Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
“CIIE offers a lot of opportunities… That opening up is a crucial part of driving innovation, new product development and economic growth for the world.” The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world’s first national-level exposition dedicated to imports, opened on Tuesday in Shanghai.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Paul Gronke, Professor of Political Science and Director, Elections & Voting Infomation Center, Reed College
Most Americans used to vote on Election Day, and a small percentage of voters cast their ballots as absentee voters through the mail. That changed starting in the late 1970s, when some states began to allow no-excuse absentee voting and early in-person voting. Many more states chose to add these methods after the 2000 election, and by 2022, 60% of votes were cast in person at a polling place on Election Day, 21% were cast by mail and 19% were cast early in-person.
In the 2020 election, many states accelerated the shift already underway to voting by mail to keep people safe from contracting COVID-19. Mail ballots were the dominant method of return that year: 43% of ballots were voted by mail, 31% on Election Day and 26% early in-person. Voting by mail remains the second-most common method of returning ballots and will continue to grow – though it may never reach the level of 2020.
This rise in usage has created an issue that wasn’t seen much before: The need to “fix” a ballot where, due to a variety of reasons, the identity of the voter who cast the ballot can’t be verified. This process is called ballot “curing,” and it’s how states ensure that every valid vote is counted.
The Conversation’s politics and democracy editor, Naomi Schalit, spoke about ballot curing with Reed College political scientist Paul Gronke, founder and director of the Elections & Voting Information Center, who studies early voting, election administration, public opinion and elections.
What is ballot curing?
Ballot curing is a process that is allowed in some states that, if a ballot has been rejected or challenged because the signature didn’t match or a copy of an ID needed to be included, then the voter has an opportunity to come in within a limited period of time and cure that problem. They can, for example, come in and provide an updated or corrected signature – the most common problem – or provide the required identification.
Can that process happen after Election Day?
The process is triggered when an election office receives a ballot and identifies a problem that falls within the scope of the law and can be cured. As with seemingly everything in American elections, the deadlines and the window vary by state. Some states provide a quite lengthy period after the election. In Oregon, for example, the law provides a window of up to the 21st day after the election. In other states, it’s pretty narrow. In Michigan, it’s the third day after the election. In many but not all states, it’s tied to the deadline for certification of the vote.
So the idea is that everybody should have the opportunity to have their vote count.
I would agree with that. The idea is that we want to give everyone an opportunity to be represented. No one should be disenfranchised because of something relatively innocuous, like their signature doesn’t match, or when their ballot was being transported, it was humid or it rained, or something happened that meant the signature can’t be verified, or they forgot to include a copy of necessary identification. These are certainly not reasons why you would want someone to be disenfranchised.
The Nevada Secretary of State said told a CNN reporter on Nov. 5, 2024, that the state is seeing a surge in ballots with signature problems, many from young voters. As The Wall Street Journal reported, 12,939 ballots have been cured successfully, and 13,906 ballots remain to be cured. “This is an opportunity, probably their first time they’ve had to really use an official signature,” Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar told CNN, “and what’s on their driver’s license, what’s on their voter registration form and what’s on their ballot is a little bit different.” What’s going on here?
Young people these days – really, anyone under 40 – did not learn cursive when they were in grammar school. Why is that relevant in an election? Because there are clear patterns that people of a certain generation didn’t sign checks and were not sort-of trained in what election officials describe as writing their “formal signatures.” We also know that as people age, or suffer certain kinds of injuries, their signatures can change. And sometimes, people are just in a rush and don’t sign carefully.
Are there problems with how election officials in different states handle ballots that need to be cured?
In 2020, there were these major changes to our election system in order to adapt to provide a safe and secure voting environment during the pandemic. Many states ramped up vote-by-mail for the first time. What we saw in 2020 was that there were laws and procedures that fell out of sync with how people were voting. In some states, they mailed ballots to all eligible voters, yet they had laws that said you can’t begin the process of counting absentee ballots until the day of the election. That led to some slow counts in 2020 and opened up a window for charges of malfeasance, even though all that was happening was that officials were working through these piles of mail ballots.
Since then, many states have improved their laws and brought them in sync with voter behavior. For example, many more now allow election officials to begin the process of processing mail ballots – checking signatures, opening envelopes, preparing to scan – before Election Day. That should improve the speed of ballot counting in 2024.
But there are still some places that could improve. I will highlight Michigan as an example of a place where I’m a little bit concerned, and I’ve heard this also from Michigan officials. Michigan law says the county clerk shall notify the voter of the ballot deficiency by “telephone, email, or text message, if available.” If neither a phone nor email is available, the clerk uses U.S. mail. The voter may cure the ballot by filling out a cure form and returning it in person, electronically or by mail, but the cured ballot has to arrive back at the clerk’s office by 5 p.m. on the Friday following the election – that’s only three days. That’s really not much time!
Imagine a number of new voters casting ballots by mail in Ann Arbor, in Washtenaw County, and they vote by mail but turn it in at the last minute. And if there’s a problem with their ballot, then election officials have to generate some communications to them, and maybe they don’t have their cellphone, or the voter isn’t immediately responsive to email, and the whole process has to be completed in three days.
I have spoken to some local officials in Michigan who think that needs to be changed because the rate of voting by mail in Michigan is so high now – nearly one-third of registered voters requested an absentee ballot as of 21 days before the election, and there will be more absentee ballots requested and returned by Nov. 5.
It’s not just Michigan. There are a number of states that have comparatively high levels of voting by mail and fairly short curing periods. I don’t know the optimal time period, but anything less than five days is asking too much of clerks and of voters, and could disenfranchise people for making an innocuous mistake.
The way America votes in 2024 is not the way the country voted in 2000 or even the way we voted in 2016. We are in a world where one-third or more of ballots are vote-at-home ballots, and those numbers will continue to increase. Best practices include providing ample time to allow clerks to notify voters of any problems with their ballots, and voters to provide the necessary information to make sure their ballots are counted. If we can do it that way in Oregon, where I live – and Colorado, and Washington, and many other states – I’m sure other states can do it as well.
Paul Gronke receives funding from Elections Trust Initiative and Democracy Fund. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the MIT Election Data and Science Lab (MEDSL) and a member of the Circle of Advisors of the National Vote At Home Institute.
– ref. What is ‘ballot curing’? Election expert explains the method for fixing errors made when voters cast their ballots – https://theconversation.com/what-is-ballot-curing-election-expert-explains-the-method-for-fixing-errors-made-when-voters-cast-their-ballots-243009
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
Singapore firms take a long-term view towards China, a market with huge potential and growing sophistication, and regard investing in the country as a long game, according to the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) CEO.
“The number that I have been told many times is that China is home to over 400 million middle-income population. Market growth might not always be in a rocketing state. However, the world’s second-largest consumer market will still grow,” SBF CEO Kok Ping Soon told Xinhua during the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE).
Led by the SBF, a delegation of nearly 400 representatives from 44 Singaporean businesses are attending the CIIE held from Nov. 5 to Nov. 10 this year, which marks the seventh year for the SBF’s delegation to participate in the world’s first national-level expo on import.
“Some of the previous delegation participants have ‘graduated’ from the delegation by outgrowing the Singapore Pavilion and setting up their own booths at other exhibition areas of CIIE,” Kok said.
With a total exhibition area of close to 912 square meters, the Singapore Pavilion spans the Consumer Goods Hall, Food & Agricultural Products Hall, and Trade in Services Hall.
“We are very encouraged to see some of those companies are no longer just in the food and beverage sector. We are starting to see companies responding to China’s call for more high-quality investment in fields like biotech,” he noted.
China has been Singapore’s largest trading partner for 11 consecutive years. Singapore is China’s second-largest foreign investment source and the top destination for Chinese overseas investment.
Kok said there are broad areas of collaboration between the two countries, such as green transformation, AI security and governance, and smart city development.
According to the SBF National Business Survey 2023/2024, China is one of the top three countries that Singapore businesses have a presence in and is among the top three countries in Asia that Singapore businesses are looking to expand into.
China has intensified its opening up in the medical sector to meet the growing healthcare demands of the population. The country announced in September that it would give the green light to establishing wholly foreign-owned hospitals in some cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
“The opening up of the healthcare sector in China presents tremendous opportunity for us,” Kok said, citing the case of Mirxes, a CIIE participant seeking local partnerships such as promoting its solution to screen early-stage stomach cancer, drawn by China’s huge market potential and enhanced intellectual property protection.
RMA Contracts, a Singapore business process outsourcing company, will be using the CIIE platform to tap into the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City, a representative cooperation project between the two countries, according to Kok.
Another interesting thing Kok observed is that Singapore companies are looking beyond penetrating the Chinese market via the CIIE, citing examples of participating companies seeking cooperation with non-Chinese firms.
Kok said CIIE is an important platform for reaching the global market. “You don’t just come in thinking to connect with China. If you broaden your mind, you can look for partners in your home country or even outside of China, which is the charm of a platform like CIIE.”
Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
A south Canterbury community group has looped in help from an unlikely source to improve water and soil quality in their catchment, with four shipments of dung beetles coming to their aid.
