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Category: Law

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘I’m just exhausted’: sexual harassment at work is still rife. These new laws would help

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Ailwood, Associate Professor, School of Law, University of Wollongong

    FG Trade/Getty

    Last week, the Australian Human Rights Commission launched a new report on sexual harassment, called Speaking From Experience. It includes the voices of more than 300 victim-survivors of workplace sexual harassment from vulnerable communities.

    In it, the commission calls for a new wave of robust law reform measures to protect and support victim-survivors and hold employers accountable.

    This report comes five years after the 2020 Respect@Work report, which made 55 recommendations to address workplace sexual harassment. Yet, in 2022, a survey by the commission found one in three workers had experienced sexual harassment.

    This new report is a watershed one, building on the work already done since 2020. So how far have we come in dealing with workplace sexual harassment? And how would new laws help?

    What’s in the new report?

    The Australian Human Rights Commission’s new report, Speaking From Experience, emerges from the Respect@Work recommendations.

    Recommendation 27 of the Respect@Work report suggested the commission establish a way to hear historical disclosures of workplace sexual harassment. The commission then turned this recommendation into its latest release.

    This report was a listening process that put victim-survivors front and centre. First Nations, migrant, LGBTQIA+, disabled and young workers were the main contributors to the report.

    An example of the experiences of the contributors is a fast food worker, who said:

    I know personally for me, as a queer person, I’m just exhausted […] it’s
    just a lot of mental energy and for nothing to happen, or for it to cause
    more problems, it’s just like really a deterrent…

    The commission was particularly concerned with identifying what does – and what does not – help victim-survivors of workplace sexual harassment. The contributors shed light on what needs to change in the workplace and in the law.

    One major theme was about non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), which are commonly used to settle workplace sexual harassment claims.

    NDAs restrict who victim-survivors can speak to about their experience of workplace sexual harassment, including colleagues, friends, family and in public. Sometimes these agreements can hamper attempts to get support for the harassment.

    The commission found victim-survivors are often pressured to sign NDAs in circumstances where the employer has far more power.

    The commission recommended new legislation to restrict using agreements in this way.

    This recommendation extends well beyond Respect@Work, which only produced best-practice guidelines. Extending the regulation is an important step forward, as subsequent research has revealed how ineffective these guidelines have been in practice.

    Australia is now out of step with the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada, which have all regulated the use of NDAs after the #MeToo movement.

    Working Women’s Centres are currently leading a sector-wide campaign for change, and the regulation of NDAs is underway in Victoria.

    Improving the positive duty

    Respect@Work introduced a positive duty on people running a business or undertaking to take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate sexual harassment from the workplace.

    In Speaking From Experience, the commission is asking for enhanced regulatory powers to enforce the positive duty to make it more effective.



    Read more:
    Explainer: what is a ‘positive duty’ to prevent workplace sexual harassment and why is it so important?

    The commission is currently prevented from speaking publicly, or to other regulatory agencies, about its enforcement activities unless it has entered an “enforceable undertaking” with an organisation or applied for a Federal Court order.

    This means that, 18 months after being empowered to enforce the positive duty, the commission can’t speak publicly about how it is doing so.

    To be an effective regulator, it must be able to publicise its enforcement actions and share information with other agencies.

    The current law actually contributes to the culture of silencing and secrecy that continues to shroud workplace sexual harassment.

    Further, there are currently no civil penalties for breaching the positive duty. In Speaking From Experience, the commission found this limits the extent to which some workplace leaders will take the positive duty seriously. It found this risks turning the prevention of workplace sexual harassment into a box-ticking compliance process.

    The recommendations about penalties and transparency represent an acknowledgement that the commission’s powers to create systemic and structural change to target workplace sexual harassment are too limited.

    In the absence of penalties, risk to reputation – the fear that public exposure of inaction or permissive workplace cultures concerning sexual harassment – remains the greatest incentive for employers to comply with the positive duty.

    But workplace sexual harassment has been unlawful for more than 30 years. The current law does little more than continue to ask employers to do the right thing.

    If the commission is not given the powers it needs to effectively enforce the law, too much reliance is placed on individual complainants to take action. As the Speaking From Experience report reveals, that means victim-survivors would need to overcome massive social, economic, cultural and legal barriers.

    Over to the government

    Speaking From Experience is a significant moment for workplace sexual harassment law reform and policy in Australia. It continues the work that Respect@Work started and takes it in a new direction, focusing on protecting and supporting victim-survivors and accountability for employers.

    The Albanese government says it’s serious about addressing workplace gender equality and the prevention of violence against women. If that’s true, it should implement the commission’s recommendations in full, and quickly.

    Sarah Ailwood 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.

    – ref. ‘I’m just exhausted’: sexual harassment at work is still rife. These new laws would help – https://theconversation.com/im-just-exhausted-sexual-harassment-at-work-is-still-rife-these-new-laws-would-help-259884

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘I’m just exhausted’: sexual harassment at work is still rife. These new laws would help

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Ailwood, Associate Professor, School of Law, University of Wollongong

    FG Trade/Getty

    Last week, the Australian Human Rights Commission launched a new report on sexual harassment, called Speaking From Experience. It includes the voices of more than 300 victim-survivors of workplace sexual harassment from vulnerable communities.

    In it, the commission calls for a new wave of robust law reform measures to protect and support victim-survivors and hold employers accountable.

    This report comes five years after the 2020 Respect@Work report, which made 55 recommendations to address workplace sexual harassment. Yet, in 2022, a survey by the commission found one in three workers had experienced sexual harassment.

    This new report is a watershed one, building on the work already done since 2020. So how far have we come in dealing with workplace sexual harassment? And how would new laws help?

    What’s in the new report?

    The Australian Human Rights Commission’s new report, Speaking From Experience, emerges from the Respect@Work recommendations.

    Recommendation 27 of the Respect@Work report suggested the commission establish a way to hear historical disclosures of workplace sexual harassment. The commission then turned this recommendation into its latest release.

    This report was a listening process that put victim-survivors front and centre. First Nations, migrant, LGBTQIA+, disabled and young workers were the main contributors to the report.

    An example of the experiences of the contributors is a fast food worker, who said:

    I know personally for me, as a queer person, I’m just exhausted […] it’s
    just a lot of mental energy and for nothing to happen, or for it to cause
    more problems, it’s just like really a deterrent…

    The commission was particularly concerned with identifying what does – and what does not – help victim-survivors of workplace sexual harassment. The contributors shed light on what needs to change in the workplace and in the law.

    One major theme was about non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), which are commonly used to settle workplace sexual harassment claims.

    NDAs restrict who victim-survivors can speak to about their experience of workplace sexual harassment, including colleagues, friends, family and in public. Sometimes these agreements can hamper attempts to get support for the harassment.

    The commission found victim-survivors are often pressured to sign NDAs in circumstances where the employer has far more power.

    The commission recommended new legislation to restrict using agreements in this way.

    This recommendation extends well beyond Respect@Work, which only produced best-practice guidelines. Extending the regulation is an important step forward, as subsequent research has revealed how ineffective these guidelines have been in practice.

    Australia is now out of step with the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada, which have all regulated the use of NDAs after the #MeToo movement.

    Working Women’s Centres are currently leading a sector-wide campaign for change, and the regulation of NDAs is underway in Victoria.

    Improving the positive duty

    Respect@Work introduced a positive duty on people running a business or undertaking to take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate sexual harassment from the workplace.

    In Speaking From Experience, the commission is asking for enhanced regulatory powers to enforce the positive duty to make it more effective.



    Read more:
    Explainer: what is a ‘positive duty’ to prevent workplace sexual harassment and why is it so important?

    The commission is currently prevented from speaking publicly, or to other regulatory agencies, about its enforcement activities unless it has entered an “enforceable undertaking” with an organisation or applied for a Federal Court order.

