thousands except per unit) Amount ($) $ / Unit
    Run Rate Revenue, Partner Distribution revenue $ 171,300   $ 3.77  
    General and administrative expenses   (17,000 )   (0.37 )
    Third party Interest and taxes     (57,100 )   (1.26 )
    Net cash from operating activities $ 97,200   $ 2.14  
    Distributions paid     (61,900 )   (1.36 )
    Run Rate Cash Flow   $ 35,300   $ 0.78  
           
    Other considerations (after taxes and interest):    
    New investments Every $50 million deployed @ 14%   +2,426     +0.05  
    Interest rates Every 1.0% increase in SOFR   -2,600     -0.06  
    USD to CAD Every $0.01 change of USD to CAD   +/- 900     +/- 0.02  


    Earnings Release Date and Conference Call Details

    Alaris management will host a conference call at 9am MT (11am ET), Wednesday, November 6, 2024 to discuss the financial results and outlook for the Trust.

    Participants must register for the call using this link: Q3 2024 Conference Call. Pre-register to receive the dial-in numbers and unique PIN to access the call seamlessly. It is recommended that you join 10 minutes prior to the event start (although you may register and dial in at any time during the call). Participants can access the webcast here: Q3 Webcast. A replay of the webcast will be available two hours after the call and archived on the same web page for six months. Participants can also find the link on our website, stored under the “Investors” section – “Presentations and Events”, at www.alarisequitypartners.com.

    An updated corporate presentation will be posted to the Trust’s website within 24 hours at www.alarisequitypartners.com.

    About the Trust:

    Alaris’ investment and investing activity refers to providing, through the Acquisition Entities, alternative equity to private companies (“Partners”) to meet their business and capital objectives, which includes management buyouts, dividend recapitalization, growth and acquisitions. Alaris achieves this by investing its unitholder capital, as well as debt, through the Acquisition Entities, in exchange for distributions, dividends or interest (collectively, “Distributions”) as well as capital appreciation on both preferred and common equity, with the principal objectives of generating predictable cash flows for distribution payments to its unitholders and growing net book value through returns from capital appreciation. Distributions, other than common equity Distributions, from the Partners are adjusted annually based on the percentage change of a “top-line” financial performance measure such as gross margin or same store sales and rank in priority to common equity position.

    Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures

    The terms Adjusted Earnings, components of Corporate investments, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Extended group net distributable cashflow, Earnings Coverage Ratio, Run Rate Payout Ratio, Actual Payout Ratio, Run Rate Revenue, Run Rate Cash Flow, and Per Unit amounts (collectively, the “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures”) are financial measures used in this MD&A that are not standard measures under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) . The Trust’s method of calculating the Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures may differ from the methods used by other issuers. Therefore, the Trust’s Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

    (1) “Adjusted EBITDA” and “EBITDA”: are Non-GAAP financial measures and refer to earnings determined in accordance with IFRS, before depreciation and amortization, interest expense (finance costs) and income tax expense. EBITDA is used by management and many investors to determine the ability of an issuer to generate cash from operations. “Adjusted EBITDA” and “Adjusted EBITDA per unit”, which is a non-GAAP ratio that removes the impact from unrealized fluctuations in exchange rates and their impact on the Trust’s investments at fair value, as well as one time items and the impact of finance costs and taxes included within the net gain on Corporate Investments incurred by the Acquisition Entities and, on a per unit basis, is and the same amount divided by weighted average basic units outstanding. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA per unit are useful supplemental measures from which to determine the Trust’s ability to generate cash available for servicing its loans and borrowings, income taxes and distributions to unitholders. The Trust’s method of calculating these Non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the methods used by other issuers. Therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures and ratios presented by other issuers.

      Three months ended September 30 Nine months ended September 30
    $ thousands except per unit amounts   2024   2023   % Change   2024     2023 % Change
    Earnings $ 51,027 $ 63,770     $ 156,475   $ 97,710  
    Depreciation and amortization   135   58       396     169  
    Finance costs   1,150   8,510       3,445     21,909  
    Total income tax expense   251   11,611       554     20,902  
    EBITDA $ 52,563 $ 83,949   -37.4 % $ 160,870   $ 140,690 +14.3 %
    Adjustments:            
    Gain on derecognition of previously consolidated entities $ $     $ (30,260 ) $  
    Foreign exchange   11,334   (3,947 )     (19,224 )   156  
    Sandbox litigation and legal costs     21           13,697  
    Finance costs, senior credit facility and convertible debentures   6,962         22,193      
    Acquisition Entities income tax expense – current   2,987         10,018      
    Acquisition Entities income tax expense – deferred   16,109         21,272      
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 89,955 $ 80,023   +12.4 % $ 164,869   $ 154,543 +6.7 %
    Adjusted EBITDA per unit $ 1.98 $ 1.76   +12.5 % $ 3.62   $ 3.40 +6.5 %

