The Palestinian presidency condemned on Wednesday the Israeli army’s ongoing siege of northern Gaza, which has continued for the 11th consecutive day.
In a press release published by the Palestinian news agency WAFA, presidency spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh called Israel’s siege and ongoing military operations that force residents to evacuate their homes “war crimes punishable under international law.”
“It is unacceptable to allow the continuation of Israeli aggression while the UN Security Council remains paralyzed due to U.S. policies that support Israel and its actions, which defy international will,” he said.
Abu Rudeineh stressed that these U.S. policies “have violated all prohibitions of international law and provided the criminal occupation forces with all forms of financial and military support, encouraging them to commit heinous crimes against our people and the peoples of the region.”
Witnesses told Xinhua that the Israeli army is besieging dozens of families, primarily consisting of women and children, preventing them from leaving the northern areas and putting them at risk of death.
The Israeli army has been conducting a large-scale offensive and imposing a tight siege on Jabalia and the surrounding areas since October 6, allegedly to target militants and their infrastructure in Jabalia and prevent Hamas from regrouping there.
“This operation to systematically dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the areas will continue as long as required in order to achieve its objectives,” the army said.
A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday reaffirmed that Taiwan’s status as part of China has never changed and will never change. Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks during a press conference in response to a speech made by Taiwan’s leader, Lai Ching-te, on Oct. 10, in which Lai claimed that “the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has no right to represent Taiwan.” A host of documents with international legal effect, including the 1943 Cairo Declaration and the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation, confirm China’s sovereignty over Taiwan, Chen said. He emphasized that the government of the PRC was established on Oct. 1, 1949, replacing the government of the Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China. At its 26th session in 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, which restored the representation and seat of the whole of China, including Taiwan, to the government of the PRC, based on the recognition that Taiwan is part of China, Chen noted. Lai’s framing of “China” and “Taiwan” as oppositional reflects a clear separatist assertion of “Taiwan independence,” Chen said, adding that this undermines China’s sovereignty and challenges the international community’s commitment to the one-China principle. “Any action or statement that challenges the one-China principle and seeks to divide the country is doomed to fail,” the spokesperson said. Any attempt to undermine the national identity of Taiwan compatriots and exacerbate cross-Strait tensions will not gain public support, he added.
China’s anti-graft chief Li Xi has urged efforts to further improve conduct and build integrity among the Party and combat corruption, thus achieving new progress on the front. Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, made the remarks during an inspection tour to north China’s Tianjin Municipality from Monday to Wednesday. While visiting different localities in the city, Li called for efforts to tackle Party discipline and law violations in the field of eco-environmental protection, and continue to address misconduct and corruption occurring at people’s doorsteps, among other efforts. At a seminar during the tour, Li also urged deepening the reform of the discipline inspection and supervision system to make it more regulated and rule-based, and ensuring that political responsibility for full and rigorous Party self-governance is fulfilled.
Gambling, especially sports and race betting, is a hot political issue at the moment.
This is largely due to the recommendations from a 2023 report from a nonpartisan federal government committee, chaired by the late Peta Murphy, called You Win Some, You Lose More.
This report recommended “the Australian government, with the cooperation of the states and territories, implement a comprehensive ban on all forms of advertising for online gambling”.
This has led to lots of debate and controversy.
Recently, Peter V’landys, head of the NRL and Racing NSW, claimed lotteries were more harmful than race and sports betting combined, citing independent statistics.
Let’s explore the relative harm of different types of gambling and see if this claim holds up.
Australians love a punt
Gambling is widespread in Australia, with more than half of adults engaging in at least one form each year.
According to the latest national data, lotteries are the most common type (40% of Australians buy a ticket annually), followed by race betting (17%), pokies (16%), scratchies (15.7%) and sports betting (9.6%).
However, the popularity of a gambling form doesn’t necessarily reflect its harm. Different gambling activities have distinct characteristics.
Two key factors mean that some gambling forms are more harmful than others: the speed of gambling and bet size.
Pokies allow for frequent, small bets, with spins every three seconds. Race and sports betting can involve much larger sums and betting that is relatively fast, but still slower than pokie spins.
Sports betting, in particular, is getting faster with in-play betting and microbetting.
Poker machines, or ‘pokies’ are the biggest single source of gambling losses in Australia.
Lotteries, on the other hand, are much slower-paced.
People typically spend a small amount on tickets and wait for a draw to find out if they’ve won.
Although it’s possible to spend a lot on tickets, people tend not to, unlike with faster gambling forms.
The average spend on pokies among the 16% who play them is around $4,782 per year, compared to an average spend on lotteries of $377 per year. These are averages. Most won’t spend these amounts but some will spend far more, which raises the average amount.
V’landys’ claim about lotteries being more harmful than race and sports betting was based on “independent statistics”.
He said that of 100 people seeking help from a gambling hotline, 70 had issues with pokies, 15 with lotteries, eight with race betting, four with sports betting, and three with casinos.
We were unable to verify these figures – if anyone has the data, we’d love to see the research to assess them.
However, we do have publicly available data.
What the data say
The NSW GambleAware website’s 2020-21 report shows that of 2,886 people seeking help, 73.3% identified pokies as their primary form of gambling, while only 13 people (less than 1%) listed lotteries. Race betting accounted for 13.1%, and sports betting for 7.9%.
People who experience problems also usually take part in more than one form of gambling, as the NSW report showed.
When these secondary gambling activities were considered, sports betting was cited by 35.5%, race betting by 33.5%, pokies by 19.5%, and lotteries by 13.7%.
What we discovered
The best evidence on gambling problems and harm comes from large-scale prevalence studies, typically commissioned by governments and conducted by independent researchers.
These studies offer high-quality insights into how each gambling form contributes to problems.
While one prevalence study is great, our team recently combined data from seven national and state-based prevalence studies. This resulted in a very high-quality dataset that we can use to study this question.
In our analysis, we used statistical techniques to show how strongly each gambling form is associated with problems.
These techniques give us regression coefficients, which are just numbers that tell us how strong the association is. A higher number means a stronger association between that form and gambling problems.
The most problematic form was pokies (coefficient = 0.147), followed by casino games (0.136), sports betting (0.068) and race betting (0.038).
Lotteries, with a coefficient of 0.001, were the least problematic and were not statistically significant even in our large sample.
As you might guess from such a low number, there’s very little relationship between lotteries and gambling problems.
What about prevalence?
Prevalence matters too – while pokies were most strongly associated with problems, the number of people participating in each gambling form is also important.
Let’s consider an analogy – a car that gives out a lot of exhaust fumes. That car is harmful, but if virtually no one owns one, then it’s not going to account for much pollution.
The same idea applies for gambling forms. If a gambling form is very harmful but very few people do it, it doesn’t account for many problems in the population.
It works the other way, too – if there is a very clean type of car that many people drive, they also won’t add up to much pollution.
Similarly, if we have gambling forms that have very little association with problems, it won’t add up to many problems in the population, even if lots of people take part.
The regression coefficients tell us how problematic each gambling form is. Prevalance tells us how many people do it.
When we combine these two bits of information, we can work out the degree of problems in the community that come from each form.
When we did this, pokies were responsible for 52-57% of gambling problems in the community.
Sports and race betting each contributed 9-11%, with a combined total of around 20%.
Lotteries accounted for just 0.1-1% of problems.
Even if we include scratchies as part of lotteries, this only adds another 2-5% of problems, still far below sports and race betting.
The real issue
What’s the takeaway?
Lotteries are widely played but are not typically associated with much harm.
Sports and race betting, despite having fewer participants, are more harmful due to their faster pace and the potential for large, frequent bets.
Lotteries involve slower betting and lower spending, making them much less risky.
If we aim to reduce gambling harm in our community, the focus should be on pokies, which are widespread in pubs and clubs outside WA, casino games and race and sports betting.
These forms have features that make them far more harmful than slower-paced gambling like lotteries.
