Children fleeing from Lebanon arrive at the Jdeidet Yabous crossing between Syria and Lebanon, on Oct. 7, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group and allied factions in northern Syria are gearing up for a large-scale offensive against Syrian government forces in key areas, taking advantage of the violence resulting from the Israeli military showdown with Hezbollah and the potential involvement of Syria, a war monitor reported on Sunday.
The HTS, a former al-Qaida affiliate, and allied militant groups are planning a massive offensive on government-controlled areas, including Aleppo, Latakia, Hama, and Idlib, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The rebel group’s “Popular Resistance Companies” initiated a new recruitment campaign, seeking medical, administrative, and combat personnel, said the Observatory.
Recruitment centers have been established in towns and cities in areas under the group’s control in northern Syria, such as in Sarmada, Ariha, and Jisr al-Shughur in northwestern Syria’s Idlib province.
The radical group has also deployed heavy artillery, rocket launchers, and U.S.-made TOW anti-tank missiles to strategic locations in the western countryside of Aleppo.
In response, the Syrian army has reinforced its positions, particularly around Aleppo and other key areas, according to the Observatory.
The Britain-based watchdog group said the Syrian army’s elite units, such as the Fourth Division, 25th Special Forces Division, Fifth Corps, and the Republican Guard, have been deployed.
Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that preparations for the offensive are nearly complete, citing Syria’s opposition military leaders, including Colonel Mustafa al-Bakour, head of the Jaysh al-Izza rebel group.
Al-Bakour stated that the upcoming offensive would be a coordinated operation across multiple fronts to reclaim lost territory and weaken government forces.
As for why the HTS is preparing for a major assault, the Observatory said the group’s leader, Abu Mohammad al-Julani, believes that Israel might launch an offensive in southern Syria, making the Syrian government forces preoccupied with a hard battle in the south.
However, the Observatory noted that neither Türkiye nor Russia supports such a conflict triggered by the rebel group’s potential offensive.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China has rolled out enhancements to its student financial aid policies aimed at rewarding outstanding students and supporting those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, according to officials from the Ministry of Finance and the National Development and Reform Commission.
During a news conference in Beijing on Saturday, Vice-Minister of Finance Guo Tingting outlined a dual approach to refining the policies: incentivizing excellence while providing necessary assistance to those in need.
To promote academic achievement, the number of recipients of the National Scholarship doubled at the beginning of the fall semester this year. The number of undergraduate recipients has increased from 60,000 to 120,000 per year. Additionally, the annual figure for master’s recipients has risen from 35,000 to 70,000, and for doctoral winners from 10,000 to 20,000.
The National Scholarship amount for undergraduates has increased from 8,000 yuan ($1,132) to 10,000 yuan per year, while the National Inspirational Scholarship has grown from 5,000 to 6,000 yuan annually.
To further assist students from low-income families, the average national grant for undergraduates increased from 3,300 yuan to 3,700 yuan per year, effective this fall semester.
The government will also enhance its student loan program, raising the maximum loan amount for undergraduates from 16,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan per year and for graduate students from 20,000 yuan to 25,000 yuan. Additionally, interest rates on these loans will be reduced.
Guo noted that further updates regarding graduate scholarship standards are expected in 2025, alongside increased grants for high school and vocational students, thereby expanding the scope of financial support.
China currently has a comprehensive financial assistance system led by the government, with contributions from educational institutions and society. The system includes national scholarships, grants, student loan offerings, tuition reduction funds, living allowances and work-study opportunities.
Last year, the government allocated 93.2 billion yuan to support over 31 million students in higher education. Furthermore, financial subsidies enabled banks to issue 70 billion yuan in student loans.
The new initiatives are part of a broader economic strategy aimed at boosting domestic demand, said Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, during a recent news conference. The policies are designed to increase the income of low- and middle-income groups and stimulate consumer spending.
Recently, China rolled out a series of incremental policies to stabilize the economy and achieve its annual socioeconomic development targets, with the student financial aid program being a component. Minister of Finance Lan Foan emphasized the government’s commitment to implementing targeted policies to support key demographics, particularly college students, in order to enhance overall consumer capacity and stabilize economic growth.
China’s comprehensive financial aid policies aim to ensure that all students have access to higher education, regardless of their economic backgrounds.
Installation view of
OA_RR, 2016-2017 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia Photo Kate Shanasy
Is Reko Rennie Australia’s equivalent of Keith Haring? Both Rennie, a Melbourne-based Aboriginal artist who celebrates the heritage the Kamilaroi people of northern New South Wales, and Haring, the American pop art great, emerged out of an urban graffiti culture.
Both create a widely recognisable visual language that has a striking vitality, sense of authenticity and a pulsating vibrancy. Both are deeply autobiographical artists who created a visual code through which to share their personal histories.
Rennie is an interdisciplinary artist who seamlessly moves between video, printmaking, sculpture, painting and neon art. With more than a hundred works on display, drawn from the artist’s two-decade-long career, this is the first significant retrospective of his art.
Rennie possesses the gift of creating memorable images that are simultaneously puzzling, intriguing and entertaining. On entering the gallery, you encounter a 1973 Rolls-Royce Corniche decorated with the strange camouflage colours that reoccur throughout Rennie’s art. The physical car is accompanied by a three-channel video work with a Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds soundtrack.
Installation view of REKOSPECTIVE: The Art of Reko Rennie at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. Photo Kate Shanasy/NGV
Beginnings
Although born in Footscray in Melbourne, the artist’s grandmother Julia, who belonged to the Stolen Generation in the 1920s and was enslaved on a pastoral station, raised him and imparted to him his Kamilaroi heritage. In his youth, Rennie saw a photograph of a pastoralist and his wife dressed up for Sunday church and seated in their luxury Rolls-Royce car. At the time, he reflected on the poverty his grandmother would have experienced while working on a pastoral station.
The markings he made on the car, that are layered with a traditional diamond pattern of the Kamilaroi people, claim ownership over the vehicle. Inside it is a photograph of his grandmother. In the video, with a setting sun as a backdrop, Rennie drives the car down dirt tracks to his home country and, in something resembling burnouts, he makes traditional sand engravings with the tyres of the car. The work is poignant, evocative and becomes quickly embedded in your memory.