    This means that, 18 months after being empowered to enforce the positive duty, the commission can’t speak publicly about how it is doing so.

    To be an effective regulator, it must be able to publicise its enforcement actions and share information with other agencies.

    The current law actually contributes to the culture of silencing and secrecy that continues to shroud workplace sexual harassment.

    Further, there are currently no civil penalties for breaching the positive duty. In Speaking From Experience, the commission found this limits the extent to which some workplace leaders will take the positive duty seriously. It found this risks turning the prevention of workplace sexual harassment into a box-ticking compliance process.

    The recommendations about penalties and transparency represent an acknowledgement that the commission’s powers to create systemic and structural change to target workplace sexual harassment are too limited.

    In the absence of penalties, risk to reputation – the fear that public exposure of inaction or permissive workplace cultures concerning sexual harassment – remains the greatest incentive for employers to comply with the positive duty.

    But workplace sexual harassment has been unlawful for more than 30 years. The current law does little more than continue to ask employers to do the right thing.

    If the commission is not given the powers it needs to effectively enforce the law, too much reliance is placed on individual complainants to take action. As the Speaking From Experience report reveals, that means victim-survivors would need to overcome massive social, economic, cultural and legal barriers.

    Over to the government

    Speaking From Experience is a significant moment for workplace sexual harassment law reform and policy in Australia. It continues the work that Respect@Work started and takes it in a new direction, focusing on protecting and supporting victim-survivors and accountability for employers.

    The Albanese government says it’s serious about addressing workplace gender equality and the prevention of violence against women. If that’s true, it should implement the commission’s recommendations in full, and quickly.

    Sarah Ailwood 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.

    – ref. ‘I’m just exhausted’: sexual harassment at work is still rife. These new laws would help – https://theconversation.com/im-just-exhausted-sexual-harassment-at-work-is-still-rife-these-new-laws-would-help-259884

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Charges – Domestic Violence – Palmerston

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force, Northern Domestic Violence Investigation Unit has charged a 57-year-old male following reports of domestic violence in May and across last week.

    In relation to matters that occurred between 26 and 28 June 2025, the male was charged with three counts of Breach Domestic Violence Order.

    The male has also been charged with Aggravated Assault and Breach Domestic Violence Order for an incident that occurred on 23 May 2025, and the same charges again for an incident that occurred on 21 May 2025.

    He is remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today and investigations remain ongoing.

    The female victim remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition. Investigations remain ongoing into the cause of the female’s injuries.

    If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (131 114).

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Rotary Park upgrades to begin soon

    Source: South Australia Police

    Work will soon begin on the final stage of upgrades to Rotary Park Play Space, making the much-loved local park even more accessible, fun and family-friendly.

    Last year, the City revitalised the park’s iconic fort play area and added wheelchair access to support inclusive, imaginative play for children of all ages and abilities.

    The upcoming works will replace ageing play equipment, park furniture and lighting, while also improving safety with new drainage and flood control measures.

    Visitors can look forward to new play zones with rubber soft-fall surfacing, inclusive features like mini-towns, climbing nets, swings, a toddler area and nature play elements.

    New footpaths will connect key areas of the park, making it easier for families with prams and people using mobility aids to get around. All play areas will be covered by shade sails, and more trees will be planted to create a cooler, greener environment.

    Mayor Linda Aitken said the upgrades would help Rotary Park remain a favourite local destination.

    “Rotary Park has always been a well-loved place where families come together,” she said.

    “These improvements will make it even easier for our community to meet, play and enjoy the outdoors.”

    The concept design was guided by community feedback. 

    Construction is expected to start early next year.

    MIL OSI News –

  • Wimbledon 2025: Dates, top seeds and match schedule

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Wimbledon is a grasscourt Grand Slam organised by the All England Lawn Tennis Club. The tournament was first held in 1877. Here is what you need to know about the year’s third major after the Australian Open and French Open:

    WHEN IS WIMBLEDON 2025 HAPPENING?

    * The Championships will run from June 30 to July 13.

    WHERE IS WIMBLEDON TAKING PLACE?

    * Wimbledon is held in London every year.

    * The three main showcourts at the All England Club are Centre Court, Court One and Court Two. Unlike other Grand Slam venues, the All England Club does not name its courts after former players.

    * Centre Court is the largest with a capacity of nearly 15,000 spectators. Court One has a capacity of 12,345 while Court Two, nicknamed the ‘Graveyard of Champions’ due to the many early upsets there over the years, seats 4,000.

    WHO IS INVOLVED IN WIMBLEDON?

    * The top-ranked players automatically enter the main draw with 32 seeds announced prior to the draw to ensure they do not meet in the early rounds. From the 2021 Championships, seedings for the men’s and women’s singles are based on world rankings.

    * Italian Jannik Sinner, who won his third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, is the current men’s world number one. Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, also a three-times major winner, is the women’s top-ranked player.

    * Spanish world number two Carlos Alcaraz, fresh off his second French Open title, is looking to complete a hat-trick of Wimbledon titles.

    * American world number two Coco Gauff, the women’s champion at Roland Garros, is eyeing a first Wimbledon crown.

    * World number five Novak Djokovic will resume his quest for a record-extending 25th men’s Grand Slam singles title, while five-times major winner Iga Swiatek chases a first Wimbledon crown. Czech Barbora Krejcikova is the defending Wimbledon women’s champion.

    * Organisers also hand out wild cards for local hopes and notable players who have dropped down the rankings.

    TOP SEEDS

    Men:

    1 Jannik Sinner

    2 Carlos Alcaraz

    3 Alexander Zverev

    4 Jack Draper

    5 Taylor Fritz

    6 Novak Djokovic

    7 Lorenzo Musetti

    8 Holger Rune

    9 Daniil Medvedev

    10 Ben Shelton

    Women:

    1 Aryna Sabalenka

    2 Coco Gauff

    3 Jessica Pegula

    4 Jasmine Paolini

    5 Zheng Qinwen

    6 Madison Keys

    7 Mirra Andreeva

    8 Iga Swiatek

    9 Paula Badosa

    10 Emma Navarro

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of 26th International Sports Press Association Asia Congress (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the opening ceremony of the 26th International Sports Press Association (AIPS) Asia Congress today (June 30):
     
    President Gianni Merlo (President of AIPS), Mr Timothy Fok (President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China), President Jung Hee-don (President of AIPS Asia), Kenneth (President of the Hong Kong Sports Press Association, Mr Kenneth Fok), Winfried (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
     
    Good morning and a big welcome to Hong Kong. It gives me great pleasure to join you today for the opening ceremony of the 26th AIPS Asia Congress. First of all, I would like to thank AIPS Asia and the Hong Kong Sports Press Association for bringing this important event to Hong Kong for the first time.
     
    This year 2025 marks a landmark chapter for Hong Kong as a premier sports events hub. In March, we proudly opened the Kai Tak Sports Park, a world-class sports infrastructure. I am sure some of you have already attended thrilling international sports events like the iconic Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, as well as the fascinating concerts that took place at the Kai Tak Stadium. In four weeks’ time, the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025 will bring Liverpool (FC) vs AC Milan, and the first ever North London Derby outside London, Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur, to the Kai Tai Stadium. These sold-out matches of course promise to be an extravaganza for football fans in this part of the world. 
     
    In November this year, Hong Kong will join hands with Guangdong Province and Macao SAR (Special Administrative Region) to co-host the 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China. You know, to quote Ma Long, our ping pong captain of China, for many of the sports, ping pong in particular, winning a National Games gold medal is harder than winning an Olympic gold, because the athletes usually have the accolade of a world champion somewhere. All these events are more than just games and competitions. They showcase Hong Kong as a centre for major international sports events and create a festive atmosphere all through our city.
     
    To all our sports journalist friends here, we are going to keep you busy. You will be our partners to capture the many thrilling moments on the stage as well as the compelling human stories behind. Your work will bring all these events to life for audiences around the world, and I look forward to seeing you all at our sports venues, chronicling these defining moments.
     