Alex Russell receives funding from Gambling Research Australia, the Department of Social Services, the NSW Responsible Gambling Fund, the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission, the New Zealand Ministry of Health, the South Australian Government, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, the Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade, the Alberta Gambling Research Institute and Arts Queensland. He previously provided statistical advice on projects to inform a casino group about gambling and gambling problems amongst their employees, and what could be done to reduce this.
He is a board member for the Australian Loneliness Research Foundation.
Matthew Browne has received funding from the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission, the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling, the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, Gambling Research Australia, the Alberta Gambling Research Institute, the Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General, the Commonwealth Department of Social Services, the Office of Responsible Gambling, and the South Australian Independent Gambling Authority for various research studies on gambling behaviour, youth gambling, and the social costs of gambling, and gambling-related harm.
Matthew Rockloff receives funding from Matthew Rockloff has received funding from the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission, the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling, the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, Gambling Research Australia, the Alberta Gambling Research Institute, the Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General, the Commonwealth Department of Social Services, the Office of Responsible Gambling, and the South Australian Independent Gambling Authority for various research studies on gambling behaviour, youth gambling, and the social costs of gambling, and gambling-related harm.
It was a busy night for officers in Counties Manukau, with six people taken into custody following a spate of vehicle crime across the district.
At about 10.35pm, officers in Papatoetoe attempted to stop a vehicle travelling on Plunket Road.
Counties Manukau West Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Steve Albrey, says the vehicle failed to stop for Police and continued to drive dangerously through the area.
“Police elected not to pursue and the Eagle helicopter was able to provide commentary.
“The vehicle has continued to drive in a dangerous manner before coming to a stop outside an address in Gray Avenue, where one person was quickly taken into custody.”
A 34-year-old man will appear in Manukau District Court today facing charges including unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and failing to stop.
A couple of hours later at 12.40pm, Police received a report from a member of the public who had allegedly interrupted two offenders stealing a vehicle parked on Fusion Road, Flat Bush.
Counties Manukau East Area Commander, Inspector Rod Honan, says the informant also believed one of the offenders pointed an object that looked like a firearm in their direction before driving off in the stolen vehicle.
“At about 1pm, the vehicle was observed travelling on the motorway near Newmarket.
“Eagle was able to get overhead and units subsequently spiked the vehicle on State Highway 20, before it exited at Hillsborough Road.”
Inspector Honan says the vehicle came to a stop and officers quickly took five people into custody.
He says a search of the vehicle didn’t locate any firearms.
“We hope the public can be reassured with have no tolerance for this brazen behaviour in our community.”
Four people, aged 12-16, will appear in Manukau Youth Court today charged with dangerous driving and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
The Bungleboori picnic area will be the focus of major construction work from Monday 21 October 2024, with new facilities to include a car park, toilets, picnic shelters and seating.
Located in the centre of the park at the junction of Maiyingu Marragu Trail and Glowworm Tunnel Rd, Bungleboori will become the main meeting point for the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, with visitor signage and wayfinding to inform and direct park users to key precincts and points of interest.
The new picnic area will transform the site from a degraded area to a centralised visitor information hub, with connections to walking tracks and cycling trails to be established over the next 24 months.
Bungleboori picnic area will also cater for visitors of all abilities, with accessible toilets, picnic facilities and accessible pathways with connectivity to visitor information.
Work will begin in the coming weeks, commencing with road closures to facilitate the removal of weeds.
Work is also continuing in other areas of the park, with walking track, road, lookout and car park works underway at Lost City.
Access to Lost City South Road remains closed while work continues.
Quotes attributed to NPWS Blue Mountains Branch Director David Crust
It is exciting to see key visitor precincts come to life as our visitor infrastructure program for Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area continues.
When completed in early 2025, Bungleboori will be the starting location for many future park activities, with maps and information available to guide visitors.
The new visitor facilities at Bungleboori will include accessible parking as well as long vehicle parking, along with accessible toilets, shelters and seating.
Closures will be in place while work is underway at Bungleboori and on Lost City South Road.
Work on Lost City South Road is expected to continue until the end of the year, with visitor facilities to follow early in 2025.
Visitors can access Lost City via Lost City North Road during the closure.
Once Lost City South Road is open to visitors, Lost City North Road will be closed for improvement works.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07)
BALTIMORE – Today, U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin, with Governor Wes Moore and Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey, announced $13.9 million in federal funding to support workforce development and postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities. Administered through the Maryland Department of Disabilities, the funding will help increase access to resources, promote data sharing, and improve employment outcomes.
“Team Maryland continues to drive federal investment in Marylanders’ futures. These new funds will bolster the use of evidence-based strategies to engage individuals with disabilities in careers of their choice, enhancing inclusion, economic mobility, and career growth,” said members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation Congressman Mfume, Senators Cardin, Van Hollen, and Hoyer; and Congressmen Ruppersberger, Sarbanes, Raskin, Trone and Ivey. “One in four Americans has a disability, and these investments will empower those Americans to achieve greater economic independence while supporting our changing economic and workforce needs. This is an important investment in ensuring people with disabilities are able to continue playing a meaningful role in their community.”
“’Leave no one behind’ is not just a talking point for us, it’s a governing philosophy. Today’s action reaffirms Maryland’s commitment to building a state where every person is seen and supported,” said Gov. Moore. “I want to thank the Biden-Harris Administration for their partnership. Together, we will open paths to work, wages, and wealth for Marylanders; grow our economy; and create an equitable future for all.”
The U.S. Department of Education allocated $9.4 million from the Disability Innovation Fund Program to develop a tool that connects students with accessible services, including vocational rehabilitation and long-term support. The tool represents a pioneering data-sharing system that will enable school and state agency personnel—including the Maryland State Department of Education Division of Rehabilitative Services and the Developmental Disabilities Administration at the Maryland Department of Health—to share information about student applications, eligibility, and services.
The Maryland Department of Disabilities also received $4.5 million from the Social Security Administration’s Interventional Cooperative Agreement Program. The funding will be used to assess the impact of outreach and assistance for children with disabilities who qualify for both Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income, in an effort to enhance access to transition services and improve employment outcomes through competitive, integrated employment.
The two grants begin this month and will continue over five years.
“Both grants underscore our unwavering commitment to advancing opportunity, access and choice for individuals with disabilities,” said Maryland Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol A. Beatty. “Allowing them to live a life of their own choosing in their communities. Everyone can work with the right support and services and jobs are a critical element of independence.”
Governor Moore issued a proclamation in support of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, highlighting that people with disabilities are more than twice as likely to be unemployed than their non-disabled peers. By removing barriers to employment, Maryland is putting young people with disabilities on the road to financial independence.
For more information on the Disability Innovation Fund grant visit ed.gov.?
For more information on the Interventional Cooperative Agreement Program grant visit ssa.gov.
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says construction on a significant expansion to Nelson Hospital’s emergency department marks a major milestone in work to improve services for the local community.
“Next week, Health New Zealand will be breaking ground on a $10.6 million expansion to the existing ED, which will increase its capacity, provide a more functional and efficient workspace for staff and a more comfortable environment for patients,” says Dr Reti.
The expansion will provide:
six additional patient spaces, including two new isolation rooms and a state-of-the-art negative pressure pod, improving the ability to manage and contain infectious diseases
a new fast-track area for patients who can be treated and discharged quickly
two dedicated mental health consultation rooms
an additional triage room
a whānau room.
“Last month, approximately 78 per cent of patients spent less than six hours in Nelson Hospital ED.
“This is another example of our Government’s commitment to achieving our target of 95 per cent of patients being admitted, discharged or transferred from an ED within six hours.
“These additions will help reduce wait times for patients, ultimately helping provide more timely access to quality healthcare.”
The ED expansion is part of a broader plan to redevelop Nelson Hospital.
“Providing care to the local community remains our priority and careful planning means existing ED services will remain open as usual,” says Dr Reti.
“I want to assure the people of Nelson, wider Tasman and Marlborough regions that the Government remains committed to delivering a hospital that meets their needs and provides modern models of care.