The piece references an earlier one, with a pink 1973 Holden Monaro. In that video, the car performs a series of burnouts and doughnuts, the traditional initiation ceremony with Westie drag-racing culture of suburbia into which the artist was born. This is in contrast with the initiation practices and traditional sand engravings of the Kamilaroi people. The video is accompanied with an operatic score from Yorta Yorta woman, composer and soprano, Deborah Cheetham, performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Again, the video becomes a haunting and somewhat surreal experience.
Street spaces
Rennie is an artist who looks best when he operates in a public environment.
His early street art, accompanied by break dancing and hip hop, thrives in the accidental lighting of urban spaces. He loves the way street art can ambush the viewer and employ strategies that catch and hold the gaze of the casual passerby. Keith Haring and Howard Arkley were two of the artists who pointed a way for Rennie to move from the street and onto the gallery wall. Although they may have suggested some of the formal strategies, Aboriginal culture provided the content that would consummate the work and give it a narrative.
When in 2020 there was a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of Lieutenant James Cook’s first landfall at Botany Bay and the HMB Endeavour’s charting of the East Coast of Australia, the Carriageworks in Sydney commissioned Rennie to make a piece for the occasion.
His monumental text work is made up of LED neon lettering held up in an aluminium armature. It measures over two-and-a-half metres in height and almost 19 metres in length. The simple message, one anchored in a tradition of street art, reads: “REMEMBER ME”. Cook’s landing marked the beginning of a process of invasion and dispossession, Rennie’s text affirms an opposition to the invasion and stresses that First Nations people survived. Sovereignty was never ceded.
This message has been at the core of much of Rennie’s art, for instance, in the two neon pieces, OA Warrior I (pink) and OA Warrior I (blue), both from 2020. They are based on an 1800s photograph of a defiant Kamilaroi warrior with his raised club. The message is that the OA (Original Aboriginal) will never cede sovereignty.
In a much earlier piece from 2016, that has always been one of my favourites in Rennie’s art, a ten-metre-long banner bears the inscription, “I was always here”. It is made of hand-pressed metallic foil on satin where he employs the geometric diamond patterning of the Kamilaroi people as a background to the words.
The work commemorates all of the Frontier Wars, massacres and oppression suffered by First Nation peoples in this country and in many other countries in a powerful way.
‘We’re not a monoculture.’ Artist Reno Rennie introduces his works.
Impressive and consistent
Rennie, who turns 50 this year, exhibited at the 56th Venice Biennale in 2015 and with the 2016 XIII Bienale de Cuenca in Ecuador and has held numerous exhibitions across Australia, Asia, the United States and Europe.
His star is in the ascendancy and he is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most distinctive and versatile artists, who is attracting international acclaim.
Beautifully curated by Myles Russel-Cook as his final show at the NGV before he takes up the directorship of ACCA, Rekospective is impressive in scope, consistent in content but not repetitive.
While Keith Haring died at the age of 31, I feel Reko Rennie will be viewed, in retrospect, as an artist at least as significant as Haring and one of growing importance in Australian art.
REKOSPECTIVE: The Art of Reko Rennie is at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia until 27 January 2025. Free admission.
Sasha Grishin 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.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
People watch performance at tourist attraction in Hubei
Updated: October 14, 2024 09:01Xinhua
People watch a performance at a tourist attraction in Zhuxi County of Shiyan City, central China’s Hubei Province, Oct. 12, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]People watch a performance at a tourist attraction in Zhuxi County of Shiyan City, central China’s Hubei Province, Oct. 12, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]People watch a performance at a tourist attraction in Zhuxi County of Shiyan City, central China’s Hubei Province, Oct. 12, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]People watch a performance at a tourist attraction in Zhuxi County of Shiyan City, central China’s Hubei Province, Oct. 12, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese national flag flies at half-mast to mourn death of Comrade Wu Bangguo at Tian’anmen Square
Updated: October 14, 2024 09:18Xinhua
A Chinese national flag flies at half-mast to mourn the death of Comrade Wu Bangguo at Tian’anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 14, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]A Chinese national flag flies at half-mast to mourn the death of Comrade Wu Bangguo at Tian’anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 14, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
When you think of lung cancer treatment, what comes to mind – chemotherapy, radiation, surgery? While these can be crucial, there’s another powerful tool that’s often overlooked: exercise.
Our recent study, published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, challenges the common belief that people with lung cancer are too sick to be physically active.
In fact, we found exercise can play a vital role in improving life for those battling this disease.
What we did and what we found
Our review involved analysing 26 high quality studies on how best to incorporate exercise into treatment for lung cancer.
We found the overwhelming weight of evidence shows exercise offers benefits at every stage of the lung cancer journey. This includes:
before surgery (being more fit can lead to faster recovery and potentially fewer complications)
after surgery (gentle exercise helps regain strength and makes daily tasks easier)
during other treatments (physical activity can ease side effects like fatigue and muscle weakness)
at advanced stages of disease (even for late-stage patients, evidence shows exercise can improve quality of life and maintain independence)
patients experiencing muscle wasting (evidence shows exercise, especially strength training, helps preserve muscle and keeps patients stronger).
What does exercise look like?
When we say “exercise,” we’re not talking about running marathons. For someone with lung cancer, it might mean:
taking a short walk around the block
doing some gentle cycling on a stationary bike
swimming or doing some movement in the water
lifting light weights or doing banded exercises
doing yoga or tai chi for more mobile, flexible joints, as well as stress and pain reduction.
The key is to start slowly and listen to your body. What works for one person might not work for another.
Getting started safely
If you or a loved one has lung cancer and wants to be more active, start by talking with your doctor. They can advise on any precautions you should take and send you to an exercise specialist if needed.
You might also consider working with an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist who can design a safe, personalised program.
It’s OK to start small – even five to ten minutes of activity is beneficial, according to the Cancer Council Australia .
It can help to keep track of your progress and how you feel after each session. You might also try looking for support groups or exercise classes specifically for cancer patients at local hospitals or community centres.