    (2) “Actual Payout Ratio” is a supplementary financial measure and refers to Alaris’ total distributions paid during the period (annually or quarterly) divided by the actual net cash from operating activities Alaris generated for the period. It represents the net cash from operating activities after distributions paid to unitholders available for either repayments of senior debt and/or to be used in investing activities.

    (3) “Earnings Coverage Ratio (“ECR”)” is a supplementary financial measure and refers to the EBITDA of a Partner divided by such Partner’s sum of debt servicing (interest and principal), unfunded capital expenditures and distributions to Alaris. Management believes the earnings coverage ratio is a useful metric in assessing our partners continued ability to make their contracted distributions.

    (4) “Net book value” and “net book value per unit” are Non-GAAP financial measures and represents the equity value of the company or total assts less total liabilities and the same amount divided by weighted average basic units outstanding. Net book value and net book value per unit are used by management to determine the growth in assets over the period net of amounts paid out to unitholders as distributions. Management believes net book value and net book value per unit are useful supplemental measures from which to compare the Trust’s growth period over period. The Trust’s method of calculating these Non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the methods used by other issuers. Therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

        30-Sep   30-Jun   31-Dec
    $ thousands except per unit amounts   2024   2024   2023
    Total Assets $ 1,130,415 $ 1,093,177 $ 1,474,894
    Total Liabilities $ 93,236 $ 91,556 $ 514,071
    Net book value $ 1,037,179 $ 1,001,621 $ 960,823
    Weighted average basic units (000’s)   45,498   45,498   45,498
    Net book value per unit $ 22.80 $ 22.01 $ 21.12


    (5) “
    Partner related changes in net gain on Corporate Investments The components of Corporate Investments are Non-GAAP financial measures and are presented for better comparability to prior year reporting. These amounts are reconciled to information from note 3 of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements below. The Trust’s method of calculating these Non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the methods used by other issuers. Therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

      Three months ended September 30 Nine months ended September 30
    $ thousands   2024   2023 % Change   2024   2023 % Change
    Partner Distribution revenue – Preferred, including realized foreign exchange Note 1 $ 37,895 $ 37,844 +0.1 % $ 113,936 $ 108,543 +5.0 %
    Partner Distribution revenue – Common $ 27,501 $ 8,815 +212.0 % $ 31,807 $ 10,903 +191.7 %
    Net realized gain from Partners investments $ 29 $ 167 -82.6 % $ 9,005 $ 12,716 -29.2 %
    Net unrealized gain on Partners investments $ 33,006 $ 39,428 -16.3 % $ 32,463 $ 37,688 -13.9 %
    Partner related changes in net gain on Corporate Investment $ 98,431 $ 86,254 +14.1 % $ 187,211 $ 169,850 +10.2 %
    Partner related changes in net gain on Corporate Investment per unit $ 2.16 $ 1.90 +13.7 % $ 4.11 $ 3.74 +9.9 %

    Note 1 – In Q2 2023, Partner Distribution revenue – Preferred, including realized foreign exchange and Partner Distribution revenue – Common were presented as one line on the face of the income statement titled “Revenues, including realized foreign exchange gain” in the amount of $36,853 for the three months ended and $73,541 for the six months ended. Prior period Partner Distribution revenue – Preferred, including realized foreign exchange for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 above has been adjusted to exclude Sono Bello’s management fee income (Q2 2023 three months – $496, Q2 2023 six months ended – $753) for period over period comparability, which in 2024 is recognized in the Trust’s Management and advisory fee income.

