Source: US State of California Department of Justice
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov
Stipulation resolves Attorney General Bonta’s motion for preliminary injunction in the case
OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta secured a stipulation from Providence St. Joseph Hospital that will ensure the hospital follows California law while the case proceeds. The stipulation follows the Attorney General’s lawsuit alleging that the hospital violates multiple laws, including California’s Emergency Services Law (ESL) by, as a matter of policy, denying pregnant patients the emergency abortion care they need. The stipulation, which is subject to court approval, resolves the Attorney General’s preliminary injunction motion, as Providence voluntarily agreed to comply with all the terms the Attorney General requested in its proposed injunction. The lawsuit remains ongoing.
“While Providence St. Joseph should have been complying with state law up to now, thereby avoiding the harm and trauma to Californians they caused, I am pleased that the hospital has agreed to fully comply with the law going forward, ensuring access to life-saving health services including emergency abortion care,” said Attorney General Bonta. “At the California Department of Justice, we believe that abortion care is healthcare. We will ensure that this right is upheld and will continue to hold accountable those who break the law.”
Under the stipulation, the hospital will specifically:
Allow its physicians to terminate a patient’s pregnancy whenever the treating physicians determine in their professional judgment that failing to immediately terminate the pregnancy would be reasonably expected to place the patient’s health in serious jeopardy; result in serious impairment to the patient’s bodily functions; or result in serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part of the patient.
Comply with ESL’s pre-transfer treatment requirements. In particular, Providence Hospital may not transfer a pregnant patient without first providing emergency services and care (including where applicable terminating a pregnancy) such that there is a reasonable medical probability that the transfer or the delay caused by the transfer will not result in a material deterioration in the medical condition in, or jeopardy to, the patient’s medical condition or expected chances for recovery.
Follow the policy and protocol requirements of the ESL under Health & Safety Code section 1317.2. In particular, Providence Hospital may not “discharge” patients with instructions to self-transport to another facility and Providence Hospital must comply will all applicable protocols and regulations for transfers prescribed by the California Department of Public Health.
That Providence “without admitting any liability related to the claims asserted in this Action and consistent with its high standards for safe, quality, compassionate care; and the People, without waiving any allegations regarding the hospital’s prior conduct as detailed in the Complaint, agrees to fully comply with California’s ESL, Health & Safety Code section 1317, et. seq. with respect to pregnant patients experiencing emergency medical conditions.”
A copy of the parties’ stipulation can be found here.
Commenting on the release of an Education Review Office report into the issues, he agreed with the agency that the current model for managing school attendance was not designed to succeed.
“The issues causing the increase in chronic non-attendance over the last 10 years are complex and varied. If we want to see a long-term reduction in these rates, schools and school attendance services need more staffing, more time and more resources.
“Schools and attendance services are stretched to the limit. They don’t have the time and resources that these issues need. Young people who are chronic non-attenders, and their whānau, need a lot of ongoing time, attention and support that currently just is not there.”
Chris Abercrombie said the report made it clear there was no quick fix, evidenced by the fact that the attendance of many students who return to school after chronic non-attendance, starts to slip again after about two months. “When these students return to school, it is a challenge to reintegrate them – schools need more support for this.
“We need lasting, meaningful and integrated solutions – both at the community level, with other agencies and supports, and at the school level with appropriate funding and resourcing for gateway, alternative education and activity centres, pastoral care and learning support.
“Alternative education has been chronically under-resourced for years, a point which has been made previously by ERO.
“It’s deeply disappointing that the Govenrment has chosen to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into a vanity project such as charter schools, when issues such as chronic non-attendance are crying out for adequate funding.”
PPTA also had serious concerns about the report’s recommendations for more parental prosecutions. “All this will do is put people who are struggling financially further into debt, and / or give them a criminal record.”.
Governments needed to be bold and brave enough to address the underlying causes of chronic non-attendance. These included poverty, housing insecurity, and mental health.
A reminder that resurfacing takes place this week on a stretch of State Highway 2 (SH2) in Dannevirke.
This asphalt resurfacing work has begun today, on SH2 Stanley Street, between Denmark Street and Miller Street and will take 4 days.
During day-time work hours, a detour will be in place for northbound traffic; southbound traffic will continue to flow freely on SH2. The detour is suitable for all vehicle types.
Crews will be working from 6.30am to 5pm each day between Tuesday 29 October and Friday 1 November (weather permitting).
During these work hours, northbound traffic will be detoured via Rawhiti Street, Queen Street, Allan Street and onto Cole Street, before rejoining SH2.
A temporary speed limit of 30km/h will be in place for southbound traffic near the worksite. Outside of work hours, SH2 will be open with a reduced speed limit in place.
This resurfacing work will improve the durability and long-term condition of this section of road. A one-way daytime closure allows crews to complete the work as efficiently and safely as possible while keeping traffic moving, and minimising ongoing disruption and long delay times.
Resident and business access remains and northbound road users are advised to follow the detour to get to your destination. The detour is expected to add less than 5 minutes to journey times.
Other works underway or coming up on SH2
State Highway 2, resealing: Maintenance works are taking place near Tamaki River Rd from today (29 October) til 15 November, between 6am – 7pm each day. Daytime stop/go will be in place.
State Highway 2, rebuild:Crews are starting rebuild works on SH2 north of Ball Rd, between Woodville and Dannevirke, slightly earlier than expected from today (29 October). It’s expected to take 4-5 weeks. Daytime stop/go will be in place.
State Highway 2, resurfacing: Asphalting works are underway on SH2 near the Mangatera Stream Bridge, north of Dannevirke. Stop/go is in place at night, with works expected to finish on Saturday 12 October.
State Highway 2, rebuild: From 31 October – 28 November, road rebuild work will take place on SH2 in Papatawa, north of Ball Road, between Woodville and Dannevirke. Daytime stop/go will be in place.
For more information about the 2024/2025 road maintenance season, please visit:
Night and day-time closures get underway on State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill next week, with maintenance work planned for the route.
It is deliberately timed for November to ensure the highway is clear for all drivers over the summer holidays.
Between Sunday, 3 November, and Sunday, 24 November, the road will be closed every Sunday to Thursday from 8 pm to 5:30 am with a short opening around 1 am for queued traffic.
Then from Monday, 25 November, until Friday, 29 November the highway will be closed from 9 am to 3 pm. During this time, the road will be reopened every 90 minutes to let traffic through.
Contractors will spend the first two weeks of night-time closures asphalting parts of the road surface on both sides of the hill. They will also carry out other work, such as clearing water channels, fixing slips and guard rails, and completing general maintenance.
Because of the road’s narrowness and to keep contractors safe, the road must be closed while the work is done. It will also allow the maintenance to be completed much faster.
Chipsealing will then be carried out during the day-time closures. This work must be done during the day when conditions are warm and dry to ensure the chipseal is effective.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi appreciates the Tākaka Hill is a vital transport link for residents and local businesses which is why day-time access on the route is ensured. Day closures are timed to avoid the school bus run and peak commuting times.
Contractors will make the most of the closure to speed up repair work at the underslip site on the Riwaka side of the hill. The aim is to have this section of road repaired and reopened to two lanes before Christmas.