    Before I close, I cordially invite you to immerse yourself in the unique charm and the iconic attractions of Hong Kong during your stay. I wish the Congress every success and I eagerly anticipate seeing your coverage of our mega events on your platforms. Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Cambridge Road, Waipa

    Source: New Zealand Police

    One person has died after a crash involving a truck and car on Cambridge Road in Waipa.

    Emergency services were called to the scene, between Storey and Cox roads, about 11.25am.

    Despite the best efforts of first responders, the driver of the car died at the scene.

    Police are providing support to the person’s family.

    The section of Cambridge Road remains closed and the Serious Crash Unit is carrying out a scene examination.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Renting taskforce returns to Melbourne’s southeast for inspections

    Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

    Rental properties in the Clayton area were the focus of Consumer Affairs’ renting taskforce recently to check they’re safe, secure and fit for renters to move into.

    Clayton was the first suburb the taskforce visited when it began targeting rental open for inspections last year. Officers revisited the area to make sure rental providers were aware of their obligations to meet minimum standards and advertise properties fairly.

    There were 14 officers in the field inspecting rental properties in Clayton. They also spoke with the renters at the inspections and shared information about their rights.

    In good news, most properties inspected by the taskforce meet the minimum standards, but unfortunately around one in eight still fail to measure up. The most common issues are mould, windows without blinds or curtains, heating that doesn’t meet the legal specifications, and kitchens without stovetops.

    The taskforce has done inspections in several Melbourne suburbs, as well as Geelong and Bendigo. More targeted inspections are planned for the second half of 2025.

    Consumer Affairs Victoria uses a range of early interventions such as proactive inspections, education and awareness campaigns to prevent breaches.

    If the taskforce identifies a property that does not meet the standards, officers first work with property managers and rental providers to make sure repairs happen before a renter moves in.

    It’s an offence to let a renter move into a property that doesn’t meet minimum standards. Maximum penalties of more than $11,000 for individuals and more than $59,000 for companies may apply.

    The taskforce has issued over 80 fines totalling more than $670,000 for rental offences. These include not advertising a rental property at a fixed price, not lodging a bond with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority and failing to meet the minimum standards.

    The current ‘Funda-rentals’ campaign and the taskforce’s in-field presence has helped raise awareness of renters’ rights and renting rules, including how to report potential breaches.

    Renters who see an advertised rental property they think doesn’t meets minimum standards can report it anonymously.

    Learn more about the renting taskforce.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government has established the Day of Russian Advocacy.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The decision was made on the instructions of the President.

    Document

    Resolution of June 25, 2025 No. 958

    The professional holiday – Russian Advocacy Day – will now be officially celebrated on May 31. The decree establishing it was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

    This date has informally become established in the legal community as a professional holiday. It was on this day in 2002 that the Federal Law “On Advocacy and the Bar in the Russian Federation” was signed, laying down the basic principles of the organization and activities of the modern legal profession.

    In addition, as is now tradition, at the end of May the Federal Chamber of Advocates and regional chambers of advocates hold the “Advocates for Citizens” campaign – days of free legal assistance to all citizens who apply for legal assistance.

    Establishing a professional holiday at the official level will emphasize the importance of advocacy as a public-legal institution of the Russian legal system and its high public-legal significance for Russian statehood.

    The Ministry of Justice initiated this decision. The proposal was supported by the President.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Death following crash on Thursday, Karaka

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A woman has died in hospital following a crash in Karaka last Thursday.

    Emergency services were called to SH22 about 1.15pm on 26 June to reports of a head on collision involving two vehicles.

    Four people were transported to hospital by ambulance, two in critical condition, one in serious condition and one moderate.

    Police can confirm one of the people in a critical condition, a 79-year-old woman, died in hospital on 27 June.

    A man remains in hospital in a critical condition, while the other two involved in the crash have been discharged.

    The Serious Crash Unit is continuing to investigate circumstances of the crash.

    ENDS.

    Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: All you need to know about assistance dogs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A veteran assistance dog at work.

    In brief

    • People may have an assistance dog for a range of reasons.
    • Depending on the type of assistance animal, there are different places they can and cannot go.
    • This story includes some things you might need to know about assistance dogs in Canberra.

    You may be familiar with guide dogs, but did you know people may have an assistance animal for a range of reasons?

    Dogs are the most common type of assistance animal. They may also be referred to as service dogs.

    This article looks at assistance dogs in the ACT, including things you may find helpful to know.

    Assistance dogs are allowed in all public places.

    Assistance dogs can accompany their owner in any public place in the ACT. This includes:

    • shopping centres and stores
    • cafes, restaurants and clubs
    • hospitals and nursing homes
    • public transport
    • taxis and rideshare vehicles
    • theatres, cinemas and other entertainment venues
    • schools, playgrounds and libraries
    • hotels and motels.

    They’re not allowed in some restricted places. These include commercial kitchens, operating theatres.

    Each airline has its own policy for assistance animals.

    People need assistance dogs for various reasons.

    Assistance dogs work for one person and one person only.

    They can help their person gain independence and confidence to participate more fully in all aspects of life.

    Dogs can provide support for people with disability and/or health conditions.

    It’s important to remember you may not be able to see why someone needs their assistance dog.

    A veteran assistance dog, for example, may provide life-changing support for someone with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

    There are different types of assistance dogs.

    Guide dogs support people with sight loss. They help them move around more safely.

    Hearing assistance dogs support people with hearing loss. They alert them to sounds and potential risk.

    Mobility assistance dogs help people with mobility issues. They support them with daily activities such as undressing, carrying things, and opening doors.

    Medical alert dogs are trained to constantly monitor their handler’s health condition. They alert them to an impending episode where their health would deteriorate quickly. The alert allows the person to take preventative action to avoid/limit the episode, or to make themselves safer and reduce the risk of injury during the episode. They may also be called:

    • seizure alert dogs
    • diabetic alert dogs
    • cardiac alert dogs
    • allergy alert dogs.

    Autism assistance dogs support people with autism. They can help in many ways, from reducing sensory overload to providing routine and stability.

    Dogs supporting people who have a mental health illness or disorder. These dogs can help reduce anxiety or distress. They support to people with conditions such as depression, anxiety or schizophrenia. They may also be called psychiatric service dogs.

    Therapy dog programs are designed to improve wellbeing. A person or organisation brings a therapy dog to visit a facility. While each dog will have a handler, it’s others who benefit most from its presence. Therapy dogs may visit:

    • hospitals and palliative care
    • aged care facilities and dementia wards
    • mental health facilities.

    Emotional support animals can be any type of animal. They can support people through mental and other medical illnesses. They haven’t been specially trained to alleviate conditions, though. This means that unlike assistance animals, they are not allowed in all public spaces.

    At ACT hospitals, for example, assistance animals can remain with patients during their stay. Emotional support animals may only visit.

    Read more about assistance animals in ACT public healthcare settings.

    The assistance dog-handler bond is extremely important.

    Based on trust and reliability, the relationship benefits both.

    It can provide comfort, security and a sense of independence for the handler. For the dog, it gives a sense of purpose and belonging.

    Note: a person with an assistance dog may be referred to as its owner, handler or partner.

    You should never distract an assistance dog.

    It’s not always easy to be sure a dog is an assistance dog. It’s best to assume they are and avoid calling or patting it.

    Interacting with an assistance dog can distract it. This can interfere with its work and training. It can also cause the handler delays, stress or embarrassment.

    Remember, the animal needs space to focus on its job: keeping their person safe.

    Dogs do not have to be registered as an assistance animal.

    Assistance dogs don’t need to be registered as such. People with an assistance dog do not have to carry an ID.

    The dog may wear an identifiable coat or harness, but this is optional. As such, it may not be immediately obvious that a dog is an assistance dog.

    Owners can register their assistance dog if they choose to.