While most people actively avoid creepy crawlies, Barkers Creek Catchment Group is shipping them in by the hundreds.
The local community group was allocated funding by the Ōrāri Temuka Ōpihi Pareora (OTOP) Water Zone Committee to support their project, a catchment-wide release of dung beetles which aims to bring long-term soil and water quality improvements to the Barkers Creek area, a sub-catchment of South Canterbury’s Waihī River. The next shipment of beetles is set to be released in coming weeks.
Dung beetles dine on the manure of grazing animals, including cows, sheep, alpacas and horses. The adults feed on dung before tunneling beneath the manure, then filling their tunnels with balls of dung, in which they lay their eggs. The piles of dung quickly disappear, broken down into the soils below.
By reducing run-off from paddocks into waterways, and with the nutrients being recycled back into the soil, water and soil quality is greatly improved, along with plant and animal health.
In most parts of the world, the beetles are strongly connected to livestock, but not here in New Zealand. Although we have native beetles, they have adapted to a forest environment and don’t provide any support in processing manure in our pastoral system.
Group Chair Danette McKeown said the beetles are a novel approach to an age-old problem for the small 34 sq km catchment, which is largely rolling terrain with heavy clay soils.
“Research shows they’re great on sloping land; they tunnel down so you have less dung to run off in a rainfall event, and they improve the structure of hard clays,” she said.
It’s a long-term project, as it can take five to seven years to know if the colony has become established, but Danette said the benefits are wide-reaching for the greater catchment.
“It was a no-brainer for us. Water quality was one of our priority issues as a catchment, with sediment and nutrient run-off issues because of our rolling clay terrain,” she said. “We’re also aware the closer to the source, the cheaper and more effective the remediation. So, we were looking for ‘close to the source’ mitigations.
“Dung beetles are a passive solution, they keep working for us and we can then focus our attention and funds on other things, like riparian planting and fencing off waterways.”
The dung beetle project is the latest in a long raft of successful initiatives undertaken by the Barkers Creek Catchment Group.
Made up of local farmers, they initially came together seven years ago to collaborate with us and the OTOP water zone about Plan Change 7 of the Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan.
Today their work is driving landscape-scale improvements to the wider catchment, with current and future projects that include:
“We’re focused on actions with good value,” Danette said.
“If we’re going to spend money undertaking work, we want to get the widest benefits we can, so we’re focused on projects that have more than one singular outcome.”
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
As part of ongoing work to ensure Rotorua’s community feels safer within the CBD, 13 people were arrested and 45 shopping trolleys have been returned to their respective stores, following a three-day Police operation.
From Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23 January, Police executed Operation Trolley focusing on engaging and educating managers of local businesses and enforcing the illegal actions of people using or having possession of shopping trolleys outside the boundaries of their respective stores.
While being homeless is not a crime in and of itself, Police has recently received complaints in regard to homeless people in possession of trolleys intimidating members of the public and workers as they walk through the CBD.
Any antisocial or unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated, and Police is committed to ensuring anyone going about their lawful business in the CBD are safe and feel safe.
Upon speaking with local retail store and business managers, Police identified several people using retail store owned shopping trolleys for their personal use without lawful authority.
Police arrested seven people in possession of shopping trolleys for receiving an item worth less than $500. They were all given verbal warnings.
Six other people were arrested for historical offences including theft, assault, arrest warrants, bail breaches, and trespassing.
Police also issued 19 trespass notices, trespassing individuals in possession of a trolley from the trolley’s respective store.
In total, 45 trolleys were returned to their businesses at the end of the three-day operation.
Homelessness is a social problem which requires a joint effort to address the underlying issues. Police works with a number of agencies to understand these issues, support the homeless, and collectively find homeless people long-term solutions.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Seminar on Life Science and Global Health “Innovation ·Inclusion · Impact” on November 5 (Ottawa time):
Ms Wu (Board Director of Hong Kong Canada Business Association, Ottawa, and Department Chair of Algonquin College School of Business and Hospitality, Ms Sandra Wu), Mr Eng (President of Hong Kong Canada Business Association, Ottawa, Mr Frank Eng), Senator Woo (Senator of Canada, Mr Woo Yuen-pau), Mr McLean (Member of the House of Commons of Canada, Mr Greg McLean), Mr Arya (Member of the House of Commons of Canada, Mr Chandra Arya), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. It is my great pleasure to join you all here today in Ottawa and in such a historic building for the Seminar of Life Science and Global Health, to explore the vital intersection of life science and global health, through the lenses of innovation, inclusion, and impact.
Over the years, Hong Kong has established close ties with Canada in many façades, say economically, culturally and people-to-people bond. We share many similarities and a wide range of common interests. While Canada has long been recognised as a powerhouse in the field of life and health science, Hong Kong is emerging as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, as well as a health and medical innovation hub in the Asia-Pacific region. Taking this opportunity, I would like to give you a brief update on Hong Kong’s I&T landscape and the opportunities that lie ahead in the field of life and health technology.
Promoting I&T development is of top priority on the policy agenda of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government. Back in December 2022, we promulgated the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint, which clearly indicated our development direction to perfect the I&T ecosystem by promoting positive interaction between upstream for basic research, midstream for technology transfer, and downstream for all industries development. We greatly support the development of technology industries with an edge and of strategic importance.
Life and health technology is one of our focuses.
Hong Kong possesses professional medical services and a well-established healthcare system. Supported by five top 100 universities and two top 40 medical schools in the world, together with a multitude of world-class experts in the life and health disciplines, Hong Kong enjoys significant advantages in developing life and health technology.
To capitalise on our strength in basic research and foster global I&T collaboration, Hong Kong’s flagship R&D (research and development) initiative, namely InnoHK, has built collaboration with more than 30 world-renowned universities and research institutes from 12 economies, including Canada of course, and set up a total of 29 InnoHK research laboratories. Of these, 16 of them focus on healthcare-related technologies and have brought notable scientific achievements and benefits to society. For example, the Centre for Eye and Vision Research, which was jointly established by the University of Waterloo and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, is one of them.
Furthermore, we will launch a HK$6 billion subsidy programme, roughly $1.1 billion Canadian dollars, to support setting up cross-institutional and multidisciplinary life and health technology research institutes in Hong Kong. We have also earmarked HK$3 billion, that is approximately $540 million Canadian dollars, for the Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme to accelerate cross-disciplinary researches in various frontier technology fields, including clinical medicine and health, gene and biotechnology, spearheaded by the local funded universities and renowned scholars from around the world. These initiatives will empower us to create a vibrant research atmosphere with the participation of global talent, thereby strengthening Hong Kong’s capability for forward-looking and disruptive scientific researches.
A few weeks ago, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government announced his 2024 Policy Address, in which a series of new initiatives are introduced to accelerate the pace of the development of Hong Kong into an international I&T centre. Among them, we will launch a new HK$10 billion I&T Industry-Oriented Fund, which is equivalent to around $1.8 billion Canadian dollars, to form a fund-of-funds to channel more market capital to invest in specified emerging and future industries of strategic importance, including life and health technology. Indeed, we launched a HK$10 billion Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme last year to accelerate the transformation and commercialisation of outstanding research outcomes from universities, and another HK$10 billion New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme this year to encourage industries of strategic importance, including life and health technology, to set up new smart production facilities in Hong Kong. Just these three funding schemes alone, totalling HK$30 billion, almost $5.4 billion Canadian dollars in financial commitment, demonstrates our strong commitment to promoting industry development and placing a strong emphasis on investment in the I&T sector.
Adequate sites and sophisticated infrastructure are equally important for the long-term I&T development. Located in the border area between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, the Hetao Hong Kong Park, or the Loop in short, will serve as an I&T hub of strategic value connecting Mainland China and the international community. We will set up the InnoLife Healthtech Hub in the Loop to attract top-notch research teams and talent from around the world. We will allocate another HK$2 billion to support the InnoHK research clusters to establish presence in the Loop, and HK$200 million to support start-ups in the Loop engaging in life and health technology in the form of incubation and acceleration programmes.
Besides, new I&T land will be available in San Tin Technopole in the northern part of Hong Kong to support I&T industry development, creating synergy with the nearby Shenzhen I&T Zone. With the new I&T platform in the Loop and new I&T land in San Tin Technopole, coupling with the gigantic market of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, there are indeed many I&T opportunities and possibilities lying ahead in Hong Kong.
While the global economic and political situation is becoming more complicated, Asia will still play a pivotal role in the technological revolution. Under the principle of “one country, two systems” and with a strategic geographical location on the doorstep of Mainland China, Hong Kong is the best platform to connect I&T talent and companies from Mainland China and around the world. Whether you are looking for job opportunities, capital or investment, there is always a place for you in Hong Kong. I strongly believe that apart from life and health technology, there is a lot of room for bilateral collaboration between Hong Kong and Canada, say, in green technology, renewable energy, environmental protection and sustainability, where Canada has an edge.