“The redevelopment of Nelson Hospital is important to provide timely access to quality healthcare for the people of the Top of the South.”
This follows ongoing reports of disturbing events involving sexist abuse by students in both independent and government schools in Victoria and around the country.
But while this week’s announcement is a welcome and necessary step, we need a more comprehensive plan to eliminate gender-based violence in our schools.
What is the ‘manosphere’?
The “manosphere” is an overlapping collection of extreme men’s communities on social media that are anti-women and against women’s empowerment. This includes Tate, the “misogynist influencer” who is facing trial in Romania on charges of human trafficking and rape (which he denies).
Our recent research found women teachers are increasingly exposed to sexism, misogyny and sexual harassment as the result of boys’ exposure to “manfluencer” ideas and behaviours. These problems are further compounded by the infiltration of far-right sentiments into schools, which has been linked to far-right online forums.
At the same time, women teachers report they are not being supported by school leadership.
The new teaching resources were developed by education academics Helen Cahill and Debbie Ollis, in consultation with teachers, students and parents.
They aim to give students skills to counter the influence of “Tate-types”, and to navigate issues such as consent, sextortion, pornography and gender-based bullying.
They will be part of respectful relationships education, which is mandatory in Victorian government schools (following a recommendation of the 2015 Royal Commission into Family Violence).
Problems with respecful relationship education
There have been implementation issues with respectful relationships education.
A 2022 review (of which one of us, Naomi Pfitzner, was an author) found problems with the funding, quality of resources and training supplied to schools, and with schools’ levels of commitment
Previous research also suggests teachers may be hesitant to engage with controversial or tricky topics. There is a risk some issues are being left out of classroom discussions.
Crucially, respectful relationships is not mandatory in all Victorian schools — independent and faith-based schools in Victoria need to opt in.
In other Australian states and territories, respectful relationships education is not compulsory in any school system.
We need more information
Education departments around the country collect various forms of data about school life, such as learning and attendance. But we don’t have accurate national data on the prevalence of gender-based violence in schools.
Without the full picture of how widespread gender-based violence is in Australian schools, it is difficult to resource and design an appropriate response.
Gender-based violence in schools is inextricably connected to the endemic levels of violence against women in Australia.
We cannot separate a broader culture that enables gendered slurs, misogyny and gender inequity — known enablers of gender-based violence — from attitudes towards women and girls in schools.
The proliferation of online misogynist content requires a new, tailored approach.
Our current project with Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety is examining how online misogyny in the manosphere influences young boys and men in Australia. We will then create resources to support teachers and help make schools safer for all young people.
It is shameful many girls’ first experience of gendered violence happens as students at school. And teachers deserve a safe workplace free from misogyny and sexism.
Stephanie Wescott receives funding from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS).
Alexandra Phelan receives funding from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS).
Naomi Pfitzner has received funding from the Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety, the Victorian and Queensland governments and the Australian government. She was an author of the review into Respectful Relationships Education in Australia mentioned in this article.
Sarah McCook receives funding from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS).
Steven Roberts receives funding from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS), the Australian government and the Australian Research Council. He is a Board Director at Respect Victoria, but this article is written wholly independently from that role.
MENDOZA, Argentina – From October 13-16, 2024, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro led the United States delegation to the XVI Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas (CDMA) in Mendoza, Argentina. The delegation included senior officials from the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy. U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Northern Command were also represented.
CDMA is the premier defense forum in the Western Hemisphere, convening the senior most national security and defense officials biennially to address hemisphere-wide challenges while forging strong partnerships throughout the region. This year’s event featured discussions on the responsible use of artificial intelligence, and climate and environmental challenges from a defense perspective.
Secretary Del Toro held bilateral meetings with Ministry of Defense leaders from the following countries:
Argentina
Secretary Del Toro and Minister of Defense Petri reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the U.S.- Argentina defense relationship and discussed efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including in Women, Peace, and Security, and peacekeeping operations. Secretary Del Toro thanked Minister Petri for hosting the XVI CDMA and for Argentina’s contributions to global security.
Brazil
Secretary Del Toro and Minister Múcio discussed cooperating on emerging defense areas, including cyber, space, and special operations; military-to-military activities in the South Atlantic; and expanding defense industrial base cooperation. The two sides recognized the progress made towards finalization of the U.S.-Brazil Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement.
Colombia
Secretary Del Toro and Vice Minister Suárez discussed the strong bilateral U.S.-Colombia defense relationship, and tackling emerging challenges such as counter-unmanned aircraft system, climate change, and support to special operations. The delegations discussed countering transnational criminal organizations, and regional security.
Peru
Secretary Del Toro and Minister Astudillo discussed the strength of the U.S.-Peru bilateral defense relationship, especially in areas of security cooperation and countering transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). The U.S. commended Peru’s recent progress toward the lifting of aerial interdiction restrictions.
The Ministers endorsed the United States’ proposal to host the XVIII CDMA in 2028.
GREG O’CONNOR (Assistant Speaker—Labour): Almighty God, we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests, we acknowledge the King and pray for guidance in our deliberations, that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom, justice, mercy, and humility for the welfare and peace of New Zealand. Amen.
Hon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House): Next week, the House will consider the first readings of the Mental Health Bill and the Policing (Police Vetting) Amendment Bill. We will consider further stages of the Gambling (Definition of Remote Interactive Gambling) Amendment Bill, the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, and the Contracts of Insurance Bill. On Thursday morning, there will be extended hours for private, local, and members’ business. On Thursday afternoon there will be a two-hour debate on constituency and local issues.
Just finally, in closing, I’ve just been informed that today is the final day of the Australian Associated Press news outlet in New Zealand. I think they’ve been here for 50 years, including in the press gallery, and I’m sure all members wish them well.
Hon KIERANMcANULTY(Labour): I thank the Leader of the House for the update and thank him for including an extended sitting to cover off the deficit in members’ days. By my calculation, there still is one owing to the House. Can he commit to ensuring there’ll be another extended sitting before the end of the year to tally it up?
Hon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House): Ha, ha! I think it depends on how you define the “owing” point. As the member will be aware, we have had some unanticipated and quite tragic interruptions to the House this year. But certainly, from the Government’s point of view, we will do our best, subject to other important business between now and the end of the year, to fit that in.
Hon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House): Next week, the House will consider the first readings of the Mental Health Bill and the Policing (Police Vetting) Amendment Bill. We will consider further stages of the Gambling (Definition of Remote Interactive Gambling) Amendment Bill, the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, and the Contracts of Insurance Bill. On Thursday morning, there will be extended hours for private, local, and members’ business. On Thursday afternoon there will be a two-hour debate on constituency and local issues.
Just finally, in closing, I’ve just been informed that today is the final day of the Australian Associated Press news outlet in New Zealand. I think they’ve been here for 50 years, including in the press gallery, and I’m sure all members wish them well.
Hon KIERANMcANULTY(Labour): I thank the Leader of the House for the update and thank him for including an extended sitting to cover off the deficit in members’ days. By my calculation, there still is one owing to the House. Can he commit to ensuring there’ll be another extended sitting before the end of the year to tally it up?
Hon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House): Ha, ha! I think it depends on how you define the “owing” point. As the member will be aware, we have had some unanticipated and quite tragic interruptions to the House this year. But certainly, from the Government’s point of view, we will do our best, subject to other important business between now and the end of the year, to fit that in.
Select committee hearings on banking inquiry to start next week
The Finance and Expenditure Committee has released its plans for the parliamentary inquiry into banking competition, along with the written submissions received on the inquiry so far.
Public hearings on the inquiry are set to kick off next week on Wednesday, 23 October.
The committee has hearings scheduled with all the major banks—including the Australian-owned “Big 4” and the main New Zealand-owned banks—over the remainder of 2024. The schedule of hearings is appended to this media release as Appendix 1. Please note that the schedule is subject to change at short notice, particularly if the House of Representatives sits under urgency. Up to date information for the week ahead can be found on the Parliament website (see links at end).