This work will be disruptive, and its important people travelling on State Highway 60 between Golden Bay and Motueka factor it into their travel plans.
Once asphalting work on Tākaka Hill is completed during the night closures, contractors will move onto SH60 Commercial Street in Takāka. More information on this work will be shared soon.
Works schedule:
Work is from Sunday, 3 November, to Friday, 29 November 2024.
Night closures:
The closure will be in place between Riwaka Valley Road, Riwaka and Aaron Creek Road, Upper Tākaka and will run from Sunday, 3 November to Sunday, 24 November (no work on Friday or Saturday nights).
The closures will be between 8 pm and 5:30 am.
The road will open once each night around 1 am for traffic at two road closure points.
Vehicles travelling over the hill need to be at the Aaron Creek Road closure point by 12:30 am or at the Riwaka Valley Road closure point by1 am.
Access will be available for residents, businesses, and emergency services.
Day closures:
The closure will be in place between Riwaka Valley Road, Riwaka and Aaron Creek Road, Upper Tākaka and will run from Monday, 25 November to Friday, 29 November.
The closures will be between 9 am and 3 pm.
During this time there will be openings every 90 minutes at 10:30 am, 12 noon and 1:30 pm.
It will take some time to clear queued traffic so plan ahead for delays.
Traffic management will be set up between 6 am and 9 am and will be removed between 3 pm and 6 pm.
Access will be available for residents, businesses, and emergency services.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Cathay Pacific Airways Cocktail Reception in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia today (October 29, Riyadh time):Lavinia (Chief Customer and Commercial Officer of Cathay Pacific, Ms Lavinia Lau), ladies and gentlemen, Good evening. I am delighted to be here, with you, tonight, just one day after the exhilarating inaugural flight of Cathay Pacific’s relaunched Hong Kong to Riyadh service. For that, for reconnecting Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia through this vital new route, and the huge potential it brings, I am grateful to Cathay Pacific. Your dedication to excellence in service is internationally recognised. And this flight resumption is a clear testament to Cathay’s commitment to Hong Kong and our strategic development. I can tell you that the high-powered delegation I’ve brought with me to Riyadh is equally exciting. They count more than 100 Hong Kong financial, business and entrepreneurial leaders, eager to connect with Saudi business. With you. During our three-day stay here in Riyadh, we’re meeting with business, finance and technology companies, with investors and government leaders, too. Our goal is clear: to expand ties with Saudi Arabia, building friendship and exploring the many mutually beneficial collaboration opportunities this renewed connection will surely create. The new service, in short, marks a new chapter for the ever-growing ties between our two cities, our two regions. It helps, and enormously, that Hong Kong is the global gateway to China. We are also part of China’s “Air Silk Road” initiative, seeking to enhance connectivity, economic and trade cooperation, as well as cultural exchange with countries and regions along the Belt and Road. Saudi Arabia sits at the crossroad between three continents. The resumption of flights underlines the strategic importance of the country’s location, and will boost economic, cultural, business and people-to-people ties between Saudi Arabia and China, Hong Kong included; and all the more so, between the East and West. With this reinstated service, I know the people of Hong Kong would be eager to dive into all sorts of adventures around different Saudi cities, your timeless culture, deserts, World Heritage sites and so much more. And, yes, Hong Kong also looks forward to welcoming you to Asia’s world city, the East meets West centre of international cultural exchange. And good times, too. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me now in a toast: to Cathay Pacific, to the continuing growth of Hong Kong-Saudi ties and to the promising future that awaits our two economies and peoples. I know you will enjoy this very special evening. Thank you.
The Hon Jim Chalmers MP Treasurer Member for Rankin
The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP Minister for Social Services Member for Kingston
E&OE TRANSCRIPT
Topics: PLACE announcement; support for disadvantaged communities; support for First Nations communities; flight upgrades; Wednesday’s inflation data.
AMANDA RISHWORTH, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES: I’m really pleased to be here at the Carlton Learning Precinct with the Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Professor Kristy Muir from the Paul Ramsey Foundation, and the interim CEO of PLACE, Luke Craven.
Today, we’re announcing a really exciting announcement. A partnership between philanthropy, Government and the community that how we expand the great place-based work that’s happening right around the country. Place-based work is work that communities lead to drive change in their local community supported by non-Government organisations, Government organisations and philanthropy.
But we know that many communities do want support. They want to share ideas. They want to be part of something bigger, and that’s what PLACE is all about. A national organisation that is a partnership between philanthropy and government to disseminate those good ideas, to support communities, to work with communities to actually drive local change.
Now one of the really important parts of this new body is that it will have a community council. Local people driving change within place, making sure it constantly stays centred on community. This is really exciting. We already know that place-based change is delivering outcomes in community, particularly in communities where they’ve identified areas of disadvantage. It is actually driving change.
But this PLACE, this new organisation, will drive change right around the country. I would like to really thank the philanthropic partners for being part of this. This is a new era of working together, and I’m really excited to be part of it. So I will now introduce our Treasurer, Jim Chalmers.
JIM CHALMERS, TREASURER: Thanks very much, Amanda.
Before I touch on some other points about this announcement today, can I just say this. Our hearts break today for the little soul lost at Auburn South Primary School. Our hearts go out to the loved ones of that little boy, to his friends, his teachers and the staff at that school. It is unimaginably sad to think that a little boy went to school and didn’t come home. Our hearts break for the family and for everyone who knew him, and we know that it’s a very sad day in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne today, and indeed, for anyone who hears about this right around the country.
Today, we’re here with the Minister, with Kristy and with Luke to make a really important announcement. This is all about the Albanese Labor government’s belief in a place-based change that these philanthropic organisations are helping to achieve in Australia. For all of us who want to make this country fairer, more inclusive, change can be overwhelming, and it helps to begin in the communities where we can make the biggest difference.
What we’re doing here is we’re making sure that we take best practice when it comes to place based change, and that we’re empowering local leaders to make a difference in their own communities. Not instead of the national programs that Amanda runs in her portfolio, and that our Government funds and supports, but in addition to that effort as well.
We don’t want to see disadvantage concentrate in communities and cascade through generations, and we’re doing something about it. We’re not going alone when it comes to this important work. We’re working very closely with philanthropic organisations and Governments at all levels and local communities to try to see the change that we want so that that disadvantage doesn’t concentrate and cascade through the generations.
For many of us, this is our reason for being, to make sure that this country is its best version of itself. We recognise that there’s not just some switch that you can flick to eliminate disadvantage in our country, you need to begin where we can make the most difference, and that’s what we’re doing.
What we hope is by demonstrating our support for and our commitment to place-based change, we want to make this the norm, not novel when it comes to national Governments in Australia.
We are big, big believers in the work of place-based organisations. We are big supporters financially and in other ways as well. We’re very proud to be here today to make this important announcement. We’re now going to hear a bit more about it from Kristy.
PROFESSOR KRISTY MUIR, CEO, PAUL RAMSAY FOUNDATION: Thank you. We all want kids, family and communities to thrive across Australia, and we know at the moment, not all of those kids, families and communities are.
The one thing we know about social change is that no one organisation, no one group, can do this work alone. We have incredible people groups, organisations doing amazing work to strengthen communities.