Ladies and gentlemen, the challenges we face in global health are complex and multifaceted. By fostering global I&T collaboration, we amplify the impact brought by innovation and inclusion, from zero to one, from one to many, to unlock new possibilities and drive the next wave of technological advancement for the betterment of the mankind. Hong Kong stands ready to play the promising role as a “super-connector” and a “super value-adder” to create value and impact to the world.
In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to Hong Kong – Canada Business Association (Ottawa) and Invest Hong Kong for organising today’s seminar. I look forward to the fruitful collaborations that will arise from this seminar. Thank you very much.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Department of Justice (DoJ) issued a Policy Statement on the Incorporation of Mediation Clauses in Government Contracts today (November 6) to set out the Government’s policy stance and approach on promoting the use of mediation to resolve conflicts in an amicable way, and to implement the policy initiative under the 2023 Policy Address on deepening mediation culture, consolidating the strategic positioning of Hong Kong as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region under the national policies.
The Government has been committed to promoting the development of mediation in Hong Kong, encouraging a wider use of mediation by all sectors as a flexible and constructive approach in resolving disputes outside the courts to produce mutually acceptable settlements while keeping the risks, costs and time in control. It can help build a harmonious and stable society and foster a culture that embraces mutual support, respect, harmony and inclusiveness.
To further promote mediation culture, the Mediation Clause Policy requires all government departments to incorporate mediation clauses in future government contracts, so as to further promote the use of mediation to resolve disputes first before resorting to arbitration or litigation.
The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, said, “By taking the lead to incorporate mediation clauses in government contracts, the Government hopes to encourage private companies to include similar mediation clauses in their contracts, further promoting a ‘mediate first’ culture.
“In conjunction with the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation’s headquarters in Hong Kong, the DoJ will continue to implement policy measures of deepening the mediation culture to build Hong Kong as the capital for international mediation.”
The full policy statement can be found in the Annex to this press release.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH invites proposals for Community Dental Support Programme
DH invites proposals for Community Dental Support Programme
***********************************************************
The Department of Health (DH) today (November 6) invited interested organisations to submit proposals for providing services under the Community Dental Support Programme (CDSP). Organisational applicants interested in participating in the CDSP must meet all of the following requirements:
Be a non-profit-making entity exempted from tax under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) on or before the application closing date;
Have established at least one clinic providing dental services to the public on or before the application closing date;
Ensure that the registered dentists providing services are registered with eHealth and enrolled in the Primary Care Directory; and
Be registered under Section 12 of the Dentists Registration Ordinance (Cap. 156) on or before the application closing date.
In evaluating the submitted proposals, the DH will consider the requirements specified in the invitation documents. The Working Group on Oral Health and Dental Care of the Health Bureau indicated in its Interim Report that in order to address the high demand for dental service provided through General Public (GP) Sessions under the DH, a new service model should be developed in collaboration with non-governmental organisations to supplement the GP Sessions. In response, the Government will pilot a Community Dental Support Programme in 2025 to increase service capacity, add service points and expand service scope, targeting designated underprivileged groups with financial difficulties requiring GP Session services. ???Interested applicants can collect invitation documents from the DH’s Community Dental Service at Unit 01-P03, P08-09, 26/F, One Kowloon, 1 Wang Yuen Street, Kowloon Bay, or via email (aa1a_cds@dh.gov.hk). Applications must be submitted to the DH’s Community Dental Service at Unit 01-P03, P08-09, 26/F, One Kowloon, 1 Wang Yuen Street, Kowloon Bay, by 9.30 am on December 2, 2024. Late applications will not be accepted. For enquiries, please call the Community Dental Service (2111 3465).
Ends/Wednesday, November 6, 2024Issued at HKT 11:30
NNNN
Source: Australian Electoral Commission
AECMedia
Updated: 6 November 2024
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has finalised election funding payments to political parties and candidates for the 2024 Cook by-election.
Parties and candidates who received at least 4 per cent of the formal first preference vote at the 2024 Cook by-election received an automatic payment of election funding of $12,039. This initial payment amount was provided pursuant to the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 and is an indexed figure.
To receive election funding greater than the automatic payment, agents of eligible political parties and candidates were required to lodge a claim with the AEC setting out electoral expenditure incurred. For the cook by-election, the period for lodging a claim for election funding was Friday 03 May 2024 to Monday 14 October 2024. Four political parties and one independent candidate were eligible for election funding. The AEC received and finalised 3 final claims for election funding between Friday 03 May 2024 to Tuesday 27 August 2024. The final claim was not received from one eligible political party and independent candidate.
Total election funding paid by the AEC in relation to the Cook by-election was $260,700.41. This amount includes $60,195.00 in automatic payments and $200,505.41 in claims accepted. The following table is a breakdown of total election funding paid by the AEC.
|
Political Party/Independent Candidate |
Total Election Funding Paid ($) |
|---|---|
|
Liberal Party of Australia |
177,160.11 |
|
Animal Justice Party |
12,039.00 |
|
The Greens NSW |
42,612.02 |
|
Libertarian Party |
16,850.28 |
|
Roger Charles Woodward |
12,039.00 |
|
Total election funding paid: |
$260,700.41 |
The determinations for claims for election funding are published on the Transparency Register.
Video: Transparency Register – YouTube
Source: Reserve Bank of India
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations
The Fifth U.S.-ASEAN Cyber Policy Dialogue was held in Singapore on October 17, 2024. The Dialogue was a demonstration of strong partnerships and a shared vision of an open, peaceful, interoperable, reliable, and secure cyberspace that supports international trade and commerce, strengthens international security, and fosters economic prosperity, free expression, and innovation. The United States and Cambodia co-chaired the dialogue.
Reaffirming the U.S.-ASEAN. Leaders’ Statement on Promoting Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence adopted at the 12th U.S.-ASEAN Summit in October 2024, participants discussed how states can enhance the positive, collaborative nature of the U.S.-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance a shared, affirmative vision for cyberspace, digital technologies, and the digital economy.
Download the full statement here.
The post Co-Chairs’ Statement on Fifth U.S.-ASEAN Cyber Policy Dialogue appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: Minister for Trade
Today Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) finalised the much-awaited elevation of our trade relationship with the signing of our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
To mark this important event, I was joined by the Minister for Foreign Trade, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Canberra, to officially sign our new trade agreement.
Alongside the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, we also signed an Investment Agreement and five Investment Memoranda of Understanding.
Our deal delivers for Australian farmers, producers, manufacturers, services providers, exporters and Australian workers, giving them unprecedented access and preferential treatment when they do business with the UAE.
The UAE is already Australia’s largest trade and investment partner in the Middle East with over $9.9 billion in two-way trade and $20.7 billion in two-way investment in 2023. This new trade and investment package will strengthen these relationships and provide a platform for growth in critical sectors of our economy.
The trade agreement will eliminate tariffs on over 99 per cent of Australia’s exports to the UAE, making this the most liberalising trade agreement the UAE has signed to date.
Independent modelling estimates a potential annual increase in Australian goods exports to the UAE of around $678 million.
The agreement will create greater certainty for Australian services providers in over 120 sectors such as professional services, financial services and education wanting to do business in the UAE, who will benefit from clearer transparency in the way the industry is regulated.
This agreement will also strengthen cooperation for Australia and the UAE to address shared environmental challenges, including commitments to work together on transitioning to net zero, addressing climate change, promoting the circular economy, reducing pollution, improving air quality, and preventing overfishing and illegal wildlife trade.
Investment provisions will provide a framework to support an increase in two-way investment. Importantly, the Australian Government’s right to regulate is protected, which means an Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanism is not included in the package of outcomes.
Additional commitments for anti-corruption and transparency, digital trade and skilled labour mobility, as well as outcomes on intellectual property will mean Australian enterprises of all sizes can confidently do business with the UAE. The package also includes cooperation and exchange of information to advance women’s economic empowerment in trade and investment.
Importantly, for the first time in our history, this agreement also includes a standalone chapter covering First Nations trade. The chapter will give First Nations businesses seeking to export their goods to the UAE preferential market access which will result in meaningful new commercial opportunities for First Nations businesses.
Details on the full package and independent modelling as well as key benefits to Australia are published on the DFAT website.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, spoke to cadets from the Korea Military Academy during their visit to USINDOPACOM headquarters on Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, Nov. 5, 2024.
Paparo emphasized the importance of leadership, morale and the strategic alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States to future leaders who will uphold the linchpin of security for mutual shared interests in the Indo-Pacific. The visit was a continuation from last month, when Paparo spoke at the KMA in the Republic of Korea and invited them to visit USINDOPACOM.
USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, fighting to win.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
All dollar amounts are in USD unless otherwise stated and abbreviation “M” means million.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE, OTCQX: ORZCF) (“Orezone” or “Company”) reported its operational and financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. The Company will host a conference call and webcast on November 6, 2024 commencing at 8:00am PT to discuss its quarterly and year-to-date performance, and outlook for the remainder of the year, including commentary on the progress of its Phase II hard rock expansion and early success on its multi-year, discovery-focus drilling campaign. Call access and webcast details are provided at the end of this press release.