The committee received over 140 written submissions in response to its call for public submissions. Written submissions have been published online and are available on the Parliament website (see links at end). Over 60 submitters have asked to speak to the committee at public hearings.
The committee intends to progress hearings with all submitters—including organisations and individual members of the public—in 2024. Submitters will be contacted in the coming weeks to schedule their time with the committee. We intend to organise one hearing focused particularly on rural communities and agricultural lending. Once the schedule of hearings has been finalised, we intend to publish the schedule via a further media release.
The committee has invited members of the Primary Production Committee to attend all hearings. The Primary Production Committee has a particular interest in the relationship between rural bank lending and banking competition. We look forward to working with our colleagues from that committee over the course of our inquiry.
The committee intends to consider the overall timetable for completing the inquiry once hearings have been completed. The committee also intends to consider whether it is necessary to invite targeted written cross-submissions once hearings have been completed.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
On Monday this week, Northern Territory Police Search and Rescue Section conducted a search operation north of Adelaide River following reports of a missing 73-year-old man.
John had not been seen since 10pm Sunday night with the alarm being raised with police early Monday morning prompting a search by Adelaide River Police members with the assistance of John’s carer.
It was quickly escalated to the Search and Rescue Section (SRS) as temperatures reached 34°c and John was known to suffer from late-stage dementia as well as type 2 diabetes.
A large-scale response was deployed including one Longranger helicopters with TRG air observers, 3 members from the mounted unit, 4 motorcycles and one ATV, 3 Australian Search and Rescue K9’s, 7 SRS members and one drone.
Just before 5pm that evening, a police search team located John approximately 800 meters from his residence on a vacant property.
He was found in a disoriented state and was transported to the local medical clinic for assessment and treatment before being safely returned to his carer.
Acting Sergeant Chris Grotherr said, “The report of a missing person who suffers from dementia is always concerning, particularly considering the high temperatures in the area.
“We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone involved in this rescue.
“Without the support of each responder, this successful outcome wouldn’t have been possible.”
BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) received a $20,000,000 award through the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program. This funding will help NDDOT enhance the US 52 route by adding railroad bypass lanes, improving safety, and increasing the efficiency of passenger and freight transportation across the state.
Specifically, this project will rehabilitate approximately 45 miles of existing asphalt pavement from west of Drake to Fessenden, consolidate access points at the intersection of US 52 and North Dakota Highway 3 in Harvey, and add acceleration and deceleration lanes at existing at-grade railroad crossings. It will also add turn lanes at intersections from seven miles south of Portal to Carrington.
“As we say, North Dakota feeds and fuels the world, and Highway 52 is an essential artery for the flow of many of our goods getting to markets,”said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “This grant will help expand this really important transportation corridor and then at the same time, improves the safety for producers and the traveling public.”
In May, the North Dakota delegation sent a letter in support of NDDOT’s Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant application. Cramer led an amendment to the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act which passed the Senate EPW Committee in 2021, requiring the Secretary of Transportation to prioritize states which have never received an INFRA grant. After Cramer’s efforts, North Dakota received its first INFRA grant the same year. This is North Dakota’s second INFRA award since the passage of Cramer’s amendment to the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act.
The Australian Government is expanding the Connected Beginnings program, helping more First Nations children thrive in the crucial early years.
Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly today announced $1.8 million for Dalaigur Pre-School and Children’s Services Aboriginal Corporation to deliver Connected Beginnings program in Kempsey.
The program connects First Nations children aged zero to five with a range of early childhood education, health and family support services – helping children meet the learning and development milestones necessary to achieve a positive transition to school.
The new site will support around 700 local First Nations children. The Kempsey site joins 47 other locations across the country supporting more than 23,700 First Nations children.
The community-led program is a key contributor to the early childhood Closing the Gap targets, driving an increase in preschool enrolments and improvements to developmental outcomes.
The Government partners with SNAICC – National Voice for our Children and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation to deliver the program.
The new Kempsey site is part of an investment of $81.8 million from the Australian Government to expand the program to 50 sites nationally. Once all 50 sites are established, the program has the potential to support up to 20 per cent of all First Nations children aged zero to five.
Other Connected Beginnings sites in New South Wales include Bourke, Broken Hill, Doonside, Dubbo, Gosford, Mount Druitt, Taree, Wagga Wagga and Wyong.
Once all New South Wales sites are up and running, the program will support around 6,900 First Nations children across the state.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly:
“All children, no matter their background or where they live, should be able to access the transformational benefits of quality early childhood education and care.
“Connected Beginnings is delivering significant positive results for First Nations children right across the country, helping to Close the Gap by improving developmental outcomes.
“The Connected Beginnings program is empowering communities to design and deliver the program in a way which supports their individual needs and aspirations.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health Ged Kearney:
“Labor is committed to closing the health gap that leads to a significantly lower life expectancy for First Nations people.
“Connected Beginnings is all about centring the voices of First Nations Australian and a community-led approach.
“From child care, to pre-school, to primary school, Connected Beginnings is setting First Nations kids up for best start in life.”
Quotes attributable to SNAICC Chief Executive Catherine Liddle:
“SNAICC is very proud to be the Community Partner in the Connected Beginnings program, that is expanding access to culturally-centred early education and care to many more children and families around the country.
“This is helping to drive positive outcomes in early childhood for Aboriginal and Torres Strait children by increasing participation in early education activities and increasing school readiness.
“The benefits of Connected Beginnings extend to the entire community, as we know closing the gap starts with our children.”
Quotesattributable toDalaigur Pre-School and Children’s Services Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Fred Kelly:
“It is essential that all our Aboriginal children have a sense of their culture and in particular a strong cultural identity. Dalaigur Pre-School and Children’s Services Aboriginal Corporation provide this through language and culture educators working with both preschools.
“Connected Beginnings is an exciting new program that will provide the resources and services for this solid foundation to be further expanded upon by providing the opportunity to draw upon the experience of existing and new connections and accessing the extensive knowledge from our local community to increase the support for the varied needs of our children.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Final of China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2024 held in Shanghai
Updated: October 17, 2024 09:31Xinhua
The project of Xidian University is introduced during the final of the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2024 in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 15, 2024. The final of the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2024 was held in Shanghai on Tuesday, during which six teams from home and abroad competed for the champion. The project of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University won the champion. Since this May, altogether 5.14 million projects from 5,406 colleges of 153 countries and regions have been registered to take part in the competition. [Photo/Xinhua]Representatives of contestants are seen during the final of the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2024 in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 15, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]The project of Shanghai Jiao Tong University is introduced during the final of the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2024 in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 15, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]Representatives of contestants are seen during the final of the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2024 in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 15, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]The project of Shanghai Jiao Tong University is displayed during a college students’ innovation achievements exhibition in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 14, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]A college students’ innovation achievements exhibition is held in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 14, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]A model of the project of Wuhan University is displayed during a college students’ innovation achievements exhibition in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 14, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]The representative of the project of the University College London is questioned during the final of the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2024 in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 15, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, Oct. 16 — China is forging its own path to modernization, offering not only inspiration to other developing countries but also tangible opportunities for growth amid a sluggish global economy.
Amid rising trade protectionism, China, the world’s largest developing nation, remains committed to advancing high-level opening up and serving as a reliable partner for developing countries on the path to modernization.
On the domestic front, China is prioritizing institutional openness, unlocking vast market potential and creating abundant opportunities for foreign businesses. Measures like lifting foreign investment restrictions in manufacturing and enhancing intellectual property protection are making China an increasingly attractive destination for global enterprises.
On the global stage, the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which now encompasses over three quarters of the world’s countries, exemplifies China’s commitment to collaborative progress. Projects once deemed unattainable have become realities, significantly improving the lives of millions.
As Belt and Road cooperation has entered its second decade, new opportunities are emerging, with plans to break new ground through enhanced collaboration with partner countries. In July, a resolution was adopted during the third plenum of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee. It calls for efforts to improve the integrated framework for land, sea, air and cyberspace connectivity and build a multidimensional network to connect countries along the Belt and Road.