    (6) “Alaris net distributable cashflow is a non-GAAP measure that refers to all sources of external revenue in both the Trust and the Acquisition Entities less all general and administrative expenses, third party interest expense and tax expense. Alaris net distributable cashflow is a useful metric for management and investors as it provides a summary of the total cash from operating activities that can be used to pay the Trust distribution, repay senior debt and/or be used for additional investment purposes. The Trust’s method of calculating this Non-GAAP measure may differ from the methods used by other issuers. Therefore, it may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. The 2023 comparatives are presented prior to the Trust’s change in status as a investment entity and have been aligned with the most comparative balance in the 2024 presentation.

      Three months ended September 30 Nine months ended September 30
    $ thousands except per unit amounts   2024     2023   % Change   2024     2023   % Change
    Partner Distribution revenue – Preferred, including realized foreign exchange $ 37,895   $ 37,844     $ 113,936   $ 108,543    
    Partner Distribution revenue – Common   27,501     8,815       31,807     10,903    
    Third party management and advisory fees   504     506       1,526     1,260    
                 
    Expenditures of the Trust:            
    General and administrative   (4,484 )   (3,087 )     (13,308 )   (23,476 )  
    Current income tax expense   (509 )         (1,345 )      
    Third party cash interest paid by the Trust   (2,031 )   (2,032 )     (4,062 )   (4,062 )  
                 
    Expenditures incurred by Acquisition Entities:            
    Operating costs and other   (1,087 )   (928 )     (2,846 )   (2,046 )  
    Transactions costs   (378 )   (1,693 )     (2,531 )   (3,204 )  
    Acquisition Entities income tax expense – current   (2,987 )   (6,954 )     (10,018 )   (13,156 )  
    Cash interest paid, senior credit facility and convertible debentures   (6,668 )   (6,329 )     (18,038 )   (12,586 )  
                 
    Alaris’ changes in net working capital   (14,922 )   (6,063 )     (7,106 )   (7,253 )  
    Alaris net distributable cashflow $ 32,834   $ 20,079   +63.5 % $ 88,015   $ 54,923   +60.3 %
    Alaris net distributable cashflow per unit $ 0.72   $ 0.44   +63.6 % $ 1.93   $ 1.21   +59.5 %

    (7) “Run Rate Revenue” is a supplementary financial measure and refers to Alaris’ total revenue expected to be generated over the next twelve months based on contracted distributions from current Partners, excluding any potential Partner redemptions, it also includes an estimate for common dividends or distributions based on past practices, where applicable. Run Rate Revenue is a useful metric as it provides an expectation for the amount of revenue Alaris can expect to generate in the next twelve months based on information known.

    (8) “Run Rate Cash Flow” is a Non-GAAP financial measure and outlines the net cash from operating activities, net of distributions paid, that Alaris is expecting to have after the next twelve months. This measure is comparable to net cash from operating activities less distributions paid, as outlined in Alaris’ consolidated statements of cash flows.

    (9) “Run Rate Payout Ratio” is a Non-GAAP financial ratio that refers to Alaris’ distributions per unit expected to be paid over the next twelve months divided by the net cash from operating activities per unit calculated in the Run Rate Cash Flow table. Run Rate Payout Ratio is a useful metric for Alaris to track and to outline as it provides a summary of the percentage of the net cash from operating activities that can be used to either repay senior debt during the next twelve months and/or be used for additional investment purposes. Run Rate Payout Ratio is comparable to Actual Payout Ratio as defined above.

    (10) “Adjusted Earnings” is a Non-GAAP financial measure and Non-GAAP Ratio and refer to earnings determined in accordance with IFRS, before impact of the one time gain on derecognition of previously consolidated entities and foreign exchange gain (loss) and the same amount divided by weighted average basic units outstanding. Adjusted earnings and Adjusted earnings per unit are used by management to determine earnings excluding fluctuations due to unrealized changes in exchange rates that impact earnings and specifically the fair value of Corporate investment. Management believes Adjusted earning and Adjusted earnings per unit are useful measures from which to compare the Trust’s earnings period over period. The Trust’s method of calculating these Non-GAAP financial measures and ratio may differ from the methods used by other issuers. Therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

      Three months ended September 30 Nine months ended September 30
    $ thousands except per unit amounts   2024   2023   % Change   2024     2023 % Change
    Earnings $ 51,027 $ 63,770     $ 156,475   $ 97,710  
    Add back: Foreign exchange (gain) loss $ 11,334 $ (3,947 )   $ (19,224 ) $ 156  
    Add back: Gain on derecognition of previously consolidated entities $   na     $ (30,260 ) na  
    Adjusted earnings $ 62,361 $ 59,823   +4.2 % $ 106,991   $ 97,866 +9.3 %
    Adjusted earning per unit $ 1.37 $ 1.31   +4.6 % $ 2.35   $ 2.15 +9.3 %
                                 

    (11) “Per Unit” values, other than earnings per unit, refer to the related financial statement caption as defined under IFRS or related term as defined herein, divided by the weighted average basic units outstanding for the period.

