Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture
4 November 2024
Importers and brokers of:
The department is expanding the…
Source: Tasmania Police
Disappointing driver behaviour over long weekend
Monday, 4 November 2024 – 10:22 am.
Police have expressed disappointment after several people were caught drink and drug driving, speeding, not wearing seat belts, using mobile phones illegally and driving without a licence in the North West over the weekend.
Inspector Adam Spencer from Western Road Policing Services said police were upfront that officers would be out in force over the long weekend.
“We were out and about in rural and popular tourist areas as we said we would be,” he said.
“This included a major police operation in the Smithton and Arthur River areas, and the results were very disappointing.”
“Between Queenstown, Smithton, Devonport and Burnie, our police issued 24 infringement notices.”
“Police will again be out in force as the long weekend continues today, you can expect to see us again on highways, urban and rural roads.”
“Please do the right thing and obey the road rules so everyone can get home safely.”
Results included:
28-year-old man intercepted in Devonport and returned a reading of 0.243, almost five times the legal limit. Disqualified from driving and will appear in court.
40-year-old Burnie woman intercepted following reports she was driving under the influence after leaving a licensed premises. Returned a reading of 0.178. Disqualified from driving and will appear in court.
66-year-old Montagu man caught drink driving and not wearing a seatbelt. Disqualified from driving and will appear in court.
60-year-old Boat Harbour man returned a positive drug test and quantities of a controlled substance were located in his vehicle. He will be summoned to court.
26-year-old Devonport man caught hooning. He was arrested and charged and the vehicle was clamped.
33-year-old Devonport woman caught driving disqualified. Will appear in court.
43-year-old Irish Town man detected speeding 32km/h over the posted limit on Blackwater Road, West Coast. Given five demerit points and a $606 fine.
59-year-old Port Sorell man detected speeding 33km/h over the posted limit on Backline Road, Forest. Given five demerit points and a $606 fine.
Source: Australian Ministers 1
As part of the Albanese and Rockliff governments’ commitment to improving the state’s regional healthcare, the new Tasmanian home of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) is a step closer, with planning and design works underway.
The $21.3 million redevelopment will support the RFDS to expand its operations, and was made possible by $15 million from the Albanese Government, $6 million from the Rockliff Government, and additional support from the RFDS.
The new base at Launceston Airport will boost capacity for rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, as well as ground vehicle transfers, and will include space needed to cater for surge workers through either infectious disease outbreaks, or for fire-fighting personnel to tackle bushfires.
This will enable the RFDS to increase outreach support such as mobile mental health services, mobile dental services, and mobile general practitioner services – and support them to deliver urgent care to people across regional Tasmania.
Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain joined Federal Member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell last week to inspect the site of the new base, and to receive an update on the project.
Up to 62 full time jobs will be supported during the construction phase, with up to 41 ongoing jobs in the healthcare sector set to be created once operational in 2027.
When completed, the facility will also house staff and equipment for other emergency service providers, including Ambulance Tasmania, Tasmanian Police and the Fixed Wing Aeromedical Providers.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain:
“It was fantastic to visit RFDS Tasmania to see planning work on this important redevelopment progressing – a region-shaping project made possible thanks to $15 million from the Albanese Government.
“Your postcode shouldn’t impact the quality of your healthcare, which is why we’re partnering with the RFDS to improve and expand their services across regional Australia – with this project to ensure Tasmanians can continue to access support when they need it.”
Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma:
“The Tasmanian Liberal Government’s $6 million investment for the new base will enable the RFDS to continue its vital work.
“Not only will this project improve access to healthcare across regional Tasmania, it will support local jobs during construction, and once the upgraded site is operational.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell:
“While the RFDS’s current home in Tasmania has served the community for 20 years, our government is getting on with updating the site ensure it continues to provide the service Tasmanian needs and deserves.
“By securing the future of the Royal Flying Doctor Service at Launceston Airport, we’re ensuring that the RFDS can continue to deliver lifesaving care throughout our state, from clinic charter services to road transfers.”
Quotes attributable to RFDS Tasmania Board Chair, Malcolm White and CEO Nicole Henty:
“The Royal Flying Doctor Service Tasmania is delighted to be building a new world class facility. We are grateful to both the Federal and State Governments for coming together to support this initiative and help us construct this base at Launceston Airport”
“This is an exciting development for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Tasmania and we look forward to developing an aeromedical base that all Tasmanians can be proud of.”
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Alexandra Police are wanting to hear from anyone who witnessed a man acting suspiciously around vehicles in the Roxburgh area on Sunday.
A man was arrested following a burglary at a commercial premises on Teviot Street, Roxburgh just before midday.
He was found to be in possession of a quantity of coins, and Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed a man interfering with vehicles or acting suspiciously on Sunday morning around Teviot Street and the surrounding areas.
If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 241102/4429.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Source: New South Wales Ministerial News
Public transport use is on the rise, growing by almost 20 per cent in the 2023/24 period compared to the same time in 2022/23.
These latest patronage figures showing passengers are voting with their feet thanks to increased reliability, new travel options and better integration.
After consecutive periods of growth, latest figures show public transport patronage nearly reached its pre-COVID high with more than 629 million ticketed trips made across all modes in the last financial year.
That figure is edging closer to the network-high 735 million ticketed trips taken on public transport in the 2018/19 window.
With the success of Sydney Metro City services and employers getting workers back to the office, public transport could set new post-Covid patronage highs through 2025.
The new Metro line is seeing around 215,000 passenger trips daily, with people incorporating new ways of travel into their overall journey. There have been more than 12 million trips on the new Metro in its first 10 weeks.
Transport for NSW is anticipating greater demand as it has listened to passengers, looked at the modelling and adapted services to fit in with how the community wants to use public transport, most notably in the shoulders of the peaks and for recreation.
Weekend travel has been the big winner with families or visitors to the city overwhelmingly travelling by bus, train, tram, ferry, and metro to major events and to explore the city and attractions.
Patronage on weekends is up 17 per cent on last year, and for ferries and light rail, has eclipsed pre-Covid travel rates – growing faster than weekday travel.
Sydney Metro has three times the weekend travellers that it did when only operating as a Northwest route.
Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:
“People are voting with their feet and are coming back to public transport, with ridership on light rail and ferries now surpassing pre-covid levels on weekends.
“Our investment in rail maintenance and our new timetable means our network is more reliable and can recover more quickly when things go wrong.
“Patronage figures for the new City Metro show that Metromania isn’t slowing down. The daily average of 200,000 trips during its opening week, has increased to an average of 215,000 trips per day.
Source: New South Wales Ministerial News
The Minns Labor Government’s Service NSW Business Bureau has helped small businesses get the support they need, responding to more than 265,000 requests for assistance in its first year.
In addition, business owners across the State have received a total of around 45,000 hours of free, tailored business advice on business-critical topics such as planning, marketing and cash flow.
The Business Bureau’s web pages have seen more than 2.2 million website visits since it launched in October 2023, with NSW businesses benefiting from access to personalised guidance, tailored advice and free digital tools.
The Business Bureau’s team of dedicated Business Concierges has made it easier for businesses to access government support, understand government requirements, apply for licences and permits, receive disaster and emergency assistance, as well as referrals to mental health support for them and their employees.
The Business Bureau’s rapid response team has provided on the ground support for businesses facing acute crisis. They assisted more than 140 business in the aftermath of the tragic Bondi incident, they were on the ground to assist businesses impacted by the M6 sinkholes and provided assistance to businesses in Northern NSW who had supply chains disrupted due to the fire ants infestation.
The Business Bureau’s digital tools, the Service NSW Business Bureau App and Service NSW Business Profile, make it even easier to access government support, manage transactions, and save and track industry licences in just a few taps. Since the launch of the Business Bureau, more than 165,000 businesses have used these digital solutions.