Cooperation within the BRI framework will be strengthened in key areas such as green development, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, finance, and disaster mitigation. As China rapidly advances in digital communications, it is well-positioned to assist partner countries in developing their digital economies and bridging the digital divide.
In the realm of technological innovation, China has consistently embraced a spirit of collaboration. Its belief that science should benefit all humanity is not mere rhetoric; it is reflected in concrete actions.
China has established scientific and technological cooperation ties with over 160 countries and regions, and signed 118 intergovernmental agreements on such cooperation. China also issued the International Science and Technology Cooperation Initiative, featuring open, fair, equitable and non-discriminatory international science and technology cooperation.
A prime example of such cooperation is the establishment of 10 overseas science and education centers by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Africa, Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, South America and beyond. More than 100 scientific and technological projects have been launched, training nearly 5,000 high-level professionals from these regions.
China has provided the international community with abundant public goods, including the annual China International Import Expo and regional initiatives like the China-ASEAN Expo. These influential platforms are set to evolve into concrete cooperation projects that deliver tangible benefits to the people of participating countries. Committed to offering even more global public goods to support peace and prosperity, China aims to achieve more win-win outcomes through its reform and opening up while collaborating with other nations on modernization.
The effectiveness of these efforts is evident. Following its pledge in July to further open its doors to the world’s least developed countries, China announced in early September that it would grant zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines to all the least developed countries that have established diplomatic relations with China. This makes China the first major developing nation and the first significant economy to take such a step.
Cooperation between China and other developing nations is expected to accelerate in the future, especially in green transition efforts aimed at tackling climate change. China’s strengths in clean energy equipment and electric vehicles have already been translated into successful cooperation programs in relevant sectors across developing countries.
Modernization is a shared aspiration for humanity. Chinese modernization dispels the misconception that modernization equates to Westernization. Rather than pursuing isolated success or creating a model that hinders others, China is dedicated to partnering with other nations to jointly advance modernization.
As the world’s second-largest economy, China has contributed more than 30 percent of global economic growth over the past years. The widening door of opportunity being opened by Chinese modernization welcomes all, particularly Global South countries.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Salt harvested at Nanpu salt field in Tangshan, Hebei
Updated: October 17, 2024 08:57Xinhua
An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 16, 2024 shows a worker operating a machinery harvesting salt at Nanpu salt field in Caofeidian District of Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 16, 2024 shows workers transporting harvested salt at Nanpu salt field in Caofeidian District of Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 16, 2024 shows a worker operating a machinery harvesting salt at Nanpu salt field in Caofeidian District of Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial panoramic photo taken on Oct. 16, 2024 shows a view of the Nanpu salt field in Caofeidian District of Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 16, 2024 shows workers transporting harvested salt at Nanpu salt field in Caofeidian District of Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 16, 2024 shows a view of the Nanpu salt field in Caofeidian District of Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 16, 2024 shows a worker operating a machinery harvesting salt at Nanpu salt field in Caofeidian District of Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 16, 2024 shows a worker operating a machinery harvesting salt at Nanpu salt field in Caofeidian District of Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 16, 2024 shows workers transporting harvested salt at Nanpu salt field in Caofeidian District of Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping and UNESCO special envoy for the advancement of girls’ and women’s education, sent a congratulatory message to the 2024 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education award ceremony held on Wednesday in Paris, France.
In her message, Peng paid high tribute and extended best wishes to the award-winning organizations from Uganda and Zambia, saying that girls’ and women’s education has a bearing on their growth and development, the well-being of numerous families and the world’s future.
She expressed the hope for every quarter to strongly support health education and digital education among girls and women, develop and gear science education more toward them, and help them attain better health conditions, digital skills and scientific literacy, particularly the competence to innovate and start up business, so as to contribute to advancing women’s education and development in the new era.
Peng said that China has always attached great importance to the cause of girls’ and women’s education, actively pushing forward the global cause of women’s education while continuously improving the educational environment for women in China.
Peng said that as a UNESCO special envoy for the advancement of girls’ and women’s education, she is ready to work with every party in pooling efforts to achieve gender equality and advance the global women’s cause.
The UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education, established by China in cooperation with UNESCO, is the organization’s only prize for promoting girls’ and women’s education. It plays a vital role in publicizing the concept of gender equality in education and related good practices and in implementing gender equality as a global priority.
Allens has advised the lenders on the successful financial close of BCI Minerals’ $981 million financing for the Mardie Salt Project (the Mardie Project), marking a significant milestone in the development of Australia’s first large-scale salt project in decades.
The syndicate of lenders includes Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, Export Finance Australia, Export Development Canada, Westpac Banking Corporation, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited.
The financing package comprises $830 million for construction loans, $70 million for bank guarantees, and $81 million for potential cost overruns. The Mardie Project has been accredited as a Green Loan aligned with the Green Financing Framework.
‘We are proud to have played a key role in this significant financing deal for the Mardie Project,’ said lead Partner Ben Farnsworth.
‘This not only represents a major investment but also highlights the growing importance of sustainable financing in the global market. The Green Loan accreditation underscores the project’s commitment to environmental sustainability and economic growth.’
Financial close was reached on 4 October. Allens continues to work with Lenders and BCI on satisfying the further conditions to the first drawdown of the construction loan facilities.
Allens legal team
Banking & Finance
Ben Farnsworth (Partner), Louise Barbato (Senior Associate), Madeleine Ninkov (Associate), Megan Lee (Associate), Mariella Panegyres (Lawyer)
The venue of the 2024 World Agri-food Innovation Conference (WAFI 2024) is seen in Beijing, capital of China, Oct 11, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] A global panel of agrarians has called for the innovation-driven green transition of the world’s agri-food system, as part of efforts to curb carbon emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change on food production. While some food-producing regions have initially benefited from warmer weather, the substantial uncertainties caused by global warming are disrupting agriculture across Asia, Africa and South America, the experts said. They made the remarks on the sidelines of the 2024 World Agri-Food Innovation Conference, held in Beijing earlier this month. The event was organized by China Agricultural University. Sun Qixin, president of China Agricultural University and an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, told China Daily that mainstream models indicate a 6 to 8 percent decrease in food production for every 1 C increase in global temperatures, unless technological innovations are introduced to alleviate these effects. “However, the impact of a warmer climate is not uniform across the globe,” he said. Despite instances of warmer and wetter climate boosting food production in some areas that were previously cold and prone to drought, the sudden and extreme shifts in weather patterns are causing widespread disruptions in food production globally, Sun noted. Given that the green transition necessitates a substantial reduction in agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, it is crucial to invest in research and technological innovations to ensure that these reforms do not result in decreased output, Sun said. “We must proceed in this direction despite the challenges,” he added. An estimate by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the United Nations body for evaluating climate science, showed that the agri-food sector, covering the entire cycle from food cultivation to consumption, contributes one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Fu Wenge, a professor at China Agricultural University, said that innovations facilitating green transition do not always require groundbreaking scientific discoveries, adding that sometimes, minor and cost-effective reforms in management models and other fields can bring significant changes. Fu cited the university’s Science and Technology Backyard project, which encourages students to live and work alongside smallholding farmers in rural areas as part of their education programs. The arrangement aims to help promote high-yield crop varieties and environmentally friendly farming practices among rural farming communities. “This model has been implemented in Africa and other regions,” he said. Ismahane Elouafi, executive managing director of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, or CGIAR, a global partnership that unites research groups for a food-secure future, said that the green transition could be achieved through innovations that span technological, policy and institutional levels and include models for countries to work together. “The impact of climate change is multiplying every day, and the only way forward for us is to adopt innovation in its broad sense to really transform the agriculture system,” she said. The experts also called for greater awareness of increasing food production with reduced carbon footprint and more care for the environment. Patrick Caron, vice-chair of the CGIAR system board, said that humans have managed to increase food production throughout history, as living conditions improved and consumption patterns changed. “However, at the moment, we are looking at the increase of production with a different angle,” he said, referring to greater care to avoid climate change and degradations of land, water and biodiversity. Makers of food policy point to China as a source of hope amid the gloomy outlook of increasing food insecurity worldwide, citing the country’s ambitious goal to boost its annual food production capacity to approximately 700 million metric tons by 2030, up from the 695 million tons in 2023. Elouafi, the CGIAR executive managing director, said, “I think China really is a bright spot in the global picture, and not only in increasing productivity in a very smart way, but also in reducing poverty and hunger.” Despite a recent reversal in global progress, the world made significant strides in alleviating hunger and poverty between 2000 and 2017, largely because of China’s efforts, she said. Elouafi noted that China’s adoption of technologies and innovations in the agri-food sector, along with its initiatives to enhance rural incomes, played a pivotal role in the success. Wednesday marked World Food Day, which has been celebrated annually on Oct 16 since 1981 to raise awareness and promote action for fighting hunger and ensuring food security for all. At a news conference on Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said that as the world’s largest food producer, China attaches great importance to global food security. “China has provided more funding and experts and undertaken more projects than any other developing country under the framework of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s South-South Cooperation Programme,” she said. Mao added that China is willing to continue strengthening cooperation on food security with all parties to strive for a world free of hunger.