This new not-for-profit, PLACE, is all about creating a community of communities. It’s about providing those people and places doing incredible work in their communities, the kind of resources and supports they need to do that better, no matter where they’re based.
On behalf of the philanthropic funders, I’m really proud to be supporting the initiative of PLACE. And it’s a testament to the Federal Government that we are partnering between government, philanthropy and communities to create the kind of change we all want to see.
JOURNALIST: Minister Rishworth, you talked about tackling disadvantage and driving positive change, and the Treasurer says disadvantage should be a multi-generational issue. What priorities are front of mind for First Nations people?
AMANDA RISHWORTH: When you speak with First Nations communities, what you hear from local leaders is they often know what is needed in their community.
We often hear from First Nations leaders that the supports and programs they want in place should be informed by them themselves, and what PLACE will support those communities to do is to ensure that they can design those programs, they can attract funding, they can work with Government to deliver.
PLACE is all about empowering communities in their decision making and in their shared decision making with Government, which is exactly what Indigenous communities have been calling out for. We do work that way in some places through the Empowered Communities Program, but this has taken the opportunity of place-based work right across the country to any community that would like to work this way.
JOURNALIST: [Inaudible – question about upgrade declarations]
JIM CHALMERS: As I’ve made it clear in our declarations that we make to the Parliament, there is an upgrade for me from about six years ago and another one from about ten years ago, and there’s some additional family upgrades from around the same time period. Those have been disclosed in the usual way.
I might just take the opportunity to preview some inflation numbers that we’re getting out later this morning. We’ll see what those numbers say at 11:30.
It’s really clear already that the Albanese Labor Government is making substantial progress in the fight against inflation. When we came to office, inflation was higher and rising. It had a six in front of it. We’ll get new numbers today, which whether they’re in the low threes or in the high twos, will show that inflation has halved under this government.
Now we know that people are still doing it tough, but we’re making welcome and encouraging and substantial progress in the fight against inflation and economists expect that to be demonstrated in the numbers that we get later this morning. I look forward to talking with you about it.
Aircraft noise is set to reduce for Brisbane communities with upcoming changes to increase the use of Simultaneous Opposite Direction Parallel Runway Operations (SODPROPS) at Brisbane Airport from 28 November 2024.
SODPROPS is a runway mode that enables aircraft to arrive and depart Brisbane Airport over Moreton Bay. With these changes, SODPROPS will become the priority operating mode when traffic and weather conditions allow, resulting in increased use on weekends, and on weekday evenings from 9pm.
Airservices Head of Community Engagement, Donna Marshall, said aircraft on the departure flight paths used during SODPROPS will remain over water for longer and will be higher before they cross the coastline, resulting in lower noise levels for communities.
“The flight path changes being delivered are part of the measures outlined in Airservices Noise Action Plan for Brisbane and consistent with the Ministerial Direction issued to Airservices in September. They will support an increase in SODPROPS use from the current 2% of all operations to around 5% in 2025,” Ms Marshall said.
This will mean for every flight using this procedure, there will be a reduction of the total population overflown by between 300,000 to 500,000 people compared to standard parallel runway operations.
“The changes are a result of extensive consultation with the people of Brisbane and respond to Redlands community concerns about aircraft noise impacts.
“Under these changes the height of aircraft operations over the Redlands area will increase from 8,000ft to above 12,000ft to reduce the noise impact.
“To facilitate this change, we also need to make some minor adjustments to the arrival flight paths over North Stradbroke Island that are used during SODPROPS.
“While this involves lowering the paths so aircraft remain separated from daytime arrivals to Gold Coast Airport, we do not believe this will be noticeable to communities but a noise monitor will be installed on North Stradbroke Island so we can monitor these operations.”
About Airservices Airservices Australia is the Federal Government-owned organisation responsible for the safety of 11 per cent of the world’s airspace and the provision of aviation rescue fire fighting services at Australia’s busiest airports. We work closely with our customers and industry to support the long-term growth of the aviation industry and are investing in technologies to position Australia at the forefront of innovation in the global aviation industry.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FS leads Hong Kong delegation to Future Investment Initiative (with photos/video) FS leads Hong Kong delegation to Future Investment Initiative (with photos/video) *********************************************************************************
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan yesterday (October 29, Riyadh time) led a delegation from the financial and innovation sectors on a visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Mr Chan, along with the delegation, attended the first day of the 8th edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII). He was one of the speakers in the panel discussion titled “Is the Global South Now the Engine of Growth?”. This session focused on how the Global South could promote economic innovation, build resilience, and maintain growth while addressing the complexities of the international environment and the challenges of climate change. During the discussion, Mr Chan stated that as an international financial centre, Hong Kong is actively promoting the development of green finance and green technology. He emphasised that Hong Kong could provide capital support for infrastructure and green projects in the Global South and guide funding to new projects through innovative financial products, such as securitised loans. In response to a question, Mr Chan noted that a number of countries in the Global South are considering how to manage risks related to their trade and reserve currencies. Some are increasingly using their own currencies more for settlements. He mentioned that Hong Kong is collaborating with multiple central banks to launch the Project mBridge, aiming for faster, more cost effective, and more secure cross-border payments and settlements. He also pointed out that digitalisation and green transformation will be significant trends for the future development of the Global South, and investing in suitable projects in these areas will yield long-term returns. Furthermore, the development of fintech will help make financial services more accessible and inclusive, facilitating leapfrog development for developing countries. Hong Kong can contribute to the Global South in these areas. During the FII, Mr Chan witnessed, together with the Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, Mr Khalid Al-Falih, the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement between the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Beta Lab, a venture capital firm focused on deep technology in Saudi Arabia. Both parties will share resources, recommend startups to each other, facilitate connections within their startup networks, and jointly engage in market promotion and events. A number of delegation members also spoke at various sessions of the FII, promoting Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a “super connector” and “super value-adder,” and how it can connect the Mainland and global capital markets and investors in multiple ways. In the evening, Mr Chan and the delegation members attended a reception hosted by the Cathay Pacific; as well as a reception organised by the Hang Seng Investment Management to celebrate the upcoming listing of its exchange-traded fund. Mr Chan will continue his visit in Riyadh today (October 30, Riyadh time).
Ends/Wednesday, October 30, 2024Issued at HKT 9:00
Primary schools across the country can now access a free media and digital literacy program funded by the Albanese Government. Developed by the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, the eSmart Digital Licence+ for primary schools is now available nationwide. This educator-led program helps young learners aged 4 to 9 years to achieve their digital licence.
In doing so, they learn how to navigate the online world safely, responsibly, and respectfully through animated videos and hands-on activities.
Designed in collaboration with educators and close to 1,000 school children, the program is adaptable to diverse learning needs and can be delivered in classrooms with, or without, technology.
The new tool builds on the eSmart Digital Licence+ program already available for students aged 10 to 14 years, and the Media Literacy Lab for high school students aged 12 to 16 years. The Albanese Government invested $6 million to ensure the digital literacy tools would be freely available for all schools across Australia. In the digital age, young people learn, explore and connect online. Digital literacy skills help young people to have safer experiences online, enabling them to become respectful and resilient digital citizens, with education and learning a key part of achieving this goal. Teachers and schools interested in accessing eSmart can contact the Alannah & Madeline Foundation on 1300 720 747 or visit: www.esmart.org.au Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
“By empowering children as young as 4 years-old with the skills they need to navigate the challenges of the digital world, we are building a young generation of Australians who will be better equipped to engage safely online. “The eSmart Digital Licence+ is empowering school students to think critically, create responsibly, and navigate the online world in a safer and more responsible way. “Australian children have long been getting a pen licence at school as they learn to write – this is the pen licence for the online world. “I encourage schools to reach out to the Alannah &Madeline Foundation to take advantage of these helpful resources.”