This includes a new seamless way for businesses to renew a business vehicle registration by logging into their Service NSW Business Profile or the Business Bureau Mobile App and simply selecting ‘Renew your vehicle registration’. Already, more than 21,500 customers have accessed the registration renewal feature from the Business Profile.
For more information on Service NSW Business Bureau, call 13 77 88 or visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/business
Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper said:
“I am passionate about small business, having lived it my whole career, and these customer numbers tell an amazing story of the significant support delivered by the Service NSW Business Bureau in its first year.
“The Business Bureau is supporting small business owners no matter where they are on their business journey with free, tailored advice and digital tools which are helping to make being in business easier.
“Driven by the priorities of the recently launched NSW Charter for Small Business, we are focused on working with small businesses across the State to tackle unproductive red tape, break down barriers and build a stronger future.
“We know small businesses having been doing it tough, but now the Business Bureau is there for small businesses every step of the way.”
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:
“Small business owners across the State wear many hats which is why we remain committed to making support and services more accessible and more flexible than ever.
“We have seen more than 165,000 businesses access the Service NSW Business Bureau app and their Service NSW Business Profile which shows the Business Bureau’s digital tools are making it easier for small business owners to access the advice, information and support they need on the go and at a time which suits them.”
Founder of Learnopolis Jennifer Kozanic said:
“As a new business, we needed advice about what sort of public liability, professional indemnity and level of cover we needed. We also needed support with considering who we should target with supplying our product and service.
“The Business Bureau has provided great advice on writing grant applications, business development and pricing. Winning a NSW Government contract was huge for us as a two-person start-up.
“Sam, my business concierge, genuinely wants to support us and to have someone cheering you on from the sidelines, who understands business, is something I would recommend for every owner.”
Founder of Parkview Realty Ben Burfitt said:
“The Business Bureau has been hugely supportive in making sure my application for both my class 1 real estate agent licence and business corporation licence were progressed.
“To have someone who is able to liaise with other areas of the NSW Government was extremely beneficial in getting licence approval in a timely manner.
“My business is new and so brand awareness is important to us. I look forward to working with the Business Bureau on how to develop this and market the company in a way that represents our story and what we offer.”
Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter said:
“The NSW Government has done much to improve the digital interface with business. Our state has led the nation for the past decade.
With rapid improvements in technology and a constantly evolving operational environment, this is an area we can never take for granted. The work must be continuous or we risk falling behind.”
Source: New South Wales Ministerial News
The NSW Government has approved a modification to a large-scale wind farm in the state’s Central West which will deliver enough energy to the grid to power 730,000 homes.
The Liverpool Range Wind Farm was approved in 2018 with a modification sought in 2022 to utilise more efficient technology to increase its energy generation with fewer turbines.
The $2 billion renewable energy project, northeast of Mudgee, will create 550 construction jobs and 47 operational jobs for the Central West economy.
The local community will also benefit with $35 million to be delivered to local councils through Voluntary Planning Agreements.
Following consultation with the community the applicant reduced the number of turbines from 267 to 185 to reduce the visual impacts.
The modification will see an increase in the project’s maximum energy generation capacity by 370 megawatts to 1.3 gigawatts, with capacity to power an additional 200,000 homes across the state.
Achieving this additional power was made possible through the use of more efficient turbines and increasing the maximum wind turbine height from 165 to 215 metres.
The project will help prevent 2.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere across NSW during its first full year of operation.
This State Significant Development is located within the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), which the NSW Government considers a strategic area with strong renewable energy resource potential.
Projects like this are critical to Labor’s Energy Plan to deliver cleaner, more affordable energy to the grid while creating thousands of jobs and boosting regional economies.
In its assessment, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) worked closely with the community, councils and government agencies to address visual, biodiversity, traffic and transport impacts.
The department has set a suite of conditions to make sure any potential impacts are effectively minimised, managed and offset.
For more information see: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/mod-1-turbine-and-infrastructure-changes
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“NSW is leading a once-in-a-generation upgrade of the electricity network by building the infrastructure we need to power our state into the future.
“The Liverpool Range Wind Farm will generate jobs during its construction and operational phases, while also providing long-lasting benefits to the local area through community contributions over the life of project.
“This is a good example of the applicant working with the local community and the final result being material changes to the proposal that address visual impacts.”
Source: New South Wales Ministerial News
The NSW Government is committing $21 million over four years to enhance alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment and support for people in Northern NSW, as the second day of the regional Drug Summit begins in Lismore.
This includes $6.8 million for three new programs to be provided by not-for-profit AOD services and mental health organisation The Buttery, including:
The Community Rehabilitation for Parents program will provide day rehabilitation with individual care-coordination, counselling, and psychosocial support for up to six months for people aged over 18 with a substance use disorder and dependent children.
The program is expected to support up to 48 people each year.
People will be offered withdrawal management in partnership with local GPs, assertive case-management and AOD psychosocial counselling for up to six months.
Face to face and virtual care will be available. Up to 360 people will be able to receive treatment each year across Northern NSW and the Mid-North Coast.
Case management and support will be offered to people in Northern NSW and the Mid North Coast up to three months prior to release from custody and up to 12 months post-release.
As part of this announcement, Northern NSW Local Health District will receive funding to support the following services:
The 2024 Drug Summit is underway in NSW with the second regional forum taking place in Lismore today, following the first day of the Summit in Griffith last Friday.
The Summit will also be held in Sydney on 4 and 5 December, bringing together health experts, police, people with lived and living experiences, drug user organisations, families and other stakeholders to provide a range of perspectives.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
“I am so proud to be able to announce this important investment into life changing services for the people of Northern NSW, on the second day of the regional Drug Summit in Lismore.
“It’s vital that we continue to support community organisations like The Buttery to help people achieve recovery and rebuild their lives.
“This funding will focus on increasing access to evidence-based treatment, prevention, and early intervention services especially in regional and rural areas.
“These new programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of people living in regional areas, and priority population groups including Aboriginal people, pregnant women, people with mental health conditions, young people, and people involved in the criminal justice system.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin:
“The Northern NSW community will benefit from this major funding boost, which will significantly improve health and social outcomes for people at risk of alcohol and other drug related harm, and their families.
“I look forward to listening and reflecting on the experience and expertise of everyone contributing to the second day of the regional Drug Summit in Lismore, so we can better understand how to support our community.”
Source: New South Wales Ministerial News
Sydney is taking its place among the iconic marathon cities of the world, becoming just the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major alongside New York, London, Tokyo, Boston, Chicago and Berlin.
With the support of the NSW Government over a three-year candidacy and review period, the Sydney Marathon now joins the elite club of Abbott World Marathon Majors after international organisers announced their decision at the New York Marathon overnight.
Sydney’s new status is expected to drive a wave of international and interstate runners, along with familes, friends and event support crew to visit NSW.
The Sydney Marathon will become an instant bucket list event for thousands of runners across the globe who have already achieved the “six star medal” for completing all six major marathons – and thousands more who have been aiming for the same goal but will now want to add Sydney to their to-do list.
Major status positions Sydney as the major events capital of the Asia Pacific and brings global spotlight, with other marathons being watched by an average global broadcast audience of 20 million viewers.
Currently, all six Abbott World Marathon Majors are oversubscribed. For example, more than 840,000 people have applied to run in the London Marathon next year, with only about 55,000 places on offer.
Destination NSW estimates an extra $73 million in visitor expenditure will be added to the NSW economy over the next three years as a result of Sydney Marathon’s elevation. Over a decade, an extra $300 million will be added to the economy, with many visitors to Sydney taking the opportunity to visit regional NSW while in Australia.