    The terms Net Book Value, Components of Corporate investments, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Alaris net distributable cashflow, Earnings Coverage Ratio, Run Rate Payout Ratio, Actual Payout Ratio, Run Rate Revenue, Run Rate Cash Flow and Per Unit amounts should only be used in conjunction with the Trust’s unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements, complete versions of which available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) under applicable securities laws, including any applicable “safe harbor” provisions. Statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this news release are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, management’s expectations, intentions and beliefs concerning the growth, results of operations, performance of the Trust and the Partners, the future financial position or results of the Trust, business strategy and plans and objectives of or involving the Trust or the Partners. Many of these statements can be identified by looking for words such as “believe”, “expects”, “will”, “intends”, “projects”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “continues” or similar words or the negative thereof. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements regarding: the anticipated financial and operating performance of the Partners; the attractiveness of Alaris’ capital offering; the Trust’s Run Rate Payout Ratio, Run Rate Cash Flow, Run Rate Revenue and total revenue; the impact of recent new investments and follow-on investments; expectations regarding receipt (and amount of) any common equity distributions or dividends from Partners in which Alaris holds common equity, including the impact on the Trust’s net cash from operating activities, Run Rate Revenue, Run Rate Cash Flow and Run Rate Payout Ratio; the impact of future deployment; the Trust’s ability to deploy capital; the yield on the Trust’s investments and expected resets on Distributions; changes in SOFR and exchange rates; the impact of deferred Distributions and the timing of repayment there of; the Trust’s return on its investments; and Alaris’ expenses for 2024. To the extent any forward-looking statements herein constitute a financial outlook or future oriented financial information (collectively, “FOFI”), including estimates regarding revenues, Distributions from Partners (restarting full or partial Distributions and common equity distributions), Run Rate Payout Ratio, Run Rate Cash Flow, net cash from operating activities, expenses and impact of capital deployment, they were approved by management as of the date hereof and have been included to provide an understanding with respect to Alaris’ financial performance and are subject to the same risks and assumptions disclosed herein. There can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which these forward-looking statements are based will occur.

    By their nature, forward-looking statements require Alaris to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. Assumptions about the performance of the Canadian and U.S. economies over the next 24 months and how that will affect Alaris’ business and that of its Partners (including, without limitation, the impact of any global health crisis, like COVID-19, and global economic and political factors) are material factors considered by Alaris management when setting the outlook for Alaris. Key assumptions include, but are not limited to, assumptions that: the Russia/Ukraine conflict, conflicts in the Middle East, and other global economic pressures over the next twelve months will not materially impact Alaris, its Partners or the global economy; interest rates will not rise in a matter materially different from the prevailing market expectation over the next 12 months; global heath crises, like COVID-19 or variants thereof, will not impact the economy or our Partners operations in a material way in the next 12 months; the businesses of the majority of our Partners will continue to grow; more private companies will require access to alternative sources of capital; the businesses of new Partners and those of existing Partners will perform in line with Alaris’ expectations and diligence; and that Alaris will have the ability to raise required equity and/or debt financing on acceptable terms. Management of Alaris has also assumed that the Canadian and U.S. dollar trading pair will remain in a range of approximately plus or minus 15% of the current rate over the next 6 months. In determining expectations for economic growth, management of Alaris primarily considers historical economic data provided by the Canadian and U.S. governments and their agencies as well as prevailing economic conditions at the time of such determinations.