The findings highlight the impact on economies most vulnerable to climate change. The results suggest that factors such as political stability and financial development have the potential to alleviate these effects. It reveals that the influence of climate risk on fiscal capacity is more significant in situations of limited fiscal space. Implementing fiscal consolidation emerges as a crucial factor in mitigating the negative impact of climate risks on fiscal capacity, with political stability and financial development also playing pivotal roles.
Earlier today, Governor Hochul delivered remarks and attended the Nava Diwali Festival to honor and celebrate Diwali, the largest holiday that takes place across South Asia and Indo-Caribbean communities each year in the fall.
VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.
PHOTOS: The Governor’s Flickr page will post photos of the event here
A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:
Thank you, Mr. President. It’s always great to be back here celebrating this most beautiful of holidays. I want to thank Melinda Katz for being one of the hosts every year, inviting us and all of the elected officials, my partners in government. But this is about the community. This is about the community coming together at a time when it seems like we’re so divided, that the politics is so ugly and people are not feeling united in one cause.
This candle lighting reminds us that we are together in this journey. That light will always prevail over darkness. And goodness over evil. And if we keep those values in mind, we will persevere and prevail over all the negativity that seems to permeate our politics and our society today. So, let us leave here refreshed and renewed in the belief that lightness – light will prevail, and goodness will prevail over evil.
Those are such important values to all of us in this wonderful community. I thank all of you for the honor of being your Governor. Thank you everyone. Thank you to all of our elected officials as well.
Source: Australian Mines and Metals Association – AMMA
Six new Federal Labor Government-appointed presidential members have determined almost 70 per cent of major Fair Work Commission cases this year, according to AREEA Chief Executive Steve Knott.
“During March and May 2023, and in May 2024, then-IR Minister Tony Burke appointed one new Vice President and five new Deputy Presidents (to the FWC),” Mr Knott will say.
“In 2024, to date, these six new presidential members have presided over nearly 70 per cent of all Full Bench matters heard.
“One of these DPs, a former union barrister and National Legal Officer for the CFMEU Mining and Energy Division, has sat on the bench for 56 per cent of all Full Bench matters and presided as the senior member over 38 per cent of them.
“Just to hone this point – nearly 40 per cent of all the FWC’s most important matters were led by a Deputy President who’s been at the tribunal since May 2023.”
The Fair Work Commission is the nation’s workplace tribunal, with appeals of decisions among the significant matters that must be heard by a Full Bench consisting of three Commission members, including at least one who is either the President, a Vice President or a Deputy President.
Of 53 FWC members – seven more than when Labor left office in 2013 – 28 are ALP-appointees with 25 appointed by the previous Coalition government.
Mr Knott says under Justice Adam Hatcher (who became president on February 19, 2023), the FWC appears to be “performing administratively quite well in its role as a service provider to users of the employment system”.
“Agreement approvals are much faster, there appears to be less head-scratching single member decisions that immediately head to appeal, and the tribunal is being very transparent and as efficient as it can in implementing all its new jurisdictions and powers,” Mr Knott says.
However, in his speech Mr Knott will reveal AREEA analysis of all Full Bench matters from January 1 to October 18 this year, showing “alarming trends” in the composition of the bench.
Of the 358 Full Bench decisions assessed over the period:
318 (89 per cent) were ALP-appointee majority benches
Just 40 (11 per cent) were Coalition-appointee majority benches
Mr Knott says the facts point to a continued politicisation of the nation’s IR tribunal at its apex, an issue that commenced under its former President and that AREEA regularly brought to attention.
“Since the end of the Rudd/Gillard era in 2013, ALP appointees have dominated FWC appeal matters, even when Coalition appointees were in the majority,” he says.
“Make no mistake, the sidelining of Coalition appointees in important FWC proceedings has been strategic and subject to much chatter amongst IR professionals.
“The handpicked generation of new FWC Presidential members is designed to ensure this ALP-appointed FWC control at the top of the institution continues well beyond usual political cycles.”
Mr Knott will also use his speech as a call to arms to business to build a case for IR reform – and not just leave it to the Coalition.
“We in the business community can and should collectively campaign as hard as possible to pressure future governments to do what needs to be done to the IR framework,” he says.
“This should be …promoting the merits of a whole new IR system – one focused on simplicity and promoting the direct employer-employee relationship; winding back unwarranted union interference and the influence of tribunal members with limited business experience.”
Mr Knott will call for modern awards to be abolished and replaced with a standard safety net for employees, a far less complex enterprise bargaining system and a winding back of union interference in workplaces.
He says businesses are “drowning in employment red tape and regulatory burden”.
Highlighting how the Howard-era IR reforms produced more than 10 times the real wages growth of the Accord era of the Hawke/Keating Governments, Mr Knott says “we must always bring it back to the opportunity cost”.
“The community at large must be convinced that by making it easier and less costly to employ people, more people will be employed and costs that are saved via less regulatory burden will ultimately be shared by all via higher wages and a more productive economy,” Mr Knott says.
Source: Australian Mines and Metals Association – AMMA
In this speech to the H.R. Nicholls Society 2024 Annual Conference, AREEA CEO Steve Knott issues a call-to-arms to the business community to build a case for IR reform – and not just leave it to the Coalition.
Mr Knott says this should include “promoting the merits of a whole new IR system – one focused on simplicity and promoting the direct employer-employee relationship; (and) winding back unwarranted union interference and the influence of (Fair Work Commission) tribunal members with limited business experience.”
Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel
Reviewed: 30 October 2024, 14:28 NZDT
Still current at: 30 October 2024
Related news features
If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.
Do not travel to South Sudan due to ongoing armed conflict, inter-ethnic violence and violent crime (level 4 of 4).
New Zealanders currently in South Sudan are advised to depart as soon as it is safe to do so.
South Sudan
Armed Conflict/Civil Unrest Pockets of armed conflict between government and various opposition forces remain and the security situation in Juba has the potential to deteriorate with little or no warning. Land routes into and out of South Sudan may be blocked and flights may be cancelled at short notice. The political and security situation throughout South Sudan remains volatile.
Inter-ethnic violence and cattle raiding continues to occur throughout the country, with significant loss of life. There is a complete absence of rule of law outside of the capital Juba and even in Juba, the capacity of the authorities to uphold law and order is very limited.
Areas within 40 kilometres of South Sudan’s northern border with Sudan are also particularly dangerous and vulnerable to armed incursions and violence. Parts of the border remain disputed and military forces are deployed in these areas.
The border areas with South Sudan’s other neighbouring countries, including Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, the Central African Republic, and Uganda are extremely dangerous due to armed conflict, military activity and other violence. There are regular reports of attacks by armed groups on vehicles travelling on the main road connecting Juba to Uganda (Jiba-Niomule road).