The elevation of the Sydney Marathon to major status has been made possible through a funding and strategic partnership with the NSW Government through Destination NSW. Government support was a requirement of the Abbott World Marathon Majors criteria and involves cross agency collaboration with Transport for NSW, Destination NSW, NSW Police and NSW Ambulance.
The TCS Sydney Marathon cleared its final hurdle in September after three years of being judged against the assessment criteria of Abbott World Marathon Majors.
There were 25,000 registered runners for the marathon that winds its way through the harbour city and finishes at the Sydney Opera House.
Participation in the Sydney Marathon has increased by 400% since 2022, from 5,000 entries to 25,000 in 2024. It is expected that 33,300 will greet the starter’s gun in August 2025, rising to 37,800 in 2027.
Ongoing support for the Sydney Marathon is part of the broader Minns Government plan to grow the NSW Visitor Economy to $91 billion in expenditure by 2035.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said:
“We’re thrilled Australia’s only global city, Sydney is now a member of the world majors club, following the great marathon cities of Boston, Chicago, New York, Berlin, Tokyo and London.
“Achieving major marathon status is a huge honour and we are proud to be a funding and strategic partner of the Sydney Marathon.
“These runners, their supporters and fans who come to watch will bring a huge boost to the local economy.
“We have ambitious plans to boost the number of visitors in NSW and this event is another feather in our cap.
“NSW is an unbeatable hotspot for tourists across the globe and we look forward to welcoming them next year, providing a multi million dollar boost to the economy and an unforgettable experience for the runners on one of the most scenic marathon courses in the world.”
Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:
“They are the bucket list events that runners from across the world want to tick off. Now Sydney Marathon joins them at the starting line.
“Sydneysiders get behind a sporting event like no other city and we know more and more people will embrace the marathon whether that is aspiring to complete it or getting out to support those who do.
“Sydney Marathon 2025 will draw more visitors, but the NSW Government is just as excited by the economic boost this will provide over the long run as the status of the event grows.
“I congratulate Sydney Marathon organisers and those who worked on its candidacy, backed by Destination NSW. This is a remarkable achievement.”
Wayne Larden, race director of the TCS Sydney Marathon said:
“Becoming the 7th Abbott World Marathon Major is just incredible for the event, as well as for Sydney and NSW.
“This amazing milestone is going to have a profound impact on running in Australia, inspiring the community to become a marathoner and do something special for themselves, their families and friends. Community health will benefit alongside a huge increase in fundraising.
“We are so excited to deliver the 2025 event as the 7th Abbott World Marathon Major and join the greatest marathon series and events on the planet!”
“We could not have achieved such incredible growth in competitors and uplift in delivery to make it into the World Majors if it wasn’t for the support of the NSW Government through Destination NSW, and our partners TCS and ASICS. Our Pont3 team are first rate and have put in so much work to make this happen.
Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority
Belinda Peterson in her damaged Keysborough home
Belinda Peterson was just one of more than 1000 at-risk people across rural and regional Victoria to receive free smoke alarms and assistance from CFA and RACV since April.
Now having lived first-hand through the wrath of an unnerving house fire, Belinda could not be more grateful for the timely maintenance visit that allowed her smoke alarms to alert her out of danger.
The fortunate getaway has inspired her to spur on any Victorians requiring assistance to seek out their local fire brigade or to ask questions if they are unsure about the condition of their smoke alarms.
“I am incredibly lucky I had my new smoke alarms. The fact that I am above 60, single and unable to reach the heights of those ceilings meant I needed help,” Belinda said.
“It was a case of calling my local fire brigade and having them come round and install them for myself and my neighbour.
“Although the units didn’t need to be changed, they did replace the back up batteries that were well and truly out of date and cleaned them all thoroughly before performing tests to ensure they were working before they left.”
Reality hit just four months later when Belinda routinely retrieved her Lite n’ Easy polystyrene box from the front door and placed it on her bench.
“The box was full of meals and dry ice and as I have limited space in the apartment, I put the box on the stovetop bench where I would usually prep food,” Belinda said.
“When I picked up the box, I had noticed the plants in the front of my courtyard were very dry, so once I took it inside, I went back outside to water them.
“My neighbour came over and were chatting for only about two minutes before the smoke and alarms came billowing.
“The stove wasn’t on when I initially placed down the box, but from that movement it made contact with the ignition button and as a result sparked a flame and ultimately the fire.”
As her fire blanket was under the stove, quick thinking saw Belinda grab doonas off the bed to suppress the fire, however when unsuccessful she made a safe exit outside to call triple zero.
“You need to have a very clear idea of what your escape areas are in your house or unit, because really, I only had the front door and the glass doors at the back. I have no side windows at all,” Belinda said.
“When my kids were younger and we were in a bigger house, we discussed our escape routes, and I encourage everyone to have a fire blanket stored somewhere logical and easily accessible.”
While fire services were able to extinguish the remaining fire and ventilate the house, damage was contained to the microwave, kitchen cabinets, stovetop and plaster throughout the kitchen. Belinda is still unable to return home.
CFA recommends all smoke alarms in the home be powered by a 10-year lithium battery, be interconnected and installed in every bedroom, living area and hallway on your property.
All smoke alarms, even hard-wired ones, have a lifespan of around 10 years and should be replaced after that. Residents should also test smoke alarms monthly and clean or dust them yearly.
For more information on the Smoke Alarm Installation Program and safety tips, visit the CFA website.
| Submitted by | CFA media |
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Source: Amnesty International –
With millions of people already displaced by climate change disasters in Africa, the richer countries most responsible for global warming must agree at the COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan to fully pay for the catastrophic loss of homes and damage to livelihoods taking place across the continent, Amnesty International said. They must also fully fund African governments’ adaptation measures to prevent further forced displacement, stop human rights violations and help them achieve a fast and fair phaseout of fossil fuel production and use.
These same countries must then follow up on their agreement by urgently financing the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage, the main international fund addressing climate change’s unavoidable harms. So far, such countries have pledged less than USD 700 million of the 400 billion dollars that lower-income countries estimate they need for loss and damage by 2030. Meanwhile, adaptation may cost USD 30 to 50 billion per year in sub-Saharan Africa alone. International financial institutions must ensure equitable distribution of the money to African countries based on need.
African people have contributed the least to climate change, yet from Somalia to Senegal, Chad to Madagascar, we are suffering a terrible toll of this global emergency.
Samira Daoud, Amnesty International Regional Director for West and Central Africa
“African people have contributed the least to climate change, yet from Somalia to Senegal, Chad to Madagascar, we are suffering a terrible toll of this global emergency which has driven millions of people from their homes. It’s time for the countries who caused all this devastation to pay up so African people can adapt to the climate change catastrophe,” said Samira Daoud, Amnesty International Regional Director for West and Central Africa.
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
The Prime Minister is set to announce an additional £75 million to boost border security, bringing the investment in the Border Security Command over the next two years to £150 million.
The Prime Minister is set to announce an additional £75 million to boost border security, bringing the investment in the Border Security Command over the next two years to £150 million.
Marking the first time the INTERPOL General Assembly has been hosted in the UK in over 50 years, Keir Starmer will today (4 November) open the Assembly in Glasgow by setting out his personal mission to smash the people smuggling gangs by resetting the UK’s whole approach to this challenge and intensifying international collaboration to meet the global scale of the threat.
The General Assembly is INTERPOL’s supreme governing body and comprises senior ministerial and policing leads from the organisation’s 196 member states.
In his speech, the Prime Minister will set out his plans to draw on his experience of bringing together agencies to tackle international terrorist and drug smuggling gangs during his time as Director of Public Prosecutions to dismantle the people smuggling gangs who drive illegal migration, profit from human misery and represent a serious threat to global security.