    There can be no assurance that the assumptions, plans, intentions or expectations upon which these forward-looking statements are based will occur. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and should not be read as guarantees or assurances of future performance. The actual results of the Trust and the Partners could materially differ from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of certain risk factors, including, but not limited to, the following: widespread health crises is, like COVID-19 (or its variants), other global economic factors (including, without limitation, the Russia/Ukraine conflict, conflicts in the Middle East, inflationary measures and global supply chain disruptions on the global economy, Trust and the Partners (including how many Partners will experience a slowdown of their business and the length of time of such slowdown)), the dependence of Alaris on the Partners, including any new investment structures; leverage and restrictive covenants under credit facilities; reliance on key personnel; failure to complete or realize the anticipated benefit of Alaris’ financing arrangements with the Partners; a failure to obtain required regulatory approvals on a timely basis or at all; changes in legislation and regulations and the interpretations thereof; risks relating to the Partners and their businesses, including, without limitation, a material change in the operations of a Partner or the industries they operate in; inability to close additional Partner contributions or collect proceeds from any redemptions in a timely fashion on anticipated terms, or at all; a failure to settle outstanding litigation on expected terms, or at all; a change in the ability of the Partners to continue to pay Alaris at expected Distribution levels or restart distributions (in full or in part); a failure to collect material deferred Distributions; a change in the unaudited information provided to the Trust; and a failure to realize the benefits of any concessions or relief measures provided by Alaris to any Partner or to successfully execute an exit strategy for a Partner where desired. Additional risks that may cause actual results to vary from those indicated are discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” and “Forward Looking Statements” in Alaris’ Management Discussion and Analysis and Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is or will be (in the case of the AIF) filed under Alaris’ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on its website at www.alarisequitypartners.com.

    Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of forward-looking statements, including FOFI, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, based on information in Alaris’ possession as of the date hereof, may prove to be imprecise. In addition, there are a number of factors that could cause Alaris’ actual results, performance or achievement to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, forward looking statements and FOFI, or if any of them do so occur, what benefits the Trust will derive therefrom. As such, undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements, including FOFI.

    The Trust has included the forward-looking statements and FOFI in order to provide readers with a more complete perspective on Alaris’ future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The forward-looking statements, including FOFI, contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Alaris disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    For more information please contact:

    Investor Relations
    Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust
    403-260-1457
    ir@alarisequity.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: STOCKHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Investigates the Merger of Air Transport Services Group, Inc. – ATSG

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered money for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2018-2022 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATSG), relating to a proposed merger with Stonepeak Nile Parent LLC. Under the terms of the agreement, Air Transport Services Group shareholders will receive $22.50 per share of Air Transport Services Group Common Stock they own.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/air-transport-services-group-inc-atsg/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: BitMart Adds UAH Into Its P2P Marketplace to Enhance User Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Mahe, Seychelles, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  BitMart, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is excited to announce that it has officially added the Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) to its peer-to-peer (P2P) trading marketplace. This strategic addition underscores BitMart’s commitment to diversifying trading options and providing users with more convenient ways to manage cryptocurrency transactions.

    The integration of UAH into BitMart’s P2P marketplace reflects the growing demand for accessible and adaptable payment solutions. In a world where personal finance and digital asset management are evolving rapidly, the ability to transact in multiple currencies is crucial. By including UAH, BitMart ensures its users can benefit from a broader range of currency transactions, further simplifying deposits and withdrawals while maintaining high security standards and low entry barriers. BitMart’s UAH market also offers a competitive buy price, putting it ahead of other exchanges and providing users with a cost-effective option for trading UAH.

    In celebration of adding UAH to BitMart’s P2P Marketplace, BitMart launched the event “UAH Exclusive Event: Easy to Share 1000 USDT Rewards,” running until Nov. 18, 2024. To learn how to participate, please visit https://www.bitmart.com/activity/UAH-trading/en-US.
    For more information, please visit BitMart’s P2P Trading marketplace.

    About BitMart
    BitMart is the premier global digital asset trading platform. With millions of users worldwide and ranked among the top crypto exchanges on CoinGecko, it currently offers 1,500+ trading pairs with competitive trading fees. Constantly evolving and growing, BitMart is interested in crypto’s potential to drive innovation and promote financial inclusion. To learn more about BitMart, visit their Website, follow their X (Twitter), or join their Telegram for updates, news, and promotions. Download BitMart App to trade anytime, anywhere.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: STOCKHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Investigates the Merger of Profire Energy, Inc. – PFIE

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered money for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2018-2022 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating Profire Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: PFIE), relating to a proposed merger with First CECO Environmental Corp. Under the terms of the agreement, a subsidiary of CECO will commence a tender offer to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of Profire common stock at a price of $2.55 per share.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/profire-energy-inc-pfie/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com).  Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: Republican Kimberlyn King-Hinds wins delegate race in CNMI

    By Mark Rabago, RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent

    Kimberlyn King-Hind, from the CNMI Republican Party, won the race for the CNMI’s lone non-voting delegate in the US House of Representatives on Tuesday.