    The ACT Assistance Animal Accreditation Framework is a voluntary registrations scheme.

    Owners can have their dog tested, accredited and registered as an assistance animal via the ACT Public Access Test.

    The test measures:

    • ability to assist
    • animal welfare
    • obedience and behaviour
    • dealing with distractions, like noise and food
    • handling public places and transport.

    Once the dog has passed the test, the handler receives an Accredited Assistance Animal card (ID card). This is valid for up to two years.

    The card can assure handlers, businesses and the community that the animal meets required standards of behaviour and hygiene.

    Dangerous dogs cannot be registered as assistance animals.

    It’s illegal to discriminate against someone with an assistance dog.

    It’s an offence to refuse someone with an assistance dog access to a public place.

    If someone is refused, they can lodge a complaint with Domestic Animal Services by:

    There are also penalties for falsely claiming a dog is an assistance dog.

    Find out more

    Different states and territories have their own rules and frameworks.

    You can read more about assistance animals in the ACT on the City Services website.

    Read more like this:

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Norris fends off Piastri for Austrian GP victory

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    McLaren’s Lando Norris shrugged off the heartache of retirement last time out in Canada to beat teammate Oscar Piastri to victory in Sunday’s F1 Austrian Grand Prix, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen failed to finish after being hit by Kimi Antonelli on lap 1.

    Starting from pole position in searing heat at the Red Bull Ring, Norris was made to work hard for the win. Piastri started third but immediately overtook Charles Leclerc at the first corner, and kept relentless pressure on the Briton throughout the race.

    The first potential flashpoint came on lap 11, when Piastri capitalized on a DRS opportunity to briefly snatch the lead into Turn 3. But Norris struck back almost immediately, reclaiming the position later in the lap.

    From there, Norris maintained a slender but crucial advantage, managing the gap while negotiating backmarkers and battling minor front wing damage in the closing stages. Despite Piastri’s pace and several moments where the Australian appeared poised to launch another attack, McLaren made clear over team radio that both drivers were free to race, but with the understanding that both cars needed to come home cleanly.

    Norris ultimately crossed the line 2.7 seconds ahead of Piastri to take his third victory of the season and reduce his points deficit to the Australian to just 15.

    The win marked an emphatic turnaround for Norris after his Canadian Grand Prix ended with him crashing into the back of Piastri during a late-race battle for fourth position. That incident, which Norris admitted was his fault, not only cost him a points finish but also handed Piastri momentum in their championship fight.

    Sunday’s victory allowed Norris to trim Piastri’s lead in the standings to 15 points, breathing new life into the title race ahead of Norris’s home Grand Prix at Silverstone next weekend.

    The Austrian race began in chaotic fashion. Carlos Sainz’s Williams stalled on the formation lap, forcing an aborted start and reducing the race distance from 71 to 70 laps.

    When the lights finally went out, Mercedes’ Antonelli misjudged his braking point and collided with Verstappen at Turn 3, taking both cars out of the race. The collision ended Verstappen’s 31-race points streak, disappointing the legions of fans who had thronged to support him at the Red Bull-owned circuit.

    Behind the dominant McLarens, Ferrari’s Leclerc emerged as best of the rest, finishing a distant third for his fourth podium finish of the season. Teammate Lewis Hamilton followed in a lonely fourth place, with Mercedes’ George Russell rounding out the top five.

    Further down the order, Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso both maximized one-stop strategies to score valuable points in sixth and seventh. Gabriel Bortoleto finished a strong weekend to score his first ever F1 points in eighth, ahead of Sauber teammate Nico Hulkenberg, while Esteban Ocon delivered the final point for Haas in tenth.

    In the updated Drivers’ championship standings, Piastri leads with 216 points, with Norris closing in on 201 and Verstappen remaining on 155.

    In the Constructors’ standings, McLaren’s total now stands at 417 points, with Ferrari moving up to second on 210, one point ahead of Mercedes.

    F1 now heads to Silverstone for next weekend’s British Grand Prix – a race that neither Norris nor Piastri has previously won.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Fiji’s Dr Prasad unveils $4.8b budget as deficit widens

    By Kaya Selby, RNZ Pacific journalist

    The Fiji government is spending big on this year’s budget.

    The country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, unveiled a FJ$4.8 billion (about NZ$3.5 billion) spending package, complete with cost of living measures and fiscal stimulus, to the Fijian Parliament on Friday.

    This is about F$280 million more than last year, with the deficit widening to around $886 million.

    Dr Prasad told Parliament that his government had guided the country to a better economic position than where he found it.

    “When we came into office we were in a precarious economic crossroad . . . our first priority was to restore macroeconomic stability, rebuild trust in policymaking institutions, and chart a path towards sustainable and inclusive growth.”

    The 2025/2026 budget consisted of a spending increase across almost every area, with education, the largest area of spending, up $69 million to $847 million overall.

    The health sector received $611.6 million, the Fijian Roads Authority $388 million, and the Police force $240.3 million, all increases.

    A package of cost of living measures costing the government $800 million has also been announced. This includes a value-added tax (VAT) cut from 15 percent to 12.5 percent on goods and services.

    Various import duties, which firms pay for goods from overseas, have been cut, such as  chicken pieces and parts (from 42 to 15 percent) and frozen fish (from 15 to 0 percent).

    A subsidy to reduce bus fares by 10 percent was announced, alongside a 3 percent increase in salaries for civil servants, both beginning in August.

    Drastic international conditions
     In a news conference, Dr Prasad said that responding to difficult global economic shocks was the primary rationale behind the budget.

    “This is probably one of the most uncertain global economic environments that we have gone through. There has been no resolution on the tariffs by the United States and the number of countries, big or small,” he said.

    “We have never had this kind of interest in Fiji from overseas investors or diaspora, and we are doing a lot more work to get our diaspora to come back.”

    When asked why the VAT was cut, reducing government revenue and widening the deficit, Dr Prasad said there was a need to encourage consumer spending.

    “If the Middle East crisis deepens and oil prices go up, the first thing that will be affected will be the supply chain . . . prices could go up, people could be affected more.”

    On building resilience from global shocks, Dr Prasad said the budget would reduce Fiji’s reliance on tourism, remittances, and international supply chains, by building domestic industry.

    “It kills two birds in one [stone]. It addresses any big shock we might get . . .  plus it also helps the people who would be affected.”

    In their Pacific Economic Update, the World Bank projected economic growth of 2.6 percent in 2025, after a slump from 7.5 percent in 2023 to 3.8 percent in 2024.

    Senior World Bank economist Ekaterine Vashakmadze told RNZ that Fiji was an interesting case.

    “Fiji is one of the countries that suffered the sharpest shock [post-covid] . . .  because tourism stopped.”

    “On the other hand, Fiji was one of the first countries in the Pacific to recover fully in terms of the output to pre-pandemic level.”

    Deficit too high — opposition
     Opposition members have hit out at the government over the scale of the spend, and whether it would translate into outcomes.

    Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj, in a statement to local media outlet Duavata News, referred to the larger deficit as “deeply troubling”.

    “The current trajectory is concerning, and the government must change its fiscal strategy to one that is truly sustainable.”

    “The way the budget is being presented, it’s like the government is trying to show that in one year Fiji will become a developed country.”

    MP Ketal Lal on social media called the budget “a desperate cloak for scandal” designed to appeal to voters ahead of elections in 2026.

    “This is what happens when a government governs by pressure instead of principle. The people have been crying out for years. The Opposition has consistently raised concerns about the crushing cost of living but they only act when it becomes politically necessary. And even then, it’s never enough.”

    He also pointed out, regarding the 3 percent increase in civil servants salaries, that someone earning $30,000 a year would only see a pay increase of $900 per year.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Fiji’s Dr Prasad unveils $4.8b budget as deficit widens

    By Kaya Selby, RNZ Pacific journalist

    The Fiji government is spending big on this year’s budget.