He will also set out how the £150 million will provide additional specialist investigators and state of the art surveillance equipment to ensure those behind this criminal activity are stopped and brought to justice.
This major funding boost for the government’s new Border Security Command will initially be directed towards a range of enforcement and intelligence activity, including:
Creating a new specialist OIC Intelligence Source Unit which will cohere intelligence flows from key police forces.
The Border Security Command, led by Martin Hewitt CBE QPM, will be provided with enhanced powers – through a new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill – to tackle organised immigration crime whilst providing for strong and effective border security.
New measures will make it easier to detect, disrupt and deter those seeking to engage in and benefit from organised immigration crime. The Command will also coordinate the work of intelligence agencies and law enforcement, who lead joint investigations with European counterparts to ensure we can bring those responsible to justice.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to say:
“The world needs to wake up to the severity of this challenge. I was elected to deliver security for the British people. And strong borders are a part of that. But security doesn’t stop at our borders.
“There’s nothing progressive about turning a blind eye as men, women and children die in the Channel.
“This is a vile trade that must be stamped out – wherever it thrives. So we’re taking our approach to counter-terrorism – which we know works, and applying it to the gangs, with our new Border Security Command.
“We’re ending the fragmentation between policing, Border Force and our intelligence agencies.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:
“Criminal smuggler gangs profit from undermining our border security and putting lives at risk and they have been getting away with it for far too long.
“Our new Border Security Command, with the investment set out today, will mean a huge step change in the way we target these criminal gangs. People smugglers and traffickers operate in networks across borders, that’s why we have launched a major boost to our cooperation with international partners including other European countries, the G7 and Europol, and why we are so pleased to be hosting the INTERPOL conference on tackling international crime in Glasgow today.”
The Prime Minister will also announce that the UK Government has increased its in-year support for INTERPOL’s global operations through a £6 million investment which harnesses the organisation’s unique capabilities to tackle serious organised crime affecting the UK.
Addressing the General Assembly, the Prime Minister will say that closer cooperation with international partners is key as he details how the gangs’ operations span from the money markets in Kabul through to the Kurdish region of Iraq and right across Europe and into the UK.
He will stress the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening security agreements to facilitate greater sharing of intelligence and more joint operational work, in particular through Europol.
The Home Office will also invest £24m in the new financial year to tackle international serious organised crime affecting the UK including drugs and firearms, fraud, trafficking and exploitation. Funds will in part be used to bolster work done by special prosecutors and operational partners in the Western Balkans.
There were more than 5,000 drug related deaths in 2023, with most of the illegal drugs causing these coming from overseas or facilitated by transnational gangs. ISOC funding will also be used to tackle drug smuggling upstream and at the UK border, building on recent successes, such as the effective collaboration with the US and Ecuador, which has resulted in the seizure of 19 tonnes of cocaine.
National Crime Agency Director General Graeme Biggar said:
“Serious and organised crime causes more harm, to more people, more often than any other national security threat. And almost all of serious and organised crime now has an international nexus. Distance, borders and languages are meaningless to criminals. This is why collaborations with INTERPOL have never been as important as they are today.
“Tackling organised crime, and especially immigration crime, remains a top priority for the NCA. We are currently leading around 70 investigations into the gangs or individuals involved in the highest echelons of this type of criminality, and we are devoting more resources to it than ever before.
“We have built up our intelligence sharing effort with law enforcement partners across Europe and beyond, including having more NCA officers based overseas, sharing intelligence and working side by side on joint investigations. This approach is bringing operational results with arrests and prosecutions, but we are also we are seeking to disrupt the people smugglers’ business model, through targeting their social media offering, their supply routes for equipment, and their financial flows.
“We are determined to do all we can to disrupt and dismantle these networks, wherever they operate.”
The announcement comes just a month after Britain joined up to a new G7 anti migrant smuggling action plan which included pledges to bolster border security, combat transnational organised crime, and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation by smugglers.
The plan includes new, intelligence-led joint investigative actions to target criminal smuggling routes, working with social media platforms and internet providers to remove harmful content promoting illegal migration services or advertising fake job opportunities, and strengthening capabilities to monitor and anticipate irregular migration flows at both global and regional levels.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
JIUQUAN, Nov. 4 — The Shenzhou-18 crew consisting of three Chinese astronauts returned to Earth safely in the early morning on Monday, after completing a six-month space station mission.
Shenzhou-18’s return capsule, carrying astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at 1:24 a.m. (Beijing Time). The crew had all left the return capsule by 2:15 a.m., according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
The three astronauts, after staying in orbit for 192 days, were all in good health and the Shenzhou-18 manned mission was a success, the CMSA said.
Ye, the Shenzhou-18 mission commander, has become the first Chinese astronaut with an accumulative spaceflight time of more than a year, setting a new record for the longest duration of stay in orbit by a Chinese astronaut.
He served as a crew member in the Shenzhou-13 mission from October 2021 to April 2022.
“Chinese astronauts have flown to space in successive missions. I believe that the record of the duration in orbit will be broken in the near future,” Ye said.
Li Cong, who has just completed his first-ever space adventure, said that the crew was united as one and worked closely with the ground team, which ensured the extravehicular activities implemented smoothly and the scientific research and experiments advanced successfully.
“We have all enjoyed the unique experience of weightlessness. It is exciting to return to Earth, but we are also unwilling to part the wonders of the space,” said Li Guangsu, who has just returned from his first spaceflight.
At 12:34 a.m., the Beijing Aerospace Control Center issued a return command through the ground station, and the return capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship separated from its orbiting capsule. The brake engine then ignited, and the return capsule separated from the propulsion capsule.
The ground search team arrived at the landing site soon after the return capsule landed.
INTENSIVE SCIENTIFIC TASKS
China launched the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship on April 25, 2024. During the mission, the Shenzhou-18 crew utilized the scientific experiment cabinets and extravehicular payloads to carry out dozens of experiments in the fields of basic physics in microgravity, space material science, space life science, space medicine and space technology.
They replaced the burner for the gas experiment in the combustion experiment cabinet and test samples in the fluid physics experiment cabinet as planned. They also conducted in-orbit training on spacecraft rendezvous and docking.
The Shenzhou-18 astronauts carried out extravehicular activities twice. Their first spacewalk in May set a new record for the longest single spacewalk by Chinese astronauts.
Assisted by the space station’s robotic arm and a team on Earth, they worked for about eight-and-a-half hours during their first extravehicular activities, and completed multiple tasks, including the installation of space debris protection devices.
The crew also carried out emergency decision-making research. By utilizing the computer and corresponding software, they completed a series of assessments, including tests on basic cognitive ability, risk perception, decision-making style, as well as comprehensive decision-making tasks.
The ground personnel then used the test results to thoroughly evaluate the astronauts’ emergency decision-making ability in orbit and study the influence of the factors such as the duration of stay in orbit, emotional state and workload on their ability.
During the mission, the crew also conducted regular medical check-ups as required, including routine examinations and dynamic monitoring of the heart rate and blood pressure. These procedures helped comprehensively monitor the astronauts’ physical state.
JOYFUL SPACE JOURNEY
During their space adventure, the Shenzhou-18 trio also experienced some special joy brought by the space “aquarium” and “garden” in the Tiangong space station.
The three astronauts created a space “aquarium” using zebrafish and algae to study how the space environment affects their growth and system balance. It was also a breakthrough in the field of raising vertebrates in space.
The astronauts discovered that zebrafish exhibited abnormal orientation behaviors in microgravity, such as upside-down swimming, spinning and circling.
Scientists will later utilize the returned water samples, fish eggs and other specimens, in conjunction with videos of the zebrafish’s spatial movement behaviors, to conduct research on the impact of the space environment on the growth, development and behavior of vertebrates and to provide support for the study of material cycling in a closed space ecosystem.