    The delegate position was one of 61 races up for grabs in the 2024 CNMI general elections.

    The former Commonwealth Ports Authority chairwoman and lawyer from Tinian received 4931 votes (40.34 percent) of total ballots cast.

    Democratic Party of the Northern Mariana Islands’ candidate Edwin Propst finished second, 864 votes behind with 4067 (33.27 percent).

    Independent candidates John Oliver Gonzales, James Rayphand, and Liana Hofschneider gained 2282, 665, and 280 votes, respectively.

    Even before the results of the 2024 general elections were certified about 5.20am on Wednesday, Propst conceded defeat and congratulated King-Hinds in a social media post.

    “Congratulations to Kim King-Hinds, delegate-elect. I wish you the very best,” he wrote.

    “To my amazing committee, I cannot thank you enough for your hard work and support. To our supporters, thank you for your votes, messages of support, donations, and kindness. To Daisy and Kiana, Devin, Kaden, and Logan, I love you more than anything in this world. Thank you for always being there for me,” he added.

    Kimberlyn King-Hinds . . . congratulated by her Democratic opponent. Image: RNZ Pacific

    Other electoral results
    In other races, Senate President Edith DeLeon Guerrero, who ran as an independent, lost her Saipan seat to Representative Manny Castro of the Democratic Party, as the latter took 52.89 percent of the votes (5178) compared to the former’s 43 percent (4210).

    For Tinian, incumbent Senator Karl King-Nabors of the GOP ran unopposed and was elected in by 803 voters.

    Incumbent and longtime Senator Paul Manglona, meanwhile, lost his Senate post to fellow independent Ronnie Mendiola Calvo, 476-441.

    There was not much shakeup in the House of Representatives races, as only incumbent Vicente Camacho, a Democrat, among the incumbents lost his seat. Newcomers in the incoming lower house include Elias Rangamar, Daniel Aquino, and Raymond Palacios — all independents.

    Associate Judge Teresita Kim-Tenorio was also retained, receiving 9909 “yes” votes (84.21 percent) compared to 1858 (15.79 percent) “no” votes.

    The US territory also elected members of the CNMI Board of Education and councillors for the municipal councils for Saipan, the Northern Islands, Tinian, and Rota.

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

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Woman arrested after Pooraka servo robbery

    Source: South Australia Police

    A woman was arrested after allegedly robbing a Pooraka service station yesterday morning.

    It will be alleged just before 7am on Tuesday 5 November, the woman entered the service station on Main North Road, Pooraka and demanded money.

    No weapon was sighted.

    The suspect left with cash, lollies and cigarettes.  There were no reported injuries.

    Following investigations, police arrested a 38-year-old Pooraka woman and charged her with aggravated robbery.  She was refused police bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today.

    CO2400044651

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: (WIP) Investing in WA: energy reforms in the Pilbara—unpacking the North-West Interconnected System

    Source: Allens Insights

    Decarbonising the Pilbara region 8 min read

    The North-West Interconnected System (NWIS) has become a central focus of the WA Government’s energy sector reform agenda in recent years. Since the introduction of the Pilbara Regime in July 2021, a series of additional reforms have been set in motion.

    These reforms reflect the WA Government’s recognition that decarbonisation of the Pilbara region is key to its net zero target. In line with this vision, Energy Policy WA (EPWA) has developed the Pilbara Energy Transition Plan (PET Plan), which invites private sector involvement in developing new, common-use transmission infrastructure, known as Priority Projects.

    In this Insight, we explore current and proposed reforms, highlighting opportunities for developers and investors to drive decarbonisation in the Pilbara region.

    Key takeaways

    • The pace of reforms to the NWIS has been rapid, with an ambitious policy agenda going forward.
    • The WA Government is strongly focused on decarbonising the Pilbara region, seeking to leverage significant Federal Government support.
    • The PET Plan, particularly Priority Projects, has the potential to significantly transform the NWIS and transmission infrastructure in the region. This presents opportunities for industrial load and heavy industry to decarbonise their operations and increase renewable energy consumption.
    • The proposed reforms to the NWIS present a key opportunity for development and investment in transmission infrastructure.  

    What is the NWIS?