Ditch the stigma, and get the exercise support you deserve
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed worldwide. It’s a devastating illness that affects not just the body, but also a person’s mental health and quality of life.
Unfortunately, there’s often a stigma attached to lung cancer. Many patients feel judged, or that they must have done something – such as smoking – to “deserve” their diagnosis.
This shame can prevent people from seeking help or joining support programs.
But here’s an important truth: anyone can get lung cancer, even if they’ve never smoked.
And regardless of how someone developed the disease, they deserve compassion and the best possible care – including support for physical activity.
Never too late to start
It’s important to note exercise can be beneficial even for those receiving palliative care.
In palliative care, the goals shift from fighting the cancer to enhancing comfort and quality of life, and physical activity can play a significant role in this.
A lung cancer diagnosis is undoubtedly daunting. But we’re learning patients have more tools to improve their wellbeing than we once thought.
Exercise isn’t a cure, but it can be a powerful complement to traditional treatments and medications.
If you or someone you know is facing lung cancer, don’t be afraid to discuss incorporating exercise into the treatment plan with your health-care team. Start small, be patient and consistent, and remember that every bit of movement counts.
By challenging old assumptions and embracing exercise as part of lung cancer care, we can empower patients to take a more active role in their treatment.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Baiheliang, literally the “White Crane Ridge,” is a 1,600-meter-long and 15-meter-wide stone ridge engraved with inscriptions about the Yangtze River dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). [Photo/Xinhua]
The project for the serial nomination of Baiheliang in China’s Chongqing and Raoudha Nilometer in Egypt’s Cairo for World Cultural Heritage status is progressing steadily, with the cooperation framework between China and Egypt (in the preliminary stage) now in its final stages of completion, experts said at an academic symposium held on Saturday in Chongqing’s Fuling district.
Baiheliang, or the White Crane Ridge, is a giant stone ridge located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River (Fuling section). The ancient Chinese used stone-carved fish images as measuring tools and inscriptions as written records to monitor and document water levels. The site, used from 763 AD to 1963, is believed to be the world’s most ancient hydrographic survey station.
The nilometer is an Egyptian invention designed to gauge the water levels of the Nile River. The Raoudha Nilometer in Cairo, constructed in 715 AD, stands as a prominent example of this technology.
Last year, Chongqing and Cairo initiated joint efforts to seek UNESCO World Cultural Heritage recognition for their respective sites.
However, the concept of hydrological landscapes, as a relative new idea, still necessitates comprehensive thematic research and further efforts to attain international recognition within academic spheres, according to director of the China World Cultural Heritage Center of Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage Zhao Yun during the symposium.
She also noted the coordination challenges associated with the protection, management and study of cross-continent cultural heritage require the implementation of mechanisms and measures to guarantee their safeguarding.
The symposium, which centered on the heritage value, conservation and inheritance of Baiheliang and Raoudha Nilometer, drew hydrological heritage experts and international cultural heritage experts from home and abroad. This gathering is a part of the 2024 Baiheliang Tourism and Culture Festival, which kicked off on Friday night in Fuling.
“We are pleased to have observed the joint efforts of the Baiheliang of China and the Nilometer of Egypt, two exemplary hydrological heritage sites, in advancing their serial nomination for World Cultural Heritage. This represents both an international dialogue in heritage safeguarding and an innovative approach to international cooperation on world heritage,” said Shahbaz Khan, director and representative of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia in a video speech at the opening ceremony of the festival.
The festival not only showcased the unique charm of the Baiheliang inscriptions, but also deepened the cooperation between Egypt and China in the fields of cultural heritage protection and cultural exchange, said Ambassador of Egypt to China Assem Hanafi at the event.
Each year threatened birds such as Little Terns, Pied Oystercatchers, Hooded Plovers and Beach Stone-curlews lay their eggs on beaches up and down the east coast, where they are highly camouflaged and can be very difficult to see.
Due to threats including native and introduced predators, crushing and disturbance from vehicles, humans and domestic dogs, flooding of nesting sites and adverse weather conditions, most beach-nesting birds remain endangered in NSW.
Here are a few small things you can do to ‘share the shore’ and help endangered beach-nesting birds raise their chicks on our beaches:
Keep an eye out for and respect bird nesting signs and fenced-off nesting areas on the beach.
Make sure dogs are only walked on an approved dog-beach and always kept on a leash.
Walk on the wet sand to avoid nesting birds.
Only drive on designated 4WD beaches and stay below the high tide mark to avoid accidentally crushing a chick.
Ensure you take fishing lines and rubbish with you, to ensure avoidable deaths from entanglement or ingesting rubbish are avoided.
Last season was a good one for Little Terns which experienced an almost 15 percent increase in breeding pairs from the previous season across the state.
For more information on shorebirds in NSW, visit Share the Shore.
Quotes attributable to NPWS Threatened Species Project Officer Katherine Howard:
‘Beach-nesting birds rely on the camouflage of their eggs and chicks to keep them safe, but on busy summer beaches, this strategy can really backfire. You might not see the eggs or chick until it’s too late.
‘We need all beach users to “share the shore” with our feathered friends by following a few easy guidelines and leaving some space for birds to raise their families.
‘Off-leash dogs may seem harmless, but they are terrifying to birds, causing them to fly away and leave eggs unguarded. Please check online whether dogs are allowed at your beach before you go, keep them on a leash and keep them well away from nesting birds.’
Tenants in more than 1,000 NSW social housing properties are saving on their energy bills, thanks to energy efficient upgrades delivered by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments.
Backed with matched funding by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments, the $175 million Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI) is providing crucial upgrades to reduce energy bills, keep homes more liveable year-round, and lower emissions.
Upgrades include new heat pump hot water heaters, solar sharing systems, ceiling insulation, electric stoves and split system air conditioners.
Since the initiative’s launch in January this year, households in Regional NSW and Western Sydney have received these upgrades with more to be rolled out across the state.
The upgraded properties so far are a mix of NSW Government-owned and managed homes, along with those managed by Aboriginal community housing providers.
Approximately 24,000 social housing dwellings in NSW are set to benefit through the course of the initiative to June 2027.