The Shenzhou-18 astronauts were also busy cultivating plants in the “space garden” during their stay in orbit.
According to a video clip released by the CMSA, astronaut Li Guangsu said that they grew two types of plants — cherry tomatoes and lettuce — and they had harvested some lettuce leaves for food.
“Being able to eat fresh vegetables in space is truly a blessing. These green plants have also brought a touch of green and good cheer to our busy work,” Li said.
Planting in space could also help analyze the changes in the function and gene expression of plant stem cells in the microgravity environment, and provide theoretical support for designing crops that can adapt to outer-space conditions.
Before their return to Earth, the Shenzhou-18 crew completed the removal of some module plants, replenishing water and other operations for the “space garden,” in preparation for the new batch of plant seeds brought into space by the Shenzhou-19 astronauts.
They also planted a new batch of lettuce for the Shenzhou-19 crew, who were lifted off aboard the Shenzhou-19 spaceship and entered the Tiangong space station on Oct. 30.
In 2025, China’s manned space program will launch the Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 crewed missions, and the Tianzhou-9 cargo craft for in-orbit supplies, the CMSA said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese premier stresses strengthening vocational education, nurturing skilled workers
SHANGHAI, Nov. 4 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday urged efforts to strengthen vocational education and nurture skilled workers in order to meet the needs of the country’s economic and social development.
During a trip to Shanghai to research the city’s work on vocational education and cultivation of skilled workers, Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that fostering more high-caliber skilled workers will provide solid support for high-quality development and high-quality life.
When visiting the Shanghai Nanhu Vocational & Technical College, Li said that it is necessary to deepen the integration of industry and education as well as the cooperation between colleges and enterprises, optimize the setting of college disciplines and majors based on the needs of the society and industries’ actual development and strengthen hands-on skill practice, adding that more skilled teachers are needed to innovate the models and methods of teaching.
Noting that there are ever-growing demands for elderly care, childcare and medical care, Li urged efforts to strengthen the training of skilled workers in the related fields.
When visiting the WorldSkills Museum, Li said governments at all levels should continue to refine support policies for the cultivation of skilled workers by strengthening institutional innovation and investment.
Efforts should also be made to improve the systems of development planning and services for skilled workers with a view to broadening their development channels and enhancing their incomes, Li addeed.
Source: Ministers for Social Services
E&OE TRANSCRIPT
Topics: Qantas flight upgrades; Airline duopoly; Cost of living; Education; Fee-free TAFE.
SARAH ABO, HOST: Welcome back. Well, more now on the Qantas scandal that’s dominated political headlines in the past week, despite the Government’s attempts to handball it. The competitor airline Virgin now claiming more than 90 per cent of flights for politicians are with Qantas, despite the requirement to choose the cheapest fare. Joining us to discuss today’s headlines is Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth from Canberra and Jacqui Felgate from right here in Melbourne. Good to see you, Jacqui. Amanda, I’ll start with you. So, last time you were on the show, you were less than convincing when it came to your flight upgrades. Have you, as Bridget McKenzie did, find any additional flights that weren’t declared?
AMANDA RISHWORTH, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES: Look, I have absolutely declared everything is on my register. And as I said last week, I have not had the opportunity to fly many places on holiday because I’ve got two young children. So, look, everything I have declared appropriately on my register.
SARAH ABO: Jason Clare yesterday said that he has made a personal call to Qantas to ask for an upgrade. Have you done the same?
AMANDA RISHWORTH: I haven’t made a personal call to Qantas for an upgrade, but, you know, I’ll let other MPs speak for themselves. But I actually think, Sarah, people are probably getting pretty sick of hearing about the itineraries of politicians – which airline they catch, when they catch it. I think people really want to talk about things that matter to them. Cost of living issues matter to them. That’s what they want to hear politicians talk about and not this sort of obsession about who flies what and where.
SARAH ABO: No, of course. Of course you guys would say that. I guess this does come back to cost of living issues because we know that Qantas dominates the airspace here in Australia. And the problem is for punters is they don’t have much of an option. Virgin has now come out and said that you’re not helping in terms of the politicians federally because you fly Qantas above Virgin rather than choosing the cheapest airfare. Isn’t that the way it should work?
AMANDA RISHWORTH: Well, I can tell you, Sarah, I fly on the airline that gets me home to my kids or that allows me an extra hour with my kids and to still do my work. So, last night I flew Virgin to Canberra and I will fly back on Qantas at the end of the week because both of those flights give me an extra hour with my children. So, I actually do think, once again, people are really getting obsessed with which, when and where politicians fly. It’s just not the case that there is not a focus on cost of living. There needs to be a focus on cost of living rather than when and where politicians fly.
SARAH ABO: I guess the focus, Jacqui, has moved because this is what they should be doing and they’re not doing it. But it’s about public transparency, isn’t it?
JACQUI FELGATE, 3AW RADIO HOST: I think it is. And I also think the publicity for this book, have you ever seen anything like it? Joe Aston must be sitting back and going, thank you very much. But one of the issues today I find really interesting is the Virgin issue.
SARAH ABO: Yeah.
JACQUI FELGATE: Do we need to put a rule in where perhaps 50 per cent of all flights we split between our two big carriers? Because it’s an incredible amount of money.
SARAH ABO: Yeah, 90 per cent as well going to Qantas.
JACQUI FELGATE: And then we’ve got the issue with the slots if we go back to Qatar, not being allowed to have extra slots into Australia. What was the relationship then between the politicians making those decisions and Qantas?
SARAH ABO: Yeah, exactly. It’s all about how cosy they are, aren’t they. All right, well, Amanda, let’s move on, seeing as you’re so keen to. And the Government, it seems, is limbering up for an election, or perhaps just inspired by what you’re seeing in the US at the moment with that rally in Adelaide where new changes to student HECS debts were announced. So, Amanda, if re-elected, you’ve promised sweeping changes which would see student loans not repaid until a salary reaches $67,000. It’ll cost $16 billion. Is it unfair to lump this cost onto taxpayers?
AMANDA RISHWORTH: Firstly, I would say that what was announced in Adelaide was really significant. Not only were there higher thresholds, but a 20 per cent wiping of people with student debt. We know a lot of people have been lumped with really significant student debts and it is impacting their lives. It may be affecting how they get a mortgage or whether they can get a mortgage or not. So, actually wiping this debt and increasing the threshold provides real cost of living relief, but also supports people into the future. This is really important for so many people that are starting out after their uni degree that have this significant debt, and this is a real practical measure that we can take to support them.
SARAH ABO: Jacqui, obviously not everyone chooses to study. Economists say this is something that actually favours the wealthy. And the architect of this scheme himself says that this does nothing to improve student living for Australians.
JACQUI FELGATE: No, I agree. And you know where I think the money should really be going, it’s actually more money to TAFE. And I know this system does include some extra funding for TAFE debt as well. But when we look at the university system, do we almost need to look at it on a wider scale now and say, should we be pushing everyone into uni when it doesn’t necessarily suit us? And I know here in Victoria, one of the number one issues is our lack of tradies and our lack of buildings. We have a housing crisis around the country, we cannot get enough builders. And I’d like to see a larger section of that money being pushed into traditional trades to get people into a career that is probably much more suited. There is this real reliance, I think in Australia that you must go to university if you’re a young person.
SARAH ABO: Exactly.
JACQUI FELGATE: And then you’re saddled with a debt that you may never be able to pay off.
SARAH ABO: And that’s the issue, I think, Amanda. I mean, a lot of us, a lot of people do want an education, but not everyone does. And so the problem is those who aren’t getting educated through tertiary means are paying for those who aren’t.