We recommend you avoid all protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings in South Sudan as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning. Monitor local and international media, review personal security plans and be aware of your surroundings.
Violent Crime Violent crime, including kidnapping, murder, armed robbery, home invasions, car-jacking, and sexual assault is a significant problem throughout South Sudan, both in urban and rural areas. The economic situation has led to a significant increase in both petty and violent crime. Criminals are often armed as weapons are readily accessible.
The government has limited capacity to deter crime and maintain law and order throughout South Sudan. Banditry and lawlessness is an issue in rural areas. Humanitarian workers have been the targets of killings and violence in the past.
New Zealanders in South Sudan should exercise a very high degree of personal security awareness at all times. No resistance should be given if you are the victim of an armed robbery or carjacking as this could lead to an escalation in violence. For security reasons we recommend against travelling alone, at night, or to isolated areas.
Petty crime, such as bag snatching and pickpocketing, also occurs and is often accompanied by violence. We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings.
Road Travel We strongly advise against using public transport due to safety concerns.
If travelling by road, car doors should be locked and windows up.
Official checkpoints are frequently set up by security forces and have been known to become hostile or violent. Individuals staffing checkpoints have been known to solicit bribes. Criminals who pose as police officers have also set up roadblocks. At checkpoints, remain in your vehicle and produce requested documents through a raised window. We recommend carrying colour photocopies of your passport and identity documents and producing these when requested, not the originals.
Landmines There is a risk from landmines, which are reportedly present throughout South Sudan, including in Juba. We advise you not to stray off well-used public roads and paths.
General Travel Advice As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in South Sudan, the ability of the government to assist New Zealand citizens is severely limited. We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to South Sudan should consider.
We advise New Zealanders in South Sudan to be vigilant and take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety, including by seeking professional security advice. You should have a contingency plan in place for departure, monitor developments closely through the media and other local information sources. As a precautionary measure, we recommend ensuring adequate supplies of food, water, fuel, cash and essential medications are always on hand and travel documents are kept up to date.
New Zealanders travelling or living in South Sudan should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. You should check that your travel insurance policy covers travel to South Sudan – exclusions may well apply. Only very limited medical facilities are available in South Sudan.
The rainy season typically runs from April to November, during which flooding often occurs. Flooding impacts transport and communications infrastructure, as well as lead to shortages of drinking water and food. Severe flooding has led to displacement, property damage and loss of life.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include the death penalty.
New Zealanders are advised to respect religious, social and cultural traditions in South Sudan to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion is recommended for both dress and behaviour.
Photography, including from a mobile phone, without a permit from the Ministry of Information in South Sudan is illegal. Taking photographs without a permit will immediately attract suspicion, and could lead to detention. Even with a permit, it is illegal to take photos of airfields, military installations or personal, government buildings and infrastructure.
New Zealanders who decide to live or travel in South Sudan against our advice are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
In response to today’s Tokyo High Court ruling recognizing the unconstitutionality of Japan’s ban on same-sex marriage, Amnesty International’s East Asia Researcher Boram Jang said:
“This decision marks a critical step towards marriage equality in Japan and offers renewed hope to same-sex couples across the country.
“This case is also a reminder of the lengthy and fragmented legal battles couples must endure to exercise rights to equality that should already be protected. It is an injustice that weighs heavily on their lives.
“The Japanese government must take action to legalize same-sex marriage across the country. It is time to introduce national legislation that brings marriage equality to everyone in Japan, rather than relying on inconsistent and inadequate responses at the local government level. All couples, no matter their gender or sexual orientation, deserve the same legal rights, protections, and the dignity that comes with recognition under the law.”
Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the central leading group on disciplinary inspection, addresses a meeting on national disciplinary inspection work. The meeting also marked the initiation of the fourth round of disciplinary inspection missions of the 20th CPC Central Committee. [Photo/Xinhua] China’s top anti-graft official Li Xi on Tuesday urged efforts to promote high-quality disciplinary inspection, thus providing a strong guarantee for further comprehensively deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernization. Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the central leading group on disciplinary inspection, made the remarks at a meeting on national disciplinary inspection work. The meeting also marked the initiation of the fourth round of disciplinary inspection missions of the 20th CPC Central Committee. The meeting made arrangements for inspections of departments related to communication, ideology, culture and united front work. In his speech, Li urged efforts to step up oversight and inspection of the implementation of major reforms, promote the implementation of various reform measures and conduct targeted and effective political oversight. He demanded efforts to identify and promote the resolution of prominent issues in order to better contribute to the overall interests of the Party and the country. On the same day, a list of 34 targets of the fourth round of inspection was announced, including the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, the All-China Women’s Federation and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Classes have been suspended and roads waterlogged in some cities and counties in south China’s island province of Hainan due to heavy rainfall starting Monday, which was induced by a combination of the remnants of Typhoon Trami and cold air, local authorities said. In the city of Sanya, many roads in the urban area were waterlogged, while some sections experienced a power outage. Primary and secondary schools as well as kindergartens in Sanya suspended classes at noon on Monday, and continued to suspend classes on Tuesday morning. Classes were resumed on Tuesday afternoon as the rainfall weakens. The city of Qionghai and the Tunchang and Chengmai counties also issued class suspension notices on Tuesday. The provincial disaster prevention, reduction and relief commission has upgraded its emergency response for flood control and typhoon prevention from Level III to Level II on Tuesday. At 9 a.m. on Tuesday, the provincial government issued a Level-II rainstorm warning, saying heavy rain in excess of 250 mm is expected to fall in the cities of Wanning and Danzhou and the Qiongzhong Li and Miao Autonomous County during the next 24 hours. The province on Tuesday morning also issued a meteorological risk warning for geological disasters. From Saturday to Monday, Typhoon Trami rotated over the waters off the southern coast of Hainan and the Xisha Islands. China has a four-tier emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe response, and a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe level, followed by orange, yellow and blue.