SHEPI is a collaboration between the Commonwealth and NSW Governments including the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Homes NSW, the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO), and both Aboriginal and Community Housing Providers.
Along with energy upgrades to their home, tenants are provided with information and guidance on how to best operate their home as efficiently as possible with the new features.
Quote attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen:
“The Albanese Government is driving down energy bills with social housing upgrades to help bring cost of living relief to some 24,000 NSW homes.
“Working with the Minns Government to deliver better energy performance in social housing means warmer homes in winter, cooler homes in summer and cheaper bills year-round.”
Quote attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson:
“This milestone shows that the strong Albanese-Minns partnership is making a real difference right now for social housing tenants, who are among the least able to afford energy efficiency upgrades, and yet most affected by energy costs.
“The Albanese Government is making sure everyone can benefit from technologies that improve the energy performance of their homes.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Housing Rose Jackson:
“This program is a crucial initiative that demonstrates our commitment to improving the living conditions of social housing tenants in NSW.
“The installation of solar systems, heat pumps, and insulation across NSW social housing is a significant step towards creating homes that are more affordable to maintain and better equipped to withstand changing environmental conditions.”
Motorists are being encouraged to take extra care if travelling on the Auckland Harbour Bridge this evening, with possible 90km/h west and south-west wind gusts between 8pm tonight and 10am tomorrow (Tuesday 15 October).
At this stage, the bridge is expected to have four lanes open in each direction during the Tuesday morning peak. However, people are encouraged to look out for the electronic message boards and traffic management, which will be used to indicate any lane closures and reduced speeds, and to follow New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) on Facebook and X (Twitter) for up-to-date information.
Motorists are urged to drive to the conditions and stay within their lane while travelling across the bridge.
Drivers of high sided vehicles and motorcyclists are advised to avoid the Auckland Harbour Bridge and use the western ring route on State Highways 16 and 18.
NZTA thanks road users for their patience and understanding while we work to keep everyone safe.
A member of the public who spotted a man behaving in a drunken manner before hopping behind the wheel has aided Police in his arrest.
At about 8pm on Thursday, a Police unit was flagged down by a member of the public while driving along Onerahi Road.
Whangārei-Kaipara Area Commander Inspector Maria Nordstrom says the person told Police they had observed a man in a nearby takeaway shop who they believed was intoxicated.
“The person was able to provide officers with a detailed description of the male and his vehicle.
“Units have subsequently located the man driving and pulled him over where he was allegedly more than three times the legal alcohol limit.”
Inspector Nordstrom says the man allegedly admitted to drinking more than a dozen beers and blew an alcohol reading on 805mcgs.
“We thank those who are alerting us to this behaviour, vigilant reporting is often the key to Police being able to respond in a timely manner and hold people to account for their actions.
A 57-year-old man has been remanded in custody to reappear in Whangārei District Court on 27 October.
Released by: The Premier, Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning
The first of 100 public preschools to be built by the Minns Labor Government has opened today, as work continues to ensure every child in New South Wales has the best possible start to their education.
Attached to Gulyangarri Public School in Liverpool, the new public preschool will welcome up to 80 preschoolers each week, providing expanded access to quality, free, early education in South West Sydney.
Importantly, this preschool is co-located with the primary school, easing students transition into kindergarten and full-time schooling, while easing pick up and drop off for parents with older students at the same school.
This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic $769 million investment to deliver 100 new public preschools by 2027, doubling the existing number of public preschools across the state. Once complete more than 9,000 families and children will benefit from access to fee-free, high quality early education in their local community.
Tenders to build 85 of these public preschools are being released by the end of the year, with the first tranche of tenders out to market, including for preschools in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions.
The NSW Government’s work towards delivering universal preschool across the state is in sharp contrast to the former Government, who over twelve years failed to build a single public preschool.
Research shows that children who participate in a quality preschool education program for at least five days a fortnight in the year before school are more likely to arrive at school equipped with the social, cognitive and emotional skills they need for learning.
With the first preschool now open to students, the Minns Labor Government is on track to deliver its commitment of 100 public preschools in full by 2027.
Children can enrol in public preschools if they turn 4 on or before 31 July in the year before starting school.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“This was one of the largest, and most important commitments we made prior to the election, and it’s fantastic to reach this milestone.
“We know that early childhood education has lifelong benefits for our states young people and is key to getting parents back into the workforce.
“As a government there is no better investment than young people and their education.
“No matter where you decide to raise your family in New South Wales, you should have access to quality, fee-free early education for your children – and that’s exactly what we’re working to deliver.
“One down, 99 to go!”
NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
“It is wonderful to open the first of our Government’s 100 new public preschools and see Liverpool’s youngest learners begin their educational journey here at the new Gulyangarri Public Preschool.
“This is the first step in a major expansion in access to preschool for families across NSW. The Minns Labor Government is investing in our future by giving many more children access to quality preschool before they start school.
“We made this historic commitment to deliver the biggest expansion in public preschools in NSW’s history because we strongly believe all children should have access to high-quality early education, no matter their postcode.”
Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said:
“Access to a free, public preschool is a gamechanger for so many families in Liverpool and beyond, and I am delighted that Liverpool will be the first of many communities to access this fantastic initiative.
“We know how important early childhood education is in improving opportunities for children and families for years to come.
“The cost of early childcare has previously limited access for many parents. This affordable option, co-located with local public schools, is a lifeline for those families to get their children into a quality preschool.”
Gulyangarri Public School principal Ian Tapuska said:
“The new public preschool will help form strong connections between children, families and school staff, foster a sense of belonging, and help teachers understand and meet the individual needs of children when they start school.
“The preschoolers will become part of our public education family, and we look forward to supporting a positive transition to school for our youngest learners.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Education Bureau (EDB) released today (October 14) the web version of the Profile of Kindergartens and Kindergarten-cum-Child Care Centres 2024/25 School Year (www.chsc.hk/kindergarten) to provide basic information on all kindergartens and kindergarten-cum-child care centres (collectively referred to as kindergartens), enhance the transparency of schools and help parents make informed school choices for their children. Mobile applications for iOS and Android versions of the Profile are also available for download.