AMANDA RISHWORTH: That’s why part of the announcement yesterday was about making fee-free TAFE permanent. When I look at the impact that fee-free TAFE that we’ve introduced has had in my local TAFE campus at Noarlunga, we see construction coming back onto that TAFE campus, we see motor mechanics coming back onto that TAFE campus. That’s all been as a result of our Government’s fee-free TAFE. And yesterday at the rally, not only did the Prime Minister announce a future where we would support people with student debt, but he announced that he would make fee-free TAFE a permanent feature of our vocational education system. So, Jacqui is absolutely right. We do need to be training in both areas if we’re going to actually achieve the type of job growth into the future.
JACQUI FELGATE: I just think you need more places. If you ask anyone, there are not enough TAFE places, particularly in traditional trades. Like we talk about it on 3AW all the time. If you’ve got a kid that needs to go into that, the waiting list is really long in Victoria.
SARAH ABO: It sure is. All right, a lot to address there. Thank you both so much for joining us today.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
On Wednesday 30 October, Northern Territory Police responded to reports of a pedestrian being struck by a bicycle in Nakara.
Around 3:15pm, a youth on a bicycle collided with a 49-year-old woman on the corner of Goodman Street and Rowling Street.
The woman was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital with serious injuries and later succumbed to her injuries on Saturday 2 November 2024.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
The Lives Lost on Territory Roads in 2024 now stands at 54.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
HOUSTON, Nov. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Talen Energy Corporation (“Talen”) (NASDAQ: TLN) released the following statement in response to Friday’s Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (the “FERC”) order rejecting the amended Susquehanna Interconnection Service Agreement (“ISA”) between PJM Interconnection (“PJM”), PPL Electric Utilities (“PPL”), and Talen which would increase co-located load capacity at Talen’s Susquehanna nuclear power generation facility from 300 megawatts to 480 megawatts:
On Friday, FERC issued an order denying PJM, PPL, and Talen’s Susquehanna ISA. Talen believes FERC erred and we are evaluating our options, with a focus on commercial solutions. We believe this ISA amendment is just and reasonable and in the best interest of consumers. FERC’s decision will have a chilling effect on economic development in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey.
Importantly, the existing ISA allows for 300 megawatts of co-located load at Susquehanna, and development of the first phases of the Amazon Web Services (“AWS”) data center campus can proceed using those 300 megawatts while Talen continues to pursue approval of the amended ISA.
Contrary to the Commission’s ruling, Talen’s co-location arrangement with AWS is part of the solution to issues raised on November 1 at the FERC technical conference on large co-located load. It brings service to the customer quickly and without expensive transmission upgrades necessary to serve large-load demand. But our direct-connect configuration is just one of several commercial solutions to the demand of large loads, and we are exploring other solutions as we move forward. The data center economy will require an all-of-the-above approach to satisfy the increased demand, including co-location such as Talen’s arrangement with AWS, hybrids that co-locate primary power behind the meter while using grid power for back-up, and front-of-the-meter connections to utility transmission. Talen looks forward to the continued dialogue.
About Talen
Talen Energy (NASDAQ: TLN) is a leading independent power producer and energy infrastructure company dedicated to powering the future. We own and operate approximately 10.7 gigawatts of power infrastructure in the United States, including 2.2 gigawatts of nuclear power and a significant dispatchable fossil fleet. We produce and sell electricity, capacity, and ancillary services into wholesale U.S. power markets, with our generation fleet principally located in the Mid-Atlantic and Montana. Our team is committed to generating power safely and reliably, delivering the most value per megawatt produced and driving the energy transition. Talen is also powering the digital infrastructure revolution. We are well-positioned to capture this significant growth opportunity, as data centers serving artificial intelligence increasingly demand more reliable, clean power. Talen is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, visit https://www.talenenergy.com/.
Investor Relations:
Ellen Liu
Senior Director, Investor Relations
InvestorRelations@talenenergy.com
Media:
Taryne Williams
Director, Corporate Communications
Taryne.Williams@talenenergy.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this communication, or incorporated by reference into this communication, are forward-looking statements. Throughout this communication, we have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecasts,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” or other forms of these words or similar words or expressions or the negative thereof, although not all forward-looking statements contain these terms. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions concerning, among other things capital expenditures, earnings, litigation, regulatory matters, hedging, liquidity and capital resources and accounting matters. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our future business, financial condition, results of operations or performance to differ materially from our historical results or those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement contained in this communication. All of our forward-looking statements include assumptions underlying or relating to such statements that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, and are subject to numerous factors that present considerable risks and uncertainties.
Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street
The Prime Minister is set to announce an additional £75 million to boost border security, bringing the investment in the Border Security Command over the next two years to £150 million.
The Prime Minister is set to announce an additional £75 million to boost border security, bringing the investment in the Border Security Command over the next two years to £150 million.
Marking the first time the INTERPOL General Assembly has been hosted in the UK in over 50 years, Keir Starmer will today (4 November) open the Assembly in Glasgow by setting out his personal mission to smash the people smuggling gangs by resetting the UK’s whole approach to this challenge and intensifying international collaboration to meet the global scale of the threat.
The General Assembly is INTERPOL’s supreme governing body and comprises senior ministerial and policing leads from the organisation’s 196 member states.
In his speech, the Prime Minister will set out his plans to draw on his experience of bringing together agencies to tackle international terrorist and drug smuggling gangs during his time as Director of Public Prosecutions to dismantle the people smuggling gangs who drive illegal migration, profit from human misery and represent a serious threat to global security.
He will also set out how the £150 million will provide additional specialist investigators and state of the art surveillance equipment to ensure those behind this criminal activity are stopped and brought to justice.
This major funding boost for the government’s new Border Security Command will initially be directed towards a range of enforcement and intelligence activity, including:
Creating a new specialist OIC Intelligence Source Unit which will cohere intelligence flows from key police forces.
The Border Security Command, led by Martin Hewitt CBE QPM, will be provided with enhanced powers – through a new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill – to tackle organised immigration crime whilst providing for strong and effective border security.
New measures will make it easier to detect, disrupt and deter those seeking to engage in and benefit from organised immigration crime. The Command will also coordinate the work of intelligence agencies and law enforcement, who lead joint investigations with European counterparts to ensure we can bring those responsible to justice.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to say:
“The world needs to wake up to the severity of this challenge. I was elected to deliver security for the British people. And strong borders are a part of that. But security doesn’t stop at our borders.
“There’s nothing progressive about turning a blind eye as men, women and children die in the Channel.
“This is a vile trade that must be stamped out – wherever it thrives. So we’re taking our approach to counter-terrorism – which we know works, and applying it to the gangs, with our new Border Security Command.
“We’re ending the fragmentation between policing, Border Force and our intelligence agencies.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:
“Criminal smuggler gangs profit from undermining our border security and putting lives at risk and they have been getting away with it for far too long.
“Our new Border Security Command, with the investment set out today, will mean a huge step change in the way we target these criminal gangs. People smugglers and traffickers operate in networks across borders, that’s why we have launched a major boost to our cooperation with international partners including other European countries, the G7 and Europol, and why we are so pleased to be hosting the INTERPOL conference on tackling international crime in Glasgow today.”
The Prime Minister will also announce that the UK Government has increased its in-year support for INTERPOL’s global operations through a £6 million investment which harnesses the organisation’s unique capabilities to tackle serious organised crime affecting the UK.
Addressing the General Assembly, the Prime Minister will say that closer cooperation with international partners is key as he details how the gangs’ operations span from the money markets in Kabul through to the Kurdish region of Iraq and right across Europe and into the UK.
He will stress the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening security agreements to facilitate greater sharing of intelligence and more joint operational work, in particular through Europol.