Chinese astronauts Cai Xuzhe (C), Song Lingdong (R) and Wang Haoze attend a see-off ceremony at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Oct. 30, 2024. A see-off ceremony for three Chinese astronauts of the Shenzhou-19 crewed space mission was held early Wednesday morning at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. [Photo/Xinhua] China launched the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship on Wednesday, sending three astronauts — including the country’s first female space engineer — to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission. The spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasted off at 4:27 a.m. (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, said the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). About 10 minutes after the launch, the Shenzhou-19 spaceship separated from the rocket and entered its designated orbit. The crew members are in good shape and the launch is a complete success, the CMSA announced. The spaceship will then perform a fast, automated rendezvous and docking with the front port of the space station core module Tianhe in about 6.5 hours, forming a combination of three modules and three spacecraft. The Shenzhou-19 crew consists of mission commander Cai Xuzhe, and astronauts Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze. Cai is a seasoned astronaut who previously journeyed into orbit on the Shenzhou-14 mission in 2022. With this ongoing mission, he set a new record for the shortest interval between two spaceflights for Chinese astronauts. Song and Wang, part of the third batch of Chinese astronauts, are newcomers to space, both born in the 1990s. Wang is currently China’s only female space engineer and the third Chinese woman participating in a crewed spaceflight mission, the agency noted. Diverse sci-tech tasks The new crew has numerous tasks ahead, including conducting space science and application tests, performing extravehicular activities, installing protective devices against space debris, and managing the installation and recycling of extravehicular payloads and equipment. They will also engage in science education, public interest activities, and other payload tests, Lin Xiqiang, CMSA spokesperson told a press conference on Tuesday. They will carry out 86 space science research and technology experiments, covering various fields including space life science, microgravity fundamental physics, space material science, space medicine and new space technologies, Lin added. The CMSA revealed in April that China had undertaken over 130 scientific research and application projects in its space station, while 300 scientific experiment samples had been brought back from space by manned missions in five batches. In addition, more than 500 scientific research institutes worldwide had participated in these projects, achieving significant results in space life science, space medicine, space material science and microgravity fluid physics, with over 280 papers published in top international journals, the CMSA said. The Shenzhou-19 astronauts will complete in-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou-18 trio and stay at the space station for approximately six months. Cai Xuzhe told the press that he and the other two crew members have been training as a team for more than a year. Multiple extravehicular activities are scheduled during the Shenzhou-19 mission. “We have conducted comprehensive ground training, considering all possible scenarios, learning from previous extravehicular activities and thoroughly preparing for every potential plan and contingency,” Cai said. Wang Haoze explained that she will be mainly responsible for space experimental projects, cargo management, and space station operation management. Upgraded transport capability Researchers with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) have optimized the equipment and adjusted the layout within the orbital module of the spaceship to increase its loading capacity for the Shenzhou-19 space mission. “Compared with Shenzhou-18, the payload space of Shenzhou-19 has been increased by 20 percent, making it possible to transport more time-sensitive and essential supplies for astronauts and related systems,” said Chen Tongxiang, an expert with the CASC. This not only allows for the transport of more scientific research equipment and supplies into space but also ensures more efficient and stable in-orbit support for the long-term operation of China’s space station, she said. China is also exploring ways to reduce the cargo transportation costs for its space station. In 2023, a notice was issued to solicit overall schemes for the low-cost cargo transportation system. After two rounds of selection, schemes respectively from the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and from the Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China finally won the contracts for the flight verification phase, Lin said. The selection process has engaged scientific research institutes and commercial space companies in developing spacecraft, rockets and other flight products for China’s manned space program, which will help reduce operating costs for the space station and foster the rapid, orderly and healthy development of the commercial space industry, he added. Excellent cooperation platform China’s space station boasts a wealth of scientific application resources and comprehensive support capabilities, and the Shenzhou manned system and Tianzhou cargo system can ensure reliable and stable round-trip transportation for personnel and supplies between Earth and the space. “China’s space station is an excellent platform for international collaboration,” Lin said, noting that it serves not only as a national asset but also as a platform for advancing space technology and bringing benefits to all of humanity. China has carried out international collaborations with major space-faring nations and developing countries across various areas, including astronaut selection and training, space science applications, in-orbit facilities, space debris protection and ground support, with abundant outcomes, Lin said. Currently, the first batch of payloads selected through cooperation between China and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs are undergoing experiments in orbit, Lin said, adding that more international collaborative research initiatives are in the pipeline. China is also engaging in discussions to select and train astronauts from partner nations, inviting international counterparts to join its space station flight missions, Lin noted. “No matter which country participates, it is humanity’s collective quest to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos,” said Lin.
The launch of the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship is a complete success, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). China on Wednesday launched the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship，sending three astronauts — including the country’s first female space engineer — to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission. The spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasted off at 4:27 a.m. (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, said the CMSA. About 10 minutes after the launch, the Shenzhou-19 spaceship separated from the rocket and entered its designated orbit, the CMSA said. The spaceship will then perform a fast, automated rendezvous and docking with the front port of the space station core module Tianhe in about 6.5 hours, forming a combination of three modules and three spacecraft. Shenzhou-19 is the 33rd flight mission of China’s manned space program and the fourth manned mission during the application and development stage of China’s space station.
ByteDance’s founder Zhang Yiming’s wealth value has topped 350 billion yuan ($49.15 billion) this year, increasing by 105 billion yuan from 2023, and nominated as China’s richest person of 2024, according to the Hurun Research Institute on Tuesday.
This is his first time being nominated as China’s richest person, the first one to make the list who was born after the 1980s and an entrepreneur that started from scratch, the report said.
ByteDance’s global revenue surpassed 850 billion yuan in 2023, up 30 percent year-on-year, according to the report.
The Hurun Rich List report for 2024 based wealth calculations as a snapshot of Aug 30, 2024. It identified the threshold for top 10 at 165 billion yuan.
A total of 1,094 entrepreneurs with a personal wealth of more than 5 billion yuan made the list this year, the institute said.
Nongfu Spring’s Zhong Shanshan and Tencent’s Ma Huateng grabbed the second and third spots on the list, with wealth values of 340 billion yuan and 315 billion yuan, respectively.
Moreover, the top five sectors of wealth for listed entrepreneurs are industrial products, consumer goods, general health, real estate as well as food and beverage.
The top three cities with the highest concentration of entrepreneurs on the list are Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen.
Staff members work at a Jingdong logistics center in Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan Province, Feb. 7, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
China’s logistics sector maintained steady growth in the first three quarters of the year, according to the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing on Tuesday.
During the period, social logistics rose 5.6 percent year on year to 258.2 trillion yuan (about 36.22 trillion U.S. dollars), said the federation.
Specifically, logistics for industrial products increased by 5.6 percent year on year, while that for renewable resources climbed by 10.1 percent, said the federation.
During the period, social logistics costs rose 2.3 percent year on year to 13.4 trillion yuan, according to the federation.
The ratio of social logistics costs to GDP was 14.1 percent during the period, down 0.2 percentage points from the same period last year.
In the first three quarters, the total revenue of the logistics industry stood at 10 trillion yuan, an increase of 3.7 percent year on year.
China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Tuesday announced its decision to renew anti-dumping duties on ethanolamines imported from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
The duties were initially introduced in 2018 for a period of five years as such imports had caused substantial damage to China’s domestic industry.
Following the end of the term last year, the MOC launched investigations to review the anti-dumping at the request of the domestic industry.
The MOC said in a ruling that if the duties were terminated, the dumping practice and related damage would likely continue or reoccur.
The duties will be levied for another five years starting Wednesday.
An ARJ21 jetliner is pictured at Wuhan Tianhe International Airport in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, Oct. 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
China’s homegrown regional jetliner, the ARJ21, successfully completed its longest commercial route flight Tuesday, landing in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou from Manado, Indonesia.
According to the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC), this is also the first China-bound international flight operated by an overseas airline using the Chinese aircraft.
Starting from the end of November, there will be a daily round trip between the two cities, up from three round trips per week in the initial stage, all operated by TransNusa of Indonesia using the ARJ21 aircraft.
TransNusa has received three ARJ21 aircraft from COMAC since December 2022 and opened eight routes with ARJ21.
Detailed stimulus policies, including proactive fiscal expansion, are likely to be rolled out to address China’s local government debt issue and facilitate a steady economic recovery, as China’s top legislature is set to convene a highly anticipated session next month.
The Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress will convene its 12th session from Nov 4 to 8 in Beijing, and analysts said the meeting is widely expected to flesh out details of the fiscal package, including a swap program for local government hidden debt, and sales of government bonds to inject capital into banks.