    The country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, unveiled a FJ$4.8 billion (about NZ$3.5 billion) spending package, complete with cost of living measures and fiscal stimulus, to the Fijian Parliament on Friday.

    This is about F$280 million more than last year, with the deficit widening to around $886 million.

    Dr Prasad told Parliament that his government had guided the country to a better economic position than where he found it.

    “When we came into office we were in a precarious economic crossroad . . . our first priority was to restore macroeconomic stability, rebuild trust in policymaking institutions, and chart a path towards sustainable and inclusive growth.”

    The 2025/2026 budget consisted of a spending increase across almost every area, with education, the largest area of spending, up $69 million to $847 million overall.

    The health sector received $611.6 million, the Fijian Roads Authority $388 million, and the Police force $240.3 million, all increases.

    A package of cost of living measures costing the government $800 million has also been announced. This includes a value-added tax (VAT) cut from 15 percent to 12.5 percent on goods and services.

    Various import duties, which firms pay for goods from overseas, have been cut, such as  chicken pieces and parts (from 42 to 15 percent) and frozen fish (from 15 to 0 percent).

    A subsidy to reduce bus fares by 10 percent was announced, alongside a 3 percent increase in salaries for civil servants, both beginning in August.

    Drastic international conditions
     In a news conference, Dr Prasad said that responding to difficult global economic shocks was the primary rationale behind the budget.

    “This is probably one of the most uncertain global economic environments that we have gone through. There has been no resolution on the tariffs by the United States and the number of countries, big or small,” he said.

    “We have never had this kind of interest in Fiji from overseas investors or diaspora, and we are doing a lot more work to get our diaspora to come back.”

    When asked why the VAT was cut, reducing government revenue and widening the deficit, Dr Prasad said there was a need to encourage consumer spending.

    “If the Middle East crisis deepens and oil prices go up, the first thing that will be affected will be the supply chain . . . prices could go up, people could be affected more.”

    On building resilience from global shocks, Dr Prasad said the budget would reduce Fiji’s reliance on tourism, remittances, and international supply chains, by building domestic industry.

    “It kills two birds in one [stone]. It addresses any big shock we might get . . .  plus it also helps the people who would be affected.”

    In their Pacific Economic Update, the World Bank projected economic growth of 2.6 percent in 2025, after a slump from 7.5 percent in 2023 to 3.8 percent in 2024.

    Senior World Bank economist Ekaterine Vashakmadze told RNZ that Fiji was an interesting case.

    “Fiji is one of the countries that suffered the sharpest shock [post-covid] . . .  because tourism stopped.”

    “On the other hand, Fiji was one of the first countries in the Pacific to recover fully in terms of the output to pre-pandemic level.”

    Deficit too high — opposition
     Opposition members have hit out at the government over the scale of the spend, and whether it would translate into outcomes.

    Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj, in a statement to local media outlet Duavata News, referred to the larger deficit as “deeply troubling”.

    “The current trajectory is concerning, and the government must change its fiscal strategy to one that is truly sustainable.”

    “The way the budget is being presented, it’s like the government is trying to show that in one year Fiji will become a developed country.”

    MP Ketal Lal on social media called the budget “a desperate cloak for scandal” designed to appeal to voters ahead of elections in 2026.

    “This is what happens when a government governs by pressure instead of principle. The people have been crying out for years. The Opposition has consistently raised concerns about the crushing cost of living but they only act when it becomes politically necessary. And even then, it’s never enough.”

    He also pointed out, regarding the 3 percent increase in civil servants salaries, that someone earning $30,000 a year would only see a pay increase of $900 per year.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigating suspicious structure fire, Rossarden

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police investigating suspicious structure fire, Rossarden

    Sunday, 29 June 2025 – 4:05 pm.

    Police are investigating a suspicious structure fire at Rossarden overnight.
    Emergency services were called to the former Rossarden School House in Schell Street just before 1am after reports of a fire.
    Tasmania Fire Service contained the fire before an investigation determined it was deliberately lit.
    Nobody was inside the structure at the time and police are asking anyone with information to come forward.
    Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.  Please quote offence report number 778719.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrests – Stealing with violence – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force have arrested three men in relation to a stealing with violence incident that occurred in Alice Springs on Sunday morning.

    Around 10:15am, police received a report of unknown men trying to break into a commercial premises on Barrett Drive in Desert Springs.

    It is alleged that after gaining access to the building, one of the offenders smashed the glass door to a fridge and stole a quantity of alcohol while the other two waited outside. While attempting to leave, he was confronted by a female employee who he assaulted with a bottle of wine, striking her to the hand as she raised her arm to protect herself, causing minor injuries.

    All three offenders fled the scene on foot and headed in the direction of the Todd River.

    Police responded and located the offenders aged 37, 41 and 41, consuming the stolen alcohol in the river and were arrested without incident.

    All three have since been charged in relation to the incident and were remanded in custody to appear in court today.

    Police continue to urge anyone who witnesses crime or antisocial behaviour to contact police on 131 444. In an emergency dial 000. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Crash and court a costly night for driver

    Source: New Zealand Police

    It was pricey night for one dangerous driver who dented his pride and joy and landed himself in court.

    Police in Papakura observed a vehicle travelling at speed on Clevedon Road just before 11pm.

    Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes, says officers signalled for the vehicle to stop.

    “The driver has initially pulled over on Broadway, however, as officers began talking to him about his speed, he has accelerated away along Elliot Street.”

    Inspector Hoyes says staff then located the vehicle crashed into a light pole on the corner of Elliot Street and observed the driver fleeing on foot.

    “Officer have quickly pursued him and taken him into custody without further incident.

    “Unfortunately this man has ended up with a costly repair bill and a trip to court, which could have been prevented if he had made different decisions.”

    A 27-year-old man will appear in Papakura District Court today charged with dangerous driving, failing to remain stopped and driving with excess breath alcohol.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Bupa in Court for unconscionable conduct and misleading consumers about health insurance benefits entitlements

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    Scam warning: The ACCC is aware that scammers may call, email or text to falsely offer to help get compensation from various businesses. They may use this media release about compensation to convince people their contact is real.

    STOP – Don’t give money or personal information to anyone if you’re unsure. Scammers will create a sense of urgency. Don’t rush to act. Say ‘no’, hang up, delete.

    CHECK – Ask yourself could the call, email or text be fake? Scammers pretend to be from organisations and entities you know and trust. Contact the organisation using information you source independently, so that you can verify if it is real or not.

    PROTECT – Act quickly if something feels wrong. Contact your bank immediately if you lose money. If you have provided personal information call IDCARE on 1800 595 160. The more we talk the less power they have. Report scams to the National Anti-Scam Centre’s Scamwatch service at scamwatch.gov.au when you see them.

    The ACCC has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against Bupa HI Pty Ltd (Bupa) for breaches of the Australian Consumer Law in relation to members’ entitlements to private health insurance benefits for certain claims, affecting thousands of consumers over a period of more than five years.

    Bupa has admitted to engaging in misleading or deceptive conduct and making false or misleading representations by advising members they were not entitled to private health insurance benefits for their entire claim, when in fact this was not the case. Bupa has also admitted to engaging in unconscionable conduct in connection with its assessment of 388 Mixed Coverage Claims.

    Most of the claims impacted by the admitted conduct were claims for hospital treatment, in which two or more procedures were performed at the same time. In cases where part of the treatment was covered by a member’s policy and part of the treatment was not covered, Bupa incorrectly rejected the entire claim.

    The ACCC and Bupa will jointly ask the Court to order Bupa to pay a total penalty of $35 million and make other orders. It is a matter for the Court to determine whether the penalty and other orders are appropriate.

    Bupa started compensating affected members, medical providers and hospitals, before the start of this legal action, and to date, has paid $14.3 million to parties for more than 4,100 affected claims. The ACCC has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Bupa to continue compensating affected parties under its existing remediation program.