Patrick Downey, President and CEO, commented, “The third quarter provided a number of positive developments for our Bomboré Mine. Operationally, mining access was opened up in the Siga pits and grid power returned to normalized levels, both of which will ensure ongoing improved gold production and costs in Q4-2024. We generated solid free cash flow during the quarter and continued to pay down debt and advance the Phase II hard rock expansion which will set the path for Bomboré to increase annual gold production by 50% within the next 12 months. We also commenced our multi-year exploration program with the first two diamond drill holes from the current campaign returning robust results, with broad and above-average grade mineralization to 240 metres below the current pit limit, validating our belief that with further targeted drilling, Bomboré can grow into a 7 to 10 million ounce orebody.
With unhedged gold sales at record prices continuing into the fourth quarter, we forecast generation of continued strong operating cashflow that will help support the Phase II expansion construction. The $58M Phase II term loan previously announced with Coris Bank is advancing and is expected to close in the coming weeks.”
2024 THIRD QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS AND SIGNIFICANT SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
| (All mine site figures on a 100% basis) | Q3-2024 | Q3-2023 | 9M-2024 | 9M-2023 | |||
| Operating Performance | |||||||
| Gold production | oz | 26,581 | 30,726 | 82,244 | 107,509 | ||
| Gold sales | oz | 27,698 | 29,167 | 83,864 | 105,914 | ||
| Average realized gold price | $/oz | 2,473 | 1,910 | 2,280 | 1,922 | ||
| Cash costs per gold ounce sold1 | $/oz | 1,410 | 1,152 | 1,297 | 936 | ||
| All-in sustaining costs1 (“AISC”) per gold ounce sold | $/oz | 1,655 | 1,306 | 1,519 | 1,088 | ||
| Financial Performance | |||||||
| Revenue | $000s | 68,652 | 55,803 | 191,680 | 203,911 | ||
| Earnings from mine operations | $000s | 22,340 | 13,882 | 72,389 | 81,042 | ||
| Net income attributable to shareholders of Orezone1 | $000s | 4,984 | 5,194 | 25,620 | 39,134 | ||
| Net income per common share attributable to shareholders of Orezone1 Basic Diluted |
$ |
0.01 |
0.01 |
0.07 |
0.11 |
||
| Adjusted EBITDA1 | $000s | 25,756 | 19,163 | 72,175 | 93,334 | ||
| Adjusted earnings attributable to shareholders of Orezone1 | $000s | 7,365 | 3,588 | 18,427 | 39,398 | ||
| Adjusted earnings per share attributable to shareholders of Orezone1 | $ | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.05 | 0.11 | ||
| Cash and Cash Flow Data | |||||||
| Operating cash flow before changes in working capital | $000s | 18,888 | 16,474 | 53,876 | 82,839 | ||
| Operating cash flow | $000s | 24,043 | 6,978 | 29,677 | 66,059 | ||
| Free cash flow1 | $000s | 14,120 | (4,024 | ) | (818 | ) | 35,490 |
| Cash, end of period | $000s | 66,900 | 27,711 | 66,900 | 27,711 | ||
1 Cash costs, AISC, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted earnings, Adjusted earnings per share, and Free cash flow are non-IFRS measures. See “Non-IFRS Measures” section below for additional information.
2024 Guidance for Bomboré Mine
| Operating Guidance (100% basis) | Unit | Original 2024 Guidance |
Revised 2024 Guidance |
9M-2024 Actuals |
||
| Gold production | Au oz | 110,000 – 125,000 | Unchanged | 82,244 | ||
| All-In Sustaining Costs123 | $/oz Au sold | $1,300 – $1,375 | $1,400 – $1,475 | $1,519 | ||
| Sustaining capital2 | $M | $14 – $15 | Unchanged | $11.7 | ||
| Growth capital – non Phase II Expansion2 | $M | $16 – $17 | Unchanged | $13.2 | ||
| Growth capital – Phase II Expansion early works2 | $M | No guidance provided | $3.6 | $3.6 | ||
| Growth capital – Phase II Expansion2 | $M | No guidance provided | $15.0 – $18.0 | $6.2 | ||
2024 gold production is expected to be at or above the mid-point of guidance with AISC now guided to fall within $1,400/oz to $1,475/oz, a minor increase to the original guidance, mainly due to the impact of higher power costs from the lack of grid availability in H1-2024 (~$60/oz) and from higher government royalties (~$40/oz) on better realized gold prices.
Sustaining capital for 2024 is expected to reach the low-end of the $14M – $15M guidance range as spending in Q4-2024 will be limited mainly to the ongoing tailings storage facility (“TSF”) expansion (stage 4 lift) and completion of the new on-site explosives magazine.
Growth capital consists of two carryover projects from 2023:
(i) Power connection to Burkina Faso’s national grid (9M-2024 actuals: $1.4M)
The powerline was energized in January 2024, and system commissioning of the new line and substations were completed in March 2024. Remaining equipment and software upgrades to shorten the transfer between the grid and back-up gensets, and to reduce the quantity of reactive power are expected to be implemented by year-end.
(ii) Resettlement Action Plan (“RAP”) – Phases II and III (9M-2024 actuals: $11.8M)
RAP Phases II and III commenced in 2023 and will see the construction of over 2,200 private and public structures in three new resettlement communities (MV3, MV2, and BV2) to help relocate communities occupying areas in the southern half of the Bomboré mining permit.
The Company successfully relocated families to the new MV3 resettlement site in June 2024 and is currently constructing the new MV2 resettlement site with construction progress reaching 85% at the end of Q3-2024. Relocation of households to MV2 and the start of construction works at BV2 are scheduled for in Q4-2024.
RAP spending, including costs for compensation, consultants, relocation allowances, and livelihood restoration programs, is forecasted to remain unchanged at between $15M to $16M for 2024.
BOMBORÉ GOLD MINE (100% BASIS) – OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
| Q3-2024 | Q3-2023 | 9M-2024 | 9M-2023 | ||||
| Safety | |||||||
| Lost-time injuries frequency rate | per 1M hrs | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| Personnel-hours worked | 000s hours | 1,308 | 1,128 | 3,680 | 3,093 | ||
| Mining Physicals | |||||||
| Ore tonnes mined | tonnes | 1,457,631 | 2,231,360 | 5,826,711 | 6,364,169 | ||
| Waste tonnes mined | tonnes | 2,690,759 | 2,654,010 | 9,265,615 | 8,188,409 | ||
| Total tonnes mined | tonnes | 4,148,390 | 4,885,370 | 15,092,326 | 14,552,578 | ||
| Strip ratio | waste:ore | 1.85 | 1.19 | 1.59 | 1.29 | ||
| Processing Physicals | |||||||
| Ore tonnes milled | tonnes | 1,491,740 | 1,453,541 | 4,275,755 | 4,299,394 | ||
| Head grade milled | Au g/t | 0.64 | 0.74 | 0.68 | 0.86 | ||
| Recovery rate | % | 87.4 | 88.8 | 87.8 | 90.9 | ||
| Gold produced | Au oz | 26,581 | 30,726 | 82,244 | 107,509 | ||
| Unit Cash Cost | |||||||
| Mining cost per tonne | $/tonne | 3.76 | 3.19 | 3.49 | 2.99 | ||
| Mining cost per ore tonne processed | $/tonne | 9.58 | 7.79 | 8.85 | 6.93 | ||
| Processing cost | $/tonne | 7.94 | 9.80 | 8.77 | 9.90 | ||
| Site general and admin (“G&A”) cost | $/tonne | 3.77 | 3.98 | 3.84 | 3.64 | ||
| Cash cost per ore tonne processed | $/tonne | 21.29 | 21.57 | 21.46 | 20.47 | ||
| Cash Costs and AISC Details | |||||||
| Mining cost (net of stockpile movements) | $000s | 14,295 | 11,319 | 37,834 | 29,786 | ||
| Processing cost | $000s | 11,846 | 14,238 | 37,486 | 42,566 | ||
| Site G&A cost | $000s | 5,617 | 5,787 | 16,405 | 15,671 | ||
| Refining and transport cost | $000s | 51 | 66 | 304 | 378 | ||
| Government royalty cost | $000s | 5,500 | 3,503 | 15,227 | 12,345 | ||
| Gold inventory movements | $000s | 1,748 | (1,303 | ) | 1,539 | (1,584 | ) |
| Cash costs1on a sales basis | $000s | 39,057 | 33,610 | 108,795 | 99,162 | ||
| Sustaining capital | $000s | 4,453 | 2,606 | 11,752 | 10,444 | ||
| Sustaining leases | $000s | 73 | 41 | 219 | 228 | ||
| Corporate G&A cost | $000s | 2,255 | 1,837 | 6,643 | 5,451 | ||
| All-In Sustaining Costs1on a sales basis | $000s | 45,838 | 38,094 | 127,409 | 115,285 | ||
| Gold sold | Au oz | 27,698 | 29,167 | 83,864 | 105,914 | ||
| Cash costs per gold ounce sold1 | $/oz | 1,410 | 1,152 | 1,297 | 936 | ||
| All-In Sustaining Costs per gold ounce sold1 | $/oz | 1,655 | 1,306 | 1,519 | 1,088 | ||