Vice-Minister of Finance Liao Min said during the World Bank’s 110th Development Committee meeting on Friday in Washington, DC, that China will leverage more fiscal firepower to strengthen its countercyclical adjustments.
Countercyclical adjustments are macroeconomic tools used to neutralize possible negative effects of economic cycles.
Liao said that details of China’s fiscal initiatives would be announced after the conclusion of the meeting of the NPC Standing Committee, as fiscal policy in China requires going through legislative procedures.
Through government spending, China aims to catalyze investment from the private sector and shore up consumer spending, thereby increasing effective demand, Liao said, adding that the country is confident of achieving its annual growth target of around 5 percent.
In October last year, China’s top legislature approved a plan to increase treasury bond issuance by 1 trillion yuan ($140 billion).
Moreover, earlier this month, Finance Minister Lan Fo’an said at a news conference that the central government plans to significantly increase the debt ceiling to conduct a one-time swap of local governments’ existing hidden debt.
This policy is the largest support measure introduced in recent years to aid the debt resolution process, and is pending legislative approval, Lan added.
Wang Qing, chief macroeconomic analyst at Golden Credit Rating International, said, “This means that the local government debt quota, currently at around 46.79 trillion yuan, will be raised substantially this year.”
The quota increase will pave the way for the issuance of large-scale special local government refinancing bonds in the fourth quarter, which is estimated to reach around 2 to 3 trillion yuan and will be used to swap out the existing hidden local debt. This process is unlikely to be slow, Wang added.
The government’s debt restructuring program has extended repayment periods and reduced financing costs, enabling local authorities to free up more funds for current economic development and public service provision, said Luo Zhiheng, chief economist at Yuekai Securities.
Furthermore, the easing of local government debt helps optimize the local business environment, which is a significant boon for foreign companies investing in China, Luo added.
Meanwhile, analysts said the current round of fiscal initiatives also includes measures to replenish bank capital, which will boost the lending and bond-purchasing abilities of large commercial banks, with the aim of driving these major banks to further enhance support for the real economy.
The volume of special treasury bonds issued to replenish the core tier 1 capital of State-owned commercial banks could potentially reach around 1 trillion yuan, said Wang of Golden Credit Rating International.
“As a result, new yuan-denominated loans in the fourth quarter are expected to reverse the previous trend of slowdown and return to a growth trajectory, which is an important focus area for the current economic stabilization efforts,” Wang added.
While Lan, the finance minister, has hinted at the considerable headroom the central government has to raise debt levels and increase the fiscal deficit, analysts said that increases in the government deficit and treasury bond issuance are likely to be outlined in next year’s Government Work Report.
Tao Chuan, chief economist at Minsheng Securities Research Institute, said that given the relatively slower pace of issuance of special treasury bonds and local government bonds at the moment, the current fiscal policy thinking is likely tilting more toward effectively utilizing existing policy tools and larger-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins.
Hezbollah announced on Tuesday the election of Naim Qassem as party secretary-general, succeeding Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli raid on the party’s headquarters in Beirut’s southern suburb on Sept. 27.
“Hezbollah’s Shura Council agreed to elect His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem as Hezbollah’s secretary-general,” said Hezbollah in a statement.
The statement pledged “to work together to achieve Hezbollah’s principles and goals and to keep the flame of resistance shining and its banner raised until victory is achieved.”
Qassem has been Hezbollah’s deputy secretary-general since 1991 and is considered one of the party’s prominent theorists.
Qassem, 71, was born in 1953 and is from the village of Kafr Fila in the Iqlim al-Tuffah region of southern Lebanon. He is married and has six children.
He studied under senior Shiite scholars in Lebanon while pursuing a master’s and bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Lebanese University and worked as a chemistry teacher for several years in secondary schools.
Qassem began his political career in the 1970s as he joined the Amal movement, a Lebanese political party and former militia affiliated with the Shia community of Lebanon. He was one of the secretaries of the movement’s leadership council and resigned from it after the Iranian Islamic Revolution in 1979.
He participated in the founding meetings that led to the formation of Hezbollah in 1982 and served on the group’s Shura Council for three terms, where he was responsible for the educational and scouting programs within the group in Beirut.
Qassem was appointed as the Deputy Secretary-General of Hezbollah when Sayyed Abbas al-Moussawi assumed the position of General Secretary in 1991 and remained in the position after Israel assassinated al-Moussawi, who was succeeded by Nasrallah in 1992.
Qassem has been the general coordinator of Hezbollah’s parliamentary election campaigns since the group first participated in 1992.
He has authored many books, the most prominent of which was in 2005 the book “Hezbollah,” which presents the party’s goals, history, and political vision in various matters.
China and Myanmar celebrated a decade of collaboration in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development at a ceremony held in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday.
The event highlighted a decade of commitment, collaboration and collective actions of China and Myanmar towards biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
Deputy Minister for Myanmar’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Min Thu expressed gratitude to the Chinese Academy of Sciences for its financial and technical support to Myanmar for biodiversity conservation and cooperation research.
He noted that the decade of Myanmar-China cooperation has provided valuable opportunities and experiences for mutual learning in biodiversity conservation.
Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar Zheng Zhihong said that over the past 10 years, China-Myanmar cooperation on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development has achieved fruitful results. China and Myanmar have established the Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute, carried out nine large-scale joint scientific expeditions, collected and recorded tens of thousands of species, and published more than 100 papers.
Relying on the Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute, the two sides have helped Myanmar cultivate scientific research talent, and contributed to Myanmar’s economic development and people’s livelihood, he added.
By building on the solid foundation of the past decade, the two countries will further strengthen cooperation in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, making greater contributions to the sustainable development of the two countries, especially Myanmar, the minister counselor said.
Gong Haihua, director of the Division of Asian and African Affairs, the International Cooperation Bureau of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that in the past years, the two sides witnessed successful cooperation in many areas, and she expressed hope that more fruitful cooperation will be carried out in the future.
About 100 participants, including officials and researchers from the two countries, attended the event.
Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia
Senators Reverend Warnock, Ossoff Announce Over $48 Million in Federal Funding for Clean Energy Upgrades at Savannah, Brunswick Ports
Federal funds made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, championed by Georgia’s U.S. Senators for its investments in Georgia’s clean energy economy
Georgia Ports Authority to receive over $48 million to install new electric charging infrastructure for ships at the Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick
Senator Reverend Warnock penned a letter of support for GPA’s bid to receive federal funding for clean energy infrastructure upgrades
In addition to boosting the local economy, this grant will result in less smog from diesel emissions for surrounding port communities, strengthening air quality and the health of dock workers
Earlier this year, Georgia’s U.S. Senators announced over $15 million in clean energy and infrastructure investments for the Port of Savannah
Senator Reverend Warnock: “As a son of coastal Georgia, I know the importance of Georgia’s ports and its workers to our state and national economies. As we continue moving toward a clean energy economy, it is critical Georgia and its workers remain on the frontlines of these federal investments and reap the benefits of our hard work in Washington”
Senator Ossoff: “Today we are delivering new resources through the EPA’s Clean Ports program to upgrade the Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick with vessel shore power systems and install new electric charging infrastructure. This is a win-win for our economy and for local communities”
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), a member of the Senate Commerce committee charged with overseeing the nation’s transportation policies, and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) announced they secured $48,763,746 to install new electric charging infrastructure for ships at the Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick. The funding will go to the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) to invest in the vessel shore power systems, which will allow ships to ‘plug-in’ to electric grid power and turn off diesel engines while at port. In addition, the project includes the scrappage and replacement of diesel terminal tractors with new electric terminal tractors. GPA plans to engage with communities through their network and conduct classroom and on-the-job training for workers related to shore power, zero-emission vehicles, and charging stations. In addition to boosting the local economy, this grant will result in less smog from diesel emissions for surrounding port communities, helping enhance overall quality of life. The decrease in diesel emissions will also strengthen air quality, and in turn, the health of dock workers spending long hours keeping our ports running. This latest investment reflects both senators’ commitment to bolstering Georgia’s clean energy infrastructure, helping Georgia’s ports maintain their competitive edge in the U.S. economy, and ensuring workers receive the support and training needed in an evolving economy.