A spokesman for the EDB said, “The Profile covers information on about 990 kindergartens in Hong Kong, including the list of kindergartens joining the Kindergarten Education Scheme (Scheme) in the 2024/25 school year and the approved school fees of kindergartens for the 2024/25 school year. For kindergartens joining the Scheme, the Profile will show their approved school fees after the deduction of government subsidies. Parents can also refer to the Fees Certificate of respective kindergartens for details of the approved fees, including school fees and meal charges, if applicable.
“Other information in the Profile includes the number and overall professional qualifications of the principal and teaching staff, enrolment, teacher-to-pupil ratios, curriculum details, reference prices of major education items being sold, application fees and registration fees, and information on application for admission. All kindergartens joining the Scheme are required to disclose information on the proportion of major expenses in overall expenditure. The Profile also includes columns on ‘Support to non-Chinese speaking students’ and ‘Support to students with special needs’ for parents’ easy reference.”
The spokesman added, “All kindergartens joining the Scheme are required to undergo the Quality Review (QR) for quality assurance. For those kindergartens that have completed the QR process, information on whether they have met the prescribed standards is indicated in the Profile, and the latest QR Report can be accessed through the link provided.”
The Profile is available in English to help parents of non-Chinese speaking children access information on kindergartens more easily and comprehensively.
Highlighting how women are underrepresented in the management and delivery of water, the report recommends setting targets, monitoring progress toward gender equality, and promoting gender-inclusive practices in water security initiatives. It shows how water-related organizations alongside governance and management institutions can take measures to boost women’s water access, reduce vulnerability, and increase employment to drive transformational change.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today announced the appointment of Sir Brian Roche as the next Public Service Commissioner.
“I am delighted to appoint Sir Brian to this crucial leadership position,” Mr Luxon says.
“Sir Brian is a highly respected New Zealander who has held significant roles across the public and private sectors. He has a proven track record of leadership and delivering results and has strong networks in the public sector and business community.
“He understands how to manage problems, develop talent and drive performance. This aligns well with our Government’s focus on raising the performance of the public service so that New Zealanders get the services they deserve.”
The office of the Public Service Commissioner is central to New Zealand’s politically neutral public service. The Commissioner leads and oversees the public service’s performance and delivery and employs public service Chief Executives.
“Throughout his distinguished career, Sir Brian has built trust and confidence with Ministers across successive governments,” Mr Luxon says.
“He has extensive experience working with stakeholders, including several iwi, and has the capability and credibility to lead public service Chief Executives. He will play a critical part in the public service’s work to meet the Government’s ambitious targets.”
Sir Brian will begin his new role on 4 November. His appointment is until 30 June 2027, a term of two years and eight months.
“I would like to acknowledge the leadership and efforts of Heather Baggott, who has acted as Public Service Commissioner while the appointment process for a new Commissioner has been undertaken,” Mr Luxon says.
“She has stepped into the role and done an admirable job, and I’d like to thank her for her calm and thoughtful leadership during this time.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (October 14) announced that the Green Welfare NGOs scheme is open for a new round of applications from today.
The Government launched the Green Welfare NGOs scheme in 2021 to support welfare non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to conduct energy audits and energy-saving projects at their premises. Under the scheme, the EMSD provides one-stop services to welfare NGOs free of charge such as conducting baseline energy audits, replacing existing air conditioners with the more energy efficient variable-speed ones and replacing existing lighting with light-emitting diode (LED) lighting at their premises.
The new round of applications will be carried out in two batches with opening and closing dates as follows:
First batch: from October 14 to November 29, 2024; and Second batch: from November 30, 2024, to January 31, 2025.
Interested welfare NGOs can obtain detailed information on the scheme from the website (www.energysaving.gov.hk/en/competitions/green_welfare_ngos.html). For enquiries, please contact the EMSD at 3528 6351 during office hours or by email (gwngo@emsd.gov.hk).
Two teenage girls who allegedly attempted to steal items of clothing before fleeing a shopping mall have been caught by Police as they were boarding a bus.
At about 1.45pm yesterday, Police were notified of two girls who allegedly attempted to take items of clothing from a store in WestCity Waitakere before assaulting a security guard and member of the public.
Waitematā West Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Kelly Farrant, says Police were swiftly on site and managed to apprehend the two youngsters as they were boarding a bus bound for New Lynn.
“One alleged offender has run directly into a member of the public while trying to get away, while the other has allegedly assaulted a security guard in an attempt to flee.
“Thankfully no one was seriously injured, however they were understandably shaken up.
“This type of brazen crime is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Inspector Farrant says both teenagers were quickly apprehended without further incident.
“We want to reassure the public that Police are increasing our visibility around malls and transport hubs in the lead up to Christmas.
“Those who choose to cause harm to others can expect to be caught and held to account for their actions.”
A 14-year-old charged with aggravated assault and shoplifting will appear in Waitākere Youth Court on 29 October.
A 13-year-old has been referred to Youth Aid Services.
A year after the 2023 election, ACT is celebrating the long list of actions already taken to empower New Zealanders.
“In Opposition, we spent six years listening to New Zealanders,” says ACT Leader David Seymour. “This resulted in a comprehensive election platform with a commitment not just to change the Government, but to deliver real change.
“Thanks to New Zealanders’ support, on October 14 we were put in a position to deliver, and less than 11 months after signing the coalition agreement, we’ve made serious progress.
“The breadth and intensity of our action in Government speaks for itself. Even our critics complain at how we’re punching above our weight for a small team. We call it value for your vote.
“Below is a list of actions ACT has taken that reflect ideas we campaigned on, and on which Kiwis elected us to deliver. Together, these actions break down barriers for Kiwis working to succeed on their own terms. We’re addressing challenges in the economy, law and order, democracy, education, health and more.”
THE ECONOMY:
Cut wasteful Government spending to get inflation under control.
Delivered tax cuts to ease the cost of living.
Restored the Reserve Bank’s focused on tackling inflation.
Restored the option of 90-day trials for all businesses.
Established the Ministry for Regulation to cut red tape to make doing business simpler.