    “Bupa’s conduct affected thousands of members over more than five years, and caused harm to consumers some of whom delayed, cancelled or went without treatment for which they were, at least partially, covered under their health insurance policies,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

    Some consumers were left thousands of dollars out of pocket and had to personally finance expenses for some medical treatments that Bupa was in fact obliged to pay, at least in part, under its policies. Some policy holders also upgraded to more expensive policies to ensure coverage.

    In addition to financial impacts, some consumers were exposed to potential medical risks or complications, physical pain and distress as a result of not proceeding with medical treatment or as a result of undergoing multiple treatments after being falsely advised they were not covered for certain procedures.

    “Consumers purchase private health insurance to provide peace of mind, certainty of coverage and the ability to choose where and when to undertake their procedures. Bupa’s conduct denied certain members benefits to which they were entitled to under their private health insurance policies,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    Medical providers and hospitals were also impacted by the conduct, including by not receiving the payments to which they were entitled in respect of certain claims.

    Bupa has admitted that at various times between May 2018 and August 2023 it misrepresented that members were not entitled to any benefits for a Mixed Coverage Claim or Uncategorised Item Claim, when in fact, they were eligible for benefits for any treatment that was covered under their insurance policy. The misrepresentations occurred before medical treatment, when consumers were checking their coverage and entitlements with Bupa staff, as well as after a procedure due to its automatic claims assessment systems.

    Bupa also admitted that between June 2020 and February 2021, it stopped manually reviewing certain Mixed Coverage Claims that had been automatically incorrectly assessed as having no benefits payable. It has admitted that this was unconscionable in certain circumstances, including where it knew that manual review was necessary to ensure it identified and paid benefits for those claims.

    Bupa’s conduct occurred because Bupa staff did not have consistent and clear instructions and training for assessing Mixed Coverage Claims, and because its systems were programmed to incorrectly reject Mixed Coverage and Uncategorised Item Claims.

    “Private health insurance is complex, and consumers should be able to trust their health insurer to assess and pay health insurance claims accurately,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    “Bupa’s conduct is very serious and fell well short of what is expected of one of the largest health insurers in Australia. Bupa should have invested in the necessary systems, processes and training to prevent this from happening, and address it promptly when it occurred.”

    A copy of the undertaking relating to the compensation is available at Bupa HI Pty Ltd.

    If you consider you may have been impacted by the conduct, please contact Bupa on a number you source independently or you can complete a Remediation Form available at: www.bupa.com.au/mixedcoverage.

    Bupa has cooperated with the ACCC during its investigation, including by agreeing to jointly seek declarations, penalties, an injunction, costs and other orders. The Federal Court will consider whether to make the orders sought on a date to be fixed.

    Background

    Bupa is one of the largest private health insurers in Australia. It is a subsidiary of Bupa HI Holdings Pty Ltd which is ultimately controlled by British United Provident Association Ltd. 

    Mixed Coverage Claims are claims under Bupa’s private health insurance policy that included treatment that was covered under a member’s private health insurance policy as well as treatment that was not covered under their policy.

    Uncategorised Item Claims are claims that included treatment that were not assigned to a standard clinical category in Bupa’s claims assessment system.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Hong Kong: National Security Law analysis shows vast majority unjustly arrested

    Source: Amnesty International

     

    More than 80% of people convicted under Hong Kong’s National Security Law (NSL) have been wrongly criminalized and should never have been charged in the first place, according to new research by Amnesty International published on the fifth anniversary of the law being enacted.

     

    The organization’s analysis of 255 individuals targeted under national security legislation in Hong Kong since 30 June 2020 also showed that bail was denied in almost 90% of cases where charges were brought, and that those denied bail were forced to spend an average of 11 months in detention before facing trial.

     

    “Five years after the enactment of the National Security Law, our alarming findings show that the fears we raised about this law in 2020 have been realized. The Hong Kong government must stop using the pretext of ‘national security’ to punish legitimate expression,” Amnesty International’s China Director Sarah Brooks said.

     

    “This draconian law, and the other national security legislation it spawned, has corroded key legal safeguards that once formed the foundation for protecting human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong. The result has been a devastation of Hongkongers’ ability to express themselves without fear of arrest.”

     

    Amnesty’s briefing paper analyses patterns in arrests, bail decisions and prosecutions under the NSL and other national security legislation. In particular, the research highlights three major concerns: the criminalization of the legitimate exercise of the human right to freedom of expression, the low bail grant rates in these cases, and the de facto long-term incarceration of most accused.

     

    The analysis found that of the 78 concluded cases under the NSL at least 66 (84.6%) involved legitimate expression that should not have been criminalized according to international standards, with no evidence of violent conduct or incitement.

     

    When concluded cases under Article 23 and pre-Article 23 “sedition” offences are also counted, at least 108 out of a total of 127 cases (85%) involved similarly legitimate forms of expression which were unjustly prosecuted. These cases fall well short of the high threshold required for criminalization under international standards.

     

    Meanwhile, according to Amnesty’s data, the courts denied bail in 129 national security cases, or 89% of those in which individuals were charged.

     

    Among the 129 cases where bail was denied, the average length of detention was 328 days. Fifty-two cases (40.3%) involved detentions lasting one year or more before trial or a guilty plea.

     

    “In five years, the National Security Law has transformed Hong Kong from a city of tolerance and open debate into a city of repression and self-censorship. Our analysis shows that Hong Kong’s national security framework is not just a flagrant violation of international human rights standards on paper but that authorities misuse it to target opposition voices and foster an environment of fear,” Sarah Brooks said.

     

    “This research demonstrates that the vast majority of those charged with national security offences have acted entirely within their rights. Meanwhile, prosecutors have continued to bring cases under this flawed national security architecture and appealed the rare acquittals awarded by courts. Other governments should step up and use their influence to urgently press the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities to repeal the law.

     

    “In the interim, the Hong Kong government should stop applying national security legislation immediately. At the very least they need to reinstate the presumption of bail in favour of release pending trial. No one should be made to languish in jail simply for exercising their right to freedom of expression.”

     

    Background

     

    Since the imposition of the NSL on 30 June 2020, the human rights landscape in Hong Kong has deteriorated at an alarming pace. Civil society has been effectively dismantled, while long-standing rights — including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association — have been severely curtailed.

     

    Amnesty International’s analysis covered the cases of 255 individuals who, between 30 June 2020 and 31 May 2025, were arrested for and/or charged with any offences under the NSL; Part 1 and 2 of the city’s Crimes Ordinance that define the colonial-era offence of “sedition”; and the Article 23 law (also known as the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance), which replaced Part 1 and 2 of the Crimes Ordinance when it entered into force on 23 March 2024.

     

    Amnesty International sent its briefing to the Hong Kong government, which dismissed the findings as a “distortion of the reality” and said the NSL “has restored the enjoyment of rights and freedoms” in Hong Kong.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McCaul, McGovern Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Commemorating His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday as “A Day of Compassion”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs — introduced a resolution alongside Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) designating July 6th, 2025, as “A Day of Compassion” in honor of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday. 

    “Despite having faced persecution, oppression, and unspeakable violence at the hands of the CCP, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has maintained inner peace and continues to preach compassion — inspiring not only his own people, but the entire world,” said Rep. McCaul. “I was honored to meet him in Dharamsala last year to voice the U.S. government’s support for the people of Tibet, emphasize the friendship between our two peoples, and learn more of his courageous, peaceful, and sacrificial leadership. Ahead of His Holiness’s 90th birthday, I am proud to introduce this resolution calling for ‘A Day of Compassion’ and affirming Tibetans’ fundamental human rights as we look forward to the day the Dalai Lama and his people can return to their homeland in peace.”