All savings generated by the transaction will be applied over time to support conservation, water security, and ecosystem restoration in the Lempa River (Rio Lempa) watershed. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. acted as sole arranger and lender for the loan and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as dealer manager in the tender offer for El Salvador’s bonds.
DFC, the U.S. Government’s international development bank, is providing $1 billion in political risk insurance (PRI) while CAF is providing a $200 million standby letter of credit (SBLC). The combination of the DFC PRI and the CAF SBLC will provide integral credit enhancements that support the transaction, which in turn catalyzes the additional investment in El Salvador’s conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts in the Rio Lempa watershed. ArtCap Strategies acted as financial advisor and global coordinator for the transaction.
The Rio Lempa watershed is one of the longest rivers in Central America and plays an important role in the well-being of cities, communities and the economy in El Salvador by providing drinking water, as well as supporting industry and hydropower generation, and irrigation. It also supports diverse ecosystems that represent a large portion of the country’s environmental heritage. Projects funded by the savings from the transaction are expected to enhance water quality, quantity, and reliability; strengthen climate resilience; protect the watershed’s natural ecosystem; and mitigate water security risk in the region.
Through this transaction, the Government of El Salvador will realize more than $352 million in lifetime savings through a combination of immediate notional debt savings and material reductions in debt service costs. $350 million of these savings will be applied to the Rio Lempa Conservation and Restoration Program (the “Program”) over the next 20 years in support of the country’s commitment to watershed conservation in the Rio Lempa basin. Specifically, $200 million, or an average of $9.75 million annually over 20 years, will fund the Program directly, while $150 million, or approximately $7 million per year, will fund an endowment. The funds in the endowment will be invested and are intended to become a source of ongoing funding for the Program beyond 2044. This $350 million allocation represents the largest funding commitment a country has ever made for conservation in a debt conversion transaction.
CRS and FIAES will jointly manage the Program and will collaborate with key government water and environmental agencies to enhance water security and watershed health, promote biodiversity, stimulate economic development through regenerative agriculture, and strengthen planning and management capacities in the Rio Lempa watershed. The Program will make grants to non-governmental organizations operating in El Salvador in support of these goals, with initial grants set to disburse in 2025.The Program will be governed by a seven-member Board of Directors that includes one representative from the Government of El Salvador, one representative from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and five non-governmental representatives.
In addition, the Government of El Salvador has committed to: (i) establish a zonal organization to oversee conservation and restoration of the Rio Lempa watershed; (ii) approve a National Integrated Water Resources Plan; (iii) establish a water resources data monitoring system for the Rio Lempa watershed; (iv) develop protocols for issuing water use permits; (v) establish a public feedback and complaint mechanism for violations of the National Water Resources Law and Environmental Law; (vi) contribute to the decision-making process by developing standards for calculating costs related to drinking water and sanitation services; and (vii) declare 75,000 hectares of protected aquifer recharge zones throughout the watershed by 2044.
White & Case LLP acted as legal adviser to the Republic.
“This debt conversion represents the most ambitious and impactful environmental action in El Salvador’s history. It not only reaffirms this government’s commitment to economic growth, it also enables us to achieve this growth while preserving one of our most precious natural resources: the Lempa River watershed. With support from international parties, we are executing the largest debt conversion transaction of its kind to date. This debt conversion project promotes sustainable development for our communities, strengthens our water security, and protects our ecosystems to secure the well-being of this generation and those to come. With this debt conversion, we aim to transform the environmental and economic future of El Salvador,” said Nayib Bukele, President of El Salvador.
“Since its inception, DFC has been a pioneer in the field of debt conversions. Today’s announcement presents the world’s first-ever debt conversion for watershed conservation and water security. This transaction will protect critical resources while helping unburden the Salvadoran economy and promoting the growth of a vibrant private sector that will create more opportunities for Salvadoreans to find employment in their communities. DFC is committed to continuing to leverage our unique financial tools in innovative ways in pursuit of our developmental priorities around the world,” said DFC CEO Scott Nathan.
“At CAF, we are committed to becoming the green bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. Therefore, we are investing $25 billion by 2026 to finance environmental, climate change, and biodiversity initiatives, such as the one we are announcing today in partnership with the Government of El Salvador, DFC, CRS, and FIAES. This historic financing demonstrates that, through joint efforts, we can advance innovative financial mechanisms that accelerate sustainable development,” said Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF.
“CRS is excited to be part of this transformative program in El Salvador, which sets a new standard for the scale and long-term funding needed to restore and protect critical water resources for current and future generations. This program came together because of bold leadership and collective action by a dynamic and diverse team,” said Carla Fajardo, Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Catholic Relief Services.
“FIAES is pleased to participate in the Rio Lempa Conservation and Restoration Program, acting as a strategic partner of the Government of El Salvador and the Government of the United States of America, as a fund administrator and program co-manager. The Río Lempa watershed is a valuable natural resource for our country since it covers 49 percent of the territory and supplies 68 percent of the national water needs; therefore, its preservation is essential to guarantee the sustainability of its ecosystem services”, said Jorge Oviedo, Executive Director of FIAES.
“ArtCap is proud to have spearheaded the coordination of this landmark transaction, uniting public and private stakeholders to help develop a comprehensive financial and conservation strategy. This program will deliver an important source of long-term funding for projects focused on the Rio Lempa watershed. By acting as a private sector catalyst, ArtCap was able to set a new precedent for collaboration among public and private stakeholders that helped to achieve a program with an impressive scale. We hope the success of this transaction will encourage further innovation in conservation finance,” said Antonio Navarro, Managing Partner, ArtCap Strategies.
About DFC:
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. We invest across sectors including energy, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and small business and financial services. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights.
About CAF:
CAF – Development Bank of Latin American and Caribbean– has the mission to promote sustainable development and regional integration by financing public and private sector projects, providing technical cooperation, and offering other specialized services. Established in 1970 and currently composed of 21 countries – 19 from Latin America and the Caribbean, along with Spain and Portugal – and 13 private banks, it is one of the main sources of multilateral financing and a significant knowledge generator for the region.
AboutCatholic Relief Services:
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. The agency alleviates suffering and provides assistance to people in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS works at the nexus of sustainable agriculture, watershed management, and water supply to support governments, partners, communities, and all stakeholders to provide truly sustainable solutions that increase crop production, improve water for human health, and mitigate climate change. CRS has worked in El Salvador for over 50 years, supporting a network of local partners.