    The NWIS consists of a series of interconnected electricity transmission, distribution and generation assets in the Pilbara region. It supplies major mining and heavy industrial customers, coastal towns such as Karratha and Port Hedland, and some remote communities. However, it should be noted that many industrial facilities and communities in the region rely on remote generation, such as stand-alone power systems and microgrids, which are not connected to the NWIS.

    The NWIS market does not operate through a central dispatch mechanism; rather, electricity is generated either for self-supply or contracted under bilateral agreements. There are three registered network service providers, APA, Horizon Power and Rio Tinto (NSPs), each operating a vertically integrated business, participating in electricity generation, supply, and in some cases provision of essential system services and retail supply. 

    Pilbara ISOCo Limited (Pilbara ISOCo) oversees NWIS operations as the independent system operator including administering the energy balancing and related settlement process. The role of Pilbara ISOCo reflects an administrative system operator model, designed to align with the ‘light-handed’ regulatory regime that applies to the NWIS. Under this model, Pilbara ISOCo performs a series of core functions, while the registered NSPs retain significant control over other system-related functions and operations, in contrast to other electricity networks in Australia such as the Wholesale Electricity Market and the National Electricity Market. The NSPs are also members of Pilbara ISOCo.

    How did we get here?

    Prior to July 2021, the NWIS operated primarily under informal or bilateral agreements between NSPs. It developed in a somewhat ad hoc manner, as energy companies and industrial facilities invested in generation for self-supply. There was no central planning or coordination framework—each NSP was generally responsible for functions such as system security on an autonomous basis, with no independent system operator in place.

    After a series of consultations on the potential for regulatory reform, the WA Government determined there was a need for a formal framework for the NWIS and subsequently announced the Pilbara Regime. The regime would consist of a suite of reforms aimed at addressing, among other things, access and more centrally coordinated system operations. These substantive reforms took effect on 1 July 2021.

    Pilbara Regime

    Key regulatory instruments

    Part 8A of the Electricity Industry Act 2004 (WA) (EIA) sets out the overarching framework for the Pilbara Regime. Amendments to the EIA were recently passed and, once in effect, the Pilbara electricity objective will expressly acknowledge the need to invest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions for electricity services.

    The Electricity Industry (Pilbara Networks) Regulations 2021 recognised Pilbara ISOCo as the independent system operator and allowed the Minister to establish the initial Pilbara Network Rules (PNR). The PNR, which includes the Harmonised Technical Rules (HTR), governs the operations of the NWIS, connection standards and approval processes, as well as system security and reliability measures. There have been two rule changes amending the PNR to date, and the Pilbara Advisory Committee (PAC)—which consists of industry representatives—advises the EPWA coordinator on rule change proposals.

    The HTR set out technical design and operation requirements for systems and equipment connected to the NWIS. Horizon Power, as a NSP, also has its own set of technical rules which apply to those who connect to its network.

    Pilbara ISOCo also develop procedures in accordance with the PNR which outline specific requirements for the processes set out in the PNR. The procedures are currently being developed on an interim basis and can be accessed here.

    The Pilbara Networks Access Code (PNAC) regulates access and connection to the NWIS by outlining the requirements for ‘covered’ networks, which are subject to rules on ringfencing, tariffs and access disputes. The PNAC was modelled on part of the National Gas Rules, which similarly include access provisions for pipelines. The Minister for Energy may decide a network is covered if a person makes an application or an NSP may opt in to become a covered network. Horizon Power and APA’s networks are covered under the PNAC and are required to publish access information as part of their obligations.

    Pilbara Roundtable

    The Pilbara Industry Roundtable (Roundtable) was formed by the WA Government in August 2022, with a broad membership from industry stakeholders in the NWIS and the Pilbara more generally.

    The Roundtable released a communiqué in July 2023, supporting the development of common-use transmission infrastructure to support the growth of renewable generation and decarbonisation. The Roundtable agreed that any new infrastructure should empower Traditional Owners and expressed their support for regulatory reform to the Pilbara Regime to ensure it remains fit-for-purpose during the energy transition.

    Where are we now?

    The consensus goals contained in the Roundtable communiqué form the basis of the PET Plan. The PET Plan aims to increase the scale of renewable generation in the region and facilitate the decarbonisation of the Pilbara to meet the WA Government’s net zero target. The WA Government has placed a strong emphasis on involving Traditional Owners and their communities in this process, including benefit sharing and minimising disturbance to country as the PET Plan is implemented.