Commenced two regulatory reviews for early childhood education and agricultural products.
Repealed the Auckland Fuel Tax.
Repealed the Ute Tax.
Repealed “Fair Pay” Agreements
Repealed Labour’s resource management regime.
Agreed on core design features for a replacement of the Resource Management Act centred on property rights.
Sped up timeframes for overseas investment applications.
Increased the use of sanctions for beneficiaries who can work but refuse to take steps to find a job.
Eased restrictions to accessing credit under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act.
Scrapped Auckland Light Rail, the Lake Onslow hydro scheme, and funding for Let’s Get Wellington Moving.
Started phasing back in interest deductibility.
Suspended the requirement for new Significant Natural Areas.
Unveiled a new contracting gateway test to provide certainty to workers and businesses.
Began delivering regulatory relief for businesses dealing with anti-money laundering rules.
Launched consultation to improve the Holidays Act.
Launched a nationwide roadshow to inform improvements to health and safety law.
Launched a framework for Regional Deals between central and local government to deliver infrastructure.
Stopped blanket speed limit reductions and enabled faster speed limits on our safest roads.
Introduced legislation to reverse the oil and gas ban and promote the use of Crown minerals.
Introduced tenancy legislation to enable Pet Bonds, restore 90-day ‘no cause’ terminations, and restore tenants’ and landlords’ notice periods to 21 and 42 days.
Introduced legislation to improve access to building products available overseas.
Introduced a member’s bill to liberalise Easter Trading.
LAW AND ORDER:
Increased funding for Corrections to lift prison capacity.
Abolished Labour’s prisoner reduction target.
Defunded Section 27 “cultural reports”.
Commenced a review of the Firearms Registry.
Strengthened consequences for Kāinga Ora tenants who engage in repeated antisocial behaviour.
Strengthened Firearms Prohibition Orders.
Made gang membership an aggravating factor at sentencing.
Introduced legislation to reinstate Three Strikes.
Introduced a member’s bill to make rehabilitation or education a condition of parole.
Introduced legislation to toughen sentences for attacks on workers and give weight to the victim’s circumstances at sentencing.
Introduced legislation to amend Part 6 of the Arms Act affecting clubs and ranges.
STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY:
Directed the public service to deliver services based on need, not race, and end “progressive procurement” quotas.
Abolished the Māori Health Authority.
Advanced the Treaty Principles Bill.
Restored local referendums on Māori Wards.
Scrapped Labour’s law to give 16-year-olds votes in local elections.
Broadened the terms of reference of the Covid-19 Royal Commission with a second phase.
Defunded the Christchurch Call.
Halted work on hate speech laws.
Introduced legislation to remove Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act.
Seen Otago University adopt a free speech policy in response to ACT’s coalition agreement.
EDUCATION:
Restored charter schools, now with the option of state school conversion, with the first schools to open next year.
Streamlined early childhood education regulations.
Delivered an action plan to improve school attendance and started publishing attendance data weekly.
Improved the school lunch programme to feed more kids for less money.
Switched fees-free university from first year to third.
HEALTH:
Delivered Pharmac its largest-ever budget, which has now funded life-saving medicines.
Repealed the Therapeutic Products Act.
Restored the sale of medicine containing pseudoephedrine.
Conductor Cai Jindong leads the orchestra at the opening concert of the 7th China Now Music Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York, the United States, Oct. 12, 2024. (Photo by Zack Zhang/Xinhua)
The 7th China Now Festival opened on Saturday with a groundbreaking focus on AI-driven music at Carnegie Hall, New York City.
“Music serves as an excellent lubricant in U.S.-China relations. It is a form of cultural exchange, a connection from heart to heart,” said the festival’s Artistic Director Cai Jindong at the U.S.-China Music Forum, held before the opening concert.
Composers discussed the growing role of AI in music at the forum, providing the audience with fresh insights into this emerging frontier.
“With China’s rapid development over the past 30 years, we now have the opportunity to explore new frontiers in music creation through AI technology,” said Cai.
Co-hosted by the U.S.-China Music Institute of Bard College Conservatory of Music and the Central Conservatory of Music of China (CCOM), the festival runs through Oct. 19, featuring three concerts and a music forum.
This year’s theme, “Composing the Future,” highlights the intersection of music and AI technology, marking a significant step forward in the collaboration between traditional music composition and cutting-edge technology.
At Saturday’s concert, the festival introduced two orchestral works created by the AI and Music Information Technology Department of the CCOM: “Overture: Welcome” and “A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains.”
These pieces leverage AI programing to achieve effects impossible through conventional methods, offering a glimpse into the future of music creation.
Li Xiaobing, director of the AI Composition System at the CCOM, said: “This performance only showcased a small portion of AI-composed music due to the limited equipment in the concert hall. We hope to bring even more immersive sensory experiences to New York next time, potentially even featuring a robot conductor leading the orchestra.”
The week-long event brings together five generations of composers and musicians from both China and the United States, spanning from the 1960s to the 2000s. Notable participants include Qin Wenchen from the CCOM and American composer Anthony Paul De Ritis.
The Orchestra Now from Bard College, in collaboration with the CCOM, also performed several contemporary works inspired by Chinese aesthetics. Gong Tianpeng’s “Beijing · Opera” and Du Yun’s “The Hundred-Headed Beast” stood out as modern interpretations of traditional Chinese culture. Gong’s Tenth Symphony, adapted specifically for the festival, integrated elements of Peking (Beijing) opera.
In “Beijing · Opera,” instruments such as strings, percussion, and organ were skillfully combined to evoke the traditional charm of Peking opera while incorporating modern symphonic techniques. The violin and cello conveyed the emotional depth of the opera’s characters, while the diverse percussion added rhythm and dramatic effect. The organ’s inclusion enhanced the work’s spatial and solemn qualities, creating a profound experience for the audience.
Paula Meneses, an attendee from the central United States, told Xinhua, “I really enjoyed this concert. The combination of Chinese and American music was fantastic, and I will definitely come again next year!”