AboutFIAES:
FIAES was launched in 1993 as a Conservation Trust Fund as a result of a debt-for-nature swap between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of El Salvador to support the restoration and conservation of natural resources in El Salvador. FIAES manages multiple funds including several debt-for-nature swaps, environmental compensation funds from the Government of El Salvador, and several conservation grants from international organizations. Over the past 31 years, FIAES has invested more than $90 million in conservation and restoration of coastal marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
About ArtCap Strategies:
ArtCap Strategies is a private credit fund and a leading financial advisory firm specializing in innovative, sustainable financing solutions for public and private sector clients (among other strategies). With a focus on structuring and investing in deals that address global challenges such as climate resilience, water security, and sustainable development, ArtCap works closely with governments, multilateral institutions, and private investors to create impactful financial strategies. ArtCap’s expertise lies in coordinating complex transactions that not only generate economic value, but also drive environmental and social progress, setting new standards in responsible finance.
This announcement may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements are based on El Salvador’s current plans, estimates, assumptions, and projections. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on them. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and El Salvador undertakes no obligation to update them in light of new information or future events. This announcement is not an offer to purchase or the solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. This announcement is not for release, publication or distribution in or into, or to any person located or resident in, any jurisdiction where it is unlawful to release, publish or distribute such announcement.
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
35 seconds ago
Braydon Gregory is enrolled in the NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3).
Following in his father’s footsteps by studying at EIT, is setting a student up for a career in mechanical engineering.
Braydon Gregory, 17, is currently doing his apprenticeship and is enrolled in the NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3) at EIT – the same programme his father Aaron completed in the early 2000s.
Braydon left Napier Boys’ High halfway through Year 13 this year with a very clear plan of enrolling in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3) and doing his apprenticeship at his father’s company, Gregory Innovations Limited.
He says that he is a third generation product of Napier Boys’, but that mechanical engineering has also been a part of his life since he was young.
“I’ve pretty much been doing it since I was ten, and then I got top of engineering two years in a row at school.”
“It was then that I decided that I would get a head start by leaving school early and starting the EIT programme. Dad then offered me an apprenticeship opportunity.”
As part of this apprenticeship, Braydon is working with his father on contract work for Dennis Glenn Logging.
“The work we are doing is working on big diggers, big loaders and trucks. It is a wide variety of work.”
It is a busy time for Braydon, whose family has a farm in Puketapu. Not only does he work as a part-time shepherd (he has his own dog) for a neighbour, but he also works at Pan Pac Forest Products outside Napier on a Sunday.
Braydon says that his career path has been planned from the beginning, including studying at EIT.
“My father said that it’s a really good place to learn all the basic skills that you’ll carry on for the rest of your life, like sharpening a drill bit.”
“He said that if you went into industry straight away, they would just overlook it and not teach you. At EIT, you weld for as long as you want to get it right before going out into the industry.”
The aim after he has studied is to eventually take over the family business. However, before then, he plans to go on an OE.
“With my engineering qualifications I will probably travel with engineering, so either go to Australia for the big shutdowns or over to America where they do big pipelines. But the aim is definitely to take over the family business and carry that on.”
Asked what he enjoyed about EIT, Braydon said that the tutors made all the difference.
“It is more than a job for them, they really enjoy engineering and passing that knowledge on to us.”
He has no hesitation in recommending EIT as a place to study.
EIT’s Head of the School of Trades and Technology said: “The engineering industry are a big supporter of EIT’s Mechanical Engineering programme and provide excellent graduate pathways, it is fantastic to see one of our graduates pathway into the industry.”
It was big news in the podcasting world when US Vice-President Kamala Harris recently sat down with Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy for an extended interview. This was not just because it was one of the few times Harris has opened herself up to direct media scrutiny, but also because it signalled podcasting’s coming of age.
High-stakes interviews are no longer solely the domain of legacy media. Politicians, like celebrities with a story to tell or a film to sell, can pop onto a podcast with a hopefully sympathetic host to reach vast and potentially new audiences. (That said, Harris also did interviews with CBS News, 60 Minutes, The View and CBS’s The Late Show with Stephen Colbert the same week.)
So for the VP and Democratic presidential candidate, is this about finding new audiences or answering to a different, perhaps softer style of interview?
Call her who?
If you haven’t heard of Call Her Daddy, note the show’s emphasis is on sex and female empowerment. Cooper’s listeners are 70% women and 76% of them are aged under 35. It is often compared to the Joe Rogan Experience, a comparison Cooper hates. Cooper has also been called the Oprah Winfrey of her generation, which may say something about her interviewing skills or her market value.
The comparisons to Rogan are hard to avoid. Call Her Daddy has been running since 2018. In 2020, Cooper split with her co-host and took the program to Spotify, also home to the Joe Rogan Experience. There, Call Her Daddy rose to be the second most-listened-to podcast globally, behind Rogan, with an average of 5 million weekly listeners. Spotify gave Cooper US$60 million to Rogan’s rumoured $250 million. This particular gender pay gap was recently reduced when Cooper took the podcast to SiriusXM for $125 million.
A Harris appearance on Rogan’s podcast could give her a larger audience than Cooper’s and parallel access to young male listeners.
‘Here’s the thing …’
Soft or smart?
Harris’ decision to be interviewed on a podcast aimed at young women brought criticism from those who saw it as the “soft option”, as well as those who don’t rate young women or approve of talk of sex.
The same commentators seem to have overlooked that for the last year, Trump has been wooing the “manosphere” and has called in to friendly bro-casts such as This Past Weekend with Theo Von. In other podcasts like Full Send, Trump has had scope for friendly freewheeling banter on topics from Ice Spice to golf.
In the journalistic tradition of podcasts since Serial, Cooper revealed her process and opened her interview with Harris by sharing the reasoning behind her line of questioning. “Let’s be real, I’m probably not the one to be having the fracking conversation,” she deadpanned.
Harris said she went on the podcast “to be real, you know, and to talk about the things that people really care about”. There were moments of genuine emotion, such as anger and compassion at the death of a young woman, Amber Thurman, in Georgia in the wake of the US’s newly restrictive abortion laws. Yet at times Harris still sounded rehearsed, in the manner of people in the public eye required to repeatedly answer similar questions and give similar speeches.
The risk to a politician is that the authenticity and intimacy for which podcasting is known could just as well work against them – a lack of “realness” becomes amplified through headphones, straight into the listeners’ ears.
While Harris’ cadence sounded like familiar speechifying near the end, perhaps her anecdotes were new to sections of Cooper’s audience. For all the claims that a focus on the concerns of women made for a “soft interview”, it was also a timely reminder of the centrality of reproductive freedom to women’s lives and the election.
The risks of the interview were more Cooper’s, who hinted at the prospect of losing listeners by interviewing a politician while wanting Call Her Daddy to be “a place where everyone feels comfortable tuning in”. This is a pertinent concern for her as much of the program’s initial popularity was built on Barstool, a media company known for its conservative leanings.
A different listener
The question remains: is appearing on extremely popular podcasts with young audiences a good political strategy for Harris? The positives of appearing on Call Her Daddy were clear, given Cooper’s main audience of young women is generally more politically engaged and motivated to vote than young men.
Rogan’s audience is 81% male with 34% aged 18–35. Making a connection with young men could prove trickier for Harris within the “bro-ey”, jokey framework of the Joe Rogan Experience than it was with Cooper.
A lot will depend on Harris’ interaction with the host, but Rogan is not known for hostile interviewing and Harris is experienced in connecting with people from a range of backgrounds. And her recent spot on shock jock Howard Stern’s radio show gave her a chance to share her love of car racing.
In a tight election, which could come down to swing voters in six or seven states, such skills, showcased in the podcasting space, could impact the election. The potential gains seem worth any risks.
Lea Redfern does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Stan Original’s newest series is coming to smaller screens, having premiered its first three episodes in September at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Thou Shalt Not Steal follows Aboriginal teen Robyn (played by the immensely talented Sherry-Lee Watson). She escapes juvenile detention and embarks on a defiant road trip from Alice Springs to Adelaide to uncover a long-held family secret.
Fellow outsider Gidge (Will McDonald) comes along for the ride. He has run away from his dodgy preacher dad Robert (Noah Taylor, clearly enjoying his character’s exaggerated grossness, from a perpetually stained singlet to overflowing ashtrays).