The Home Office will also invest £24m in the new financial year to tackle international serious organised crime affecting the UK including drugs and firearms, fraud, trafficking and exploitation. Funds will in part be used to bolster work done by special prosecutors and operational partners in the Western Balkans.
There were more than 5,000 drug related deaths in 2023, with most of the illegal drugs causing these coming from overseas or facilitated by transnational gangs. ISOC funding will also be used to tackle drug smuggling upstream and at the UK border, building on recent successes, such as the effective collaboration with the US and Ecuador, which has resulted in the seizure of 19 tonnes of cocaine.
National Crime Agency Director General Graeme Biggar said:
“Serious and organised crime causes more harm, to more people, more often than any other national security threat. And almost all of serious and organised crime now has an international nexus. Distance, borders and languages are meaningless to criminals. This is why collaborations with INTERPOL have never been as important as they are today.
“Tackling organised crime, and especially immigration crime, remains a top priority for the NCA. We are currently leading around 70 investigations into the gangs or individuals involved in the highest echelons of this type of criminality, and we are devoting more resources to it than ever before.
“We have built up our intelligence sharing effort with law enforcement partners across Europe and beyond, including having more NCA officers based overseas, sharing intelligence and working side by side on joint investigations. This approach is bringing operational results with arrests and prosecutions, but we are also we are seeking to disrupt the people smugglers’ business model, through targeting their social media offering, their supply routes for equipment, and their financial flows.
“We are determined to do all we can to disrupt and dismantle these networks, wherever they operate.”
The announcement comes just a month after Britain joined up to a new G7 anti migrant smuggling action plan which included pledges to bolster border security, combat transnational organised crime, and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation by smugglers.
The plan includes new, intelligence-led joint investigative actions to target criminal smuggling routes, working with social media platforms and internet providers to remove harmful content promoting illegal migration services or advertising fake job opportunities, and strengthening capabilities to monitor and anticipate irregular migration flows at both global and regional levels.
Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2
The City of Greater Bendigo is reminding residents that rate payments have been adjusted for 2024/2025 and if rates were not paid in full in September, then ratepayers default to paying in quarterly instalments.
Ratepayers either needed to have paid their rates in full or made their first payment by September 30, 2024. A decision was made earlier this year by Council to remove the option of paying in full in February to limit people delaying paying their rates and then getting into financial difficulty. An upward trend in those experiencing financial hardship over the past year led to the decision.
Approximately 10,000 people are yet to pay their first instalment, with the second instalment due on December 2, 2024.
Director Corporate Performance Jessica Howard encouraged residents to reach out to the City if they were unable to pay their rates.
“By speaking with us now, our staff can help ratepayers find other suitable payment options that are smaller and regular, including the option to set up a regular direct debit for instalment amounts that can be deducted fortnightly or monthly,” Ms Howard said.
“Reminder letters are being sent this week to anyone who is yet to pay their rates.
“We understand it is a challenging time financially for some people, however rates are essential to supporting the City to deliver a range of services to the community.
“Our Financial Hardship Guidelines allow for flexible payment arrangements, including the ability to temporarily defer a rate payment on eligible properties. Please get in touch with us if you need assistance.”
Rates and charges make up around 60 per cent of the City’s income. Money received from rates delivers 68 different services in the community, including waste services, street cleaning, maintenance of parks and recreation facilities, maternal and child health, tourism, libraries and much more. Rates revenue also contributes to capital works, including critical infrastructure such as footpaths, roads, flood mitigation, and investment in community and recreational assets.
To contact the City, phone:
Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2
The City of Greater Bendigo is looking for up to 18 young people aged between 14 and 24 who want to have a stronger voice in their community and are interested in being part of the City of Greater Bendigo Youth Council for the next two years.
Expressions of Interest for positions on the City of Greater Bendigo Youth Council for 2025-2026 are now open and will close on Tuesday November 19, 2024.
City of Greater Bendigo CEO Andrew Cooney said the Youth Council is an initiative to engage with local young people in the City’s decision-making process for the future.
“The Youth Council represents the views of young people on City plans and programs that impact them and represents young people at civic and other events and activities,” Mr Cooney said.
“It also fulfils a key goal of the City’s Council Plan 2021-2025 to ensure young people are supported to explore, engage and be empowered to shape the world they live in.
“I encourage young people from all backgrounds and walks of life to consider applying for Youth Council so that the voices of all young people can be reflected and heard.”
2024 Youth Mayor Lilly Correll said the Youth Council is an amazing opportunity for all young people to enhance their skills and give back to the community.
“Not only do you meet likeminded individuals, you also gain a real insight into the benefits of volunteering, including learning new skills and networking opportunities,” Ms Correll said.
“Youth Councillors attend and MC events, write letters to Council, and sit on advisory committees and on non-for-profit boards, it’s a great opportunity for local young people to have their voice heard and an incredible once in a lifetime opportunity to make a change.”
In the six years of the Youth Council, Youth Councillors have providing input into over 50 City plans, strategies, policies, and projects, including the Council Plan 2021-2025, the Zero Emissions Roadmap, the Biodiversity Strategy, the LGBTIQA+ Action Plan, the Fair Access Action Plan, the E-scooter trial, and the Managed Growth Strategy.
They have also co-designed and overseen the development of the City’s Youth Action Plan 2023-2024 and have represented young people on several advisory committees including the Farming and Agribusiness Advisory Committee, the Greater Bendigo Climate Collaboration, the Arts and Creative Industries Advisory Committee, and the Bendigo Regional Manufacturing Group.
The new Youth Councillors will undertake induction and training in January 2025 and attend their first meeting in February 2025.
For more information, contact the City’s Youth Team via email or phone:
Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers
The Albanese Government is boosting aviation competition, trade and tourism opportunities for Australians, securing new or updated air services arrangements with seven international markets following months of negotiations.
These arrangements will allow Australian airlines to expand their international networks and international airlines to increase operations into Australia, a boost for Australian travellers and diaspora communities.
This includes unrestricted capacity with Canada and Malaysia – the first arrangements of this type since a deal struck with India in 2018.
Along with Canada and Malaysia, arrangements have landed with Hong Kong, Chile, Mongolia, Latvia, and Rwanda.
Australia now has more than 110 bilateral air services arrangements in place with other countries or economies, with today’s announcement following recent enhanced arrangements secured in the past 12 months with Türkiye, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.
Each arrangement is negotiated to serve Australia’s national interest, with the Australian Government signing with some of our larger tourism markets, including:
Inaugural arrangements were signed between the Australian Government and the governments of Latvia, Mongolia and Rwanda, each allowing 14 passenger services per week to and from Australia along with unrestricted dedicated cargo services.
These arrangements deliver on our commitment in the Aviation White Paper to expand capacity under our bilateral air services arrangements ahead of demand, ensuring airlines have adequate time to plan for additional future services and add new routes to their schedules. It also aligns with our commitments to prioritise negotiations within our region.
These arrangements have already resulted in significant additional capacity being added into the Australian market, supporting growth in visitor numbers. For example, ABS data for the 12 months to August shows arrivals from Vietnam were 49 per cent higher than pre-pandemic, making it Australia’s fastest growing inbound visitor market.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“We’re expanding our international aviation network to increase competition and deliver a better experience for Australian travellers.
“Whether travelling to these countries or using them as stepping stones to the rest of the world, each of these arrangements represents a stronger connection with our global market – for travel, trade and tourism.
“We committed to this in our Aviation White Paper and today we are delivering on that commitment – landing additional capacity in the international sector.”
Quotes attributable to Senator Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism:
“Increased flights means we can welcome more visitors to Australia, boosting our tourism industry and supporting jobs and local economies, particularly in regional Australia.