The China Now Music Festival, founded in 2017, is dedicated to promoting an understanding and appreciation of music from contemporary China through an annual series of concerts and academic activities. In the previous six seasons, China Now has attracted more than 10,000 live audience members, and nearly 100,000 viewers have participated in online programs.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China will step up efforts to boost green development while promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, and support low-carbon transformation in developing countries, China’s ecology and environment minister said.
The country’s concept and technologies of green development have been widely implemented during BRI infrastructure projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway and the China-Laos Railway, Huang Runqiu, minister of ecology and environment, said on Friday.
China has signed 53 agreements on climate change cooperation with 42 developing countries while providing over 3,000 training sessions on ecological and environmental management for personnel in more than 120 countries. It has also provided feasibility assistance to enhance the climate change resilience of developing countries by helping to set up low-carbon demonstration zones, Huang said.
He made the remarks during a forum on building a green Silk Road and enhancing South-South cooperation during the annual meeting of China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development held in Beijing.
In the future, China will offer more support for low-carbon transformation in developing countries, said Huang, who is also the executive vice-chairperson of the CCICED, adding the country will also share important concepts and the effective practices of coordinated efforts in carbon reduction and pollution control.
Professor Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, said at the forum that a green BRI is more important to the world and China than ever before.
“We are in the period where we need dramatically to accelerate the transformation of the world energy system. And China is the world’s great supplier of the technologies, hardware and software for that transformation because China produces the world’s low-cost and high-quality hardware and software whether it’s for zero-carbon power generation, long-distance power transmission, electric vehicles and supply chains,” Sachs said.
China has great capacity in those sectors, and the world needs such capacity for accelerated green transformation, Sachs said, adding that the BRI is a great mechanism financially, organizationally, diplomatically, conceptually and in terms of specific project implementation to achieve such transformation.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Smith releases a statement regarding Boeing’s employee layoff announcement.
“I am disappointed by Boeing’s decision to lay off 10 percent of its 170,000-employee workforce over the coming months. This is a hard day for Boeing employees across the world and many of whom reside in King County, Washington. My heart is with those employees and their families who will find themselves out of work.
“Employees are being forced to absorb the consequences of poor corporate management and oversight. In recent years, the company has prioritized profits and stakeholders over the integrity of their product and the well-being of their employees. This strategy is clearly not working. From production delays, faulty parts, stranded astronauts, ongoing litigation, and investigations, Boeing has struggled to produce high quality products.
“This failure has a rippling impact on the nation and the strength of American aerospace. Boeing is a giant legacy aerospace company and the way that they do business impacts not only folks in King County, but also people across the world. Our transportation sector and our national defense rely on the strength of Boeing, but any company is only as strong as its workforce.
“Boeing’s success relies on its dedicated employees, and investing in them is essential for long-term recovery. Boeing employees have put up with a lot for a long time, from cut pensions to insufficient wage increases. Now more than ever, a fair resolution to the machinists’ strike is essential to restore trust and show commitment to those who drive Boeing’s future. I sincerely hope that the parties reach an agreement that respects all employees and ensures the strength of the company as a whole.”
Iconic Events’ presentation of “Terrifier 3” topped the North American box office on its opening weekend with an estimated three-day cume of 18.26 million U.S. dollars, data from the measurement firm Comscore showed on Sunday.
The low-budget slasher film is the sequel to 2022’s “Terrifier 2” and the third installment in the Terrifier franchise. Directed by Damien Leone, the film follows a killer clown set to unleash chaos on an unsuspecting town as its residents peacefully drift to sleep on Christmas Eve.
“Terrifier 3” has earned a 78-percent approval rating from 80 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and received a “B” grade on an “A+” to “F” scale from audiences polled by the market research firm CinemaScore.
Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation’s animated film “The Wild Robot” came in second on its third weekend with 13.45 million dollars, pushing its North American total to 83.74 million dollars.
Warner Bros. Pictures’ psychological thriller film “Joker: Folie a Deux” landed in third with 7.06 million dollars on its second weekend for a North American cume of 51.61 million dollars through Sunday.
NEW DELHI, India, Oct. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mavenir, the cloud-native network infrastructure provider building the future of networks, is working with Intel to pioneer innovative AI/ML Open RAN solutions to improve challenging cell edge problems that impact user Quality of Experience.
Mavenir has made a significant breakthrough in Open RAN technology by collaborating with Intel to demonstrate an AI-enabled TDD 32TRX massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) solution. The company has successfully integrated Intel’s RAN AI model for beam management and FlexRAN™ reference software with Mavenir’s commercial mMIMO vDU software to deliver enhanced network performance and user experience. Intel’s RAN AI model – trained on 3GPP channel model datasets – optimizes beam weights, direction, and number of layers to maximize UE throughput. The combined Mavenir and Intel solution is designed to improve performance in challenging radio environments – such as cell edges and high-rise building scenarios – and is applicable for both TDD and FDD deployments.
Bejoy Pankajakshan, Mavenir’s Chief Technology and Strategy Officer, emphasized the significance of this technology integration, stating: “This latest collaboration between Mavenir and Intel highlights the compelling potential of AI/ML for enhancing Open RAN capabilities, promising greater network efficiency and an enhanced user experience. The integration of third-party innovative AI/ML algorithms with Mavenir’s leading-edge commercial RAN software suite opens many exciting possibilities ahead to usher in faster innovation and advance the 5G Open RAN ecosystem. Our leadership in the Open RAN industry is enabling transformative partnerships such as our collaboration with Intel, which are paving the way for unique solutions to optimize network capabilities for the benefit of operators and end-users.”
“Intel Xeon processors’ integrated AI acceleration, combined with the Intel vRAN AI Development Kit, enables operators to run a variety of RAN AI workloads using the CPU-based equipment they already have,” said Cristina Rodriguez, Vice President and General Manager of the Comms Solutions Group at Intel. “Our collaboration and demonstration with Mavenir highlight AI’s significant potential to enrich customers’ user experience and provide mobile operators with a competitive differentiator.”
This AI-enabled beam management solution will be demonstrated at the upcoming India Mobile Congress (#IMC2024) 15-18 October on Intel’s stand, booth no. 3.3 in Hall 3.