1 Non-IFRS measure. See “Non-IFRS Measures” section for additional details.
Bomboré Production Results
Q3-2024 vs Q3-2023
Gold production in Q3-2024 was 26,581 ounces, a decline of 13% from the 30,726 ounces produced in Q3-2023. The lower gold production is attributable to a 14% decrease in head grades and a 2% decrease in plant recoveries, partially offset by a 3% increase in plant throughput. The better head grades in Q3-2023 were from the sequencing of higher-grade pits in earlier periods of the mine plan, and greater ore release from more tonnes mined allowing for the stockpiling of lower-grade ore. Less tonnes were mined in Q3-2024 due to lower contractor equipment availability and heavier-than-average rainfall events combined with mining rates in Q3-2023 benefiting from the deployment of a second mining contractor. Pre-stripping activities at the Siga pits increased the strip ratio (1.85 vs 1.19) in Q3-2024, leading to the temporary drawdown of lower grade stockpiles to maintain mill throughput in August 2024. Plant recoveries for Q3-2024 were marginally lower from the greater blend of transition ore in the mill feed as mining deepens in certain pits. The presence of transition ore results in slightly lower metallurgical recoveries and additional plant maintenance due to the harder nature of the ore. Plant throughput increased in Q3-2024 as the Company successfully improved hourly plant throughput by increasing mill power draw and reducing residence time in the CIL circuit without a noticeable effect of recovery rates. Plant throughput was further impacted in Q3-2024 by a ball mill reline performed at the end the quarter (no comparable mill reline in Q3-2023). This mill reline was brought forward from Q4-2024 to ensure maximum mill availability during Q4-2024 when higher-grade ore from the SIGA pits is mined.
Plant throughput, head grades, and recoveries in Q4-2024 are expected to improve quarter-over-quarter as mining ramps up at Siga East and Siga South for the full quarter, with more contribution of higher-grade, softer ore to the mill feed, and from the completion of all scheduled major plant maintenance in earlier periods of the year.
9M-2024 vs 9M-2023
Gold production in 9M-2024 was 82,244 ounces, a decline of 24% from the 107,509 ounces produced in 9M-2023. The lower gold production is attributable to a 20% decrease in head grades, a 3% decrease in plant recoveries, and a 1% decrease in plant throughput. Head grades were higher in 9M-2023 as a result of processing high-grade stockpiles accumulated during the Phase I construction, which were fully depleted by June 2023, and from the sequencing of higher-grade pits in earlier periods of the mine plan. Plant recoveries were lower in 9M-2024 mainly from a greater blend of transition ore. Plant throughput was marginally lower in 9M-2024 due to plant downtime in Q2-2024 caused by frequent grid blackouts and power dips, and time lost to switch to back-up gensets. Grid availability returned to normal levels beginning in July 2024 and with steady grid power, plant throughput is expected to reach a quarterly record in Q4-2024.
Bomboré Operating Costs
Q3-2024 vs Q3-2023
AISC per gold ounce sold in Q3-2024 was $1,655, a 27% increase from $1,306 per ounce sold in Q3-2023. The higher AISC is primarily the result of: (a) a 14% decline in Q3-2024 gold production as explained above; (b) greater per ounce royalty costs from new royalty rates that took effect in October 2023, coupled with a 29% higher realized selling price ($2,473/oz vs $1,910/oz); and (c) increased unit mining costs with deeper pits, drill-and-blast associated with harder transition ore mined, and higher strip ratio, partially offset by a reduction in power costs from the utilization of lower-cost grid energy.
Cash cost per ore tonne processed in Q3-2024 was $21.29 per tonne, a decrease of 1% from $21.57 per tonne in Q3-2023 mainly from the use of lower-cost grid power in Processing ($7.94/tonne vs $9.80/tonne) and lower site G&A costs ($3.77/tonne vs $3.98/tonne) from tight spending control, partially offset by a 23% increase ($9.58/tonne versus $7.79/tonne) in mining costs per ore tonne processed.
Mining costs have increased as lower benches are mined resulting in longer hauls and more transition material that requires some drill-and-blast prior to excavation and greater rehandle prior to feeding into the dump pocket on the ROM pad. In addition, unit costs have increased from a higher strip ratio from the pre-stripping of the Siga pits and the waste pushback to the H1 pit that experienced a minor wall failure in 2023.
Processing costs per ore tonne have benefitted from the introduction of grid power to the Bomboré mine in February 2024 with power cost per tonne dropping to $2.80/tonne in Q3-2024 from $4.94/tonne in Q3-2023, a decrease of $2.14/tonne. Further savings in power costs were offset by a greater blend of transition ore requiring higher per tonne consumption of power and from the rental and use of back-up diesel gensets to supply power when the grid was unavailable. Grid utilization dramatically improved in Q3-2024 at 92% versus 34% in Q2-2024 when issues with the supply system in Ghana and Côte D’Ivoire temporarily reduced the export of power into Burkina Faso. Processing costs in Q3-2024 was also impacted by higher maintenance costs from the ball mill reline.
9M-2024 vs 9M-2023
AISC per gold ounce sold in 9M-2024 was $1,519, a 40% increase from $1,088 per ounce sold in 9M-2023. The higher AISC were due namely for the same reasons as explained in the above section.
NON-IFRS MEASURES
The Company has included certain terms or performance measures commonly used in the mining industry that is not defined under IFRS, including “cash costs”, “AISC”, “EBITDA”, “adjusted EBITDA”, “adjusted earnings”, “adjusted earnings per share”, and “free cash flow”. Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company uses such measures to provide additional information and they should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. For a complete description of how the Company calculates such measures and reconciliation of certain measures to IFRS terms, refer to “Non-IFRS Measures” in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 which is incorporated by reference herein.
CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis are available at www.orezone.com and on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Orezone will host a conference call and audio webcast to discuss 2024 third quarter results on November 6, 2024 at 8:00am PT (11:00am ET).
Webcast
Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Time: 8:00 am Pacific time (11:00 am Eastern time)
Please register for the webcast here: Orezone Q3-2024 Conference Call and Webcast
Conference Call
Toll-free in U.S. and Canada: 1-800-715-9871
International callers: +646-307-1963
Event ID: 9776163
QUALIFIED PERSONS
The scientific and technical information in this news release was reviewed and approved by Mr. Rob Henderson, P. Eng, Vice-President of Technical Services and Mr. Dale Tweed, P. Eng., Vice-President of Engineering, both of whom are Qualified Persons as defined under NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
About Orezone Gold Corporation
Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE OTCQX: ORZCF) is a West African gold producer engaged in mining, developing, and exploring its 90%-owned flagship Bomboré Gold Mine in Burkina Faso. The Bomboré mine achieved commercial production on its Phase I oxide operations on December 1, 2022, and is now proceeding with its staged Phase II hard rock expansion that is expected to materially increase annual and life-of-mine gold production from the processing of hard rock mineral reserves. Orezone is led by an experienced team focused on social responsibility and sustainability with a proven track record in project construction and operations, financings, capital markets, and M&A.
The technical report entitled Bomboré Phase II Expansion, Definitive Feasibility Study is available on SEDAR+ and the Company’s website.
Patrick Downey
President and Chief Executive Officer
Vanessa Pickering
Manager, Investor Relations
Tel: 1 778 945 8977 / Toll Free: 1 888 673 0663
info@orezone.com / www.orezone.com
For further information please contact Orezone at +1 (778) 945-8977 or visit the Company’s website at www.orezone.com.
The Toronto Stock Exchange neither approves nor disapproves the information contained in this news release.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain information that constitutes “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian Securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws (together, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “potential”, “possible” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may”, “will”, “could”, or “should” occur, and include, amongst other statements, the Phase II hard rock expansion setting the path for Bomboré to increase annual gold production by 50% within the next 12 months and that Bomboré can grow into a 7 to 10 million ounce orebody.
All forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, terrorist or other violent attacks, the failure of parties to contracts to honour contractual commitments, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, accidents and equipment breakdowns, political risk, unanticipated changes in key management personnel, the spread of diseases, epidemics and pandemics diseases, market or business conditions, the failure of exploration programs, including drilling programs, to deliver anticipated results and the failure of ongoing and uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, and other factors described in the Company’s most recent annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+ on www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. These assumptions and factors include, but are not limited to, assumptions and factors related to the Company’s ability to carry on current and future operations, including: development and exploration activities; the timing, extent, duration and economic viability of such operations, including any mineral resources or reserves identified thereby; the accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; the Company’s ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of inputs; the price and market for outputs, including gold; foreign exchange rates; taxation levels; the timely receipt of necessary approvals or permits; the ability to meet current and future obligations; the ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms when required; the current and future social, economic and political conditions; and other assumptions and factors generally associated with the mining industry.
Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ22: Diverting the flow of visitors travelling to and from land boundary control points
LCQ22: Diverting the flow of visitors travelling to and from land boundary control points
*****************************************************************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hak-kan and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, in the Legislative Council today (November 6): Question: According to government information, there were about 1.38 million inbound visitors during the National Day Golden Week this year, with the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line (LMC SL) Control Point being the boundary control point (BCP) used by the majority of Mainland visitors during the period. There are views pointing out that the BCP has become one of the most frequently used BCPs for the public and visitors, with an average number of inbound and outbound visitors comparable to that of the Lo Wu Control Point, and the MTR East Rail Line (ERL), which is connected to these two BCPs, is often overcrowded with passengers during the holiday. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) given that at present, the service hours of the Lo Wu Control Point are from 6.30am to 12.00 midnight, while those of the LMC SL Control Point are from 6.30am to 10.30pm, whether the Government will, in the light of visitors’ demand, discuss with the relevant Mainland authorities the extension of service hours of the LMC SL Control Point; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; (2) as it is learnt that the current ratio of train frequency to MTR Lo Wu Station and to MTR Lok Ma Chau Station is 2:1, whether the Government will discuss with the MTR Corporation Limited to increase the ratio of train frequency to 1:1, so as to better meet the needs of passengers; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; (3) whether the Government has compiled statistics on the patronage and occupancy rate of ERL during the peak hours (i.e. from 8am to 10am and from 5pm to 7pm) during the National Day Golden Week this year, and whether there was any overloading situation; if it has compiled such statistics, of the details; (4) whether it will consider further enhancing the cross-boundary coach services to divert visitors on days with a higher number of visitors, including bus services plying between the LMC SL Control Point and districts such as Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai and Central; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and (5) whether the Government has plans to construct new cross-boundary railways to connect the Man Kam To BCP, the Heung Yuen Wai BCP and the new Huanggang Port after redevelopment, etc., so as to increase the carrying capacity of the traffic to and from the land BCPs as soon as possible; if so, of the timetable, and the measures in place to expedite the implementation of the relevant plans? Reply: President, With the commissioning of the East Rail Line (ERL) cross-harbour extension in 2022, passengers can travel directly from the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point to various districts in the New Territories East, Kowloon and even on Hong Kong Island by using the convenient, fast and efficient railway service. Having consulted the Security Bureau, the Transport Department (TD), and the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), the reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Hak-kan is as follows: (1) The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been closely monitoring the demand for clearance services at various land boundary control points (BCPs). On the basis of the 24-hour passenger clearance services currently provided in Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Control Point and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port, the HKSAR Government will liaise with the Mainland authorities on extending the operating hours of the passenger clearance service at respective BCPs as and when necessary to further facilitate the flow of people between the two sides. (2) The MTRCL reviews and adjusts the frequency of trains, including those of the ERL to/from Lo Wu Station and to/from Lok Ma Chau Station from time to time, in the light of the changes in passenger demand. To cope with the passenger demand for railway service to/from the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point, the MTRCL enhanced the ERL train service for two times in March and August this year respectively, by increasing the train frequencies to/from Lok Ma Chau Station during various periods on weekdays, weekends and/or public holidays. Regarding the distribution of passengers of the ERL, as the overall patronage of trains to/from Lo Wu Station is still higher than that of Lok Ma Chau Station, overall speaking, the frequency of trains travelling to/from Lo Wu Station is higher than that to/from Lok Ma Chau Station. The TD will continue to maintain close liaison with the MTRCL to review and adjust the ERL train service in a timely manner, having regard to the travel pattern and demand of passengers. (3) To facilitate the travel of the public and visitors on the National Day, the days before and after that as well as during the Chung Yeung Festival long weekend, the MTRCL enhanced the train service of eight railway lines, including the ERL, between September 28 and October 13, 2024 with a total of about 950 train trips added. In particular, the ERL ran more frequent train trips to/from Lo Wu Station or Lok Ma Chau Station in the mornings and evenings. From the National Day Golden Week to Chung Yeung Festival, the weekday patronage was about 70 100 and loading was about 83 per cent for the critical link of the ERL (Tai Wai to Kowloon Tong) from 8am to 10am; for the critical link (Kowloon Tong to Tai Wai) from 5pm to 7pm, the patronage was about 65 600 and the loading was about 83 per cent. As for weekends or public holidays, during which passengers travel at relatively scattered times unlike on weekdays, the loading was about 70 per cent during the peak hours for critical links, and under 70 per cent for the majority of the rest of the day. According to the MTRCL’s observations, despite having a higher passenger flow on the National Day (October 1) and Chung Yeung Festival (October 11), the overall operation of the ERL was largely smooth and orderly. On the whole, train service of the ERL was able to meet passenger needs between the National Day Golden Week and Chung Yeung Festival. (4) The Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point is a rail-based BCP. Passengers travel to and from the BCP mainly by the ERL of the MTR. During festive periods, the MTRCL will maintain close liaison with relevant departments at the BCP to flexibly adjust the ERL train service in a timely manner according to the situation at the BCP. Additional staff will also be deployed to the busier stations to facilitate passenger flow and assist passengers. To facilitate travel for those in the New Territories West, the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point is also connected by KMB Route No. B1 to/from Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai, providing services at a minimum frequency of eight-minute intervals during hours with high demand. In practice, during periods of particularly strong passenger demand such as weekends and public holidays, the KMB will flexibly enhance the service to operate more departures than scheduled. Apart from KMB Route No. B1, Green Minibus Route No. 75 also provides supplementary transport service between Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and Yuen Long. As for cross-boundary coach services, the current short-haul cross-boundary coach services through the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Control Point provide services for travellers to travel to/from various destinations, including Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kwun Tong, Wan Chai (via Central), Tsuen Wan, the Disneyland. The TD has worked with relevant operators to draw up plans ahead of each peak cross-boundary travel period, including issuing ad-hoc quotas and arranging stand-by coaches when necessary, with a view to facilitating the operators’ arrangement for additional trips having regard to the actual situation. (5) The Government is pressing ahead with cross-boundary railway projects to further promote close collaboration between Hong Kong and the Mainland, thereby assisting Hong Kong in seizing the opportunities and advantages arising from the development of the Greater Bay Area and the Northern Metropolis. The Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu – Qianhai) (HSWRL) and the Northern Link (NOL) Spur Line projects provide direct cross-boundary railway connection to the Shenzhen Bay Port and the new Huanggang Port from the New Territories Northwest and New Territories Central respectively, thus providing additional commuting options for residents and visitors travelling to/from the Greater Bay Area. Meanwhile, residents and visitors can also travel to Man Kam To Port and Heung Yuen Wai Port by the proposed NOL Eastern Extension and Northeast New Territories Line. After the commissioning of the relevant railway lines, the number of land-based BCPs covered by railways in the Northern Metropolis will substantially increase from two at present (i.e. Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau) to six, which is expected to effectively divert residents and tourists to different BCPs, and promote cross-boundary integration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The HKSAR Government will continue to take forward the two cross-boundary railway projects, namely the HSWRL and the NOL Spur Line, through the Task Force for Hong Kong-Shenzhen Co-operation on Cross-Boundary Railway Infrastructure. We are working to reach consensus with the Shenzhen authorities on the implementation arrangement of the NOL Spur Line within this year for the MTRCL to commence the detailed planning and design of the project early next year. Meanwhile, we are preparing for the next stage of implementation of the proposed NOL Eastern Extension and Northeast New Territories Line, including formulating the implementation approaches, financial arrangements, etc. The layout and commissioning target of the projects were holistically outlined in the Hong Kong Major Transport Infrastructure Development Blueprint promulgated at the end of last year. We will consider different implementation arrangements and explore various innovative engineering technologies based on the construction and operation details of each new railway project with a view to enhancing the cost-effectiveness and expediting the delivery of new railway projects.
Ends/Wednesday, November 6, 2024Issued at HKT 11:34
NNNN
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCSD to offer free music programme “Busking Go Round 2024” in November (with photos)
LCSD to offer free music programme “Busking Go Round 2024” in November (with photos)
******************************************************************************************
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present free music programme “Busking Go Round 2024” at Kwai Tsing Theatre, Yuen Long Theatre and Sha Tin Town Hall from 2.30pm to 5.15pm on November 9, 16 and 17 respectively. Young music enthusiasts will deliver vibrant and distinctive music performances. In addition to reinterpreting an array of popular songs, some performers will also present their original works, demonstrating different musical charm and bringing a refreshing experience to audiences. Each performance will be presented by three different singers or music groups with details as follows:
Date
Venue
Performers
November 9 (Saturday)
Foyer, Kwai Tsing Theatre
– Independent pop singer Kyra- Busking group “PaperJet”- Boyband “Last Minute”
November 16 (Saturday)
Foyer, Yuen Long Theatre
– Funk band “Melonyea”- Music group “Station”- Independent singer NamNam
November 17 (Sunday)
Foyer, Sha Tin Town Hall
– Singer-songwriter Candy Ng- Rock band “Andy is Typing…”- Rock band “Gimagband”
For more information, please visit the following webpages of the venues:Kwai Tsing Theatre: www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ktt/programmes/buskinggoround2024.htmlYuen Long Theatre: www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ylt/programmehighlights/buskinggoround2024.htmlSha Tin Town Hall: www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/stth/programmes/buskinggoround2024.html
Ends/Wednesday, November 6, 2024Issued at HKT 12:00
NNNN
Source: US State of Pennsylvania
November 04, 2024 – Harrisburg, PA
In the last of his daily pre-election updates, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt reminded Pennsylvania voters that they can find comprehensive voting information at vote.pa.gov.