“It also means we can get more cargo in the bellies of outbound flights, giving our exporters more opportunities for growth and to expand into new markets.”
Source: MetService
Covering period of Monday 4th – Thursday 7th November – Rain followed by warmer temperatures
MetService weather stations were generally on the cooler side of average to start the week with Taupō getting down to -0.8°C Monday morning. The temperature is on the rise as we go through the week with warm air being dragged in from the west. This warmer air also brings risk of heavy rain – mainly for the west of the South Island.
Largely fine and sunny conditions for most of the country as a high pressure system sits over Aotearoa New Zealand today. However a series of fronts moving up the South Island bring in wetter conditions there, particularly along the west.
A Heavy Rain Watch has been issued for the Westland District south of Hokitika from 12pm today until 1pm tomorrow; and for the ranges of the Buller District, and the Paparoa Range for Tuesday from 6am to 9pm.
Rain moves over northern parts of the South Island and the lower North Island on Tuesday otherwise the forecast is for dry weather with areas of cloud to the north, and sunny spells increasing from the south. Showery conditions move up the North Island on Wednesday as the front continues on its journey northwards.
MetService is forecasting warmer temperatures as the week progresses with westerly winds bringing warm subtropical air onto the country. By Thursday temperatures are expected to reach above normal maximums for this time of the year for many parts of the country, especially in the east, with maximums of 21°C in Dannevirke, 22°C in Whanganui and 25°C in Masterton for the North Island; and 23°C for Invercargill, 25°C for Christchurch, 26°C for Alexandra and 27°C for Ashburton for the South Island.
MetService meteorologist Oscar Shiviti advises, “Sunny conditions are expected for the North Island today under a high pressure system. However, a series of fronts move up Aotearoa New Zealand from the south from today with possible heavy showers and a risk of thunderstorms for the west of the South Island. While the showers will move up the North Island on Wednesday they are likely to stay south of Auckland which should remain dry until Thursday”.
“While wet conditions are expected with the passage of the front, we do expect New Zealanders to realise warmer temperatures towards the end of the week as westerlies continue bringing warmer air onto the country” added Shiviti.
Source: Australian Ministers 1
The Albanese Government is lifting the nation’s digital capacity with more than nine million homes and businesses able to access the fastest broadband speeds on the National Broadband Network (NBN).
This is an important milestone on the way to enabling ten million premises – or up to 90 per cent of the NBN fixed line network – to access the NBN’s fastest speeds of up to one gigabit per second by the end of 2025.
World-class fibre broadband enables gigabit speeds, allowing for faster upload and downloads, more connected devices, and better reliability for consumers – whether they are videoconferencing for work, enjoying high-definition movies or next-level gaming.
Fibre upgrades are being delivered across the country thanks to the Albanese Government’s significant $2.4 billion investment to roll out fibre to 1.5 million more premises across Australia.
Full fibre connections are delivering productivity benefits, with NBN users saving more than 100 hours and $2,580 per year working from home and undertaking tasks online.
Research shows the NBN has delivered $122 billion in economic uplift since 2022, and has supported the creation of approx 169,000 jobs – the equivalent of a 1.3 per cent increase in Australia’s labour force.
Fibre upgrades are available on-demand to eligible households and businesses who take out an eligible higher speed tier plan.
For more information on NBN Co’s Fibre Upgrade program, visit: https://www.nbnco.com.au/learn/network-technology/fibre-to-the-premises-explained-fttp.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
“The Albanese Government is delivering on its vision for Australia to become the most connected continent.
“We are delivering a better NBN for Australia, with nine million homes and businesses now able to access gigabit speeds thanks to Labor’s significant investment in the network.
“Average data usage in Australia has increased ten times over the past ten years, with the average home now hosting 22 internet-connected or smart devices.
“Faster speeds provide a world-class experience for consumers whether they are connecting for work, study or entertainment.
“As Australia’s connectivity needs continue to grow, the Albanese Labor Government will deliver the nation-building infrastructure for the future. And we will ensure the NBN remains in public hands.”
Source: ASEAN
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, yesterday delivered pre-recorded remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the World Internet of Things Convention (WIOTC), in Beijing, People’s Republic of China. In his remarks, Dr. Kao underscored that the rapid adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and big data analytics will drive profound transformation across industries. He highlighted that these technologies will pave the way for new, innovative business models, helping to advance toward economic prosperity and sustainable development between ASEAN and China.
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Source: Auckland Council
The city centre’s first regular ReUse Market in 40 years is attracting people from all over Auckland as buyers and sellers.
On the second Sunday of each month, the ground floor of the Victoria Street Carpark becomes a different hive of activity when a diverse group of Aucklanders of all ages and backgrounds come together to sell and swap preloved items.
“The ReUse Market brings together people who are at a stage when they are downsizing or wanting to pass on items they no longer use, young people who love thrifting and everyone in-between,” says ReUse Market organiser Suzanne Kendrick.
Organiser Suzanne Kendrick and fairy helper Phoebe.
“Shoppers range from city centre residents to tourists. We also get a lot of curious people who park their cars in the building on their way to a city event and are pleasantly surprised to discover the market,” she says.
“People love a bargain, but they also love coming across retro things that remind them of their childhood, iconic toys like the Buzzy Bee.”
Vivien, a resident in the city, says she was passing when she saw the bright orange signs for the Reuse Market. She remembers frequent visits to flea markets with her aunts many years ago.
Now with her own extended family, including plenty of grandchildren, Vivien keeps an eye out for toys and bric-a-brac to use as prizes for the games they play at family get-togethers.
“With a large family there are birthdays every month and we like to play games for entertainment. Markets are perfect places to pick up toys and prizes,” Vivien says.
First-time stall holders Jo and Nodoka sell clothes and a wide range of items from their homes. “We saw spaces to sell from the Reuse Market advertised on social media and decided to give it a try. It’s fun!” says Nodoka.
Like Jo and Nodoka, most stall holders come in from the suburbs to sell or give away second-hand items.
Jo and Nodoka say selling at the market is fun.
Some, like Lyn, a long-time car-booter, sell items that have been passed onto them. Lyn specialises in preloved, quality linen, clothing, jewellery and homewares.
“I love the affordability and how reuse is catching on, especially amongst young people,” says Lyn.
When ReUse Market organiser Suzanne Kendrick was looking for a space for a central city flea market, her wish list included a space big enough to accommodate anyone who wanted to sell or buy preloved goods, protection from the weather, and ample parking. It seemed like a tall order, but Auckland Council’s City Centre Place Activation principal Barbara Holloway knew the perfect spot – the ground level of the Victoria Street Carpark.
“We’re continuing to support initiatives like the ReUse Market that bring people into the city centre; it gives people a new reason to come and enjoy this exciting part of town, wander the lanes and rediscover midtown,” says Barbara.
With support from the city centre targeted rate, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport, the ReUse Market, which launched in March 2024, is now thriving.
And with Christmas around the corner Suzanne wants to see Aucklanders try the latest social trend of ‘buy nothing new’ – at least for some of their gifts.
“If you’ve got something to sell or give away, or you’re after Christmas gifts, you can make some money, save some money and help the environment,” says Suzanne.
City centre resident Vivien searching for gift prizes.
Auckland Council General Manager Waste Solutions Justine Haves says the ReUse Market is an important initiative for the council to support to help achieve our environmental goals for Auckland.
“The ReUse Market keeps valuable resources out of landfill and aligns with our Zero Waste strategy as we enable Aucklanders to reconsider what they see as waste towards more reuse, repair and repurposing.
“It’s a great to have a ReUse Market in the city centre, joining the many new and established markets around the region,” she says.
For more information on the ReUse Market events at the Victoria Street Carpark visit ReUse Market.