*Intel, the Intel logo, and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries.
About Mavenir:
Mavenir is building the future of networks today with cloud-native, AI-enabled solutions which are green by design, empowering operators to realize the benefits of 5G and achieve intelligent, automated, programmable networks. As the pioneer of Open RAN and a proven industry disruptor, Mavenir’s award-winning solutions are delivering automation and monetization across mobile networks globally, accelerating software network transformation for 300+ Communications Service Providers in over 120 countries, which serve more than 50% of the world’s subscribers. For more information, please visit http://www.mavenir.com.
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says the Fair Pay Agreements saves taxpayers $65 million.
“Scrapping the Fair Pay Agreements programme saved taxpayers $65 million over five years,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden.
“One of my first acts in Government was repealing the unfair and unpopular so-called Fair Pay Agreements system, in part because it would have had a detrimental effect on employment patterns and economic productivity.
“If Fair Pay Agreements had gone ahead, it would have required significant growth in MBIE’s employment services and the Employment Relations Authority because of the increased strain the system would have had on those services.
“We moved fast on this commitment and removed this blunt tool that would have increased bureaucracy and reduced flexibility for businesses.
“This government is committed to lifting productivity and driving economic growth. To do so, there needs to be agile labour markets where employers and employees can agree on terms that suit their unique situation,” Ms van Velden said.
The Fair Pay Agreements legislation was repealed in December 2023.
“New Zealanders elected a Government that would get government spending under control and deliver more efficient and effective public services. We make no apologies for starting to put things right.”.
Headline: Regional NSW Ambulance staff recognised for their service and bravery
Published: 14 October 2024
Released by: Minister for Health
NSW Ambulance staff from across southern NSW have today been recognised for their service and dedication at a special awards ceremony in Goulburn.
Among those being recognised are paramedics and control centre staff who responded to a fatal truck crash in Thirroul earlier this year, as well as those who successfully assisted with a premature birth and resuscitation.
Other NSW Ambulance staff and volunteers were acknowledged with Long Service Good Conduct medals, Certificates of Appreciation, Commissioner Unit Citations, while others were recognised for attaining or expanding their qualifications.
The Goulburn Awards and Recognition Ceremony is the second of three events being held in 2024 to recognise NSW Ambulance staff and volunteers from across the state. The first ceremony was held in Port Macquarie with the third to be held in Sydney in December.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“This ceremony is about recognising the hard-working NSW Ambulance clinicians, control centre staff and volunteers who serve our communities so effectively, day in and day out.
“Today, we honour the dedication of our clinicians and control centre staff whose tireless efforts make our communities safer, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.
“I also want to thank and recognise the exceptional care paramedics and call takers deliver to the people of NSW during their times of greatest need.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM:
“The NSW Ambulance staff being recognised today have shown they can perform their duties to the highest standard even in the most challenging situations.
“Each award is not just an acknowlegement of individual excellence, but a celebration of the collective spirit of teamwork and resilience that defines our NSW Ambulance and wider NSW Health community.
“Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for being there to service your communities in their time of need. Your role is incredibly appreciated.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:
“It is a privilege to stand here today and recognise the extraordinary contributions of our award recipients. Their ability to remain calm under pressure and provide critical care in life-threatening situations is a testament to their training and character.
“As well as awarding the Commissioner’s Unit Citation and Commissioner’s Certificate for those who attended a fatal truck crash in Thirroul earlier this year, we are also recognising our paramedics for their long and diligent service with Long Service Good Conduct medals, the National Medal and the National Emergency Medal.
“Today, we celebrate not just their achievements, but the profound impact they have had on countless lives. We are proud to recognise the invaluable work they do every day.”
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says this Coalition Government is making sure that taxpayers’ money is being spent responsibly and is better focused on the services that matter most to New Zealanders.
“I am proud to announce that in my Internal Affairs portfolio, we found savings for the taxpayer of around $421 million, across the entire Internal Affairs Budget,” says Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden.
This Coalition Government is delivering on improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and responsiveness of departments.
“The savings come from $402.4 million in operating expenses, meaning cost-savings in back-office functions and low value spending programmes. We have also saved taxpayers $18.6 million in capital expenditure over the fiscal forecast period.”
“The savings also includes the return of $300 million from the repeal of the Three Waters Reform programme and $112.5 million from operating baseline savings,” says Ms van Velden.
The average operating baseline savings delivered by the Vote are $28.1 million from 2024/25, higher than the original target of $26.2 million. There is also a return of unused capital injections of $8.5 million over the fiscal forecast period.
“My Internal Affairs portfolio has contributed $90.4 million towards baseline savings over the next four years, an average of $22.6 million per year.
“In December 2023, I instructed the Department of Internal Affairs to review existing baseline expenditure and identify savings options focused on low value programmes, programmes that do not align to Government objectives, and non-essential back-office functions including contractor and consultant spend.
“The aim was to find 6.5% in operating savings to support the Government’s Initial Baseline Exercise, designed in part to deliver $1.5 billion on average per annum in operating savings as part of Budget 2024.
“I’m happy to confirm that Vote Internal Affairs has been able to provide operating baseline savings of 7%. The Department considered its activities and functions and was able to uncover greater opportunities for savings than initially targeted. It was also asked to identify other options, and in response subsequently identified additional savings.”
While these initial savings in Budget 2024 are significant, they are not the end of the process. I will continue to complete a line-by-line review of the Department to identify opportunities for efficiencies and cost-savings as one of my priorities for the Internal Affairs portfolio.
Regarding the repeal of Three Waters Reform programme, the Minister also notes that Budget 2024 includes $40.7 million of new funding for implementing Local Water Done Well.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Northern Territory Police hold concerns for 73-year-old John, also known as Jack, who walked away from his property on Strickland Road, Adelaide River.
He is believed to have left his home between 11pm Sunday night and 8am this morning.
John is described as of Caucasian appearance, slim build, with grey hair and a beard.
He suffers from severe dementia and type 2 diabetes and his family and police hold concerns for his welfare.
Search & Rescue Section are conducting search operations for the missing person.
Anyone with information on John’s whereabouts is urged to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference P24283763.