    “His Holiness the Dalai Lama is an inspiration to millions of people around the world, including to me,” said Rep. McGovern. “His teachings on religious tolerance, non-violent responses to conflict and violent extremism, and peace-building are both timeless and urgently needed in our present circumstances. He has been a passionate advocate for the freedom and dignity for the Tibetan people. It is appropriate for Congress to honor the 14th Dalai Lama and his countless accomplishments on his 90th birthday. May his next one be celebrated in Lhasa.” 

    “This resolution expresses a wonderful, bipartisan recognition that His Holiness the Dalai Lama stands as a global icon of compassion and honors his lifelong commitment to strive for peace and justice for his homeland and the people of Tibet,” said International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) President Tencho Gyatso. “Swift passage of this resolution led by HFAC Chairman Emeritus McCaul and Congressman McGovern, will bring joy and inspiration to all those celebrating the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, and perhaps most critically, provide hope and inspiration to the Tibetan people in Tibet for whom even a simple public acknowledgement of the Dalai Lama’s birthday remains a dangerous act.”

    The resolution is co-signed by Representatives Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Janice Schakowsky (D-Ill.), and Young Kim (R-Calif.).

    Background:

    This resolution designates July 6, 2025, as “A Day of Compassion” to honor the upcoming 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and recognize his lifelong commitment to peace, nonviolence, human rights, and the preservation of Tibetan culture. It reaffirms bipartisan U.S. support for the Tibetan people’s right to self-determination, opposes Chinese government interference in Tibetan practices, and expresses deep respect for the Dalai Lama’s moral leadership and humanitarian contributions to the international community.

    To read the full resolution text, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Vietnam hold border meeting on judicial cooperation

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    NANNING, June 29 — Judicial administrative authorities from China and Vietnam held a border meeting from Saturday to Sunday in Nanning, capital of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, to enhance cooperation.

    The meeting, the first of its kind, brought together nearly 150 participants from both countries, including officials from the justice departments, local judicial administrative organs, and legal professions.

    During the talks, the two sides reached a broad consensus on establishing diversified mechanisms for resolving civil and commercial disputes along the border, expanding legal service cooperation, and jointly cultivating quality legal talent.

    China’s Minister of Justice He Rong said the two countries would work together to strengthen exchanges and practical cooperation in areas such as legislation, legal services, judicial assistance, talent training and the use of digital technologies.

    Vietnam’s Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh said the meeting would help build a peaceful and friendly border, deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, and jointly advance the building of a strategically significant Vietnam-China community with a shared future.

    Participants also engaged in in-depth discussions on lawyer services, mediation, international cooperation, civil and commercial judicial assistance, and legal talent development.

    Several cooperation agreements were signed during the meeting.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, Cambridge Road, Waipa district

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Emergency services are at the scene of a crash that has blocked Cambridge Road in Waipa district.

    The crash involves a car and a truck, and was reported about 11.25am.

    One person is reported to be injured.

    Cambridge Road is closed between Storey Road and Cox Road and motorists should expect delays while traffic management is arranged.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Media advisory: RNZPC Auckland Campus

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Media are advised that Police will hold a media stand-up for the opening of the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) Auckland Campus.

    Location: RNZPC Auckland, Student Central Level 2, Massey University, East Precinct, Albany Expressway, North Shore.

    Time: 8:30am

    Date: Tuesday 1 July

    Who: Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, Minister of Police Mark Mitchell and Associate Minister of Police Casey Costello.

    This will be followed by the pōwhiri for Auckland Recruit Wing 390 and a tour of the RNZPC Auckland Campus.

    We ask those media interested in attending to RSVP to media@police.govt.nz.

    ENDS.

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Giant baby Musk float in march for tax justice at UN summit in Sevilla: ‘Make rich polluters pay’

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Sevilla, Spain – Greenpeace activists joined a civil society march today for Global Economic Justice, with a giant float of a baby Elon Musk holding a chainsaw threatening planet Earth. As the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) starts tomorrow in Sevilla, campaigners are calling on world leaders to advance commitments for new and fair global tax and debt rules, and to hold fossil fuel polluters accountable for climate and nature damages.[1] [2]

    The conference opens against a backdrop of intensifying conflicts, geopolitical tensions, rising inequality, and accelerating climate and environmental breakdown. The outcome document, the Compromiso de Sevilla, released ahead of the conference, does not go far enough. It delivers on some promises on international tax cooperation and encouraging taxes on environmental contamination and pollution. However, bold language on sovereign debt architecture reform was weakened by Global North governments during the negotiations, and the agreement falls short on responding to the urgency of the climate, nature and social crises.[3]

    Fred Njehu, Greenpeace Africa’s Global Political Lead for the Fair Share campaign,[4] said: “Sevilla is a rare opportunity for global economic justice and for urgent conversations on how billionaires and corporate polluters should pay their fair share of taxes to fund climate action, nature protection and social programmes. World leaders need to listen to what the public wants and deliver a tax system that works for all.”

    Eva Saldaña, Executive Director of Greenpeace Spain and Portugal, said: “Multilateral cooperation is key to addressing global threats and resource gaps for global climate and economic justice. It must not become an excuse for more powerful governments, in the Global North or elsewhere, to water down ambition. We must put people over greed and listen to the voices rising from the streets – in Seville and all over the world. All governments must actively support the UN Tax Convention process and pursue real solutions to the debt crisis, so that we can finally begin to transfer resources away from polluters and the super-rich for the wellbeing of all people and especially for those who are suffering the most from the climate emergency.”

    Greenpeace demands reforms in international tax cooperation and public financing for sustainable development. Specifically: 

    • Endorsement of the UN Tax Convention process for just and equitable global tax rules, that make the super-rich pay their fair share and make corporate polluters, such as the fossil fuel industry, pay for their climate damages.
    • Explicit commitments from governments – via the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force, and beyond – to remove fossil fuel production subsidies and introduce progressive taxes and fines on fossil fuel corporations, and other high emitting sectors. This builds on the FfD4 outcomes document’s endorsement of “taxes on environmental contamination and pollution.” The revenues should be used to pay for domestic climate action and international climate finance support  – in particular action to support communities to respond and recover from climate disasters.

    Rebecca Newsom, Global Political Lead for Greenpeace International’s Stop Drilling, Start Paying campaign, said: “While fossil fuel-driven floods, storms, wildfires and droughts increasingly hit communities around the world, people are crying out for their governments to tax oil, gas and coal corporations to pay for climate-related loss and damage. So what are political leaders waiting for? They must seize the opportunity of Sevilla to make polluters pay – or face growing public anger for continuing to let dirty industries off the hook.”

    Hanen Keskes, Campaigns Lead at Greenpeace Middle East North Africa, said: “This is not the time to lack ambition as civil society is calling for urgent debt relief and structural reform. The burden of debt is undermining the most vulnerable countries’ ability to respond to climate, nature and social crises. Governments must show that they are ready to build a fairer and more sustainable future – one rooted in justice, not extraction.”

    ENDS

    Members of the Greenpeace delegation in Seville are available for interviews in Spanish, English, German, and Swahili.

    Photos and Videos can be downloaded via Greenpeace Media Library and will be updated throughout the conference. 

    Notes:

    [1] Greenpeace Spain’s float of Elon Musk measures 2 metres wide by 3.5 –  4 metres high.

    [2] The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to reform financing at all levels, including to support reform of the international financial architecture. FFD4 Conference will be held in FIBES Sevilla Exhibition and Conference Centre (30 June – 3 July 2025)

    [3] The Compromiso de Sevilla: Outcome | FFD4

    Contacts in Seville:

    Tal Harris, Global Media Lead – Stop Drilling Start Paying campaign, Greenpeace International. +41-782530550, [email protected]  

    Begoña Rodríguez, Media Lead – Climate Responsibility Team, Greenpeace Spain & Portugal. +34 605248097, [email protected]

    Additional contacts: 

    Christine Gebeneter, EU Communication lead, Greenpeace CEE based in Austria, +43 664 8403807, [email protected] 

    Lee Kuen, Global Comms Lead – Fair Share campaign, Greenpeace International. +601112527489, [email protected]

    Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Homicide investigation under way, Ōtāhuhu

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Ōtāhuhu last night.