In hot pursuit are two incongruous duos. First come detectives Burke and Wills (Shari Sebbens and Darren Gilshenan). Then Robert teams up with the decidely crooked Maxine (played menacingly by Miranda Otto). Where Robert’s deceits are lazily self-serving, Maxine is an outback madam who poses very real dangers to the young people.
‘Some bastards have it coming …’
Thou shalt never go to Coober Pedy
Each episode begins with a tongue-in-cheek lesson from Robyn’s past. These range from the eponymous “thou shalt not steal” to “thou shalt never go to Coober Pedy”.
This deadpan humour cleverly introduces significant issues. There are the inordinate rates of incarceration of Indigenous youth, alcoholism, assault, toxic masculinity, bullying and weaponised religion, among others.
These themes are particularly pertinent in the Northern Territory, where Thou Shalt Not Steal was both set and shot. Earlier this year the NT city of Alice Springs initiated a youth curfew and the territory has now reportedly lifted its ban on using “spit hoods” on young people.
This context means some of the laughs in the series are uncomfortable. But comedy is a well-established vehicle for social justice and the show remains focused on the heroes’ journey, albeit within an important socio-political context.
Over the first six of its eight short episodes, Thou Shalt Not Steal maintains a balance between acerbic comedy and perilous road trip. Its final episodes revel in a series of over-the-top scenarios that nevertheless tie up narrative loose ends in an enjoyable way.
Indeed the shift to outright absurdity reveals the show’s gentler message: about finding a chosen family.
Miranda Otto and Noah Taylor’s characters are dangerous for different reasons. Stan
In that show, the Robin Hood mythology falls to 13-year-old Alice Springs’ local, Robbie (Pedrea Jackson). The same desert-dry humour articulates the charming teen’s well-intentioned misadventures through a variety of legal and familial landscapes.
Alice Springs (Mparntwe) is not just a recurrent muse for Rivers; it is also where he grew up, as the son of award-winning filmmakers Penelope McDonald and Warwick Thornton. Rivers has noted that, while his family actively supports each other, they are also “competitive”, pushing each other to produce their best work.
The series is set in Central and Southern Australia in the winter of 1980. Stan/Ian Routledge
Slick and self-aware
Having worked previously with his parents on multiple productions, Thou Shalt Not Steal is also something of a family affair. Co-created and co-written with cousin Tanith Glynn-Maloney, who also serves as executive producer, Thou Shalt Not Steal was developed during COVID lockdowns. The duo slowly developed the premise and the first two episodes over two years, before securing investment and support.
The result is a slick, well-made series with terrific attention to detail. The gorgeous landscapes contrast with the dank, grimy spaces occupied by the antagonists. The soundtrack is its own treasure trove, ranging from Slim Dusty to the Yamma Family and the Warumpi Band, and always in perfect alignment to the scenes. The chorus of “almost the end, almost the end!” is a highlight in the last episode.
[…] shy away from being a bit cheesy, being a bit self-aware, and being over the top at times. Hopefully there’s twists and turns that people don’t expect. But it was very consciously, like, let’s have fun.
Thou Shalt Not Steal is most definitely a fun ride.
Thou Shalt Not Steal is streaming on Stan from today.
Kelly McWilliam does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
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The final long form prospectus is accessible through SEDAR+
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anthem Citizen Real Estate Development Trust (the “REDT”) announced today that it has received expressions of interest and commitments that in the aggregate are expected to achieve the maximum offering amount of C$82 million and has filed with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada, and obtained a receipt for, a final prospectus (the “Prospectus”) for an initial public offering of its trust units (the “Offering”).
It is expected that the Offering will close on October 29, 2024.
The REDT is a newly created, unincorporated investment trust and was established for the primary purpose of indirectly owning an interest in a mixed-use, transit-oriented development project (the “Project”) located in Burnaby, British Columbia. The Project comprises 372 condominium units, 200 market rental units, 73 non-market, affordable rental units, 176 hotel suites and 4,881 square feet of retail space. The Project is currently beneficially owned by a subsidiary of Anthem Developments (Canada) Ltd. and its non-managing, co-investment partner.
CIBC World Markets Inc. (the “Agent”) is the sole agent for the Offering.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities of the REDT in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of the securities of the REDT in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.
This Offering is only being made to the public by prospectus. Access to the Prospectus and any amendment to the Prospectus is provided in accordance with securities legislation relating to procedures for providing access to a prospectus and any amendment. The Prospectus is accessible on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.com. An electronic or paper copy of the Prospectus and any amendment to the Prospectus may be obtained, without charge, from CIBC World Markets Inc. by telephone at 1-416-956-6378 or by email at mailbox.canadianprospectus@cibc.com, by providing such contact with an email address or address, as applicable. Investors should read the prospectus before making an investment decision.
Anthem Citizen Real Estate Development Trust
Anthem Citizen Real Estate Development Trust was formed for the primary purpose of indirectly owning an interest in the development of a mixed-used, transit-oriented development project in Burnaby, British Columbia expected to develop and operate a building containing 372 condominium units, 200 market rental units, 73 non-market, affordable rental units, 176 hotel suites and 4,881 square feet of retail space.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains statements that include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations of the REDT regarding future events, including statements concerning commitments and expressions of interest in connection with the Offering, the use of proceeds of the Offering, the timing of closing of the Offering, and expectations with respect to the development of the Project. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “may”, “might”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “occur”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “seek”, “aim”, “estimate”, “target”, “project”, “predict”, “forecast”, “potential”, “continue”, “likely”, “schedule”, or the negative thereof or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.
Material factors and assumptions used by management of the REDT to develop the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, the REDT’s current expectations about: real property ownership and revenues; construction and development risk; obtaining necessary building permits for the Project; the realization of property value appreciation and timing thereof; the inventory of mixed-use properties; competition from developers of mixed-use properties; the Burnaby, British Columbia real estate market; government legal and regulatory changes; property encumbrances relating to the Project; significant fixed expenditures and fees in connection with the maintenance, operation and administration of the Project; closing and other transaction costs in connection with the acquisition and disposition of the Project; the availability of financing and current interest rates; revenue shortfalls; assumptions about rental growth rates, hotel occupancy and average daily rates in the Canadian mixed-use real estate market; demographic trends; fluctuations in interest rates; litigation risks; the relative illiquidity of real property investments; the Canadian economic environment; the geographic concentration of the REDT’s business; natural disasters and severe weather; demand levels for mixed-use properties in the metro Vancouver area and local economic conditions; negative geopolitical events; public health crises; the capital structure of the REDT; distributions; capital depletion; potential conflicts of interest; reliance on the good faith and ability of the Project’s project manager to manage and operate the Project; reliance on property management companies; the limited operating history of the REDT; the limited experience of management of the REDT with respect to managing a reporting issuer; the limited liquidity of the Class A Units and Class F Units; and tax laws. While management of the REDT considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on currently available information, they may prove to be incorrect.
Although management believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable and represent the REDT’s internal projections, expectations and beliefs at this time, such statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities may not be achieved. A variety of factors, many of which are beyond the REDT’s control, could cause actual results in future periods to differ materially from current expectations of estimated or anticipated events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include the risks identified in the Prospectus, including under the heading “Risk Factors” therein. Readers are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable Canadian securities laws, the REDT undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Anthem is a real estate development, investment and management company that strives, solves and evolves to create better spaces and stronger communities, with more than 385 residential, commercial, and retail projects. Founded in 1991, Anthem is a team of 800 people, with a diverse portfolio consisting of 41,700 homes, 11.5 million square feet of retail, industrial and office space and has developed more than 60 communities across 9,800 acres of land across in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and California. We are Growing Places.
The report details how mining and metals made up over 80% of Kazakhstan’s gross exports in 2021 and explains the need for the country to develop secondary and tertiary sectors. It outlines the steps Kazakhstan could take to invest in infrastructure and human capital, reform its financial systems, and finetune trade agreements to help boost its global competitiveness and reduce its exposure to external shocks.