Ensuring that our elections are conducted freely, fairly, and securely – and that every eligible voter can make their voice heard – are top priorities of the Shapiro Administration.
“Vote.pa.gov is a one-stop shop for Pennsylvanians looking for trusted, official information about tomorrow’s election,” Schmidt said. “While visiting the website, registered voters can find their polling place, watch a video of how to cast a ballot on their county’s voting system, or find mail ballot return locations in their county.
“The wealth of useful information at vote.pa.gov helps all voters as they make their plan to vote.”
Speakers Include:
Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt
Source: US State of Pennsylvania
System Requirements:
macOS 10.6 or higher
Windows 7 or higher
Supported desktop browsers:
Safari 10+
Mozilla Firefox 49+
Google Chrome 45+
Microsoft Edge 15+
Supported mobile browsers:
Safari 10+ (iOS)
Chrome 45+
Internet Connection:
5 Mbps+ download speed recommended
Source: US State of Pennsylvania
November 05, 2024 – Harrisburg, PA
Governor Josh Shapiro and Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt held a media briefing in Harrisburg after polling locations closed across Pennsylvania. They reported a successful election with high turnout and isolated issues in a few counties.
Speaker:
Governor Josh Shapiro
Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt
Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority
CFA Langwarrin brigade members Jason and Donna with Tim Marchinton from CFA
Local community members were curious about why CFA was at the Expo and asked what CFA has to offer. This was easy to answer. People with a disability are at much greater risk in a house fire.
Between 2003 and 2017, national house fire fatality data highlighted that 62 per cent of people who died had a disability. This alarming statistic has been a call to action for CFA. That is why CFA was at the Expo to talk to people about fire safety and fire prevention.
“Once they knew the reason, they all thanked us for being there,” said Jason Walker, Langwarrin brigade’s community safety coordinator.
“The main topic of conversation was home fire safety, particularly smoke alarms and home fire escape. People with a disability need to consider if they can hear and respond to a smoke alarm and whether they can escape their home within three minutes.”
Donna, another Langwarrin brigade member, thought the Expo was worthwhile because it was an opportunity to speak to people who may need extra support with fire safety.
“My son is deaf so he can’t hear a standard smoke alarm. He needs a specialised smoke alarm. I know how important it is to spread the message out to the community,” Donna said.
Bill, who has been a CFA brigade member for 62 years thought it was very worthwhile to attend the Expo and talk to community about fire safety.
There were also conversations about the Fire Danger Rating system and the importance of downloading the VicEmergency App. Some community members didn’t realise CFA is a volunteer organisation and this led to conversations about joining CFA – though this wasn’t the main reason for going to the Expo.
“Overall, it was a really good day. Lots of people were there and there were so many members of the community we don’t know. We will plan to go again next year to talk to people who have a disability about fire safety,” Jason said.
| Submitted by | Angela Cook |
|---|
Source: US State of Pennsylvania
System Requirements:
macOS 10.6 or higher
Windows 7 or higher
Supported desktop browsers:
Safari 10+
Mozilla Firefox 49+
Google Chrome 45+
Microsoft Edge 15+
Supported mobile browsers:
Safari 10+ (iOS)
Chrome 45+
Internet Connection:
5 Mbps+ download speed recommended
Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority
The new brigade is known as the South East Region Community Safety Headquarters Brigade. Late last year, 37 people from both existing brigades and the wider community attended a public meeting and unanimously voted in favour of forming a new fire brigade.
“Fire prevention and community preparedness are some of the most important tools we have to reduce the number and impact of emergencies faced by our communities,” South East Region Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Owen said.
“While our operational response activities are at the core of what CFA does, this vision is achieved not only through responding to fires but importantly through working with our communities.
“We were really keen to do some fresh thinking about how our services could be delivered and what future brigade structures might look like.
“Many volunteers have expressed a strong desire to be involved in community engagement and fire safety activities, and not just in their own brigade area,” Trevor explained. “The new brigade will deliver engagement activities across the region.
“The brigade also offers an opportunity for volunteers who no longer wish to respond to emergencies to stay actively engaged in CFA and make a meaningful contribution to community.
“We’re not trying to take away from what our brigades are already doing, but complement the existing delivery and fill the gaps where brigades are unable to do so.”
The brigade supports the work of the region’s 223 community-based fire brigades to educate and engage a highly diverse range of communities spread from Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs to remote Far East Gippsland. Members will work with local brigades to deliver preparedness activities and programs to the community including:
One of the brigade’s first activities was attending the Hawthorn versus Richmond AFL Emergency Services match at the MCG in August (pictured above with members of District 8 HQ brigade). Members of the brigade set up mobile education units outside the MCG to provide fire safety information to the football fans.
The brigade is supported by the region’s Community Safety team.
“The team will work closely with members of the new brigade to deliver the right training and mentoring to deliver engagement activities across the region,” South East’s Manager Community Safety Jude Kennedy said.
The brigade met in August to elect its inaugural brigade management team, with Paul Webster (pictured second from left) elected as the captain.
The brigade is seeking new members with a passion for engaging with the community. If you are an existing member of a brigade, you can join this new brigade while remaining a member of your local brigade. Members outside South East Region can also join, and people who live outside a CFA area, including those from Metropolitan Melbourne, are also welcome.
People who are not currently CFA members are also welcome to join.
For more information or if you are interested in joining, email the captain at sercommunitysafety.capt@members.cfa.vic.gov.au.
| Submitted by | Andy Oldroyd |
|---|
Source: US State of Pennsylvania
System Requirements:
macOS 10.6 or higher
Windows 7 or higher
Supported desktop browsers:
Safari 10+
Mozilla Firefox 49+
Google Chrome 45+
Microsoft Edge 15+
Supported mobile browsers:
Safari 10+ (iOS)
Chrome 45+
Internet Connection:
5 Mbps+ download speed recommended
Source: GlobalData
Coca-Cola ad campaigns during Q3 2024 celebrate culture, togetherness and refreshment, reveals GlobalData
Posted in Business Fundamentals
Coca-Cola’s advertising campaigns during the third quarter (Q3) (01 July to 30 September) of 2024 showcases a diverse range of strategies tailored to specific cultural contexts and demographics. This targeted approach reflects the beverage giant’s understanding of the diverse needs and preferences of its global consumer base, according to the Global Ads Platform of GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Shreyasee Majumder, Social Media Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “From leveraging the excitement of cultural festivals to partnering with other iconic brands, Coca-Cola demonstrated its commitment to connecting with consumers on a deeper level. The company utilized limited-edition products, culturally relevant symbolism, and strategic partnerships to enhance brand engagement and drive sales across different markets.”
The campaigns effectively tap into cultural moments and values, ranging from the excitement of K-pop to the traditions surrounding Chinese New Year and the Nepalese festival of Dashain. The strategic partnerships with McDonald’s and Oreo further amplify Coca-Cola’s reach, offering compelling flavor combinations and enhancing the consumer experience.
Below are the key focus areas of Coca-Cola’s advertisements, revealed by GlobalData’s Global Ads Platform:
Limited-edition products and collaborations: Coca-Cola’s Q3 advertising showcased several limited-edition products, creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity. The “Coca-Cola K-Wave” targeted K-pop fans with a unique flavor and design, while the Oreo collaboration introduced a novel flavor combination and emphasized shared moments of indulgence. These limited-time offerings generate excitement and encourage consumer engagement through the fear of missing out.
Emphasis on festive celebrations and cultural traditions: Several ads tapped into the spirit of cultural celebrations. The “Dashain Dhamaka” campaign connected Coca-Cola with the Nepalese festival of Dashain, emphasizing togetherness and shared experiences. Similarly, the Chinese New Year campaign associated Coca-Cola with good fortune and family traditions, reinforcing the brand’s relevance in specific cultural contexts.
Strategic partnerships and combo meals: Coca-Cola strategically partnered with McDonald’s to promote the pairing of a Double Beef Burger with Coca-Cola Zero Sugar. This collaboration broadened reach and presented Coca-Cola as the ideal complement to a satisfying meal. The emphasis on a zero-sugar option also catered to health-conscious consumers, expanding the brand’s appeal.
Visual storytelling and appealing aesthetics: Across all campaigns, Coca-Cola utilized vibrant visuals, dynamic animation, and appetizing close-ups to enhance the perceived refreshment and desirability of its products. The use of culturally relevant colors and imagery further amplified the emotional connection with target audiences.
Promotional offers and price discounts: Several ads highlighted promotional offers and price discounts, creating an immediate incentive for purchase. The Dashain Dhamaka campaign offered a discounted price on 2-liter bottles, while the Chinese New Year campaign offered bonus gifts with purchase. These promotions drive sales and reward consumer loyalty.