    Priority Projects

    The flagship policy outlined in the PET Plan is the development of new, common-use transmission infrastructure, to be built in priority transmission corridors known as Priority Projects. On 13 September 2024, EPWA opened an expression of interest (EOI) process for developing Priority Projects in two corridors in East Pilbara (Hamersley Range and the Great Sandy Desert), and two corridors in West Pilbara (Burrup (Murujuga) and Chichester Range). Construction within these corridors aims to connect current and potential loads, such as strategic industrial areas, and to provide access to areas that will be favourable for future renewable energy projects connecting to the Priority Project. EPWA envisages that Priority Projects may form part of an expansion of the NWIS. The EOI deadline closed on 25 October 2024, and it is anticipated that the EOIs and ongoing regulatory reviews will help develop the design elements to facilitate the PET Plan, such as how charges for ‘wheeling’ electricity through various transmission assets will apply.

    In August 2023, the Federal Government committed $3 billion from the Rewiring the Nation fund to WA to assist in the investment in new and upgraded transmission infrastructure. Funding from Rewiring the Nation is provided as concessional finance from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. This may trigger significant reform and investment in both the NWIS and the South-West Interconnected System. The WA Government has made clear it will recommend Priority Projects for obtaining this funding, although this does not guarantee that Priority Projects will be successful in obtaining Rewiring the Nation funding.

    Where are we going?

    In April 2025, the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) will commence its statutory review of the Pilbara Regime, which is required on the fifth anniversary of the Pilbara Regime coming into force (the Five-yearly Review). The aim of the Five-yearly Review is for the ERA to determine whether the Pilbara Regime is meeting the Pilbara electricity objective, which is being updated. If the ERA finds that the Pilbara electricity objective is not being met, it is to make recommendations for reform in its report, which is due no later than April 2026. The report is then laid before Parliament within six months of receipt by the Minister, who must prepare a response.

    EPWA is currently reviewing the PNR with the support of the Evolution of the Pilbara Networks Rules Working Group established by the PAC. The objective of the Evolution of the Pilbara Networks Rules review project (EPNR Project) is to ensure that the PNR and HTR effectively enable and facilitate the planned rapid decarbonisation of the Pilbara region, as well as the shift from thermal sources to renewable generation (ie solar and wind) and storage in the NWIS. EPWA has acknowledged that the reforms surrounding the regulatory regime create mixed signals for potential investors and, as such, has implemented a staggered approach to reviewing the PNR to support early investment decisions. EPWA and the PAC are proposing to present a final implementation plan in February 2025.

    The EOI for the PET Plan anticipates that changes to the PNAC will be progressed under sections 120H to 120J of the EIA to ensure the PNAC can support Priority Projects. The EOI flags a review of potential changes related to managing vertical integration, the priority regime for constrained versus unconstrained access and access price regulation. It is expected that EPWA will take the lead on this review and any proposed changes will need to be made available by the Minister for public comment.

    As the Pilbara regime contemplates coordination between the NSPs and between the NSPs and Pilbara ISOCo, Pilbara ISOCO sought ACCC authorisation for the parties to engage in this conduct. Currently, the regime is exempt from competition law requirements under the Electricity Industry (Pilbara Networks) Regulations 2021 (WA). This exemption expires in November 2024, and the ACCC authorisation is intended to apply beyond that expiry.

    The ACCC considered the public benefits associated with the Pilbara regime and the coordination between NSPs and Pilbara ISOCo to facilitate system security, outage coordination and technical connection standards functions. Within that consideration, the ACCC is balancing any potential public detriments, such as those arising from NSPs sharing information.

    In a Draft Determination released in September 2024, the ACCC proposed to grant authorisation for a three-year period, subject to conditions to limit the scope of coordination and information sharing and enhance governance controls. The ACCC’s final determination is due by 20 December 2024, following further consultation. The ACCC process has acknowledged the ongoing reform process underway—including the EPNR Project—noting that a three-year authorisation should provide sufficient time for that reform process to take place.

    Key considerations

    • Access, approvals and operational constraints applying to the NWIS remain challenging when developing new projects. However, there is political support for removing these barriers, so developers should stay informed about the latest updates.
    • The infrastructure investment required for achieving the energy transition presents opportunities for developers, Traditional Owners, the local workforce and local contractors.

    MIL OSI News