“As a son of coastal Georgia, I know the importance of Georgia’s ports and its workers to our state and national economies. As we continue moving toward a clean energy economy, it is critical Georgia and its workers remain on the frontlines of these federal investments and reap the benefits of our hard work in Washington, which is why I was proud to champion this award for the Georgia Ports Authority,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Senator Ossoff and I will continue delivering investments for Georgia’s ports to keep our state at the forefront of the nation’s clean energy economy.”
“Senator Warnock and I continue working to upgrade Georgia’s port infrastructure and establish Georgia as the national leader in advanced energy technology. Today we are delivering new resources through the EPA’s Clean Ports program to upgrade the Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick with vessel shore power systems and install new electric charging infrastructure. This is a win-win for our economy and for local communities,” said Senator Ossoff.
The latest announcement is part of a larger set of awards unveiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that includes 55 applicants across 27 states and territories to receive nearly $3 billion through EPA’s Clean Ports Program. The grants are funded by the Inflation Reduction Act—the largest investment in combating climate change and promoting clean energy in history, and legislation only made possible by Georgia voters electing Senators Warnock and Ossoff to cast the decisive votes—and will advance environmental justice by reducing diesel air pollution in U.S. ports and surrounding communities while promoting good-paying and union jobs that help America’s ports thrive.
A longtime advocate for strong federal funding for Georgia’s ports, this latest effort follows Senator Warnock’s bipartisan, bicameral push with Georgia’s full congressional delegation urging officials to study expanding the Port of Savannah to ensure it can continue accommodating increasingly large container vessels. Earlier this year, Senators Warnock and Ossoff announced over $15 million in clean energy and infrastructure investments for the Port of Savannah. Also this year, Senator Warnock successfully secured $11.3 million for the Brunswick Harbor through the FY ’24 government funding bill for modifications to improve the efficiency, cost and reliability of ship traffic in the harbor, as well as $44.7 million for the Savannah Harbor to support operations and maintenance. Additionally, in January 2024, Senators Warnock and Ossoff announced a $15 million federal grant to the Port of Brunswick for critical infrastructure upgrades, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law championed by both Georgia senators.
In May 2023, Sen. Ossoff and EPA Administrator visited the Port of Savannah to announce the Clean Ports Program and the availability of funding to electrify transportation and logistics to reduce air pollution.
China and Zambia on Tuesday held a ceremony to mark 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The ceremony was held at the TAZARA Memorial Park in Chongwe District, about 39 km east of Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. A wreath laying was conducted in honor of the Chinese nationals who died during the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) line.
The event, held under the theme “Pass on the TAZARA spirit to the next generation and jointly build a shared future,” was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema as well as officials from both the Chinese Embassy and the Zambian government.
In his remarks, the Chinese ambassador paid gratitude to the founding leaders of the two countries for establishing the long-standing relationship which has stood the test of time and has been seen as a fine example of China-Africa relations and South-South cooperation.
He said the unwavering spirit of perseverance, hard work, and selfless dedication exhibited by both Chinese and local people during the construction of the TAZARA line serves as an inspiration and a driving force for China-Zambia and China-Africa cooperation.
According to him, the revitalization of the railway line following a memorandum of understanding signed recently will not only enhance Zambia’s trade and export, in particular but will also help the country become a regional industrial hub.
“I look forward to an even closer partnership between the Zambian government and the Chinese contractor to support the revitalization of TAZARA (line), for it is not just an enduring monument of our time-honored friendship, but also a pilot on how an aid project could sustain itself by market operations,” he said.
The Chinese ambassador also underscored the importance of sensitizing the younger generation of the joint heritage as they were going to be future torchbearers of the China-Zambia friendship. He said the stories of the TAZARA line construction were the best illustration of the two countries’ fight against oppression for freedom, adding that the TAZARA heroes and the spirit they embodied deserve to be properly documented and remembered by the young people through textbooks and stories of freedom fighters.
On his part, the Zambian president said the theme was appropriate as it emphasizes the need to pass on the spirit of the partnership between the two countries to the next generation with a shared future. He said the spirit of a shared partnership was evident in the way the two countries have related to each other in various areas over the years.
The Zambian president said the two countries were celebrating 60 years of partnership with renewed vigor and more focus on what the partnership means to the two governments. He, however, said there was a need to water and nurture the partnership so that it continues growing, adding that it was the duty of all stakeholders to nurture the partnership.
He also paid glowing tribute to the Chinese nationals who died during the construction of the TAZARA line, with the youngest being 22 years old, saying they sacrificed their lives and paid the utmost price.
The Zambian president and the Chinese ambassador also unveiled the commemorative envelope for the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zambia during the ceremony.
And some students from universities, who attended the commemoration, said they were ready to contribute to further strengthening of the relationship between China and Zambia.
Lillian Mumbi, a student from the Zambia Institute for Tourism and Hospitality Studies, said in an interview that she would share information about the relationship between the two countries with other young people. She said the students will use various platforms to share information on the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Kenneth Kasulo, a student from the University of Zambia, said the theme was appropriate as it was important for young people to understand the importance of the development of the country.
An injured boy is seen at a hospital after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on Oct. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
At least 12 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City, Palestinian sources reported on Tuesday.
Israeli aircraft targeted a shop in the crowded Al-Sahaba market in eastern Gaza City, which was bustling with vendors and shoppers, according to local sources and eyewitnesses.
Paramedics reported that medical teams retrieved six bodies from the site, and more than 20 individuals with various injuries were transported to hospitals in the city.
In addition, six were killed and dozens of others wounded in an Israeli strike on a gathering of Palestinians awaiting the arrival of aid on Al-Bahr Street near al-Khaldi mosque in Gaza City, according to paramedics.
The Israeli army has not commented on the incidents yet.
China deplores and rejects the latest U.S. rule on investment restrictions aimed at China, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday.
Lin made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to respond to reports that the Biden administration has finalized restrictions on investments by U.S. individuals and companies into advanced tech in China, including the semiconductor, quantum computing and AI sectors.
Lin said China deplores and rejects the United States’ Final Rule to curb investment in China. “China has protested to the United States and will take all measures necessary to firmly defend its lawful rights and interests.”