    Emergency services were called to a Beatty Street property at about 8.30pm following a report of a person being seriously injured.

    Detective Inspector Karen Bright, Counties Manukau CIB, says upon arrival, Police found a man in a critical condition.

    He was transported to hospital, however he died of his injuries overnight.

    “Police are continuing to gather information from the scene and enquiries into the exact circumstances surrounding what happened remain ongoing.

    “We are also making enquiries to locate a person of interest.

    “Those involved are believed to be known to each other and we do not believe there is any ongoing risk to the wider community.”

    Detective Inspector Bright says a scene examination is under way at the address and there will be an increased Police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

    “Our teams are working hard to identify and locate the person responsible and are asking anyone who saw what happened, who has not yet spoken to us, to please get in touch.”

    If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please make a report via 105, using the file number 250629/6502 and quote ‘Operation Tell’.

    Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org(link is external)

    Further information will be provided when we are in a position to do so.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pūhoi to Warkworth Motorway going to 110km/h

    Source: New Zealand Government

    A new 110km/h speed limit on the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway will come into effect first thing tomorrow morning, Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced today. 
    “Transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity, and with over 20,000 vehicles travelling this motorway every day, the new higher speed will help ensure people and freight can get to where they need to go, quickly and safely,” Mr Bishop says. 
    “Late last year, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) publicly consulted on increasing the speed limit from north of the Pūhoi interchange viaduct to south of the Warkworth roundabout to 110km/h. More than 7,900 submissions were received across Northland and Auckland. Responses were overwhelmingly positive, with 94% in support of the increasing the speed limit and 91% strongly in favour. 
    “The Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway has been designed and constructed with safety features that greatly reduce the risk of death and serious injury in a crash such as two lanes in each direction providing safe passing opportunities, flexible median barrier separation between opposing lanes, and a mostly straight, wide alignment. Since opening in 2023, no one has died in a crash.
    “Kiwis have had their say and NZTA has completed all required technical assessments, with the motorway being assessed as safe to increase the speed limit to 110km/h. Now, we’re getting on and delivering it.
    “Police will apply the same enforcement to 110km/h roads as any other part of the road network. Drivers can expect to see police patrols on New Zealand roads anywhere, at any time. Drivers should continue to drive to the conditions, free from impairment and distraction, and make sure everyone’s wearing their seatbelt. 
    “The Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway has vastly improved the safety, connectivity, and resilience of the network between Auckland and Northland, and has opened access to popular destinations between the two regions. As a critical route for road users, freight, and tourists, I look forward to the new 110km/h speed limit coming into effect from tomorrow.” 
    The new 110km/h speed limit on the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway comes into effect on Tuesday 1 July 2025 and will apply from 2.5km north of the Johnstones Hill Tunnels, to south of Warkworth roundabout.
    Notes to editor:
     

    The public consultation for increasing the speed limit to 110km/h on the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway took place from 3 September to 1 October 2024.
    7,911 submissions were received from across Northland and Auckland, including 158 submissions from businesses or organisations.
    The speed limit on SH1 through the Johnstones Hill Tunnels will remain 80km/h. While the SH1 Johnstones Hill Tunnels are built to high safety standards, the enclosed environment within a tunnel creates a different safety risk to that of the surrounding motorway. There are no current plans to review or change the speed limit for this section.
    There is a transition zone where the speed limit will be kept at 100km/h for a short length (2.5km) north of the Johnstones Hill Tunnel over two viaducts. This section is an area of weaving movements, where traffic is diverging and merging, exiting and egressing on short, narrow on and off ramps, with narrow lines of sight over the viaducts, and does not meet safety criteria for an increased speed.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Homicide investigation underway, Ōtāhuhu

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Ōtāhuhu last night.

    Emergency services were called to a Beatty Street property at about 8.30pm following a report of a person being seriously injured.

    Detective Inspector Karen Bright, Counties Manukau CIB, says upon arrival, Police found a man in a critical condition.

    He was transported to hospital, however he died of his injuries overnight.

    “Police are continuing to gather information from the scene and enquiries into the exact circumstances surrounding what happened remain ongoing.

    “We are also making enquiries to locate a person of interest.

    “Those involved are believed to be known to each other and we do not believe there is any ongoing risk to the wider community.”

    Detective Inspector Bright says a scene examination is under way at the address and there will be an increased Police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

    “Our teams are working hard to identify and locate the person responsible and are asking anyone who saw what happened, who has not yet spoken to us, to please get in touch.”

    If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please make a report via 105, using the file number 250629/6502 and quote ‘Operation Tell’.

    Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org(link is external)

    Further information will be provided when we are in a position to do so.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China, Vietnam Hold Border Meeting on Justice Cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    NANNING, June 29 (Xinhua) — Judicial and administrative organs of China and Vietnam held a border meeting from Saturday to Sunday in Nanning, capital of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

    This was the first meeting of its kind. It was attended by about 150 people from both countries, including representatives of justice departments and local judicial and administrative bodies, as well as legal professionals.

    During the talks, the parties reached broad consensus on issues such as the creation of diversified mechanisms for settling civil and commercial disputes at the border, expanding and deepening cooperation in the provision of legal services and joint training of highly qualified legal personnel.

    According to Chinese Justice Minister He Rong, relevant departments of the two countries should work together to strengthen exchanges and practical cooperation in various fields, including legislation, legal services, legal assistance, training of highly qualified specialists and the introduction of digital technologies.

    For his part, Vietnamese Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh pointed out that the meeting would contribute to building a peaceful and friendly border, deepening bilateral relations of comprehensive strategic cooperation and partnership, and jointly promoting the construction of a Vietnamese-Chinese community of shared destiny, which is of strategic importance.

    The participants discussed in detail issues of advocacy, conciliation procedures, international cooperation, legal assistance in civil and commercial cases, and training of personnel in the field of jurisprudence.

    During the meeting, a number of cooperation agreements were signed. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name Release, Wai-iti death

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police can now release the name of the person who died in Wai-iti, Tasman, while clearing a fallen tree on Saturday.

    He was 67-year-old Peter Lines, of Wai-iti.

    Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.

    His death will be referred to the Coroner.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President El-Sisi Witnesses Swearing-in of New Presidents of Judicial Authorities

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Download logo

    Today in Al-Alamain City, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi witnessed the swearing-in of Counselor Assem Abdel Latif El-Saeed Abdel Fattah as President of the Court of Cassation; Counselor Osama Youssef Shalaby Youssef as President of the Council of State; Counselor Hussein Madkour Mohamed Abdel Fattah as President of the State Lawsuits Authority, and Counselor Mohamed Ahmed Khalil Hafez Khalil as President of the Administrative Prosecution Authority.

    Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said that President El-Sisi awarded the Order of the Republic of the First Class to former President of the Court of Cassation, Counselor Hosni Hassan Abdel Latif Abu Zeid; former President of the State Council, Counselor Ahmed Abdelhameed Hassan Abboud; former President of the State Lawsuits Authority, Counselor Abdel-Razak Mahmoud Shoaib; and former President of the Administrative Prosecution Authority, Counselor Abdel-Rady Ahmed Sediq Suleiman, in recognition of their efforts and contributions in the service of the nation and upholding justice.

    In his meeting with the new Presidents of the Judicial Authorities, President El-Sisi wished them success in their duties, emphasizing the vital importance of continuing to consolidate the rule of law, which places justice and equality at the top of its priorities in the New Republic. The President reaffirmed the independence of the judiciary, lauding the significant role of the esteemed judicial institutions and authorities in protecting the rights, freedoms, and properties of individuals, developing litigation mechanisms, preserving the role of the judiciary, and enhancing the capabilities of members of the judicial authorities and bodies.

    – on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

    MIL OSI Africa –