Majumder concludes: “By combining limited-edition products, targeted promotions, and culturally relevant messaging, Coca-Cola reinforces its position as a globally recognized and beloved brand.”
Source: GlobalData
Blood-based biomarker tests the new frontier for Alzheimer’s diagnosis, says GlobalData
Posted in Medical Devices
Blood-based tests are emerging as valuable tools for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, offering accessible alternatives to PET scans and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. With Alzheimer’s disease affecting over 55 million people globally, and cases projected to triple by 2050, advances in diagnostic methods are critical for timely intervention. These tests could make diagnosis faster, less invasive, and more affordable. However, questions remain about their real-world impact on patient outcomes, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Ashley Clarke, Senior Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Blood-based biomarker tests represent a major leap forward in diagnostics. There has been a transformative shift in other conditions like heart attacks, where troponin tests are now widely used as a cost-effective, efficient path to early assessment. For Alzheimer’s disease, reliable and accessible testing could lead to earlier detection, giving patients more time to pursue interventions and lifestyle changes.”
In the US, the FDA is yet to grant full approval to blood-based Alzheimer’s tests, but breakthrough devices are showing high diagnostic accuracy. For example, C2N Diagnostics’ PrecivityAD has demonstrated 90% accuracy in identifying Alzheimer’s disease in symptomatic patients, providing a simpler alternative to PET scans.
More than 150 in vitro diagnostic tests for Alzheimer’s disease are currently in development, according to GlobalData’s Pipeline Products Database, with many aiming to address gaps in early detection. Another device, Roche’s Elecsys amyloid plasma panel, recently showed a negative predictive value of 96.2% in Phase II trials, suggesting a strong potential to rule out Alzheimer’s disease.
Clarke adds: “With high negative predictive values, blood-based tests could serve as reliable screening tools, helping reserve hospital resources for procedures such as PET scans for patients most likely to need them.”
GlobalData reports that at least five pipeline devices are now in the regulatory approval process across the US and Europe, yet ethical and regulatory challenges persist. These tests raise concerns about overdiagnosis, exposure of sensitive health data, and the potential for insurers to adjust premiums based on test outcomes. Predictive testing also introduces ethical considerations around informed consent, and potential psychological impacts for patients learning their risks in a disease still lacking a cure.
Clarke concludes: “Blood-based tests for Alzheimer’s have the potential to transform how we diagnose this disease, making it easier and less invasive for patients. By ensuring these tests are accurate and ethically implemented, we can enhance early detection, reduce healthcare costs, and ultimately improve outcomes for families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
Stress has a negative impact on health: it leads to increased blood pressure, decreased immune defense, and cardiovascular diseases. On Stress Awareness Day, which is celebrated on the first Wednesday of November, residents were told how to make the body more stress-resistant.
One of the most effective means is to lead a healthy lifestyle. It is worth giving up bad habits, eating a balanced diet, and also doing physical exercise.
The training sessions of the “Sports Weekend” project of the capital will help relieve nervous tension and restore mental balance. Department of SportsMuscovites can regularly attend free classes in classical and hot yoga, fitness boxing and fitrock in unusual places in the city under the guidance of professional trainers.
For example, yoga can help you restore strength, health, and balance—immerse yourself in an atmosphere of peace of mind. Such exercises can tone muscles, strengthen joints, relieve back and neck pain, improve posture, and cope with stress.
During hot yoga training, joints and muscles warm up faster and become more mobile. First comes a warm-up with pumping jumps, and then relaxation with deep breathing in a hot room at a temperature of 36 degrees and humidity of 40 percent. Even beginners will master the technique.
Fitness boxing is a group exercise that consists of a combination of punches and kicks on a punching bag at a fast pace. The training takes place to energetic music, allowing you to increase your endurance, build muscle and develop self-defense skills.
Fitrock combines strength and functional exercises, elements of classical aerobics, and dance moves. Drumstick training is performed to rock hits of all time. Scientific studies have proven that drumming reduces stress, strengthens the immune system, lowers blood pressure, and helps with social-emotional disorders.
You can sign up for a class you like, find out detailed information about the conditions and locations of training, and also see the schedule on the project website “Sports Weekend”.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/146165073/
Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU
New labour market data released by Statistics New Zealand today shows a weak labour market and the need for a plan to deliver positive change, said NZCTU Economist Craig Renney.
“Unemployment rose to 4.8% – which is the highest rate it has been since COVID-19. There are 29,000 more people unemployed since this government took office. Yet there is no plan to help workers – that needs to change,” said Renney.
“It’s clear that some communities are increasingly being left behind. Unemployment for young people is now a real concern, with 20% of 15–19-year-olds unemployed and 8.4% of all 20–24-year-olds unemployed. Māori unemployment is 9.2% and Pacific Peoples unemployment is 9.9%. Unemployment in in Auckland is now 5.2%.
“Wages are also reflecting the softer labour market, with 37% of all workers seeing no pay rise, and 50% of workers seeing an annual pay rise less than the 3.8% increase in household costs reported yesterday. With the minimum wage rising by less than inflation this year, its low-income workers who are bearing the brunt of this Government’s policies.
“This was the first time in 37 quarters that the number of people employed in New Zealand fell. A million fewer hours were worked this year. 367,000 people want more work but can’t currently get it. The numbers unemployed for more than 6 months is at its highest level since 1992.
“The headline rate of unemployment didn’t hit 5%, but the underlying data shows that the labour market is as weak as people fear. There have been significant layoffs at sites across New Zealand which won’t have registered yet in this data.
“The Government’s only plan appears to be welfare sanctions which will only increase hardship for unemployed workers. Workers deserve to know what this government is going to do ensure everyone has access to good, sustainable work,” said Renney.
Source: US Republican Governors Association
The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican Governors Association Chair and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued the following statement congratulating Governor-elect Kelly Ayotte on her victory in New Hampshire:
“Governor-elect Kelly Ayotte’s strong record of public service and commitment to defending the New Hampshire Advantage has resonated across the Granite State. From her time as Attorney General to her leadership in the U.S. Senate, Kelly has dedicated her career to protecting public safety, securing our borders, and ensuring New Hampshire remains economically competitive.
“The RGA is proud to congratulate Governor-elect Ayotte on her well-deserved victory and looks forward to supporting her as she leads New Hampshire forward, ensuring it remains a state where freedom and opportunity thrive.”
###
Source: US Republican Governors Association
The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican Governors Association Chair and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued the following statement congratulating Governor-elect Mike Kehoe on his victory in Missouri:
“Governor-elect Mike Kehoe’s journey from successful small business owner to public servant embodies the American Dream. His deep commitment to Missouri’s values, his leadership in creating jobs, cutting taxes, and championing vocational education have earned him the trust of voters across the state. Mike has consistently stood up for law enforcement, protected the rights of Missouri families, and fought to keep Missouri safe and prosperous.
“The RGA is proud to congratulate Governor-elect Kehoe on his victory and looks forward to supporting his efforts to lead Missouri into a future of growth, opportunity, and success.”
###
Source: Australian Ministers 1
The Albanese and Allan Labor governments are powering ahead on North East Link, appointing two world-class consortia as the preferred bidders for the next major elements of the Eastern Freeway Upgrades.
The Momentum consortium – comprising John Holland, Seymour Whyte, Jacobs and Mott Macdonald – has been selected as the preferred bidder for upgrades between Hoddle Street and Burke Road, including new lanes, connections to the Eastern Busway, and new walking and cycling paths.
The Synergy consortium – comprising CPB Contractors, BMD Constructions and Arup – has been selected to complete the Eastern Freeway Upgrades between Tram and Springvale roads, including new express lanes, upgraded noise walls and revitalised sections of the Koonung Creek Linear Park.
The Eastern Freeway will be overhauled from Hoddle Street to Springvale Road, with new express lanes, modern traffic management technology and Melbourne’s first dedicated busway from Doncaster toward the city – seamlessly connecting to the new North East Link tunnels from Watsonia to Bulleen.
Together, the three packages of Eastern Freeway works will add more than 45 kilometres of new lanes where they’re needed most, slashing travel times by up to 11 minutes.
Major Road Projects Victoria will now work with both bidders ahead of contracts being awarded next year.
Significant work is underway to build North East Link and upgrade the freeways – two tunnel boring machines are digging under Yallambie, interchanges are being built near Lower Plenty Road and Manningham Road, and worksites are being set up along the Eastern Freeway and M80 Ring Road.
The Eastern Freeway Upgrades and North East Link tunnels will be complete in 2028, taking 15,000 trucks off local roads and saving up to 35 minutes in travel time between the east and outer north. The projects are jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments.
Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“Selecting preferred bidders for the next stages of the Eastern Freeway Upgrades is another important step in this project that will connect with the North East Link tunnels and make it easier to move around Melbourne.
“Together, the three packages of Eastern Freeway works will add more than 45 kilometres of new lanes where they’re needed most, slashing travel times by up to 11 minutes.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson:
“We’re delivering the first major upgrade of the Eastern Freeway since it was built – slashing travel times and improving public transport in Melbourne’s east.”
